asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the rate of pay of professional officers of Civil Service compared to naval engineers and outside engineers, respectively?

The rates of pay of the main groups of professional and technical officers in Admiralty service are given under Vote 12 of the Navy Estimates. The rates of pay of naval engineer officers are set out, in detail, on page 15 of the Navy Estimates for 1921–22. The Admiralty have no special information as to the rates of pay of outside engineers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the percentage cost of constructive officers' salaries on design of warships to cost of ship, as compared with outside naval architects' fees for a design?

In the case of the battle-cruiser design of 1921, the cost of constructive officers' salaries on the design amounted to £2,300; the total value of each of the ships which were to have been built to this design is over £7,000,000. There is no established practice regarding outside naval architects' fees, but if an outside man could be found who had the intimate knowledge of warship design as now demanded, with full knowledge of all the experience of the War, a close acquaintance with the requirements of the Board of Admiralty, of the Naval Staff, and of the Service afloat, it is certain that he would command in fees a very much larger percentage of the cost of any ship which he was asked to design than 03 per cent. of the value as given by the above figure.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how the pay of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors compares with naval engineers' pay, observing that both are trained together at Keyham, and that members of the corps are specially selected from cadets at Keyham?

As regards the rates of pay of members of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors and naval engineer officers, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question regarding the pay of professional officers. Members of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors are not now recruited from the same source as naval engineer officers. The system of common recruitment ceased in 1911, when the scheme of common entry and training for executive, and engineer officers of the Royal Navy became effective. Since then, members of the Royal Corps have been recruited in the main from dockyard shipwright apprentices, a few direct entries as probationer assistant constructor having also been made. Having regard to the difference in the general conditions of service no useful deduction can be drawn from a comparison of the emoluments of naval officers with those of civilian officers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why constructor commanders are not borne on the staff of naval attaches when foreign constructors are borne on staffs of their legations?

In view of the very urgent need of economy, the appointment of constructor officers to the staffs of naval attachés cannot at the present time be regarded as justified. The one officer who has been so appointed is being withdrawn.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that H.M.S. "Furious," at present under refit at Rosyth, which provides employment for 2,000 men for over one year, is to be transferred to a southern yard for completion, he will arrange for the placing in southern dockyards of a proportion of the English transferees at Rosyth, allowing them to retain their Rosyth status and the service advantages they have gained at Rosyth naval base?

The position of the redundant employés at Rosyth is receiving the anxious consideration of the Admiralty. I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any announcement on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the belief in the importance of the submarine arm in French naval circles and their tendency to develop submarines rather than capital ships, he will consider the advisability, under the new political circumstances, of postponing the building of the two new capital ships which we are entitled to build under the Washington Agreement, so that the money involved may be spent in the best interests of the defence of our mercantile marine against the new menace?

The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the Admiralty will do their best to see that any sums credited to Navy Votes are spent in the best interests of our naval defence—including the defence of our mercantile marine. One of the most important measures ensuring this defence will be the two new capital ships.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what would be the amount required in the ensuing financial year, 1922–23, to extend the provisions of Army Order No. 325, of September, 1919 (which gave to Army pensioners the equivalent of that given to Navy pensioners under the recommendations of the Jerram scale), to all pensioners, instead of confining its benefits only to those mentioned in that Army Order, which excludes pre-War pensioners; and what would be the probable cost in each of the next succeeding 10 years, by which time, presumably, practically the whole of these old pre-War pensioners will have died out?

It is not possible to answer this question accurately without making a special investigation, but on the information available, and making some allowance for a corresponding saving in old age pensions, the cost for Army pensioners in 1922–23 would be between £300,000 and £400,000. I cannot say at what rate the charge would diminish in subsequent years. It must be remembered that to increase these men's pensions would give rise to demands for similar increases to other large classes of pensioners.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Major R. I. Power, late Royal Army Medical Corps (R.P.), was engaged for service in the event of mobilisation, under instructions of the D.D.M.S., Irish Command, shortly before the outbreak of War in 1914, and that a certificate to this effect, signed by Colonel H. O. Trevor, late A.D.M.S. of the Cork district, is in existence; that the Director-General, Army Medical Service, in a letter, dated 31st January, 1921 (Ref. 55733/79, A.M.D.1), states that Major Power's services were not required at the outbreak of the War; whether he is aware that the certificate of Colonel Trevor that Major Power was definitely engaged by him was not in the possession of the Director-General on the 31st January; and, as this entirely alters the case, can he now say whether this officer will be granted the difference of pay and allowance during the period from the 4th August, 1914, to the 3rd March, 1916, to which he is entitled, and also the balance of gratuity which has been denied to him?

Major Power was employed before the War as a retired officer in medical charge of troops at Waterford under Article 499 of the Pay Warrant. He continued to be employed and paid in this capacity, first at Waterford and then at Dublin, until 3rd March, 1916, when he was transferred to Scotland as a full-pay officer under Article 496. All the circumstances, including the statement of Colonel Trevor referred to, have been repeatedly considered by the War Office, and I regret that I can find no reason for re-opening the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any military staff at Sofia; and, if so, of what is it composed?

