asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, inasmuch as a considerable time has now elapsed since any definite statement on the subject has been made, and observing that many married schoolmasters, Royal Navy, are in financial difficulties owing to the high cost of living which is still being maintained, he is now in a position to say that the long-promised revised scheme of pay and promotion for the officers of this branch has been examined and agreed to by the Treasury?

I regret I am not yet in a position to make any announcement on this subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether under the terms of the Order published about 1912 under which the Supplementary List of the Navy was instituted, officers were promised an additional payment of 2s. per day as compensation for the higher age at which they could expect to attain the various ranks, but that this arrangement has been completely ignored in the recent increases of naval pay; and whether, since the original agreement was in the nature of a contract binding on both sides, the Admiralty will reconsider the matter again and grant the 2s. a day compensation of which these officers have now been deprived?

Lieutenants entered on the Supplementary List under Order in Council of 7th March, 1913, received a messing allowance of 2s a day in addition to the ordinary rates of full pay of a Lieutenant, Royal Navy. In 1919 when the new rates of pay of officers were introduced, this allowance, together with messing allowances generally, was abolished, the new rates being considered sufficient without the allowances. There is no question of any breach of contract, since the new rates are invariably much higher than those in force at the time of entry plus the 2s. a day. The Admiralty see no reason for altering the decision arrived at.

Will the hon. Gentleman deny that this extra 2s. was given as compensation for the higher age and lower prospects of promotion, compared with those which there officers in the Merchant Service enjoyed? Under these conditions, is it not, in fact, a breach of contract; and were these officers not tempted by this extra 2s. a day to forego their career in the Merchant Service, trusting to compensation in the Navy?

No, Sir. I do not think that is quite the case. This extra sum was offered as an inducement because the pay then was not quite adequate to men of their age.

Is not promotion less favourable for them, in view of their age than for other officers of the Navy who have gone in much younger?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the pensioner ratings of the Rosyth reserve fleet working party who are serving under non-continuous service engagements have had their annual leave curtailed to 14 days per annum despite the fact that Article 872, paragraph 4, Clause (b), of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions directs that 28 days' leave per annum shall be granted to the reserve fleet and ships in reserve?

This matter is being investigated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that three vacancies exist for paymaster-lieutenants promoted from commissioned writer, and for one commissioned writer; and when it is intended to fill these vacancies in view of the fact that no amendments have been made in the provisional establishment of these ranks, and that in May, 1921, the Admiralty considered that it would be equitable to the writer branch to adhere for the present to the arrangements for the provisional establishment of commissioned writers and paymaster-li utenants promoted from that rank, laid down in Admiralty Monthly Order 3,018A of 1918, rather than to make any immediate change in the numbers allowed?

On the basis of the establishment for the Writer Branch given in Admiralty Monthly Order 3018a of 1918, three vacancies exist for paymaster-lieutenants and one for a commissioned writer. This establishment, however, was a provisional establishment laid down for the period of the War and is now subject to reconsideration. The Admiralty are aware that it was stated in May last that promotions would be continued for the present, but very drastic reductions in the Fleet are now in contemplation, which must inevitably reduce the requirements of personnel generally. In view of the changed conditions, the Admiralty can no longer continue to make promotions in vacancies until the whole question of the numbers of the branch has been considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what special scheme of retirement has been decided upon for officers surplus to requirements?

I regret I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the matter.

With regard to Question 15, I presume the Committee referred to was the Grand Fleet Committee, presided over by Admiral Sir Henry Oliver, who is now a Member of the Board of Admiralty. The answer is in the affirmative. I am afraid the answer to Question 16 must be in the negative. The Board were fully alive to the recommendations of the Halsey Committee regarding Income Tax when framing the sketch Estimate for 1922–23.

Are we to understand that the Admiralty thought this a very necessary inclusion in the sketch Estimates, and that under pressure of the Treasury they have withdrawn it, and is not that a very false economy?

I must leave my hon. and gallant Friend to draw his own conclusions as to what is and what is not false economy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the numbers of the staff employed at the Admiralty in July, 1914, and at the latest available date?

The number of staff employed at the Admiralty on 1st February was as follows:

Civil and naval staff	…	3,777
Messengers and charwomen	…	634
Total	…	4,411

This staff is being reduced by some 500 by the end of next month, and this reduction will be followed by further substantial reductions during the spring and summer months. I may add that it must be recognised that these reductions will seriously delay the distribution of War medals and prize money, and also the final winding up of transactions arising out of the War. Arrangements have already been made to get down to ,800 by the end of the next financial year and methods of reducing this number still further are now under consideration. The staff in July, 1914, was:

Civil and naval staff	…	1,718
Messengers and charwomen	…	354
Total	…	2,072

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the latest available figures as regards unemployment, showing the total number registered as unemployed, the total number drawing unemployed benefit, and the total number whose period of benefit has expired and who are still unemployed, respectively; and what provision the Government proposes to make for those whose period of benefit will be exhausted within the next few months?

