asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now inform the House of the date of the proposed conference between this country, France, and Spain upon the question of Tangier?

No date for the conference has yet been fixed, but it is hoped that the delegates will meet in London after the conclusion of the Genoa Conference.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to terminate the News Department, as proposed by the Geddes Committee?

In view of the importance of the work of the News Department, it has been decided that it ought in the public interest to be retained, but considerable economies are being effected in its administration.

Is it not the fact that this was a Department set up for the purposes of the War, and, seeing that number of our diplomatic representatives has very largely increased, why is it necessary to continue that Department?

It represents the relics of the old Ministry of Information and it is considered that we should retain what remains of it.

Would it not greatly increase the usefulness and efficiency of this Department if the members of it were nominated by the Newspaper Proprietors' Association or some other body entirely divorced from the Government?

No, I do not agree. I think the gentlemen serving the Department are extremely efficient.

Why is this Department necessary in 1922, when it was not wanted before the War?

What is the strength of the staff of the Department?

Could not the Department be abolished, and the information be circulated by—

On a point of Order. Are hon. Members who represent Ulster constituencies permitted to interfere in our affairs in this country?

Certainly, as long as they are Members of the House. The details of this matter can be discussed on the Estimate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to reduce the expenditure on telegrams, which on the revised Estimate is four times the pre-War expenditure?

Every effort is made, and will continue to be made, to reduce the cost of telegrams, and, if possible, to keep it within the limit suggested by the Committee on National Expenditure. But the number of telegrams necessarily depends on the political situation in the world, and the amount of urgent diplomatic business to be done at any given time. It must also be borne in mind that the Foreign Office despatch telegrams abroad on behalf of other Government Departments over which they have no control, and that the cost of these telegrams also falls on the Diplomatic and Consular Vote.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many persons are employed on the special staff in ciphering and deciphering messages and carrying despatches abroad?

The number employed is 30, of whom 15 are permanent, but non-pensionable, and 15 temporary. It is hoped to make some reduction in the temporary staff of the Department concerned in the course of the coming financial year.

Is it not the fact that, before the War, instead of 30 there were only six King's Messengers, and that the whole of the cipher work was done by the ordinary staff of the Department?

Yes, but the number of messages to be deciphered has vastly increased.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Polish Government has, or has not, accepted the supposed annexation of Vilna to Poland; and has His Majesty's Government expressed to the Governments of Poland and Lithuania their view as to the recent events in Vilna?

No decision has been reached by the Polish Government, who are reported to have resigned over this question. His Majesty's Government have repeatedly given counsels of moderation to both parties to the dispute.

Have the Government given the Polish Government their views as to the desirability of Poland carrying out the award of the League of Nations?

That is a question which it would require an afternoon to discuss.

It is the question on the Paper. Have the Government supported the League of Nations in this matter?

I do not think that that question arises.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the visa on passports is abolished for citizens of Switzerland travelling to France, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Luxemburg, Lichenstein, Uruguay, the Dutch Colonies, the United States of America, and Denmark, and for the citizens of those countries travelling to Switzerland; whether any discussions, correspondence, or conversations have taken place between His Majesty's Government and the Swiss Government with a view to abolishing the passport-visa between the British Isles and Switzerland and vice versa; if so, with what result; and why British subjects are penalised by having to obtain visas for Switzerland when the subjects of so many other States are not so penalised.

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I understand that arrangements for the mutual abolition of visas have been made between Switzerland and the countries mentioned in the first part of the question; but in several, if not in all, cases, persons seeking employment are excluded from the benefit of the agreement, and the agreement with the United States relates only to American citizens proceeding to Switzerland, and not to Swiss citizens proceeding to the United States. His Majesty's Government received and considered very carefully a proposal from the Swiss Government for the mutual abolition of visas for persons other than those seeking employment, but came to the conclusion that it was not desirable in present circumstances to relinquish the requirement of a Britisn visa for persons coming to the United Kingdom from Switzerland. The Swiss Government have been so informed. As regards the last paragraph of the question, His Majesty's Government is not aware why a Swiss visa is still required by British subjects who desire to enter Switzerland when it has been remitted in the case of American citizens, notwithstanding the fact that the United States Government maintain apparently the same course as ourselves in this matter.

Are we to understand that this visa system is simply kept on by the Home Office, in spite of the fact that other great countries in Europe have seen fit to abolish it, and without encountering untoward results?

We are taking the same course as the United State of America.

In regard to the question dealing with persons seeking employment, is it the custom of the Foreign Office to give introductions as well as visas to those who are seeking to establish British trade abroad, and will they do that in the same manner as foreign Governments do?

