asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, considering the great increases to the military charges necessitated by the frequent calls upon the troops in India for military aid to the civil power in the maintenance of law and order, he can state what steps it is proposed to take to secure a loyal, well-paid, and contented police force in each province of sufficient strength to meet the growing defiance of authority and to maintain law and order without the necessity of continually calling out troops?

The duty of maintaining police forces of a character suitable to local requirements falls upon the provincial governments. In spite of temporary difficulties, I believe that there is no material deficiency in those forces or any need for special steps. The only military charges affected by the use of troops to assist the civil power are transport charges, which are comparatively small. Such use of troops has not caused any great increase to the military charges.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the names of those Englishmen who are now in prison in India by reason of their trades union or political activities; what sentences they are serving; and whether they are being treated in jail as Europeans or as Indians?

There are, to the best of my information, an American named Stokes, and a European named Miller in prison at present. The former in December last, on an information that he was disseminating sedition, refused to give security to be of good behaviour and was sent to jail in default for a period of six months. I have already explained the sentence passed on Miller. In Indian jails all Europeans are confined in separate quarters, and there are separate rules for their treatment.

Do I understand that Stokes is receiving European treatment in jail?

I have already stated in my answer that all Europeans are confined in separate quarters, and that there are separate rules for their treatment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will obtain information as to why Lala Lajpat Rai and other political prisoners at Lahore declined to take advantage of the better treatment and food granted to and accepted by political prisoners in other Indian jails?

I do not consider that there is any public interest to be served by inquiring as to the reasons why a particular convict declines a concession.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. Miller, the general secretary of the North Western Railway Workers' Union, and organising Secretary of the All India Trades Union Congress, has been convicted of belonging to an illegal organisation, and sentenced to four months' rigorous imprisonment, and what is the illegal organisation to which he has been found to belong?

According to Press reports, Mr. Miller was recently sentenced, after trial by jury in the High Court at Lahore, to four months' rigorous imprisonment for being a member of an unlawful assembly and not, as stated in the question, for belonging to an illegal organisation. I have no official information on the subject.

Will the Noble Lord find out what is the illegal organisation with which he is connected and for which he is liable to arrest?

As I have said, as far as I know, it was not for belonging to an illegal organisation, but for being a member of an unlawful assembly, but I will make inquiries on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, considering that officers in the Indian Civil Service of less than five years' service, allowed to retire owing to the changed conditions of service under the Government of India Act, 1919, receive only a gratuity of one month's pay for each year of service, a sum in many cases that will not cover the cost of their return to England, the Secretary of State will consider the expediency of allowing to those officers a retiring gratuity and a free passage home on a scale similar to that sanctioned for officers of the Indian Army who are being brought under reduction?

My hon. and gallant Friend's question is based on a misapperhension. All officers retiring under this scheme receive, in addition to the gratuity or pension for which they are eligible, the cost of 1st class fares and passages for themselves and their families. The Secretary of State sees no sufficient ground for revising the scale of gratuity offered to junior civil officers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the policy now being pursued in respect of the North-West Frontier problem; and whether he can give the House any information in this behalf?

It would hardly be possible within the limits of an answer to deal with the whole question of North-West Frontier policy. If, however, I am correct in understanding that the hon. Member's inquiry is intended to be directed only to the details of the arrangement now being pursued in Waziristan, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Secretary of State on 18th August last, which fully summed up the situation in Waziristan. The policy of improving communications and finding employment for the tribesmen as khassadars and escorts and on road-making is being steadily developed with control of dominant positions in Waziristan by military occupation.

Can the Noble Lord state whether there is any truth in the reports of disagreement between the Home and Indian Government in this behalf?

The two Governments are agreed as to the course to be followed during the next few months. The details of the execution of the policy are still under discussion and likely to remain under discussion for some time. The discussion of these details have been magnified in some quarters into a difference of opinion on fundamental policy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the Government's inability to grant War medals to all who did home service only, he will recommend the issue of a medal to those pre-War Territorials who volunteered for overseas service but were retained at home for duties as onerous as those performed by naval men who never went abroad and yet received War medals?

A large number of questions on this matter have already been answered, and I have nothing to add to the previous replies.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman state why the men serving in the Army should be treated differently from the men serving in the Navy?

