asked the Minister of Pensions the number of appeals that have been dealt with by the Cardiff Appeals Tribunal during the last 12 months, and the number that have been successful?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can give a return of the percentage of cases allowed and refused by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, No. 19, which has lately been sitting at Exeter, during their work there in comparison with similar figures for other tribunals which have sat at Exeter and with the average figures for the country?

asked the Minister of Pensions what number of appeal cases have been granted and refused by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, No. 19, since its constitution and during its recent sittings at Exeter; and whether he can give comparative figures for other tribunals for the same or similar periods?

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) the total number of officers who have made appeals to the Pensions Appeal Tribunals; the number of appeals that have been successful;

(2) the total number of ex-service noncommissioned officers and men who have made appeals to the Pensions Appeal Tribunals; and the number of appeals that have been successful?

I have been asked to reply. As these questions raise the same point, I will answer them together. I cannot undertake to give the figures asked for. I refer the hon. Members to my answer to the hon. Member for Workington given on Tuesday last. A comparison of the number of cases that succeed or fail before one tribunal with the number that succeed or fail before another tribunal, with the consequent percentages of their relation to each other is to be deprecated, as I pointed out in my speech to the House on Thursday last upon the Supplementary Vote. There is no numerical standard to which a judicial tribunal ought to conform on hearing appeals. Their duty is to hear the evidence and decide accordingly in each case that comes before them.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that many ex-service men are, when called upon to appear before the Appeals Tribunal, in a state of health which prevents them doing justice to their case, and that in some cases they are unable to attend; and if he will undertake to make some financial provision in order that a reasonable fee may be paid to the local doctor, who usually has had the case in hand, or some other person selected by the person appealing, and whose knowledge of the case will assist the tribunal in arriving at an equitable decision?

I understand that provision is made in the Regulations of the pensions appeal tribunals for the hearing of a case to be adjourned if the appellant is unable owing to illness to appear; and if he is likely to be unable to do so for an indefinite time, one or two representatives are appointed by the chairman to visit the appellant and take down his evidence. The tribunal already has power, where any difficult medical or surgical question arises, to obtain a report from a specialist.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many hospitals and treatment centres his Department are still maintaining in the County of London; where they are situated; how many men are still under treatment, by orders of his Department, at hospitals and centres in London; and if there is any immediate prospect of closing down any of the same?

There are five hospitals and nine special medical clinics maintained by and under the direct control of the Ministry within the area of the administrative County of London, of which I am circulating particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In addition, the Ministry is making use of some 50 civil hospitals and treatment centres at an agreed charge for each patient. The number at present receiving treatment at these institutions is approximately 21,000. I am afraid that there is no immediate prospect of closing down any of the institutions under the control of the Ministry in the London County area, though that possibility is constantly kept in view.

The following is the statement:

(1) Addresses of Ministry of Pensions Hospitals. Church Lane, Tooting. Ducane Road, Shepherd's Bush. Lonsdale House, Clapham Park. Ruskin Park, Denmark Hill. "Fernbank," Roehampton.

(2) Addresses of Ministry of Pensions Special Medical Clinics. Cheltenham Terrace, King's Road, Chelsea. 92, Dalston Lane, Hackney. St. Paul's Schools, Queen Street, Hammershith. 12a, Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead. Regent Street Polytechnic, 14, Langham Place, Regent Street. 6, Hatherley Grove, Paddington. 11, Palace Green, W. 1. The Hut, Morpeth Terrace. 28, Nightingale Place, Woolwich.

asked the Ministry of Pensions whether the Officers' Friends Branch of the Ministry of Pensions, being satisfied that assistance is necessary for the maintenance and education of an officer's children, are unable to make any grant before the officer makes a return of his financial position; whether this is the case if the officer has deserted his wife and the children are in the custody of the wife, and the officer refuses to make any such return; and whether, in any such case, the Ministry of Pensions would withhold the personal pension payable to such officer until he made the necessary return to the officers' friends branch?

I may explain that in no circumstances is the Officers' Friend Branch empowered to make grants: the function of that branch is to inform and advise officers as to their rights under the Regulations of the Ministry. My right hon. Friend has no power to withhold payment of retired pay in the circumstances stated. Grants under the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee to assist a disabled officer to maintain and educate his children are subject to his being in need and to other conditions, and can only be granted on the officer's application. In the particular case which I understand my hon. Friend has in mind it is impossible to decide whether the conditions are satisfied in the absence of information from the officer.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this lady has an Order from the High Court for £120 a year alimony, and has never been able to get anything at all, and cannot something be taken from the pension?