There have been three officers forming the British section of the Inter-Allied Military Commission of Control in Bulgaria. This Commission ceases to function to-day, when its duties devolve upon a liquidating body composed of two French, one British, and one Italian officer.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the case of skilled engineering draughtsmen who were engaged on Government work and in Government Departments during the War and who held scheduled occupation certificates, A.M.W. 3,476/a Army Reserve, also who attested under Lord Derby's scheme and were debarred from joining His Majesty's forces owing to the nature of their employment, the consideration being with a view to the classification of such men as ex-service in connection with the substitution scheme set up under the chairmanship of the Earl of Lytton; and if he will issue instructions to the effect that men as described above, who may have had notices of termination of employment given to them, can be temporarily retained pending the settlement of the question?

As the hon. Member has been previously informed the rule as regards service has been strictly maintained in all cases, and it is regretted that exceptional treatment cannot be accorded to the draughtsmen referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether Mr. Grieve, a non-service chartered accountant, has been established in his Department without an examination; whether, had he not been established, he would have become substitutable under the terms of the Lytton Report; whether two ex-service men, also qualified chartered accountants, are retained in a temporary capacity; and what is the reason for this preferential treatment of a non-service man?

Mr. Grieve was appointed to an established post of accountant before any question had arisen of substitution under the terms of the Lytton Report. Consequently Mr. Grieve and the other two gentlemen referred to were brought into comparison primarily in respect of their professional qualifications. Mr. Grieve had greater experience both in private and Government work. He had served in the Air Ministry and other Government Departments for 3½ years prior to this date. In view of the ability which he displayed during this period, and of his professional qualifications (he was a chartered accountant of some 15 years' standing) the Civil Service Commissioners granted his certificate of qualification without examination under Clause 7 of the Order in Council dated 10th January, 1910, relating to the Home Civil Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether a Mr. J. R. Spencer-Young employed in his Department was recommended for substitution by the Departmental Substitution Committee; whether this gentleman is still retained as indispensable; whether there are ex-service men available with similar legal qualifications; and why the spirit and letter of the Lytton Report is being ignored in this manner?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. This officer is a solicitor, and has been employed in the Air Ministry for about four years. He is retained in accordance with paragraph 9 of the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee, and his case was recently reviewed by me as the result of representations made to me by a deputation, headed by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Islington, East (Mr. Raper). He possesses very valuable experience of civil law as affecting the Air Ministry, of the Air Force Act, Rules of Procedure, etc., and of general Air Ministry and Royal Air Force administration, all of which would be lost if he were replaced, even by an official with equal legal qualifications. I, consequently, decided that he must, in present circumstances, be regarded as indispensable.

asked the Secretary of State for Air on what grounds Mr. R. McGill, a non-service man, is retained as a surveyor's clerk; what was the pre-War occupation of this gentleman; and why Mr. Sleeman, a disabled ex-service man, who was a qualified surveyor's clerk and had, before the War, practised as an estate agent for seven years, was not offered the post instead of being reduced to a. Grade III clerk, after having been employed in a technical capacity for a considerable time and having performed his duties to the entire satisfaction of his chiefs?

Mr. McGill, who was employed by a firm of land agents before the War, has been retained on the recommendation of a Substitution Committee on which there was an ex-service representative. This recommendation was made on the following grounds:

(a) that Mr. McGill repeatedly volunteered for military service during the War;

(b) that difficulty was experienced in obtaining efficient ex-service surveyors' clerks.

I may add that Mr. McGill's case is about to be reviewed by the Substitution Committee. Owing to the decision to retain Mr. McGill, the post referred to was not offered to Mr. Sleeman.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what are the special qualifications, if any, of Mr. H. E. Mitchell, a non-service man, who was recommended for substitution by the Departmental Substitution Committee; whether this gentleman is still retained as indispensable; why no efforts have been made to secure an ex-service man for the post; and what are the reasons for not applying the recommendations of the Lytton Report in this case?

This officer is a specialist heating engineer and is supervising the execution of the heating installation at Halton Park boys' training establishment. This installation is of a very extensive character, and was designed by Mr. Mitchell. I reviewed his case recently and considered that it would be uneconomical and undesirable to remove him during the currency of the contract, but the question of his retention will be reviewed when the' work on which he is employed comes to an end.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) what, if any, are the special qualifications of a Mr. T. N. Elstob, a non-service man, who was recommended for substitution by the Departmental Substitution Committee; whether this gentleman is still retained as indispensable; why no efforts have been made to secure an ex-service man for the post; what is the reason for not applying the recommendations of the Lytton Report in this case;(2) what, if any, are the special qualifications of a Mr. F, B. Willis, who was recommended for substitution by the Departmental Substitution Committee; whether this gentleman is still retained as indispensable; why no efforts have been made to secure, an ex-service man for the post; what is the reason for not applying the recommendations of the Lytton Committee in this case;(3) what, if any, are the special qualifications of a Mr. W. S. Crosher, a non-service man, who was recommended for substitution by the Departmental Substitution Committee; whether this gentleman is still retained as indispensable; why no efforts have been made to secure an ex-service man for the post; what is the reason for not applying the recommendations of the Lytton Report in this case;(4) what, if any, are the special qualifications of a Mr. W. Phillips, a non-service man, who was recommended for substitution by the Departmental Substitution Committee; whether this gentleman is still retained as indispensable; why no efforts have been made to secure an ex-service man for the post; and what is the reason for not applying the recommendations of the Lytton Report in this case?