Is it not a little reactionary and behind the times?

I do not think it is.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information that any great disaster has happened to France, Spain, and other countries which have abolished visas to Switzerland?

I am only concerned with this country.

Can the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs answer my question?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it down.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an approximate number of the German ex-officers now serving in the Russian red army?

I have been asked to answer this question. The exact number is not known, but from the information available it is estimated that there are approximately 500 German ex-officers now serving with the Russian Red Army.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many French officers are serving with the Polish army?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, without additional delay, he will make public the text of the Government's two notes to Russia on the subject of Mrs. Stan Harding's imprisonment and thereby satisfy the public of this country that the gross outrage on a British journalist has not been allowed to pass without adequate protest on the part of His Majesty's Government; and will he further state what steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to secure redress?

The papers are in print and will be laid almost immediately. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the Noble Lord the Member for Hitchin on the 18th July last.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the Government's intention to recognise the present Soviet Government of Russia with a view of opening up trade with other nations of the world, especially with Great Britain?

A decision upon this question must depend upon the results of the Genoa Conference.

What is His Majesty's Government's policy at Genoa in this matter, and shall we have an opportunity of discussing it?

I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister in view of a projected early conference at Genoa and the contemplated attendance of representatives from all the most prominent world Powers, if he has received any reliable guarantees from the Soviet Government of Russia that they will put an end to the intrigues and plots against the British Empire, not only in the East of Europe, but in Asia and elsewhere; and if, in conjunction with France, they are taking steps to protect Poland and the smaller States bordering on Russia from the machinations and plottings of the said Soviet Government?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for East Isling- ton on 13th February. His Majesty's Government have no reason to believe that the independence of Poland and the other States bordering on Russia is being threatened by the Soviet Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that M. Tchitcherin, the Soviet representative, has recently boasted of the great success of the anti-British propaganda in Persia, Afghanistan and other countries?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the conditions under which Zaghloul Pasha is confined in the Seychelles Islands; what is the state of his health; and whether he is being treated with the consideration due to his advanced years?

The Governor of the Seychelles has been asked to bear in mind that the deportees are men of good standing; that Zaghloul Pasha is an elderly man who is not in good health, and that housing arrangements should ensure the comfort of the party.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the amount of the loss incurred in running the laundry on His Majesty's Ship "Assistance" up to May, 1921; and whether, in view of the fact that the laundry was Government property and run by a private company, namely, the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes, such loss will be borne by the Admiralty, or by the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes?

The loss incurred and borne by the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes in running the laundry on board His Majesty's Ship "Assistance" up to May, 1921, was £1,233 13s. 9d. No part of this loss has been or will be borne by the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that men who were transferred from southern yards to Rosyth Dockyard were promised permanent employment; and whether he can give assurance that the notices of discharge given to these men will be withdrawn?

The terms upon which workmen were transferred from southern dockyards to Rosyth provided that they should be placed on the established list after 12 months' satisfactory service at Rosyth, subject to the usual conditions as to eligibility. The great majority of these men have now been established, although for various reasons some have not availed themselves of the opportunity. In these latter cases the tenure of their employment at Rosyth is the same as that of hired workmen at any other dockyard.

Has any decision been come to with regard to the transfer of some of these men to southern yards from the dockyard at Rosyth?

Perhaps the hon. Member would put that to me as a separate question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that men being discharged from the Rosyth Dockyard are being called upon to pay increased rents for their houses; whether the Admiralty own any houses in Rosyth; and, if so, whether these increases in rent have been approved by his Department?

The men now being discharged from Rosyth Dockyard who have had notice to quit their houses are not being called upon to pay any increased rent. A few men in the past who left the dockyard had their rents increased by the Scottish National Housing Company, Limited, in according with the practice adopted by the company towards tenants not in Admiralty employ. The Admiralty are the owners of the temporary dwellings at Rosyth, comprising the East and West Bungalow Cities, and have made no increases in the rents of men now being discharged. Instructions were given by the Admiralty in May last in respect of their houses occupied by discharged workmen tenants, that the service of notice of increase in rent was to be suspended until the men were in employment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why ex-service men are being discharged at Rosyth; whether the terms of the Lytton Report have been carried out; whether the ex-service men are receiving a month's warning and a month's notice; and, if not, why ex-service men at Rosyth are receiving less notice than that given to other ex-service men and non-service men and women in all other Departments?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to reductions in the clerical staff. No specific orders have been given recently as regards reductions, but such reductions would follow normally on reduction of work due to discharge of workmen. The local officers are instructed to effect discharges of clerical staff in accordance with the principles laid down in the Lytton Report. Clerical staffs employed in industrial establishments receive a fortnight's warning and notice of discharge.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) whether he is aware that there are very few Home appointments for electricians at Devonport and Chatham and can he see his way to remedy the deficiency; whether he is aware that the number of appointments for warrant electricians authorised by Mobilisation Form 1 is 52, whereas the number of officers of the electrical branch allowed by Order in Council is only 30; and can he, see his way to do anything in the matter;