That question has been very carefully considered by the War Office in the conclusion at which they have arrived.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state the monthly cost of the British Army of Occupation in Constantinople; and whether he hopes to recover this money from the Turks?

The monthly cost of the British Army of Occupation is £220,000, as shown on page 19 of Army Estimates, 1922–23: these expenses would be recoverable from Turkey under Article 236 of the Treaty of Sevres, but it is not at present possible to state in what way (if any) this Article will be modified before the Treaty with Turkey comes into force.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he hopes to recover this money?

Really one cannot speak about hopes.

The British taxpayer is paying the money, and are we to understand that it will be recovered from the Turks?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman must understand exactly what I have stated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether an agreement has been reached between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States of America regarding Palestine; and, if so, what is the nature of the agreement?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the actual terms, I would refer the hon. Member to the communiqué on this subject issued by the Department of State at Washington on 14th May, which was published in the Press of yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received information as to the area of lands in native occupation alienated to white men since 1914?

I have not yet obtained the information referred to, but a despatch has been received from the Governor stating that the return will shortly be forwarded.

Shall I put down my question this day week?

Yes, if my hon. Friend cares to do so, but I cannot say whether I shall be able to answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether all British troops in Southern Ireland are now concentrated in either Dublin or the Curragh; whether there are any small detachments of troops in any other places in Southern Ireland; for what purpose British troops are retained in Southern Ireland; and when it is intended to withdraw them from Southern Ireland if it is not the intention of the Government to use them to secure protection for life and property?

There will be no British troops in Southern Ireland by the end of this week, except in Dublin and in the coast defences. There are now no small detachments. In reply to the last two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House in the Debate on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House on the 10th instant.

Is it quite clear that the small detachment stationed at Voughal for some time has now been removed?

My answer is that there are now no small detachments anywhere.

Does the answer refer to naval ratings or to small bodies of troops scattered about?

I think that question ought to be addressed to the Admiralty.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there is as yet any news of the three officers and one private captured at Macroom?

I regret to state that I have no further information.

Are the Government still taking steps to try and find out what has happened to these three officers?

I can assure the Noble Lord that every step has been taken by Sir Nevil Macready, the officer commanding, and are still being taken to discover the whereabouts of these officers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether reports have been received by the War Office, and if so, what is the nature of them?

I must ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to put his question down.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us if any reports have been received?

The bon. and gallant Gentleman asks me if any reports have been received. We are daily in communication with the general officer commanding in Ireland on this very point, as to which reports I must ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to put a question down.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any hope that these soldiers are still alive?

I profoundly regret I can add nothing to what I have already said.

Has the Provisional Government given any answer to the representations made to them by His Majesty's Government?

Yes. The Provisional Government has, I think, done everything in its power.

What organisation has the general officer commanding for finding out the whereabouts of these men?

That does not arise.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland who are the persons beneficially interested in the benefit branch of the Constabulary Force Fund and the Queen's Jubilee Fund, respectively, under the existing Regulations and will lay upon the Table for the information of Members a copy of these Regulations, and of the annual audited accounts of these funds for the last six years; whether he will state the number of the subscribers to these funds, respectively, who were in existence at the date of the Order for the disbandment of the Royal Irish Constabulary, distinguishing those who were existing members of the force and those who were pensioners; whether subscriptions to these funds will now cease; and whether he will procure an actuarial estimate showing how much of these funds, respectively, will be required for paying the benefits provided under the Regulations and how much surplus will remain after providing for such benefits?

In reply to the first part of the question, I will send my hon. and learned Friend a copy of the Regulations and accounts relating to the benefit branch of the Constabulary Force Fund for which he asks. The Government Actuary has been asked to furnish a report on the present financial state of the benefit branch, so that the Government may know what is, in fact, the actuarial position. Pending the receipt of this report, I regret that I am not in a position to reply definitely to the specific points raised by my hon. and learned Friend. As regards the Queen's Jubilee Fund, the trustees are taking legal advice as to the necessary steps to be taken to wind it up.

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the other part of the question as to the number of the subscribers?

