asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what obsolete warships have been sold to Germany to be broken up; and what is the amount received in payment?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the full answer on this subject given to the hon. and gallant Member for Chatham (Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon) on 19th December last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the amount of money employed, and whence derived, for carrying on trading businesses by the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes, the organisation appointed by the Admiralty, Army Council and Air Council to conduct institutes for His Majesty's Forces and to cater for every requirement of officers and men; and the amount of money made or lost by the organisation in 1919, 1920 and 1921?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) when the balance sheets and statements of account for the year ending 31st December, 1919, and 31st December, 1920, will be issued in connection with the trading operations of the Navy and Army Canteen Board, now the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes;(2) The amount which has been borrowed from the. Expeditionary Force canteen profits to finance the Navy and Army Canteen Board, now the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes; and when it is proposed to pay over this money so borrowed to the United Services Fund in accordance with the pledge given to ex-service men?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the amount of money employed and whence derived for carrying on trading businesses by the Navy, Army, and Air Force institutes, the organisation appointed by the Admiralty, Army Council, and Air Council to conduct institutes for His Majesty's Forces and to cater for every requirement of officers and men; and what is the amount of money made or lost by the organisation in 1919, 1920, and 1921?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the Report of the Committee presided over by my hon. Friend the Member for Ecclesall (Sir S. Roberts) which was published on 11th July last as Command Paper No. 1280. From that Report it will be seen that the Navy, Army, and Air Force institutes derive their working capital from the assets taken over from the Expeditionary Force Canteens and Navy and Army Canteen Board. Pending the preparation of certain accounts as recommended by the Committee, figures other than the approximate figures given on page 5 of the Committee's Report are not available.With regard to the last part of questions put by the hon. Member for Plymouth, the Navy, Army, and Air Force institutes only came into existence on 1st January, 1921, and their accounts for that year have not yet been completed. With regard to the other questions, as I have indicated in reply to previous questions, the liquidators are not yet in a position to close the other accounts, but every endeavour is being made to expedite their preparation. The Report of the Committee shows that £3,049,000 in cash and £1,000,000 Funding Loan have already been paid to the United Services Fund. Negotiations are pending for a settlement of the balance due to the United Services Fund.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Navy, Army, and Air Force institutes, which are catering for every requirement of officers and men, have paid Income Tax in the same way as the regular traders with whom they are competing?

The question of the liability to Income Tax of the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes is not free from difficulty, and is at present under investigation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he would give information in respect of the Unemployed Workers' Dependants (Temporary Pro- vision) Act, 1921, for the period from the commencement of the Act to the end of last week, as to the total estimated contributions by insured persons and employers, the total actual contributions by insured persons and employers, the total estimated cost of benefits, the total actual cost of benefits, the estimated cost of administration, and the actual cost of administration under all heads?

On the basis of the original Estimates the contributions from employers and workmen from 7th November, 1921, up to 4th February, 1922, amount to £1,600,000, the State Grant to about £1,285,000 (making a total of £2,888,500), and the administrative expenses to £280,000. So far as can be judged the contributions actually received have closely approximated to the Estimate and the administrative expenses are expected to be appreciably less, but precise accounts are not yet available. The dependants' grants paid during the same period have been rather more than £2,000,000. On the basis of the Estimate there should have been a deficit of over £400,000 at present, but in fact we have about that sum in hand. This is due to the fact that the proportion of married men among the unemployed is lower than was anticipated.

asked the Minister of Health whether a local authority can pay the insurance contributions of men employed upon relief works without such action being regarded as a violation of the conditions regarding the rates of wages to be paid?

I presume that the hon. Member has in mind the condition that not more than 75 per cent. of the local authority's recognised rate of wages may be paid to unskilled men for a probationary period of six months. It is not open to a local authority in such a case to pay the workers' insurance contributions in addition to the 75 per cent. of the ordinary rate of wages.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received communications from urban and rural district councils urging that the full standard district rate of payment for the class of labour employed should be paid on all public works started for the relief of un- employment; and, if so, what steps does he propose to take in the matter?

I have received some such communications. The matter has been very fully considered by the Government, and it is not proposed to depart from the present practice, which is clearly reasonable.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can say how many boards of guardians are giving less than 18s. per week to necessitous unemployed persons; whether in these cases the inadequate relief given arises from the financial position of the areas concerned; and whether he will in shell cases take steps to provide such assistance as will avert in some measure the evils which lack of food will cause to the future health of the community in these areas?

Although I cannot give the exact number, I understand that there are very few boards of guardians who have adopted a scale of out-door relief which would give the family of an unemployed person as little as, or less than, 18s. a week, and I know of no case in which the guardians have been obliged to give inadequate relief by reason of the financial position of their union. The third part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a large number of workers in South Wales are now undergoing imprisonment in His Majesty's prisons on account of non-payment of Income Tax; and whether, having regard to the incidence of low wages and of unemployment in South Wales, it is the policy of the Government to continue these prosecutions, thereby adding to the number of prisoners maintained at the public expense?

I am aware that persons are from time to time committed to prison under order of the Competent Court in cases of summary proceedings for the recovery of arrears of Income Tax, but I have no information as to the number of any such eases at the present time, either generally or in any particular area. As regards the second part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that imprisonment, in the class of cases to which he refers, can arise only after proceedings which have involved proof of means, i.e., in cases in which the Court is satisfied that since the date of the order for payment the defaulter has been in possession of sufficient means to enable him to pay the tax in arrear.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, notwithstanding frequent promises given by himself and others on behalf of the Government that due regard and consideration would be given in the cases of the unemployed workmen prior to proceeding against, them for non-payment of Income Tax, in the Rhondda Valley miners who have been unemployed since February, 1921, are not only summoned but imprisoned for such non-payment; and will he take the necessary stops to remedy this grievance at the earliest possible moment by giving instructions to His Majesty's inspectors of taxes not to institute proceedings against the unemployed at least until such time as they have secured and settled down in regular employment?

As has been explained on previous occasions, it is the practice under existing instructions not to proceed for the recovery of arrears of Income Tax in summary proceedings in the case of taxpayers who are known to be out of employment and, in consequence, unable to pay the sums due. If the hon. Member has in mind any specific cases in which he considers this practice has not been followed, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will have the matter promptly looked into, and communicate with him as soon as he is in a position to do so.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a baton charge by police at West Bromwich, on Monday, 23rd January; and whether he will have the fullest inquiries made into the whole, circumstances?

I have received a report of this incident from the Chief Constable of Staffordshire. It appears that on the day fixed for the trial at West Bromwich of five leaders of the unemployed on charges under the Trades Disputes Act, a large crowd assembled in the High Street near the Court, and held up a passing tramcar. A police inspector who was attempting to persuade them to desist was assaulted. One man had to he arrested, and as the crowd became threatening a few of the police in the vicinity found it necessary to draw their batons and hold off the crowd. I find no reason to think that any unnecessary force was used, and no further inquiry appears to be called for.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there is a great demand for both skilled and unskilled labour in the devastated regions of France at good wages; and whether he is endeavouring to arrange for British unemployed to have the opportunity of getting work in France under suitable conditions?

