asked the Secretary of State for War whether any steps have been taken to encourage non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Irish Constabulary to transfer to some other branch of His Majesty's forces; and whether special consideration will be given to the cases of those ex-officers and men of the Army who, in 1918–19, gave up a military career for that of one of service in the Royal Irish Constabulary?

Men discharged from the Royal Irish Constabulary are permitted to enlist or reenlist in the Army if eligible, but in view of reductions which are probable in Army establishments it is not proposed to offer them special inducements to do so. With regard to the last part of the question, the ex-officers and ex-soldiers who entered the Royal Irish Constabulary on demobilisation did not give up a military career. They were civilians when they joined or enlisted in the Royal Irish Constabulary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 30,000 horses which were reported last Session to be in danger of slaughter in Mesopotamia have been slaughtered; and, if not, what has become of them?

Between 1st January, 1921, and 15th January, 1922, 25,578 horses and mules were sold in Iraq, some for export to India, but mainly locally. The negotiations for sale for export referred to in the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Torquay on 20th July last were not successful. The animals sold locally were all however of types suitable for local use, and there is no reason to fear that they will be improperly treated. During the same period 1,300 animals were transferred to units of the Army outside Iraq, and 14,306 died or were destroyed as unfit or worn out, under the supervision of the Army Veterinary Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state a period of time by which all those entitled to War medals will receive them; will he endeavour to grant medals due to those who joined up in 1914 first; and will he speed up the delivery of medals so that the owners may wear them during their lifetime?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. and gallant Friend on 2nd November last. I hope that the issue of the great bulk of medals will be completed before the end of 1922. The work would only be delayed by endeavouring to pick out for early issue the medals of those men who joined the Army in 1914. The British War and Victory Medals are each being issued at the rate of 65,000 a week.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the reason for the delay in the matter of the claim made by the trustees of the late Mrs. Louisa Gorringe for compensation in respect of the occupation by the War Department of part, of Holmbush Farm, near Kingston-by-Sea, Sussex; if he is aware that the land in question was relinquished on 22nd March, 1920; and that the agent for the property and the War Department agent, having failed to arrive at an agreement as to the amount of compensation payable, a claim was made to go before the Commission by the former and acknowledged by the latter on 22nd April, 1921, but that, notwithstanding frequent applications, it has not yet been dealt with by the Commission?

I have been unable in the time available to examine all the issues raised by my Noble Friend, but the matter was held up until the end of November last at the request of the claimant's agent. It is now being dealt with.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of British troops at present in Silesia, and when it is intended to withdraw them?

The British troops in Silesia number approximately 4,800; they will be withdrawn when the political situation admits.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the present peace strength of the French and British Armies?

The strength of the British Army on 1st January was:

• Regular Army, 193,000, all ranks.
• Territorial Army, 135,000, all ranks.

These figures exclude the troops serving in India. The present peace strength of the French Army, as budgetted for by the "projet de loi" for 1922, is 736,000, all ranks. This figure does not include those troops for the French Colonial Army, which amount to approximately 54,000.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, having regard to the position of the motherless child as compared with the section-nine child (Regulation II, Part 1) in the matter of clothing grants, he will favourably consider applications on behalf of motherless children for clothing grants as per circular 2037, where the guardian, owing to any cause, is unable through poverty to provide suitable clothing?

The Special Grants Committee are prepared to consider on their merits applications for clothing grants under this Regulation where the circumstances are exceptional. The Regulation was introduced last year as a temporary measure in view of the then cost of living, and was never intended as a general supplement to the special rates of pension already provided by the Warrant for motherless children.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a scheme for the capitalisation of pensions has been under consideration, and what is the result?

I have no knowledge of any scheme of the nature referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Private John Follan, No. 2454, of 20, Arthur Street, Greenock, late 1/5th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, after being in receipt of a pension for four years, had the amount reduced last November from 40 per cent. to 20 per cent.; that the Appeal Board instead of granting an increase cancelled the pension altogether; that in February, 1921, he appeared before a medical board at the Adelphi Hotel and received eight weeks' medical treatment; that, notwithstanding, he is at present receiving no pension whatever; and will he take steps to have the case inquired into?

This man appealed against the 20 per cent. assessment of a Resurvey Board and was examined by a Medical Appeal Board in November, 1920. He understood that an Appeal Board has power to lower as well as to raise an assessment, and that the decision of such a board is final. The Medical Appeal Board found no disablement and the 20 per cent. award was therefore cancelled. Treatment commenced over three months later and continued for about six weeks. The man has a right of appeal to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal established under Section 4 (3) of the War Pensions Act, 1921.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether pensions to persons dependent on deceased soldiers are only payable from the date of application; and, if so, for what reason?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The onus of showing that there is a claim to pension based on prewar dependence is upon the claimant, and, as pensions of this nature are granted towards current maintenance, there are no grounds for making the award retrospective.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the permanent weekly pension and wife's allowance awarded to A. R. Briant, late London Regiment (Burton Court reference, 11/M/285294), has not been paid to him since date of award; and whether he will take action in the matter?