That is enclosed in that part of my answer which says, "Pending receipt of the report, I regret that I am not in a position to reply definitely."

Will the right hon. Gentleman put these Regulations in the Library, which would be far better than sending them to me personally?

Yes. I will do so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is proposed to treat the Irish Free State as a Dominion on the same footing as Canada for the purpose of the importation of live cattle; arid, if so, when?

My right hon. Friend is unable to make any statement at the present time as to legislation on this subject. The present position is as stated in his reply to the hon. Member's question of the 2nd instant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will adopt the suggestion to which reference is made by the Departmental Committee on the training, appointment, and payment of probation officers, and give early consideration to the question of the co-ordination of after-care work for juvenile offenders and young prisoners, with a view to the establishment of a central organisation to encourage the co-operation of authorities, societies, and committees concerned, to reduce the overlapping of visiting and inquiry, and to arrive at a standard system of records which would be available for the information of each agency concerned?

The suggestion will be borne in mind, but I do not feel able to take any action at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary if he proposes to adopt the recommendation of the Departmental Committee on the training, appointment, and payment of probation officers and to appoint a Central Advisory Committee to assist the Department concerned with probation; if so, whether, in view of the limited nature of the Departmental Committee's recommendations as to the training of officers, the supervision of their work, and the keeping of records, and of the growing importance of probation work generally, he will take early action as to the appointment of this Committee with adequate representation from the provinces in addition to representation from the Metropolitan area; and will he say whether he will permit members of the Advisory Committee to initiate discussion on questions connected with-probation without limiting them, as is suggested in the Report, to the consideration of matters referred to them?

The answer to each part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Police-constable Kenzie, who rejoined the West Sussex police in 1919 after three years' service with His Majesty's forces in France during the late War, has been discharged as a result of a recent medical examination; and whether, in view of the request made by the Home Office in 1918 to watch committees to provide employment for discharged soldiers wherever possible and an earlier request from the Government to police authorities in Scotland to reinstate constables discharged as unfit for the Navy and Army, he would be prepared to urge police authorities to retain in the service the men who served in the late War even should they be found on medical examination to fall short of the approved standard of physical fitness?

I am informed that after-this constable's discharge from the Army he was found to be physically unfit, for police duty owing to an accidental injury which he received during his military service, and he then obtained an appointment as inspector under the R. S. P.C.A. Subsequently his condition improved somewhat and he was reappointed to the force; but the improvement was not maintained and the police-authority recently decided that he should be discharged on gratuity as soon as he had obtained other employment. I understand he is returning to his former post with the R.S.P.C.A. This constable appears to have been treated with every consideration, and I do not think there is any occasion for me to communicate with police authorities generally in the sense which the hon. Baronet suggests.

Are there not other cases where ex-service men have been discharged—men who owing to his appeal were reinstated by the authorities since the Armistice and have carried on their duties quite satisfactorily Are they not being dismissed now on the ground of economy? Will he personally look into the matter and stop that as far as possible?

If my hon. Friend will give me any particular instance, I will certainly look into it. The question, however, referred to a general appeal—to a circular letter to the authorities.

It was on a general appeal that they were reinstated.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) whether the land settlement schemes at Queensgarth and at Skaw, Shetland, which the Scottish Board of Agriculture stated they expected to complete by November, 1921, have yet been adjusted; if not, will he arrange that these settlements are now completed with as little delay as possible;

(2) the number of ex-service men who have been placed on the land in Orkney and in Shetland, respectively, under schemes promoted by the Scottish Board of Agriculture, the number of applicants still awaiting settlement in these counties, and what prospects there are for an early adjustment of these?

The number of ex-service men settled in Shetland under schemes promoted by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland is 46. None have, so far, been settled in Orkney. The numbers of ex-service applicants on the Board's lists awaiting settlement are 165 in Orkney and 203 in Shetland. Schemes have reached an advanced stage for the settlement of holders at Store, Westness and Lopness in Orkney which will provide 20 new holdings and 10 enlargements, and at Fetlar, Skaw and Veensgarth in Shetland, where 44 new holdings and 59 enlargements will be provided. In the case of Skaw, arrangements have been completed for putting the scheme into operation at Martinmas, 1922. It is hoped that the procedure in connection with Veensgarth may be completed in time to allow.entry at the same date.

asked the Home Secretary what is the State Management District Council referred to in the Civil Services Estimates (Class II, 30), page 205; and, there being no provision for this council in the Estimates, why the whole of the accounting for the expenditure in connection with the State manager of the liquor trade in certain districts is left in the hands of this unauthorised body?