I am aware of the difficulty and sympathise very much with my hon. Friend's point of view, but the fact is, this officer's pension is a statutory right and we have not got power to stop it.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether the surgical staff of the Ministry of Pensions Hospital at Ducane Street, Shepherd's Bush, have expressed the opinion that the removal of the patients therein to huts would be detrimental to the patients; whether he proposes to ignore that opinion in the interests of economy; what net saving would be effected in the treatment of the same number of men by the removal to huts;

(2) how much money has been spent in fitting up and adding to the Ducane Street Hospital for wounded men, including the cost of the operating theatres, massage and electrical departments, and gymnasium; what arrangements, if any, in regard to security of tenure were entered into with the guardians before this money was spent upon the premises;

(3) if his attention has been drawn to an appeal published on behalf of the wounded patients at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Ducane Road, Shepherd's Bush, urging that that admirably situated, fitted, and organised hospital, containing some 600 inmates, and treating some 2,000 out-patients weekly, should not be closed on 31st March next, as proposed, and pointing out that any saving effected by the transfer of the patients to hutments would be effected at the expense of and to the detriment of the wounded men; and will he take immediate steps to cancel the proposed arrangements, and maintain this hospital where it is and in its present state of efficiency?

With my hon. Friend's permission I will take these questions together. I refer him to the answer given in this House on 15th, 16th and 23rd February to the hon. Members for Islington, Tonbridge and Bethnal Green. Arrangements have been made for a conference to be held to-morrow between representatives of the guardians and the Ministry.

In view of the fact that a conference is to be held tomorrow, will the hon. Gentleman permit me to put down a question on the subject early next week, in order not to interfere with the conference?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend. I shall be very glad if he will put down a question for next week.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will present to the House statistics showing the result of the re-assessment of pensions during the past year, that is to say, the number of pensions made permanent, the number in which pensions have been increased, and the number in which they have been decreased, and to what extent?

During the last year the number of pensions made permanent as the result of reassessment was 13,500. Of the cases reassessed— 76,000 were raised. 441,000 were not altered. 349,000 were lowered. The general reduction in average assessment was 4.4 per cent., and is due mainly to improvement in the condition of men suffering from minor disabilities.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists throughout the country as to the work of the Special Grants Committee regarding the cases of children of deceased soldiers; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made from local war pensions committees as to the grounds of complaint and the unsatisfactory method of administering the care of these children?

I am not aware of any general complaint. I understand that my hon. Friend has in mind three individual cases, into which I am having inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will give the status and qualification of the officers of the Ministry who decide upon questions of entitlement to pension; whether the decisions arrived at are given after consideration of the case by one official only, or by two or more officials giving joint consideration; and whether any hon. Members of this House are called in to assist in this work?

Every decision on entitlement represents the result of consideration by at least two specially selected officers, one of whom is a medical man. Cases presenting features of doubt or difficulty are submitted to headquarters for consideration by the Director - General of Awards. The Director-General of Awards occasionally avails himself of the technical military knowledge of my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Skipton (Lieut.-Colonel Roundell), but the latter is in no sense responsible for any decision reached.

Do these medical men, or the officials dealing with the cases, attach to the medical papers of the man, which are sent forward to the Appeals Tibunal, a reasoned statement supporting the conclusions they have arrived at, and is this treated as private and confidential, and kept away from the knowledge of the man when the appeal is heard?

The position is this: If any man is not satisfied with the result of his entitlement decision, he is entitled to appeal to the independent Appeals Tribunal. He then submits the case again, and instructions are given to our local committees to afford him every assistance. We then consider the case again, because fresh evidence may be submitted by the man, and in a great many cases we grant pension, because the new evidence enables us to do so, but if not the case goes on, without any attempt to prejudice the case in any way, to the further tribunal. We do everything we can to help. As my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Skipton has been alluded to in the question just put, I hope I may be allowed to say—and I trust the House will agree with me—that the hon. and gallant Member, as my Parliamentary private secretary, has done his very best to help members of all parties who come to him in reference to pension questions. He is able to make that help more valuable by keeping himself, as he does, in personal touch, not only with the matter of entitlement, dealt with in this question, but with the actual work of other branches of the Ministry.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have as much respect for the hon. and gallant Member for Skipton as he has and that I have in no way reflected on the hon. and gallant Member's integrity in regard to this question? May I ask for a definite answer to my question, whether papers are attached to the man's medical history when it is sent to the Appeals Tribunal, which are not open to the man's knowledge?

I do not wish in any sense to avoid a definite answer, but I would be glad if my hon. Friend would put that question down. Our whole attitude is that we have no wish to prejudice the findings of the tribunal in any way, and we make all arrangements to have all the available information placed at their disposal. May I add that I quite realise that my hon. Friend was not in any way attacking the hon. and gallant Member for Skipton. I was simply showing how it came to pass that the hon. and gallant Member was taking part in this and other branches of the work of the Ministry.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that the men are informed, if they have got fresh evidence to bring before the Appeals Tribunal, that they are entitled to do so?

Yes. I entirely agree with my hon. and learned Friend. The whole knowledge is made available, and very often cases are granted, if new evidence enables us to do so, without going to the Appeals Tribunal at all.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of entitlement cases of ex-service men dealt with by the Ministry during the 12 months ending 31st January, 1922, together with the number of such cases dealt with in which the Ministry decided that entitlement was not proven?