The number of persons registered at the Employment Exchanges as wholly unemployed on 7th February was 1,892,000—a decrease of 42,600 in the last four weeks. On the same date, about 1,794,000 were claiming unemployment benefit. The earliest date at which the current 16 weeks of benefit can be exhausted is 22nd February. The condition of unemployment necessitates the extension of the further six weeks' benefit contemplated in the Act. I have felt it necessary, however, in order to conserve the fund for those in real need of assistance, to issue certain additional instructions in connection with this special extension. If my hon. Friend cares to put down an unstarred question for tomorrow, I will furnish him with a summary of these conditions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question and say what provision will be made beyond that already provided for, namely, the six weeks in addition to the 16 weeks, which only takes us to the end of March? What provision will be made for the period of unemployment beyond March, when these benefits will expire?

I thought my hon. Friend's question had reference to the extension of six weeks. I have announced that that extension will be made, and that is as far as I can go at present.

Will the extension be made on the full allowances now given, or on less allowances?

On the allowances of 15s. for men and 12s. for women, but, as I have said, with a view to seeing that assistance is given to those in real need of it, I have issued a series of instructions, of which, as I have said, I shall be pleased to give my hon. Friend a summary if he will put a question down to-morrow.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men, women, boys, and girls in the United Kingdom who were engaged in industry as operatives in January, 1914, and the number then out of employment; and what are the corresponding figures for January, 1922?

I regret that figures of the numbers employed at the dates mentioned are not available, but there is certain allied information which may be of service to my hon. Friend, and I will, if I may, circulate this in the OFFICIAL REPORT, together with such comparison as can be made of the proportions unemployed at the dates named.

The following is the information referred to:

The total number of persons working for employers in industries, professions and services, other than agriculture and domestic service, at January, 1914, is estimated, on the basis of such information as is available, to have been approximately 13,000,000 (8,700,000 men, 1,000,000 boys under 18, 2,500,000 women, 700,000 girls under 18). The figures include salaried employés as well as wage-earners, for whom no separate totals are available. On the basis of inquiries which were made in November, 1920, it appears that, at that date, the corresponding total was somewhere about 13,800,000 (8,800,000 men, 1,100,000 boys, 3,100,000 women, and 800,000 girls). I have no later information.

The only comparable figures of unemployment at the dates mentioned are those supplied by certain trade unions (mainly of skilled workmen) which pay out-of-work benefit and furnish returns. These figures show that 2.5 per cent. of the members of those unions were unemployed at the end of January, 1914, compared with 3.7 per cent. at the end of November, 1920, and 16.5 per cent. at the end of December, 1921.

I would add that the numbers of persons registered at Employment Exchanges in the United Kingdom as wholly unemployed on 7th February, 1922, were as follow:

Men	…	…	…	1,446,974
Women	…	…	…	332,204
Boys	…	…	…	65,467
Girls	…	…	…	47,484
				1,892,129

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Thedwastre District Council have spent £1,500 on a scheme of public utility on the strength of Circulars 245 and 251 of the Ministry of Health; that the work was inspected by an inspector of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, who expressed his approval, advising the continuance of the works and certain improvements, adding considerably to the cost; that this inspector assured the clerk and surveyor of the Thedwastre Rural District Council that a grant would be made; that the Unemployment Grants Committee have now refused to make the grant, with the result that a very heavy additional burden will be thrown upon the rates of this purely agricultural district; and that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries were requested by the Unemployment Grants Committee to investigate and report upon these relief works; and whether the decision of the Unemployment Grants Committee to withhold the grant will be reconsidered in view of the expenditure having been undertaken on the faith of promises given by the Government?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to take this question. Certain proposals in respect of which the Council has applied to the Unemployment Grants Committee for a grant were referred by that committee to the Ministry as "the appropriate Government Department" to decide whether the works could be regarded as "suitable works of public utility." The Ministry's inspector reported that the proposals were sound, but he did not advise as to the continuance of the works, nor did he give any assurance to the clerk or the surveyor of the rural district council that a grant would be made. In the light of his report a certificate was sent by the Ministry to the Unemployment Grants Committee to the effect that the proposed works were suitable works of public utility. The decision as to making a grant rested solely with the Committee, who, I understand, were obliged to refuse a grant on account of the exhaustion of the funds at their disposal. I may add that all the works referred to in the hon. and gallant Member's question were apparently started some time before an application for financial assistance was submitted to the Unemployment Grants Committee and at no stage was any undertaking given that a grant would be forthcoming.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny that this inspector encouraged greater expenditure and more elaborate work, and did he not give the Council to understand that they would get a grant? May I ask the Minister of Labour, to whom the question on the Paper is addressed, whether he considers it satisfactory that his Department should have encouraged local authorities to go in for these schemes, virtually promising them a grant which the Department did not materialise; and is he aware that this district is already rated at 23s. in the £, and that his failure to redeem his promise will put another 1s. on the rates?

With regard to the question addressed to me, I understand that the inspector of the Ministry of Agriculture never gave any kind of idea that a grant would be made. His duty was solely to certify whether the works were of public utility or not.

This question will be answered by the Forestry Commission.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman himself refer to these schemes in a speech which he made a short time ago?

