asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what number of captains were pro- moted to rear-admirals during the two years, respectively, from 1st April, 1920, to 31st March, 1921, and from the latter date to 31st March, 1922?

Eighteen captains were promoted to rear-admiral between the 1st April, 1920, and 31st March, 1921, and 21 between the 1st April, 1921, and 31st March, 1922.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of any unusual circumstances connected with the sinking by enemy action of the steamships "Grelhame," "Grel Fryda," "Ballater," "Greltoria," "Greldon," and "Hartland," between the 30th of August and the 30th of November, 1917; whether he is aware that subsequent to the latter date a report was made on behalf of the owners reflecting on the good faith of certain persons who had access to information relating to the movements of the vessels mentioned; what action was taken by the authorities on the ground of that report; and with what result?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. The last two parts do not, therefore, arise.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on the board of directors of the associated companies owning the vessels mentioned in this question there was a non-naturalised enemy alien, who held a seat on the directorate during the period mentioned in the question, and will that fact not induce him to inquire into the substance of this question, in order to find out whether there should not be some further investigation into this matter?

I have investigated the circumstances. There was nothing in connection with the sinking of these steamers different from the sinking of other steamers, and I see no special reason for making further inquiries.

Am I correct in assuming that the good faith of the enemy alien involved in this question was vouched for by Members of His Majesty's Government on the ground of special business reasons?

I have heard nothing about that, but I will inquire.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that men discharged from Rosyth Dockyard can only hope to find work by returning to the dockyard locality from which they were sent to Rosyth; and whether, in the event of their doing so, he will consider the advisability of transferring the apprentice sons of any of them who may so return so that families may not be divided, and expense saved to those who agreed to work in Rosyth at the Admiralty's request?

It is regretted that no confirmation can be given to the suggestion that there is more hope of finding employment in the localities of the southern dockyards than in other localities. Apprentices who are sons of men eligible to be brought back will be transferred to the southern dockyards, and allowed to complete their apprenticeship should they so desire. I should add that the removal expenses of sons over sixteen years of age will not be paid by the Crown.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the orders which authorise a lower physical standard, other than vision, for the entry of men into the writer branch of the Royal Navy; and whether the Admiralty will effect any improvements in the ventilation and lighting of the offices ashore and afloat in view of the high percentage of consumption cases in the Royal Naval writer branch, observing that, although the duties of naval writers demand a sedentary indoor type of life, this is by no means peculiar to the writer branch, and that the high percentage of invalids cannot be altogether attributable to a reduced physical standard during the War period, because the same reduced standard was also applied to many other branches?

As regards the first part of the question, the Regulations authorising a lower physical standard for writers in other respects than vision were introduced in 1911. As regards the other parts of the question, I have nothing to add to my reply of 20th March, except that the desirability of raising the physical standard of writers on entry is being considered.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the reduction of naval officers' pay by the taxation of their lodging allowance when serving ashore; that owing to this taxation having been made retrospective an officer in receipt of £100 lodging allowance per annum is liable to pay £60 in the current year, though when this allowance was approved in 1919 it was distinctly stated that due notice would be given if any change was contemplated; and, in view of these facts, will he consider the discontinuance of this new taxation?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers, of which I am sending him copies, given on the 6th, 20th and 29th March by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to questions by the hon. and gallant Member for the Shettleston Division of Glasgow (Rear-Admiral Adair). I do not follow the figures in the cases alluded to, but I shall be pleased to have the matter looked into, on being furnished with the necessary particulars.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any information that a 4,000 lb. bomb has been dropped quite successfully from the air in America?

According to the American Press a bomb of 4,300 lb., carrying about 2,000 lb. T.N.T., has been dropped on land by an army aeroplane. This is the only instance of which the Admiralty have any information.

Can we have some experiments on this side with regard to bomb dropping? Can we have the Hood for 10 minutes against the Air Force?

Is there a single aeroplane in any Navy in the world operating from an air craft carrier which is capable of carrying bombs of such a size?