During the year ending 31st January, 1922, approximately 72,500 first applications for disablement pension have been dealt with, and in about 17,500 of these entitlement was not admitted.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the total sum expended by the Irish Department of Agriculture in connection with the Finlay Royal Commission on the Importation of Cattle; and whether such sum includes the expenses of their witnesses?

In regard to the first portion of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply upon this subject given on 22nd February to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Aberdeen. The reply to the concluding portion of the question is in the negative. Three officers of the Department gave evidence before the Commission, and the comparatively small expense in connection with their attendance in London covered other business besides that of the Royal Commission.

Are we to understand that one Government Department spent public money opposing a decision which the Government itself enforced, and is that Cabinet responsibility?

There was no Government money spent in this particular matter. The hon. and gallant Gentleman has misunderstood me.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Irish Department opposed, and the Scottish Department supported, the suggestion that the embargo should be removed?

Civil war!

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government's refusal to adopt the recommendations of the Findlay Royal Commission, and to raise the embargo on Canadian cattle, has been officially notified to the Dominion Government; and whether or not any communication has been received from the Dominion Government regarding this matter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the second, I would refer to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture on 13th March to a question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Montrose Burghs.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not the pledge given to Canada at the Imperial Conference of 1917 still holds good?

That does not arise out of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the action of the Government in for long postponing consideration of this question and at length appointing a Royal Commission and then acting contrary to its recommendations has undermined confidence in the sincerity of the Government and given grave offence in Canada?

Would the right hon. Gentleman—

We have a speech every time this question comes up.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many effective squadrons of aeroplanes are owned by, respectively, Great Britain and France, stating how many effective machines and pilots are calculated per squadron; and, so far as Great Britain is concerned, how many of these effective squadrons are at present stationed in this country for home defence?

As regards the first part of the question, the differences in organisation of the Air Services of Great Britain and France make it impossible to supply, within the limits of a parliamentary answer, comparative figures which would be of any value. The present strength of the Royal Air Force, in terms of active units, is 32 squadrons, of which the number stationed in England for all purposes is 12. I would ask the hon. Member to wait for my speech on Air Force Estimates, in which I hope to be able to deal briefly with the question of home defence.

Is the House to understand that the right hon. Gentleman is unable to give any figures in regard to the strength of the French Air Service?

No. I am able to do so, but I could not do so in a form which would be of any value to the House in reply to a question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue a published statement?

I will make a statement on Monday next.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he can now see his way to grant to ex-Air Force pilots the same facilities as are accorded both in France and the United States to enable those who desire keeping in practice, so far as the actual flying of machines is concerned, thereby maintaining at a minimum expense a most useful type of Reserve?

The regulations for the Air Force Reserve, when they become operative, will provide for periodical flying practice by officers belonging to it. But, as my hon. Friend has previously been informed, I do not think that provision from public funds of free facilities for flying could be justified in the case of persons who have no Reserve liability.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether France has decided to withdraw her Air Attachés?

I am not aware of any general withdrawal by France of her Air Attachés, but their number has been recently reduced from seven to four.

Will my right hon. Friend inquire if it is not a fact that France has withdrawn her Air Attachés, and, if that is so, will he then agree to withdraw our Air Attachés?

No. The facts do not bear out the suggestion of the hon. Member. The number reduced by the French Government is from seven to four, but one in London still remains.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government is seeking to renew negotiations with the Russian Government with a view to an amnesty for and the repatriation of the refugees of Russian nationality who are at present being supported by the British Treasury; and whether he will lay the previous correspondence on this subject upon the Table for the information of hon. Members?

His Majesty's Government will be prepared to renew negotiations if and when the Soviet Government show any disposition to grant an amnesty and admit the refugees under British control into Russia. It is not proposed to lay the correspondence on this subject on the Table of the House, especially as the Foreign Office letter of 31st October last to Monsieur Krassin, which dealt fully with this question, was communicated to the Press.

As we are actually paying for these unfortunate people, ought we not to take the initiative in making another attempt to see if they can be otherwise disposed of?

We shall carefully consider that, but our former approaches were not met in a very friendly spirit.

Why does the Government not propose to lay the correspondence?

I should like to examine the correspondence again myself, but I think there is a great deal of objection to the unnecessary multiplication of White Papers.

Does not the hon. Gentleman understand that it is to our interest that these repatriations should take place?

I think I understand it a great deal better than any other Member of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that relief credits for Russia, and a trade credit scheme for Russia, were both urged in the memorandum submitted to the Government last December by the General Council of the Trades Union Congress and the Labour party, and that at the special conference convened by the same bodies on 24th November, on unemployment and foreign policy, immediate steps were urged to promote export to Russia as part of a policy to relieve our own unemployed and restart industries; that the chairman of the London Council of the Unemployed who headed a deputation, included trade with Russia as one of the principal demands of the unemployed; and whether the Government proposes to grant an immediate relief credit for the people in the Volga famine region with the two-fold purpose of relieving unemployment in Great Britain and investigating the horrors of famine in Russia?

I have seen the memorandum to which the hon. Member refers, but, pending the full discussion which is to take place on Friday, I can add nothing to the statement which I made on Thursday last on this subject.

