asked the Secretary of State for India what is, approximately, the extra cost of the Government of India and the provincial establishments under the reform scheme in comparison with what it was before the reform scheme was introduced?

The Government of India have informed me that the papers on this subject were to leave India by the mail of 23rd February.

asked the Secretary of State for India if certain firms, including the Roperie and Sailcloth Company, of Bath Street, Leith, were recently invited to quote for the supply of goods to the India Office; if any of the offers sent in have been accepted; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of coming to an early decision on the offers sent in, in view of the great amount of unemployment in the industry concerned?

I am informed by the High Commissioner for India, with whom the matter rests, that certain firms including the Edinburgh Roperie and Sailcloth Company, Limited, of Bath Street, Leith, were recently invited to tender for the supply of sail canvas, required by the Government of India, and that as a result the contracts were duly let on the 1st February last.

asked the Secretary of State for India what the deficit on the Indian Budget is estimated to be in 1921–22 and what deficit has to be met and provided for in 1922–23; whether the possibility has been considered of instituting Death Duties in India or of extending Income Tax to revenues arising from land; and whether he will suggest to the Joint Standing Committee the advisability of reporting on Indian finance in general and not upon Army strength and finance alone?

The answer to the first part of the question is about 34 crores of rupees. The answer to the second part 32 crores. As to the third part, under the rules regulating the distribution of revenues between the Central and Provincial Governments it is contemplated that taxes on succession and revenue from land in general should fall within the provincial sphere. As regards the last part of the question, the hon. and gallant Member is aware that it is in the power of the Joint Standing Committee to take into consideration any question which they may desire to consider.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make that suggestion when he appears before the Joint Standing Committee?

I have not yet had any request to attend before that Committee.

You will.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether a Resolution was unanimously passed by the Indian Legislative Assembly calling for the appointment of a Committee to inquire into the expenditure of the Government of India; and what action is being taken to carry this Resolution into effect?

I learn that the Government of India has decided to appoint a Committee to consider Government expenditure, but its composition and scope are still under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether India, through her representative at the Imperial Conference of 1917, became a party to the unanimous adoption of the principle of Imperial Preference; and whether provision has been made in the new Customs tariff of India for preference to goods from Great Britain and other parts of the Empire in respect of the duties now to be imposed?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Government of India have appointed a fiscal Commission to advise among other things as to the desirability of adopting the principle of Imperial Preference and have declared their intention to defer any action until they have considered the report. The Commission has not yet reported.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any evidence to show that Mustapher Kemal Pasha is the recognised leader of the Turkish people; whether he is aware that an agreement with Mustapha Kemal Pasha would be welcomed by Moslem interests in India and the East; and whether he will take steps to open negotiations with Mustapha Kemal Pasha at once?

The position of Mustapha Kemal Pasha in relation to the Nationalist section of the Turkish population is well-known. His Majesty's Government believe that Moslem interests in India and the East desire, as do His Majesty's Government, a general settlement with Turkey, embracing all Turkish territories and authorities. The Treaty of Peace must be concluded with the sovereign of the State, the Sultan. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 6th March

Can the hon. Gentleman state what steps, if any, are being taken to conclude peace with Turkey?

Yes, Sir. A meeting is to take place in Paris in the very near future when the whole question will be discussed.

Who will represent Turkey?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the results of the inquiries of the Inter-Allied Military Commission of Control in Germany with regard to the secret manufacture of Howitzers, the concealment of documents, and the fictitious leasing of administrative establishments alleged to be carried on by, or with the connivance of, the German authorities?

These questions are all being investigated by the Inter-Allied Military Commission of Control. There is as yet, however, nothing that I can usefully add to previous answers.

When is the hon. Baronet likely to be able to give information on these very important matters?

I cannot say.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the appeal made to the League of Nations, in a memorandum of December, 1921, by the leaders of all political parties in the Saar Valley, with the exception of the Communists, against the harsh treatment and injustices suffered by the civil population under the régime in force in the Saar; whether there is any British representative on the Government Commission in the Saar; if so, who is he; what are his instructions with regard to the treatment of the civil population; whether he has made any representations to His Majesty's Government on the conditions prevailing in the Saar basin; and whether His Majesty's Government are taking any steps to see that the terms of the Treaty of Versailles are carried out where they establish safeguards for the civil population of the Saar?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The members of the Governing Commission are, in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles (Annex to Section 4, Articles 16 and 17), chosen by the Council of the League of Nations, from which body they receive their instructions and to which they report. They are not national representatives. One of them is a Canadian, Mr. Waugh by name. He is neither responsible to nor in official communication with His Majesty's Government. The duty of seeing that the terms of the Treaty of Versailles are carried out rests on the League of Nations, in which His Majesty's Government are represented.

