asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is in force a commercial treaty between Britain and Spain; if not, whether one is contemplated or under discussion; and by what date it is proposed that it shall become operative?

The present position is governed by an exchange of Notes between the Spanish and British Governments of 1894, by virtue of which the products and manufactures of the United Kingdom enjoy the lower rates of the second column of the Spanish tariff as well as any reduction of those rates which may be granted by Spain to other European States by treaty. Negotiations are now in progress with the Spanish Government for the conclusion of a commercial treaty. It is not possible at this moment to forecast the date when such treaty may come into force.

How long has the discussion been going on; and has any complaint been received from those engaged in British trade as to the treatment of their trade by the Spanish authorities in the immediate past?

I can imagine nothing less calculated to bring about a treaty than to raise such a question at the moment when a treaty is under negotiation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the recommendations made by His Majesty's Minister at Berne and of His Majesty's Consul-General at Zurich in favour of the continued employment of Mr. Vice-Consul Gann, late of the Dover Patrol, in the Consular Service; whether he is acquainted with this officer's long record of consular, naval, and intelligence work; on what grounds was he removed from his post at Zurich; whether in making displacements of this character he has regard to war services; and, if so, why 27 men of military age, but of no war service, received Consular posts at or about the same date as Mr. Gann's dismissal?

I am aware of Mr. Gann's record and his qualifications including the fact that he had war service. They were fully considered at the time of his application for admission to the permanent Consular Service in 1918. Mr. Gann's employmentin His Majesty's Consulate-General at Zurich was of a temporary character and, as in the case of other temporary appointments, was terminated when the necessity for it ceased to exist. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade to the Member for Canterbury on 29th March last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the total number of torpedoes fired by the German fleet at the battle of Jutland and the average range can be approximately stated; and whether the figures can be sub-divided between capital ships and torpedo craft, together with the number of hits recorded against the British Fleet?

Approximately, 66 torpedoes fired by the German Fleet were seen by His Majesty's ships. Two hits were recorded against the British Fleet. The number of torpedoes fired from enemy capital ships cannot be stated, but the percentage is estimated to be small. An official German report on the Battle of Jutland gives the total number of torpedoes fired as 107, but does not state how many of these were fired from capital ships. According to this report, the ranges at which torepdoes were fired from the destroyer flotillas varied between 10,000 and 6,000 yards.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if the Admiralty had not dropped the development of torpedo-carrying aircraft there would not have been so many German ships to fire torpedoes?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any applications have been made by discharged, demobilised, or retired naval ratings, who are unemployed or in necessitous circumstances, for an immediate payment of the prize money which is due to them; and, if so, whether he will see that priority is given to these individual claims before payments are made to men now actively employed in His Majesty's ships?

Arrangements have been made to give priority in cases of special necessity.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it has been decided to discontinue the firing of the sunrise and sunset gun, popularly known as morning and evening gunfire, from the sgnal station on the summit of the rock of Gibraltar; what annual saving is thereby effected; is he aware of the inconvenience caused by the abolition of the signal of closing the frontier gates, etc.; whether this signal station is to be totally abandoned: whether this station, in addition to other duties, reported passing and incoming shipping, town and harbour fires, wrecks, etc.; and, if so, who is now responsible for these duties?

As the Summit Signal Station is frequently hidden in mist it-has been decided to abolish it and transfer its duties to the Windmill Hill Signal Station. The firing from Summit Hill, the cost of which was about £190 a year, has, therefore, been discontinued. I understand, however, that if after a month's trial it is found that the resumption of the time guns is desirable, the military authorities will assume responsibility for them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the regulations governing the repayment of the cost of season tickets for officials on transfer from one establishment to another will be extended to officers and chief and petty officers of the Royal Navy similarly situated?

Season tickets are only granted to civilian officials in lieu of the removal expenses for their families, furniture, etc., to which they are entitled on transfer from one establishment to another. Royal Naval personnel on transfer from one appointment to another are entitled only to free conveyance for themselves and personal baggage, and the question of removal expenses does not, therefore, arise. I regret that in the present state of public finance, it is not possible to contemplate the grant of season tickets to naval personnel between their old homes and new place of duty in the circumstances.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the recent concession instituted as a permanent measure by Admiralty Fleet Order No. 555 of 1922, authorising the issue of a free railway pass to enable the nearest relative and one other to visit dockyard workmen injured on duty when they are employed at a distance from their own yards, will be extended to the relatives of men of the Royal Navy injured on duty?

Authority already exists under Admiralty Order No. 328/20 for the grant of free railway warrants to not more than two relatives for the purpose of visiting naval ratings who are dangerously ill in hospital, and this concession applies when the illness is due to injuries received on duty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is contemplated that the ships at present lying in the Medway for sale to be broken up will be sold to German firms for the purpose of breaking up in Germany; and whether the two ships "London" and "Venerable" have already been sold to German firms; and whether he knows the ultimate destination of these ships?