Mr. Elstob is a trained sanitary specialist with an intimate knowledge of all the drainage systems of the Royal Air Force stations, having served as assistant to the late Chief Drainage Engineer during their construction. He is at present regarded as indispensable in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee, but his case will be reviewed from time to time with a view to substitution if and when possible. Mr. Willis deals with questions relating to fire prevention in the Royal Air Force and has had 30 years' service in the London Fire Brigade. The Air Ministry Substitution Com- mittee (on which the ex-service staff was represented) agreed unanimously to regard him as non-substitutable. The risk of fire at Royal Air Force stations is very great, owing to the large quantity of petrol, fabric, etc., and a fire of any magnitude at one of the large depots would be a most serious matter. Mr. Willis retired from the London Fire Brigade with the sole object of taking up the appointment under the Air Ministry. Mr. Crosher is a highly qualified London quantity surveyor and of great value to the Department. Owing to the difficulty in finding substitutes for non-service quantity surveyors, the Joint Substitution Board set up in accordance with the First Report of the Lytton Committee agreed some time ago that no further action should be taken regarding their replacement. Mr. Crosher is retained in accordance with paragraph 9 of the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee. Mr. Phillips is employed in the Directorate of Research and is the only officer in his section who has been constantly in touch with questions relating to engines in service during and since the War. He is now regarded as indispensable under paragraph 9 of the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee, but his case will he reviewed from time to time.All these cases were reviewed specially by me as a result of representations made by a deputation headed by my hon. Friend the Member for Islington East (Mr. Raper) quite recently.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is contemplated giving up the hospital at Shepherd's Bush which has been specially equipped for orthopaedic special surgical treatment at a cost of £16,000 by the Red Cross?

The reply is in the affirmative. I may, however, point out to my hon. Friend that the equipment provided at the cost of the funds of the British Red Cross Society will he moved from the present institution and installed elsewhere for the continued treatment of pensioners.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the hospital at Shepherd's Bush, which has been specially equipped for orthopædic surgical treatment, is to be transferred to the South African Hutment Hospital at Richmond; and, if so, why?

The answer is in the affirmative. I received urgent representations from the guardians of the parish of Hammersmith to the effect that the administration of relief in the parish was seriously hampered by my continued occupation of this institution, which was formerly the workhouse and infirmary of the parish, and the guardians were only willing to assent to an extension of the tenancy of the building by my Department in return for a very greatly increased rental, for which, in my opinion, there was no justification. The opportunity having presented itself of acquiring equally suitable premises at the Richmond Hill Hospital from the Army Council free of rent, I found it possible to vacate the institution at Shepherd's Bush, and, in all the circumstances, I deemed it advisable to do so.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. Outram, a widow, of 94, Shrublands Road, Dalston, E.8, who had five sons serving in France during the War, two of whom were killed, is receiving 6s. per week pension and is unable to get any further assistance from the local pensions committee; and whether he will inquire into the case?

Mrs. Outram was dependent upon one only of her two deceased sons, and the pension awarded is in accordance with the assistance given by him. No increase is possible unless pecuniary need, combined with incapacity for self-support exists, which is not the case at present.

asked the Secretary of State, for India whether he can give any information regarding the progress of the Vizagapatam harbour scheme?

I am afraid that no progress is likely to be made with this scheme at present, owing to the difficulty of providing the necessary capital.

asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been called to the report of the Inspector-General of Police in Bengal; and what steps it is proposed to take to provide funds sufficient to secure a well-paid and efficient police force there?

I have seen the annual administration report for the year 1920—the latest issued. The Bengal Government obtained all the supply for police for which they budgeted in the current year, and have power to appropriate whatever sums they regard as essential to the discharge of their responsibility for the service. Local circumstances, the results of local history, have restricted the revenues of Bengal with an even severer stringency than most Provincial Governments suffer from at the present time, but, such as they are, the local Governments must decide the best method of apportioning them between the various claims upon them.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the proposed Bill for the repeal of the Indian Press Acts has been passed into law; and what powers the Government of India now possess to prevent the spread of sedition through the Press?

No, Sir; the Bill to repeal and amend certain provisions of the Indian law relating to the Press has not yet been passed. It has been referred to a Select Committee which has not yet reported. There has therefore been as yet no change in the law.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the address delivered by the president of the All India Moslem League, described in the Indian Press as a deliberate exhortation to treason and violence; and what steps the Government of India propose to take in the matter?