Is His Majesty's Government approaching the League of Nations asking for information on the subject?

No. When I was at Geneva I met a deputation from the Saar Valley and came to the conclusion that the charges against the administration had no foundation whatever.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider whether some modification in the direction of a greater representation of the inhabitants of the Saar on the Governing Commission might be desirable?

I will take occasion to bring the Noble Lord's opinion to the Secretary-General.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether Sir Alexander Whyte's Committee, which was appointed to settle the details of the proposed constitution and reforms for Burma, has yet submitted its Report; and, if so, what is the nature of the recommendations made?

The Report has been submitted, and is now under the consideration of the Government of India. As soon as possible after I have received their recommendations, I intend to present the papers to Parliament, and until I am in a position to do that, it would be premature to indicate the nature of the Committee's proposals.

asked the Secretary of State, for War (1) whether, although the Corps of Military Accountants is now responsible for the preparation of appropriation accounts, the Accounting Departments, on which this work formerly fell, are now, instead of being reduced in strength, actually more largely staffed than was the case when they did this work; what is the explanation of this increase;

(2) whether the creation of the Corps of Military Accountants has led to a considerable duplication of work by its representatives in commands to that already done by command paymasters?

The strength of the Pay Department is being rapidly and continuously reduced, but, as my hon. and gallant Friend will see from the totals of Army Estimates, the volume of cash expenditure to be handled is still largely in excess of that of 1914. I am enquiring into the work of the Corps of Military Accountants with a view of eliminating any unnecessary or duplicate work.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether representatives of the Corps of Military Accountants are being still attached to fighting units such as brigades of cavalry, regiments of cavalry, etc.; whether it is found that their attachment leads to economies being effected; and, if so, in what direction?

Yes, Sir. The cost accounts of fighting units are prepared by military accountant personnel attached to the units. I am informed that direct economies have been effected in certain directions, such as the closing of regimental workshops which were not paying their way, and in the supply of consumable stores. I am enquiring into the possibility of effecting economies in such parts of the accountancy as, are less likely to prove of value.

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount of money expended in recruiting advertisement during the current financial year, and the number of recruits obtained?

The amount spent up to the end of last month was £4,779. The number of recruits up to approximately the same date was 41,773.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an undertaking that none of the regiments proposed to be disbanded shall be disbanded until the present disorder in India, Egypt, and Ireland have ceased and a final settlement of the Irish Question has been actually arrived at?

No, Sir; I am not in a position to give my Noble Friend the undertaking which he desires.

Does the hon. Baronet not think it extremely rash to disband a great number of regiments of the British Army when the whole Empire is seething with disorder?

Will the Government pursue a policy which will lead to disarmament?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Royal Dublin Fusiliers is one of the oldest regiments of the British Army, that although they have existed 250 years they have only been connected with Ireland 34 years, that the regiment has rendered distinguished service in all parts of the world and has great traditions, he will reconsider the proposal that it should be disbanded?

I much regret that this decision cannot be reconsidered. The recruiting area of the regiment has ceased to be available; moreover, the retention of this regiment would necessitate the disbandment, on grounds of economy, of some other, raised and maintained outside the area of the Irish Free State.

Is not the true reason that we still have the right to enlist men in Ireland?

I could not say without looking at the Treaty.

asked the Secretary of State for War what decision has been arrived at by the Army Council regarding the promotion, pay, and pensions of the officers of the Royal Malta Artillery?

No, Sir; I am not yet in a position to announce a decision.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the M.I. 5 Department still exists; what is the annual cost for the same, including rent and staff; what is the number of its personnel, male and female; and what premises does it occupy?

It is not in the public interest to give this information.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what useful public service this Department can be said to perform?

Surely we have a right to know the cost of this Department.