Certainly, but this is a matter which lies in the province of the Forestry Commission, and I understand that the Parliamentary Forestry Commissioner is responsible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the question of bringing farm servants within the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Acts is within the terms of reference to the Inter - Departmental Committee recently appointed by him and the Minister of Health to investigate the cost of insurance administration; and whether he is aware that such a proposal would be opposed by a large section of the agricultural community in Scotland?

This question would not, I think, come within the scope of the Committee. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that if any proposal to include agriculture were made, the employers and employed persons in this industry would be consulted before action was taken.

Will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking that agricultural workers will not be brought within the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Acts until the consent of this House has been obtained?

Under the law I may make an Order including them. But. I certainly should not propose to do so without carefully consulting the parties concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will inquire into the constitution of the management of the Incorporated Industry Unemployment Insurance Board; and whether he will take steps to see that the principle of democratic representation is applied to the management of the organisation?

The original members, who are at present in office and are to retire in rotation, were elected by the employers, and employés repre- sentatives respectively on the committee which set up the scheme. The method of appointing their successors requires the approval of the Minister of Labour and has not yet been determined.

asked the Minister of Labour how many women's and girls' posts Were found through the Employment Exchanges in the year 1921; and what were the principal occupations?

During the year 1921 the Employment Exchanges filled vacancies for 216,742 women and 61,057 girls—a total of 277,799. Of these vacancies 45,620 were in resident domestic

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that approximately 2,000,000 insured persons have been unemployed for 26 weeks since July, 1921, and will thereby be disentitled to receive the ordinary sickness, disablement, and maternity benefits under the National Health Insurance Acts for 12 months from the 1st January, 1923, it is his intention to prolong beyond 31st December, 1922, the arrangement embodied in the Act passed last year and the amended arrears Regulations subsequently issued, under which persons unemployed through no fault of their own remain entitled to certain minimum cash benefits; and, if not, what other arrangement he proposes service, 120,241 in other kinds of domestic service, 25,698 in dressmaking, boots and shoes, &c., 11,114 in textiles and 16,038 in commercial and clerical work. I am forwarding to my hon. Friend a statement showing the position in greater detail.

Do the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has given include any people who have been duplicated, that is, for whom employment has been found twice over?

I take it that charwomen, for instance, have been included who have been in more than one employment during that time.

The title of insured persons to benefits during the year 1923 is governed by the number of contributions paid during the whole of the current contribution year, which does not end until the 2nd July next. There is, therefore, no need for any decision at present on the question raised by the hon. Member, and I am not yet in possession of sufficient information to enable me to arrive at a decision.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the repeated allegations that much of the milk served out to the public is dirty and impure and is a menace to the health of the community?

I have for some time, in consultation with leading experts, been considering what steps can be taken to improve the milk supply, but I cannot yet say whether it will be possible to introduce legislation this Session.

asked the Minister of Health what is the position of the Government in regard to the carrying out of the housing proposals of local authorities; how many schemes have been sanctioned; what is the total expenditure to which his Department is committed; and how many houses have been erected in the United Kingdom during the last three months?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Heywood Division (Mr. Halls) on the 9th February. The number of separate schemes approved for local authorities and public utility societies is 4,372. The capital commitments in respect of the schemes for which tenders have been approved amount approximately to £178,000,000. The number of houses completed in England and Wales under the housing schemes during the last three months is 28,004.

asked the Minister of Health what was the total amount of the estimates supplied by the Ministry to the council of the Royal borough of Kensington in connection with the acquisition of houses in that borough and their conversion into flats and maisonnettes under the recent housing legislation; what was the actual cost found to have been incurred on the completion of the said conversions; and, if in excess of the estimated cost, by how much were such estimates exceeded?

The total of the estimates for the acquisition and conversion of houses into flats was £39,245. The actual cost on completion was £83,415, the excess being £44,170. I understand that the excess was mainly due to the fact that when the houses were opened up for the purpose of carrying out the conversion, a very large amount of repair to the structure of the houses, which could not be foreseen, was found to be necessary. The remainder of the excess was due to increases in the cost of wages and materials, and to variations found necessary in the scheme after the estimate was made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local authority protested to the Ministry, with regard to a number of these houses, that they were quite unsuitable for conversion, and does he not think it scandalous that they-should be forced to convert houses which involve them in an excess above the estimate of over £44,000?

The hon. Baronet must be aware that it does not involve the local authority in anything more than a 1d. rate. It is the unfortunate taxpayer who will have to provide it. We were very much pressed at that time by local authorities to provide this accommodation.

Unfortunately, is it not a fact that the local ratepayers are also taxpayers?

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government have considered the desirability of extending until 1924 the period during which the housing subsidy for new houses will be given to local authorities?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on Thursday last to a question of the hon. Member for the Heywood Division (Mr. Halls) on this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why the same consideration should not be given to English housing authorities as has been given to Scottish housing authorities?

As far as I am aware, exactly the same consideration is going to be extended.

asked the Minister of Health what proposals His Majesty's Government intend to bring forward in the early future for meeting the great and still continuing dearth of houses?