I informed the hon. and gallant Member of the composition of this Council on the 8th March last, and stated that it had been appointed to assist the Secretary for Scotland and myself in the administration of the State Management districts. In these circumstances, it is the simplest and most economical arrangement that the responsibility of my right hon. Friend and myself for the accounting for the Vote should be discharged, not separately for England and Scotland through our two Departments, but through this single body.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that Miss Hewitson, the lessee of the Crown Hotel at Wigton, near Carlisle, has been given notice by the State Management Committee to quit at Whitsuntide, though the licence has been in the hands of her family for 57 years without a single complaint; that this house has been purchased by the State Management Committee, in spite of the recommendation of the National Expenditure Committee that the acquisition of further licensed premises should cease; and whether he will have the matter reconsidered?

The notice referred to was given in October last with a view merely, as explained to the tenant at the time, to enable a slight alteration to be made in the terms of her tenancy, which is an annual one terminable only by six months' notice expiring at Whitsuntide. As to the second part of the question, the house has not been purchased; I hold it on a lease which was concluded by the Central Control Board before the abolition of the Board and before the Committee on National Expenditure had been appointed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this woman is in great trouble owing to her removal from the house in which she has earned her living for many years past?

I am quite sure she is not, as she is not going to he removed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement relating to the reported discovery of oil in Scotland; and whether he can state what is the estimated yield, if any?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer I gave yesterday to a question by the hon. Member for North Lanarkshire.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the Report of the Deer Forests Committee that they have reason to believe that since the figures in their Report were made up the stock in the forests has been considerably reduced, and that unless the Government desire a reversion to the state of things before the War they consider that an annual return of stock in deer forests should be ordered at once; and, if so, whether, having regard to the probable delay involved in framing and passing legislation to give effect to the whole or the bulk of the recommendations of the Committee, he will introduce legislation at an early date to carry out the suggestions made by the Committee for immediate action, namely, the extension of deer forests to be forbidden by Statute, except with special sanction from the Secretary for Scotland given after inquiry, an annual return of the stock of sheep and cattle in each deer forest to be made to the Board of Agriculture and local committees with independent chairman to classify the deer forests and determine the stock each should carry?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter portion I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on 9th May to a question. by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Aberdeen.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some clearances are in immediate prospect and can he give the House an assurance that legislation will be introduced on this Report before the House rises in August?

How can legislation he attempted ill view of the admitted facts set out by the Committee that hardly any of this land can be made cultivatable' except at prohibitive expense and the counties cannot afford to lose this great. paying asset of taxation?

I entirely appreciate the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend (Lieut.-Colonel Murray), but I cannot give a definite date at which legislation can be introduced. There certainly will be no avoidable delay.

May I have an answer to my question, or is it out of Order?

The question was answered last week.

With great respect, I did not ask it of the Secretary for Scotland, from whom, I think, it most. important to get a reply.

asked the. Home Secretary how many of the women Metropolitan patrols disbanded on the. recommendation of the Geddes Committee are now in receipt of unemployment benefit; and the total amount paid weekly?

I am not at present in a position to give this information, but I am endeavouring to obtain it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what the net economy, if any, is likely to be as a result of this reduction?

That has been stated over and over again. It is £20,000 a year. All these points have been taken into consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the decision to spend £9,500,000 this year upon telephone developments in this country, he will consult authoritative agricultural opinion, through such a body as the National Farmers' Union, as to the best means of increasing the use of the telephone in rural areas?

I shall be happy to consider any concrete proposals which the National Farmers' Union may wish to put forward.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any person he intends to appoint on this advisory council will be representative of the farming interest?

I have already decided to appoint on it a representative of the agricultural interest.

Will he represent Scottish agriculture?

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by a representative of the agricultural interest?

Someone who will represent the agricultural interest.