I understand that the speech has been considered by the Gov- ernment in India, and that the prosecution of the speaker is contemplated.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the inquiry into the Malabar train disaster has resulted in mere censure on the European sergeant concerned, while the conduct of the colonel, the collector, and the superintendent of police responsible for the transport of the prisoners was not inquired into; and whether, in view of the protests of the traffic inspector, a wider inquiry will be held as to those originally responsible?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave on 13th February to the hon.- Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Morgan Jones).

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters posted in. the village of Eriswell, Suffolk, at 7.30 on Saturday evening are only delivered in Mildenhall on the following Tuesday morning, although the distance is only three miles; and whether he can make arrangements to remove this inconvenience and to accelerate the delivery of letters during the week-end?

The final despatch from Eriswell on Saturday is made at 6.15 p.m., and letters for Mildenhall posted in time for this despatch are delivered by first post on Monday. A letter posted after the final despatch on Saturday would fall into the first outward mail on Monday, and would reach Mildenhall too late for delivery on that day. It is not practicable in present circumstances to improve the postal connection between Eriswell and Mildenhall during the weekend, but the general question of the restoration of the collection of letters on Sundays is now under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can now give any information of the result of the meeting of the Council of Business Men appointed by him in July last for the purpose of advising him on the question of postal matters?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Acton (Sir H. Brittain).

asked the Postmaster-General, in view of statements recently appearing in the Press that the Treasury is desirous of absorbing the profits made by the Post Office on the increased charges brought into force last year, and from the fact that when the extra charges were imposed it was stated to be in consequence of the increase of costs, and that when such costs decrease the charges would be again reduced in proportion, if he will say when this promise will be honoured, as there now appears to be a credit on the Post Office working?

I shall be glad if the hon. Member will repeat his question on Monday.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is proposing to sell the Manx telephone service to the House of Keys; and, if so, whether he will state the terms and conditions under which the proposal is being made, and the reasons which promoted the sale both in the case of the States of Jersey and of the House of Keys?

As the telephone systems in the Isle of Man and in Jersey are self-contained it is not essential that they should be administered by the Post Office in common with the telephone system of the United Kingdom. The terms on which I am prepared to issue a licence to the Insular Government for the conduct of telephone business in the Isle of Man were communicated to the Lieut.-Governor some months ago; but an application for a licence has not yet been received.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that 96 per cent. of the telegraph staff at Chester have petitioned the postmaster against the proposed promotion of a junior officer over the head of a fully qualified senior officer who has greater experience and higher technical and administrative ability; whether he has declined to receive a deputation from the memorialists and, if so, on what grounds; whether the father of the retiring assistant superintendent, Mr. Junes, was superintendent directly supervising his son; whether the retiring assistant superintendent, as a result of the influence of his father, was acting as a sorting clerk before he was 14 years of age and was appointed on the establishment before he was 14 years of age; whether he was created a charge clerk at the age of 28 years; whether another superintendent, Mr. Kershaw, gained similar privileges for his son, whereby the boy entered the service at 11 years of age and was appointed at 14 years of age; whether the last officer was unfairly and improperly selected for the position of examiner of learners whilst his colleagues were absent on military service; and whether, seeing that it is now proposed to promote him to higher rank as the result of family influence, he will institute a thorough inquiry as to the nature of the reports on which the local recommendation is based?

The hon. Member presumably refers to the Chester Office where there is a prospective vacancy for a telegraph assistant superintendent. Seven out of 25 sorting clerks and telegraphists made application to the postmaster to receive them as a deputation on the selections to be made for promotion. The postmaster had already interviewed the only two of the applicants who were directly interested, and he considered a further interview would serve no useful purpose.Mr. Jones's father, when superintendent many years ago, supervised the staff which included his son. The statement made regarding the appointments of Mr. Jones and Mr. Kershaw refer to a period between the years 1882 and 1896. The figures quoted by the hon. Member regarding the ages of these officers are approximately correct, but there is no evidence that their appointments were made otherwise than in accordance with the regulations in force at the time. Mr. Kershaw was one of the only two members of the telegraph staff at Chester who had active service during the War, and he was not appointed examiner of learners until February, 1920, after he had been demobilised from the Army. I have no reason to suppose that his selection was either unfair or improper, there is no foundation whatever for the suggestion that he is now being recommended for promotion as the result of family influence. All the circumstances will be taken into consideration before a promotion is made, and the officer promoted will be the one whom I am satisfied is the best qualified of all the eligible candidates.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if, and in what manner, the consent of the people of Palestine has been accorded agreeing to Great Britain being the mandatory power, in accordance with paragraph 4, Article 22, of the Covenant of the League of Nations;(2) if he will state what were the reasons which induced His Majesty's Government to make the Balfour Declaration, and to promise the Jewish people a national home in a country which is already the national home of the Arabs;(3) if he will state why Palestine has not been treated in the same way as Iraq and an autonomous Government set up which enjoys the confidence and approval of the inhabitants; if the Arabs were promised recognition of their independence as soon as the late War ceased if they took up arms with us against the Turks; and whether, and, if so, how, His Majesty's Government have fulfilled the pledges given by them to the Arabs through Sir Henry McMahon in 1915, and confirmed by the Prime Minister in September, 1919, and by the Secretary of State for the Colonies in June, 1921?