I believe not.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) whether the new designs for the post-Jutland battleships, as contemplated to be built in 1923, can resist a 4,000-lb. bomb when dropped from the air within 30 feet of the ship if fitted with a delay-action fuse for detonating the explosive charge when at about 20 feet under water;

(2) whether any experiments have been carried out in this country to determine the effect of the water projectile thrown up by a 2,000-lb., 3,000-lb., or 4,000-lb. bomb dropped from the air to strike the water at various distances from a target representing the under-water portion of a post-Jutland battleship provided with an external bulge or other devices for lessening the explosive effect of a locomotive torpedo or bomb dropped from the air?

It is not in the public interest to give information with regard to experiments which have been, and are still being, carried out, but the Admiralty consider that satisfactory protection can be provided in the new ships against the attack suggested in these two questions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is yet in a position to make any announcement with regard to how it is proposed to deal with officers of the Royal Navy surplus to requirements; and whether he can assure the House that a similar delay in promotion will not occur again?

Proposals for effecting the reduction of surplus officers of the fighting services are now being considered, and it is hoped that a decision will 'be reached shortly. As regards the second part of the question, the postponed promotions to the rank of Commander have now been announced. There is no reason to anticipate the recurrence of a similar delay in announcing promotions.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any idea when the Government are likely to come to a decision as to what will be done with officers surplus to requirement?

I hope a decision will be reached in a very few days.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the decision of the Admiralty to close Haulbowline Dockyard absolutely forthwith has been in any way modified; and, if so, for what reason, under what conditions can His Majesty's Government maintain a dockyard in the Irish Free State, and will any extra expense to the Navy Estimates be entailed?

At the request of the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland, the Admiralty have agreed to suspend further action in effecting the closing down of Haulbowline Dockyard, the Provisional Government having undertaken to accept liability for payments made for the maintenance of the yard from 1st April, 1922.

Is this yard needed for naval purposes, and will the hon. Gentleman give an answer to the second part of the question?

I thought that my answer fully explained that no extra expense will be involved. The Provisional Government have undertaken to be responsible.

Do you want this yard for the benefit of the Royal Navy?

No; it is not needed mainly for naval purposes. As far as the Government is concerned, we would have closed it down by the end of last month, but at the request of the Provisional Government it is being kept going, at the expense of the Provisional Government.

Will Pembroke Dockyard still be required?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, from the inception of the Ministry up till 1921–22, one Permanent Secretary was considered sufficient to supervise the Department, at a salary of £l,500 a year; that in 1921–22 two joint Permanent Secretaries were appointed at £3,000 a year each; and that in the Estimates for 1922–23 provision is made for a Chief Labour Adviser at £3,000 a year, and a Permanent Secretary at £2,200 a year; and why work carried on in 1920 for £1,500 is in 1922 to cost £5,200?

When the Ministry of Labour was formed, in 1916, the staff included a Secretary at £1,500, and also a Chief Industrial Commissioner at £2,000. In 1919, the attempt was made to combine the duties attaching to the two in one and the same office. Experience proved that the work could not be effectively done by one officer, and in April, 1920, arrangements were made to free Sir David Shackleton from the duties of Secretary, and to enable him to devote himself exclusively to the work of Chief Labour Adviser. These arrangements involved the appointment of a separate Secretary of the Ministry. Both officers were assigned the salary of £3,000 a year, in common with the permanent heads of other first-class offices. The salary and rank attaching to the Chief Labour Adviser are personal to the present holder, and will be reviewed on a vacancy. In August last a change of Secretary afforded opportunity to review the controlling posts at the Ministry. There were then a Secretary at £3,000, a Chief Labour Adviser at £3,000, and a second Secretary at £1,350. It was decided to appoint a Secretary at £2,200, to continue the Chief Labour Adivser at £3,000, and to abolish the post of second Secretary. These arrangements effected a saving of £2,150 per annum.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the ordinary taxpayer, who has the greatest difficulty in making both ends meet, is very dissatisfied with this increase of permanent officials and their bloated salaries?

There is already a reduction of £2,150 a year.

Are they paid out of the contributions of the employers and the workmen?

They are paid out of the Consolidated Fund.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the officers whose duties consisted of inquiries into, and action consequent upon, infringements of trade boards regulations were dismissed on 31st March on the ground that the Ministry of Labour had no further use for their services?

