asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now say definitely when payment of second class prize money is to be issued to sailors?

It is hoped to begin the second and final distribution of prize money to those qualified to receive it early in April next.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the minimum sum which should be paid weekly to a married sergeant whose account is in debt to the public through no breach of military discipline?

The normal cash payment, exclusive of marriage allowance, which may be made to a soldier who is in debt to the public is 7s. a week, but the Regulations admit of larger payments in special cases, provided a sufficient sum can be stopped to secure the recovery of the debt within a reasonable time. Marriage allowance for a sergeant which is not stopped in any case is at the rate of 9s. 6d. a week at present, with additions for children.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of S. Keeffe, M.C., late regimental sergeant-major, Royal Fusiliers; whether he is aware that this man, after nearly 25 years' service, received 28 days' notice to quit his house; that he was unable to find any accommodation; and that he was summoned on the 25th January for not vacating his quarters and ordered to quit by 28th February and pay all expenses of the summons in addition to an increased rent; whether his attention has been called to Mr. Keeffe's services in the South African campaign, during the Great War, and in India, and his awards, which include the Queen's South African Medal, five clasps; the King's South African Medal, two clasps; the Military Cross, the British War Medal, the Victory Medal, the Long Service and good conduct Medal, and the Croix de Guerre; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

It is necessary, as a matter of obvious justice to the numerous serving married soldiers at Hounslow who are compelled to live in lodgings owing to the shortage of public quarters at the station, that Mr. Keeffe, now that he has left the service, should vacate the public quarters in barracks which he occupied whilst in the Army, and which he has irregularly retained for more than seven months after ceasing to be entitled to them, in view of his honourable record. I can only hope that he will not compel the authorities to resort to the extreme measure of ejectment, to which, otherwise, acting after repeated warnings and in due course of law, they must immediately proceed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the credits due to Private H. Johnstone, No. 3,066, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, of 4, Mahogany Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester, who left Bombay on 7th April, 1919, and was discharged at Heaton Park on 1st May, 1919, are still unpaid, notwithstanding numerous applications to the Secretary (Accounts), War Office (registered No. 27,986/Accounts/Comps.); and if he will expedite payment?

Mr. Johnstone was informed on 12th October, 1920, that demobilisation benefits amounting to £9 17s. 2d. had been paid and that nothing further was due to him. His account on transfer from India showed a debit balance of £6 17s. 4d. Of this amount £4 17s. 4d. is still due from him. His war gratuity of £27 has been paid.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when it is anticipated that the Air Ministry's Report of the disaster to the airship R 38 will be ready for publication; and whether it will be published in its entirety?

The Report in its entirety was issued to the Press on the 23rd instant.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of officers and men in the Royal Air Force, showing how many are fully qualified pilots and how many are employed in the British Isles?

The answer to the first part of the question is: officers 2,926, airmen 26,207. Of the total number of officers, 2,398 are on the General List and 528 are on the list for non-flying duties, namely, stores, medical, etc. As regards the second part of the question, all officers on the General List are liable to employment on flying duties if medically fit, and, at present, 1,862 are fully qualified pilots. The remainder, namely, 536, are not qualified pilots and consist partly of observers and partly of technical officers who were retained for the interim period only, including 200 naval warrant officers completing their time to qualify for pension. The answer to the third part of the question is, 2,069 officers, 19,506 men and boys. These figures include officers, airmen and boys under training.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. James M'Geacher, of 66, Vennell, Greenock, late No. 18,385, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, whose pension has been reduced to 14s. 6d. per week; and will he make inquiries into the matter?

The present award is in accordance with the assessment of less than 20 per cent, given by a medical board last August, and subsequently confirmed by a Medical Appeal Board. If the man claims that his condition has become worse since he was last examined, he may apply for reconsideration of his case through his local committee, but at present there are no grounds for revising the award made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions whether he is aware that Arthur Charles Hancock, No. 305,295, who was invalided out of the Navy after 18 years' service with a very good character, has so far been unable to obtain any pension, though he served through the War till March, 1919, and then joined the Reserve; and will he have the case inquired into, as the man has a wife and four children to support?

This man was demobilised from the Navy in 1919 without making any claim to pension, and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve. He was called up for service during the coal strike and was invalided for defective teeth. As the disability cannot be accepted as either attributable to or aggravated by service, he is ineligible for any award of disablement pension. The man has the usual right of appeal against this decision to the Pensi[...] Appeal Tribunal.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many non-service men and how many women are employed in the Registrar-General (England) Department in a temporary capacity; and what steps is he taking to secure that the posts held by such personnel shall be filled by ex-service men who have been discharged from Government Departments and are now awaiting re-allocation?

I have been asked to reply. There are 13 non-service temporary men in the General Register Office and Census Office. Five of these have passed the recent examination for entrance to the Civil Service, and are awaiting certification to permanent appointment by the Civil Service Commission. The cases of the remaining eight men have been considered by the Sub-committee appointed in terms of the Lytton Report, who recommend their retention on the grounds of special hardship. All vacancies will be filled by ex-service men through the Joint Substitution Board. There are 208 women employed in the same offices, including typists, girl card punchers and sorters. Of these, 206 are employed on work particularly appropriate to women, and the remaining two are retained on grounds of special qualifications, and their retention is concurred in by the Lytton Sub-committee.

asked the Minister of Health the number of ex-service men admitted in the Claybury asylum between January, 1921, and January, 1922; the number who died in the institution during this period; the number discharged; and how many are at present in this institution?

Sixty-two ex-service patients were admitted to Claybury during 1921. There were six deaths during the year and 17 patients were discharged. The number at present under treatment is 174.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the first and last occasion on which a medical representative of his Department visited ex-service men in Claybury asylum was on the 14th December, 1920; and whether, in view of the number of ex-service men who have been sent to this institution, he can explain the reason for this lack of attention?