The hon. Baronet's questions raise points of high policy which could be dealt with more suitably in debate than by question and answer. I shall make a full statement on policy in Palestine when I present the Middle Eastern Estimates to the House. I suggest that the hon. Baronet should defer raising his points until the debate on the Estimates takes place.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government contemplate legislation against the tyranny of rings and trusts in this country; whether he will consider handing over the task of framing a Bill to a committee of disinterested business men before whom can be placed the existing evidence, including the Government and municipal experience of the corner of all building materials as soon as it was known that all parties at the General Election were undertaking to embark on vast building schemes?

The whole question of legislation in respect of trusts and combinations, which is one of very considerable difficulty, is being considered in the light of the information which has been collected in various official inquiries during recent years into the extent and operation of such trade organisations, but it will not be practicable to introduce legislation on the subject during the present Session.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the great progress being made by German trade in China and the Far East to the detriment of the British trade; and whether, since this state of affairs is due to the inadequacy of official aid to British trade in this vast territory, he will consider the advisability of increasing the Government staff in order to safeguard our trade interests in these markets which have such great possibilities?

I am aware that German trade in China and the Far East is showing signs of recovery, but I think this is attributable to other reasons rather than to lack of official aid given to British trade. I am afraid that in the present state of the national finances it is impossible to undertake the expense of additional staff.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of new companies registered since the Armistice and the issuable capital?

The number of companies registered in England and Wales between the 12th November, 1918, and the 11th February, 1922, is 27,712, and the nominal capital of such companies amounts to £1,097,975,833. As to the companies registered in Scotland between those dates, I will furnish the figures to the hon. Member as soon as I receive them.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in the regulations for new houses under the housing scheme, a clause in many cases is put in the agreement that no poultry is to be kept; and whether, seeing that the Minister of Agriculture is encouraging people to keep poultry in the vicinity of their houses, he will reconsider the desirability of retaining the clause in question?

The general management and control of houses provided by local authorities is entirely a matter for the local authorities, and is not a subject of Departmental regulation. I do not think that the particular matter referred to is one in which I can interfere with the discretion of the local authority.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the address entitled the Architect and the State, which was delivered to the Society of Architects on the 12th January by the Director-General of Housing; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My attention has been called to the address in question, in which I gather that the Director-General suggested that the architects and others had not fully availed themselves of the opportunities which their participation in the housing scheme afforded them. I am afraid there is ground for thinking that this is true of most of the parties concerned in the housing scheme, and I do not think that any action on my part is required as regards the Director-General of Housing, whose services have been of the utmost value to the State.

asked the Minister of Health whether there is any liability for a municipal distress committee to pay the scale of relief published by the Ministry of Health; and whether that scale has to be paid in cash and not in goods, as is the custom with some municipalities?

No, Sir. The only scale of relief which the Ministry of Health have prescribed is that contained in the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund (Outdoor Relief) Regulations, and that scale only governs the expenditure which may be charged by Metropolitan Boards of Guardians on the Common Poor Fund.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the advisability of relieving hospitals and the nursing staff from the application of the unemployment insurance contribution which entails a considerable financial burden on hospitals, and prevents nurses from giving their services by reason of the large proportion of wages which have to be paid it, respect of that tax?

asked the Minister of Labour if nurses employed in private nursing homes or associations are compelled to contribute to insurance funds and are not eligible for unemployed benefit when waiting for a case?

Nurses employed in hospitals or in private nursing homes or associations are liable to pay contributions under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, and I have no power to exclude them from the scope of insurance. The question whether benefit would be payable in any particular case would depend on the facts of that case, and would fall to be decided by the insurance officer with a right of appeal to the Court of Referees and the Umpire.

asked the Minister of Labour how many fully trained nurses for the sick, holding a three years' certificate of training, have registered at a Labour Exchange for unemployment benefit?

On 10th January there were 701 women nurses on the Live Register as unemployed, but without inquiry at every Exchange concerned it is not possible to say whether they held a three years' certificate or whether they were claiming benefit.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a large number of women cleaners who have recently been discharged have been refused out-of work benefit, although in most cases unemployment stamps have been affixed to their employment cards, and will he consider these cases?

Women cleaners in offices, schools and similar premises were originally regarded as insurable, but under a recent decision of the High Court, which is final and conclusive, they have been held not to be insurable. Consequently, no benefit is payable in respect of their employment as cleaners. Any such person who has paid more in contributions in respect of such employment than she has received in benefit may apply for a refund of the balance.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his Department has leased new premises in Dunfermline; and, if so, at what rent and for what period?

New premises have recently been leased for the Dunfermline Employment Exchange in East Port Street for a term of ten years (with breaks after five and seven years), at a rent of £275 per annum.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will say, in respect of the increases and decrease of wages for the year 1921, given on page 6 of No. 1 of Volume 30 of the "Labour Gazette," namely, total increase of £700,000 and total decrease of £6,700,009, what were the comparable figures for the years 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, and 1920?