Will it be someone who represents the farming interest or merely the landed interest?

Oh, no; it will be much wider than that. It will be someone who will represent all interests concerned in agriculture.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make such arrangements as will enable those persons who have in their possession 2d. stamps on the date on which 1½d. postage comes into operation to receive on demand at a post office the cash or other stamps equivalent of the same?

Yes, Sir, I will make a detailed announcement in the course of a few days.

asked the Post master-General whether he is aware that, on any switchboard in the Norwich Telephone Exchange, notices have been placed directing the operators to listen to any calls from a certain subscriber and, if they are of a private character, to notify the superior for further action; and, if so, whether he can give the reason for such action in this case?

The notices in question were exhibited in connection with a test made, in agreement with the sub scriber, for the purpose of satisfying him as to the accuracy of the Post Office record of the number of his calls.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the Postal Conference at Cheltenham the other day it was stated that the postal workers were themselves very averse to this habit of listening-in?

I do not, like the habit. It is only allowed by agreement with the subscriber where there is a question of accuracy or where there is reason to believe that the telephone of the subscriber is being improperly used.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the dependants of soldiers who lost their lives in the late War are often summoned to towns at a distance from their homes for medical examination in connection with their pensions; whether they have hitherto been obliged to take these journeys at their own expense; and whether, in view of the hardship thus incurred by many who cannot afford this expense, he is now prepared either to issue free return railway vouchers to those dependants, as in the case of ex-service men attending medical boards or the appeal tribunal, or, alternatively, to allow examination in such cases to be carried out by the Ministry's local medical referees?

My right hon. Friend is sympathetically considering this matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of doctors engaged on the various medical boards in the West of Scotland; whether they are permanently employed; what are the salaries paid to them; what are their duties; and whether they have received any instructions recently from his Department with respect to the need for economy in the assessment of disability allowances?

The personnel of these medical boards is drawn from a panel of some 200 local practitioners, who are employed on a sessional basis, and are paid at, the rate of 11s. 6d. for chairman, and £1 6s. 3d. for other members for each session of two hours. The boards are responsible to a small whole-time medical staff in charge of the arrangements for boarding and the provision of treatment in this area, and their duties are to assess the degree of disablement and to report generally on the medical aspect of the case. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend has stated repeatedly that no instruction of the nature suggested has been, or will be, issued by his Department.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what number of young calves are slaughtered annually in Great Britain; whether any restriction on the slaughter of young immature calves was imposed during the War; and whether, seeing that it would be of great service to the country if a practical scheme was devised whereby young calves, suitable for beef production, were preserved in order to maintain an increased supply of food for our population, he will take the matter into consideration?

According to the estimates based upon the annual June returns of livestock, the number of calves slaughtered in the United Kingdom in the year ending 4th June, 1921, was about 1,030,000, as compared with 1,500,000 during the previous 12 months, and an annual average of 940,000 in the five years ending 4th June, 1914. There is no reason for supposing that there has been any abnormal slaughter of calves during the last 12 months. Many efforts were made during the War years to restrict the slaughter of calves by means of Orders, but in all cases they proved comparatively ineffective. This question has been carefully considered at different times during the last few years, and was also referred to the Livestock Advisory Committee which I appointed last year. The Committee did not favour the imposition of Government control, a view with which I agree, and I do not propose to take any action.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what the decrease in slaughter has been due?

The decrease simply means that we are returning to the normal conditions. There was an excessive slaughter of calves during the War period, due to certain War restrictions and the high price of milk.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the definite pledge given by Lord Ernie respecting the removal of the embargo upon the importation of Canadian cattle, and the conflicting statements which have been made respecting the alleged withdrawal of such pledge, the Government will be prepared to lay a, Paper detailing the steps actually taken in the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Frome (Mr. Hurd) and the hon. Member for the Richmond Division of Yorkshire (Mr. Murrough Wilson).

What objection is there to laying such a Paper as is asked for, in view of the grave doubts in the mind of everyone as to the Government's attitude?

I am prepared to lay the statement I made yesterday, but it has all been published already.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also inform the House as to the pledge which Lord Long gave?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that in the recent Government competition for designs of petrol tanks for use in aircraft, the first and second prizes were awarded to rubber-covered anti-fire safety tanks, he will consider the desirability of the use of rubber-covered tanks being enforced for commercial aeroplanes where the risk of fire and loss of life occurring after a crash is as great as with service aeroplanes?