(2) whether he is aware that 51 men are now awaiting promotion in the electrical branch, and in some cases since 1917; that, owing to no promotions being made, these men are losing the advantage of time in warrant rank, which counts for a great deal when calculating time served for pension; that there is also the possibility of these men reaching the age limit and thereby becoming ineligible for promotion, and that this condition of things does not appear to happen in other branches where promotions are still taking place; and can he see his way to make a promotion for every retirement to fill the vacancy either immediately or periodically?

I regret I have nothing to add to my reply to my hon. Friend on the 6th instant.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the three questions I asked on Monday had nothing whatever to do with these two questions to-day, and will he kindly give his mind to these two questions which are on the Paper?

They seem to me to be identical.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that application was made to the Admiralty by the Grimsby Branch of the British Legion of Exservice Men for pilotage money on behalf of 40 skippers of mine-sweepers, and that payment has been made in only 11 cases; and whether he can state on what grounds payment has been delayed in the other cases, though the application was made at the Admiralty's request six months ago?

Of the 36 claims which can be traced as having been received from the Grimsby Branch of the British Legion of Ex-service Men, formerly the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers, 34 have been paid. I may point out that some of these claims were duplicates of claims previously received, and of the others only a proportion bore authority for payment to the organisation. Such claimants were accordingly paid either individually or on previous applications through other unions. If the British Legion are of opinion that any claims have miscarried or have been overlooked, investigation will be made if their secretary will forward particulars to the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when the 1922 Welfare Committee will be called; what will be the agenda; and whether the agenda has yet been circulated to all the ratings of His Majesty's Fleet?

The Welfare machinery will be revived this year, and it is proposed to announce the date shortly. The procedure is fully described in Admiralty Fleet Order No. 3604 of the 4th November, 1921, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member. The matters for discussion are not laid down by the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can now state whether the new scheme for training officers for engineering and electrical duties has yet been worked out; and whether any, and how many, engineroom artificer apprentices from the "Indus" and "Fisgard" have been sent to Keyham engineering college?

The details of the scheme have not yet been approved, and no artificer apprentices, therefore, have so far been sent to Keyham, but when the scheme comes into operation, probably in September next, it is the intention that a few artificer apprentices who show sufficient promise (not exceeding one or two a year) should be chosen to undergo the course of training under the same conditions as the other officers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether T. E. Davis, artificer apprentice, training establishment, has been discharged; whether he can say how long he has been an artificer apprentice; what were the reasons for his discharge; and whether such reasons were communicated to him in any way?

As the answer to this question is a rather long one, consisting of personal details, perhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer:

It is assumed that the inquiry relates to Frederick E. Davis. An artificer apprentice of this name was entered in August, 1918, and discharged after three and a half years' training. During his period of training Davis was warned on three separate occasions: In December, 1919, for failure to attain the required standard in school subjects; in June, 1920 (when he was also put back for six months), for failure to attain the required standard in both school and workmanship; and in June, 1921, for failure to attain the required standard in technical subjects and workmanship. In December, 1921, Davis again failed to obtain the required standard in workmanship, and was accordingly discharged. His service certificate was endorsed, "Discharged as unsuitable," and, having regard to the repeated warnings given him, the precise reasons must have been well understood.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, seeing that an Admiralty weekly order was recently issued stating that vacancies for supervisors of machinery in the Fleet Fuelling Service would shortly arise, that those selected must be pensioner engine-room artificers, and would be borne in the general service party, and rated and paid as first-class engineers, he will say whether such positions have previously been filled by engine-room artificers; whether such an appointment has been filled at the Nore; whether the person appointed has passed an examination as a first-class engineer; and whether the said appointment was filled before the order was issued, and on whose authority?