The employment of British labour in the devastated regions is attended with difficulties, not the least of which arises from the unfavourable rate of exchange. I am by no means confident that these difficulties can be overcome, but I am having further inquiries made into the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is cognisant of the fact that certain boards of governors of the hospitals of London have ceased to pay wages in accordance with the award of the Industrial Court, and that no agreement has been substituted; and what steps he proposes to take in connection with the question?

I am aware that certain London hospital authorities have informed the National Federation of General Workers that they do not desire to continue to be bound by the terms of the Industrial Court award. We have been in touch with the parties, and I am informed that steps are being taken by several of the important London hospital authorities to endeavour to arrange a meeting forthwith with the unions concerned to discuss the general position.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the present wages dispute between the boards of governors of the hospitals of London and their employés; and, in view of the monetary assistance rendered to the hospitals by the Government, what steps he is taking in the matter?

I have no information beyond the statements which have appeared in the Press, but I will bring the matter to the notice of the Voluntary Hospitals Commission.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Scotch Education Department have refused payment of the grant payable to Mr. Fred W. Duthie (ex-soldier), of 20, Kelly Street, Greenock, awarded to him by the Ministry of Labour for the purpose of qualifying as a dentist; and will he make inquiries into the matter?

I have already made the inquiries suggested. I find that the Scottish Education Department have not refused payment of the grant referred to in my hon. and gallant Friend's question. On the contrary, Mr. Duthie was informed in August last that it would be paid, if he was prepared to use it for the purpose for which it was awarded. He has now, however, decided to follow a medical course, and it is not within the discretion of the Department to make a fresh award.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether he is aware that a large proportion of ex-service men among the applicants for the Poor Law relief are compelled to come upon the local rates owing to their pensions being insufficient to maintain them; if he can say what is proposed to be done to remedy this state of affairs;(2) whether he is aware that the partially disabled ex-service man is doubly handicapped in an overcrowded labour market by reason of his disability arising from war service; and is he prepared to recommend that a full disability pension should be granted to all disabled ex-service men while they are unemployed?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. G. Barker) on the 9th instant.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any figures as to the extent aril cost of Poor Law relief to disabled ex-service men who come upon the local rates because their pensions are insufficient; whether, in conjunction with the Ministry of Pensions, any calculation has been made as to the relative cost of giving these men full disability pensions, allowing for any savings which may accrue through simplification of accounting; and if he can give the approximate figures?

I have no information as to the number of ex-service men who are in receipt of both disability pensions and Poor Law relief, and there are no figures available upon which to base any such calculation as that suggested by the hon. and gallant Member. I understand, however, that so far from any saving being effected by the suggestion, the cost would be substantially greater.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the total amount received to date in reparations from Germany in cash and in kind by the Powers signatory to the Treaty of Versailles?

I understand that the Reparation Commission estimate the total value of deliveries and payments made by Germany from 11th November, 1918, to 30th November, 1920 (including the value of state properties in ceded territories, and the value of the Saar mines), at 6,424,000,000 gold marks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether payment for compensation for damage to property sequestrated in Germany is being paid to British nationals in accordance with the judgment of the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal; if not, whether there is a time limit by which the Germans have to pay and, consequently, payment need only be paid at their pleasure; and, in view of the great hardship this condition of affairs is causing to many British nationals who have been so seriously affected by this prolonged delay, whether the British Government will put pressure upon the German Government to carry out their obligations promptly?

Payment of amounts awarded in respect of compensation by the Anglo - German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal, under Article 297 (e), is charged upon the proceeds of liquidation of German property in this country. This property, however, is subjected to prior charges in favour of admitted debts and proceeds of liquidation of British property in Germany, and until His Majesty's Government are satisfied that these prior charges are reasonably secured, it will be necessary to delay the payment of compensation awards. There is no time limit under the Treaty by which such payment has to be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any payments have been made by the German Government for compensation in respect of businesses of British nationals which were sequestrated by the German Government, and for which judgment has been awarded by the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal; if not, whether under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles there is no limit of time by which such payment has to be made; whether in consequence of such omission the German Government can defer their payments indefinitely; and whether the British Government are prepared to put pressure upon the German Government to comply promptly with their obligations?

I would refer to the answer which I gave to-day on this subject to the hon. Member for Newcastle North (Mr. Doyle).

asked the Attorney-General whether the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts established in this country in accordance with Article 296 of the Treaty of Versailles renders any, and what, assistance to British nationals who desire to obtain payment of debts due to them from nationals of Germany and other late enemy countries; and whether its sole function is the collection from British nationals of debts alleged to be due from them to persons in Germany and elsewhere?

I have been asked to reply. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Report of the Controller of the Clearing Office, in which he will find a full account of the work of the office, which has paid to British creditors of Germany up to date sums amounting in the aggregate to over £45,000,000.

asked the Prime Minister what action he intends to take to redeem his pledge to bring the ex-Kaiser and the leading war criminals of Germany to account for the many crimes for which they were responsible during the War; and what steps have been taken to induce Holland, Switzerland, and other neutral countries to deliver such criminals up for trial?

I have been asked to reply. With reference to the ex Kaiser, there is nothing to add to the letter of the Prime Minister, dated 3rd November, 1920, addressed to the hon. Member for East Islington, and published in the Press on 5th November, 1920. As to the rest of the question, by Article 228 of the Treaty of Versailles the responsibility for handing over persons accused of having committed acts in violation of the laws and customs of war rests, not upon neutral countries, but upon Germany.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the representations which have been made by individual solicitors, and also by the Law Society, as to the in-convenience caused to solicitors by reason of the fact that an affidavit on Form C No. 6 for obtaining exemption from Income Tax on Exchequer bonds on behalf of persons resident abroad can only be made at three Inland Revenue offices in Great Britain, namely, at 83, Kingsway and Telegraph Street in London, and at Waterloo Place, Edin- burgh; and whether he will make such alterations as may be necessary in the Treasury regulations dealing with the matter as will enable the necessary affidavits to be sworn in the ordinary way before a Commissioner for Oaths, as is already permitted in the case of persons resident abroad, who make an affidavit as to the whole of their income from all sources?

The normal procedure is for the owner of bonds himself to make the declaration and produce the bonds for inspection. Where a banker, solicitor or other agent is permitted to make a declaration on behalf of a client, the power to require production of the bonds can still less be dispensed with, and for this reason the declaration is normally required to be made at a head office of the Department. But a strict compliance with the regulation is not insisted on if in any case it would give rise to serious inconvenience.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to make any announcement in regard to the exemption from Key Industry Duty of toys containing dutiable parts of trifling value, as foreshadowed in his reply to the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. Briant) on 19th December last.