My right hon. Friend agrees that the adoption of some form of safety tank is most desirable, and the Air Ministry is fully alive to the importance of the question. There are, however, practical difficulties in the way of enforcing the use of either the rubber-covered or other fire-proof tanks at present. In the interests of both service and commercial aviation, the whole question is being closely watched.

Is it not possible for the Air Ministry to put a certain amount of pressure on users of commercial aeroplanes, in view of the fact that, as I am informed, the Air Ministry make a subvention or subsidy to them?

I will convey the hon. Member's remark to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the present position in relation to the sum of £25,000,000 voted by this House in October, 1921, in order to stimulate trade and commerce; what amount out of this sum has been applied for and granted; the number of companies or individuals who have been helped by this fund; and whether the Trade Facilities Advisory Committee propose to submit a Report at an early date?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension in thinking that the House ever voted a sum of £25,000,000, or that there is any fund of the nature he indicates. The Trade Facilities Act authorised the Treasury to guarantee loans raised by borrowers in the market to that amount. Details of the amounts guaranteed up to 31st March last are given in House of Commons Paper 62/1922, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. Since that date further guarantees, amounting to £1,752,500, have been given, details of which will appear in the next quarterly statement under Section 1 (5) of the Act. Some of the guaranteed loans have already been placed, and I hope that the borrowers will issue the rest before long. I do not think that the Committee, whose functions are to advise the Treasury, will issue any Report for general publication.

Are we to understand that the Trade Facilities Advisory Committee has no power of its own authority to approve these guarantees, but that the matter is in every case referred to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and that he is responsible?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the conflicting statements that are being made as to the amount of the National Debt on 31st December, 1918, and on the 31st March, 1922, he will state in specific figures the total nominal value of the amount of national indebtedness on those dates?

No figure has been published for 31st December, 1918. The figures on 31st December, 1919, and 31st March, 1922, respectively, were, as stated in the Budget speech (OFFICIAL REPORT, 1st May, 1922, col. 1024, Vol. 153), approximately £7,998,000,000 and £7,654,500,000.

Is it possible to get the figure for 31st December, 1918, seeing that it was possible to get the figure for 31st December, 1919?

I will have inquiries made as to whether that figure can be obtained with any accuracy and without undue labour.

asked the Prime Minister which Members 'f His Majesty's Government have visited Genoa in an official capacity since the commencement of the Conference there; and whether the Colonial Secretary is attending, or will attend, the Genoa Conference or visit Genoa in an official capacity?

The following Members of His Majesty's Government have visited Genoa in an official capacity in connection with the Conference:

• The Prime Minister.
• The Lord Chancellor.
• The Chancellor of the Exchequer.
• The Secretary of State for War.
• The Parliamentary Secretary, Department of Overseas Trade.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies has not attended the Conference, and does not propose to visit Genoa.

asked the Prime Minister whether any statement can be made on the progress of the negotiations between Russia and the other nations assembled at Genoa; whether the suggestion of any public or international loan to Russia for reconstruction purposes has been put forward at the Conference; whether His Majesty's Government's representatives at Genoa have rejected this proposal; and whether an opportunity can be given for a discussion in this House before negotiations at Genoa are broken off?

I do not think that I can usefully make any statement as to the progress of the negotiations at the present stage. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I have already said that I hope to find an opportunity for a statement by the Prime Minister shortly after his return to this country, and to provide facilities for a discussion on that occasion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say when the Prime Minister expects to be back?

No, Sir, I have no information as to that.

Is it the case that the United States Administration definitely refuse to attend the Conference at the Hague?

I have not been so informed. The only information I have on the subject is drawn from the Press, and is exactly to the contrary effect.

When the statement is made by the Prime Minister, will an interval be allowed for its consideration before the House is called upon to discuss it?

No, Sir, that is not what I have been asked to do hitherto. What I have said is that I will endeavour to arrange, at the earliest convenient opportunity after the Prime Minister has returned, that he should make a statement giving an account of his mission to Genoa, which it would then be open to the House to discuss. I do not think I can provide an unlimited number of days.

