asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to put the Peninsula of Gallipoli under the Greeks or under an Allied Commission; and if His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of an alternative plan, such as inviting the Turks to put the Peninsula under the League of Nations?

If my hon. Friend will read the communiqué issued to the Press after the Paris meeting, he will see that the intention is that the Gallipoli Peninsula should be Greek territory, but demilitarised and occupied by an Allied garrison. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with reference to the interview he had with the representative of the "Westminster Gazette" in Paris, which appeared in the newspaper on the 31st March, 1919?

I have no recollection of having any conversation at that time with the representative of the "West- minster Gazette" on the subject of the Peace Treaty; but at this distance of time it is difficult to recall the names of those with whom I discussed that subject in 1919. Therefore I am not prepared to say that I did not have a conversation.

It was only yesterday for the first time that I read the full text of the interview in question, thanks to the courtesy of the Editor of the "Westminster Gazette," who was good enough to supply me with a copy of the article. As a representation of my opinions at any time it contains grave inaccuracies and omissions of essential qualifications. I observe that it purports to give at great length, not the effect of the conversation, but the actual words used by the authority interviewed. They are given in inverted commas. It is usual among reputable journalists on such occasions not only to inform the person with whom the conversation takes place that the interview will be published, but to furnish the interviewed with an opportunity of seeing what is to be published, with a view to correction. This course was not adopted in this case. Unless a full shorthand note be taken at the time—and that, I feel certain, was not done—the memory of the best journalist is apt to be at fault. In this ease there are serious errors which I should certainly have corrected had the usual method been pursued. I observe that I am supposed to have challenged the reliability of this interview at the time in the House of Commons. But, although I must have repeatedly seen this journalist since this challenge, he has never, either orally or in writing, said a word to me about it.

In view of the remarkable coincidence between the phraseology of the interview and the Memorandum which the Prime Minister himself circulated to the Peace Conference five days before the interview was given, did no one on his staff draw his attention to it?

I have no recollection of that at all, but there were so many newspaper articles that it would have taken far more time than any member of my staff could possibly devote to it to read all the articles; and may I just say that, if the hon. Member will look at the two, he will find that there are very, very serious discrepancies.

Where are they?

I need only give one, on the very important question of reparations. On the question of reparations, if the hon. Member will look at my Memorandum and at what appears in this document, there are very serious discrepancies. For instance, in this document it says that I propose to confine reparations merely to the question of material damage. I never took that view. I always thought that pensions ought to be included—always. It was my contention, throughout the whole of the Peace Conference, that pensions ought to be included, and they were included; but this interview said that I deliberately confined it to material damage. I never could have said that.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that when the Debate took place in the House of Commons in 1919, that article in the "Westminster Gazette" was given as the basis of the telegram that was sent to him, and did he not look at the article afterwards?

As a matter of fact I read that particular episode, and I at once said that that article could not have been the basis. As a matter of fact, I knew that it was not the basis at all. I knew that it was another communication of a totally different character from a different quarter. That is all I said at the time—that that article could not have been the basis; nor was it the basis.

How was it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to repudiate the article if he had never seen it?

My recollection is—and here again it is very difficult when one is talking about something which happened three years ago—my recollection is that there was a quotation from that article which had reference to reparations. I repudiated that, and I still repudiate it. I say that that article gives a thoroughly erroneous view of the opinions which I held on the question of reparations, and which I adhere to.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Hungarian landowners in Czecho-Slovakia are receiving their rents; and whether Hungarian landowners in Rumania have had their properties confiscated?

As to the first part of the question, I have no information. As regards the second part, I understand that the Expropriation Law in force in the old Kingdom of Rumania was automatically applied to the new provinces on their absorption; Hungarian landowners would, therefore, seem to be in the same position as landlords of any other origin.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken in Egypt to implement the pledge given by Lord Allenby to suspend martial law so as to allow Egyptians the full exercise of their political freedom?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle on the 27th March.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that American trade is now supplanting British enterprise in Mexico; and whether, in the interests of British trade and to reduce unemployment in this country, the Government will consider the desirability of recognising the present Mexican Government at once?

In view of the fact that British exports to Mexico in 1920 were nearly twice the value of those in 1913, I cannot admit that British enterprise in that country is being supplanted. As to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 27th March on this subject to the hon. Member for North Cumberland by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Has a request for recognition been made by the Mexican Government?

Are these figures on a tonnage basis?

No. I said they were on a value basis. The whole question of recognition was fully dealt with by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the speech he made on the Motion for the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill. I think that in that my hon. Friend will find all the information he seeks.

In view of the fact that it is proposed under certain circumstances to recognise the Soviet Government if they adhere to the Cannes Resolutions, will those Resolutions be brought to the notice of the Mexican Government, and if they adhere to them will recognition be granted to them?