I suppose that the cost of this Department is given in the Estimates.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether the Estimates for 1922–23 have been framed in accordance with the Cabinet instruction of 1919 on the assumption that no great war is to be anticipated within the next 10 years;

(2) whether he proposes to reduce the staff employed at Woolwich in respect of the education of cadets as recommended by the Geddes Committee;

(3) whether it is still proposed to spend next year £2,710,000 in major new works?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 28th ultimo. I then stated that it was difficult for me at present to answer in detail questions on individual recommendations made by the Geddes Committee, and that the debate on next year's Army Estimates would afford a more convenient opportunity for dealing with them.

Is it not a fact that the Cabinet instruction was that the War Office when preparing their Estimates were to proceed on the assumption that there was no great war to be anticipated within the next 10 years?

I am afraid that I cannot answer that question.

Has the whole total of the Estimates been framed on that instruction from the Cabinet?

I cannot say.

I shall put my question down again.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the possibility of adding, when the various Estimates are submitted this year, an explanatory note in each case where any economy is due to the adoption of any specific recommendation of the Geddes Report?

I do not think it will be possible, without sensibly delaying the issue of the Estimates, to analyse the reductions in such a way as to attribute particular savings to particular causes.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes have lent the sum of £14,730, secured by a mortgage, to the Schools and Services Supplies, Limited; and, if so, whether, since it appears that the business of financiers or moneylenders is to be added to the activities already undertaken by the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes, he will state the reason for this loan and how much money has been similarly lent by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes?

I understand that the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes, in selling a warehouse, have allowed part of the purchase money to remain on mortgage. Such an arrangement is obviously legitimate, and gives rise to no question of public interest or of policy. I am therefore not prepared to accede to my Noble Friend's desire that the matter should be further pursued.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell me how many other mortgages the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes have on hand?

Obviously I could not answer that question without notice.

The information is asked for at the end of my question, and surely we are entitled to have an answer.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the War Office representative on this Board when their accounts will be published?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make an investigation as to whether, under the mui tsai system of Hong Kong, the mui tsai girls of any household do, upon the death of the owner, become the property of concubines in the household, and are disposed of by them for cash, with other elements in the estate of the deceased owner?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the records of the Colonial Office show that mui tsai of Hong Kong, of quite tender years, are frequently compelled to labour over 12 hours a day, and that cases have been established in the open court where these children have been forced to work up to as long as 18 and 20 hours in one day?

I informed the hon. Member for Bedwellty on the 21st of February that I wished to exchange telegraphic correspondence with the Governor of Hong Kong on the subject. Unfortunately, as hon. Members are aware, a grave situation has developed in Hong Kong in connection with the strike there. The Governor's hands have been exceptionally full, and I learn that the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, who is particularly concerned with mui tsai, has been working night and day. The Governor has promised to answer my inquiries at the earliest possible moment, and in the meantime I must ask the hon. Members to allow me to defer any statement on the subject of mui tsai.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make any further statement as to the murders of Lieutenant Genochio, Royal Engineers, Lieutenant Meade, Royal Army Service Corps, and Quartermaster-Sergeant Cunliffe; whether, in the latter case, these soldiers were armed; whether there is any news of the murderers; and whether the Irish Provisional Government have made any further communication with respect to these atrocities?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any further statement with regard to the case of Lieutenant Genochio except that the Provisional Government now suggest that case should be investigated by a Commission consisting of a British officer and a person nominated by them. Two persons have been arrested by the authority of the Provisional Government on suspicion in connection with the murders of Lieutenant Meade and Quartermaster-Sergeant Cunliffe, and further investigation as to their guilt will be proceeded with according to law. In regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer the Noble Lord to the reply I gave him on Tuesday of last week.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accede to the request of the Provisional Government to set up a Commission upon the death of Lieutenant Genochio? Is he aware that the Cork coroner's jury refused to attend at the barracks to hold an inquest on Lieutenant Genochio, and the inquest had to be held by the military instead?

I am quite aware of that. I must ask for notice of the first part of the question.

Will this proposed Commission have power to compel the attendance of witnesses and to administer the oath? Will it be a legal body? What legal foundation will it have?

I have given all the information I can on the subject, and I am not prepared to add to it.

The right hon. Gentleman says he is going to appoint a Commission. Surely I am entitled to ask if it will have any legal status.