I understand that payment of pension was accidentally interrupted for one week. Payment has now been resumed.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can grant full disability pension to all men with a disability while they are unemployed, in view of the overcrowded labour market and that their disability arises from War service?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I am giving today to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. G. Barker), and of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government's attention has been drawn to the large proportion of ex-service men among the applications for Poor Law relief who are compelled to come upon the local rates owing to their pensions being insufficient to maintain them; and if the Government has considered the desirability of granting full disability pensions to all men with a disability while they are unemployed, in view of the fact that they are doubly handicapped in an overcrowded labour market by the reason of their disability due to war service?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I am giving to-day to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. G. Barker), and of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the large proportion of disabled ex-service men among the applicants for Poor Law relief who are compelled to come upon the local rates owing to their pensions being insufficient to maintain them; and, if so, whether he is prepared to save these men from this disagreeable necessity by increasing the pension?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I am giving to-day to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. G. Barker.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many ex-service men are now confined in asylums for the mentally afflicted; and what is the increase since the Armistice?

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that my Department is concerned only with those cases in which this unfortunate condition is connected with War service. I regret, therefore, that I am not in a position to give the desired information, nor, I understand, is my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the total annual sum paid to teachers throughout Scotland in salaries; how this money is divided as between the different grades of teachers; what was the total administration cost of education in Scotland for the 12 months November, 1920, to November, 1921; and what amount of this represented payment to members of various education authorities both as expenses and compensation for loss of pay suffered through attending meetings of the education authority?

According to the returns furnished by education authorities, expenditure on teachers' salaries in Scotland, including payments for continuation class work, amounted to £7,165,442 for the year ended 15th May, 1921. Without calling for special returns, which would involve considerable time and ex- pense, it is not possible to say how this sum was divided as between the different grades of teachers. The expenditure of educational authorities on administration for the year ended 15th May, 1921—the financial year most nearly corresponding to the period specified by my hon. and gallant Friend—was £401,038. The estimate of payments to members of education authorities as travelling expenses and compensation for loss of remuneration suffered through attending meetings was £18,585.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the total number of children being taught in schools throughout Scotland, and the total number of teachers employed; what is the average cost of education per child per annum for 1921; and what are the corresponding figures for 1923?

The average number of children on the registers of day schools under the management of education authorities in Scotland during the year ended 31st July, 1920, was 856,713. The returns for the year ended 31st July, 1921, have not yet been finally adjusted. The number of recognised teachers in full time employment on 31st March, 1921, was 24,522. The average cost of education per child in schools under the management of education authorities for the year ended 15th May, 1921, was £13·03. The corresponding cost per child for the year 1913–14 was £5·74.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that several explosions took place on 28th June, 1921, on the site of the National Filling Factory, Meiklewood Road, Cardonald; whether five people were seriously injured, including a police sergeant who had the thumb and forefinger of his right hand and a civilian who had his eyesight permanently injured; whether be is aware that an inquiry into the explosion was promised on 19th July, 1921; whether the result of this inquiry can be made public; and whether it is proposed to compensate those people who were injured?

I am aware that explosions took place at the Cardonald Factory and as a result certain persons were injured. No formal inquiry was held by the Disposal and Liquidation Commission as from preliminary investigations it did not appear that any liability lay with the Commission. No compensation has been awarded by, and it cannot be traced that any claim has been preferred against the Commission.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has been come to by the Board on the question of an appeal from the decision of the referee on 10th December last that santonine had been improperly included in the Schedule of articles chargeable with duty under Part I of the Safe-guarding of Industries Act?

The judgment in question became effective on 20th December last, when it was signed, and santonine was withdrawn from the lists of dutiable articles as from that date Notice of its withdrawal was given in the Press.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the number of articles which have never been manufactured in this country and which have been included in the Schedule of articles chargeable with duty under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

It would not be possible to give the information desired by the hon. Member without prolonged and minute investigation, as no doubt the hon. Member will realise if he will examine the list in detail. I may, however, point out that the object of Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act was to encourage the development of the industries to which it relates and their extension of their range of production to varieties of goods not hitherto produced in this country. It is too early to form a definite judgment as to the effect of the Act in this direction, but I am satisfied that the desired extension is taking place.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists amongst the general lighthouse service staff of Trinity House in consequence of the great delay in dealing with the re-organisation scheme for the department, and the fact that this has not yet been laid before the Whitley Council; and whether, although the staff of Trinity House are not technically civil servants, it would be possible to treat the staff more generally in accordance with regulations governing comparable bodies of employés in ordinary Government Departments, particularly in regard to such matters as the discharge of temporary staff, and rates of pay and conditions of service of quasi-permanent, unestablished, workshop, and depôt classes?