The employment of two temporary officers, who had been engaged for a short time as Trade Board inspectors, was terminated on 31st March, in consequence of the general reduction in the Department's expenditure.

asked the Minister of Labour when the Report of the Committee on the Employment of Disabled Ex-Soldiers will be presented to the House?

As I informed my Noble Friend on 3rd August last, as a result of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee on the Employment of Severely Disabled Ex-Soldiers, assistance has been given to the Central Committee of the Lord Roberts Memorial Workshops. Applications from certain other institutions are under consideration. I do not think any advantage would be gained by publishing the Report.

Is there not a close connection between the Government's refusal to publish this Report and the Government's unwillingness to carry out their recommendations?

I do not think so.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the ex-service men composing the temporary clerical staff, No. 4, Stores Depot, Royal Air Force, Ickenham, are to be replaced by civil servants in the higher grade and a number of junior clerks in the lower grade; and whether he is aware that some of the men to be replaced are old soldiers who have completed 21 years' continuous service with the colours, and that no provision whatever is made for these veterans, although when they enlisted 25 years ago they were officially informed that Government employment would be found for old soldiers in certain Government Departments which were named.

A revised and reduced establishment for the clerical staff of the Store Depots of the Royal Air Force has been rendered necessary in the interests of national economy. It is the intention to fill as many as possible of the appointments on the new establishment from the present temporary clerical staff, who will be given an opportunity of competing amongst themselves for permanent appointments on this new establishment. Those who succeed will be so appointed, and it is anticipated that it will be possible for the present to retain most of the remainder as temporary clerks in place of the women clerks who are ultimately to form part of the revised establishment. The old soldiers to whom reference is made in the question will have the same chance of retention as the others. It will, of course, be apparent to my hon. and gallant Friend that the Air Ministry could not have been included in the Departments covered by the promise which he states was made to these men 25 years ago.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the scheme for the education of ex-officers at the universities is to cost the taxpayer £8,001,000; and, if so, why the original Estimate has been exceeded?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The original rough estimate was exceeded, because it was found that the number of ex-service men who on the principles of the scheme had good claims to its benefits, who were well qualified to follow courses of higher education, and who could be accommodated at the universities and other institutions of higher education, was much larger than was anticipated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the investigations of the Department into the question of the unskilled class of wireless operators, known as watchers, and employed in sea-going ships to relieve skilled wireless ratings; whether he is in a position to state if this class of operators will be abolished; and if he is aware of the effect that the present policy is having on ex-service men who have been trained under the Government scheme as skilled operators and now find employment cannot be obtained?

The Report of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee on watchers has been received and is being considered, but no decision has yet been arrived at. I am aware that this question, which is entirely one of safety of life at sea, has a bearing on the question of employment.

asked the Minister of Labour if it has been decided to discontinue benefit to all men in the engineering trade: whether he is prepared to ascertain the length of time that many thousands of them have been unemployed before the present lock-out commenced, and for whom there is no possible chance of employment even were a settlement obtained; and will he state the intention of the Government in this matter?

Workpeople in the engineering trade, who were thrown out of employment before the commencement of the present lock-out, and who were entitled to benefit, still remain entitled to benefit for the statutory number of weeks and are not affected by the occurrence of the dispute. It is not possible, except at great cost, to ascertain the length of time these workpeople have been unemployed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of officials in London Employ- ment Exchanges who deal with juvenile employment; and the number of girls and boys leaving school during last year who were found employment through the London Employment Exchanges?

There are 131 Employment Exchange officials, permanent or temporary, dealing directly with boys and girls in the County of London. The total number of boys and girls placed in employment during 1921 was 25,358, of whom about 5,300 were placed in their first situation after leaving school. The officials above referred to, I should add, deal with the administration of unemployment benefit for boys and girls, and do a great deal of other work in the way of giving advice regarding openings for employment which is not reflected in the mere figures of numbers placed in employment.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that hundreds of men employed as temporary hands on institutional work, such as the Metropolitan Asylums Board, are not called upon to contribute to Unemployed Insurance, although in many cases holding cards, and are subject to dismissal without benefit; and what action he proposes to take?