I did not say I was going to appoint a Commission. I said that the Provisional Government had suggested that course. I have not yet answered it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not he will appoint the Commission?

I could quite definitely, but at the present moment I am not prepared to make that statement.

Will the people arrested for the murders of Lieutenant Meade and Quartermaster-Sergeant Cunliffe be proceeded against according to law? What tribunal has power to try them?

For common criminals in Ireland the existing tribunals are working, and magistrates are to a large extent sitting. There are a number of persons in various prisons in Ireland arrested for various forms of crime, and they will be proceeded with according to law.

Will they be indicted before the Assizes as if they were ordinary murderers?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reason the sale of furniture and other stores at the military barracks at Birr, King's County, was suddenly stopped by order of the Government in the middle of the second day's sale, when good prices were being realised; and what is proposed to be done with the property in these barracks which is still unsold?

I am making inquiries into this case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that wholesale raids and enforced levies have recently been made by the Irish Republican Army in County Tipperary; whether large numbers of motor cars and other property have been seized; and what action the British Government have taken to secure the safety of the property of individuals in this and other counties in Southern Ireland, seeing that the British Government are still responsible for law and order in Southern Ireland.

Yes, Sir. The condition of affairs in parts of County Tipperary has been a source of anxiety to His Majesty's Government, and representations have been made on the subject to the Provisional Government, who I am assured, are giving the matter their earnest attention.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware he has stated day after day that these matters are a cause of anxiety to the Government, yet meanwhile British subjects are being plundered? Does he not think it desirable to take some action to protect them?

I might easily take action which would be unwise, and do more harm than good.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the Provisional Government is in a position to do anything in the County of Tipperary at the present moment?

I hope they will be soon; I am supplying them with the means of asserting their authority, and that is their intention.

Has His Majesty's Government any troops or police in this district who can aid in restoring order and protecting innocent people?

No; I think all the troops and police have been withdrawn.

Is it not a monstrous thing that the troops and police should have been withdrawn before order was restored?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies as to the number of rifles, machine guns, rounds of ammunition, revolvers, motors, etc., belonging to the British Government which have been illegally taken by the Irish Republican Army from the Clonmel Police Barracks; whether the property has now been recovered; and what punishment has been inflicted on the members of the Irish Republican Army concerned in the theft of British property?

In the raid on the Clonmel Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks the following property was taken:—11 motor cars, 293 rifles and bayonets, 273 revolvers and pistols, three Lewis guns, 45 shot guns, 324,000 rounds of ammunition, 4,247 cartridges, and sundry small stores. Up to the present none of the property has been recovered and none of the raiders have yet been arrested. The matter is receiving the close attention of the Provisional Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House some further assurance that in a case like this, where an enormous amount of Government property has been stolen, action will be taken?

I have to answer a question on that point later.

Who can get back these stores except members of the Irish Republican Army, who, apparently have stolen them?

Would it not be better to destroy the arms and ammunition in these cases?

The policy of concentrating the forces of the Royal Irish Constabulary holding small positions in central barracks is now practically completed. In the case of Clonmel, it was delayed by a certain pause in the negotiations, but it is now practically finished, and I am assured that there is no danger of similar misfortunes occurring in other parts.

Has any single member of the Royal Irish Constabulary yet been punished by the Provisional Government?

Yesterday, in answering a similar question, the right hon. Gentleman said police had been arrested in Dublin on a grave charge. Is there any ground for suggesting that in Clonmel similar suspicion attaches to members of the Royal Irish Constabulary?

I should like notice of that question. Obviously it is vital to the Provisional Government not to allow themselves to be defied in public by lawless persons, and it is my duty to see that they have the means of dealing with such acts of defiance against Trish authority, and to provide them with such means. Then it will be up to them to take effective action, but until they have such resources I am bound to speak with circumspection.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any of the persons kidnapped from Northern Ireland have not yet been released; if so, for what reason; whether any of the Ulster special constabulary are still being illegally detained in Southern Ireland; and what steps His Majesty's Government are taking in the matter?