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay Papers dealing with the whole subject before the discussion takes place?

I am not in a position at present to lay any Papers, but I have no doubt that I shall be in a position, or the Government will be in a position, to do so presently. The House, however, must make up its mind as to what it desires. Hitherto I have been pressed that at the earliest possible moment a statement shall be made and a discussion allowed. If that is what the House wishes, I will endeavour to arrange it. If, on the other hand, they want Papers and an interval for consideration, I will endeavour to meet their wishes in that respect. But they must not ask me for a day for a statement and a preliminary discussion, then for an opportunity for consideration and another discussion, and then for Papers and a third discussion.

I quite recognise, if I may say so, the reasonableness of what my right hon. Friend has said, but, notwithstanding that, will he endeavour to lay Papers at some time or other? My right hon. Friend will recognise that that has always been the practice of Parliament, and I am sure that he would be the last to depart from it.

I really think it would be most convenient—I speak subject to correction, because the House must understand that I cannot, when the circumstances are changing from day to day, give definite pledges—what I think would really be most convenient would be that, when the Conference is ended, certain Papers should be laid; that, as soon as those can be laid, the Prime Minister should make his statement—if the House can wait till then for his statement; and that we should have a discussion upon the Prime Minister's statement. I am not in a position to say exactly what we can do at the present time.

Do we understand that the further Conference with the Russians at the Hague may take place without this House having an opportunity of discussing the matter?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can give any information to the House as to the proceedings at Genoa on Monday, 15th May?

I have not yet received a complete account of yesterday's discussions, but, as far as my information goes, they appear to have proceeded favourably and in an atmosphere of general agreement.

Have the Bolshevists accepted the position that no separate treaty shall be made while the Commission is sitting at the Hague?

I cannot say.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been called to a statement made by the editor of the "Observer," who is in close communication with the Prime Minister, to the effect that the Entente is dead, and has been killed by M. Poincaré, and can he describe that as a "malicious invention"?

I did observe the statement. I cannot challenge the accuracy of my hon. Friend's quotation, for I have only my memory to trust to of what I read, but I did observe the statement to which I think he refers, and it was prefaced by words which he has omitted, and indeed has endeavoured in his question to give the opposite impression. They were words disclaiming the right of Mr. Garvin, the editor of the "Observer," to be in any sense the mouthpiece of the Prime Minister.

Is it not the case that Mr. Garvin praises every action of the Prime Minister while the "Times" does not?

No, that is not the case. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman reads the "Observer" with the attention it deserves, he will know that the editor has expressed considerable disapproval of the Prime Minister several times quite recently.

Will my right hon. Friend answer the last part of my question, whether this statement is a malicious misrepresentation?

I do not know whether it is a malicious misrepresentation, but it is, as I understand, an expression of the views of the editor of the "Observer." It is not an expression of the views of the Prime Minister or His Majesty's Government. When similar views were imputed to the Prime Minister I denied them on his behalf categorically in this House.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that originally our representatives at Washington agreed not to lay down any new capital ship and this was altered to laying down two capital ships and scrapping four "King George" class capital ships because Japan was retaining one post-Jutland capital ship; whether the Committee of Imperial Defence believe the commencement of these ships this financial year to be vital for such a reason; and whether, seeing that only £127,040 is to be spent on each of them this financial year, the whole matter can be postponed for reconsideration next year, when a much larger expenditure is involved?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, since His Majesty's Government expressed their readiness to accept the original American proposals regarding capital ships. This agreement was, however, contingent on the unqualified acceptance of the proposals by the other Powers concerned. The subsequent insistence of Japan on the retention of the "Mutsu" made a considerable difference in the efficiency of the proposed Japanese fleet, inasmuch as the retention of this vessel gave her two post-Jutland ships ("Mutsu" and "Nagato") of the latest design. As my hon. and gallant Friend will realise, this had the effect of disturbing to an appreciable extent the equilibrium of the American scheme and, as a result, the United States Government felt bound to insist on completing the "Washington" and "Colorado" or two other post-Jutland ships of the "West, Virginia" class. In these altered circumstances the British Government had no alternative, if the approved proportionate ratios were to be maintained, but to build two new ships. This was recognised by the Conference as unavoidable in the circumstances, and provision was therefore inserted in the Naval Treaty accordingly. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the Government, before deciding on the commencement of the two capital ships this financial year, reviewed fully and carefully all relevant considerations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the number of shares now held by the Government in the Hoffmann Manufacturing Company; what is their estimated realisable value; whether the accounts to the 31st December last of this company have been completed; and what is the amount of profit or loss for the year?