The position of Supervisor of Machinery in the Fleet Fuelling Service has previously been filled by pensioner engine-room artificers, and such an appointment has been recently filled at Sheerness. The person appointed was rated first-class engineer in the Fleet Fuelling Service in 1904, under the regulations then existing, but prior to present regulations, which were not issued until 1915, and were to the effect that all future candidates would be required to pass an examination. The man in question satisfied the local engineering authorities as to his fitness for the position in the same manner as the engineers of all other yard craft. The appointment was not filled before the letter announcing the vacancy and calling for volunteers was issued.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the churches situated in the Royal Naval Barracks at Portsmouth, Devonport, and Chatham are licensed for the solemnisation of holy matrimony; and, if not, whether any objection is seen to a licence being granted, observing that such a course is considered desirable by many men of the Royal Navy?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, there are only a limited number of churches which are licensed for marriages, and these churches are usually parish churches. There are considerable technical difficulties in licensing churches which are not parish churches.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what sums have been paid, or are due, for the building of capital ships which were abandoned in consequence of the Washington decisions?

Certain sums by way of payment for work done and of advances, amounting in all to £533,279 17s. 3d., have been paid to contractors. The total payment which will ultimately be determined upon after taking those sums into account is the subject of negotiations which are now proceeding. I might add, however, that all but about £25,000 of the sum mentioned is in connection with gun mountings, of which a reduced number of the same type will be required in any case for the two new ships to be built in substitution.

Shall we know before the end of this financial year what it cost us to go on with these ships before we heard the Washington decision?

I am not quite sure.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the reason for issuing Admiralty Order A.G. 17, offering a very considerable amount of overtime work, when over 300 ex-service men, including disabled men, are being dismissed from the Ministry?

The work in question is not permanent, but only of a periodically recurrent nature connected with the quarterly payment of pensions to seamen and marines. As the necessary additional accommodation and supervision cannot be provided during the normal working day, it is economical for this recurrent work to be carried out at piece-work rates of pay after office hours. I might add that the number of ex-service men under notice is 145.

Is it not the fact that, although the work is quarterly, the notice itself states that there will be at least 70 to 80 hours' overtime per person? That must necessarily be spread over a long period.

I agree that it will be spread over several weeks in each quarter, but it is not continuous work.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many temporary officials there are in his Department above grade 1 clerk who were previously employed in other Departments from which their services were dispensed with on account of age, ill-health, or other causes; whether any of them are in receipt of pensions; and why these officials are retained whilst ex-service men are being discharged?

A similar question was put to me by the hon. and gallant Member for North Cumberland on the 21st February, but, as then stated, I am unable to identify the cases referred to without fuller particulars, and these have not yet been given.

asked the Minister of Labour the date upon which Lord Cave's Committee is expected to issue its Report on the Trade Board system; and the reasons why Trade Board rates of wages and conditions have recently been confirmed, whilst he has declined to confirm other Trade Board rates decided upon by the parties concerned under exactly similar conditions?

I am unable to say definitely when the Committee will be in a position to present their Report. I hope, however, to receive it at an early date. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon Friend to my reply of 22nd February to the hon. Member for Clitheroe (Mr. Alfred Davies), of which I am sending him a copy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when he is likely to confirm the Trade Board rates for the grocery and provision trade?

If my hon. Friend will look at the answer to which I have referred him, he will see that I took the view that in the distributive trades, where the problem is not quite so simple, we are really breaking new ground, and I thought it most expedient in that case, without prejudice, to wait for the Cave Report.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state what further provision, by means of legislation or otherwise, the Government proposes to make for the unemployed whose total period of benefit, including the extension of six weeks contemplated by the Act of 1921, will become exhausted from 5th April onwards?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the unemployment benefit of large numbers of persons will expire within the next few weeks, he can now inform the House of what measures he proposes to take to deal with the situation?

The situation which will arise when the present extension of benefit begins to be exhausted for those who have drawn it without intermission has, of course, received my most careful and anxious consideration, and is now under consideration of the Government. The volume of unemployment, though steadily and slowly declining, still remains very great, and I am afraid I see no immediate break on a wide front. Legislation will be necessary to make any provision beyond that sanctioned by the House last July. My hon. Friends will, therefore, have full opportunity for examining whatever proposals we may feel it necessary to make in this direction.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, just because legislation will be necessary, time is so short, and cannot he expedite the decision to which he is coming on this matter in view of the grave foreboding in many trades?

Certainly there will be no loss of time.

Is there any truth in the statement which has been circulated that the right hon. Gentleman is going to reduce unemployment benefit?

The hon. Member must wait until he sees the proposal. It will be submitted to this House, and no doubt, with other hon. Members, he will have a full opportunity of discussing it.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is true that he is advocating a reduction in these benefits?

I can only repeat what I have just said.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement on this matter, which is very urgent?

The 5th April is the first date on which those who have drawn the extension without intermission will be out of benefit. Of course, we must make a statement before that date, and as early as possible before it.

asked the Minister of Labour how the percentage of unemployment in this country compares with that in Holland and Switzerland respectively?