As these vessels become available for sale it is the intention to offer them to competitive tender for breaking up in this country as far as possible. Invitations for some of the vessels will be issued within the next few days. The "London" and "Venerable," which were sold to a British firm, have been very largely demolished here, and further work on them could only be carried out in this country at a loss. They are occupying valuable space, and hindering further shipbreaking work, and the Admiralty have accordingly agreed to the transfer of the hulks to Germany to complete breaking up, so that fresh work may be put in hand in this country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what saving would accrue in the Estimates, 1922–23 and 1923–24, if Pembroke Dockyard were abolished entirely; and what sum would probably be realised if this Government property were sold?

It is impossible to say what the saving would be during 1922–23 and 1923–24, as these figures would depend on whether Pembroke Dockyard is closed down or is disposed of to a commercial firm as a going concern, but the total annual saving that would result when either of the above had been completed is calculated at approximately £120,000, subject to a certain increase for some years on the non-effective Votes. No estimate can be given of the sum which would be realised if this Government property were sold, as it would entirely depend on the market, and up to the present there has been no commercial demand for this establishment.

Is not this dockyard entirely superfluous to the requirements of the Navy, and was its abolition actually recommended in the Geddes Report?

The national reason for the retention of the dockyard is set out, very fully, in the First Lord's Memorandum.

Are there not naval reasons against retaining this dockyard?

From the purely naval point of view, there would be an economy in closing the dockyard.

Will the hon. Gentleman clearly state what other reasons there are for the retention of this dockyard?

They have been very fully stated.

Has the propriety of closing down all dockyards and sending the work to Messrs. Beardmore occurred to the Board of Admiralty?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can furnish the House with any information as to schemes for settlement in the Queen Charlotte Islands?

The Overseas Settlement Committee are authoritatively advised that communication with these islands, which lie to the north of Vancouver Island, is difficult, that the population is small, and that the islands are not at present suitable to settlers from this country, except for stock raising and dairying, which could be made successful under proper management, but requires considerable capital. They have already issued a warning as regards settlement in these Islands, and they would urge any persons who may contemplate settling there to communicate with their secretary at 6, St. James's Square, before coming to any decision.

Is the land in the Queen Charlotte Islands owned by the State or by private persons?

I think a great deal of it is still Crown land—still under virgin forest.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether steps can be taken to publish the Report of the Joint Army and Navy Board appointed by the United States Government to inquire into sea and air power as a White Paper?

I am afraid that owing to the expense involved the printing of this Report on the results of the United States bombing and gunfire experiments with ex-German ships would not be justified, especially as it was published in the American Press last autumn. I shall, however, be happy to supply typed copies to any hon. Members who may be interested.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this Report, not only deals with the bombing of ex-German ships, but also gives very valuable conclusions arrived at by the Committee set up by the United States Government?

It is a very interesting Report and I shall be very happy to send any hon. Member who likes to write to me, a typed copy.

Would it not be better to send a typed copy to the Library of the House of Commons?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a communication from the joint committee of London co-operative societies and the London district of the National Union of Distributive and Allied Workers urging him to sign at the earliest possible moment the Trade Board rates for the grocery and provision trades; and whether, in view of the publication of the Cave Report on Trade Boards, he is now in a position to make a statement on this subject?

Yes, Sir. I am not, however, in a position to communicate with the Grocery and Provisions Trade Boards regarding the determination of minimum rates of wages now. I hope to be able to do so at an early date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very strong feeling in the country arising out of his indecision in this matter; and when can we have a definite decision from him?

I must deal with this on the lines it is proposed to take with regard to what I may call the Cave recommendations. Until I have got them, I cannot communicate with the Boards. I will do so at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation during the present Session to give effect to the recommendations of Lord Cave's Committee on Trade Boards?

I have given and am giving very careful consideration to the important recommendations of the Committee over which Lord Cave pie-sided. It is our intention to prepare a Bill dealing with the matters raised in the Report, and we hope that it may be possible to find time for its consideration during the present Session. I should like to take the public opportunity offered by this question to tender my thanks to Lord Cave and his Committee for the prompt and painstaking way in which they carried out the Commission I asked them to undertake.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has been made aware of the decision reached by the Association of Joint Industrial Councils and Interim Reconstruction Committees in favour of legislation being passed to give the necessary power to him to make binding upon the whole of any industry any wages awards or agreements, or arrangements as to working hours and conditions made or confirmed by joint industrial councils or interim reconstruction committees; and, if so, will he state his attitude towards such a decision?

I am aware of the decision reached by the Association of Joint Industrial Councils. As has already been stated, the proposal for legislation to make joint industrial council agreements compulsory through- out an industry appears to require a greater measure of agreement by employers' and workers' organisations generally than has yet been signified.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has made any recommendation as to the salaries to be paid by local authorities to women health visitors; and, if so, whether he is satisfied that the salaries paid in accordance with his recommendation are adequate to secure efficient service?

