asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the accounts and balance sheet of the Navy and Army Canteen Board, up to 31st December, 1920, have been published; and, if not, when they will be?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the reply given to the hon. Member for Carmar- then (Mr. Hinds) on 18th July last. The general liquidation of the affairs of the Navy and Army Canteen Board has not yet been concluded, and the accounts therefore cannot at present be completed. I cannot yet indicate the probable date of publication.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what arrangements have been made in connection with public buildings for the newly-established Parliament of Northern Ireland; and what is the total estimated outlay?

As the First Commissioner does not consider that in the present case an open competition would provide the best or most expeditious method of procedure, he has consulted the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, who has submitted a list of British and Irish architects who could be suitably invited to undertake the erection of the necessary buildings. The First Commissioner is now considering the claims of the various architects concerned, and hopes to announce shortly which architect has been selected. It is impossible at this stage to make any estimate of the cost to the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it has been decided to retire young officers from the Indian Army who have not passed the advanced language examination; whether he is aware of the grave injustice to those officers who, owing to active service on the frontiers, have not been able to get the tuition from instructors who were at the disposal of officers in peace stations; that they cannot get leave to go where they can study and pass the necessary examinations; and whether he will make representations in this matter?

Under Indian Army Regulations an officer of the Indian Army must pass the examination in higher Hindustani within three years from the date of his appointment in order to qualify for retention in the service. An application for extension of the time limit is permissible under special circumstances, if the officer is prevented from passing by causes beyond his control. I feel sure that the Government of India have not worked this rule to the unfair disadvantage of officers, but I will ask for their views in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the scheme for the promotion of village industries promoted by the Governor, Lord Sinha, in Behar; and whether he has information that it is meeting with success in that province and is being introduced into other provinces?

I have not seen the scheme referred to. As my hon Friend is no doubt aware, the development of industries is a transferred subject.

asked the Postmaster-General if a statement was recently issued to the Press by the intelligence officer, General Post Office, giving details of the recent motor tour and of private visits paid in the course of it by the Postmaster-General; what was the purpose of this communiqué and what public purpose is served by such information to the Press?

This statement was issued without my knowledge. Had it been submitted to me, I should not have allowed it to appear.