At the end of January 16.8 per cent. of trade unionists in this country were returned as unemployed. The most recent percentage published for Holland as a whole relates to last October, and affords no index to the present position. In Amsterdam at the end of January some 24 per cent. of members of trade unions affiliated to the unemployment insurance fund in that city were reported to be out of work. In Switzerland it is not the practice to compute unemployment percentages, but in the very important watchmaking industry those registered as wholly out of work at the end of January represent about 41 per cent., there being in addition a considerable number working short time.

asked the Minister of, Health if he can give the number of schemes promoted by local authorities to find work for the unemployed; what sums of money have been sanctioned and expended by such schemes; how many people have been provided with work under them; how many schemes have been abandoned; what is the approximate benefit to the community; and what has been the rate of wages and hours adopted by such varying authorities?

Over 5,000 schemes have been submitted to the Unemployment Grants Committee, and of these, 3,557 schemes, representing a total cost of over £25,000,000, have been approved. Of the schemes submitted, 167 were abandoned by the local authorities. It is estimated that the work directly provided by the approved schemes equals about 1,000,000 men-months. It would not be possible, without very great labour, to ascertain exactly how much money has been expended up to date or the rates of wages paid and hours worked, which, of course, differ according to the locality. As my hon. Friend will observe, the schemes materially case the unemployment situation, especially when account is taken of the large amount of indirect labour to which they give employment, and, moreover, the labour is employed on works of public necessity and utility.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the firm of James Robertson, Limited, Millfield Ropeworks, Leven, Fife, was recently found to be paying workers at rates lower than the Net, Rope, and Twine Trade Board general minimum time rates; if the firm in question has refused to pay Trade Board time rates; and what steps are to be taken to enforce the Regulations?

The report of an inspector who visited the Millfield Rope-works indicates that the position is as stated in the first part of the question. I cannot confirm the suggestion contained in the second part of the question, but I am taking steps to ensure that the firm shall comply with the requirements of the Trade Boards Acts.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will present a Return showing the proportion of ex-service men to others given employment in the Civil Service since the cessation of hostilities; and whether he can give any indication of the numbers of the former who may expect dismissal in view of the anticipated reduction of staff?

I regret that information is not available in this precise form, but as regards permanent employment, between 1st January, 1919, and 1st January, 1922, certificates of qualification were issued by the Civil Service Commissioners in favour of 30,051 ex-service men. Similar information is not available as regards non-service men, but the number of such persons who were not already in quasipermanent employment, in respect of whom certificates of qualification have been issued, is relatively small. As regards temporary employment, the number of ex-service men so employed has increased from 24,271 in July, 1919, to 49,550 in February, 1922, an increase of more than 100 per cent., whilst the number of non-service men has, in the same period, been reduced from 34,163 to 5,433. I cannot give any useful estimate as regards the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that 12 non-ex-service men are employed in the Government instructional factory for disabled men at Twickenham; and, if so, will he state the reasons for their employment?

I am aware that 12 non-ex-service men are employed at the Government instructional factory at Twickenham. One of them will shortly be replaced by an ex-service man. The remainder are retained because they are skilled and experienced instructors, and it has not been possible up to the present to find ex-service men with the necessary qualifications to replace them.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet been able to establish substitution committees in accordance with the Lytton recommendation throughout every Department of his Ministry?

The work of substitution under the Lytton recommendation is very thoroughly carried out in the Ministry of Labour. The only point at issue is whether we shall set up the Q branch. That, I think, has been set up some time.

asked the Minister of Labour how many non-ex-service men and women are employed at the headquarters of the Training Department of the Ministry of Labour; and, seeing that the continued employment of these men and women is causing great dissatisfaction amongst the trainees, will he state the reason why the retention of these men and women is considered necessary?

Out of a staff of 85 men employed at the headquarters of the training department, seven temporary non-ex-service men have been retained because they possess exceptional qualifications and experience which are necessary in the interests of the trainees under the industrial training scheme. Qualified ex-service substitutes are not available. These cases are reviewed by me personally at frequent intervals. There are no women (except typists) on the headquarters staff employed on the industrial training scheme. But there are 17 non-ex-service women employed exclusively on the training of War widows' and disabled nurses and on the homecraft training schemes of the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment.

Is it not a fact that there is at least one woman employed in the Establishment Officer's Department and three in the Controller's Department who are graded as typists in order that they may be retained but who are employed entirely on clerical duties, and he is aware that while ex-service men in no way object to the employment of hardship cases or of women being retained for purely women's work, cases of the nature referred to cause very serious dissatisfaction amongst the ex-service men.

Is it not sometimes in the interest of the ex-servicemen to keep women who are thoroughly qualified for the job?