I have made no general recommendation as to the salaries to be paid to health visitors, but in various particular cases I have taken action to secure such remuneration as will provide an efficient service.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to reports of statements made by the local medical officer at a recent meeting of the Swansea Board of Guardians to the effect that many families were in the workhouse on account of being unable to find accommodation outside; that the evil of overcrowding is general in Swansea; that, in a case cited, eight families are paying £400 per annum for accommodation in one house, the standard rent of which is £45; and whether, in view of those disclosures, any action will be taken, in the interest of public health and for the protection of families compelled to accept accommodation as sub-tenants?

My attention has not previously been drawn to the statements of the local medical officer referred to, but I am aware of the housing conditions in Swansea. I have authorised the erection by the Swansea Corporation of 789 houses under the State-aided housing scheme, of which only 183 have hitherto been completed, and I am of opinion that the conditions mentioned will best be remedied by pressing on with the completion of the remaining houses.

I may add, in reference to the last part of the question, that bye-laws made by the Town Council under Section 26 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1910, which are specially directed to this point, have recently come into force.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the decrease in the cost of living and in the wages of the workers, he will give favourable consideration to the suggestion now being made in several quarters that the Ministry of Health should take steps to secure a commensurate reduction in the rental of cottage property and prevent undue advantage being taken of the shortage of houses?

The suggestion of the hon. Member would require legislation which I do not see my way to introduce. The rate of rents of cottage property will, like the price of other commodities, have to follow economic laws.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Kingston-on-Thames Corporation have houses ready for occupation which they are refusing to let; one instance is that of Mr. F. C. Widdicombe, of Bridge Cottage, Wooburn, Bucks, employed at Mount Pleasant post office; that the applicant, an ex-service man, applied to this authority on 30th March to be accepted as a tenant of one of the corporation's houses; that he was informed on 31st March that the houses are offered for sale and were not to let; and, in view of the fact that Mr. Widdicombe had to accept accommodation at Wooburn after demobilisation because of the impossibility of obtaining it nearer London, and that the requirements of the Post Office authorities necessitate that he should live nearer the post office at which he is employed, will he issue an order to this and other local authorities to the effect that where houses are ready for occupation suitable applicants should be permitted to occupy them regardless of whether the property is for sale or not?

I have inquired fully into this case and I am satisfied that it is one in which the local authority are able to dispose of the houses by early sale to intending occupiers; and it is in accordance with the policy of the Government that they should do so. I shall keep in touch with the local authority to ensure that as little delay as possible occurs in securing the occupation of the houses.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the exact number of houses for which grants have been made in aid of buildings which have been held empty for sale for periods extending over 18 months, and does he consider that this state of things is a fair reflex of the desires and promises of the Government?

I am not aware of any-such cases. I do not believe they can exist. There are a very small number of houses empty in this case. One has been sold, and I am assured by the local authorities that they expect to dispose of the others at a very early date.

asked the Minister of Health, having regard to the fact that, according to the medical officer of health for Bradford, persons are paying as much as 7s. per week for a furnished cellar-dwelling of one room only which has been declared uninhabitable, that rooms are being sub-let at 4s. and 5s. a. week, that overcrowding and insanitary conditions are present and constantly increasing, that the Ministry of Health has only sanctioned the erection of 856 houses for which there are about 6,000 applicants, of whom 4,036 are ex-service men and of whom 3,245 are living in apartments, and that, as similar conditions more or less as bad obtain in various industrial areas, if he is now prepared to allow local authorities to continue to provide housing accommodation based on the proved facts of overcrowding according to the official standard?

I have recently authorised the local authority to which the hon. Member refers to obtain tenders for a further 50 houses in addition to the 854 already approved, and I have arranged for a deputation from the local authority to be received to-morrow, when any suggestion which they may wish to make will be fully considered. On the general question of an extension of the St ate-assisted housing scheme, I cannot add anything to the replies I have already given, but I shall be happy to entertain proposals from local authorities for building houses on their own responsibility.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Edmonton District Council has notified the tenants on its housing estates that they must discontinue taking in lodgers or vacate their tenements; that there is at present a great shortage of housing accommodation which will be intensified if this decision is enforced; and if he proposes to make any representations to the district council on the subject?

I understand that in order to avoid overcrowding the Tenancy Agreement in the case of the houses in the Assisted Housing Scheme of the Edmonton Urban District Council provides that tenants shall not take in lodgers without the consent of the council and that the council are requiring compliance with this provision. While the matter is one which is within the discretion of the local authority, I will communicate with them on the subject.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman's Department at the present time subsidising this district council; and, if so, to what extent?

Yes, certainly, but it is within the discretion of the local authority to make reasonable conditions. I do not think it is unreasonable that they should ask for their consent to be obtained to tenants taking lodgers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that there is an enormous number of persons who are quite unable to obtain empty houses or apartments, and will he see what he can do with this district council?