In view of the large programme of housing still to be completed, and the continued reduction in prices, I hope that further State intervention in any form will not be required, and that the building industry will return to its pre-War economic basis.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the industry has failed in the endeavour to supply the smaller houses?

Before the War the private building industry supplied about 95 per cent.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that houses for which a subsidy has been paid are being kept empty 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 if refusing tenants?

I have no evidence that this practice is in any way extensive, and I would point out that the present falling prices are unfavourable to its adoption. As regards the question of legislation, I would refer to my reply on Thursday last to the question put by the hon. Member for the Heywood and Radcliffe Division.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of houses are being intentionally kept empty for the purpose of sale, and that tenancies are being refused?

I am aware that there are cases of the kind; but the question of dealing legislatively with the question reveals features of very great complication beyond the immediate difficulties; as to the question of rates, I am looking into it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the City of London empty premises are placed upon half rates; and could not that be applied to other parts of the country?

I will consider that. I have been looking into the matter, but it is one of very great difficulty.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses included in contracts approved by him and the average cost per house during the following periods: where the contracts were approved by him prior to 30th June, 1921; where the contracts were approved by him between 30th June and 31st December, 1921; and where the contracts were approved during the current year?

The number of houses in approved tenders is 165,330. The average tender prices approved for these period are as follow:

Prior to the 30th June, 1921, £815 and £917 for non-parlour and parlour houses respectively; for the period 30th June to 31st December, 1921, £593 and £684; and during the current year £478 and £534.

asked the Minister of Health if it is intended to take any steps to carry out the recommendation made by Mr. P. M. Crossthwaite, in his Report to the Local Government Board, dated 30th June, 1919, on the flooding of the Lee Valley, that one central authority should control the whole watershed; and whether he will convene a conference of the riparian authorities concerned with a view to appointing this authority?

I am advised that the cost of a complete scheme for the prevention of flooding in the Lee Valley would be out of all proportion to the benefits to be derived from it, and, therefore, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by convening a conference of riparian authorities for the object suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if he approves of the suggestion that the whole of the administration of the Lee Valley should be placed under one authority?

I will consider that question.

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 on 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 true House of Commons is adequately represented?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the difficulties which have arisen in connection with the departmental committee of inquiry into the treatment of asylum patients and of the refusal of the National Asylum Workers' Union to elect a representative because, in their opinion, the terms of reference exclude material evidence and fail to protect witnesses, he will consider the appointment of a Royal Commission to explore the whole problem and the future treatment of all types of mental disorder?

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 practical 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 I 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.

Is it not a fact that one member of the tribunal has openly and publicly delivered a slashing attack upon Dr. Lomax and his book, long before the investigation; is it not a fact that Dr. Lomax has made a terrible indictment against a system rather than against men; does the right hon. Gentleman not think that Dr. Lomax and others have put up a sufficiently strong primâ facie case to warrant a tribunal of transparent impartiality?

I cannot accept the last part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question. The tribunal is quite impartial. Dr. Lomax has now an opportunity of substantiating his charges. He made very serious allegations about a certain institution which, I considered, required immediate investigation, and I have appointed very competent people to investigate them. It is now for Dr. Lomax to try to substantiate his charges, or withdraw them.

Will the Minister of Health qualify the condemnation of the Asylum Workers' Union by saying that the refusal was due to certain limitations upon their members?

I said that I regretted that they refused to appear and give evidence.

There were reasons.

The reason put to me was that they wanted a representative on the Committee. Considering that they are the people who are mainly attacked by Dr. Lomax in this matter, it, obviously, would not be proper to put them, the defendants, on the Committee. In the interests of the members, I should have thought it was their duty to come forward to clear their members.

May I press my right hon. Friend for an answer to my question, as to whether it has come within his knowledge that one member of the tribunal has openly attacked Dr. Lomax in advance of the investigation, and if he finds that is the case will he substitute for this particular gentleman someone else?

I see no reason for making the alteration suggested.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the recent conference between the Lunacy Board of control and lunacy officials in regard to the administration of the Statute, any decision was arrived at as to taking steps to acquaint the next-of-kin of ex-service men with their rights in regard to the discharge of private patients and also as to the urgency of posting up Section 79 of the Act in the waiting-rooms of asylums with a view to informing the relatives of pauper patients of the rights conferred upon them by the Statute.

Since 1st January last the Board of Control have adopted the practice of sending a circular to the next-of-kin of ex-service men immediately on receiving a notice of transfer to the service class, setting out the provisions of Sections 72–74 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, as to discharge of private patients. In regard to the latter part of the question, all asylum authorities have been requested to set out the effect of Section 79 of the Act in the Regulations as to Visitation which are sent to friends of patients. This the Board consider preferable to putting up a notice in the waiting-room.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not had some trouble with the next-of-kin who took advantage of that, and are, in consequence, deprived of training allowances and sometimes of a portion of their pension?

I have had no notice of this question in my Department.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the numerous cases recently reported of gas poisoning; and whether it is possible for him to take steps to prevent gas being supplied to the public which cannot readily be detected when an escape occurs?

I have been asked to answer this question, and would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on Monday last to a question asked by the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to introduce any legislation this year for the conservation of water supplies or to increase the powers of the water authorities?