I am not aware of the dissatisfaction referred to. The question of the re-organisation of the Trinity House staff is being dealt with as rapidly as possible, having regard to the complicated issues involved. The principles laid down for, the Civil Service are now applied, so far as is possible, to the classes to which the hon. Member alludes, and these principles are also being followed in dealing with the re organisation scheme.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and names of vessels or ships stopped through having been overladen with coal or coke owing to the Plimsoll regulations through their surveyors at the following places:—Middlesbrough, Hartlepool (East and West), the Tyne, and Blyth; and where bound for, nationality, and amount of excess of coal or coke aboard?

The following is a Return for the last 6 months containing the desired information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, since the passing of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, the French Government has raised the Customs duty on articles imported into France from this country; and, if so, whether he will state the articles upon which, and the amount by which, the duties have been raised?

The French Government have made frequent modifications in their Customs tariff, with the ostensible object in most cases of restoring the pre-War relations between the duties on and the value of imported goods. These changes neither began with, nor so far as I am aware were they influenced by, the passage of the Safeguarding of Industries Act. Full details have been published from time to time in "The Board of Trade journal," and I am sending my hon. Friend a number of extracts from that journal which contain particulars of all changes since 19th August last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any and what Orders made by the late Minister of Food or by the Board of Trade relative to the sale of food are now in force?

The only Food Control Order relating to the sale of food now in force is the Sale of Food Order, 1921, as amended by the Order of 14th December, 1921.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many officials are now employed by his Department in the exercise of his powers under the Ministry of. Food (Continuance) Act, 1920, and the Ministry of Food (Cessation) Order, 1921; and whether he will present a return showing the salaries payable to the, officials so employed?

The number of officials employed in the Food Department of the Board of Trade on the 1st February was 511, as compared with 1,599 on the 1st April, 1921. These officials are engaged in the liquidation of the accounts of the Ministry of Food and the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies, and in the settlement of claims by and against the Government. The hon. Member will find the desired information as to salaries in the Estimates which will be shortly presented.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of G. Bate, of 136, Windleshaw Road, Liverpool, who contracted with a local builder to build him a house; whether he is aware that the said builder, having since become bankrupt, no progress in consequence has been made with the building since September of last year; that, though Mr. Bate is anxious to secure a new contractor to complete the building at a much increased cost, he is prevented from doing so by the trustee appointed in connection with the bankruptcy withholding the certificate by which Mr. Bate can secure the Government subsidy to enable him to complete the building of the house; and if he will make the necessary inquiries and take the necessary steps to this end?

I am making enquiries into this case, and will inform the hon. Member of the position.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a report presented to the Liverpool City Council on the 1st of the present month to the effect that, notwithstanding the dearth of dwelling-houses, there are 431 empty houses within the city boundary; whether he is aware of the practice of dwelling-house speculators who buy houses wholesale over the heads of existing tenants with the object of compelling existing tenants of the working-class who have no money to purchase or who are not inclined to purchase to either do so or quit the premises at a given period; that in case the existing tenant refuses to accept the speculators' terms he lives with the fear of eviction continually before him; and if it is his intention to devise means to protect such tenants against this iniquitous practice?

My attention has not previously been drawn to the report to which the hon. Member refers in the first part of his question. The Rent Restriction Act appears to afford ample protection to tenants against eviction.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the housing scheme at Kirkcaldy was recently held up on account of an alleged scarcity of slates; whether there is any regulation for which his department is responsible restricting the sources of supply of slates for approved housing schemes; and if he can give any reason for refusing in the case of the Kirkcaldy scheme to sanction the use of an available local supply of slates, in order to avoid delay in the completion of the scheme and to avoid weather damage to the houses in course of construction?

I am making inquiries into this case in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland, and will communicate further with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that houses are being kept empty indefinitely on offer for sale, he will introduce legislation to compel owners to let the same within a limited time, or to compel the owners to pay rates for the same during the whole period that they are unoccupied?

I cannot undertake to introduce legislation upon the matter to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received protests from public and other bodies against the action of his Department relative to the curtailment of assistance to local authorities in the treatment of expectant mothers and children; and whether he is prepared, in view of those protests, to adopt a more generous attitude on the subject?

Yes, Sir. I have received protests against a reduction of grant on Maternity and Child Welfare services. I hope that it will be found possible to continue the Exchequer assistance to local authorities so as to enable them to carry on their Maternity and Child Welfare services unimpaired.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the fact that the private medical practitioners of the Willesden district are attempting to bring professional pressure to bear upon the medical staff of the urban district council of Willesden, with a view to causing the cessation of the medical service that has been provided for the public by the district council; and whether he proposes to take any steps to protect the interests of the medical staff and to secure the continuation of those necessary public medical services which are so popular with the public?