When I replied to this question on Tuesday of last week, I understood from the Provisional Government that all the persons kidnapped by the Irish Republican Army during the recent border disturbances, with the exception of the special constables arrested in Clones Railway Station on the 11th ultimo, had been released. Orders for their release had been issued by the Provisional Government, who had been given to understand that they had been complied with in every case. It has since transpired, however, that two of the persons kidnapped have not yet returned to their homes, and the Provisional Government are now endeavouring to ascertain the place of their detention, and will take all necessary steps to secure their prompt release when found. I am not yet in a position to make any further statement in regard to the case of the special constables arrested at Clones Station, except to say that His Majesty's Government are in communication with the Provisional and Northern Governments on the subject of their continued detention.

If I put this question down a week to-day, has the right hon. Gentleman any hope that he will be able to answer it?

I shall know exactly what my state of hope is a week from to-day.

Is it not the fact that on Thursday last I handed to the right hon. Gentleman a list of the names of three men who he had previously assured the House had been released, and who were not released, and that no communication has been received from those three men for two weeks; and can he give an assurance that it will not be their dead bodies that are released?

I do not think it is necessary to draw such a sinister conclusion as that.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in every instance up to this moment in which correspondence has ceased with these detained men, it has transpired that they have been murdered?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the House can be informed of the total amount of stores and munitions of all kinds transferred ostensibly to the Irish Provisional Government from all sources up to the present time; if he can state what stores or munitions have been sold since the evacuation of the forces from Southern Ireland commenced; and whether an assurance can be given that no further transfer shall take place unless with the consent of Parliament?

I stated the other day that I did not think it in the public interest to give exact catalogues of the arms handed over to Northern Ireland, and I think I must observe a similar reticence about the Southern Government at the present time. But I shall be prepared at a later date to disclose all particulars to the House, and in the meanwhile I accept full responsibility for the action taken. No munitions have been handed over by the Army. No sales of police stores have taken place, but Army stores have been sold to the value of £20,614. With regard to the last part of the question, I must claim the usual discretion accorded to the Executive.

Have we been paid yet for any of these stores which have been handed over?

No, Sir. It is understood that such payment will be brought into the general account on the settlement between Great Britain and Ireland.

Are any of these stores in Limerick?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is continuing to supply Ireland with postage stamps which the Irish Provisional Government is now defacing by blocking out the head of His Majesty by an inscription in Erse, it being quite practicable to insert such a surcharge without defacing the central type of the stamp; and, if so, will he stop any further supply?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the hon. Member for South Kensington.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Erse word, which is believed to mean "Provisional," and which is stamped across His Majesty's head is by a mistake in the dictionary a word which really means "preposterous"?

I will not enter into a dispute with my hon. Friend on this point.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has come to any arrangement with the Postmaster-General of Dail Eireann that the provisional postage stamps as issued under the authority of Dail Eireann shall be the legal tender in Great Britain for the payment of small accounts and vice versa?

The overprinted stamps to which the hon. Member refers have been issued for the prepayment of postage on correspondence posted in Southern Ireland. Neither these stamps nor any other stamps are legal tender.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to set up a joint board, includ- ing Jews and Arabs, to control immigration into Palestine; and, if so, what are to be the constitution and functions of this board?

The matter is under consideration. I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there are any and, if so, what restrictions on the emigration of British working men into Kenya Crown Colony or into the Tanganyika mandated territory?

Any restrictions which exist in the territories mentioned are of general application. In Kenya, if an immigrant is without visible means of support or likely to become a pauper or a public charge, he is a "prohibited immigrant" and his entry is forbidden. If an immigrant appears to come within this description he may be required to deposit a sum of Fl.375, which is returned to him if within six months he can show that he is not a "prohibited immigrant." Immigrants may also be refused entry on the ground of insanity, dangerous disease, criminal or moral obliquity, and the like. The regulations in Tanganyika territory are very similar, except that no sum is specified as a deposit, and all Europeans are required at present to obtain a permit of entry from the Secretary to the Administration.

Is it not a fact that this penalty on British working men entering into Kenya Colony is peculiar to that particular Crown Colony?

I really do not think that any of the categories which I have read out are to be taken as describing the British working man, and I am surprised that my hon. and gallant Friend should have drawn such an inference. It seems to be a very offensive inference, and it is one with which I should certainly not associate myself The conditions of Kenya Colony are very exceptional and peculiar, and nothing could be worse than to have a large number of completely destitute persons wandering about that country and, no doubt, coming into collision with the local natives.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that British immigrants are allowed in Kenya Colony provided that they can put down this sum of money, that that is peculiar to Kenya Colony, and that it is imposed there in order to give an excuse for keeping Indians out of that country?