I would remind my hon. Friend that certified patients in asylums are under the care of the Board of Control. Arrangements were, however, made over a year ago under which a medical officer attached to Ministry headquarters visits, by the courtesy of the Commissioners of the Board of Control, those asylums in which ex-service men are treated at the cost of the Ministry. Claybury asylum was last visited by a Ministry inspector on the date mentioned, and will shortly be again visited in the ordinary course of re-inspection which has now been commenced. A full 12 months is required to go round all the asylums, but, should the circumstances of any case brought to notice so require, a special visit is paid.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Technical Substitution Committee is operating in his Department; and, if not, whether he will issue instructions as to the setting up of such Committee in accordance with the Lytton Committee's recommendations, as early as possible?

The Substitution Committee contemplated by the Lytton Report has been set up in the Ministry of Health, but this Committee does not deal with the technical staff for whom it is understood the Lytton Report did not recommend a similar Committee. The retention of men on the temporary technical staff of the Ministry is governed by the nature of the work to be done and the special qualifications of the men for the work. Other things being equal, preference is always given to the ex-service man.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many non-service men, and how many women, are employed in the Foreign Office, including the Passport Department, in a temporary capacity; and what steps he is taking to secure that the posts held by such personnel shall be filled by ex-service men who have been discharged from Govern- ment Departments and are now awaiting re-allocation?

The numbers are as follow: Non-service Men. Women. Foreign Office … 34 104 Passport Office … 43 46 Of these, two women are ex-service, and 10 men and 4 women are already under notice and will leave by March 31. Fifty-seven women are occupying posts which will eventually be filled by permanent women civil servants as soon as they are available and a further 26 are shorthand-typists and typists whose work is not regarded as suitable for men. Proposals have been made for the substitution of ex-service men for a proportion of the remaining 61 women, but owing to the increased cost which would be involved, the Treasury have decided that this is impracticable at the present time. The same consideration applies to 29 non-service men and boys of junior grades. Of the remaining 40 men, approximately half are employed in responsible positions of the duties of which they have expert knowledge; and substitution, if carried further, would seriously impair the efficiency of the Department. The possibility of substitution in the case of the remainder is under consideration. The filling of all vacancies suitable for ex-service men is effected through the Joint Substitution Board, who proceed in this matter on the lines suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any and, if so, how many officers of the Army and Navy are being educated at Oxford and Cambridge and other universities at the expense of the taxpayer; what charges are being incurred for this purpose; and when further expenditure of this nature will entirely cease?

The number of officers and men now in receipt of grants under the scheme administered by the Board of Education for the higher education of ex-service students at universities and other institutions of higher education is, approximately, 10,000. The estimated expenditure for the current financial year is £2,000,000, and for 1922–23 £1,020,000. I anticipate that the expenditure will almost entirely cease in 1925–26.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the statement issued on behalf of the British Legion to the effect that 15,000 women are employed by him who could be substituted by ex-service men; whether he had previously supplied to the British Legion, through the Joint Substitution Board, an official statement showing that exactly 5,169 non-service women were employed on temporary clerical work in his Department on 1st January and that 1,000 of these would be dismissed by 31st March; and has he any statement to make on the subject?

My attention had not been previously drawn to the statement mentioned, and I am glad to have this opportunity of contradicting it. The figures quoted in the latter part of the question are correct.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many ex-service men employed in a temporary capacity competed at the recent examinations for the clerical class; how many passed, qualified, or failed; what number of those who failed applied to appear before the Investigating Board, under paragraphs 36 to 39 of the Lytton Committee's Third Interim Report; and how many were recommended?

2,800 ex-service men in the temporary employ of the Ministry competed at the recent examinations for the clerical class. 214 passed, 315 qualified, and of the 2,271 who failed, 1,430 applied to appear before the Investigating Board. 125 of these applications have been recommended to the Board.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many hospitals have been set up for special treatment of ex-service men suffering from nerve and mental troubles; in what districts are such hospitals situated; and what is the total number of patients for which accommodation can be found?

18 hospitals for the treatment of neurasthenia in its various forms have been established under the direct control of the Ministry in different parts of the country, providing accommodation for about 170 officers and 2,500 other ranks. I am sending my hon. Friend a list of these institutions, but I may mention that treatment for the milder forms of neurasthenia is also provided in hospitals not specially set apart for that purpose. Treatment for certified mental cases is provided by the Board of Control.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that ejectment notices have been served on 50 Catholic ex-soldiers suffering from shell-shock who were patients in the hospital at Craigavon; whether the ejectment notices were accompanied by threats; whether the men threatened attended in a body before the board of medical advisers and placed their case before the members of that body; what steps have the medical board taken to protect these stricken ex-soldiers from the treatment with which they are threatened; and what report he has to make on the matter?

I understand that this hospital is not under the control of the Army authorities. This question should therefore be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many non-service men rejected for the Army on medical grounds have been passed as medically fit for the Civil Service on passing the recent examination, and the number of ex-service men rejected as medically unfit on passing the clerical examination?

Of the candidates who passed the examination for appointment to the clerical class in 1920, 37 non-service men who were medically rejected for military service have been accepted as physically fit for the Civil Service; 16 ex-service men have been rejected on physical grounds for appointment to the Civil Service.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many ex-service men employed in a temporary capacity in the Paymaster-General's Department competed at the recent exa- minations for the clerical class; how many passed, qualified, or failed; what number of those who failed applied to appear before the Investigating Board under paragraphs 36 to 39 of the Lytton Committee's Third Interim Report; and how many were recommended?

Seventy ex-service men employed as temporary clerks in the Paymaster-General's Department competed at the recent limited competition for the clerical class; 15 passed, 7 qualified and 48 failed. Of the latter 36 applied for the submission of their cases to the Investigating Board, and 12 of these applications were forwarded to the Civil Service Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that a highly qualified ex-service man, Major Gordon, employed in a technical capacity at the Air Ministry, and previously with the Aircraft Production Department of the Ministry of Munitions for over five years, married and with seven children, was discharged on the 22nd instant; that it was definitely stated that his notice was issued solely on account of reduction of staff; that an alleged adverse report was brought to his notice only 36 hours before his notice expired j that such report referred only to his efficiency as deputy chief of his branch; that no adverse report had ever been made regarding his work as head of his section; that the ex-service men's association had pressed that he should replace a non-technical man, without children and understood to have considerable private means, at present employed in a technical post; that the qualifications of the officer under notice have never been disputed; that great efforts have been made by other responsible officials of the Air Ministry to place in a suitable post of responsibility the officer under notice; and whether, in view of these facts, he will grant an extension to this ex-service man in order that the whole case may be thoroughly reconsidered?