Do I understand that the question to-morrow will include the question of recognition?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who is the British representative in Moscow; how many staff are employed; and what are their duties?

The British representative in Moscow is Mr. R. N. Hodgson of the Commercial Diplomatic Service. He is assisted by seven officers, of whom one is in charge of passport, visa and similar matters, assistance to distressed British subjects, repatriation and questions of the kind which are dealt with by consular officers in the ordinary course of their duties. A second performs the ordinary duties falling upon a commercial secretary in the Commercial Diplomatic Service, and the other five act as assistants to the head of the Commercial Mission, and to these senior officials. There are, in addition, five persons in charge of clerical duties.

Is it a fact that the gentleman appointed at the head of this Mission was in close touch, as chief of staff, with General Denikin?

Notice should be given of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the names of the gentlemen appointed to carry out the provisions of the Russian Trading Agreement; what has been the extent of their work; and how many provinces, if any, have been visited by them?

This question ought to have been taken with others, as it contains a certain amount of repetition, for which I apologise. If I rightly understand the hon. Member to refer to Clause 5 of the Trade Agreement, the answer is that the names of the official agents sent to Moscow by His Majesty's Government are as follow:

Agent: Mr. R. M. Hodgson, C.M.G.

Assistant Agents: Mr. William Peters. Mr. H. M. Grove. Mr. Hugh Ledward. Mr. P. Leigh Smith. Major Charles Dunlop. Mr. O. T. Rayner. It is impossible to give an adequate idea of their work—which is of a very varied nature—within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question. The disorganisation of transport services in Russia would render extensive travelling by members of the Mission difficult, and for this reason the only two provinces visited up to the present, so far as I know, are Petrograd and Kharkoff.

In view of the disorganised state of the vast continent of Russia, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the attempted researches of this delegation?

As far as we are able to make them—certainly!

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the present bad trade and high taxes, he will consider the propriety of ending at once the education of 10,000 officers of the Army and Navy at the universities at the expense of the taxpayers, instead of allowing such expenditure to continue, as contemplated, till or even, after the year 1925–26?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I presume the hon. Baronet refers to the scheme for the higher education of ex-service students. The Government do not propose to inflict on the students concerned the harship of withdrawing their grants and depriving them of the means of completing the courses for which the grants were awarded.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I should have anticipated from him the answer he has given, and therefore addressed my question to the Prime Minister?

If my hon. Friend desires the Prime Minister's answer, it has already been delivered by my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour what benefits an ex-service man man with a wife and five children under 14, and who is out of work, is entitled to; and what would his pay be if employed at casual labour in St. James's Park under the Office of Works?

Provided that the conditions laid down by the Acts are fulfilled, the weekly rate of unemployment benefit and dependants' grants in the case mentioned by my hon. Friend would be 25s. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works that the rate of pay for casual labour in St. James's Park, based on 75 per cent. of the rate for permanent employés in the Royal Parks, is approximately 37s. 6d. for a five-day week. If a man who is claiming "free" benefit refused such work his case would be submitted at once to the local employment committee.

Is it not a fact that a man who is said to earn 36s. per week when in work gets 45s. per week when out of work?

Not in unemployment benefit.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a statement recently made by a member of the Irish Provisional Government that his Government held at its disposal 60,000 acres of land which it contemplated distributing, or had already distributed, to those at present without land; will he say the total acreage of land recently acquired by the Provisional Government formerly the property of the British Government; and what representations does he propose to make to the Provisional Government with regard to the large area of land which has been seized by the orders of the Republican Government from the rightful owners and given to, or held in occupation by, adherents of the Republican cause?

In reply to the first part of the question, I understand from a newspaper report that at a meeting of Dail Eireann on the 1st instant an official of that body stated that the Dail Eireann Department of Agriculture had had at its disposal for about three years about 60,000 acres of land, and another speaker stated that this land represented purchases made by the National Land Bank In reply to the second part, no land formerly the property of the British Government has been acquired by the Provisional Government; but, as I have previously informed the House, land evacuated by the Crown forces has been handed over to that Government subject to valuation if they express a desire to acquire it. In reply to the third part of the question, if the hon. and gallant Member will supply me with particulars of any cases in which owners have been dispossessed of their land as alleged, I will undertake to bring them to the notice of the Provisional Government.

As there are a great many of these cases, will the right hon. Gentleman consent to receive a deputation?

Certainly. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me sufficient notice, I will gladly do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the result of the discussions with the Provisional Government as to the position of rate collectors in Ireland whose collection books were seized by the Irish Republican Army some two years ago, and who were thereby deprived of their fees and earnings; and what arrangements have been made for assessing their pensions or compensation on a fair and equitable basis?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply which I gave on the 13th instant to the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley.

asked the Prime Minister the names of the British delegates to the Genoa Conference and to the Conference in Paris on the Turkish Question and the Treaty of Sevres; and whether the date of 10th April remains the opening day of the Genoa Conference?