The totals of (a) all the increases and (b) all the decreases, in weekly rates of wages, reported to the Department in the industries covered by the statistics, for the years 1914 to 1920, were approximately as shown below.^* The figures given are provisional, and may be subject to slight revision when finally completed.

asked the Home Secretary whether Sergeant Roche stated in his confession that, on the occasion of the raid at Windsor Barracks, Hogan and Cooley went fully armed; why this fact was not brought out in evidence by the Government counsel at the trial; and if he can say, in view of Roche's confession that Hogan was in close touch with Sinn Fein headquarters in Cadogan Gardens, why this fact was not brought out in evidence by the Government counsel?

Allegations such as are mentioned in the question were made by Roche with regard to Hogan and Cooley, but it was left entirely to counsel to bring out at the trial such evidence as was relevant to the charge on which they were tried, namely, conspiracy to steal and receive arms. They were convicted on this charge, and, in accordance with the usual practice, the further charge under the Firearms Act, 1920, was not proceeded with.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the observations by a learned Judge at the Herefordshire Assizes on the 11th instant when he intimated his intention to resume the holding of the Assizes on the 28th instant if a certain person was committed for trial on the charge of murder; and whether, seeing that this course is liable to prejudice the prisoner at the hearing before the magistrates and the inquiry by the coroner, which are still incomplete, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The remarks of the learned Judge, as reported in the Press, do not seem to me likely to prejudice the prisoner, and I do not propose to take action in regard to them. They seem clearly to have been made in connection with a proposed arrangement of the business of the Circuit, so as to reduce the period of detention of the prisoner pending trial in the event of the Justices considering that the case was one in which a committal for trial should take place.

asked the Home Secretary if it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill this Session embodying the recommendations contained in the Report of the Departmental Committee on Workmen's Compensation?

I can add nothing to the answer which I gave on Monday last to a question by the hon. Member for the Abertillery Division of Monmouthshire (Mr. Barker).

asked the Home Secretary whether during the present Session it is his intention to make compulsory the carrying of a rear light by bicyclists; whether legislation will be necessary to effect this; and has he made full inquiries of those who are entitled to speak for the general body of bicyclists as to what they desire in the matter?

Legislation dealing with the question of the lighting of road vehicles is under consideration upon reports made by the Departmental Committee on Lights on Vehicles (Command Paper 659). I cannot say whether time will permit of a Bill being introduced this Session. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when Lord Dunedin's Committee will report on the question of educational rating in Scotland?

I am informed by Lord Dunedin that the Committee have concluded the hearing of evidence, and that he is engaged in drafting a report for discussion with his colleagues. He hopes that the presentation of a report will not be long delayed.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the county secondary school for girls is at present housed at the technical institute in Gladstone Road, Wimbledon, pending the erection of a new building in Merton Hall Road, the site for which was acquired some considerable time ago, causing great inconvenience in the carrying on of the other work at the technical institute; that there has been great delay in the erection of the new school; what is the reason for the delay; and whether he can see his way to expedite the erection of the new building?

Plans for the erection of a new girls' school at Wimbledon have been submitted to the Board by the local education authority. Large expenditure is involved, and I am obliged to look at the proposal very carefully in relation to the finance of public education, and I am not at present in a position to give a decision upon it.

ask the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make concessions to those farmers in counties where no trace of foot-and-mouth disease has been detected to allow them limited facilities for moving cattle within their own area under the supervision of the Ministry?

Provision has already been made in the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Orders, namely, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (Control of Movement) Order of 1920 (paragraph 8) read in conjunction with the Foot-and-Mouth (Great Britain) Order of 1922, for the movement of cattle in districts which are not affected with foot-and-mouth disease, Application should be made to an inspector either of the local authority or of the Ministry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Egyptian Ministry of Education is about to make it a condition on the guardians of all Egyptian students to deposit with the said Ministry a sum of money as a guarantee against the student taking part in Egyptian politics, which sum or part of it is to be forfeited if the student breaks this rule; and whether, since there is no Egyptian Ministry in existence, the British authorities are responsible for this?

I have no information as to the steps which the Egyptian educational authorities may contemplate in order to restore discipline among the students.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many consuls-general, consuls, vice-consuls, and consular agents there are in the island of Iceland; how many of these are British-born subjects; and if he is aware of the importance of the waters in the neighbourhood of Iceland to the British fishing industry, and of the importance of adequate consular representation to protect the rights of British fishermen voyaging to Iceland on their lawful occasions?

There are four British consular appointments in Iceland, all unsalaried. One is a consulate and the remaining three vice-consulates. The holders are all Icelandic subjects in the absence of suitable British subjects. I am aware of the importance of the waters in the neighbourhood of Iceland to the British fishing industry, but I have no reason to doubt that the consular officers above-mentioned can and do adequately protect British interests.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has approached the French and Italian Governments in reference to a postponement of the proposed conference at Genoa; whether any decision has been arrived at by the Allies; and on what date is it arranged to assemble such conference?