I do not think that that is the reason at all, but it is obvious that Kenya Colony, of which nine-tenths of the population are natives requires to be treated in a special way. We do not want to have incursions of white immigrants who cannot maintain themselves, or of Indians in a similar condition, who will undoubtedly be thrown on the top of the natives of the Colony.

By what right do you say that poor Englishmen shall not go to that Colony, but that rich men may?

That sounds a very fine sentiment, but all the great Dominions require certain assurances that persons immigrating into their domain will be able to get settled down and earn a livelihood, and not simply become a charge.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to a statement by an hon. Member of this House to the effect that he is prepared to prove that the Communist movement is receiving financial help for propagandist purposes from the Soviet Government of Russia; to what extent is he prepared to supplement such information with that in his possession; and if he is now prepared to protect the working classes of this country from being exploited in the interests of foreign revolutionaries?

I have not seen the proofs referred to in the first part of the question, and therefore do not know how far I am in a position to supplement them. I have always been prepared to assist in any action necessary to prevent incitements to violence in contravention of the law, but I have no power to stop mere propaganda of opinions, however false and harmful, even when the propagandists are in receipt of pay from foreign sources.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the many hardships and difficulties which have arisen in the administration and working of the Rent Restriction Act; whether he will appoint a Committee to inquire into the working of the Act; and whether there is any intention of renewing the Acts?

I have been asked to reply to this question. My attention has been called to certain difficulties which have arisen under the Rent Restriction Act, and the matter is receiving consideration, but I cannot at present make any statement on the subject. The Act expires in June, 1923, and the question of its continuance or otherwise has not yet arisen.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any inquiries of County Court judges, who are chiefly concerned in the administration of these Acts as to the difficulties which they experience?

Yes, Sir, I have made a number of inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to say why it was that in the prosecution of Hogan and Cooley, sentenced for theft of machine guns and rifles from Chelsea and Windsor barracks, the evidence implicating Fitzgerald was not made available when the matter was before the stipendiary magistrate; and whether, in view of the remarks of the judge at the trial at the Central Criminal Court, the Director of Public Prosecutions will now proceed against Fitzgerald for his alleged share in the offence charged against the two men above mentioned?

All evidence then available was put before the magistrates when Fitzgerald was charged, and, as I stated in this House on the 14th ultimo, no fresh evidence has been obtained, since Fitzgerald was discharged by the magistrate, of such a nature as to justify the renewal of proceedings against him. The judge before whom Hogan and Cooley were tried reconsidered the view he expressed in the first instance, and agreed that the proper course had been taken.

Considering that the Secretary of State for War on 15th December gave an assurance that all the evidence in the case would be brought out, why was not Sergeant Roche's second and complete statement brought forward with the original statement in the Police Court?

All evidence was brought forward which is admissible as evidence in a Court of Justice. What the hon. Baronet refers to is not evidence.

Why is it not evidence? Was not the man's confession evidence?

It was not Fitzgerald's confession.

No, it was Sergeant Roche's confession. Why was it not brought forward?

asked the Home Secretary what witnesses appeared before the Geddes Committee to give an account of the work of the women patrol; and whether any members of the women's force were called?

The Committee consulted the Commissioner of Police and myself. No witnesses from the force were called. It must be remembered that the question was not as to the efficiency or usefulness of the women police, but whether the work was of such a nature that it ought to be maintained at the expense of the State in a time of extreme financial stringency.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the Committee was in a position to come to a fair decision when he himself would not permit members of the women patrol to give evidence?

There is no ground or foundation for the suggestion that I would not permit it. The Committee did not require it; they had all the evidence that they required.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say that after consultation with him it was decided that no members of the patrol should give evidence?

No, I did not say anything of the sort. I said that the Committee consulted the Commissioner of Police and myself, but I never said that they had asked permission to consult anyone else.

asked the Home Secretary whether, on the disbandment of the women patrols division of the Metropolitan Police, the dismissed policewomen will be entitled to life pensions at the rate of two-thirds of their salaries; whether, in view of the acknowledged value of their preventive work, and of the doubtful economy of their disbandment, he will reconsider his decision; what is the total annual cost of this force; and what will be the total annual cost for pensions when it is disbanded?