The British delegates to the Genoa Conference have not yet been finally settled, but they will include the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The answer to the second part of the question is the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The answer to the third part is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister which countries have been invited to send experts to consider economies and finance matters preliminary to the Genoa Conference; whether this Conference is to be held in London on Monday, 20th March; what are the names of the British experts; and who are the representatives of finance, industry, and labour?

The countries invited to send experts to the meeting in London, which is expected to begin on 20th March, are France, Italy, Belgium, and Japan. The British experts are Sir Sydney Chapman (Board of Trade), Mr. J. D. Gregory (Foreign Office), and Mr. R. G. Hawtrey (Treasury). The British Committee has been in continuous consultation with the various interests concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether his personal attention has been drawn to the request of the Parliamentary Committee of the Cooperative Congress that representatives of the co-operative movement should be invited to attend the Genoa Conference in an advisory capacity; whether he is aware that the body in question is not asking for direct representation at the Conference but merely that persons connected with the co-operative movement in this country and fully conversant with the international activities of the cooperative societies should be present to give any advice desired on points which may arise; and whether, in view of the fact that representatives of co-operative societies in other countries will be present at Genoa, and that during the War tribute was paid to the valuable assistance rendered by the British co-operative societies, he will reconsider this matter and grant the request made by a movement which represents a very large section of the community, and which, by reason of its international connections, is in a position to render assistance in developing international trade?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Prime Minister, while fully recognising the achievements of the co-operative movement, as at present advised, doubts the necessity of arranging for representatives of the movement to be in Genoa during the Conference. He is not yet aware of the arrangements being made by other countries generally, but it is obviously necessary to keep within reasonable limits the number of persons who should be asked to be available for immediate consultation, and it would clearly be impossible to provide for the presence of every organisation directly or indirectly concerned in the matters which will be under discussion.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government of the United States of America is putting forward a claim for the cost of the American army of occupation in Germany after the Armistice; what is the amount claimed; whether this claim will affect the proposed allocation or distribution of the indemnity payments made and to be made by Germany; and, if so, in what way?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the question asked on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle - under - Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) yesterday.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an answer to the second part of my question, which was not answered yesterday, namely, as to what was the amount claimed by the American Government, and also to the third part of the question, which was not answered yesterday, as to the proposed alterations of allocation, if any?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will glance at my answer yesterday, I think he will see it was impossible for me to answer those questions until the formal representations, to which I have referred, have been made by the United States Government.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether we have made any representations to the United States for the withdrawal of this demand?

I should certainly be very sorry to answer that question myself without particular notice.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman when he expects the official notification or note from the United States Government?

Of course, I could not say. It is a matter entirely for the United States Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the consent of the American Government is required before any actual payments are made by the Reparations Commission to the Allies?

The answer is in the negative.

May I ask whether the American Army remained on the Rhine at the request of the Allies?

I am afraid that these questions rather relate to a historical subject—

Financial.

I should be very diffident about answering without some notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to establish a national home for the Jews in Palestine; if so, whether, before such a decision was arrived at, the cost of such an undertaking received consideration; what is the direct cost to this country of such a policy to-day; and whether, in all the circumstances, this policy can be reconsidered in the interest of economy?

This question should be addressed to me. The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The policy of the Government, as the House is aware, was laid down in the letter addressed to Lord Rothschild in November, 1917, by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council. The question of the grounds that led to the adoption of that policy is not one that can be dealt with by question and answer. I am not prepared to reconsider the policy that has been adopted. As regards the cost to this country, I would refer the Noble Lord to the Estimates submitted to the House.

Is it not a fact that no fewer than 69 per cent. of the Zionists going into Palestine come from Russia or Poland, and why have we got to pay for them?

That is pure repetition. We had an answer giving the percentages of admissions only a day or two ago.

asked the Prime Minister whether any Turkish concentration is taking place to the north of Iraq; and, if so, if the matter is receiving the attention of His Majesty's Government?

The Noble Lord may rest assured that His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the aspect of the question to which he calls attention. I do not think that it would be in the public interest to make any further statement on the subject at the present juncture.

Where Arabian Iraq is meant, would it not be desirable to distinguish between them?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any announcement as to the arrest of revolutionary agitators in India?

I understand that it is intended to circulate a White Paper on this matter in the near future. As announced in the Press, Mr. Gandhi was arrested on the evening of the 10th March.

asked the Prime Minister what is the composition of the Committee which is considering the amalgamation of the Navy, Army and Air Medical Services and hospitals?

The composition of the Committee referred to has not yet been finally settled.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that there is not an undue proportion of medical officers on that Committee who are interested in keeping up the present establishments?

Oh, yes.

Will the terms of reference to the Committee be laid before the House in any form?

As soon as the Committee is established, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put a question to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health he will give him the terms of reference.

asked the Prime Minister when the Nine-Power Treaty, the Four-Power Treaty, the Chinese Customs Treaty, and the other Regulations and Agreements concluded at Washington will be laid before this House; whether he is aware that these matters are already being discussed by the United States Senate; and why His Majesty's Government delay to present these Agreements to the British people?