Yes, Sir; waiver of duty has been authorised in the case of toys and fancy goods dutiable only in respect of parts of a value not exceeding 10 per cent. of the value of the whole article. Appended is a full statement on the subject:It is the intention of the Government to include in this year's Finance Bill a provision to the effect that the Treasury may by Order exempt from duty any compound article liable to duty under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, where, after consultation with the Board of Trade, they are satisfied that—

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any orders have been made under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, or recommended by the committees appointed under that Act?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, so far one report has been received, but I may point out that the committee's terms of reference require them to report whether certain conditions set out in the Act are fulfilled, and not to recommend whether Orders should or should not be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any applications have been received for the protection of agricultural products under the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

I will consider the question of publishing information regarding the nature and scope of any particular complaint which it has been decided to refer to a committee. My hon. Friend will remember, however, that articles of food and drink are specifically excluded from the operation of Part II of the Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has know- ledge of any pledges given during the War to protect special industries; and, if so, what was the nature of the pledges?

The nature of these pledges was fully discussed during the passage through this House of the Safeguarding of Industries Bill, and of the Resolutions which preceded it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it has been brought to his notice that a special Order issued by the Treasury to His Majesty's Customs' officers, with regard to imported toys and fancy goods having small parts of their value dutiable under the Key Industries Schedule, has brought about the position that while, for example, a completed dressed doll can now be imported without any tax being paid on its eyes, similar eyes, if imported separately for the use of our British manufacturers, are liable to duty, and that artificial grapes made of glass, which are part of a finished artificial sprig of flowers and fruit used for millinery purposes, escape duty, while similar grapes imported in quantities for manipulation by British artificial flower manufacturers in their own workrooms have to pay the duty; and whether he will, in order to safeguard British manufactures, permit such goods, when required by manufacturers in this country, to be admitted free of duty?

I have been asked to answer. I am aware of the Order to which the hon. Member refers, but I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that old claim forms are still being issued to applicants for old-age pensions which are obsolete, and recite disqualifications and other matters therein which were removed by more recent legislation; whether new forms have yet been issued in accordance with the Act passed in 1919; and, if so, whether he will issue instructions for the withdrawal of all old claim forms, and consider the possibility of issuing a summary of the Act to all claimants on application for pension?

New old-age pension claim forms were issued in January, and instructions for the withdrawal of old forms were then given. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Raffan) on the 10th June, 1920. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this reply.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes in the present Session to introduce legislation abolishing those restrictions with regard to old-age pensions which at present act as penalties on thrift?

His Majesty's Government are not prepared to re-open the settlement embodied in the Old Age Pensions Act passed in December, 1919. As regards the specific points referred to in the question, I would refer to the full statement which my right hon. Friend made in this House on 11th May, 1921.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the reasons for the increase in the audit stamp duty; and whether he is aware to what an extent this increase adds to the already overwhelming burden of local authorities?

I have been asked to reply. The reason for the issue of the new scale of Audit Stamp Duty was that Section 61 (1) of the Finance Act, 1921, required that a new scale should be fixed so as to secure that the Stamp Duty payable by local authorities should cover the whole cost of the district auditors instead of only part of the cost as hitherto. As regards the second part of the question, I am aware that the new scale necessarily increases the amount of duty payable by local authorities generally, but the amount of such increase in individual cases is comparatively small.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any protests from rural district councils and boards of guardians regarding a new and increased scale of Audit Stamp Duties, as fixed in Treasury Order, 1921, No. 1895; and whether, considering these authorities are already paying an in. creased duty by reason of the normal expenditure being at least twice the amount at which it stood in pre-War days, he will state what steps, if any, he proposes to take to deal with the objections raised?

I have received some representations from rural district councils and boards of guardians on this subject. The new scale of Audit Stamp Duty was issued by the Treasury in consequence of the provision in the Finance Act, 7921, requiring that the duties levied shall be sufficient to cover the whole cost of the district auditors instead of only part, as hitherto. As regards the authorities mentioned in the question, the duty payable by them will be considerably reduced if my proposal to substitute annual for half-yearly audits is accepted by Parliament.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the circulation of the OFFICIAL REPORT of the House of Commons for each month of last year?

The circulation of the OFFICIAL REPORT of Debates of the House of Commons during 1921 was as shown in the following statement:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the sum obtained in Scotland during the last financial year from the duties on table waters?

The net revenue obtained in Scotland from the duties on table waters in the financial year ended 31st March, 1921, was—

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what methods are adopted in order to ascertain the sales of table waters by retailers who sell from soda water fountains and not by the bottle?

The retailers in question are required to keep records of sales, which are periodically inspected by the local Customs and Excise officers. These officers are required to satisfy themselves by observation and inquiry that evasion is not taking place.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether gold and silver are the absolute property of the State and are the only products upon which royalties on production are claimed by the Treasury; whether, in order to encourage the production of gold and silver not only in Wales but in other parts of the United Kingdom and in order to provide employment, the Government will for a period forego all royalties and taxation and so offer an inducement to capitalists to re-open the mines with up-to-date machinery with a view of saving the base as well as the precious metals contained in the ores?

Free gold and silver are the property of the Crown and the royalties, with those of other Crown mines forming part of the Land Revenues in charge of the Commissioners of Woods, are payable by those Commissioners to the Exchequer. As regards the last part of the question my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has no power to forego taxation on any profits made by gold and silver mines, and I am satisfied that the very moderate rate of 2 per cent. on production of gold and silver charged as royalty is not an appreciable factor in determining whether such mines resume working or not.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the cases in which certain foreign-made goods, including motor cars, have been shipped to the Isle of Man via British ports, thus escaping the British duty, and later on have been returned to this country as Manx property, thus escaping the duty chargeable on foreign goods into Great Britain; and, if so, will he take the necessary steps to guard the Revenue against similar evasions, both at the present time and in the future?

No, Sir. I am not aware of any such cases, and I understand that precautions are taken by the Customs to safeguard the Revenue against any leakage of the nature described; but if my hon. Friend knows of any instances in which these precautions have been evaded, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be glad to have particulars in order that inquiry may be made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, despite the fall in the wages of the workers, there has been no reduction in the price of beer and spirits to the consumer; and whether, having regard to the excessive taxation levied on beer and spirits, he can foreshadow a substantial reduction in such taxation?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is aware of representations in the sense mentioned by the hon. Member, but he is unable to anticipate the Budget proposals on this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the cost of collecting the quarterly income tax on wage-earners and the amount realised after deductions and allowances; and what reduction could be made in the Inland Revenue staffs by abandoning this tax, which is unsuitable for times of industrial depression and unemployment?