I think these Resolutions are known to the whole world.

Is there any impediment to British traders doing business in Mexico if they so desire?

There is no impediment in their way, but it is obvious that, if satisfactory arrangement can be made for full recognition, the position would be easier and better than without full recognition.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the result of his consultation with the Wild Birds Advisory Committee regarding the protection of snipe from 1st February; and when the Bill to give effect to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Protection of Wild Birds is likely to be introduced?

I find that the members of the English Advisory Committee are in favour of making the close time for the snipe in England begin on the 1st February in each year. I have not yet received the views of the Scottish Committee. The draft Bill has been referred to the Committee, and when I have received and had time to consider their observations I hope to be able to introduce it, but I cannot fix any date.

asked the Home Secretary how many police authorities in the provinces had appointed women police; and what had been the effect of these appointments upon the good government of such districts?

According to the Returns appended to the Reports of His Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary, the number of county and borough police authorities in England and Wales who were employing police women in September last was 38. I have no information on the second part of the question.

Why did not the right hon. Gentleman think it worth while to make the inquiry before finally deciding to abolish women police in London?

Because I was dealing with London.

asked the Home Secretary whether the services of a body of women police have been tried in any foreign country; and, if so, whether he is able to make any statement as to the results which have been achieved?

I understand that police women have been employed in some cities in the United States, but I am not in a position to say what the results have been.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether the results have been successful or not?

asked the Home Secretary if he will state, in connection with the State management districts, the approximate reduction which would be shown in the percentage return to capital if in the three years ended 31st March, 1921, Excess Profits Duty and Income Tax had been paid, as would have been the case if the various properties had remained in private hands?

To ascertain the particulars asked for by the hon. and gallant Member would, I understand, entail a very considerable amount of labour, and in the circumstances my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer does not feel justified in asking the Inland Revenue Authorities to incur the expense involved.

asked the Home Secretary whether the reception of women prisoners has been discontinued at the prison at Plymouth; what provision is to be made for women detained at Plymouth on remand; whether any burden will be imposed on the rates of Plymouth in respect of the conveyance of women prisoners from Plymouth to Exeter; and, if so, whether the Plymouth local authority has been consulted on the matter?

Yes, in the interests of economy it has been decided to discontinue the female wing of the prison at Plymouth, and the chief constable has been informed that the Justices have power to remand prisoners to the local police cells. Where remand to prison is necessary, the prisoners will be sent to Exeter prison, but it is anticipated that these cases will be few in number. Any increased cost of conveyance will be very small, and half of it will be chargeable to the Exchequer Grant-in-Aid of the police. The local authority were not consulted.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the fact that female prisoners conveyed from Plymouth to Exeter must have a women's escort?

Yes, Sir; all women are taken by women escorts.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) whether the position of a British subject domiciled in the Irish Free State is analogous with regard to the payment and rate of tax, including Super-tax, levied in Great Britain to that of a British subject domiciled in one of the Overseas Dominions;

(2) whether a British subject domiciled in the Irish Free State, but resident for more than six months of the year in Great Britain is, under the terms of the; Order in Council recently laid upon the Table, liable to pay an extra rate of Income Tax or Super-tax on property which he owns in this country or for dividends in companies registered in Great Britain, and on which the Income Tax is collected in Great Britain?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to these questions. The recent Order in Council has reference only to the powers of the Irish Provisional Government, and the Income Tax and Super-tax powers which are transferred thereto relate only to the assessment, levying, and collection in Southern Ireland. The basis and measure of liability to those duties for the present remain unaffected, and the position of Southern Irish taxpayers in these respects is still unchanged.

Will the position still be unchanged when the Constitution Bill becomes an Act?

That is a totally different question. I am afraid that my hon. and gallant Friend must wait for the Constitution Bill?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if those who have already paid the taxes to the Imperial Government will get credit for the payments from the Free State, or will they have to pay twice?

I do not imagine that any Irishman will pay twice.

Do I understand that until the Constitution Bill is passed, and the new Parliament in Ireland is assembled, there is no power in the Irish Free State to impose new taxes?

All they are doing at the present time is under an Order in Council to collect taxes which are levied by this Parliament?

Can the Provisional Government impose new taxes?

They can after the Constitution has been established, but it is not yet established.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the importance and complexity of the matter it contains, he will take steps to have the Order in Council, dated the 1st April and entitled the Provisional Government (Transfer of Functions) Order, 1922, circulated among Members of this House and made available for the Press and general public?

Copies of this Order are now available in the Vote Office, for the information of hon. Members.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the special constables captured at Clones have yet been released; if the murderers of Lieutenant Ginochio have been apprehended; if not, whether any steps are now being taken to catch the assassins; and whether any joint inquiry into this assassination is to be held?