The documents relating to the Conference are in the printers' hands, and I hope to be able to lay them before Parliament shortly.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received protests from friendly societies against the proposal of the Geddes Committee that 10s. should be charged for registering their annual return and for the quinquennial valuation; whether a society with branches, such as the Manchester Unity Friendly Society, would be mulcted to the extent of £2,000 per annum with an inevitable discouragement of the cause of voluntary thrift; and what course the Government propose to take?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the event of the Government deciding to impose fees for registering annual returns and quinquennial valuation reports of friendly societies, consideration will be given to the equity of fixing an inclusive maximum charge, varying and decreasing in amount according to the ascending aggregate number of such returns, in the case of those societies rendering returns in respect of numerous branch lodges?

As regards the question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Carnarvonshire (Major Breese), I would refer to the reply to the question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Hulme (Lieut.-Colonel Nail) on the 13th instant. As regards the question put by the hon. Member for Frome (Mr. Hurd), I would refèr to the reply to the questions put by the hon. Member for West Houghton (Mr. R. Davies) and the hon. Member for Clitheroe (Mr. A. Davies) on the 9th instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Entertainments Duty falls at the rate of 40 per cent. on the cost of a seat for the poor, and 12½ per cent. on the cost of a seat for the rich, frequenter of cinema theatres; and whether, in view of this fact and of the effect of this tax super-added to all others, and affecting only entertainments, he will consider the need for some change in this behalf?

I am aware that the rates of Entertainments Duty form a larger percentage of the cost of admission in the lower ranges of the scale than in the higher. As regards the second part, I would refer by hon. Friend to the reply given by me to a question asked by the Hon. Member for the Burslem Division (Mr. Finney) on the 13th instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether retired civil servants are at liberty to criticize Departmental policy in the public Press without running any risk of being penalised by doing so?

A retired civil servant is not debarred from giving expression to his views on public affairs in the Press or elsewhere, subject, of course, to his not infringing the statute law, and more particularly the Official Secrets Act, 1911. The Government relies on the discretion of its former servants to avoid the publication of matter which, though not confidential, may be prejudicial to the public interest.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a fellow of the Corporation of Accountants is eligible for appointment as a public auditor, under the Friendly Societies Acts, in Scotland?

The answer is in the negative, except in the case of a person with these qualifications who had been appointed prior to the introduction of the regulation prescribing certain qualifications.

Will my hon. Friend say why the members of this corporation are not eligible?

I could not say, in a historical matter like this, why it is so.

If the qualification be a good one, would it not be wise to open the door to them?

That, surely, must be a matter of opinion and argument at greater length than I can deal with it in answer to a question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the formation of a committee of the leading bankers to consider the methods of accountancy in the civil and military departments of the Navy, Army, and Air Services with a view to their amalgamation on a unified and simplified system leading to considerable economies?

The accounting methods of these departments are generally similar to those of the rest of the public service. I do not understand what the hon. and gallant Member means by a unified system of accountancy.

Will my hon. Friend consider the matter from the point of view of amalgamating the systems of the Navy, Army, and Air services, as is being proposed in the medical services?

I really am not quite sure to what my hon. and gallant Friend refers. If he refers to the amalgamation of staff, that, surely, must be quite a different question from the services conducted by different Departments and different offices.

asked the Prime Minister whether the evidence that has been brought to light directly connecting the Government of the Russian Republic with the present outbreak of civil war at Johannesburg will modify his present intention of meeting the Soviet authorities in conference; and, if the answer is in the negative, will these activities of the Soviet Government be the subject of remonstrance or of discussion at the forthcoming Genoa Conference?

I am not in possession of any official information in support of the allegations which have recently appeared in the Press on this subject. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister on the 13th February last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman get into communication with a representative in this country of the Union of South Africa?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government are still purchasing licensed property in the Cumberland district; and, if so, whether, in view of present conditions, he will put a stop to the use of the nation's money for that purpose?

I have been asked to reply. No recent acquisitions of licensed property have been made in the Cumberland district.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the profits made by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) during the period 1st April, 1918, to 31st March, 1921, have paid interest on the capital provided by the Treasury, and also Excess Profits Duty and Income Tax; whether such payments will be made for the current financial year; and whether it is intended to acquire by purchase further premises in the Carlisle area in order to complete the scheme of State control?

Interest has been and will be charged out of profits on the capital provided by the Treasury, but as regards Excess Profits Duty and Income Tax, and as to the question of further acquisitions, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Basingstoke of the 8th instant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Central Control Board are spending considerable sums of money on premises which they have already acquired quite contrary to the recommendations of the Geddes Committee?

Is there any independent audit of these accounts on behalf of the taxpayer to see that every debitable item is debited?

I do not quite follow the second supplementary question; as to the first, I do not think that any money is being spent contrary to the recommendations of the Geddes Committee.