Yes, certainly, I shall communicate with the local authority that their consent should not be unreasonably withheld. But we do not want houses to be overcrowded.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, for the year 1920, in the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne, 843 births occurred in one-room dwellings and that 167 of those children died, mortality 198.1 per thousand; that 2,155 births occurred in two-room dwellings and that 291 died, which is 175.3 per thousand; that 1,529 children were born in three-room dwellings and that 171 died, being at the rate of 111 per thousand mortality; and, if these statements are true, will he try to put a stop to such a state of affairs by erecting more suitable homes for the poor?

I am aware of the report of the Medical Officer of Health of Newcastle containing the particulars in the first part of the question. The housing situation in Newcastle is that approval has been given under the local authorities' scheme for 1,003 houses, of which 482 have been completed, 289 are in various stages of construction, and 232 have not yet been commenced. I shall continue to keep the situation under careful review.

Are not the figures given for Newcastle-on-Tyne typical of the whole country wherever there is serious overcrowding?

asked the Minister of Health whether ho has yet taken any, and, if so, what steps to deal with the question of the sale of impure milk in Newcastle-on-Tyne, wherein it is stated on official authority that in the analysis and bacteriological examination of samples recently taken approximately 50 per cent, showed really serious pollution; and whether this serious menace to the health of the citizens will receive immediate attention and drastic treatment?

As I promised last week, a medical officer of my Department is now visiting Newcastle, and is inquiring into this matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any Grade A milk available in the North of England suitable for this area?

I could not answer that without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the repeal of Part I of the Agriculture Act of 1920, and the necessity of drastic reduction in expenditure, it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to repeal Parts II and III of The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Act, 1919,?which set up councils and advisory committees for England and Wales and county agricultural committees.

I have been asked to reply. It is not the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce legislation for the purpose indicated.

What public service is being performed by these various committees, in view of the fact that compulsory cultivation is done away with and that very substantial expense is caused to the taxpayers for the officials of these committees?

My hon. and gallant Friend, I think, does not realise that, if legislation were carried on the lines he suggests, we should have to get rid of the Council of Agriculture for England, the Agricultural Advisory Committee, and all the agricultural committees of the county councils. I can only say that most of these bodies are doing very useful work.

But what useful purpose are they serving? They are costing a lot of money, and as all their duties are taken away, what are they doing?

This should be raised on the Estimates.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statement by the Lord High Chancellor that he would be surprised if the recent appointment of the hon. and learned Member for Upton (Sir E. Wild) had not been accompanied by a condition that he should resign his seat in this House either immediately or in the near future; and whether such condition was in fact made when the appointment was sanctioned?

I am informed by the Lord Chancellor that the position is as follows:

The Lord Chancellor makes appointments where vacancies occur in the minor judicial offices in the City of London. The appointment of Recorder is in the hands of the Court of Aldermen, subject to the assent of His Majesty. It has been the practice for successive Lord Chancellors to impose upon those whom they appoint the condition that they should neither continue to be nor become Members of Parliament. The late Recorder never stood for or sat in Parliament after his appointment to that office 22 years ago.

A Recorder appointed under the Municipal Corporations Acts has, ever since 1835, been precluded from serving in Parliament for the borough for which he is Recorder. The Recorder of the City of London holds by far the most important judicial office in the City. The Central Criminal Court is in almost continuous session, and the Recorder tries in any year more criminal cases than any one High Court Judge, while, when sitting in the Mayor's Court he exercises civil jurisdiction which is unlimited in amount. The constituency for which the present Recorder sits is within the area of the jurisdiction of the Criminal Court in which he sits.

The Lord Chancellor would feel great surprise if the Corporation, in filling this high office, contemplated that the Judge so appointed would remain for any considerable length of time in the House of Commons.

The Lord Chancellor thinks it right to add that the matter was not present to his mind when he advised His Majesty to approve the exercise by the present Recorder of judicial functions, or he would have thought it proper to raise the matter then. He is placing himself in communication with the Corporation and the Recorder, and does not anticipate that any serious disagreement upon the matter of policy involved is likely to arise.

I do not see my hon. and learned Friend the Recorder at present in the House, and I regret that this material has come into my hands too late to advise him beforehand that I was going to give an answer of that character, so that he could be present.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in accordance with the usual custom, I communicated with my hon. and learned Friend before putting this question down?

I am glad to hear that. I thought it not unlikely that he would do so. I myself would have liked to have communicated with my hon. and learned Friend.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that on two occasions in the latter part of last century— one, I think, from 1880 to 1890—the Recorder for the City of London was, and continued to be for many years, a Member of this House; and is it not also the case that those in the City who recommended his appointment were pleased and glad that he should continue to be a Member of this House? Sir Charles Hall was one.

Yes, I believe I had the pleasure of sitting in this House with Sir Charles Hall. The usual practice and the propriety are better stated in the language of the Lord Chancellor than in my own. I think there has been a general tightening of the practice in this respect within my lifetime.