Sir H. GREENWOOD: I understand that the special constables captured at Clones railway station have not yet been released. Presumably their case will now fall to be considered by the two Irish Governments under Clause 10 of the recent Peace Agreement, which provides for the release of political prisoners in cases agreed upon between the signatories to that Agreement. In regard to the latter part of the question, no arrests have yet been made in connection with the murder of Lieutenant Genochio. The question of holding a joint inquiry into the circumstances of this tragedy is still undecided.

When may we expect the joint decision? It is obvious the question cannot be allowed to continue too long. Could the right hon. Gentleman state what is the reason why there is so much delay in coming to any sort of decision whether to accept the offer of the Irish Free State to have an inquiry into the matter or not?

In answer to the first part of the question as to the release of the special constables, that is a matter now between the Northern and the Southern Governments of Ireland. I expect a decision in respect to the special constables at a very early date. In reference to the last part I regret I cannot give the Noble Lord any further information.

Supposing these special constables are held by De Valera's men and not by Collins' men, what will happen then?

My hon. and gallant Friend is, I believe, wrong in basing his supplementary on that presumption. I understand these men are under the control of the Provisional Government.

Then why have not they been released long ago?

That is one of the questions which was taken up in the recent conference between the Northern and Southern Governments. I have no doubt those two Governments are now dealing with that particular question. My latest information is that all these special constables are in good health and well treated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government will take steps to embody in an Act of Parliament, to be passed this Session, the various pledges they have given guaranteeing the pensions and compensation payable to public servants in Ireland who may retire or be discharged from their offices?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the statements on this subject made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies in the Debate on consideration of the Lords Amendments to the Irish Free State (Agreement) Bill on the 31st March last.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman state plainly are we to have these pledges embodied in an Act of Parliament, or are we not, and does he realise that if they are not so embodied they are no good?

The question on the Paper was debated last week.

Might I ask the Chief Secretary is he aware that no answer was given to this specific question in debate, and could not he give me a specific answer now?

They gave all the answer that they could, no doubt.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the conditions under which the persons referred to in Article 10 of the Irish Treaty can retire, or are liable to be dischaged by the Irish Free State Government; and whether the British Government will guarantee the salaries and pensions of existing civil servants who elect to serve under the Irish Free State Government, and in so doing have regard to Sections 55 and 56 of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?

The conditions under which the persons referred to in Article 10 of the Treaty can retire or be discharged by the Free State Government is a matter proper to be dealt with in the Free State constitution or in the Act confirming that constitution, and I cannot anticipate what those provisions will be. The compensation which they will be entitled to receive in the event of dismissal or of retirement in consequence of the change of Government will, as the hon. and learned Member is aware, be not less favourable than that accorded in like circumstances by the Act of 1920. In reply to the last part of the question, I can add nothing to the assurance given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on 19th December last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he told me, in reply to a previous question on the same subject, that the very points on which I am inquiring were under discussion between His Majesty's Government and the Provisional Government, and are we to understand that these civil servants are to be left to the tender mercies of the Free State Government?

The hon. Baronet is perfectly familiar with the Act of 1920 and the Treaty, and under those two documents, plus the pledge of the Leader of the House that the Imperial Government guaranteed all payments to those persons, I think they are adequately provided for.

This is a very important matter. Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part, whether the conditions of their retirement or discharge will not be dealt with by His Majesty's Government in some way in view of the fact that these questions are not dealt with under the Act?

I have done my best to answer the question. I regret the answer is unsatisfactory to the hon. Baronet, but it is an answer, I think, that adequately protects these officials, whose service no one appreciates more than I do, and whose interests he has so often championed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what precautions were taken to guard the "Upnor," whose cargo was seized off the South Coast of Ireland; under whose orders the "Upnor" proceeded to sea; under what circumstances the ship was captured on the high seas; and whether he can give any information as to where the cargo was conveyed to, if any of it has yet been recovered, and, if so, what amount?

An inquiry has been ordered by the Admiralty, but the report has not yet been received, and I am, accordingly, not at present in a position to give a full answer. I desire to add, however, that the prompt action of the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Approaches in sending a destroyer and a sloop in pursuit, immediately he knew of the suspicious circumstances attending the sailing of the tug "Warrior," prevented the greater part of the cargo being removed from "Upnor."

Is it customary, considering the present state of Ireland, for vessels to put to sea with such an important cargo without a proper escort?

Precautions were taken until the "Upnor" had got out of Queenstown harbour.

Were any precautions taken before she had got out?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Messrs. Morgan and Allen, traffic superintendents, Dublin, are Englishmen who were officially transferred to Ireland in 1908; and whether, in view of the fact that they do not wish to be transferred to the service of the Government of the Irish Free State, he can make special arrangements to avoid transferring them against their will?