I understand that during a recent epidemic temporary employment was given by the Metropolitan Asylums Board to a number of persons on work which is held to be domestic service, and, therefore, uninsurable, I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to these cases, but, if not, and if he will supply me with particulars, I will make inquiry.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with a scheme for relief work under the St. Austell Rural District Council, he is aware that, although the men employed, being clay workers, are experienced in pick and shovel work the local authority have not received permission to pay the district rate of wages; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter and authorise payment of the full rate?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of correspondence between the district council and the Unemployment Grants Committee, from which ho will see that men certified by the council's surveyor as coming within the meaning of a skilled man employed at his own trade or a qualified navvy may receive the full rate of wages.

asked the Minister of Health what stocks of sawn wood or timber trees his Department now holds intended for building purposes; their original cost and present value; whether any part of such stocks are at present lying in the Forth, near Grangemouth; if so, when was it purchased and at what cost; and what is its present value?

My Department now holds no stocks of timber. Stocks equivalent to 3,400 standards, which were stored at Grangemouth, were taken over by the Department of Building Materials Supply from the Board of Trade (Timber Supply Department) in September, 1919, at a price of £84,300. The whole of these stocks have been sold to local authorities and others on various dates, and no other stocks have been purchased.

Does that show a loss to the Government?

I think not.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses of different types and the accommodation provided which are included in the plans and schemes approved by the Ministry of Health up to date?

The numbers of houses of different types included in the 165,586 houses for which tenders have been approved on schemes submitted by local authorities and public utility societies are as follow:

Accommodation provided.	No. of Houses.
Living room, scullery and 2 bedrooms	3,092
Living room, scullery and 3 bedrooms	61,454
Living room, scullery and 4 bedrooms	331
Parlour, living room, scullery and 2 bedrooms	659
Parlour, living room, scullery and 3 bedrooms	94,691
Parlour, living room, scullery and 4 bedrooms	5,359
Total	165,586

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses erected and sanctioned under the schemes approved by his Department where no provision for a bath has been made, and, in the cases where baths have been provided, the number of houses where the bath is in the scullery and the number of houses where the bath has been placed in a room specially provided for the purpose?

Over 90 per cent, of the houses in approved schemes have separate bathrooms. In a small proportion of the houses the bath is placed in the scullery and is usually so arranged that when in use access to other offices is not prevented. In some rural houses where there is no constant water supply, or where the drainage effluent is difficult to deal with, no bathroom or fixed bath has been provided, but in many of these cases the house has been so planned as to enable a bath to be installed when conditions as to water supply, etc., allow.

asked the Minister of Health the number of applicants who have had their names upon the local registers for houses erected by the local authorities, and who have afterwards withdrawn their application or declined to enter into occupation of the houses which have been offered to them on account of the rentals being too heavy for the applicant to pay?

I understand that evidence given before the Rents Tribunal indicates that applications made before the houses were built and at a time when wages were high have in many instances been withdrawn subsequently. Detailed figures of the numbers of such cases are rot available, and I do not think that they could be obtained except at the cost of much labour and expense.

Are any of the local authorities or contractors now building houses free to buy bricks where they like, or are they still compelled to buy from Government stocks?

They have been free to buy bricks where they like for a long time.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give particulars of the actual cost of all houses which have been built and paid for to date by local authorities under the Government's housing schemes, showing the total number paid for and the average cost of each?

As I have already informed the hon. Member, the houses already completed for the most part form part of contracts which have not yet been finished. Special returns from local authorities of capital expenditure on 27,000 houses indicate an average cost of £1,087 per house all included.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that that figure will justify the estimate of £1,100 which he made earlier, in view of the fact that a great number of houses are now being built for £500?

I am in hopes that the estimate will be reduced. It is very near.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give full particulars of the lengths of the various periods for which the money has been actually borrowed without any break clause by the Public Works Loan Commissioners for the loans they have made to local authorities for housing, amounting to, approximately, £74,000,000 for repayment over periods varying from 20 to 80 years?

The money lent by the Public Works Loan Commissioners is raised in accordance with the National Debt and Local Loans Act, 1887, by the issue of perpetual Local Loans Stock.

For what length of period are these loans raised?

Local Loans Stock is perpetual.

asked the Minister of Health if he was correctly reported in the public Press of the 28th instant as stating that the policy of the Government was that, until private enterprise could build workmen's houses to be let at an economic rent, married people and their families must be content to live in one room, and that newly-married couples must follow the custom of the Chinese and other Eastern nations and continue to live with their parents until such times as unaided private enterprise could provide them with homes of their own?