I have been in communication with the Willesden Urban District Council and the British Medical Association in regard to the medical services provided by the council, but I am not aware of any professional pressure which is being brought to bear on the council's medical staff by private practitioners in Willesden.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the low scale of wages paid to masters and matrons of workhouses; whether he is aware that recently the guardians of Knighton, Radnorshire, advertised for a master and matron at a joint salary of £70 per annum, plus board and washing and unfurnished apartments; and whether, in view of the fact that these officials have to carry out multifarious duties of an onerous character, he will make representations to the guardians in question as to the inadequacy of the salaries offered?

My attention has been drawn to the advertisement of the Knighton Guardians, and I am in communication with them on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the floods in Sale, Cheshire, which are a danger to life and property; and what action he has taken to endeavour to prevent a recurrence of this constant flooding?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Ministry has long been aware of the floods referred to and of the possibility of further breaches occurring in the banks of the river at Sale. I regret, however, that the Ministry has found it impossible to take any effective action under the powers conferred by the Land Drainage Acts. At the Ministry's suggestion, however, the Cheshire Agricultural Committee has recently submitted a scheme for the repair of the banks as a drainage scheme for the relief of unemployment, at a cost of £6,211. The scheme has been approved in principle, subject to undertakings being given by the owners and others interested to repay one-third of the estimated cost. This is an essential condition laid down by His Majesty's Government in connection with these unemployment schemes, and the undertakings are now being awaited. In the meantime, the engineering details are under discussion.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the difficulties which have arisen in securing some of the evidence necessary to enable his Departmental Committee to make a complete investigation into the charges made about the treatment of asylum patients, he will reconsider the desirabilty of recommending the appointment of a Royal Commission with full powers both of investigation into the present system and of recommendation as to the future treatment of all types of mental disorder, and thus allay the growing feeling of disquiet on this matter?

asked the Minister of Health, in connection with a Departmental Committee which was recently set up to inquire into and report upon the charges made against asylum administration by Dr. Lomax, in a book entitled "The Experiences of an Asylum Doctor," whether he is aware that Dr. Lomax has expressed his unwillingness to give evidence before this Departmental Committee upon the alleged grounds that it is so constituted as to render difficult an impartial verdict, and notably because one member of the Committee has openly and publicly prejudged the issue and because all of the members are representative of the system criticised; that the National Asylum Workers' Union has refused to allow its members to give evidence upon the same or similar grounds; that the terms of reference are such as to shut out a mass of evidence corroborating or refuting the charges made in the book; that the Committee has no power to administer an oath, pay the expenses of witnesses properly called, or protect witnesses when called; that charges similar to the charges made by Dr. Lomax are being repeated almost daily by responsible persons in the public Press; that some 6,000 ex-service men are being detained under the system thus openly attacked and that Dr. Lomax and other persons have expressed their anxiety to give evidence before any impartial and disinterested tribunal; and whether, in view of the widespread public anxiety that the actual facts should be elucidated, he will advise the setting up of a Royal Commission, with wide powers of investigation and report, upon which the House of Commons is adequately represented?

The question of the appointment of a Royal Commission on the point raised by my hon. Friends is under my consideration. I would, however, point out that it would necessarily involve a long delay before any practicable steps could be taken and postpone reforms which by general agreement might, I hope, be introduced at an early date. In view of the necessity for an expeditious investigation into the allegations made by Dr. Lomax I have appointed a Departmental Committee. As regards the personnel of the Committee, I am informed that neither of the medical members is or has been associated with any asylum maintained out of public funds, nor is it correct to say that the Chairman is in any sense a representative of the system criticised. I fear it is impossible for me to obtain the services of any expert who has not already shown interest in Dr. Lomax's criticisms. I regret that. Dr. Lomax is not prepared to substantiate before the Committee the charges which he has publicly made, and that the National Asylum Workers' Union have refused to defend their members against Dr. Lomax's charges; but cannot admit that either he or they are entitled to dictate the composition of any tribunal of inquiry on the issues raised, for the appointment of which I am solely responsible.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the general opinion that relief granted by boards of guardians on account of unemployment is due to a national emergency, he will consider the advisability of temporarily suspending Section 46, Sub-section (b) of the Local Government Act, 1894?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I have received some representations upon the matter to which my hon. Friend refers, and I am giving it my consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that the Local Authorities (Financial Provisions) Act, 1921, provides that, for the half-year current on 10th November, 1921, and for following half-years up to 31st December, 1922, the expenses of Metropolitan boards of guardians with regard to out-relief shall be paid out of the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund, provided that the scale of relief is not in excess of such scale as the Minister may prescribe or in contravention of his Regulations, and that the Minister has issued a circular (1922, No. 3) stating that such expenses will be repaid up to February, 1922, provided that they do not exceed 10d. per day for each person on out-relief, he will explain for what reasons he has adopted a different basis of repayment from that prescribed by Parliament?