I do not at present contemplate the introduction of legislation in regard to water supplies, but the position is being carefully watched and a number of administrative measures have been taken.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the practice of living-in on canal boats; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in connection therewith?

I have given most careful consideration to the recommendations of the Committee over which my hon. Friend presided. I am afraid, however, that the present time is not opportune for the introduction of legislation to give effect to their recommendations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the investigation of the Committee showed that about 1,000 children were to-day living in canal boats, and that the great majority of these children were uneducated; does he not think that that calls for legislation?

I read the Report very carefully, and I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that the state of things is not altogether satisfactory; but this does not seem to me to be the best moment for legislation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the feeling of resentment in the general body of the population caused by the maintenance of the wages of its employés by the Poplar Borough Council above the rates ruling under trade union agreements and in accordance with the scales based upon the cost of living; and whether he can take any action to remove this cause of unrest?

I have no power to take any action in the matter to which the hon. Member refers; the remedy in such matters as this lies in the hands of the municipal electors themselves.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Poplar Borough Council has decided that no man who is not a member of a trade union shall be employed by it, that no man whose trade union card is six weeks in arrears shall be taken on, and that men in arrear without justification shall he put off at once; whether these regulations apply to works for the relief of unemployment instituted by the Poplar Borough Council; and, if so, whether such a limitation as to the persons to be employed is permitted in the case of contributions towards such works out of moneys granted by Parliament for the provision of work for the unemployed generally?

I understand that the facts stated in the first part of the question are substantially correct. With regard to the remainder of the question, I am informed that the men employed on works in respect of which grants are made by the Unemployed Grants Committee are engaged through the Employment Exchange, and that there is no discrimination between those who have trade union tickets and those who have not.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Poplar Board of Guardians have failed, notwithstanding the gradual reduction in the cost of living and the agreements arrived at between employers and trade unions as to the lowering of salaries and wages, in accordance with, such agreements, to reduce the salaries and wages of any of their officers or employés except in the case of those coming under the provisions of the Civil Service Award No. 102; and whether the salaries or wages of any officer or employé not coming under the Civil Service award are a charge upon the Common Poor Fund?

I understand that the guardians have postponed the reduction of salaries and wages of employés not coining under the Civil Service award, but that this question is to be considered at their next meeting. I am, however, informed that practically the whole of the administrative relief and institution staffs are covered by the Civil Service award, and steps will be taken to limit the charge on the Common Poor Fund in respect of salaries or wages which are not so covered.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the position of an unemployed man whose wife and children have obtained parish relief, but who has abstained himself from such a claim, in relation to the elections shortly to be held for local government and county councils; and whether he has considered the desirability of introducing legislation to declare whether such a person is disqualified because his dependants have received relief?

I am not at present in a position to make a statement on the matter to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet come to a decision as to the policy to be pursued during the next financial year with reference to the supply by local authorities of food and milk to expectant and nursing mothers and young children, which is the subject of Circular 267 issued by his Department in December last?

The Circular in question was in part the outcome of my desire to carry on the policy adopted by my predecessor of reducing the expenditure on the supply of milk to expectant and nursing mothers and young children which he found to be excessive. The Circular also embodied medical advice as to the value of supplying meals instead of milk, which I received from my medical advisers and from outside persons of great authority. I have now received replies from most of the local authorities, which are generally to the effect that they prefer to continue the supply of milk, in view of the difficulty of arranging for the general supply of meals. I, therefore, propose to continue during the next financial year the arrangements at present in force for the supply of milk under proper safeguards against abuse, allowing local authorities to substitute meals for milk where they desire and are able to do so.

asked the Prime Minister if the Income Tax has been reduced in Germany; and if so, to what extent?

Yes, Sir. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table comparing the new and old rates of tax. I understand that the purpose of the amendment was to adapt the scale of abatements and graduation to the depreciation of the mark. The internal purchasing power of the mark has fallen by over 40 per cent. since last March when the old scale was adopted, and its external purchasing power to an even greater extent.

What is the Income Tax now payable in Germany in equivalent British currency?

I believe the information that I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT will enable the hon. Gentleman to ascertain that.

Does the hon. Gentleman say in his report what is the amount levied and the amount collected?

In Germany? That is not included in the information I am circulating, and I am afraid that my means of information do not allow me to give it.

Could not the Reparations Committee have some control over the reduction of the German Income Tax?

That, of course, is a question of high policy; as I understand it, under the Peace Treaty they have no such control.

asked the Prime Minister the total amount of unpaid claims due to private individuals in the South of Ireland for damage done by Sinn Feiners, for which Decrees have been granted by county court judges; what steps are being taken by the Government towards their payment; and whether, in view of the fact that interest at 5 per cent. has been granted on these claims, some of which have been owing for over a year, the Government will take steps, in the interests of economy, to pay these off at once?