I did not make the statement contained in the question, nor am I aware that I was ever reported in any paper as making it. In the course of a long interview with a representative of what I have previously regarded as a responsible journal, I humorously ventured the remark that newly-married people would be so happy that they could enjoy living even in two rooms, and some conversation took place as to whether the practice of newly-married people living separately is not comparatively modern, and as to the custom in the older civilisations of the East. I am much surprised that the hon. Member should apparently regard these observations as a serious statement of policy, which, as I should have thought, would have been obvious to any intelligent reader of the interview were not to be regarded in such a manner.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the tragedy of the homeless is a suitable subject for humour on the part of a Minister?

Certainly not, and I did not make it a subject of humour. Per- haps I was over-optimistic as to the effect of marriage on the newly-married, in view of the position in regard to houses at the time.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the public anxiety with regard to the approaching termination of the Rent Restriction Act; and has he been able to impress on the Government the necessity of placing on the Statute Book legislation on somewhat similar lines to that of the Town Tenants (Ireland) Act?

As I have previously pointed out, the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act does not expire until June, 1923. It is not proposed to introduce legislation on the lines suggested in the latter part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a Departmental or other inquiry into the desirability, or otherwise, of extending the Rent Restriction Act so that the public will be able to arrive at an impartial understanding of the whole question?

As the present Act continues in force until June, 1923, the period recommended by Lord Salisbury's Committee, I do not think that any advantage would be gained by the appointment of another Committee at the present time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Act is largely responsible for the present shortage of houses, because no private builder will build houses under the present conditions?

Is there not a genuine anxiety as to what will happen when the Act does cease, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think it advisable to disarm criticism by now stating his policy?

In view of the fact that it will be more than 12 months before the Act expires, I think it would be unwise now to lay down the policy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the heavy burden of taxation imposed upon house property and the unremunerative condition of such property through the operation of the Rent Restriction Act, he will consider the cases of investors, such as small traders, thrifty artisans, and others, in this class of property in the preparation of his forthcoming Budget, so that reasonable concessions may be made where the margin of net rent is small or where actual loss is sustained?

I would remind my hon. Friend that, under the provisions of Rule 8 of No. V in Schedule A of the Income Tax Act, 1918, as amended by subsequent enactments, owners of the class of property in question can obtain relief from Income Tax in respect of the actual cost of maintenance and repairs on the average of the five preceding years.

asked the Minister of Health the reasons actuating his Department in prescribing a new form it; which local education authorities have to submit their accounts for audit; whether this is carried out at the wish of, or with the approval of, the Board of Education; whether he is aware that the educational authorities referred to, having only had very short notice of the contemplated change, are for the most part opposed to its coming into operation this year, and object to many aspects of its drafting on the ground of economy and effectiveness; and whether, under these circumstances, he will exercise the power he possesses of suspending the coming into operation of the form for one year and in the meantime consult the local authorities still further as to various improvements which could be made in it?

As I have already stated, the form referred to is not a form of keeping accounts, but of an annual return which is required for the purposes of the Board, of Education, and was issued with their concurrence. It was explained last week that the Board of Education, while they cannot agree to postpone the introduction of the new form, are prepared to make concessions in respect of the year just ended. As regards the future, I shall be happy to consider any suggestions that may be made by local authorities for the improvement of the form.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Government's educational policy in regard to the increased size of classes and reduction of the number of teachers, resulting in serious interference with effective teaching, as also the cut of 5 per cent, in teachers' salaries, have been generally condemned as uneconomic and a breach of faith with the teachers; and whether, in view of the Government's statement that the teachers' pension system was to be further investigated, he will promise that such investigation shall precede any final decision on this matter?

I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education to a question on this subject on the 27th March, and to his subsequent statement in the Debate on the Consolidated Fund Bill on the 28th March.

Do the Government intend to have the investigation specially referred to by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

I have said, I have nothing to add to the statement of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet in a position to give the names of the Commission to investigate the awards for damages made under the Malicious and Criminal Injuries (Ireland) Acts?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to give these names.