I will send the right hon. Gentleman a list.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the present lock-out in the engineering industry, his attention has been called to an official notice given by a leading trade union to the effect that any member who does not immediately comply with the orders given by his union will be expelled from his union and deprived of his means of livelihood; and what action does he propose to take to safeguard the liberty of the subject in this instance?

I have been asked to reply. I saw the reference in the Press upon which my hon. and gallant Friend presumably bases his question. It would not appear that the matter is one in which I can take any action.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trade unions are combined expressly for the purpose of taking joint action? Is he also aware that an order would be issued in like manner from the Engineering Employers' Federation, and that any member of the federation who failed to comply with the order would be expelled from that federation?

Does that mean that any worker is at the mercy of a Bolshevist shop-steward?

asked the Prime Minister whether the interpretation of the Resolution of the Conference of Prime Ministers on equal rights for all British subjects adopted in the Colony of Kenya has yet received the consideration and approval of His Majesty's Government?

No exact interpretation of the Resolution has been attempted. Both the control of the composition of the population and the rights of citizenship to be accorded to Indians now lawfully domiciled in Kenya must be considered in the light of the interests of the four communities now in existence, and the determining factor must be the welfare of the Colony as a whole.

May we take it that the difference of opinion on this subject between the Colonial Office and the India Office has ceased, now that the Secretary of State for India has resigned?

The differences of opinion between these two Departments had been reduced to a very narrow compass before my right hon. Friend the late Secretary of State for India resigned.

Are we to take it the Secretary of State for India wholeheartedly approved of the after-dinner speech by the Secretary of State for the Colonies?

Was the Cabinet consulted before the right hon. Gentleman made his speech at the Kenya dinner?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the circumstances of the signing-on of the crew of the s.s. "Camito" at Bristol on 20th February last; is he aware that police were stationed at the gangways leading to the ship to demand union cards of men proceeding on board to sign on, and that the police prevented members of the Amalgamated Marine Workers' Union from going on the ship while permitting members of the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union to do so; under what powers the police acted in this regard; whether any protest has been made to the Bristol authorities; and whether he will make representations to stop the practice referred to?

This incident had not previously been brought to my notice, but I have communicated with the Chief Constable, and am informed that on the date in question police were sent at the request of the owners of the vessel to maintain order and to prevent intimidation of members of the crew when signing on. My information is to the effect that the police did not ask any man to produce his union card. I am also told that a deputation from the Amalgamated Marine Workers' Union subsequently saw the Lord Mayor and the Town Clerk, who satisfied themselves after inquiry that there had been nothing irregular in the action of the police and that they had in no way exceeded their duty. Any complaint as to their conduct is a matter for the Watch Committee, in whom the control of the force is vested by law, and I see no reason to intervene.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Criminal Investigation Department at Scotland Yard is maintained solely as part of the Metropolitan Police Force; whether, in the event of serious crimes in any part of the country, officers in this Department are at the disposal of county and borough police forces, or on what conditions are officers of the criminal investigation force sent away from London; is the whole cost of this Department borne on the Metropolitan Police Fund; and are any credits given to that fund for any officers or services of this Department given outside the London area?

The Criminal Investigation Department at New Scotland Yard is a part of the Metropolitan Police Force and the cost of its maintenance is defrayed from the Metropolitan Police Fund. Chief officers of county and borough police have been informed that the services of Metropolitan detective officers are at their disposal to assist in the investigation of specially obscure or serious crimes, and the rule is to make no charge in such cases, the expenses involved in their employment on these special duties outside the Metropolis being one of the items in respect of which an annual grant from voted moneys of £100,000 for Imperial and national services is made to the Police Fund.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the comments of a London judge, in which he condemned the use of a certain type of handcuff by the police; and whether, if these comments were justifiable, he will take immediate steps to introduce a less severe type?

The learned judge's comments appear to have been based on an insufficient appreciation of the facts. The handcuffs now used by the Metropolitan Police are handier and appear to be less likely to do a prisoner any injury than the older patterns, and no complaint has been received with regard to them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman conduct a personal experimental test of these, preferably on some of the irrepressible Members of the Cabinet?

I have personally seen these handcuffs—[An HON. MEMBER: "And tried them?"]—and have also read what the learned judge said. It is quite evident he had never seen them, because he described them in a hopelessly inaccurate manner.

Has the right hon. Gentleman actually tried on these handcuffs?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will come round to the Home Office, he can try them himself!

Will you let me out of them again?

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the site purchased by the Government behind the British Museum has been handed over to the University of London or remains in the hands of the Government; whether the agreement with the Council of King's College upon which the acceptance of the site by the Senate of the University was conditional has been effected; whether any funds have been collected by the University for the erection of permanent buildings on the site; and whether the Government have considered disposing by public sale of the site in the interest of economy?