I make myself personally responsible for frequent periodical reviews of these cases and ex-service men get every preference. I will look into the cases the hon. Member has put, but I can assure him that every care is taken. As a matter of fact I have the figure before me of the total male temporary staff of which at present 98.95 per cent. are ex-service men.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether efficient ex-service men are being discharged from the Air Ministry to make room for clerical officers who qualified at the recent examination; whether cases have occurred in which it has been found impossible to obtain a sufficiently qualified clerical officer to fill the vacant post; whether the procedure in the case of substituting non-service personnel has always been to obtain a suitable substitute before dismissing the non-service man; why this preferential treatment has been extended to non-service men; and why ex-service men liable for substitution are not similarly retained until a suitable substitute is actually obtained?

The answer to the first part of the question is that the permanent clerical officers now being appointed to the Air Ministry are in the main the product of the examination held as a result of the Lytton Committee's recommendations, and are most of them ex-service men; and certain temporary ex-service men who were not successful in the examination or who did not enter for the examination have been discharged from the Air Ministry. The answers to the second and third parts are in the negative and the fourth and fifth parts do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that two separate investigation committees were set up under Clauses 36 to 39 of the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee, the first committee to investigate the claims of candidates unsuccessful in the recent examination for clerical officers as to exceptional circumstances which militated against the probability of their passing or qualifying in the examination, and the second committee to investigate the claims on the grounds of special competency; if he will state by whom the terms of reference of the first committee were drawn up; the terms of reference; whether they placed any limit on the considerations that were to be regarded by the committee as exceptional circumstances; whether the member who represented ex-service men in the body which prepared the terms of reference was selected from an association catering for other interests besides those of ex-service men; what was the constitution of the first investigation committee; did the chairman of the ex-service men's association send a written protest against the constitution of the committee and the limitations imposed; what was the constitution of the committee dealing with special competency; was there an ex-service representative on this committee; if not, why such an appointment was not made; whether several candidates, recommended as specially competent by their chiefs, were rejected by this committee, and the chiefs concerned have protested in writing that their evidence before the committee was misrepresented; and, in view of this injustice, if he will state why no steps have been taken to review all the applications by candidates for retention under Clauses 36 to 39 of the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the identical question put by the hon. and gallant Member for North Islington yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether applications are being invited for certain posts in Iraq; and, if so, will he undertake that these shall be filled entirely by ex-service men?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative; to the second, that suitable ex-service applicants will be given preferential consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour the wages paid to workmen by good employers in the brewing trade in March of 1919, 1920 and 1921, respectively; and the wages paid to similar classes of workmen during the present month?

asked the Minister of Labour, seeing that a national lock-out

As the reply to this question involves a statistical Table, I propose, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Has there been a reduction in the wages paid to these workmen, and, if so, will the right hon. Gentleman represent that to the President of the Board of Trade?

It is a very considerable Table, and I could not summarise it off-hand.

Is it not satisfactory to know that there are some good brewers?

The following is the Table promised:

of both engineering and shipbuilding workers is threatened within the next fortnight, that in the case of the shipyards the men's representatives asked that the whole question at issue should be submitted to a court of inquiry under the Industrial Courts Act, that on the other side the employers declared that they would brook no interference by a third party with their manner of conducting their business, and that the shipyard unions have asked him to use his powers under the Industrial Courts Act so as to institute a compulsory inquiry, if he will, in view of the disastrous consequences of a national lock-out, exert his influence to bring about a saitsfactory settlement in both industries?

In both the engineering and shipbuilding disputes I have been able to secure a resumption of negotiations between the parties, and I shall continue to use my influence towards a settlement of the disputes by this means.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to extend to other local authorities the powers already possessed by the Corporation of London for levying rates on empty houses?

I am looking into this question, which is one of great difficulty, but I am not at present prepared to make any statement in regard to it.

Can the right hon. Baronet say how soon he will come to a decision?

No.

asked the Minister of Health if he has received a resolution passed by the Abercarn Urban District Council that, in view of the house shortage in the country at the present time and having regard to the practice of certain property owners of declining to let vacant premises with a view to selling such premises with vacant possession at an enhanced price, if he will take steps, by legislation if necessary, to compel such owners to let their premises within reasonable time of their becoming vacant?

I have not received the resolution referred to. With regard to the suggestion for legislation, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on the 9th and 15th February to the hon. Members for the Heywood and Radcliffe and for the Dartford Divisions on the same point.

asked the Minister of Health if he has received a resolution from the Abercarn Urban District Council urging that the Government should extend until 1924 the period during which the housing subsidy for new houses will be given to local authorities; and, in view of the pressing need for more houses, will he take steps to give effect to the resolution?

