asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number of staff of the Wheat Commission; the number of ex-service men; and the numbers under each heading of non-service men and women employed?

The total staff at 1st March was 120, of whom 75 were ex-service men, including two permanent officials; 22 were non-service men, including four permanent officials; and 23 were women, including one ex-service woman and one permanent official.

asked the Minister of Labour how many officers of executive rank are employed by the Ministry of Labour; do these officers travel first class when on public service; and, if so, what is the cost of these journeys to the Exchequer per annum?

There are 268 executive officers (as defined in the Report of the National Civil Service Whitley Council) in the Ministry of Labour in Great Britain; and of these, 80, whose salary (exclusive of bonus) is in excess of £350 per annum, travel first class in accordance with the general Civil Service rules. Without an undue expenditure of time and labour, it is not possible to ascertain the cost to the Exchequer of the journeys, undertaken by these officers.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the names of the Parliamentary Committee which is being appointed to investigate the question of the retention or dismissal of conscientious objectors employed in the Civil Service; whether he is aware that considerable feeling of resentment exists, not only in the Civil Service, but throughout the country, at the retention of conscientious objectors to the detriment of men who fought in the War; and whether, before the Committee's findings are finally adopted, Members of the House will be given an opportunity of discussing and recording their votes on this question?

The Committee was nominated by the House on the 24th February. As regards the last part of the question, I do not think it would be desirable to make any statement pending the receipt of the Committee's Report.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether a man who has served through the whole War and was demobilised in March, 1920, and who j served with the Auxiliary Force in Ireland until 24th January, 1922, is entitled to a preference on applying for a small holding; and, if so, what?

A man in the position stated by my hon. and gallant Friend would not be entitled to participate in the preference accorded to ex-service men under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919. If, however, it came to be a question as between him and a non-service applicant, I feel sure that, other things being equal, a preference would be given to him.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether farm servants employed upon the Gretna farms now j being taken up for land settlement are being dispossessed of their houses, though under the terms of their engagement they are entitled to reside in the same until Whit Sunday, 1922; whether notice of their intention to resume these farms at Gretna at Martinmas, 1921, wag given to the tenants concerned by the Scottish Board of Agriculture prior to February, 1921, the usual hiring term; and, if not, whether he will compensate the farm servants now threatened with eviction or provide them with alternative accommodation?

I am aware that farm servants on certain of the farms referred to are being displaced, but I am not aware of the terms of their engagements. The Board acquired this property for land settlement purposes from the War Department. The notices referred to were served by the War Department in order to give the Board vacant possession. It is inevitable that in the process of settlement there will be disturbance of existing tenants and employees, but in I this and other cases the Board endeavour to minimise inconvenience or hardship to existing occupiers and the claims of all parties are fully considered. I cannot give any general undertaking of the nature suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister the number of casualties suffered by each of the belligerent nations in the late War?

The hon. Member will find the information for which he asks in the OFFICIAL REPOET of Debates of 4th May last, Columns 1033–1034.

asked the Minister of Health whether grants are still being made to private societies in connection with venereal disease propaganda, although expenditure on maternity and child welfare work is being restricted on account of the great stringency of the present financial position?

The grant to the-National Council for Combating Venereal Disease is being reduced, but I anticipate that the financial provision to be made next year will enable the public health services generally to be carried on without impairment.