The Act came into force on the 10th November, 1921, and it was not possible to issue Regulations under it till early in January, as much previous consultations with boards of guardians was requisite. The Act is retrospective as from the 1st October, 1921, and a special arrangement was required for calculating charges on the Common Poor Fund in respect of the period until the new accounting machinery was in order. I was advised that a flat rate could be prescribed under the Act so long as the sums thereby charged to the Fund did mat exceed the amounts estimated to have been ordinarily chargeable under the Regulations, and this arrangement was accordingly laid down in the circular to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Prime Minister what date it is proposed to publish the Report of the Committee appointed under the chairmanship of Sir Eric Geddes?

I hope that the Report will be available for hon. Members tomorrow.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the relatives of the late Lords Nelson, Rodney, Raglan, and Napier draw pensions totalling £11,000 yearly, £5,000 of which is paid to one individual; and whether the Economy Committee recommends the stopping of those payments?

The pensions payable to the relatives of the late Lords Raglan and Napier ceased on the 24th October and the 11th December last respectively. The pensions payable to the relatives of Lords Nelson and Rodney are perpetual and amount to £5,000 in the case of the present Earl Nelson, and to £2,000 in the case of the present Lord Rodney. With regard to the latter part of the question, I must ask the hon. Member to await the publication of the Report of the Committee referred to.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there are three Lord Chancellors on the retired list; that the pensions paid to them total £12,000 yearly; whether the Economy Committee has recommended the stoppage or any reduction of those pensions; and whether the Government is prepared to take steps to prevent the payment of more than one pension for this office?

There are three Lord Chancellors on the retired list, and the pensions paid to them total £15,000 yearly. As regards the latter part of the question, the answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the reduction of interest on the War Loan by 2 per cent. would effect a national saving of over £100,000,000 per year; whether this has been recommended by the Economy Committee; and, if not, whether he is prepared to recommend this to the country?

The debt incurred during the War is some £7,000,000,000, of which over £1,000,000,000 is external debt. The amount which is represented by 2 per cent. on this sum is a mere matter of arithmetical calculation; but I do not agree with the suggestion that to confiscate 2 per cent. of the stipulated interest on War stocks would result in a real national saving. The answer to each of the remaining parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the public is strongly in favour of the continuation of the Daylight Saving Act; and whether the Government will introduce legislation to give effect to this desire?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am introducing a Bill for the purpose of making daylight saving permanent.

asked the Prime Minister what steps are being taken to reconcile the conflicting interests of the Turks and Greeks in Asia Minor; whether the Greek Government has applied for a loan to this country; and what was the response?

His Majesty's Government hope shortly to discuss in Paris with their Allies the whole question of the restoration of peace in Asia Minor. I understand that the Greek Government is in negotiation for a loan in the London Market, but that no contract has yet been entered into. The Greek Government has also made application to the Advisory Committee under the Trade Facilities Act for a loan with a British Government guarantee for purposes of expenditure in the United Kingdom. The application is being considered by the Committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will lay upon the Table copies of all treaties, agreements, resolutions, and statements made, passed, or issued at the recent Washington Conference?

I hope to lay before the House full information with regard to the proceedings of the Conference. It will, however, be necessary to await the return of the British delegates before doing so and it may also be necessary to obtain the consent of the other Governments concerned before the documents are made public.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why no lieutenant-commanders were promoted to the rank of commander in the recent half-yearly promotions; and whether, seeing that the failure to promote any officers of that rank is prejudicial to the efficiency of the Royal Navy, it is intended to make such promotions?

The promotions of lieutenant-commanders to rank of commander are deferred pending a decision by the Government as to the number of promotions to be permitted. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether an increase in ordinary rates pay to meet the full Income Tax has been provided for in next year's Estimates; and, if not, whether a reason can be given for not giving effect to the recommendation of Admiral Halsey's Committee on this point?

No, Sir. The recommendation of Admiral Halsey's Committee that naval officers should remain assessable to Income Tax at the rates and under the special war conditions in force in 1919 was not approved.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any sum has been taken in next year's Estimates for an allowance to married naval officers in supplement of their ordinary rates of pay; and, if not, whether a reason can be given for not giving effect to the recommendation of Admiral Jerram's Committee on this point?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can make any statement on the subject of marriage allowance to naval officers, and hold out any hope of a speedy settlement of this question?

It has been decided that owing to the financial situation the provision for marriage allowance to naval officers, which was included in the Sketch Estimates for 1922–23, will have to be omitted. As regards the second part of the question of the hon. and gallant Member for the Shettleston Division (Rear-Admiral Adair), I would point out that the Halsey Committee on the pay of naval officers, to which he no doubt refers, did not recommend marriage allowance.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that H.M.S. "Furious" has been lying for a considerable time in dry dock at Rosyth, prior to being dismantled for commission; if he is aware that the material for refitment is now lying at Rosyth and that the work of refitting the vessel is estimated to occupy a period of 15 months; and if he can state the reasons for the recent decision to take the "Furious" to Portsmouth to be refitted, instead of carrying out the work at Rosyth?