Although I cannot accept all the points of my hon. Friend's question as correct, his representation of the case is substantially accurate. He puts it, however, as that of an ex-service man, but, as I have already stated in a reply I gave on the 23rd inst. to the hon. and gallant Member for the Torquay Division, the claims of Major Gordon from this point of view are far from strong; indeed, the first part of my hon. Friend's question suggests this. The case is, therefore, almost entirely one of efficiency. A reduction of establishment was necessary; Major Gordon's work was not considered altogether satisfactory (as he was aware at a much earlier period than that stated in the question), and this was naturally taken into account by his official superiors in considering who would have to go. The whole case has been carefully considered, and I regret that I cannot adopt the course which my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Postmaster-General how many ex-service men employed in a temporary capacity competed at the recent examinations for the clerical class; how many passed, qualified, or failed; what number of those who failed applied to appear before the Investigating Board under paragraphs 36 to 39 of the Lytton Committee's Third Interim Report; and how many were recommended?

375 ex-service men employed in a temporary capacity in the Post Office took part in the recent examinations for appointment to the clerical class; of this number 27 passed, 48 qualified, and 300 failed. 211 ex-service men who failed to qualify applied to have their cases considered by the Civil Service Investigating Board with a view to their special admission to the clerical claims in accordance with paragraphs 36–39 of the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee, and of these 71 have been recommended to appear before the Board.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Board in 1920 sanctioned a loan of £27,000 for the building of a special school by the Barking Education Authority, and that the Board has refused to allow the school to be used to its full capacity; that this means that only 104 children instead of a possible 308 were being accommodated, and this in spite of the fact that there is a waiting list of 198, including many urgent cases of cripples, mentally defective, tubercular, and delicate boys and girls; and whether, in view of the report of the medical officer to the local Education Authority on the great benefit which has already been gained by the delicate children in attendance at this school, many of whom have increased two and three pounds in weight after a short period, and the general improvement noted in all the children, and the grave waste of money as well as child life which is involved, he will sanction the request of the authority for the immediate opening of the whole school?

The facts and figures in the first half of the question agree substantially with those in my possession. While, however, I fully appreciate the force of the considerations urged in the latter part of the question, I am not able, in present circumstances, to sanction the use of this school for a larger number of children in view of the heavy additional annual cost that would be involved.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that complaint was made last November by parents of children in New Lock School, Llanelly, that the teacher had, during school hours, read extracts to his class from Socialist newspapers; whether the Ministry of Education has taken any action in this matter in particular, and in general, to prevent the dissemination of revolutionary doctrines by school teachers?

I understand that a complaint of the kind indicated was made to the Llanelly Local Education Authority last November, and that the authority held a special meeting to investigate it. It appears that no evidence was forthcoming from those who made the charges, and the inquiry was not proceeded with. I have no ground for supposing that teachers in State-aided schools abuse their position to disseminate revolutionary doctrines.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the present position with respect to officers of certified schools; whether, roughly speaking, there are about 2,000 officers and 34,000 children; whether he is aware that a Departmental Commission made a Report in 1919 recommending reductions of inmates of schools up to 25 per cent, on the grounds that such schools were much understaffed; whether he would be willing to furnish a short explanation as to the nature of the special work which these schools have been and are doing; whether a large number of these schools throughout the country are either closed or in course of being closed; what is the cause of such closing; for what reason have a large number of the teachers left the service; with respect to the schools in the Liverpool area, whether he is aware that the Walton Road School, May Place School, and the Northumberland Terrace School have been already closed; whether the schools at St. Annes, Freshfield, the Boys' Refuge in Liverpool, the St. George's, the Addison Road, the Queensland Road, the Toxteth Park for girls, and the St Annes Industrial are about to be closed and a number of departments in other schools closed; and can he state the reasons why this is taking place?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Certified schools are industrial and reformatory schools which are certified under the Children Act by the Secretary of State for the reception under an Order of Court of boys and girls who have committed offences, or who are neglected and not under proper control. The object of these schools is so to train and educate the children as to fit them for their work in life and to prevent them from falling into dishonest ways. Last year there were about 160 schools and about 12,000 children, and the regular staff numbered about 1,500. The Departmental Committee to which my hon. Friend refers reported that the staff of the schools was in some cases deficient both in quality and number, but they made no recommendation for the reduction of the inmates. As a result of the recommendations of the Committee the pay and conditions of the staff have been substantially improved.

Since the War the number of children committed to these schools has greatly decreased, with the result that most of the schools have many vacancies, and as standing charges cannot be reduced pro- portionately to reduction in the number of children, the cost of maintenance per head has materially increased. It has therefore become necessary on grounds of economy to close some of the schools and concentrate the children in those that remain. Twenty-five schools, chiefly those where the situation or buildings are inferior to the others, have been selected for closing, and some of them are already closed. Some of the schools mentioned in the question are included among the schools to be closed.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to close down at the end of March the office of the Housing Commissioner for Wales and Monmouthshire; and, if so, in view of the continued necessity for the service of the office in connection with Welsh housing generally and also the large amount of new work with reference to the town-planning of areas in Wales which will devolve on the Ministry of Health under the Housing and Town Planning Act of 1919, he will reconsider the matter?

As part of the general policy of reducing expenditure on housing staff, it is proposed to discontinue the separate Regional Organisations from the 31st March. The Regional Offices have already been reduced from 11 to 4, and the Welsh office is among the last to be closed. These Regional Offices did valuable work during a very difficult period, but in present circumstances I am satisfied that they are unnecessary and that the additional expenditure which they involve cannot be justified.

asked the Minister of Health whether the office of the Housing Commissioner of Wales and Monmouthshire, which is attached to the Welsh Board of Health at Cardiff, is to be closed at the end of March next; whether he is aware that much time and money has been saved through representatives of local authorities and others interested in housing dealing with the Cardiff office instead of London; whether, since work has still to be done under the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1919, he will, until that is complete, and the position of housing generally improved, reconsider his decision; and whether he will receive a deputation from the Welsh Housing and Development Association before any steps are taken to close this office?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day to the hon. Member for the Pontypool Division of Monmouthshire (Mr. T. Griffiths).