Is not the reason why Recorders have not sat here in the past, that they were not very well qualified for it, and might not have been elected?

No, I think not.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will instruct the Appointments Department to ask all Government Departments to furnish a list of the vacancies now existing, and likely to exist, in the next 12 months which could be filled by ex-service men of the Navy and British or Indian Armies after a short preliminary training without increase in establishment?

I have been asked to reply. Arrangements are already in operation whereby this information is furnished to the Joint Substitution Board established under the recommendations of Lord Lytton's Committee. In view of the numbers of ex-service men temporarily employed in Government Departments who are being discharged on reduction of staffs and to whom preference is given in allocating fresh vacancies, there is little scope at present for the appointment of ex-service men not so employed.

Are there not competitive examinations now being held, or about to be held, to bring in fresh men, when there are ex-service men who, with a little training, could well qualify for these positions?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that disabled ex-service men are being dismissed from Government Departments and that young men who have seen no War service are being taken on?

In reply to the, first question—I am answering on the spur of the moment and would like to have had notice—I am under a strong impression that no such examination is to be held in the immediate future. As to the second question, I am aware of no such case, and if the hon. and gallant Member will forward to me any such case of which he has information, it will be immediately inquired into.

I am much obliged.

askd the Minister of Labour if he will lay upon the Table of the House a copy of any regulations, instructions, or recommendations issued to local employment committees in connection with the administration of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1922?

I am arranging to place in the library copies of the memoranda issued to the local employment committees in connection with the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1922, and of certain earlier memoranda to which reference is made therein.

Has the right hon. Gentleman done anything to embody in any of these regulations provisions for improving the status of the committees in accordance with the recommendations made by the Committee over which I had the honour of presiding?

These are rules and regulations for the administration of the Insurance Acts. I do not think the status of the committees arises.

asked the Minister of Labour the average sum per week which is being paid in unemployment benefit to women suitable for domestic service who do not accept situations when offered them?

A woman who is suitable for and refuses domestic service would not be granted unemployment benefit. On a good many occasions claims to benefit have been rejected on this ground.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the national loss in time and wages, respectively, through industrial unrest in the last two months?

The aggregate time lost in March and April, in trade disputes involving stoppages of work, is estimated to have amounted to approximately nine million working days. This figure includes time lost by workpeople thrown out of work, owing to the disputes, at the establishments where the disputes occurred, as well as by those workpeople actually on strike or locked out; but it does not include time lost by workpeople rendered idle at other establishments, as to which figures are not available. The information in my possession is not sufficient to enable me to give a reliable estimate of the aggregate loss in wages resulting from the disputes.

asked the Prime Minister whether this country is jointly responsible with its Allies for the decisions of the Reparation Commission as to the indemnity payments to be made by Germany; and, in view of the accumulation of evidence that Germany is able but unwilling to meet her financial obligations, what steps the Government proposes to take to enforce the treaty undertakings entered into by Germany?

The action to be taken in the event of default by Germany is a matter for the consideration of the Allied Powers.

Is the Government not of opinion that Germany, in many cases, is shamming her inability to meet her reparation, and is she to be allowed to be left in that position?

I do not think I can usefully answer a question of that kind. If Germany is declared in default by the Reparation Commission, the action to be taken is a matter for consideration by the Allied Governments. I regret they have not already met, or agreed to meet, to consider what should be done, but that is not our fault.

Under the Treaty, is it competent for any one of the Allies to enforce sanctions alone, without the concurrence of the other Allies?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman will not expect me to answer a question of that kind without notice.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that nearly a quarter of the whole German Empire is under timber, and during the last three years we have imported £180,000,000 of timber into this country?

Is the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) aware that, in the first part of my question, I have referred to the fact that this country is jointly responsible with its Allies?

asked the Prime Minister whether the text of the recent pact or agreement between the Italian Government and the Sublime Porte has been received by His Majesty's Government; whether, in view of the economic agreements made between the French and Italian Governments, respectively, on the one hand, and the Angora and Constantinople Governments, respectively, on the other hand, His Majesty's Government are taking steps to safeguard the commercial interests of British subjects in Turkey in Asia, and to secure for them favourable treatment as regards concessions and trading rights in those regions; and, if so, what are they?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the remainder of the question, His Majesty's Government do not consider that British commercial interests are likely to be adversely affected by the French and Italian agreements to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. Such interests will be protected in the final settlement, pending which concessions and trading rights are of uncertain value.

If these concessions are going to be granted under a preference to French or Italian subjects, is that no bound to act against the interests of British people, who also want to obtain trading and other concessions?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Royal Dutch and Shell groups of oil interests, or other oil companies, have approached His Majesty's Government for diplomatic support in obtaining concessions for oil exploitation in Russia; if so, how has His Majesty's Government received such approaches; whether His Majesty's Government have any knowledge of negotiations proceeding, or which have proceeded, at Genoa between British or Dutch oil companies and the Soviet Government of Russia; and whether His Majesty's Government can state their policy with regard to attempts by British subjects to obtain oil exploitation rights in Russia?