Will these names be given before Easter, and is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Colonial Secretary promised the House that this Commission would be at work in Ireland by now?

I hope to give them before the end of the week.

asked the Secretary of State for War if consideration has yet been given to the position of un-established civil servants in War Office employment in Ireland having regard to the reductions consequent on evacuation; whether he is aware that other public departments in Ireland have as far as possible secured the establishment of their unestablished staff; whether some early announcement can be made informing those concerned of what they may expect in the way of pension or gratuity, or future conditions and opportunities of employment; and if an assurance can now be given that the civil servants in War Office employment will not be treated less favourably than the staffs of other Government Departments?

I am only in a position to say at present that this important and difficult matter is already under my close consideration.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he could give the House any information with reference to the fighting reported to be taking place in the Sperrin mountains?

Notice of my Noble Friend's question has reached me only at this moment. I have no information on the subject except what has appeared in the newspapers. The Sperrin mountains are in the area of the Northern Parliament. I am making inquiries about this and other incidents. Perhaps I may tell the House that the ship "Upnor," which was piratically seized last week, had on board 381 rifles, 727 revolvers, 33 Lewis guns, and six Maxim guns. All these were taken. That is less than I stated in regard to the rifles and revolvers, and the same number as I stated in regard to the machine-guns. The small arms ammunition cannot exceed 25,000 rounds, including pistol ammunition, and not 500,000 as was then apprehended, and as I stated to the House. How much of each kind is not yet known.

Will any inquiry be held into the loss of this ship?

Yes, the most searching inquiry.

What steps are being taken to recover these arms and this ammunition?

(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether representations have been made to him by members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who are now being disbanded that, owing to threatened danger to their lives, they cannot return to their homes, and under these circumstances what action does he intend to take for their protection?

Yes, Sir, I have received the representations referred to, and my attention has also been called to the brutal and savage murder of one and the severe wounding of another recently disbanded member of the force in County Mayo. The latter, I regret to say, is in a critical condition. In accordance with the unanimous wish of the officers and men of the Royal Irish Constabulary, the Government decided to disband the whole force. On 5th January notice was issued that, in the event of the Royal Irish Constabulary ceasing to be an Imperial force, members would be permitted to retire on the terms laid down for compulsory retirement under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920. Disbandment commenced on the 29th of last month. Postponement of the disbandment, in the hope of more settled conditions at a later date, would not be in accordance either with the interests or with the wishes of the Constabulary. As the House is aware, the men have been informed that, in addition to the compensation and disturbance allowances payable to them on disbandment, the fares of themselves, their families and dependants will be paid by the Government to any part of the United Kingdom to which they may wish to go. It is open, therefore, to any man who so desires to leave Ireland immediately on disbandment and to arrange for his family and dependants to follow him. Notice was given to the Provisional Government of the impending disbandment of the Royal Irish Constabulary before dispersal began. The Provisional Government were asked to do all in their power to protect these men, all of whom are Irishmen, and nearly all of whom are Roman Catholics. The police authorities in Great Britain have also been asked TO show every consideration to ex-members of the force who may report to them.

How are these men to support their wives and families over here for a long period merely on their pensions?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the same facilities will be afforded to these men and their families if they decide to emigrate overseas?

Special facilities and arrangements are being made for commuting a portion of the pension for emigration purposes. With reference to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for Finehley (Colonel Newman), the White Paper, which will be available for Members to-morrow, will show the terms of disbandment, and will show that they are the most generous ever granted by this House. I do not anticipate that under these terms any member of the force will be in want on disbandment.

Would not the position be simplified if these men could be treated in the way that we treat the military? Could they not be brought to this country and disbanded here instead of being disbanded there and running all these unnecessary risks? It would be a simple bit of machinery.

In view of the possibility of an entirely mistaken impression arising in this country about the Royal Irish Constabulary, would the right hon. Gentleman say whether any substantial number of these people want to leave Ireland at all?

I understood the right hon. Gentleman to state that there-is to be commutation of the pensions to enable the men to emigrate. Does not that mean simply that the men will be paying their own fares to another part of the Empire? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be right that, in view of the overcrowding here, rather than bring these men to this country, the fares for themselves and their families should be paid for them if they wish to go to some of the less populated parts of the Empire?