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the members of the Royal Sanitary Institute, at their congress held at Folkestone, passed a resolution in favour of ordinances to ensure a safe milk supply somewhat on the lines of those in operation in various cities in the United States of America?

Yes, Sir; and I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for North Newcastle (Mr. Doyle) on 15th February.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Bethnal Green Borough Council are raising in the current half-year a rate amounting to approximately £117,000 on the precept of the Bethnal Green Board of Guardians, and that it is the declared intention of the council to pay over to the guardians only £32,000 of the sum thus raised, and to use the remaining £85,000 for purposes wholly unconnected with the, guardians; and whether such application to other purposes of money raised by rate under a guardians' precept is done with his sanction?

I understand that the guardians have raised from other sources a sum of £85,000 included in their original precept, and that the borough council are in consequence applying for other lawful purposes the balance of the sum raised by them. This action of the council does not require any sanction on my part.

asked the Minister of Health whether he promised to sanction the new rule of the General Nursing Council before it was passed by the council on the 17th instant; and, if not, can he explain why the chairman of the council instantly convened a special meeting of the council for the 24th instant to carry the new rule into effect, thereby assuming that sanction was assured?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the widespread complaints regarding the treatment by many hospital matrons of the overworked nurses under their control; and whether, in view of the fact that the new rule passed by the General Nursing Council would tend to give the matrons on the General Nursing Council even greater, because more unrestrained, powers over the working nurses of the Kingdom who become registered under the Act, he will withhold his sanction of the rule?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a rule passed by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales on the 17th instant, which rescinds a rule only laid before this House last November; whether this new rule provided for the dissolution of the committees of the council which the existing rule arranged should continue to act until the present council was dissolved not later than next December; whether he is aware of the allegation that the new rule was passed by the votes of matrons of hospitals and other employers of nurses with the object of excluding from the committees of the council those representatives of working nurses who have been frequently compelled to criticise and oppose proposals which would have been injurious to the interests of working nurses; and whether, in view of the necessity of maintaining direct representation of working nurses, he will withhold his sanction to the proposed new rule until it has been laid upon the Table of this House for consideration?

The Chairman of the General Nursing Council consulted me as to these Amendments, and I informed him that I was prepared to sanction any rules consistent with the Act which the council thought necessary to speed up registration and to secure an adequate electorate before the first elections to the council are required by the Act to be held. The rules already provide for the annual re-election of committees in the second and subsequent councils, and the extension of this provision to the present council is in accordance with the usual practice of similar bodies. The council consider that a reconstitution of existing committees will expedite the formation of the register, and the experience of the last six months leads mc to share their view. I strongly deprecate the suggestion that the matrons on the council represent the interests of the employers, or that they are any less solicitous than other nurses for the welfare of the nursing profession, and I sec no reason whatever for thinking that the new rule will be detrimental to the interests of working nurses.

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to be able, to make any statement on the Government intentions with regard to the Geddes Report; and whether sufficient time will be allowed to elapse between this statement and its discussion to permit Members to consider the issues involved and, if necessary, to consult their constituents?

As I announced on Thursday last, my right, hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposes to make a statement on the subject of the Geddes Report on Wednesday. As regards the last part of the question, an opportunity for discussing the decisions taken by the Government in regard to the Report will arise on the Estimates or the Votes on Account.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state the amount of Departmental economies which have been introduced and actually carried out by the Departments themselves, irrespective of the Geddes Reports, since September last?

It is not possible so to separate the economies which have been and are now being carried out, irrespective of the Geddes Committee, from those which result from the Geddes Committee without an entirely disproportionate ex- penditure of time and labour. Every possible economy is being put into effect at the earliest possible date.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what staff has been employed by the Geddes Committee; and what was the total cost of the proceedings of the Committee?

The staff of the Committee consisted of eight civil servants, whose services were loaned to the Committee. The extra cost involved in the work of the Committee, including the printing of the Reports, was about £800.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the Geddes Report, he will state the approximate annual number of inquiries now received from the larger business firms and from the smaller; and whether, in view of the existing economic depression, there is any available indication that British commercial houses are able to maintain even their hitherto existing system of overseas representatives?

The total number of recorded inquiries and communications involving action received by the Department of Overseas Trade during the year 1921 was about 202,000. In addition there were large numbers of telephone inquiries and personal calls of which no record is kept. It is not practicable to say what number came from larger business firms and what from smaller. The Department receives very large numbers of inquiries from both classes. As regards the last part of the question, I am afraid it is the fact that some firms are finding it difficult to maintain their full representation overseas.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the Geddes Committee, in its Report setting forth the specimens of the work done by his Department, dealt with the work of one month only; how many specimens were quoted out of the number supplied; whether any of the transactions of chief magnitude were reproduced; and whether the Department is satisfied with this presentation of its activities?

The list of cases from which extracts are quoted in the Report of the Committee on National Expenditure was not drawn up specially for the Committee but was a record of appreciations received from business firms in the month of November. The cases quoted by the Committee were among the less important in the list, and constituted about one-fifth of the total number of cases. I do not think that the quotation of a few cases resulting in small orders conveys an accurate impression of the nature of the work of the Department. On the other hand, the value of such cases, when taken in the aggregate, is not negligible, and the successful handling of a small order often leads to repeat orders of greater importance and to the creation of a new channel of trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Association of Chambers of Commerce has expressed its views to him on the proposed alteration of the Department of Overseas Trade; what in that case these views are; and whether it wishes to be heard, and will be heard before a final settlement?