The estimated cost of assessment and collection of Income Tax from wage-earners assessed quarterly for the year 1922–23 is £800,000. The estimated net produce of tax from this source for that year is £5,000,000. If the quarterly system of assessment and collection were abandoned in favour of the half-yearly assessment and collection, the saving in a full year might be some £250,000, but that the loss on the receipts side in respect of duty which on this system would become irrecoverable would be so great as to counterbalance the whole projected saving.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the action brought in the King's Bench Division of the High Court by the Customs authorities against the Essex County Cricket Club in which Mr. Justice Roche last week gave judgment, the effect of which was to make members' annual subscriptions liable to entertainment duty; whether the effect of such judgment is to tax a member for viewing a cricket match on the ground of which he is part owner; whether he is aware that a large percentage of the members whose subscriptions will he taxed join the club not for personal entertainment (as only about 25 per cent. ever enter the ground) but to encourage and foster cricket in their particular district; and whether, considering what this country owes to sport and that the taxing of members' subscriptions which are primarily collected for the maintenance and upkeep of the athletic grounds will materially increase the present difficulty of these clubs, he will consider an early amendment of the law?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on the 9th instant in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for East Lewisham (Lieut.-Colonel Pownall).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the executors of a depositor and shareholder in Farrow's Bank, living in Leeds, have failed to obtain a refund of the Estate Duty paid on such deposit and shares although nearly the whole value disappeared when the bank closed; and whether he will issue instructions that a refund in full is to be made?

If the hon. and gallant Member will furnish my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer with the name and date of death of the deceased person in whose estate the question has arisen, he will cause inquiry to be made. He would, however, remind him that Estate Duty is charged on the value of the assets as at the date of death, and the fact that the assets subsequently become valueless or disappear does not constitute a ground for repayment of duty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the event of the claim of an individual to repayment of Excess Profits Duty, in accordance with the provisions of Section 38 (3) of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, being refused by the Board of Inland Revenue, the taxpayer has the right of appeal to the general commissioners, the special commissioners, or any other body or court?

The Finance Acts contain no provision for an appeal against a decision of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue respecting a claim to repayment under Section 38 (3) of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposes, however, to deal with this matter in the Finance Bill of the current year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has authorised the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to issue a circular announcing that he intends to recommend to Parliament for legislative sanction in connection with the Finance Bill of 1922 a proposal that in all cases interest at the net rate of 5 per cent. per annum without allowance for Income Tax shall be charged on any arrears of Excess Profits Duty outstanding at 1st January, 1922, and upon any Excess Profits Duty subsequently becoming due; whether he has instructed the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to give effect to his proposal in advance of legislation; and whether there is any prece- dent for collecting a tax before authorisation of such tax by the House of Commons?

The circular to which the hon. Member refers was issued with the authority of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has instructed the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to give effect to the proposal mentioned therein, as far as possible, in advance of legislation. The Commissioners have no power, nor do they propose, to require payment; of interest on unpaid Excess Profits Duty prior to the passing of the legislation authorising the charge of interest; though they are prepared in the meantime to accept payment of interest in any case in which a taxpayer expresses his desire to tender it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is a public telephone cabinet on the arrival platform at Euston Station which is in an insanitary and filthy condition; whether he is aware that callers desiring to use the Post Office telephone service from this call box are charged 4d. per call because the London and North Western Railway Company considers that it is entitled to increase the charges laid down by the Post Office; what authority has been conferred upon the railway company to make what appears to be an improper charge; and whether, having regard to the whole of the circumstances, he will cause the cabinet to be placed in a sanitary condition, and compel the railway company to exhibit a notice specifying the charges which are proper for Post Office telephone calls?

The telephone cabinets at Euston Station are the property of the railway company, and the calls are dealt with by the operators at the company's private exchange. The Post Office is not in a position to prevent a railway company or other subscriber from charging more than the Post Office call office fee for the privilege of using the subscriber's telephone installation.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to state what arrangements have been, or are likely to be, made to provide facilities for a later collection of letters than 6.25 p.m. in the Horwich, Lancashire, area?

I have written to the hon. Member explaining why I cannot meet his wishes in this matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in December, 1921, he justified the promotion of No, 39 on the seniority list at Brighton by a statement that a number of the senior sorting clerks and telegraphists were unfitted for higher duties or were distinctly inferior in supervising ability to their junior colleagues; whether he has now authorised the promotion of Mr. Rowe, who was senior to No. 39, and who was neither unfitted for higher duties nor inferior to his junior in supervising ability; and whether, seeing; that the Postmaster of Brighton has for many years persistently reported that no members of his staff were fit for promotion, and on the occasion of each vacancy his reports have been falsified, he will subject the methods of selection at that office to a rigorous examination?

The sorting clerk and telegraphist who stood No. 39 on the seniority list was promoted in May last. I am satisfied that he was better qualified for promotion than any other officer of his rank. When the next vacancy occurred, Mr. Rowe, who had manifested marked improvement in the interval, was considered the best qualified of the remaining candidates, and was properly promoted. There is no foundation for the statement that the Postmaster of Brighton has persistently reported that no members of his staff were fit for promotion. All recommendations for promotion are subject to a rigorous scrutiny before they are approved, and I do not consider that anything further is necessary.

asked the Postmaster-General whether there are any statistics available without undue research in his Department to indicate approximately what have been the losses due to the growing custom of posting abroad printed matter for circulation in this country?

It is estimated that the loss of revenue is slightly under £1,000 a month.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the increasing flow of trade in the advertisement and postcard industry that is being diverted to the Continent, due to the existing heavy postal charges; and whether, in view of the present depression and consequent unemployment in this branch of industry, he will consider the advisability of making an immediate substantial reduction in the charges for the transmission of postcards and circular matter in this country?

The postings abroad to which the hon. Member refers are relatively small, and the loss of revenue does not exceed about £1,000 per month out of a total revenue from printed matter of about £400,000 per month. The general question of the reduction of postal charges is under the consideration of the Government, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

asked the Postmaster-General how many licences for wireless telegraphy have been issued to amateurs for reception and for transmission; what is the total sum received for each class of licence; and what has been the expenditure of the Post Office in respect of these licences?

The number of wireless licences issued to amateurs for experiments in reception is 6,986, and in transmission 286. The annual revenue derived from the fees is at present £3,265 and £355 respectively. The annual expenditure incurred in connection with the issue of the licences and the inspection of the stations is about £5,200.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a number of ex-service men employed in his Department as part-time auxiliary sorters for three nights a week, amounting to 12 hours altogether, are, by reason of the fact that they are employed on alternate nights, unable to qualify for unemployment insurance benefit, although they are compelled to pay insurance contribu- tions; and whether, in view of the fact that the Law provides for the payment of unemployment insurance benefit to part-time workers, he will make the necessary arrangements to enable these men to qualify?

I am having inquiry made in this matter and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the total amount that has been awarded as compensation for criminal or malicious injuries in that portion of Ireland which has been constituted the Irish Free State up to 31st December, 1921, or other convenient date?

The total amount awarded during the period from the 1st. June, 1919, to the 31st December, 1921, was £10,761,148.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all munitions of war, including tanks, are being evacuated from the Irish Free State concurrently with the troops?