The women patrols will not be entitled to pensions on disbandment. The recommendation of the Geddes Committee is one which, as I have already explained, I feel bound to carry out, and I regret I do not see my way to depart from that decision. The present cost of the patrols is about £27,000 per annum. There will be no charge for pensions.

asked the Home Secretary whether, when preparing further legislation for lighting of road vehicles, he will favourably consider the possibility of securing adequate protection to the pedal cyclist by means of an improved reflector at the rear of the machine, in view of the great practical difficulties experienced by most cyclists in keeping a rear light burning, even when using the most modern lamps, owing to the close proximity of the lamp to the ground, which often is of a most uneven and bumpy character?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As I stated on 15th February, in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley (Colonel Newman), legislation is under consideration dealing with the whole question of the lighting of road vehicles. The point raised by my hon. Friend was not overlooked by the Departmental Committee on Lights on Vehicles, whose Report, dated 11th February, 1920 (Command Paper 659), was unfavourable to its adoption.

Could the hon. Gentleman, before coming to a decision, make a personal experiment himself to see the difficulties that arise in keeping in a rear light?

I am informed that, given the adoption of a suitable lamp, some of which were produced to the Committee, that difficulty is not nearly so great as my hon. Friend suggests.

Will the hon. Gentleman try?

Ave we to understand that any Regulation in connection with rear lights can be introduced without this House having a previous opportunity of discussing it?

No, it would require legislation.

asked the Home Secretary for what reason a detachment of mounted police broke up a procession of unemployed in Kennington Road, S.E., on Thursday evening, 23rd February; whether he is aware that a woman with an infant in her arms was ridden down; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the mounted police are instructed to act with due restraint on such occasions?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that at the demonstration on 23rd February no procession was broken up, and no mounted men were even present.

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens are now in prison awaiting deportation; and how many have been in prison over three months?

104 aliens are now in prison awaiting deportation. 70 are serving sentences not yet expired. Of the remainder, five have been in custody not under sentence for more than three months.

Were any of those Mormons?

asked the Home Secretary how many deportation orders were made during the year 1921 in cases where the only offence alleged was non-compliance with the Order of 1920; and whether, in deciding as to deportation orders, he can make a distinction between the undesirable criminal aliens who have been convicted of offences involving moral turpitude, and the harmless and industrious aliens who may have committed technical breaches of registration regulations?

456 aliens were deported in 1921. I cannot say in how many cases the only offence alleged was non-compliance with the Aliens Order; and it often happens that cases, in which that might appear to be the only offence, disclose other circumstances justifying deportation. The distinction suggested in the latter part of the question is made wherever the facts admit of it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has made any and, if so, what orders under Article 14 of the Aliens Order, 1920, giving exemption from registration to persons of alien origin; and how many persons are affected thereby?

I have granted exemption from registration to the following classes of aliens: (1) Persons locally naturalised as British subjects in any British Possession. (2) Foreign Consular officers who are Consuls de Carrière. (3) Subjects of native States in India; and (4) Wives of the men falling in the above three classes. In proper eases individual exemptions are granted to British-born women, alien by marriage, who are widowed, divorced, or otherwise permanently separated from their husbands, and to persons holding official positions, such as members of the Secretariat of the League of Nations.

I cannot say exactly how many persons are covered by these exemptions.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the case of the application made by the relatives of Mr. Solomon Oppenheim, a person of Polish nationality now resident at Kertch, Russia, that ho may have permission to visit England for a period of two months to see his mother, who is 62 years of age and is in feeble health, to attend a wedding of his niece, and to transact matters of private business in England, permission will be accorded provided that satisfactory guarantees can be given that he will not in any way become chargeable to the British authorities?

This man returned to Russia in 1917 under the Military Convention in preference to joining the British Army. As a solicitor acting for him has already been informed by my Department, if he can satisfy a British Consul that he served in the Russian army or in some allied force, he will be granted facilities for the journey to this country. If he is unable to do this, I cannot agree to his return.

asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint an expert committee, including some Members of both Houses of Parliament, to consider what can best be done to remedy or lessen the evils of legislation by reference in future Acts of Parliament?