H.M.S. "Furious" is under reconstruction at. Rosyth, and her transfer to a southern yard is contemplated as a consequence of the decision to reduce Rosyth. The work is of such a magnitude that it could not be carried out in reasonable time by the reduced establishment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can state the average number of workers employed at His Majesty's dockyards at Portsmouth, Chatham, Devon-port, Pembroke Dock, and Rosyth, respectively, during 1921, and the number of workers at each dockyard who have this year been served with notice of dismissal?

The figures asked for by the hon. Member are:

	Average number of workpeople employed during 1921.	Number served with notices since 31st December, 1921.
Portsmouth	15,724	367
Devonport	13,455	281
Chatham	9,936	109
Pembroke Dock	2,516	75
Rosyth	5,143	544

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can give an approximate day when the Workmen's Compensation Bill, as regards the dockyards, will be brought in?

Questions concerning the Workmen's Compensation Act are dealt with by the Home Office, to which Department I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend. It is not intended to bring forward separate proposals dealing solely with dockyard employés.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can give an approximate date when the second or final distribution of prize money will take place?

It is anticipated that payment of the final distribution of prize money will commence early in April next.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry has been requested by any fishery company to lend an airship for the purpose of searching for shoals of fish; and whether aerial observation has been used to stop poaching in the Moray Firth?

A request was made early last year for an airship patrol to locate herring shoals off the Shetland Islands, but no airship was available at the time, and since then it has been decided to suspend operating airships. I have no knowledge of aircraft being employed for the purpose referred to in the latter part of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that several unarmed British officers have recently been attacked in the streets of Dublin and their uniforms torn off; and whether any steps have been, or will be, taken to prevent these insults to His Majesty's uniform?

I regret to state that a number of cowardly and unprovoked attacks upon unarmed British soldiers were made in Dublin between 11 p.m. and midnight on the 28th of last month. One soldier was shot at and seriously wounded and others were maltreated and deprived of portions of their uniform. Strong representations were at once made to the Provisional Government who have promised that every effort will be made to trace the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has been arrived at as to the position of Irish land purchase; and, if so, whether it can be made public?

The whole question of land purchase is at present under consideration and will be a matter for consultation with the Provisional Government.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Indian military pensioners coming in for inspection by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who lived within 10 miles of a railway station, have been refused the road allowance of one rupee for the double trip to and from the railway station sanctioned for pensioners who resided beyond the 10-mile limit; and, considering that many of these pensioners are aged men of 60 and over and many of them wounded, he will sanction to them the payment of this small road allowance?

I have no information on the point, the decision on which I must leave to the Government of India.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what special trains were provided between London and Cannes in connection with the Conference; who travelled by them; what was the cost involved; and what was the total cost of the Conference?

No special trains wore provided by His Majesty's Government in connection with the Cannes Conference, and the second and third parts of the question, therefore, do not arise. The total cost to British funds of attendance at the Conference is estimated at £300, mainly incurred on travelling expenses as the Delegation was the guest of the French Government at Cannes.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the proceedings of the Brussels Conference in 1920 have been published as a Parliamentary Paper?

I assume that the hon and gallant Member is referring to the International Financial Conference convened by the League of Nations in September, 1920. A full report, relating to the proceedings of this Conference, has been published and placed on sale by the League, and copies will be found in the Library of this House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as stated on page 41 of the Report of the Controller of the Department for the Development of the Mineral Resources in the United Kingdom, presented to Parliament in 1918, the Glasdir copper mine, near Dolgelley, County of Merioneth, produced, from 1907 to 1911, ore containing copper only, but, as depth was attained, the mine produced, in combination with such copper ore, in 1912 1,200 ounces of silver and 144 ounces of gold, in 1913 7,375 ounces of silver and 735 ounces of gold, and in 1914 9,000 ounces of silver and 900 ounces of gold; what amount was paid to the Treasury in royalties for the aforesaid periods; and whether he has any official information showing that German interests con- trolled the enterprise and caused the mine to be closed down on account of the War?

I have not immediately available the information necessary to give a complete answer to my hon. Friend's question, but I am causing inquiry to be made, and will communicate the result to him as soon as possible.

further the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, as stated in page 40 of the Report of the Controller of the Department for the Development of Mineral Resources in the United Kingdom, presented to Parliament in 1918, mines near Dolgelley, in the county of Merioneth, produced in recent years 104,049 ounces of bar gold of the value of £368,847; whether the Treasury received £13,000 in royalties on such gold; and whether the mines have been since the War unworked and unproductive?

The facts are substantially as stated, the period of production covered by the figures being from 1888 to 1911.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a resolution of the Sherwood and Carrington Workmen's Social Club asking for a substantial reduction of the duty on beer in view of the steady fall in wages and purchasing power of consumers; and, if so, whether he is giving this matter his consideration?

The representations which have reached me on this subject will receive consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Government to repeal the Entertainments Duty?

No, Sir. The Government has not come to this decision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can inform the House the date upon which the Government intend to resume the issue of gold as currency?