His Majesty's Government have not suggested any postponement. The decision as to the date of meeting will rest primarily with the new Italian Government, and until this has been formed, the actual date is not likely to be fixed.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the report in the Paris Press stating that the French Premier, M. Poincaré, has announced to the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee that the Governments of France and of Britain have mutually undertaken not to reveal the contents of the documents regarding negotiations concerning Genoa and the Near East; and whether, if this statement is accurate, he will state the reasons for secrecy?

I am not aware of any report such as the hon. Member refers to. The rest of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether retired consuls have the same status as other retired civil servants; whether they are entitled, as other branches of the Civil Service, to an increase of pension over the pre-War rates; and whether they are to be awarded such an increase?

Members of the Consular Service are not in receipt of the War bonus awarded to the Home Civil Service in pursuance of the Cost of Living Agreement of May, 1920, and the arrangement whereby 75 per cent. of such bonus counts towards supplementary superannuation awards does not apply to them. The improvement in the scales of salary effected as from 1st April, 1919, has automatically increased their ordinary superannuation awards; detailed arrangements for the award of supplements are under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received from the wool textile manufacturers of the West Riding proposals of a scheme to create a guarantee fund of not less than £1,000,000 for the purpose of restarting distributive merchants in the industry who have failed during the slump, together with a request that he will allow the guarantors of this fund to set any losses incurred in putting up their money against their trading profits in respect of assessments to Income Tax; and whether, in view of the large profits made in this industry during and after the War, he will give an assurance that any possible loss will be borne by these particular manufacturers and not transferred to the general community?

Undoubtedly the question of allowance of losses against trading profits of a particular taxpayer is one that must be determined by the application of the legal principles of the Income Tax Acts to the circumstances of each particular case, and the amount of profits made in the industry generally is not relevant to the legal problem.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether offers have been made for the purchase of the Hoffman Manufacturing Company from the Government; and, if so, what was the price offered by the would-be purchaser and the terms stated by the Government re the position of the directors as a condition of sale?

Certain proposals have been made from time to time for the purchase of the Government holding in the Hoffmann Manufacturing Company, but none of these have been acceptable. It is obviously undesirable to disclose the terms of the various proposals made, but in all negotiations it has been made clear that, in the event of the Government's interests being sold, all the ordinary directors would, if desired by the purchaser, resign immediately.

further asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government have purchased the whole of the shares in the Hoffmann Manufacturing Company; if so, what is the full amount invested and the amount received in dividends during 1920–21; how many directors have been appointed; what are the terms of the appointments, i.e., period for which appointed; the amount of salary paid; and the names of such directors?

The Government purchased the whole of the issued capital of the company, namely, £89,556 7 per cent. Cumulative Preference Shares of £1 each, fully paid, and £155,889 Ordinary Shares of £1 each, fully paid, at a total cost of approximately £1,280,000. Very large extensions have since been made at Government cost. Since the company was acquired by the Government the dividends on the Preference shares have been duly paid and received by the Government. No dividends have been paid on the Ordinary Shares, the profits of the company having been used as working capital.The Directors, five in number, are:

David H. Allan.
J. D. Steven.
J. Douglas Watson.
G. F. Barrett	Managing Directors.
P. C. Low

The ordinary directors retire yearly by rotation, but would resign at any time at the request of the Government. They receive £800 a year (free of tax), as fees, with an additional £200 to the Chairman. The managing directors are appointed under a contract of service which can be determined in the course of the next year if not renewed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the National Debt on the latest available date this year, as compared with a similar date last year, specifying in each instance the amounts of the funded and the floating debt?

It is not possible to give accurate figures of debt at intermediate dates in the financial year. I may, however, refer my right hon. Friend to the Return (House of Commons Paper 249 of 1921) of Internal Debt as at 30th September, 1921, presented on 10th November last.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the men who joined the Royal Irish Constabulary for a period of 12 months and have now been demobilised will receive t he pay due for the unexpired term of their service?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister how far the Irish Treaty affects the liability under The Copyright Act, 1911, Section 15, of the publisher of every book published in Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom to deliver a copy to the British Museum, and if such liability in respect to Ireland is abolished by the Treaty; whether the liability under the same section of publishers in England and Scotland to deliver a copy of their books to Dublin is also abolished; and, if not, whether legislation dealing with this matter will be introduced?

This is one of the numerous technical matters which will require consideration in connection with the drafting of the constitution of the Free State; and at present I can only say that in this as in other matters the Free State will have the status in relation to Great Britain of a Dominion. During the provisional period pending further legislation, I am advised that the obligations of publishers will remain as at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether any undertaking has been given by the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland that the Irish Free State will accept responsibility for paying annually the sums payable to certain colleges in Southern Ireland under Section 64 of The Government of Ireland Act, 1920, out of moneys provided by the Parliament of Southern Ireland; and, if not, will he say what provision it is intended to make for the payment of these sums in future?

This is a matter which the various institutions concerned will no doubt take up with the Provisional Government. I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether the pensions to which judges, civil servants, and police in Ireland are or may become entitled, are chargeable on the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom, subject to a provision under Sect on 57 of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, for deduction of the same from moneys payable out of the Exchequer to the Governments of Southern and Northern Ireland respectively; whether, after the establishment of the Irish Free State, the British Treasury will remain responsible for these pensions; and, if so, what will be the security for their payment in Southern Ireland out of Irish revenue?