I have received a letter from the Association of British Chambers of Commerce stating that, in their opinion, the Department of Overseas Trade has rendered very great services and promises to be more useful still to the industry and commerce of this country, and expressing the hope that, notwithstanding the economies which they know to be necessary, the Department will on no account be eliminated. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that a deputation has recently waited on the Chancellor of the Exchequer and laid its views on this subject before him.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the statement in the Report of the Committee on National Expenditure that the provision of the Unemployment Insurance Acts which entitle an insured person to the refund of the balance standing to his credit, with compound interest, on his reaching the age of 60 is one of the factors which increase the cost of administration unduly; and whether, in view of the fact that the repeal of the provision would be a distinct breach of faith with the insured workers, and particularly those who came within the scope of the first Insurance Act, very careful consideration will be given to the question before accepting the implied recommendation of the Committee?

This is among the matters now being considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee, under the Chairmanship of Sir Alfred Watson, which has been appointed in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on National Expenditure. The repeal of the provision as to refunds would require legislation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the British Rainfall Association was absorbed by the Meteorological Department during the War; whether he is aware that the work of this association was carried out by private enterprise from private funds; whether it is intended to adhere to the present arrangements; if it is considered that the results accruing from the Meteorological Department in the matter of weather forecasts are sufficiently accurate to justify its retention; and what is the annual cost of this Department?

The answer to the first four questions is in the affirmative, except that it was in July, 1919, that the organisation was absorbed; to the last, that the estimated cost of t(he entire Meteorological Department in 1921–22 is approximately £140,000. I would add that the Government's decision to take over the work of the rainfall organisation was due to its importance in connection with water supply, river conservancy, public health, etc., and to the fact that it had developed to such an extent that private enterprise could no longer support it. The Meteorological Department was taken over by the Air Ministry at the request of the Government, and it serves all other Departments of State.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the falling off in the production of beer was 6.6 per cent. for the June quarter, 10.5 per cent, for the September quarter, and 125 per cent, for the Christmas quarter last year; that a falling off of about 30 per cent, is now expected; and whether he will consider a reduction in duty for the sake alike of the revenue and the consumers of the national drink?

The past and present position is substantially as stated in the first part of the question. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has no information bearing out the hon. Member's suggestion as to future output. As regards the last part of the question, he is unable to anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if a loan is to be made by this country to Czecho-Slovakia; if so, what is the amount; and if he can say on what security the loan is to be advanced?

There is no question of a loan by the British Government to Czecho-Slovakia. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer cannot undertake to answer questions as to negotiations which may at any time be taking place between foreign Governments and potential leaders in the London market.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of putting a duty on all imported flour so as to secure the milling of wheat for this country and the offals resulting therefrom?

The answer is in the negative. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer does not consider this course is advisable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of issuing with any Supplementary Estimates a brief detailed statement of the causes which require such extra expenditure, instead of, as at present, only indicating the purpose for which the money is provided?

I think such" statements in explanation of Supplementary Estimates are more suitably made by Ministers in Committee of Supply.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a reduction of one per cent, in the interest on the internal debt would effect an annual saving in national expenditure of over £65,000,000; and whether, in view of the critical state of the national finances, he will consider introducing this economy as an alternative to the economies in social services proposed by the Geddes Report?

I have nothing to add to the answers which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. N. Maclean) on the 9th and 16th instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Port of Queenborough Development Company, Limited, has received, or is in receipt of, any assistance from public funds in connection with Richborough port or any other enterprise?

No, Sir.

— Year 1912–13. Year 1919–20. Year 1920–21. £ £ £ Gross Income brought under review 1,111,456,413 2,970,604,036 3,000,000,000 Deductions for exemptions, repairs to property, wear and tear, etc. 204,304,600 423,424,213 500,000,000 Actual income liable to tax, before deduction of personal allowances, etc. 907,151,813 2,547,179,823 2,500,000,000 Total income on which tax was received 755,577,547 1,416,223,256 1,340,000,000 Total net produce 41,574,277 336,555,563 350,000,000 Normal rate in the £ 1s. 2d. 6s. 6s. Produce for each 1d. of the normal rate 2,969,591 4,674,383 4,860,000

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any payments have been made from such portion of the German indemnity as has been received by this country to meet the damage suffered by seamen and towards the wages of interned seamen; and, if so, to what amount and through what channel?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement which I made on this subject on the 23rd instant in connection with the Supplementary Estimate of £100,000 for grants for compensation for damage by enemy action.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will give the figures for the years 1913, 1920, and 1921, respectively, showing the gross income brought under the review of the Inland Revenue Department for Income Tax; deductions necessary to reduce the gross income to the actual income liable to tax, for exemptions to property, wear and tear of machinery, overcharges in assessment, etc.; actual income liable to tax before deduction of personal allowances and reliefs; total income on which tax was received; total net produce; normal rate in the £; and produce for each penny in the normal rate; and will he state the cost of collection of the Revenue for the financial year 1920–21?

The information required is as follows. The figures for the year 1920–21 are estimated, as final statistics for that year are not yet available. It will be appreciated that owing to changes in Income Tax laws the basis of computation is not the same in each year. The collection of Income Tax is inseparably bound up with the collection of other duties of Inland Revenue, and it is not possible to apportion the total cost of collection between the various items.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what temporary positions are there now in the Treasury and what salaries are paid, including any individuals lent by other Departments?

There are serving at present 77 temporary officials and four officers seconded from other Departments, whose salaries are borne on the Treasury Vote. Of these, 70 are paid £300 or less a year, five from £301 to £600, two from £601 to £1,000, two from £1,200 to £1,500, one £2,000, and one £5,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the sum received in Scotland during the last financial year by way of duties on table waters from sales from soda water fountains, as distinguished from sales in bottles?

I am unable to supply the information requested as separate statistics are not kept.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is prepared to bring up to date the table issued at the time of the Royal Commission on the Income Tax showing the number of Income Taxpayers at the various levels of tax payable?