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to. With regard to the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the subject on Wednesday last.

asked the Minister of Health the lowest prices he has recently accepted for contracts for three bedroom and two-bedroom houses built under the Government's housing schemes?

The lowest tender prices for two and three-bedroom houses have been £433 for the former in December and £425 for the latter in February.

In view of these very low prices, will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving sanction to the local authorities to build more houses?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether since November, 1919, he has received any housing schemes from the Southwark Borough Council; if so, how many, and if consent was refused by his Department and the reasons; will he state the total number of houses in the schemes submitted; and how many families they would have accommodated?

Apart from a proposal for reconstruction of a small area represented under Part II of the Housing Act, I have received only one housing scheme. This was for the erection of lock-up shops with 10 dwellings over them. Consent to this scheme was refused as the estimates showed that it would be excessively costly, the land being valued at over £13,000 an acre. It was also doubtful whether the erection of the proposed shops was within the statutory powers of the council.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state approximately the number of persons, males and females separately, suffering from various forms of consumption in England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively; and, if not, whether he will take steps to secure this information from local authorities, and/or any other sources, and publish the same as soon as may be convenient?

The information desired by the hon. Member is not, I fear, available and I am reluctant to ask the local authorities to undertake, at the present time, such full inquiry as would be necessary. The hon. Member will, however, find on pages 13–14 of the latest Annual Report of the Ministry (Cmd. 1446), of which I am sending him a copy, certain returns as to notifications and mortality of this disease.

Is the right hon. Baronet not aware that the information asked for could be taken from the reports of the medical officers of the local authorities?

It would involve a great deal of work.

asked the Minister of Health whether, although the salaries or bonuses of various classes of local government officers were increased from time to time at the request of the Ministry of Health to meet the increases in the cost of living, no provision has yet been made by the Ministry for securing a reduction to follow the fall in the cost of living; whether he will state if rural district councils and other local governing bodies have no power to reduce salaries or bonuses except by consent of the officials themselves; and whether the Ministry have issued any circular or instruction to this effect?

My hon. and gallant Friend has been misinformed. I am sending him a copy of a circular which I issued to local authorities in August last drawing attention to the reduction in the Civil Service scale of war bonuses, and I am about to issue a fresh circular with regard to the further reduction which will take place as from the 1st of March. No sanction has been or will be given by me to the payment of war bonuses in excess of the Civil Service scale. The consent of the officials is not required to a reduction of salaries or bonuses unless the local authority have bound themselves by a contract.

asked the Minister of Health whether applications are being invited for the post of inspectors under the Welsh Board of Health; whether ability to speak Welsh is essential; and whether, seeing that some difficulty has previously been experienced in filling such posts, he will extend the age limits beyond those advertised in the case of ex-service men in all other respects considered suitable?

Applications have been invited for a few posts of assistant inspectors on the outdoor staff of the Welsh Board of Health, and on account of the nature of the work of these officers, candidates must satisfy the Civil Service Commissioners of their ability to speak the Welsh language. There would appear to be no necessity to extend the age limits beyond those advertised, as sufficient applications are available to fill all the vacancies. In this connection I would remind the hon. Member that ex-service men who are otherwise eligible and who have served in the Navy, Army or Air Force between 4th August, 1914, and 11th November, 1918, may deduct from their actual age any period of service between 4th August, 1914, and 31st December, 1919.

asked the Minister of Health whether, considering that the cases of leprosy in this country are reported to have been contracted abroad, and that there is no definite information as to the number of these cases, he will consider the question of making the disease notifiable?

This question has been carefully considered from time to time, but I am not at present satisfied that there is sufficient justification for making this disease notifiable.

Did not the last International Conference recommend that the notification of these cases should be made obligatory?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can assure the House that there will be an opportunity to discuss the proposed Franco-British Pact before the Conference takes place at Genoa, at which Conference commitments may be made which shall deprive this country of their freedom of choice and even of debate?

No, Sir. The Pact is not one of the subjects to come under discussion at the Genoa Conference, and I am not prepared to go beyond the explicit assurances already given by the Prime Minister in reply to previous questions on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill for proportional representation or alternative vote at Parliamentary elections?

The Government have not discussed these questions or taken any decision upon them.

Do not the Government recognise the necessity of some electoral reform?

No.

Is it a fact that the Minister of Health has been asked by the Government to investigate this subject for them?

No, Sir, he has not.

What other way is there for the Conservatives in this country to show their feelings?

As at Wolverhampton.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of inviting representatives of the Greeks and Turks to the Conference at Genoa in the interests of peace?