Existing pensions of Irish officers which are at present charged on the Consolidated Fund or paid out of moneys provided by Parliament will remain so charged or paid unless and until other arrangements are made with the Government of the Irish Free State. Article 10 of the Treaty contemplates that the compensation payable to Irish officers who retire or are discharged in consequence of the change of Government should be defrayed from the funds of the Irish Free State. The security for the payment of such compensation and the recovery of sums due from Irish funds on account of existing pensions of Irish officers or of any other liabilities of the Irish Free State will be the credit of that State.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the total amount outstanding of loans made to authorities and persons in Southern Ireland out of the local loans fund, the development fund, the road improvement fund, or other similar public funds other than for the purposes of land purchase; and what provision is to be made for securing the repayment of such advances and interest thereon after the establishment of the Irish Free State?

In reply to the first part of the question I must point out to the hon. Member that he has given only 24 hours' notice of a question requiring the collection of somewhat formidable statistics, for which reference must necessarily be made to Ireland. If he really desires exact information on this point, I shall be happy to obtain it for him if he will give reasonable notice. In reply to the second part of the question, no doubt can arise as to the liability of the authorities and persons referred to, and I have full confidence that the Provisional and Free State Governments will co-operate in every possible way in securing the repayment of the advances and of the interest thereon.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average royalty rent per ton in the County of Durham, and what was the total amount of royalty rent paid for October, November, and December, 1921; and how much of the same, if any, is paid to local rates?

The latest information available with regard to royalty rents paid in the County of Durham relates to the quarter ended 31st March, 1921, when the average cost was 7¾d. per ton of coal raised. The total amount of royalty rent paid during this period was £234,776, none of which, it is understood, was paid to local rates.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his Department proposes to maintain its separate offices in Victoria Street; and whether economies are being made in the working of the Department and in the collection of mining statistics?

I should be the first to welcome any possibility of the Mines Department being housed at the headquarters of the Board of Trade instead of in the building that it now shares with three other Departments; but in these matters I am in the hands of my Noble Friend the First Commissioner of Works. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative; the cost of the services borne by the Mines Department is now only 25 per cent. of the cost two years ago, and economies are still being made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the members of the Advisory Council in Palestine are all nominated by the High Commissioner; and whether their powers are purely consultative?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the civil list of the High Commissioner and the civil secretary in Palestine?

I am not aware that the High Commissioner for Palestine or the civil secretary has a civil list.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the maximum number of immigrants which His Majesty's Government proposes to allow into Palestine per Year; and what are the exact conditions attaching to their entry?

The principle governing the policy of immigration into Palestine is that the number of immigrants at any time shall be adapted to the economic capacity of the country to absorb them. It is not possible to give exact figures. In accordance with the above principle, seven classes of immigrants are permitted to enter the country, provided there are no objections on other grounds to the admission of particular individuals. If the hon. Member desires details of the seven categories of immigrants, I shall be happy to furnish them to him.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that on 20th August, 1920, a train travelling from Damascus to Haifa was attacked by Bedouins, who robbed the passengers of all their possessions, and that the French Government has admitted the claim and is paying those of non-Britishers, but says that the British Government should pay British claims; and, if so, when does he propose to pay the British claims?

I am aware of the incident to which the hon. Member refers. His Majesty's Government are in communication with the French Government regarding the settlement of the British and Palestinian claims, and the last part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the public demand that a licence to drive a motor car should not he granted until the applicant has shown to a competent authority that he has the necessary knowledge; and is he aware of the regulations of foreign countries in this matter?

I have been asked to answer this question. The subject matter of the question will be dealt with in the forthcoming report of the Departmental Committee on the Regulation of Road Vehicles, which I hope will be available at an early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he can now make a statement as to the decision of the Government with regard to dividends of the North British Railway. Company and compensation to this company?

I am not in a position to make any statement with regard to the dividends which may have been declared by the North British Railway Company, for the reason that this is a matter which under the Companies Clauses Act, 1845, rests entirely with the directors and proprietors of the company. As regards the compensation, I can only state that the liability of the Government to make payments by way of compensation for the use of the railways of the Kingdom is governed by an agreement between the Government and the railway companies. Before compensation due to the railway companies under the agreement can be determined, the agreed procedure requires formulation and examination of the claims.The whole claim of the North British Railway Company has not yet been received, but a number of charges which that company seek to include in their account are not regarded by the Government as properly a liability of the taxpayer. In the last resort, the compensation due will fall to be determined by the Courts in the manner for which the agreement provides, but I am always ready to discuss with any company any useful proposals with a view to settlement of these very complicated questions by negotiation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies at what age mui tsai girls in Hong Kong are liberated from obligations to serve the master or mistress who has obtained for a money payment the right to control their persons?

I am not aware that there is any fixed age at which these girls leave their adoptive parents, but I understand that the general practice is for them to do so on marriage, which is in general arranged for them by their employers.