I am unable at present to add anything to the reply which I gave my hon. and gallant Friend on Ibis subject on 10th May last.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any steps have yet been taken for the settlement of claims against Germany by British nationals resident in Germany at the outbreak of War; whether he is aware that a number of these claimants are in financial straits and suffering from ill-health owing to the action of the then German Government; and whether anything can be done to help these claimants?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in presenting the Supplementary Estimate of £100,000 for grants for compensation for damage by enemy action on the 23rd instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the claim of Miss Frances Galway to the British Claims Office in Brussels for compensation for the damage done to her property in Brussels during the War is still unsettled, owing to the statement that there are no funds available, and that Belgian subjects, who had similar complaints, have received their compensation long ago; and can he give any reason why the claims of British subjects should not receive similar treatment?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in presenting the Supplementary Estimate of £100,000 for grants for compensation for damage by enemy action on the 23rd instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that application has been made to the German Government to refund amounts collected under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, and that the German Government have refused to pay the same, despite the statement published in the Board of Trade Journal on 3rd December that they would do so, the reason given being that they did not undertake that this should be done till the 1st May, therefore amounts paid on the 27th April are outside the scope of this arrangement; and can he say if, under these circumstances, he is prepared to place those who imported goods on the 27th April on the same basis as those who imported on the 1st May?

I understand that the German Government will be prepared to reimburse amounts levied under the Separation (Recovery) Act prior to 1st May, 1921, if the Reparation Commission decide to credit the amounts levied before this date on account of the annuities under the schedule of payments. I am informed that the Commission is likely to reach a decision upon this question at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to a complaint made to the committee at the hearing of an application made under the Safeguarding of Industries Act on the 6th February, presided over by Sir William Ackworth, with regard to aluminium hollow-ware; whether complaint was directed at the unsatisfactory procedure prescribed by the Board of Trade for receiving evidence at such inquiries; is he aware that such procedure prohibits counsel who represents the applicants and their opponents from examining and cross-examining such witnesses; that the chairman stated publicly that such prohibition placed the committee at a great disadvantage in ascertaining the true facts in regard to aluminium hollow-ware, and that the other members of the committee associated themselves with the chairman's view; will he state whether any further representation on the subject has been received from other committees; and whether it is proposed to act upon such representations, and amend the rule of procedure accordingly?

The answer to the first four parts of the question is in the affirmative. No representation on the subject has been received from any other committee. I am not satisfied that the balance of advantage would necessarily lie in an amendment of the rules, but I am considering the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Department entrusted with the setting up of inquiries into applications under the Safeguarding of Industries Act drew up the Rules of Procedure applicable to the proceedings at such inquiries; whether the representation of the applicants and opponents is confined to the producers, manufacturers, and merchants affected, or whether such representation does not extend to the consumers, although the Act by implication excludes the representation of the interests of the consuming public; and whether he will give, or has given, directions to the Committee on the subject?

The Rules of Procedure were prescribed by the Board of Trade under Sub-section (3) of Section 7 of the Act, and they give full discretion to Committees to receive any evidence they think fit, though such evidence will naturally be confined to matters relevant to the Committee's terms of reference. I see no reason to give any directions on the subject to the Committees.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that applicants for licences to import dyes not made in the United Kingdom, are continually being referred to British makers, who admit they do not make the exact dye required but offer some substitute which the consumers state is quite unsuitable; and on what ground the Dyestuff Advisory Licensing Committee refuse to grant import licences?

It is the practice of the Committee to refer applicants for import licences to British makers whenever there is primâ facie evidence that the latter are in a position to supply dyestuffs identical with or equivalent to those to which the applications relate. If it appears, however, that the supplies offered by British makers are not suitable for a particular consumer's requirements, licence is granted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that printed lists of German reparation dyes held by the Government are issued to one particular organisation of consumers; if this is so, in view of the fact that the cost of such lists is paid for out of receipts for such dyes and is therefore public money, will he take the necessary steps to see that the issue of such lists be made general to all applicants; and will he undertake that detailed monthly lists of all licences to import dyes are made public?

The list mentioned in the first part of the question is printed by the organisation to which reference is made by the hon. Member for the convenience of its members and at its own cost. The, second part of the question therefore does not arise. As regards the last part, the cost of issuing such lists would not be justified.

TABLE. Imports (by value) into the United Kingdom, consigned from Switzerland, Sweden and Norway, registered during each of the years 1913, 1920 and 1921, distinguishing imports of "Raw Materials and articles mainly unmanufactured" and imports of "Articles wholly or mainly manufactured" so far as the particulars are available. Description. From Switzerland. From Sweden. From Norway. Total Imports:— £ £ £ 1913 … … … … … 11,070,000 14,213,000 7,437,000 1920 … … … … … 36,996,000 56,468,000 23,819,000 1921 … … … … … 19,964,000 21,626,000 10,326,000 Raw materials and articles mainly unmanufactured: 1913 … … … … … 52,000 7,431,000 3,765,000 1920 … … … … … 343,000 40,113,000 14,315,000 1921 … … … … … * * * Articles wholly or mainly manufactured:— 1913 … … … … … 9,212,000 4,118,000 2,197,000 1920 … … … … … 33,099,000 15,796,000 7,740,000 1921 … … … … … * * * * Particulars not yet available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what individual was responsible for advising the Government to undertake the purchase of large quantities of Australian zinc concentrates annually for a period of 10 years after the conclusion of the War?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of imports into the United Kingdom from Switzerland, Sweden, and Norway, respectively, during the years 1913, 1920, and 1921; and will he also state separately the value of manufactured and partly manufactured goods, respectively, included in the values referred to?

I am circulating a statistical table. I am unable to show separately the value of manufactured and semi-manufactured articles, but the table gives particulars for 1913 and 1920 of the classes of goods described in the returns as "raw materials and articles mainly unmanufactured" and "articles wholly or mainly manufactured" respectively.

The following in the table:

The decision to purchase Australian zinc concentrates was one of policy taken by the Government of the day, who no doubt availed themselves of commercial and other expert advice as to the details of the contract.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the possibility of terminating the contract under which the Government is committed to take large supplies of Australian zinc concentrates for a period of 10 years after the termination of the War?

As I have already informed the House, the answer is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the cost per ton to the Government of the Australian zinc concentrates to be bought for a period of 10 years after the conclusion of the War and the price which is obtained per ton?