The Foreign Office was approached in September last, and naturally promised to give the support always properly given to legitimate British enterprise. His Majesty's Government have no information as to the position reached in the negotiations. I am not clear as to the intention of the last part of the question, but His Majesty's Government are prepared to support British subjects in legitimate efforts to secure commercial concessions in foreign countries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the latter part of the question was intended, I hoped, to draw just such a reply as he gave?

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) if he can now fix the date for the promised discussion of the Canadian cattle embargo question;

(2) if, in view of the promises made to Canada and the keen interest taken in this matter throughout the Dominion, he will, in arranging for the discussion, so fix the date as to make it possible for the Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Churchill) to be present?

No, Sir. I cannot yet name a day for this discussion, but I shall certainly hope to fix a date at which it will be possible for my right hon. Friend to be present.

May I ask whether we shall have a discussion on this important matter before the House rises for Whitsuntide, in view of the very great interest manifested?

I cannot undertake at the present time to give any pledge as to when the discussion can take place. We must make progress with Government business before I am asked to find a date for non-Government business.

If a date is fixed, will the right hon. Gentleman leave the judgment of the House free, and not put on Whips?

I said that long ago.

Is it not the case that the Government gave a very definite pledge with regard to the question of Canadian cattle, so that it is really a, matter of Government business?

The Government announced that they were not prepared to introduce legislation this Session, in the present state of agricultural opinion in this country and of the agricultural industry. Under those circumstances, it is not Government business. I did undertake that I would find an opportunity, not necessarily a whole day, for the discussion of the subject, but that must be when we have made real progress with Government business.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say, that whatever Resolution this House passes, the Government does not propose to pass legislation?

I did not say that. [An HON. MEMBER: "Will you take action?"]

I should like to see the Resolution, and to know what is the action of the House. The decision of the Government was that they would not be responsible for introducing legislation this Session in the present state of the great mass of agricultural opinion, and the present difficulties of the agricultural community, but that if the question came before the House they would not put on the Government Whips, or make the decision one on which the fate of Governments depends.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that an understanding was given by the Japanese that, under certain circumstances, they would withdraw their forces from Siberia; and if he can make any statement as to whether or not such undertaking has been carried out, and, if not, as to the reasons?

I understand that it is owing to the breakdown of the Dairen Conference that the Japanese Government have been unable so far to give effect to their declared intention to withdraw their troops from Siberia.

Is there any prospect of this Conference being reopened?

I am afraid that I do not know.

Before asking this question, may I say that it was put on the Paper before the recent publication of M. Barthou's letter and M. Barthou's reply? In any case, I do not think it affects the question.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, I do not think that I can usefully add to the answers which I gave yesterday, when I dealt with this subject fully.

Have we not so far had statements of what did not occur at the Conference, and is it not very desirable that we should have an agreed statement of what did occur?

No, Sir.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when the Treasury Estimate will be taken authorising the grants to Oxford and Cambridge?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on 1st May to a question by the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, having regard to the dissatisfaction widely expressed by school teachers with the proposal that they should be required to make a, contribution in respect of their pension, and particularly as regards other matters affecting teachers serving in independent schools, arising out of the distinction between qualified and recognised service under the School Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1918, he will arrange that the reference to the Committee, which he has promised to appoint, shall be sufficiently wide to enable the Committee, after hearing evidence, to report as to Amendments to the Act that might be recommended for adoption by the Government; and whether he can now state when the proposed Committee will be appointed?

The Government propose to set up a Committee with the following Terms of Reference: To inquire what modifications are desirable in the system of superannuation established by the School Teachers (Super-animation) Act, 1918, regard being had both to the economy of public funds and to the provision of adequate and suitable benefits for members of the teaching profession, as well as to the effect which such modifications are calculated to have on the scheme framed in terms of the Education (Scotland) (Superannuation) Act, 1919. I hope to be able to announce the composition of the Committee shortly.

Will the evidence of other people who are interested in education be taken?

I assume that would be so, but that is a matter for the Chairman of the Committee to determine.

Why was this answer not given some weeks ago, when I and many other hon. Members put the same question?

I did indicate that the Government were determined to have an inquiry, but the terms of reference had not then been settled. My right hon. Friend was at Genoa and I thought it better to defer the answer.

Is it proposed to go on with the Bill as circulated to-day?

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will state the number of women teachers whose War service was formerly recognised by the Board as teaching service; at what date the Board ceased to recognise such service as teaching service; the number of men teachers whose War service still counts as teaching service for the purpose of calculating salaries; and why, in the case of women only, this recognition is now withdrawn?