Units leaving Ireland bring with them their equipment, including rifles, guns, and ammunition. All the tanks now in Ireland are obsolete or worn out, and these are being stripped and completely destroyed to save expense of transport. Any other munitions of war in possession of units, and no longer required by them, are being sent in to the Royal Army Ordnance Department, who will retain them under guard until dealt with.

asked the Chief Secretary to explain why, when rebels in Ireland convicted of offences against the forces of the Crown were released before the expiration of their sentences, the same clemency was not extended to servants of the Crown who were convicted by court-martial of looting or other offences in Ireland; whether it is the policy of the Government thus to favour those who served against rather than those who served on the side of the Government in the recent conflict in Ireland; and, if not, whether he can say that all ex-servants of the Crown undergoing imprisonment for offences committed, or alleged to have been committed, in Ireland will be released forthwith?

The cases of all ex-servants of the Crown convicted during the past two years in Ireland are at present being passed under review, and I can assure the hon. Member that they will be sympathetically considered.

asked the Chief Secretary what were the terms upon which members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and the auxiliary forces were engaged, particularly in relation to pensions; and whether upon demobilisation those terms are being adhered to?

Permanent members of the Royal Irish Constabulary were employed upon the same general terms and conditions as members of police forces in Great Britain, namely, those laid down in the Report of the Desborough Commission. The terms upon which the force is being demobilised provide, inter alia, that every man shall receive the pension which he has earned by his service, with an addition to that service of 12 years. The Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary and other temporary members were engaged upon contracts which did not provide for the payment of pensions. These contracts are in every case being adhered to.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can give the total amount which has been diverted from the local taxation or other account in order to meet payments on account of criminal or malicious injuries; and will he give the total amount that has actually been paid in compensation from the funds so diverted?

The total amount diverted from the local taxation or other accounts in order to meet payments on account of criminal or malicious injuries or other undischarged liabilities of local authorities is £1,545,518 11s. 5d. The total amount that has actually been paid as compensation from the funds so diverted is £1,114,690 1s. 1d.

asked the Home Secretary if it is intended to make any arrangement with Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State to adopt summer time?

It will be for the Governments of Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State to decide whether they will adopt summer time. If and when the Bill passes, I will ask them to consider the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in the event of the Government of Great Britain deciding to grant compensation to persons whose houses and property were destroyed or damaged in the recent conflict between British and Irish republican forces, he will grant priority of compensation to those who are unwilling to resume their occupation in the Irish Free State and are desirous of restarting their life in the Dominions oversea but who cannot do so until their award for compensation is met?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if compensation will be paid to those people whose houses or property have been burnt by the Irish Republican Army?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr. R. McNeill) on the 9th instant, to the effect that I hope to make a full statement on this subject at an early date in connection with the Bill of Indemnity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision is made for the administration of justice in the British Solomon Isuands; whether there is a judicial commissioner for the Protectorate; and whether natives charged with murder or lesser offences are allowed the benefit of counsel for the defence?

Provision for the administration of justice in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate is made by the Pacific Order in Council, 1893, which constituted His Britannic Majesty's High Commissioners Court for the Western Pacific. The Members of this Court are the High Commissioner, the Judicial Commissioners and the Deputy Commissioners. The officers normally exercising judicial functions in the Protectorate are the Resident Commissioner and the Chief Magistrate, both of whom are Judicial Commissioners for the Western Pacific, and six Deputy Commissioners. The Chief Justice of Fiji is also Chief Judicial Commissioner for the Western Pacific. Provision has been made for the admission of barristers and solicitors to practise in the High Commissioner s Court for the Western Pacific, but it is not usual for counsel to appear in cases tried in the Solomon Islands Protectorate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has seen the judgment of the Supreme Court of the Straits Settlements in the case of the Eastern Shipping Company v. the Attorney-General and is satisfied that the company received just and proper treatment from the executive Government in the circumstances which gave rise to the suit?

I have read the judgment, and I have received a despatch from the Governor dealing with some aspects of the case; but I am still awaiting a report on certain other aspects. When this has been received I shall consider the representations made by the company on the matter referred to in the latter part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for India the result of his correspondence with the Government of India on the subject of their proposed Bill for the immediate repeal of existing legislation for the repression of rebellion?

There is no intention of repealing those provisions of the Indian law which provide punishments for rebellion, but two Bills are about to be, or have already been, introduced into the Indian Legislature, for the repeal of some of the laws, which are commonly described as "repressive." As regards others, I am still in correspondence with the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India the result of his consultation with the Government of India regarding the extra pensions for military officers who held high civil posts in India but who were compulsorily retired under the Indian Rules on attaining the age of 55 years, and were thus debarred from completing the period of three years' service in the qualifying post that is now required?

I have received the reply of the Government of India, to which I understand my hon. and gallant Friend refers. As regards the admissibility of a special additional pension to a military officer who has held a high civil post, they regard the full three years' service as one of the most important conditions to be fulfilled before such a pension can be granted, and would be most unwilling to see it relaxed. I see no reason to dissent from this view. Extensions of service to officers attaining 55 years of age can be granted where special circumstances seem to warrant this concession in the public interest.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the Indian Civil Service Association on the subject of the conditions under which officers of the Indian Civil Services may be permitted to retire in consequence of the reforms; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I have received a memorial addressed to myself by the Indian Civil Service Association in the Central Provinces and also a memorandum by the same body published in the Press. I am consulting the Government of India on some of the points raised, and if it is decided to modify the orders the modifications will be announced.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the full text of the verdict of the court of inquiry which investigated the circumstances attending the death at Shoranor Station, India, of a large number of prisoners apprehended in connection with the Moplah rebellion will be printed and circulated among Members of this House, together with the evidence upon which this verdict was arrived at; and whether the persons responsible have been brought before any court. for trial?

Up to now, I have received only a telegraphic report of the findings of this Committee. This was published a few days ago. I have not received either the full proceedings or the orders passed in the matter by the Government of Madras, which will, no doubt, cover the question of prosecutions. I desire, of course, to give the fullest information to the House, but until I have myself received the actual Report, I cannot say what documents will be available.

asked the Secretary of State for India the terms to be offered to surplus officers of the Indian Army?

I regret that I am not yet able to make an announcement. The terms are still under discussion with the War Office.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Private J. C. Gregson, No. 4,523,948, West Yorkshire Regiment, now of Rothwell, near Leeds, who enlisted on 5th September, 1914, was wounded at Loos on 26th September, 1915, and, after serving in Italy, went back to France and was in the battles at Hill 60 and at. Passchendale Ridge, being seriously wounded in the right leg on 7th October, 1918, has undergone 18 operations, 12 of them being reamputations, in 20 mouths, has had a femur removed from its socket and his haunch bone scraped, making it impossible for him to wear an artificial leg, and was finally discharged on 31st August, 1921, on temporary full pension, as the medical board needed further expert advice before a permanent assessment could be made; whether he is aware that, without any further examination, the pension was reduced at the beginning of December, 1921, to 80 per cent.; and if he approves of this reduction?