As I explained to the House on the 21st February, I do not think it is advisable to disclose these prices.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the manager of the Employment Exchange at Bridport has decided that if an insured member's wife is at work the man cannot claim any benefit for the dependent children: that the manager has also decided that if the wife of any insured member is ill he cannot receive any payment for the dependent children; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am making inquiry, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour, if he is aware of the decision given by Mr. Justice Roche, in the High Court in Scotland, that caretakers and charwomen employed in public offices, banks, and other places are not eligible for insurance under the unemployment scheme with the qualifications for caretakers and charwomen for this purpose; whether he is aware that he decided that they must be employed in any industrial concern or in a place attached to an industrial concern; that in consequence Mr. Gosling, the manager of the Dundee Labour Exchange, has received instructions not to pay unemployment insurance to women outside these categories; that many of these women have paid insurance contribution and have had their cards stamped, but now find themselves disqualified; if he can state what is now the position of this class of work; whether they will have their money returned; and if he will take action in the matter?

Decisions, of which I am sending copies to my hon. Friend, were given by Mr. Justice Roche in the High Court in London on 13th January, the effect of which is that caretakers and charwomen employed in offices, banks and similar establishments are not insurable against unemployment. They are consequently not entitled to unemployment benefit in respect of such employment, but if they have paid more in contributions than they have received in benefit they may apply for a refund of the balance.

asked the Minister of Labour if his Department has received a communication, dated 5th December, 1921, regarding Mr. Charles Hall, of 7, Union Street, Greenock, for payment of unemployment benefit; and will he have the matter inquired into?

I find that a letter of this date calling attention to the disallowance of benefit was received by the Department and duly acknowledged. Owing to an oversight no substantive reply was sent, which I regret. I am going into the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the delay in payment of unemployment money due to Mr. Andrew Bernard, of 7, Brymner Street, Greenock; and will he take steps to have the matter inquired into?

I am making inquiries locally, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he can say when the London Electric Supply Company will commence operations in connection with this scheme at Barking, which was approved at the latter part of 1921 by the Electricity Commissioners; and whether he will endeavour to facilitate the commencement of the work in view of the serious unemployment now prevailing in the East London area?

It is not possible to say when the County of London Electric Supply Company will commence the construction of their generating station' at Barking. The Company's Act of 1921 empowers the Electricity Commissioners, when giving their consent to the construction of the station, to prescribe the terms on which the undertaking may be acquired by the proposed joint electricity authority for Greater London. With the object of facilitating the commencement of the work, the Commissioners have communicated the terms to the company, and it is anticipated that formal sanction to proceed with the work will be given shortly.

asked the Minister of Labour what ballots have been taken by the Amalgamated Society of Engineers in connection with disputes now existing in the engineering trade; and what percentage the majority in each case constituted of the total membership of the union?

There have been two recent ballots of the members of the Amalgamated Engineering Union in connection with matters that are under discussion in the present dispute. The first was taken on a provisional agreement relating to overtime and nightshift conditions dated 29th and 30th September, 1920. The result was as follows: For the agreement … 62,668 Against … 19,517 Majority for … 43,151

At that time the total membership of the Amalgamated Engineering Union was about 460,000, inclusive of members on superannuation benefit, and members of branches overseas. The result of a second ballot, which was taken on the provisional agreement of 17th and 18th November, 1921, interpreting the agreement of September, 1920, was as follows: For acceptance … 35,525 Against … 50,240 Majority against … 14,715 The present membership of the union is approximately 409,000.

The information in my possession does not enable me to state exactly what per- centage the majority in each case constituted of the membership of the union eligible to vote as certain classes, such as members abroad, did not take part in the ballot.

asked the Minister of Labour how many members belong to the Amalgamated Society of Engineers; how many workers will be affected if there is a lock-out in the engineering trade; and how many if the shipbuilding trade is affected as well?

The membership of the Amalgamated Engineering Union is, approximately, 409,000. It is not at present possible to estimate the number of workpeople employed by firms who might become involved in a lock-out.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the frequent complaints made to the Cardiff post office authorities due to the non-supply of transfer stamps; if he is aware that there is no stock of transfer stamps of above £3 value in hand and that business is being seriously retarded and delayed as a consequence; and if, having regard to his previous promises to maintain an adequate supply of stamps, he will take steps to rectify the shortage at once?

I do not find that there has been any complaint at Cardiff post office in regard to the supply of transfer stamps. I am assured that the stock of such stamps of £3 and over at the Bute Docks office, Cardiff, is adequate to all requirements.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Messrs. Ryder, seed specialists, of St. Albans, publicly state that they would have saved over £12,000 by printing and posting their full seed catalogue abroad; that numbers of traders can afford to pay for the preparation and printing of lists and catalogues at home but cannot afford to distribute them because of the excessive rate of postage; that consequently the catalogues are being posted and printed abroad in increasing quantities, with the result that many branches of the printing trade are at a standstill, men unemployed, and the revenue of the Post Office depleted; and whether he can reduce the rate of postage on trade catalogues and advertisements forthwith?

I am aware that Messrs. Ryders, seedsmen, of St. Albans, have made the statement referred to in the first part of the question. It is not the fact that the cost of postage is the only or the principal factor in the case of this and other firms who have had their circulars published and posted in countries where the currency is depreciated. I hope to announce as soon as possible the decision of the Government in regard to reductions in postal charges.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the military last week, after clearing the Orange mob down the Newtownards Road, Belfast, proceeded to make a house-to-house search in the Catholic district which had been attacked without provocation; whether the Orange streets were included in the search; whether the Catholic residents of Seaford Street and adjoining districts are continually harassed by these repeated attacks; and what effective steps will be taken to protect the lives and liberties of the Catholic residents of this district in the future?

I am inquiring into the allegations made in this question, and I will communicate further with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in face of the continuously increasing accidents which occur in the coal mines of this country in consequence of shot-firing and its dangers, and such accidents resulting in serious loss to life and limb, inasmuch as the major portion of these accidents are preventable, he will take steps to make it compulsory in all cases of shot-firing in the mines and quarries of this country to use shot-firing appliances, thereby in this connection reducing the danger to life and limb to the lowest possible minimum?