It is the intention of His Majesty's Government to permit the re-establishment of an unrestricted market for gold in London at the earliest date at which the state of the exchanges renders this course possible and desirable. The question whether and to what extent the public will then return to the use of gold coins in place of notes for ordinary purposes of currency is one which must ultimately depend mainly on the action of the community itself.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will bear in mind in the new Budget the undertaking given to consider how to remedy the anomalous effect of the club tax of 6d. in the £ on the amount of liquor purchased?

This question is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many gallons of cider has duty been paid from 31st. March, 1921, to 31st December, 1921, or the last date to which figures are available?

The following statement shows the number of gallons of cider and perry, home-made and imported, on which duty was paid during the nine months 1st April to 31st December, 1921. Separate statistics for cider are not available—

Home Made.	Imported.	Total.
Gallons.	Gallons.	Gallons.
4,491,281	12,594	4,503,875

asked the Home Secretary what steps, if any, he is taking to stop the propaganda of Mormonism in this country, whereby many women and girls are grossly deceived; and, seeing that bigamy is regarded as a crime, whether he will consult the Law Officers of the Crown as to whether the proceedings of the Mormon missionaries constitute aiding and abetting of bigamy?

I am having careful inquiry made into the activities of Mormons in different parts of this country. When I ascertain the facts, I will, if necessary, consult the Law Officers.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the economy and efficiency derived under the provisions of the Coroners Act, 1917, and the Juries Act, 1918, the Government will continue such Acts as permanent Measures?

I hope to bring in shortly a Bill to continue the Coroners Act, 1917, and so much of the Juries Act, 1918, as relates to Coroners.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the position of the Western Counties Shipping Company; whether he is aware that an attempt is being made to get an agreed winding-up order; whether he is aware that a large sum of money has not been accounted for, in consequence of which very strong feeling exists amongst the shareholders; and whether he will take steps to ensure that a public inquiry shall be held?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the condition of the shareholders in what was known as the Western Counties Shipping Line, Cardiff; if he will direct a full investigation into the prospectuses and management of this company and into the company's accounts and trading; if he will ascertain whether the payment of the dividend was made from profits or capital, and consider other questions affecting the shareholders in the company; if he is aware that £30,000 has been lost by people, mostly working-class people, in one constituency in this company; and if he will take steps to protect poor people's investments in future?

The answer to the first part of these questions is in the affirmative. The Board of Trade have no jurisdiction to investigate the affairs of any company which is not in liquidation except under the provisions of Section 109 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, on the application of members holding not less than one-tenth of the shares issued. I have no information as to an attempt to get an agreed winding-up order, but in the event of an order being made by the Court for the winding up of the company, all matters relating to the conduct of the company's business, including the payment of dividends, will be investigated by the Official Receiver.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will restore the permit to mills and factories to register their unemployed and pay the benefit as obtained previously, and thus obviate the hardships that now obtain in so many cases of walking long distances and then standing in bad weather waiting to register or draw the money?

Arrangements for taking evidence of unemployment and paying benefit at employers' premises are still made where the numbers are sufficient to justify them, but they have proved uneconomical unless the numbers are considerable. In the cases of claimants living at a distance from the local office, the regulations provide for less frequent attendance. I do not think claimants now attending at local offices are kept waiting long if they attend at the times prescribed, but I should he glad to look into any particular case.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the widespread reductions of wages which have taken place, he will undertake a wages census in order to ascertain the present level of working-class earnings?

I am afraid it is not at present possible to provide for the expenditure which a new Census of Wages, corresponding with that under- taken in 1906, would entail. Particulars of the principal changes in rates of wages reported to the Ministry of Labour are published each month in the "Labour Gazette," a copy of which is sent regularly to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour the price per cwt. of sugar upon which the index figures were based for the years 1914 to 1921, inclusive?

The index figures relating to cost. of living, prepared in the Ministry of Labour, are based on retail prices. The average retail prices of granulated sugar in the United Kingdom. as shown by the Returns collected for the purpose of the Ministry of Labour index number, have been as stated in the following Table:—

Date (beginning of month).	Average price per lb.
	s.	d.
July, 1914	0	2
8th August, 1914	0	3¾
September, 1914	0	3½
October, 1914	0	3¾
November, 1914, to September, 1915	0	3½
October, 1915, to January, 1916	0	4
February, 1916	0	4¼
March, 1916	0	4½
April, 1916	0	4¾
May, 1916, to August, 1916	0	5¼
September, 1916, to May, 1917	0	5½
June, 1917	0	5¾
July, 1917, to April, 1918	0	6
May, 1918, to November, 1919	0	7
December, 1919, to March, 1920	0	8
April and May, 1920	0	10
June, 1920, to November, 1920	1	2
December, 1920	0	10
January, 1921	0	9¾
February, 1921	0	9
March, 1921	0	8½
April and May, 1921	0	8¼
June, 1921	0	7¾
July, 1921	0	7¼
August and September, 1921	0	7
October, 1921	0	6½
November and December, 1921	0	5¾
January, 1922	0	5¾

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the distress at Blaina due to the closing of the mines since February, 1921, he can state if there is any immediate prospect of these pits being reopened as a result of his recent visit to Blaina and his consultation with the representatives of the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company on the situation?