I have been asked to reply. The Bloomsbury site still remains in the possession of His Majesty's Government and is administered by the Office of Works. A small portion of the site, however, is occupied by the University of London on a sub-tenancy from the Y.M.C.A., and the University have erected thereon, with the consent of the Government, an institute of historical research. With regard to the second part of the question, the Senate of the University, in accepting the Government's offer of the Bloomsbury site, stipulated, inter alia, that an agreement should be concluded between His Majesty's Government, the Council of King's College, and the Senate of the University as to the terms of the removal of King's College from the Strand to the Bloomsbury site. His Majesty's Government accepted this condition, but such an agreement has not yet been concluded. As far as I am aware, no funds have yet been collected by the University for the erection of permanent buildings on the site. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in current re-assessments for local rates rateable values are in some cases being increased by 100 per cent. and over and that this will impose in some cases an almost impossible burden on small property holders, who are already suffering severely from the deterioration in values owing to the competition of Government-subsidised cottages; and will he consider the possibility of a remedy?

My attention has not been drawn to any cases of the kind referred to, nor am I aware that the competition of houses built under the Government Housing Scheme is causing deterioration in the values of other properties. I would point out that a general re-assessment of an area does not necessarily involve an increased rate burden, and that, in cases of over-assessment, the law provides a method whereby persons can appeal against the rateable value placed on their property.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of Henri Girand, a native of Mauritius and a leper lunatic, now under the charge of the Rochford Guardians; whether he is aware that both mental asylums and the East Hanningfield Leper Colony refuse to admit him, though the Rochford Guardians offer to pay for his maintenance, and in consequence the Rochford Guardians have to make special provision for him at a cost of £600 a year; and whether he will, in the interests of economy, insist that all leper patients should be accepted by the East Hanningfield Leper Colony, seeing that the medical opinion of the world is generally in favour of segregation of lepers?

Yes, Sir, my attention has been drawn to this unfortunate case. I have no authority to give directions as to the admission of patients to the colony mentioned, but I am in communication with the authorities of the colony.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state what amount is contributed by the Government, directly and indirectly, to the support and maintenance of the Imperial Institute; what amount comes from the Dominions and India; and what is obtained from the Crown Colonies and Protectorates?

The contributions in question in respect of the current year are approximately as follow: £ Imperial Government (direct) 10,000 Dominions and India 9,650 Colonies, Protectorates, Egypt, and Sudan 21,150 In 1920–21 the indirect contributions of the Imperial Government were as follows: £ Maintenance 9,494 Contribution to local authorities in lieu of rates 5,153

Is it not the fact that some of the unfortunate Crown Colonies who have little say in the matter contribute more in support of this white elephant than the Dominions and India?

I think that is a very inaccurate way of describing this institution which is of very great importance from the point of view of Imperial consolidation.

Is it not a fact that India is disposed to get out of it at the end of the year?

I should consider it very deplorable if that is so.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the interest of economy, he will introduce the use of reinforced concrete for all new telegraph posts, though the initial cost would be larger, in view of their much greater durability and the fact that their manufacture here would give a great amount of employment now?

I am advised that the interests of economy would not be served by the use of concrete poles. The initial prices for sizes of poles corresponding to those most largely used by the Post Office are from four to five times higher than the prices for wooden poles. This consideration, combined with the heavier cost of transportation and erection due to the much greater weight, would counterbalance any economy arising from a possibly longer life, even if it can be regarded as established that concrete poles would be more durable than the creosoted wooden poles now used.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these are used extensively in France and other countries, and have they not been a success there?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me any particulars in regard to their use in other countries I shall be glad to inquire. The information I have given refers to this country.

asked the Minister of Health whether a complaint signed by four inhabitant householders in the rural district of the Isle of Wight, that the local authority had failed to exercise their powers under Part XI of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, was sent to him at the beginning of last December; whether an offer to give security for costs was also made on a subsequent occasion; whether a reply to the complaint has now been sent by the authority; and whether it is intended to hold a public inquiry without any further delay?

I am asking the local authority to expedite their reply and as soon as it is received I will consider carefully whether there is a primâ facie case to justify a local inquiry.

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many schemes have been approved for a grant from the Forestry Unemployment Fund; how many acres will be planted or prepared for planting under these schemes; how many men are employed; what sum is payable in grants; and what is the total cost of the schemes?

559 forestry schemes have been approved for grants from the Unemployment Fund; of these 86 are on Forestry Commission or Crown areas and 473 on woodlands of private individuals or local authorities. Under these schemes 25,371 acres are being planted, 20,834 prepared for planting, and 8,021 cleared of scrub. In the Crown woods there are road-making schemes and works of maintenance which cannot be stated by area. On 4th March (date of latest return) 4,428 men were employed on the schemes, and it is estimated that the total employment will be 5,131 men for 20 weeks. £70,340 is payable in grants to private individuals and local authorities. The total cost of the schemes to the Commission is estimated at £202,342. Including the grants amounting to £70,340, private individuals and local authorities will expend approximately £300,000 on their schemes.

Does that reply mean that for every £1 of grant the owners are spending £3 on these forestry schemes for the unemployed?

That is so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in approving relief works for the benefit of the unemployed, he will consider the special suitability of restarting local undertakings which for some reason or other are not able to continue operations at the present moment, but whose existence is vital to the local communities; and whether he can state instances in which this policy, if approved, has been followed?