The returns supplied to the Mines Department do not show that the number of accidents arising out of the use of explosives at mines and quarries in this country is increasing, but I shall be very glad to have any suggestions which would lead to a lessening of the dangers arising from this cause. As the hon. Member knows, there are already strict regulations as to shot-firing and the appliances to be used for that purpose, but if he has any particular appliance in mind perhaps he will let me have particulars, and I will make inquiry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the information at his disposal shows that British coal exporters are recovering the business in Europe and South America which was diverted to the United States coal exporters during the last year's coal dispute; and what are the prices ruling for American and British steam coals at Buenos Ayres and Genoa?

Yes, Sir. In round figures, British exports to the Continent of Europe increased from 4,200,000 tons in the first quarter of last year to 8,600,000 in the last, while American exports, which were 1,000,000 tons in the first quarter and rose to 2,600,000 in the second, were only 1,000 tons in the last. To South America, British exports increased from 270,000 tons in the first quarter to 600,000 tons in the last, while American exports fell from 520,000 tons to 130,000. The latest prices ruling at Genoa for Cardiff coal of first quality were 200 to 205 lire per to in wagon, and for second quality coal 195 to 200 lire per ton. American steam coal was 190 to 200 lire per ton in wagon. At the current rate of exchange, 100 lire are worth 23s. 4d. The present price of Welsh steam coal at Buenos Ayres is from 39s. 6d. to 42s. 6d. per ton, c.i.f., according to quality, and the price of American steam coal, approximately, 38s. per ton.

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the total amount of royalty rent paid for the County of Glamorgan for the quarters ending March and December, 1921, respectively; what was the average cost per ton of coal raised and what was the total amount of royalty rent paid for the same periods in the Rhondda Valley?

Statistics are not collected separately for the County of Glamorgan or the Rhondda Valley. In the South Wales and Monmouthshire coalfield, the total royalty rent paid in the quarter ended March, 1921, was about £321,700, or rather more than 9½d. per ton of coal raised. Particulars for the quarter ended December, 1921, are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the urgency of the problem, he can now announce the policy of the Government as regards Empire settlement and migration?

I hope I may be in a position to make such an announcement at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how-many persons have been settled under the Government settlement scheme in the Overseas Dominions; what has been the average cost per head, including the donations from the National Service Funds; and can he state what assistance in the matter of settlement, if any, these persons have received from the Dominion Governments'?

The number of persons who have been furnished with passages under the Free Passage Scheme is about 74,000 at an average cost—including grants from the National Relief Fund—of about £28 per head. A considerable number of these persons have been settled overseas under the schemes of the various Oversea Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether dearer postal rates have now been introduced into the Straits Settlements; if so, whether there is strong opposition to this course; and in how many colonies these postal rates are being increased?

In the Straits Settlements, in common with practically all Colonies and Protectorates which are in the Postal Union, increased postal rates have been introduced, following upon the decisions embodied in the Convention of Madrid of 30th November, 1920. Such increases, however necessary, must always be unwelcome, but I am not aware that they have evoked any special opposition in the Straits Settlements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the population of Iraq under British occupation; and what was the cost of administration, including the military occupation, during the last fiscal year?

According to a rough census carried out in 1920 the population of Iraq was 2,849,282. I was not myself responsible for administration during the year 1920–21, but the figures of expenditure will be shown in the appropriation accounts of the War Office and Air Ministry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can give the total number of cases of foot-and-mouth disease that have been reported to the Board of Agriculture, with the numbers for the present week and the two preceding weeks, and the total number up to date of animals slaughtered?

1,062 cases of suspected foot-and-mouth disease have been reported to the Ministry in connection with the present outbreak, the existence of disease being confirmed in 895 cases. Of these, 100 outbreaks were confirmed during the week ended the 25th instant, and 137 and 224 outbreaks in the weeks ended the 18th and 11th instant respectively. The number of animals the slaughter of which has been authorised to date are: 19,578 cattle. 13,042 sheep. 745 pigs. 39 goats.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has yet received from the British Ambassador to the United States the report as to the working and results of the prohibition law in relation to the drink traffic in America?

A report was received from His Majesty's Ambassador on the withdrawals of whiskey from bond during the first year for which prohibition was in force. Such withdrawals amounted to 5,484,125 gallons, as against 83,590,951 gallons of whiskey and 54,534,941 gallons of neutral spirits during the year ended 30th June, 1917, the last normal year before the introduction of war-time restrictions.

asked the Homo Secretary whether trade instructors in the English prisons service do not perform any discipline duty whatever; and will he state what exactly the duties of those officers are and the amount of annual leave to which they are entitled

Trade instructors perform discipline duty in addition, except in the case of the instructors teaching the more important trades, whose whole time is required for such teaching. The leave of an instructor is regulated by his rank as a prison officer, and in the ordinary case is 13 working days for an officer and 18 for a principal officer.

asked the Home Secretary in what British, Dominions and foreign countries summer time was in operation last year and has been adopted as a permanent institution?

According to the information in my possession, summer time was in operation in 1921 in Holland, France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal and Mexico. It was understood to be permanent in all these countries except Mexico, and possibly Luxemburg. Summer time was not in operation in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Denmark. I have no definite information as to other countries or as to the overseas Dominions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether it is intended to demand from railway companies the various statistics that are at present submitted to the Ministry of Transport; whether such figures, when obtained, are of value to the Ministry; if so, for what purpose; and what is the estimated cost to the railway companies of compiling such figures?

The duty of supplying these statistics was imposed upon the companies by the Railways Act, 1921, after full Debate, to which I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend. I am unable to give an estimate of the cost to the companies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, when a reduction of railway fares is possible, first consideration will be given to the working men's tickets issued early and late in the day?

As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, the Government possession of the railway undertakings ceased in August last. It is now open to the companies to reduce their fares if the circumstances in their opinion warrant such a course, or an application for a reduction of fares can be made to the Rates Tribunal under Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Trans- port whether he has any information regarding the possibility of a reduction in railway passenger fares during the spring or summer?

No, Sir, but I will communicate with the railway companies, and advise the hon. and gallant Member of the result.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider proposing a grant to give adequate relief to British refugees from Russia?

The Government regret that they cannot see their way to proposing a grant for this purpose.