I am aware that Messrs. Morgan and Allen are Englishmen. They were transferred to the Post Office from the National Telephone Company in 1912 and were at the time stationed in Ireland. As stated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend of the 29th ultimo, I cannot at present make any definite promise to transfer these officers to Great Britain, but the matter is under consideration.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information with regard to the atrocities committed on two disbanded members of the Royal Irish Constabulary in Ballyhaunis; whether these two men were both shot on arrival in Ballyhaunis, to arrange for the removal of themselves and families; whether both men were Roman Catholics of long service in the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether he can state what steps are being taken to protect other members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who will be disbanded in Southern Ireland, from similar atrocities; whether he can also give the House any information with reference to the fighting reported to have taken place in the Sperrin Mountains, and whether anything is being done by the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland to deal with the boycott of Northern Ireland.

I have been asked to answer this question. I am sure the House will agree that it is of vital importance, and makes necessary a rather lengthy answer. In reply to the first part of the question, I regret that I can give no further information regarding this atrocious crime than that which I gave yesterday in reply to a private notice question by the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley (Colonel Newman), except that I am glad to be able to inform the House that the wounded constable has been brought to a hospital in Dublin, and I am informed there is a fair chance of his recovery. The reply to the second and third parts is in the affirmative. In reply to the fifth part of the question, I am happy to inform the House that there is no truth in the report that fighting has been taking place in the Sperrin Mountains. In reply to the sixth part of the question, I am making inquiry from the Provisional Government. In reply to the fourth part of the question, every policeman on disbandment is entitled to a free travelling warrant for himself, his wife, his children and dependants from Ireland to any place in the United Kingdom. In addition he receives pay up to the time of disbandment. This would be, approximately, from £16 to £20 for a constable and larger amounts for higher grades. A further cash payment, as an advance for reasonable travelling expenses which is subject to accounting, of one month's pay for single men, of two months' pay for married men with less than three children, and of three months' pay for married men with three or more children, is paid on disbandment. Every man also receives on application a sum of at least £10 further, as an advance on account of pension. As a still further precaution and for the protection of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary on disbandment my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary telegraphed yesterday to General Tudor that he should make plain to every man that he had only to ask for a warrant to this country for himself and his family, and that such a warrant would be at once given to him. Men were to be encouraged to come to this country rather than discouraged until conditions were more settled. General Tudor was further instructed to let us know at once if any difficulty arose in regard to the prompt issue of the warrants, and he was directed that men should only be disbanded in places whence they can, as a matter of fact, get out of Ireland in safety.

With regard to the constable who, as we are informed by the right hon. Gentleman, is wounded and in hospital in Dublin, in view of the fact that in a similar case quite recently murderers found their way into the hospital and murdered a wounded constable, is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to give the wounded constable in this case special protection?

I cannot speak from personal knowledge, but I have no doubt General Tudor, the Chief of Police, has taken steps to give adequate protection to this man.

Has the Colonial Secretary made any representations to the Provisional Government in Ireland, with a view to their taking special precautions to guard these men, while they are making arrangements to bring their wives and families over here to England and winding up their affairs in Ireland? What is the use of giving them money if they are to be murdered?

Will any further allowance be made to married men, in the nature of a disturbance allowance, to enable them to bring their furniture over to England, because two months' pay is not sufficient to cover the cost of the removal of a man's furniture from Ireland over here?

Two months' pay for an ordinary constable would at least be approximately £32—for a married man with two children. I should have thought, that was sufficient. For a married man with three or more children it would similarly be approximately £48 at the minimum, and I should have thought that also was sufficient to remove a man's furniture. With reference to the question raised by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Fylde (Lieut.-Colonel Ashley) as to notifying the Provisional Government, this was done before the dispersal, both personally, at recent Conferences at the Colonial Office, and by letter, by myself, as well as by the Colonial Secretary, directly to Mr. Collins, Chairman of the Provisional Government. Every possible care has been taken to secure for these men the protection which we all agree, they well deserve.

Were the provisions which the right hon. Gentleman has announced were made for the protection of these two men notified to these two men before they were allowed to go for dispersal, and, if so, how came it that it was possible for them to get into such a position that they were easy targets for the first attack made on them?

I am informed that these men were warned of the risks they ran in going to the County Mayo. The fact of the matter is that members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are such outstanding brave and gallant men that they will run risks, although every opportunity, as I have said, has been given and is given to them to avoid the risk by leaving Ireland immediately on disbandment.

Are any steps being taken by the Government to see that something is done for these men on arrival in this country, or will they be thrown on the streets unemployed, and what is the Government going to do to house these families when they come?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps with the police authorities in Ireland to obviate the necessity for these men going back to their homes, and to make arrangements for their families to come over to this country without the husbands having to risk their lives in going to fetch them?