The total amount of the compensation awarded to private individuals in Southern Ireland in respect of injuries to person or property is £7,667,368, for the period from the 1st June, 1919, to the 31st December, 1921. It is not at present possible to distinguish the Decrees made in respect of injuries committed by Sinn Feiners from those made in respect of injuries dominated by other persons. As the House has already been informed, it is hoped to make a full statement on this subject in connection with the Bill of Indemnity.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can inform the House whether the Lord Lieutenant's motor car, which was recently held up in broad daylight in Dublin by a gang of armed men and stolen, has yet been re covered; whether this motor car was private or public property; and whether the Government intend to leave a portion of the Crown forces in Ireland for the protection of the Lord Lieutenant's person, his private property, and of the Viceregal Lodge, and other public pro-property?

The car in question is public property. The reply to the other parts of the question is in the negative. The forces of the Provisional Government will assume the duties of protection at present carried out by the British forces and police as soon as they are in a position to do so.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to a cable message alleged to have been sent on Monday last by Mr. Michael Collins to Mr. Lyons, of the American Association of the Irish Republic, in which Mr. Collins is reported as saying that the alternative to the Treaty sooner or later is a reversion to war conditions, that he wants the people to decide, and that if they decide for war, none of them need doubt where he will stand; and what steps the Government propose to take in view of this announcement by Mr. Collins?

I noticed the message to which reference has been made in the Press. It does not, in my opinion, call for any comment on the part of His Majesty's Government.

Will my right hon. Friend convey to Mr. Collins this intimation, that a threat of war to be waged by Ireland on Great Britain is not conducive to good government in Southern Ireland, or to good relations between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland?

The very purpose of the statement made by Mr. Collins to America was, I assume, to induce and facilitate the acceptance of the Treaty. Anyhow, I do not think we want to make more heavy weather than we can help.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement regarding the condition of affairs in Belfast and the loss of life and the number wounded by shooting into crowded thoroughfares; if he will say whether the military and Royal Irish Constabulary are now under the control of the British authorities, and, if so, will he state what steps are being taken to deal with the serious state of affairs there?

I have one or two pieces of information to give to the House, and perhaps I may incorporate them in my answer to this question. In the first place, I have heard from Mr. Michael Collins, who is now in this country, that he has already been able to obtain the release of 15 of the kidnapped persons, and that he hopes more will be liberated during the day. I am satisfied that every effort of influence and persuasion is being used by the Provisional Government to secure the release of these persons, and I am assured that in the meanwhile they are being kept in safety and under decent conditions. I have been very much concerned at the attitude of mutual suspicion which has been growing up on both sides of the Ulster border. There is great apprehension in Northern Ireland that there may be some violent incursion, and a great suspicion that large numbers of the Irish Republican Army are accumulating and concentrating in the villages of Monaghan, and that, therefore, possibly there may be an attack. I have received several very anxious telegrams on that subject. On the other hand, there is a considerable movement of armed constables taking place north of the line, and similar apprehensions are entertained by those on the south side. I therefore proposed, yesterday, to the Northern and Southern Governments that there should be two impartial commissions set up, consisting of several British officers and of officers from the forces on either side of the border—from the Northern force in the case of the North, and from the Southern force in the case of the South, and that these two liaison commissions should move about on each side of the frontier, and should be in communication with each other and interchange information constantly, in order to allay suspicions which might easily give rise to some serious incident. I have received from the Northern Government prompt and unqualified acceptance, and I also received from Mr. Collins to-day his full agreement with the proposal, which I hope, will tend to allay the uncertainty that prevails, and to stabilise the position.

I have received, in answer to the question specifically put to me, two communications about Belfast. The first, which I will impart to the House, is from the Provisional Government in Ireland. Complaint has been made to them of a serious character to this effect—I am not quoting textually:

• Feb. 6th. Barman Gray shot dead at work.
• Feb. 7th. Three wounded.
• Feb. 8th. McDonough shot dead, Meadow Street.
• Feb. 11th. Mrs. Page shot dead in her shop.
• Feb. 12th. Mathers and Tennyson tortured, and shot dead, Millfield. Leary and Gregg shot dead, Carrick Hill.
• Feb. 13th. Lamb, publican, shot dead in shop. McNellis, barman, shot dead at work. Bomb thrown among children at play. Kennedy and Johnston instantly killed; three others since died in hospital; remaining seventeen in hospital, terribly mutilated.

That is the substance of the complaint addressed to the Provisional Government in Dublin from persons in Belfast, and forwarded by them to me. I am bound to put it before the House, in pursuance of the principle of stating exactly what is taking place in Ireland. I have also received from the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (Sir James Craig) the following statement:

"Disturbances of Monday were renewed yesterday morning at 6.15 a.m. by sniping from the Sinn Fein Falls Road area. Later in the morning, a leading official of the Orange body was murdered in an Orange hall, causing intense feeling of resentment throughout the loyal population. Sniping then became general throughout the disturbed area. Later an armed sniper, with the barrel of his rifle still hot, was captured by the Special Constabulary. In the evening an attack was made on tramway workers while at their work on the tram lines. One of the assailants was shot dead by the police. Reinforcements of the military were called out and comparative quiet was restored, save in the east district, which had been quiet all day. In that district, between 8 and 9 p.m. a gang of rowdies went through an outlying portion of the district firing at several houses, including that of the parish priest. Two men were shot on the street by them during this period, and several persons wounded. I regret to state that the total casualties for the day reported to the police up till now are 6 killed and 24 wounded.