There is no question of the withdrawal by the Board of a recognition previously granted. The Board have not until recently had occasion to consider whether they could recognise for the calculation of grant additional expenditure of local education authorities involved in treating service with the forces of the Crown during the War as teaching service for purposes of increments on the Burnham Scales. The Board's decision was explained in Circulars 1227 and 1244, and became operative from the date of the introduction of the standard scales. I am unable to give the number of men teachers whose War service has been treated as teaching service under those Circulars.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he can yet name a day for the introduction of the Allotments Bill; and if the Scotch Bill will be introduced simultaneously with the English?

The Allotments Bill has already been introduced in another place, and has received its Second Beading. It is hoped that the Scottish Bill will be introduced very shortly.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been called to the Report of Major Yowell, the American relief worker in the Near East and the director of the Kharput unit, in which he describes the treatment of the Christians by the Turks in the Kharput district; whether he has any official information showing that out of 30,000 Greek deportees 5,000 died before reaching Kharput, and another 5,000 died at Kharput or to the west thereof, the children of the dying deportees being left without assistance, and the women and girl refugees being taken by the Turks to use for their own purposes; and whether effective means will at once be taken by the Allies to protect the Christian minorities in Turkey?

I have seen the account referred to, and His Majesty's High Commissioner at Constantinople has been instructed to furnish a Report on the subject. All the information in the possession of His Majesty's Government is, in general, corroborative of the truth of Major Yowell's statements. The Allies are, unfortunately, not at present in a position to take any effective measures to protect the minorities in territory under Kemalist control, but guarantees for the safety of all minorities form an integral part of the peace settlement which they have proposed.

asked the Minister of Health whether a general scheme for the observance of Empire Day has been arranged for by the various local authorities in England and Wales; and, if so, does the scheme include a general observance of Empire Day in the State-provided schools of the country and the hoisting of the Union Jack on every public building?

I have no doubt that the Various local authorities will take such steps as they consider appropriate for the observance of Empire Day, but I am not aware that any general scheme has been arranged by them.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that Samuel Williams obtained permission to retire on pension from the Dublin Metropolitan Police in April, 1917, for service in France, and served with the colours until May, 1920, and when he retired in 1917 had completed 32 years of police service, only requiring two years of further police service to qualify him for a pension of £3 4s. per week, instead of the pension of £l 2s. 8d. per week which is now being paid him; and is it possible to regard his military service as supplemental to his police service, and entitling him to the higher pension which is given for 34 years' police service?

This ex-constable applied for and was granted permission in April, 1917, to retire on pension in order to go to France and take up certain Government labour employment. He had then 32 years' service and was discharged on the maximum pension payable in his case. In view of the fact that he ceased to be a member of the Dublin Metropolitan Police before joining His Majesty's Forces, there would appear to be no legal power to regard his military service as supplemental to his police service for purposes of pension.

Was not this poor man encouraged to join the forces, and why is he then to be treated in this shabby way?

Members, both of the Dublin Metropolitan Police and of the Royal Irish Constabulary, were asked to join, and did join in large numbers. Their service was a continuing one. This man asked for retirement, not for continuing service.

Was it not for further service?

That I do not know; but I know he asked for leave to retire.

The right hon. Gentleman might kindly inquire and see what he can do for him?

I regret that there is no legal power to grant him the pension he would have received had he had continuous service in cither the police or the military forces. I regret that I have no power.

You have the power.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a British subject domiciled in the Irish Free State who desires the assistance of his Government where injured in person or property should make his application to the Colonial Office or to the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant, as the representative of the Crown in the Irish Free State?

A British subject domiciled in the Free State, who desires the assistance of his Government, should make application to the appropriate Department of that Govern- ment as soon as it is established; meanwhile any such application should be addressed to the Provisional Government. Every British subject who fails to obtain redress from the Government, whether of the United Kingdom or of a Dominion, has a common law right of petition to the King. In the case under consideration, any such petition should be addressed to His Majesty, either direct or through the Colonial Office.

In the case of a British subject injured in Mexico, surely he can make an application to our Foreign Office to get redress? In this case it would not be the Foreign Office, and would it not be the Colonial Office?

I am not dealing with the Foreign Office or subjects of the Crown in foreign countries. Thi6 question refers to the Dominions presenting a petition of right from the Dominions to or through the Colonial Office.

When the Dominion Government or the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland informs the man who applies for protection that they are unable to afford it, what is the man to do?

When they make an application, are they getting any help or are they getting nothing?

The Provisional Government—under the greatest difficulty, I agree—is doing everything it can to protect the citizens of Southern Ireland. Unfortunately, in many parts of Ireland they are not able to do so.

What is a man to do—

Order, order!

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the instruction he has issued to the effect that postal orders overstamped with the Irish Free State stamp are not to be honoured anywhere outside Southern Ireland is causing hardship and inconvenience to traders and others in this country; and if he will state why this step has been taken in view of the fact that no altera- tion has yet been made in the constitutional status of Southern Ireland?