In answer to the last question, that has already been done. A man can have a warrant to his own home free, if he wishes it, in Ireland or he can have a warrant to any part of the United Kingdom. In addition to that, his wife, family, and dependents get warrants to move independently of him, if they so desire, from any place in Ireland to any other place in the United Kingdom or Ireland. In answer to the hon. Member for Kettering (Mr. Waterson), every police authority in Great Britain has already been warned that he may be applied to for guidance by ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary. As to the question of housing, the Government cannot make any special arrangements for the housing of these men and women who may come to Great Britain. They will not, to my mind, add to the unemployment question, because all of them have pensions, as set out in the terms of disbandment, now in the Order Office for hon. Members.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state to the House what is the number of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who have expressed any desire to leave the country?

I cannot give any numbers. As far as I know, up to the present there has been no great desire to leave Ireland at all.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us if the lives of any of these disbanded policemen in Ireland will be safe if they do not leave the country, or, at any rate, go to Ulster?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they will not come over to a country which sends representatives of this sort to the House of Commons?

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the recent decision to disband Irish regiments and in view of the disturbed state of Ireland, any steps are taken to safeguard the lives of officers and soldiers who are about to proceed on leave to their homes or elsewhere in that country?

Does my right hon. Friend advise these men to apply for safe conducts to the Provisional Government?

As my hon. and learned Friend knows, they are not obliged to go to Ireland, and I am afraid that if they do go to Ireland they must go at their own risk. I cannot provide military protection for men on leave.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to change the status of the Russian agent in this country into that of a diplomatic officer before this House has approved and ratified the agreements, if any, concluded at Genoa?

No, Sir. If my hon. and gallant Friend will refer to the statement which I made on Monday last, he will see that I made this point perfectly clear.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to ascertain as soon as possible whether the Russian Government is willing to afford every facility to members of an international commission, consisting, say, of representatives of Great Britain, France, the United States, Belgium, and Italy, to be appointed by the Governments of those countries, respectively, with a view of visiting such parts of Russia as may be deemed desirable in order to make arrangements for the security of the investments of foreign capital with the object of developing the resources and industries of Russia and of stimulating international trade?

The possibility of arranging conditions which may make trade with Russia possible is one of the subjects for consideration at the Genoa Conference.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the existing inequalities in the civil and criminal law as between men and women, he will consider appointing a Committee, departmental or otherwise, to investigate the matter with a view to legislation to remove such of these inequalities as may be deemed advisable?

The Lord Chancellor is considering the appointment of a Committee to inquire into these matters and to report to him on the whole subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether any special allowances are to be made to or any expenses incurred by the British delegation or staff at Genoa other than those incurred in travelling, and, if so, what are they; if any estimate of the daily expenditure in respect of the British delegation can be given; and whether any persons not belonging to the delegation are to make use of the travelling facilities?

I would refer the Noble Lord to my answer to a similar question put by the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on the 3rd April. The outfit allowance will be £10, and not £15 as I then stated, and will be confined to official messengers employed on the staff of the delegation. No estimate of the daily expenditure falling upon British funds can at present be furnished, but, as has already been stated, it is not anticipated that the charge will be great, as the British delegates and their staff are to be the guests of the Italian Government.

Can the hon. Gentleman give me an answer to the last sentence of the question?

I much regret that that part was overlooked, but I think, speaking off-hand, that the answer would be in the negative.

Would the hon. Gentleman look into that point and give me an answer?

I will, certainly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now state the date of the introduction of the Budget?

I hope to introduce the Budget on Monday, 1st May.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what commodities and articles are taxed in Germany by the Government and States; and what are the respective taxes in 1913 and 1922?

Owing to the complexity of the information desired by my hon. Friend, I fear it is impossible to give it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the entire amount paid up to date in the shape of pension to Earl Nelson and his successors under the Statute of George III, c. 146?

£5,000 a year since the date of the statutory grant after the battle of Trafalgar.

Why could not this pension now be commuted?

That is a totally different question.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the reply that was elicited last week, and will he give a reply to the question which I have now put on the Order Paper, as to what is the total amount that has been paid since its inception?

Surely my hon. Friend is quite competent to make the multiplication by the number of years since the Battle of Trafalgar.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Leader of the House consider whether this pension cannot now be commuted?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his intention to renew the tablewater duties, seeing that, owing to the heavy taxation, the output of sweetened beverages was reduced in 1920 by 21,500,000 gallons as compared with 1918, and that, without the table-water duties, the mineral and aerated water trade pays in other taxation £719,220, and that the reduction of output, if continued, will add largely to the unemployment difficulty?