"To-day the City is comparatively quiet. Until the kidnapped loyalists are returned unharmed, I fear that the intense bitterness that has been aroused between opposing parties owing to that and other outrages will be difficult to allay. The military are cooperating fully with the police, and are doing everything possible to protect life and property."

I should like to take this opportunity of expressing what I know is the opinion of every man in every part of the House, and what I certainly know is the opinion of those who are responsible for the government of Northern and Southern Ireland, namely, that the time has come when everyone who has any influence of any kind or sort on either side of the frontier-line of Northern and Southern Ireland ought to set to work to remove every obstacle of temporary vexation and quarrel which is now existing, in order to allay the truly inhuman and unchristian state of things which is proceeding. The greatest pressure has been put by His Majesty's Government upon the Irish Provisional Government to effect the release of the kidnapped persons, and I do trust that should they be successful, and should the Provisional Government be successful, we may look for similar action, or action couched in a similar spirit, on the part of the Northern Irish Government in releasing certain prisoners whom they have in their hands, and whose continued detention, although no serious crime is alleged against them, is undoubtedly one of the causes of trouble. I do not for one moment compare prisoners who have been taken lawfully, and are being proceeded against at law in the courts, with persons who were kidnapped; but I do ask men of good will not to take fine points in matters of such a character.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his best influence with His Majesty's Government to remove what is really the foundation of the trouble in the entire business, that is to say, to leave the boundary question in accordance with the Act of 1920?

I do not agree that it is, but—

That is a question set down on the Paper for debate to-morrow.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, despite the fact that 128 people were kidnapped by violence across the border of Southern Ireland and four Special Constables were killed and six wounded, there has been a solitary act of reprisal from any Protestant on the frontier line—because the statement he has made is calculated to convey the contrary impression? May I further ask whether, having regard to the statement which the right hon. Gentleman has made as to the proposal to liberate persons caught proceeding to a football match with 20 bombs in their car, and a corresponding number of revolvers with ammunition, it is to be laid down now by him and the Government that such people are to be free to pass through Northern Ireland, but that, if you send police through Southern Ireland to go to the defence of these raided areas, they are to be assassinated? Will the right hon. Gentleman state the policy on that?

I certainly have not the slightest intention of colouring the information which I receive, or the statements which I make to the House, in one direction or the other. The only possible means by which we shall escape from this hideous business is by frankly stating the facts. I shall he very glad to receive from my hon. Friend the evidence which he has as to the bombs and revolvers of which he speaks. I have frequently asked for this evidence, but I have not yet had it furnished to me, and I do not think that, if it were forthcoming, the Northern Government would have taken the very lenient course of saying that they would not oppose bail if it were asked for by these men. That is all I have to say on that particular subject, but I should like to bear my tribute to the strenuous and intense efforts which have been made by the authorities in Northern Ireland to prevent reprisals, and the success which, as the hon. Gentleman says, those efforts have undoubtedly achieved on the frontier in preventing anything like a violent counter-outbreak. The disturbances in Belfast are of a peculiar character, but of a very horrible character. I know perfectly well that Sir James Craig and his colleagues are working night and day to try and limit these serious and horrible cases, and I wish to make it absolutely clear that we have every confidence in their strenuous efforts to do all they can to prevent reprisals in any form and loss of life and destruction of property.

May I ask the Leader of the House whether, in view of the terrible state of affairs existing in Northern and Southern Ireland, as evidenced by the statement just made by the Colonial Secretary, the Government really intend to proceed with the Bill that is on the Paper for to-morrow?

Yes, Sir. I have repeatedly stated that this lamentable state of affairs is a measure of the urgency of investing the Provisional Government in Southern Ireland with full legal power to deal with disorder.

Arising out of that statement, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has seen the Press reports of the proceedings before the magistrates, in which is specifically set out the number of arms found and the extent of the ammunition; and, as to the position of Belfast, whether he is not well aware of the fact that every Member of Parliament in Belfast throughout these terrible times has literally taken his life in his hands in endeavouring to prevent breaches of the peace, and that some have even been under fire, even so late as yesterday; and is he also aware of the fact that all the persons killed yesterday were Protestants?

I have given all the information that I have. I am quite certain that my hon. Friend and those associated with him will do their very utmost to reduce the fury and the retaliatory action which has been taken.

asked if His Majesty's Government is pledged to assist the Zionists in establishing a Jewish State in Palestine?

The pledges of His Majesty's Government are contained in the letter addressed to Lord Rothschild by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council in November, 1917. I have already explained to the House the interpretation placed by His Majesty's Government on the language of that letter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what developments are taking place with regard to oil in Palestine; which companies or groups have received concessions to bore for oil in Palestine; and why all reference to oil developments was omitted from the review of commerce and industries contained in the Interim Report of the High Commissioner?