The Greek Government, in common with the other European Governments, has already been invited. I see no reason for altering the decision of the inter-Allied Conference at Cannes not to invite the Turkish Government.

asked the Prime Minister if he will arrange for the circulation of a précis of the correspondence and discussions which took place between the Cabinet and the representatives of Ulster and Southern Ireland last year, so far as they bear upon the proposals for the alteration of the boundaries of Ulster, so that the House may, in connection with their consideration of the Bill to confirm the Articles of Agreement for the setting up of the Free State, know to what extent the Cabinet have withdrawn from the pledges given as to the territorial integrity of Ulster at the time of the passing of the Irish Government Act, which was accepted by Ulster on the faith of those pledges?

I know of no correspondence with the representatives of either party in Ireland on this subject; nor are there any papers which could be published.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reason the men convicted at Manchester last year of shooting, arson, and other offences and sentenced to penal servitude have now been liberated?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement which I made on this subject in the course of my reply to a private notice question addressed to me by the hon. and gallant Member for South Antrim on the 13th February last?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what that was?

I cannot.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give an assurance that no undertaking of any kind has been given by the Government to the Irish Free State signatories to the Treaty that the embargo on Canadian cattle will be maintained?

Yes, Sir. No such undertaking has been given.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the alleged murderers of Captain Brown, who were arrested by the Provisional Government, have been brought to trial, and with what result?

The two men who were arrested by officers of the Provisional Government and are now in custody in connection with this murder have not yet been brought to trial.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Charles Herbert Burns, who was shot dead by the Irish Republican Army at Milford, County Donegal; whether he is aware that the murder of this ex-soldier has been justified on the part of the Irish Republican Army on the ground that it was by lawful authority; if he can say whether any representations have been made to the Provisional Government; and whether any arrests have been made by their authority in connection with this matter?

My inquiries into this case are not yet complete, and I should be glad if the hon. and gallant Member would some day next week repeat his question, of which he only gave notice yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the murder of Sergeant Cotter, who was murdered in broad daylight in Dublin, on Thursday last; whether any representations have been made to the Provisional Government with reference to this murder; and whether any arrests have been made as a result?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, no representations in the matter were necessary, inasmuch as the officers of the Provisional Government have given every assistance to the police in endeavouring to trace and capture the assassins. I regret, however, that no arrests have yet been effected.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who is responsible for the payment of the pensions of the disbanded members of the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether the terms of settlement have been arrived at; and, if so, when they will be communicated to the men concerned, many of whom are out of employment?

I assume that the hon. and gallant Member's question refers to those members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who were recruited in Great Britain during the last two years, as these are the only members of the regular force who have as yet been disbanded. The Royal Irish Constabulary Office is responsible for the payment of pensions to these men, and a substantial payment in advance has already been made. The terms of disbandment in these cases—namely, the terms laid down in the Ninth Schedule to the Government of Ireland Act, 1920—were settled some time ago, and were communicated to the men on disbandment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a lot of these men have not been paid pensions which are due to them? Will he see that they are paid at once the pensions which are due to them?

I am not aware that any men have not been paid the pensions which are due to them, but I will make inquiry on the point.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in consequence of ejectment notices of a threatening character being served upon 50 Catholic ex-soldiers suffering from shell shock in Craigavon Hospital, these men have been forced to leave the hospital; and what arrangements have been made to continue medical treatment for these ex-service men?

I have been asked to reply. There were 26, not 50, Catholic patients in Craigavon, of whom 20 have now been discharged at their own request. The Government of Northern Ireland have taken complete steps to secure the safety of all patients at Craigavon, and it is hoped that the men in question will now be willing to return. Having regard, however, to the nature of their disability, a very sympathetic view has been taken of their position, and, for the moment, temporary arrangements have been made for continuing their treatment elsewhere under the personal supervision of a neurologist attached to my Department.

What is the character of the provision made?

I cannot say anything more than what is given in the answer. I have to communicate by telegram. I understand that a- distinguished neurologist is looking after them.

May I ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he proposes to take to protect shell-shocked ex-soldiers who have been intimidated because of their religion and who admittedly according to the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Macpherson) have been compelled to leave hospital in which they were receiving treatment and to receive treatment elsewhere.

If the facts be as stated by my hon. Friend, I am certain that that will not be the last word on the matter, but I cannot believe for a moment that they are as stated. I will enter into communication with the other authorities.

Does anyone question the facts? Is it a fact that these men appeared before a Board, and admittedly they were right when the authorities were compelled to take steps to deal with the matter?

The hon. Member should put his question on the Paper.