I am unable to anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, by means of a circular or otherwise, he will impress upon the several Departments the grave objection felt to the issue of Supplementary Estimates, notifying them that if they wish to spend money on new items they must save corresponding amounts elsewhere?

I would refer the hon. Member to Treasury circular of the 28th April, 1920, of which I am sending him a copy privately.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even during the last two or three days the Government have started off again with new Supplementary Estimates of several millions for the coming year?

I am certain that my hon. Friend, with a much longer experience of this House than I have, must know that there are a certain number of Supplementary Estimates which are unavoidable, and it is quite impossible to promise that there shall be no Supplementary Estimates in any particular year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of home and foreign debt due for repayment in the new financial year; the rate of interest payable on that debt; and the amount of relief to the Exchequer which he hopes to secure by re-borrowing at current rates of interest?

I would ask the hon. Member to wait until I can deal with these matters in the Financial Statement for the year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the British representatives at the Genoa Conference will be able to include within their purview the possibility of utilizing silver to assist the international exchanges in view of the fact that there is not gold enough to meet the world's needs to-day; whether our representatives will confer with the delegations of the other nations present, and, if possible, also with the United States of America, with the object of according more favourable treatment to the white metal, even if they cannot go the length of fixing a ratio between gold and silver; and, if they are unable to consider such a course, have our delegation any scheme in view whereby the rouble can be reconstituted for international trading purposes?

While I cannot foresee what course the discussions at Genoa on the subject of exchange may take, I have no doubt that all relevant questions, including the possibility of re-introducing a metallic currency (which might well be made of silver) in Eastern Europe, will be fully considered. I hope, however, that the Conference will not embark on the wider subject of a fixed ratio between gold and silver.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that by a simple arrangement between the United States and this country the price of silver was steadied quite recently for a whole year; and would he not consider whether the question of steadiness, as regards our exports and making forward contracts, is not much more important than the question of the ratio?

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that it would be very much better for trading arrangements if we could get a stable price for silver.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now appoint a committee to reconsider the conclusions of the Cunliffe Committee on currency and foreign exchange?

It is, I think, obvious that the eve of the Genoa Conference would not be a suitable moment for adopting my hon. Friend's proposal.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that William Morrell, 92, Chapel Street, Ancoats (or 107, Redbank), Manchester, a disabled pensioner, suffering from consumption, was recently sentenced to two months' imprisonment by the local magistrates and that, after he had served his sentence, it was discovered that, owing to a clerical error committed by an officer of the court, he had been wrongly convicted; whether, owing to this miscarriage of justice, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the case with a view of expunging the conviction from the records and thereby protecting the man's future; and whether, if he has no power to expunge the conviction from the records, he will take steps to seek such power and to compensate the person who has suffered?

The hon. Member is mistaken in thinking there was a conviction in this case. It was the case of a man ordered to pay for the maintenance of his wife and children. I have no authority to intervene in regard to it, but I am inquiring into the facts and will let the hon. Member know the result.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that another case of a man wrongfully imprisoned was brought to his notice quite recently, and if there is no redress in these cases will he take steps to amend the law?

If the Home Secretary finds that an error was committed in this case will he see that the record of the conviction is expunged?

This is not a case of a conviction. For any redress that is required, he must go to the court. The Home Office has no authority in such cases.

asked the Home Secretary whether pre-War police pensioners who had their pensions increased by 50 per cent. have now had such reduced to 33½ per cent. above pre-War; and, if so, will he inquire whether any Standing Joint Committees have effected such a reduction under the plea of a reduction in the cost of living?

No change is being made as to the basis of assessment in the case of Metropolitan Police pensioners. I have no information as to the course which is being adopted by county and borough Police authorities. I may remind my hon. Friend that the amount of any grant is at the discretion of the Police authority, subject to the limits specified in the Pensions (Increase) Act, and I have no jurisdiction in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies has yet presented his Report upon his recent official visit to the British West Indian Colonies; and, if so, whether he will arrange to have this Report printed and laid upon the Table of the House at an early date?

I hope that my Report will shortly be presented to the Secretary of State. It is proposed to lay it on the Table of the House at the earliest possible moment.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any idea when the earliest possible moment will be?

I hope to have it out of my hands in the course of the next two or three weeks. I understand courtesy demands that it should not be laid on the Table of the House before it has had time to reach the Colonies concerned.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when considering Amendments to the Milk and Dairies Act of 1915, he will give favourable consideration to the desirability of enabling local authorities to assist in securing improved supplies of milk in their area by means of classification and by having the power to revoke or suspend certificates and of registration of all milk sellers in their area?