I cannot say at present. Negotiations have been taking place, as agreed at the meeting to which the hon. Gentleman refers, between the company and representatives of the miners—but I have not yet heard the result. I am making inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (1) whether he has received a resolution of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce to the effect that it views with apprehension the proposals of the railway companies to organise road transport services without contact with their rail system, believing that if such powers are obtained a position would he created which would be inimical to the best interests of the public in general and the manufacturing and commercial community in particular; whether any, and, if so, what, action has been, or will be, taken on the said resolution(2) whether he has received from the Notts and Derby Traders' Association a resolution representing that 600 manufacturers, merchants, and traders in Nottingham and district view with grave apprehension the proposals of the railway companies to organise road transport services without contact with their rail systems; that they believe that if such powers are obtained a position will be created which will be inimical to the best interests of the public in general and the manufacturing and commercial community in particular; that they therefore resolve to oppose, by deputation or otherwise, any Bill introduced into Parliament by any railway company with the object of obtaining powers to run road transport services; and, if so, what action has been or will be taken on such resolution?

I am unable to trace the receipt of a resolution from the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce, but I have received the resolution from the Notts and Derby Traders' Association which he summarises and many others of similar purport. The Bill is now before Parliament and will be considered by this House in the usual manner. No action prejudging any debate on the Second Reading would, I think, be permissible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether a decision has been arrived at in the matter of the cattle embargo?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave in answer to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Daventry (Captain Fitzroy) to-day.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has noted the recent increase in the price of flour per sack; and whether he can state the causes of such increases of price?

I have been asked to reply to this question. My attention has been directed for some time past to the price of flour, and I have noted the recent increases, which appear to be directly traceable to the increased cost of wheat. The price of 46s. per sack for London-made straight-run flour announced on 7th February represents a rise of 3s. on the price current from 12th January to 29th January inclusive. The increased cost of wheat may be illustrated by the quotations of No. 1 Northern Manitoba wheat, the price of which per quarter of 496 lbs. ex-ship London, was 54s. on 11th January, rose to 58s. on 30th January when the first of the advances in the price of flour occurred, and was reported as 59s ed. on 6th February.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the conflict between certain education committees and the recommendations of the Burnham Committee on Teachers' Salaries; and what action it is proposed to take to settle the differences of view as to the scale under which such teachers shall be paid?

I am aware that some local education authorities wish to obtain the Board's recognition for the payment of their teachers on scales higher than those allocated to them by the Standing Joint Committee. I have accepted the Committee's schedule of allocation as the basis of expenditure which the Board will recognise for grant, and I cannot agree to its revision in a direction which would involve increased expenditure.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to state whether the administrator of Austrian property in London has secured payment of a pre-War debt owing by F. Hamann, Vienna, and acknowledged by the Austrian Government, to Messrs. James Smethurst and Sons, Bolton, Lancashire; and, if not, whether he will press for an immediate settlement, particularly in view of the fact that Messrs. Smethurst and Sons paid the British Clearing Office a fee on 23rd November, 1921, as if the matter was then about to be settled?

I have been asked to reply. Messrs. Smethurst and Sons elected to renounce their rights to prefer their claim through the Clearing Offices in order to effect settlement direct with their Austrian debtor. This proposal received the sanction of both Clearing Offices and the prescribed fee was paid by the creditors. It is not now within the power of the Administrator to secure payment of the debt, having regard to the course of action adopted by the creditors, but representations have been made to the Austrian authorities with the object of inducing the Austrian debtor to carry out the terms of the settlement.

asked the Postmaster-General what time elapsed between the police asking for the copies of the telegrams in the Bournemouth murder case at the local post office and the actual handing over of those telegrams; and whether any improved regulations have been made to facilitate the work of the police in such extreme cases?

Application for the copies of the telegrams in question was first made at 11 a.m. on 24th December, and the copies were supplied to the police an hour and a-half later. I do not think any change in the regulations is necessary.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a registered letter containing £2 10s. was posted from H.M.S. "Iron Duke" at Malta to Mrs. Wells, 24, Portland Road, Worthing, on 12th May last year, and that although the latter has written several times to the General Post Office asking for the return of the money and has shown the receipt, which was given to the sender at the time of posting, to an official at the Post Office, nothing has been done in the matter; and whether he will take steps to have this money returned?

This registered letter was missing from a mail despatched from H.M.S. "Iron Duke" from Alexandria on 13th May last. Endeavours, which are still proceeding, have been made to trace the missing letter, but have not yet proved successful. The sum of £ the maximum amount payable under the Regulations, has now been forwarded to the sender.