On discharge from the Army on 31st August last the soldier was (in accordance with the usual practice in these cases) awarded, to meet the temporary conditions of the case, pension at the maximum rate appropriate to a totally disabled man. The temporary award was for a period of 13 weeks only, and the man was so notified. On examination by a medical board before the end of this period the correct assessment authorised by the Royal Warrant, namely, 80 per cent., was fixed, and an award was accordingly made at that rate with effect from the expiration of the previous provisional award. I do not agree that the procedure in a case such as this can properly be described as a reduction of pension; and I must point out that the hon. Member's statement that the pension was reduced without any further examination is wholly inaccurate.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Jonathan Compton, No. 326,370, who enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters on 15th March, 1915, received a gun-shot wound in the head whilst on active service in France, was discharged from the Army on 12th November, 1917, and granted an 80 per cent. pension, but died on 24th January, 1921; whether he is aware that the local doctor certifies that he was a healthy man before enlistment and that the military authorities accepted him as such; that the doctor further certifies that his death was due to diseases contracted during his period of service; and will he say why, under these circumstances, a full pension has been refused to the widow who is left with four young children and is living at 64, West Street, Greenhill Lane, Alfreton?

This man was invalided on account of a wound of the head, for which he was in receipt of pension up to the time of his death on the 24th January, 1921. Death was due to mitral disease and nephritis. After careful consideration of all the evidence, including the evidence of the late soldier's medical attendant, it was decided that the disease of which the man died was neither due to nor aggravated by his active service during the War, and that it was not connected with the severe wound on account of which he was invalided. The widow appealed to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, who, however, upheld the view of the Ministry in regard to the case and disallowed the appeal. The decision of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal is by statute final, and it is regretted that no further action can be taken in regard to the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Mr. H. O'Neill, No. 20,288, late of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, at present residing at 37, Nelson Street, Greenock, contracted tuberculosis while on active service; that this disability was entirely caused through such service; that he has been refused a pension; and will he take steps to have the case inquired into?

I have been asked to reply. The tuberculosis has been accepted as having been aggravated by service, and in October last a pension of 100 per cent. was awarded with arrears from February, 1921. Payment of arrears was authorised on the 23rd November, from which date until the 31st January the man was under treatment and in receipt of allowances in lieu of pension. It is understood that the man has recently removed to Belfast, and I am inquiring as to what payments are now being made to him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the tonnage and value of German goods imported into this country during 1921 of the following goods: manufactured cotton goods, manufactured iron and steel products, toys, electrical machinery, dyes and chemical commodities, cutlery, and crockery and earthenware; and how many tons of coal, timber, and pig iron were imported during the said year?

The following is a statement showing the tonnage (where available) and value of certain classes of commodities consigned from Germany which were registered as imported into the United Kingdom during the year 1921:

asked the President of the Board of Trade what European countries have, since the signing of the Armistice, imposed prohibitive tariffs on British manufactured and semi-manufactured goods; what is the extent of such tariffs; and whether Canada and the other Dominions have indicated whether they propose to resume the policy of preference to British products in operation prior to the outbreak of the War?

Since the Armistice changes of greater or less importance have been made in the Customs tariffs of nearly all European countries, rates generally speaking having been increased. Save in a few exceptional cases of comparatively small importance, British goods are not subject to any higher duties than those applicable to other countries, and I should hesitate to say which are prohibitive to British trade. Full particulars of all tariff changes are published in the "Board of Trade Journal," and I shall be happy to supply my hon. Friend with precise information if he will specify the articles and countries for which he desires it. As regards the last part of the question, the Dominions did not abandon the policy of preference during the War.

asked the Prime Minister if it is intended this Session to introduce a Bill to deal with merchandise marks; and when the Bill may be expected?

I have been asked to reply. It is the intention of the Government to introduce this Session a Bill based on the recommendations of the Merchandise Marks Committee, but it is not possible as yet to name a date for its introduction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he intends to introduce a Bill at an early date to give effect to the recommendations contained in the Report on the Merchandise Marks Act?

I would refer to the answer on this subject which I have given to-day to the hon. Member for Chippenham (Mr. Terrell).

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the terms of the purchase of concentrates in Australia; what is the price to be paid; how much has been paid; what quantities of such concentrates have been sold; to what firms; and at what prices?

I will shortly make a full statement upon these matters in connection with a Supplementary Estimate, and perhaps my right hon. Friend will not object to awaiting that statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the disastrous fire at Hartlepools recently, when over 60 families were rendered homeless, he proposes to institute an inquiry into the causes and consider the advisability of making regulations as to the storage of timber which will prevent a restoration of the dangerous conditions existing prior to the outbreak?

I have been asked to reply. There are no legal powers for instituting an inquiry in such a ease as this, nor is there power to make regulations as to the storage of timber. But I have referred the hon. Member's question to the Royal Commission on Fire Prevention and asked them to consider the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the present state of the Ducie Avenue Infant School, Manchester, if all its glass windows are broken and its yard full of pools, and if it is without cloakroom accommodation; whether the Board of Education is responsible for holding up repairs; and what action he will take to secure the children's health and comfort at this school?

I am making inquiries about the present state of these premises.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that in some cases sufficient regard is not shown to the finer feelings of the child when being medically examined at school; and whether he will consider the desirability of advising education authorities that in the case of girls these examinations should be conducted with greater privacy in order that the hearty co-operation of both child and parent may be obtained in order to secure the best results from the medical inspection of school children?

I am not aware of any such cases as are referred to in the first part of the question. It has been the consistent policy of the Board to secure, with the co-operation of the local education authority and parents, the utmost regard for the feelings of children when being medically examined at school. I shall be pleased to inquire into any cases in which it is alleged that any lack of consideration for school children has been shown.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board approves or disapproves of the practice of dismissing women teachers on marriage; and, if it disapproves of such practice, what action he will take to terminate it?

The responsibility for continuing to employ married women teachers properly rests with the local education authority, and the Board have refrained from expressing either approval or disapproval of women teachers on marriage. If it became my duty to express any opinion on this subject, I could not do so within the limits of question and answer in this House.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he can state what progress has been made with the Government offices under construction at Acton?

The building at Acton has been planned in six blocks, of which four have been completed, and the remaining two will, it is hoped, be completed by the end of March, with the possible exception of certain engineering work.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the advisability of appointing a woman as assistant to the chief establishment officer in Government Departments where large numbers of women are employed?

Yes, Sir. The whole question has been under consideration, and I anticipate that a number of such appointments will shortly be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport to state the cost of collection of the present tax on motor vehicles; and whether, seeing that this tax operates unfairly on certain classes of vehicles, he will consider the desirability of reverting to the former system of a tax on petrol consumption?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not yet completely available, but so far as an estimate can be formed, it is anticipated that the cost will be some £400,000.The various methods of taxation by which the necessary revenue could be raised were carefully considered by a Committee, under the chairmanship of Sir Henry Maybury, the members of which were appointed by the late Minister of Transport from the nominations of the following bodies:—Commercial Motor Users' Association.Automobile Association and Motor Union.Royal Automobile Club.London and Provincial Omnibus Owners' AssociationSociety of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.County Councils' Association.Royal Agricultural Society (England),together with representatives of the Ministry of Transport, the Police, the Treasury, and the Board of Customs and Excise.This Committee, with only one dissentient, reported in 1920 against the Petrol Tax and in favour of the scheme which received legislative sanction in the Finance Act, 1920, and the allocation of the burden amongst the different classes of vehicle was framed by members of the Committee representing the trade and users, and was accepted by the Committee as a whole and by the Minister, unaltered. I do not think the time has yet arrived for a revision, but the matter will be further considered at a later period of the year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport how far the programme of the Roads Department of the Ministry of Transport has been satisfactorily accomplished; how much money, if any, remains under the control of the Road Board; and what was the total sum collected by motor licence duties in 1921?