No concessions to bore for oil in Palestine have been granted to any companies or groups since the British occupation. Certain companies and groups, British and foreign, claim to have acquired concessions of this nature from the Ottoman Government before the War. When the Treaty of Peace with Turkey is ratified such claims will be dealt with in accordance with the terms of Section 6 of the Treaty. Permission has been accorded to certain companies to examine the areas over which they claim to have acquired concessions, with a view to determining whether or not to pursue their claims. It has been made clear that the grant of this permission does not prejudice the question of the validity of the claims concerned, and, further, that no exploitation will be allowed until the political status of Palestine has been regularised. There have been no developments in connection with oil which could suitably have been included in the High Commissioner's Interim Report.

Can we be assured that no monopoly will be granted in this country?

That is a very general question to ask in relation to oil.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as stated in the Palestine Press, Messrs. Jabotinsky and David Yellin were implicated in the importation and smuggling of arms into Palestine through the port of Haifa?

I have no knowledge of the Press reports referred to in the question. I am awaiting a full report on the incident from the High Commissioner for Palestine.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department received any report at all on this question?

No, Sir; not according to my information.

Is this the same Mr. Jabotinsky who took part in the raising of the Jewish Legion in the War?

It sounds very much like it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the High Commissioner for Palestine has reversed his decision to exempt apiaries and incubators from paying Customs dues?

I have no information on the point raised by the Noble and gallant Lord.

asked the Minister of Health whether there has recently been an increase in the number of cases of diphtheria in London; whether the number of such cases are abnormal; what steps his Department has taken in order to stay the spread of this epidemic; and can he make any general statement on the subject?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. I regret that it is impossible for me in an answer to a Parliamentary question to deal in detail with the preventive measures taken by the Ministry and the local authorities concerned, but I have reason to believe that they are satisfactory and that a very large percentage of the total number of cases of diphtheria have been removed for isolation and treatment to the hospitals of the Metropolitan Asylums Board.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Arabs from Iraq now in prison or in internment in Ceylon or elsewhere?

So far as my information goes, the only Iraq Arab, apart from those convicted of criminal offences, and consequently not covered by the recent general amnesty, who can be described as in prison or in internment outside of Iraq, is Saiyid Talib, concerning whom a reply was given to the hon. Member yesterday. He is about to proceed to take waters at a spa in Southern Europe.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to encourage British capital to be invested in the necessary development of British Crown Colonies and Protectorates in such manner as to give employment at home and to increase the market for British goods overseas as a result of the prosperity consequent upon such development; and whether it is due to the absence of the necessary guarantee as to security by the British Government backing the proposals of the local governments for approved schemes that the investment of private capital is discouraged?

All schemes submitted to me by local governments or private individuals are carefully considered. In particular, the Colonies and Protectorates are being encouraged to place in this country orders for machinery and other supplies required for development. I have had submitted to me development proposals for the investment of private capital involving a guarantee by His Majesty's Government, and the applicants have been advised to submit these schemes to the Trade Facilities Advisory Committee, whose province it is to consider them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the government of North Borneo issues licences to private traders for the sale of opium to the labourers on the plantations; whether there is no legislative limit to the amount of opium which may be sold to the coolies; and whether he will ask the Chartered Company of North Borneo to supply His Majesty's Government with a return showing to what extent the revenue of the country has benefited during the last five years by the sale of the drug?

I understand that the sale of prepared opium (chandu) in the territory of the British North Borneo Company is not permitted except by duly licenced persons who are subject to very stringent regulations and liable to severe penalties for their infringement. There is no legislative limit to the amount of Government prepared opium which may be purchased, but by virtue of the administrative measures instituted by the Government for the control of the traffic, consumers are practically rationed to a moderate rate of consumption. It is an offence for any person to have in his possession any prepared opium other than Government prepared opium. I am informed that, as a result of the close supervision exercised by the Government, there has been a substantial decrease in consumption per capita in recent years. As regards the last part of the question, I will make inquiry of the Company.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that for many coolies from malarious districts in the East a supply of opium is necessary as a medicine to keep them in health?

That is a matter for argument.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there are any legislative limits to the ages at which girls in Hong Kong may be transferred for a money payment from one person to another for domestic and other services?

No, Sir; the whole system is not recognised by the law of the Colony and is, therefore, not regulated by legislation.

Why do you not put it down?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend is quite entitled to raise this question, and when an opportunity occurs I shall be very glad to ascertain what the general sense of the House is upon it. I am anxious that hon. Members should know what is the case for not violently overturning this custom which is universal throughout China.

It was stated to the House only yesterday that this practice has been condemned. As it has been under the consideration of the Colonial Office since 1880, I should imagine that we are not really hurrying the matter.

It may sound very objectionable in principle, but I believe that in practice it is not so prejudicial.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not seen the accounts in the papers of the cruelty upon these children as the result of this practice?

I shall be very glad if my hon. and gallant Friend will send me any information which he has upon this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what types of aeroplanes and engines are at present in use in the Royal Air Force; and how many of these types were designed before or during 1918?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer

The following are the types of aeroplanes and engines at present in use in the Royal Air Force. With the exception of the "Vickers Vernon," "Vickers Ambulance," "Fairey 3.D. Seaplane," and "Westland Walrus" machines, all the above aeroplanes and engines were designed before or during 1918.