Yes, Sir. Both these proposals are receiving my careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will communicate to the House, for the information of the public, the explanation which the milk companies have given in answer to his inquiries as to the reasons why the farmer in the south-western counties is given only 8d. per gallon, delivered at his own cost into London, for milk for which the London consumer is charged 1s. 8d. per gallon?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can give any explanation as to why the price of milk to the producers in the southwestern countries should be only 8d., when the consumer in London is charged 1s. 8d. per gallon; and what services the distributor performs between the London termini and the actual consumer to justify the additional charge?

The explanation usually given in regard to the difference between the price paid by the consumer and that paid to the producer is that this is the sum required on the average to cover cost of collection from the station in London, retail distribution, and risks involved in dealing with surplus milk. The cost of retail distribution to the consumer includes rent, wages, upkeep of retail plant and vehicles, and profit to the retailer

Would the right hon. Gentleman say that he, with his special knowledge, has reason to believe that this shilling is not an excessive charge?

No; that is a question I could not possibly answer.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consider the possibilities of legislation on behalf of the farmers who have bought their holdings, relying upon the policy of the Government, and who are now faced with bankruptcy owing to the fall in milk prices?

I am prepared to consider any practicable proposals which my hon. Friend may submit to meet the financial difficulties of farmers, but I may point out that the fall in the price of milk is due to causes which have no connection with the change in the agricultural policy of the Government.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the great disparity in the price paid to farmers for milk and the cost to the consumer, he will appoint a Committee of Inquiry to investigate the question of costs and prices and to suggest means by which the interests of the consumers can be adequately safeguarded?

I am considering whether the appointment of a Committee would be likely to lead to any useful result, and am in communication with the principal farmers' organisations on the subject, but I can make no statement at the moment.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Rural District Council of Bridgnorth have recently appointed a sanitary inspector at a salary of £150 per annum, without bonus; and whether, seeing that such a salary is an inadequate one for a statutory officer charged with the carrying out of vital and important duties affecting public health, he will be prepared to make it a condition of giving his sanction to the appointment that adequate remuneration shall be paid to the officer?

I have already sanctioned the appointment referred to. The inspector applied for the appointment with full knowledge of the salary offered, and in present circumstances I cannot require local authorities to pay salaries in excess of what they themselves consider necessary and what enables them to obtain a qualified officer.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of preparing the lists and registers of elections annually, in view of the heavy cost of preparing the same?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am sending the hon. Member copies of previous replies to questions on this subject, from which it will be seen that the matter is already under consideration.

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for sending the reply. Can he say when the consideration will become a conclusion?

I am afraid I cannot do that.

Has not the matter been under consideration for 16 months?

Yes, but we have not been able to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

Will the House be allowed to decide the question by a free vote in the event of an Amendment to the effect suggested being put down to the Representation of the People Bill?

The House can always decide as it wishes without reference to the Government.

asked the Minister of Health the number of deaths occasioned by starvation or accelerated by privation that have occurred in the counties of Durham, Yorkshire, and Berkshire, respectively, during the years 1919 to 1921, inclusive?

No deaths from starvation or exposure were reported by the coroners as having occurred in any of these counties in 1919. For 1920 five were reported as having occurred in Durham, one as having occurred in Yorkshire, none in Berkshire. Figures for 1921 are not as yet available.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, having regard to the excessive burden of rates in industrial areas owing to trade depression at the present time, he can see his way to augment the special grant made to necessitous areas in the forthcoming year so that educational services shall not be seriously crippled in such districts?

I regret that I do not see my way to augment this grant.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, seeing that teachers are entitled to a pension on reaching the age of 60 only if they have given at least 30 years' service, he has any figures to show what proportion of the teachers engaged in the elementary schools have qualified for pension during the last few years?

I regret that no figures for this purpose are available, and that it would require a disproportionate amount of labour to extract them.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, before proceeding to embody in a Bill the proposals of the Geddes Committee regarding education which the Government have adopted, he will consider the appointment of a Select Committee to investigate and to hear the evidence of the teachers and other educationists of repute on the questions of the size of classes, the exclusion of young children from school, the deduction from teachers' salaries for superannuation, and any other matters he may consider necessary?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 27th March by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal to the hon. Members for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Wignall) and Pontypool (Mr. T. Griffiths).

asked the President of the Board of Education how many children were in receipt of maintenance allowances in the year ending 31st March, 1921, in ordinary public elementary schools, in central schools, and in secondary schools, respectively?

I have no materials which would enable mc to state the number of children in ordinary and central public elementary schools who in 1920–21 were in receipt of maintenance allowances granted by local education authorities. The number of pupils in secondary schools who, during the whole or part of that year, were in receipt of such allowances was, approximately, 57,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, as stated on page 156 of the Third Report of the Committee on National Expenditure, the number of naval officers receiving £2,000 per annum and upwards, is 46; and, if not, what is the actual number of officers whose emoluments are on this scale, including lodging, provision, fuel, and light, and servant allowance or the value of the equivalents received in kind, but excluding table-money?