I do not see how a committee could help in the matter, but the Attorney-General will be glad to confer with the hon. Member if he has any suggestions to make upon the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to invite representatives of organised labour to join the British delegation to the Genoa Conference; and whether representatives of commercial or financial interests will be invited to attend in any capacity?

As the composition of the British Delegation to the Genoa Conference has not yet been settled, I am not in a position to answer the question definitely; but I may say that representatives of commercial and financial interests are already being consulted on the preparation of material for Genoa. I may add that I understand that the International Labour Office propose to send six representatives to Genoa.

Which International Labour Office?

The body in connection with the League of Nations.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have considered the hardship which will be inflicted on thousands of ex-service men if the unrestricted sale of houses built by local authorities under the Government's housing schemes is permitted, seeing that the tenants of these houses do not enjoy the protection of the Rents Restriction Acts with regard to security of tenure and consequently they could be evicted when a change of ownership took place; and, under these circumstances, if he will see that before any sales are authorised the rights of existing tenants to continued occupancy at rents not exceeding present scales are guaranteed?

I have been asked to reply. In considering what further steps are practicable for encouraging the sale of houses the fullest consideration will of course be given to the position of existing tenants.

Will the right hon. Baronet be able to make a definite pronouncement as this matter is giving considerable concern to a number of ex-service men who are at present occupying these houses?

I do not think I can go any further than I have said.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government anticipate that they will be able to introduce the Bill promised in the King's Speech on overseas settlements and Empire migration before the Easter Recess?

I hope that it will be possible to introduce the Bill before Easter, but I can give no pledge at present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to secure that such delays as eight weeks do not occur between the arrival of a parcel of scientific plant from Germany, unprocurable in England, and its delivery to a university laboratory, which paid at once all dues demanded by the office in London?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is unaware of any reason, so far as the Customs Department is concerned, why such a delay should occur, provided the official requirements are complied with; but if my hon. Friend will give him particulars of the case to which he refers, he will gladly have enquiry made and inform him of the result.

Is not the delay due to the Act which the right hon. Gentleman supported?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the amounts of Government securities that could be redeemed each year, up to and including 1927, if the necessary money for redemption were available; and what amount of interest per annum would be saved by such repayments?

I would refer the hon. Member to the figures given in Command Paper 249 of this year. Owing to the existence of options to the holders of existing Bonds to convert into longer dated Government issues, it is not possible to give a categorical answer to the question asked. All I can say is that if £1,000,000,000 of this debt could be redeemed out of revenue and not out of new borrowings, the saving in interest charge would be approximately £50,000,000 per annum.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the aggregate numbers of the persons employed under the Customs authorities, and what were their aggregate salaries at the beginning of January in each of the following years, 1914, 1921, and 1922; and what is the estimated increase in both personnel and annual salaries in consequence of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921?

Particulars of the number of persons employed in the Customs and Excise Department at the beginning of January, 1914, are not available, but the numbers in August, 1914, were 10,802; in January, 1921, 12,625; and in January, 1922, 12,407. The aggregate annual salaries were £1,817,000 in January, 1914; £5,002,000 in January, 1921; and £4,379,000 in January, 1922. The two latter figures are inclusive of bonus. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me on the 20th February to a question by the hon. Member for Dunfermline.

Does the hon. Gentleman still say there is no increase whatever to the Chancellor of the Exchequer owing to the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

There has been no increase. Speaking from memory, there were seven temporary clerks. The duties falling under the Safeguarding of Industries Act were distributed amongst the general staff of the Customs.

Does this show the numbers in 1914? Why are they not available?

They are not available for the month mentioned in the question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the overtime at the Savings Bank Department is caused by arrears of balancing the postmasters' accounts; whether this work was ever performed by men and, if so, by what grade of men; why the men are not assisting the women to overtake the arrears, seeing that they were caused by the loan of women clerks to the men's branches during the War; what grade of women are employed on the work; and to which of the new grades are the men formerly employed and the women now employed on balancing assimilated?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The overtime referred to is mainly due to arrears of balancing work. This work was, up to 1909, divided between second division clerks and women clerks. Since then it has been normally performed by women clerks; a certain number of male clerks have assisted on overtime to overtake the arrears. The second division clerks employed on the work before 1909 have, under the general reorganisation scheme, been assimilated to the executive grade; and the women clerks now employed on the work have been provisionally assimilated to the clerical grade.