So far as the current financial year is concerned, the provisional classification of roads in Great Britain has been completed, and grants amounting to between £7,500,000 and £8,000,000 have been indicated to highway authorities towards the approved cost of ordinary maintenance and improvement of Class I and Class II roads. The balance of the net revenue of the Road Fund for the calendar year 1921 has been fully allocated to works of new road construction, widenings, and other road and bridge improvements which are now proceeding. Estimates are being invited from highway authorities in respect of the expenditure on Class I and Class II roads during the coming financial year. Marked progress has been made with the execution of the arterial road programme, sanctioned by the Government as a means of absorbing unemployed labour.The total gross collections for the Motor Tax account during the calendar year 1921 amounted to about £10,588,000. It is estimated that prior statutory charges, costs of collection, &c. (including certain exceptional charges which will not recur in future years), will reduce the revenue to a net sum of approximately £8,475,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is kept aware of the terms under which the smaller railway companies are being amalgamated into the western group; whether these terms are subject to the approval of any body charged with regarding the public interest; and, in particular, what compensation for loss of office is proposed to be paid to the directors of the Rhymney Railway, Cardiff Railway, Taff Vale Railway, and Penarth Railway?

The provisions relating to the approval of schemes are contained in Part I of the Railways Act, and can hardly be summarised within the limits of an answer, and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Act, particularly to Sections 7 (5) and 9 (6), which contain provisions for securing publicity for proposed schemes and the hearing of objections by the Amalgamation Tribunal. No amalgamation scheme for the western group has yet been submitted, and I have, therefore, no information as to any proposals which may be contained in the scheme for the compensation of directors of the railways specified in the question. I may, however, invite my hon. and gallant Friend's attention to Section 3 (1) (d) of the Railways Act, which provides that an amalgamation or absorption scheme may, with the consent of the proprietors, provide for the payment of compensation out of the assets of a constituent or subsidiary company to the directors of the company who suffer loss by abolition of office.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, in the opinion of the expert advisers to that Ministry, motor-omnibus traffic is preferable in tramcar traffic in all congested cities and areas; and whether the overhead trolley system has any considerable merit in comparison with the slot system?

The first part of the question cannot be answered without reference to local circumstances; as regards the latter part, if by "slot system" my hon. and gallant Friend means the conduit system of electric traction, the overhead system is, I understand, the cheaper in respect of cost of installation and maintenance.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether they have made a permanent Order, which cannot be revised for five years, increasing the maximum price of electricity to be charged by the North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Company in Southgate to 8d. per unit without holding any public inquiry into the matter, although the temporary Order had another 18 months to run, in spite of the fact that since the temporary Order was made wages and prices have fallen and are still falling, the benefit of which the public might reasonably be expected to share, and although the Electricity Commission is now considering the whole problem of the supply of electricity in Greater London and may shortly be expected to report thereon; whether such Order was made without requiring the company to supply to the local authorities or otherwise publish the grounds upon which the application was made; and whether the local authorities and local public bodies were unable to deal with such grounds owing to the fact that no public inquiry was held by the Ministry before acceding to the application?

The Minister of Transport, on the application of the North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Company and after considering the representations made against the application by the Southgate Urban District Council and the County Council of Middlesex, has, in pursuance of the powers vested in him by Section 32 of the Schedule to the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act, 1899, made an Order fixing the maximum price which may be charged for electricity supplied by the company in respect of the Southgate Electricity Undertaking at 8d. per unit. This price is the same as that authorised by the temporary Order issued under the Statutory Undertakings (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1918, which would have expired in August, 1923. The maximum price of 8d. is, in my opinion, not an unreasonable one under present conditions. In the circumstances, it was not considered necessary to put either the company, the local authorities, or the Department to the expense of a public inquiry. The opportunity for revision of the maximum price will occur in 5 years' time, or in 3 years if a Bill similar to that introduced last Session passes into law.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the mineowners' refusal to collaborate in setting up pit, district, and national committees, he will allow Part II of the Mining Industry Act to lapse?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Report which I have issued under Section 17 of the Act and which has been laid before Parliament. The question whether Part II is to lapse rests with Parliament, not with me.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has been made towards the recognition of the Government of Mexico by His Majesty's Government; and whether he is aware that the delay in recognition operates as a clog on British export trade?

I regret that it has not been found possible to make any further progress in this matter. The reduction in the export trade is general, and I have no reason to believe that the recognition by His Majesty's Government of the Mexican Government would have saved our trade with that country from the difficulties which have been met with elsewhere.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what were the circumstances under which differences arose between the Government and the Government of the Republic of Peru in relation to the mineral property of La Brea y Parinas, situated in the province of Paita, Republic of Peru, and owned by the heirs of the late William Keswick, and leased to the London and Pacific Petroleum Company, Limited; who are the directors of this company; who are the heirs of the late William Keswick; and whether any part of the costs of the arbitration now agreed upon will fall upon public funds?

The circumstances in which differences arose between His Majesty's and the Peruvian Governments are set forth in Article I of the Arbitration Agreement of 27th August, 1921, published in the Treaty Series No. 1, Peru, of 1922. The London and Pacific Petroleum Company has been in liquidation since 1916. The directors at that time were Henry Keswick, Montagu Piesse, W. W. Oswald and W. S. N. Heard, and its interests on liquidation were taken over by the International Petroleum Company of Canada, who also took over the freehold interests of William Keswick's heirs in November of the same year. William Keswick's heirs are Henry, Margaret Alice and Helen Keswick, Mrs. Pyke and Mrs. Eastwood. The International Petroleum Company have undertaken in writing through their solicitors to indemnify His Majesty's Government against any remuneration of the arbitrator and agent, respectively.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a lunch in the Carlton Hotel was given by the Government on 18th January to Mr. Maurice Donnay; whether the said lunch was presided over by the Minister for Education, and Mr. G. B. Shaw was then selected as British representative at the Molière celebration in France; whether, seeing that Mr. G. B. Shaw's pamphlet against England was used by the Germans to encourage Moorish tribes to revolt against France, and who has stated that France hates England, such an appointment was fully considered by the Ministry?

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." The President of the Board of Education presided at the lunch, but I am not aware of any foundation for the suggestion that Mr. Shaw was selected by the Government as British representative at the Molière celebrations in France, and the last part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total number of Egyptian casualties following upon Zaghloul Pasha's arrest on 23rd December, 1921; and what were the casualties, if any, amongst British troops?