No such instruction has been issued. Overprinted postal orders issued by the Post Office of the Irish Free State are payable wherever ordinary British postal orders are payable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the War gratuities of men domiciled in Great Britain who served in the Australian Commonwealth forces are in part retained in the form of interest-bearing bonds; and whether the men concerned are entitled to claim encashment of the bonds?

I am informed that this matter is governed by the War Gratuity Act, 1920, of the Commonwealth of Australia, to which I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend. It may be of convenience to him if I send him a copy with this answer of the pertinent Section of the Act referred to.

Would my hon. Friend bring some pressure to bear on the Colonial Governments in this matter?

I think I should be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend would first consult the Act; after that, if he sees fit to make further representations, well and good.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to complaints that unprovoked assaults have recently been made upon citizens in Sierra Leone by British military officers; and, seeing that this has tended to create unrest and discontent among the native section of the community, will he make inquiry into the matter, with a view to appropriate action being taken if the complaints prove to be well founded?

My attention has not been called to any such incidents, but I will ask the Governor to furnish me with a report on the allegations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the sufferings which cattle undergo in their transit from Canada and other countries for slaughter at British ports; whether, in view of these cruelties, he will direct his inspectors to investigate and report upon the present condition of the traffic; and, in the event of these reports confirming the allegations of cruelty, will he take measures, in cooperation with the Canadian Government and Governments of other countries concerned, to end these cruelties?

Every possible precaution is taken to safeguard cattle sent across the Atlantic to this country. Provisions are contained in the Foreign Animals Order of 1910 issued by the Ministry for the protection of animals on the voyage, and I understand that the vessels also have to pass Regulations laid down by the Governments of the exporting countries. Reports are made by the Ministry's inspectors as to the conditions of the animals on arrival in this country. There is no evidence of cruelty, but from the nature of the case a certain amount of suffering is unavoidable when prolonged heavy weather is experienced. The number of casualties since the resumption of the traffic early last year has been small, but there was one serious case in September last when 57 cattle out of 285 on board were lost in the North Atlantic in a very heavy and prolonged gale.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, before the Canadian cattle embargo was imposed shiploads of cattle used to be put ashore in Scotland without any evidence whatever of their having suffered any hardship; and is he further aware that in several cases not only did the number of cattle which left Montreal arrive at a port of destination in Scotland, but even more appeared on the voyage?

The hon. Member is giving information.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has received any information tending to show the loss or threatened loss, owing to the persistence of industrial unrest, of foreign contracts placed in this country; and whether trade in other countries is subject to the same measure of embarrassment in this respect as our own?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. Friend's attention has not recently been called to any particular orders which have been lost by British firms for the reason stated by my hon. Friend, but it is obvious that industrial unrest must have a prejudicial effect upon the placing of foreign contracts in this country. Trade in other countries suffers from the same embarrassment, sometimes in a greater and sometimes in a lesser degree, but it is impossible to institute any precise comparison.

Can the hon. Gentleman state who is responsible for industrial unrest to-day?

asked the Postmaster-General if he is making any concession to British monthly trade newspapers, seeing that their foreign competitors can still come into this country at a halfpenny, whilst the British trade paper has a minimum of one penny, and that the foreigner is allowed four ounces for one penny, but our own publishers are only allowed two ounces for one penny?

The newspaper rate of postage is confined by Statute to journals published at intervals of not more than seven days. My right hon. Friend cannot undertake to propose legislation extending it to monthly newspapers. Such an extension could not be restricted to trade journals, and would involve a considerable sacrifice of revenue on a post which is, and always has been, carried on at a loss.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why other work was found in the Public Trustee Office for the lower clerical men in that Department when their own work was redundant owing to re-organisation, whereas the lower clerical women, in similar circumstances, were turned out of the Department; and why, in view of the fact that the men and women were working side by side in the same sections, it was not decided to declare the clerks redundant according to the length of their service, and not according to their sex?

As part of the reorganisation referred to in the question, a particular section was discontinued, and part of its work transferred to other sections. In determining which of the staff of the disbanded section should be retained, all relevant factors, including length of service, were taken into account, but the governing consideration was necessarily whether a suitable post was available for the individual in the remaining sections.

Was the most important and relevant fact taken into consideration, namely, the fact that the Public Trustee preferred to have men on his staff rather than women, and that therefore women are treated unfairly?

No, Sir; there is no foundation for that suggestion at all.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the inquiries as to the funds available for the settlement of the balance due from the Expeditionary Force Canteens and Navy and Army Canteen Board to the United Services Fund are now concluded; and, if so, what is the amount available, and when will it be paid over to the United Services Fund?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part, therefore, does not arise.

What is the reason for this continued delay, which has been going on for a very long time, and the funds are Very badly wanted? Will the Report be expedited?

The reason for the delay is that it is an exceedingly complicated matter, and those concerned are making every effort to get out the Report as soon as possible.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give us any date?

I am afraid that would be very rash.