The number of naval officers whose emoluments, including lodging, provision, fuel and light, and servant's allowance, or the value of the equivalents received in kind, amount to £2,000 per annum and upwards is 72. This number includes the President of the Naval Inter-Allied Commission of Control, whose pay and allowances are recoverable from Germany.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he has received a communication from the Hampshire Automobile Club, with a copy of a resolution expressing their opinion that the incidence of the present tax on motor vehicles is inequitable in several ways, and that in particular it is advisable to adopt a method of taxation based on road user; and whether he will now consider a revision of the present method of taxation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 13th February.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to recent changes in Spanish tariffs and to the manner in which they are penalising British trade; whether it is intended at present to enter into any commercial treaty with Spain; and whether, in view of the fact that the 90 days within which modifications of the Spanish tariff may be claimed are rapidly passing, any action is being taken to safeguard the interests of this country?

A new customs tariff has recently been put into operation in Spain, and proposals for the conclusion of a commercial treaty have already been submitted to the Spanish Government for their consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that licences to import special German dyes are withheld on the grounds that such German dyes are available in this country and that such persons requiring licences must purchase these first; and whether he has sanctioned this prohibition?

I am aware that licences are not granted for the importation of German dyestuffs when there are in this country stocks of the same dyestuffs available to the applicants; and I see no reason why licences should be granted in such circumstances.

If the user wants that dye, why should he go to anybody else and pay a bigger price than he did before?

When there are plentiful supplies of those dyes already available in this country there is no reason to encourage a further flood of German dyes which are not necessary.

Is the price charged for these dyes produced in this country greater than the price at which they can be obtained from Germany?

There is a discrepancy in price, and the hon. Member is possibly aware that the high price is charged by Germany for those dyes which cannot be produced in this country.

Why should not the manufacturer be able to get his dyes at the cheapest possible price, whether they are made in this country or not?

Because, as a very distinguished calico printer pointed out in this House when my hon. Friend tried to repeal the Act, the dye industry is a vital industry to the calico printers and this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the loss of 2¼ millions sterling of the capital of the Western Counties Shipping Company and to the fact that no accounts have been received and no shareholders' meeting has been held; whether he proposes to take steps to enforce the law as to the holding of a meeting and the submission of accounts; and, if not, what other measures he pro poses to take?

The answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative. I am advised that an application to the Court to direct the holding of a general meeting of the company must be made by a shareholder and not by the Board of Trade. In the event of a winding-up order being made by the Court on the petition of a creditor or a shareholder, a full investigation of the company's affairs would be conducted by the Official Receiver.

asked the Postmaster General whether he is now in a position to make a definite statement as to the new postal rates which are under consideration?

My right hon. Friend is not in a position to make a statement. The matter is under the consideration of the Government.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the continued uncertainty as to a decision in this matter is causing very serious unemployment in every branch of the trades affected by the postal rates, and will he bring that to an end by making an announcement?

I realise the importance of the matter, which is in the hands of the Cabinet at the present time.

May we expect an answer before the Easter Recess?

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the report that, in the event of the dispute in the shipbuilding industry leading to a stoppage, certain vessels now being overhauled in the Tyne will be removed to foreign yards; and if he is taking immediate steps to endeavour to pre- vent such removal, especially in view of the fact that unemployment heavily afflicts the district concerned?

I have not seen the report report referred to, but in any case I am afraid that I have no power to compel repairs to be carried out in British ports. This appears to me to be a matter which must be settled by discussion between all the interests concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, having regard to the fact that large numbers of workmen are unemployed in Wembley and that no relief scheme has been started there, he will give instructions that in allocating workmen for the construction of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley priority be given to local unemployed workmen?

In submitting men to the contractors for employment at Wembley, the Exchanges will select those applicants who are industrially most suitable, subject to the usual preference for ex-service men. I cannot undertake that residents at Wembley shall have any special priority, but, in the nature of things, they would, presumably, have a better chance of obtaining this employment than residents elsewhere.

Why, in the nature of things, would the local men have a better chance?

Because they are handy. It seems a rather sensible suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that they should have priority?

I cannot do that, but, obviously, being there on the spot, they will probably have a better chance.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the case of a man by the name of Thomas Jackson, residing at Edmonton, who burned his right hand very badly in trying to put out the flames by rolling Miss Elsie Noble in a blanket, who died in the North Middlesex Hospital a few hours after being badly burned, owing to her clothes catching fire from a candle she was carrying when getting coal from a coal cupboard; that at the time the man was receiving unemployment pay, but in consequence of his hand being burned his unemployment pay has been stopped; if he is aware that the National Health Insurance people stated that he was not eligible to recover benefit from them; and if he will take action in the matter?