In the riots which occurred on 22nd December and subsequent days, 30 Egyptians were killed and 91 wounded throughout the country in conflicts with the police and military. No casualties are reported amongst British troops during these conflicts, but two soldiers and a warrant officer of the Indian Army were murdered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether representations were made by the banks in Egypt to the Consuls and to Lord Allenby against Lord Allenby's order prohibiting these banks from handing their moneys to Zaghloul Pasha and others?

I have no knowledge of such representations having been made to Lord Allenby or to the Consuls.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether instructions have been issued to the Egyptian Press not to publish anything from the members of the Wafd or Egyptian delegation; and whether the members of the Wafd are prohibited from corresponding with the Press?

Egyptian newspapers have been instructed not to publish anything over the signatures of the eight members of the Wafd, who recently published a violently-worded appeal to Egyptians to adopt the policy of non-co-operation.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will grant a very early date for the discussion of the present and the future government of Egypt?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in reply to a similar inquiry in the course of my speech on Tuesday last.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of Mr. Speaker's certificate that the Safeguarding of Industries Act was a money Bill, it is intended to find means this Session to amend the Parliament Act in such a manner as to give, if not to restore, power to the House of Lords to deal with all Bills, provided they are not Bills purely for the purpose of levying taxation for revenue?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn).

asked the Home Secretary if there is any limit to the percentage of carbon monoxide in gas supplied for domestic use; if his Department is kept informed of the actual percentage in gas supplied; and, if so, will he state what it is in typical cases?

I have been asked to answer. There is no statutory limitation of the proportion of carbon monoxide in gas supplied for domestic purposes. Information is obtained from time to time by the Board of Trade from which it is possible to estimate the proportion of carbon monoxide in the gas. There are very few cases in which it would appear that the proportion would exceed 20 per cent., and generally speaking the proportion is considerably below that figure.

asked the Home Secretary (1) how many applications for naturalisation are now pending in his Department; what steps are being taken to secure the early consideration of specially meritorious cases;(2) and if he is prepared to facilitate the naturalisation of persons resident and carrying on business in this country who have special ability in the development of British export trade?

Owing to the accumulation of applications for certificates of naturalisation during and immediately after the War, there were in December, 1920, as I stated in answer to the question on the 2nd of that month, approximately 13,000 applications outstanding. Since that date 1,527 new applications have been received, and within the same period 1,685 cases have been disposed of. It is not possible to say how many of the remainder can properly be said to be "now pending," as some 5,000 of them relate to former enemy aliens, who are barred from naturalisation by Section 3 (2) of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1918, and many cases must have lapsed owing to the death or departure from this country of the applicants, or other causes.Current applications, whether they are new or are revivals of old applications, are passed under review and dealt with as rapidly as is possible with the limited staff available, and without detriment to the more important public work of the Department. If any applicant submits any special reasons why his application should be expedited, the point is always considered, but it is not possible, generally speaking, to say when a particular application can be completed. Evidence that the naturalisation of a particular applicant would be of value or assistance towards the development of the British export trade would always be considered.

asked the Home Secretary if he can state what is the number of men now imprisoned in each of His Majesty's prisons in South Wales, respectively, on account of non-payment of Income Tax; and whether such arrears are in respect of tax due for the financial years prior to March, 1921?

There are 21 such cases in Cardiff Prison and 17 in Usk Prison. None in the other South Wales prisons. Of the 38 prisoners, I am informed that 26 are committed in respect of non-payment of Income Tax for years prior to March, 1921.

asked the Home Secretary whether any progress has been made in considering the question of the nationality of British women who marry aliens; and whether he can hold out any hope of legislating on the matter?

I regret that in present circumstances I can make no statement as to legislation on this matter.

asked the Home Secretary if it is permissible for ex-enemy aliens resident in this country who claim that they have lost or voluntarily wish to renounce their nationality of origin to have their identity books corrected and to be registered with the police as stateless persons?

It is open to any alien to submit to the Registration Officer evidence that he has actually lost the nationality attributed to him in the Register of Aliens or in his Identity Book or Registration Certificate, and to ask for correction accordingly. The decision of the Registration Officer must depend on the facts of the case.

further asked the Home Secretary if, seeing that the severity of the Regulations which have to be complied with by the Austrian and German business men visiting this country is retarding British export trade and the restoration of Central Europe, he will make an order under the powers conferred on him by Article 14 of the Aliens Orders, 1920, exempting, subject to suitable conditions, bonâ fide merchants and exporters who can give reasonable financial and other guarantees?

The restrictions on the admission to this country of Austrians and Germans, whether business men or not, are imposed by Section 10 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, and I have no power under the Aliens Order, 1920, to grant a general exemption to any class of persons. I have, however, power to grant limited permits to individuals, and in exercising this power I have always before me the importance of the foreign trade of this country, including that with Central Europe, and in all proper cases I authorise the admission of Germans and Austrians to this country for business purposes. As a fact, several thousands of such visits took place last year.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the practice of the Metropolitan Police, when making inquiries about aliens employed in private houses, to ask to see the alleged alien without first requesting an interview with his or her employer; is he aware that this practice causes annoyance in private households and gives opportunity for unauthorised persons to personate a constable with an unlawful purpose; and will he give directions to the Commissioner of Police that will put an end to the practice?

The practice of the Metropolitan Police in making enquiries at private houses is to do so in such a way as may, while being effective, cause the minimum of inconvenience. A house holder is bound under heavy penalties to assist the police in enquiries respecting alien members of his household; but in simple enquiries it would not be usual to cause him inconvenience by insisting on interviewing him unless this is really necessary. Many thousands of such enquiries are made annually, and this is the first occasion, so far as I am aware, in which complaint has been made. There appears to be no reason to alter a practice that works well.

asked the Home Secretary whether the whole of the members of the directorate of the British, Foreign and Colonial Corporation, Limited, of 57, Bishopsgate, London, E.C., were British subjects or naturalised British subjects during the War?

One of the directors was an alien during the War, and, since the War, being now a subject of the Republic of Czecho-Slovakia, has been naturalised. I know of no reason to doubt that the others are and have been British subjects.

asked the Home Secretary if he will reconsider the sentence passed upon Albert Inkpen, having regard to the fact that the publications forming part of the indictment can be obtained in any country and have been on sale for over two years?

In view of the condition of the prisoner's health, I have advised the remission of so much of the sentence as requires him to undergo hard labour, but I regret that I do not feel justified in advising any further remission.

asked the Home Secretary if he intends this Session to bring in a Bill to amend the Workmen's Compensation Act on the lines recommended by the Holman Gregory Committee?

I hope it may be possible to introduce this Session a Bill dealing at any rate with the more urgent questions, but I regret I can make no definite statement on the subject at present.

asked the Home Secretary if he will give the number of convictions for drunkenness in the Metropolitan Police area in the years 1913, 1920, and 1921?

The figures asked for are to be found in the following table:Convictions for Drunkenness in the Metropolitan Police District during the years 1913 to 1921.