I think the Paper giving the terms of disbandment will clear up all questions as regards commutation. In reference to the question of disbanding this force in Great Britain, I may say that the Royal Irish Constabulary in Southern Ireland has already been disbanded to the number of approximately 6,000 officers and men. As far as I know, it is the wish of the men to be disbanded in Ireland and not in England.

Has the right hon. Gentleman ascertained that that is their wish? In view of the question put by the hon. Member for Falls, will he take steps to ascertain as soon as possible how many men do wish to leave Ireland, and will he take steps to bring them over here in safety, having regard to the fact that if they are disbanded in Ireland they will likely have very great difficulty in leaving that country?

Before that is answered, I wish to ask will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that these men get money for their travelling expenses instead of warrants, in view of the fact that the receipt of warrants by them very often places their lives in serious danger?

We have had many interviews with deputations from the Royal Irish Constabulary, and no request to be disbanded in England has ever been raised. Every man of the force on disbandment not only gets a free ticket to his home in Ireland if he wishes to go there, but gets a free ticket for himself, his wife, children and dependents to any part of Ireland or Great Britain. At the same time, in addition to that, every single man gets his month's pay— the last month up to the date of disbandment—and an advance for contingencies. This advance he must account for in the future, if he uses it for travelling. Married men get from an advance of two to three months' pay, depending upon the number of children they have, to tide them over any expenses incurred by reason of moving. For this advance they also have to account.

On a point of Order. I put a question to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, and then my hon. and learned Friend the Member for York (Sir J. Butcher) put another question, which he asks the right hon. Gentleman to answer before mine. In consequence of the hon. and learned Member cutting in in that way, my question has not been answered at all. In these circumstances may I repeat it. It is this: Is it possible that the right hon. Gentleman does not realise that there are parts of Ireland where these men, if disbanded, cannot, with safety to their own lives, escape from the country?

Nonsense!

No one realises it more than I do or regrets it more than I do, and I am sure the House shares the regret, but it is to meet that difficulty that we have, as I say, made special payments in addition to free warrants, for the man, his wife, his children and his dependents to any part of the United Kingdom.

rose—

I have already allowed a great number of questions, and I think, as the White Paper is to be circulated to-morrow, hon. Members had better see it first before putting further questions.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Mrs. J. H. Austin, of Stakeford, Northumberland, has received £2 0s. 3d. for a lost registered letter that she sent to her husband, J. H. Austin, able-bodied seaman, Royal Navy, who was in Gibraltar hospital, and that the letter was worth £5; and, if so, will he inquire the cause of £2 Os. 3d. being paid to Mrs. Austin for a letter worth £5?

The registration of a letter for a place abroad, unlike registration in the inland service, does not include insurance. As explained in the published Regulations, it entitles the sender to a fixed indemnity in the event of the loss of the letter, irrespective of the value of its contents. The amount paid to Mrs. Austin in the case to which the hon. Member refers represents the fixed indemnity of £2 together with the sum paid by her as an inquiry fee.

Why should this widow lose £2 19s. 9d. through the Post Office— upon what authority or rule?

If my hon. Friend reads the answer, he will see that I have exactly answered that particular question.

Does not the ordinary registration fee cover up to a limit of £5?

There is a difference between the questions of insurance and of registration.

Then people are not sure when sending money to a soldier friend or husband?

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the working of the Conferencia method for long distance calls in Spain: and whether he is prepared to give the subscribers in this country the benefit of a similar arrangement in the trunk service?

I understand that the Conferencia method referred to is one by which the attendance at a specified time at a public call office of a non-subscriber can be arranged by means of a notification transmitted at a special rate. My right hon. Friend has not seen his way to make the system of "fixed time" trunk calls which came into operation on Monday last as notified in the Press applicable to calls to or from a call office as the availability of a call office at a specified time cannot be assured; the matter will be further considered.

Surely what is possible to the Spanish Post Office is equally possible to the British Post Office?

We have no information that there is a method called the "Conferencia." The hon. Member must be mistaken in regard to that.

Can the hon. Gentleman ask through the Foreign Office whether they will find out what the system is?

I think the hon. Gentleman has made a mistake about the particular term.

As I have already tried it in Spain, may I give the hon. Gentleman further particulars?