In reply to the first part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Wigan on the 15th February last. It would not be in the public interest to give the estimated realisable value of the shares. The accounts of the company to 31st December last have been completed. After providing for all charges, including interest on loans made by the Ministry of Munitions and preference dividend paid, and for amounts written off, the balance to the credit of profit and loss account was reduced during the year from £207,160 to £75,053.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether interest is being paid to the United States Government on the unpaid interest, amounting to 598,373,000 dollars, which has accrued during the three years ended 31st March, 1922?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor' of the Exchequer whether he can state' the total sum provided for in this year's. Estimates for pensions of all kinds, including war pensions, old age pensions, Civil Service pensions, ordinary Navy and Army pensions, inclusive of retired pay, and all other kinds of pensions which may be a charge upon national revenue?

Exclusive of pensions paid to such bodies as the police by local authorities, who receive Exchequer grant's, the total sum provided in the Estimates for pensions of all kinds is approximately £136 millions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people who have applied for the old age pension have been refused on the following grounds, having been in receipt of Poor Law relief, and not having been resident in the country for the previous 12 years; how many are receiving less than their full amount of 10s. because of other income or savings; and how many are receiving a reduced pension owing to pensions being granted for the loss of a son in the late war?

The number of old age pensioners in receipt of a pension of less than 10s. a week was 70,458 on 31st March last. I regret that the rest of the information asked for is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that when the Grampian Electricity Supply Bill was before the Select Committee it was definitely stated in evidence that if the promoters obtained a State guarantee of their debenture issue it was their intention to refer to this in their prospectus; and will he guard the public from being misled as to the form of the State guarantee?

If a guarantee is given under the Trade Facilities Act the Advisory Committee, appointed under that Act, will scrutinise the prospectus and their approval will have to be obtained before the prospectus is issued, so that there is no danger of the public being misled as to the form of the State guarantee.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the best way to safeguard the public interest would be to withdraw the guarantee?

That would be to turn our back on the whole principle of the Trade Facilities Act, which is intended to increase employment in this country.

Is the principle of the Trade Facilities Act to invest in speculative matters?

The principle of the Trade Facilities Bill is to assist by guarantee to enable people, who cannot find the requisite financial facilities at present to proceed with works which are adjudged to be of public benefit.

again rose—

The hon. Member must not debate the matter further.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of Excess Profits Duty outstanding on 31st March, 1922; how much of it was due on 31st March, 1921; and how much was due prior to that date and, if any, since what period?

The approximate amount of unpaid Excess Profits Duty (including Munitions Levy) in assessment, less sums shown due to be remitted, on the 31st March, 1922, was £296,000,000. Of this amount it is estimated that approximately 40 per cent. relates to assessments made in 1921–22, 35 per cent. to assessments made in 1920–21, and the balance to assessments made in prior years. It will be understood that these arrears do not represent finally ascer- tained liabilities. Considerable sums, especially as regards the earlier assessments, are subject to adjustment on appeal or otherwise, and it is anticipated that the duty to be ultimately received by the Exchequer will fall short of the amount in assessment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the large sums that are being realised by the sale of historic pictures and works of art either at the hammer or when sold by private treaty and will he consider the levying of a duty on the net proceeds of such sales when the sale is made by the actual owner during his lifetime or within five years of his death?

I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt this suggestion.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think when a picture like the "Blue Boy" goes to America, the Chancellor of the Exchequer might get some money out of it?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration to the question of an export duty on works of art other than by living artists?

That does not arise here.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the reasons for increasing the cost of the OFFICIAL REPORT of the proceedings of this House from 3d. to 1s.; whether he is aware that this action is widely resented 'by many persons who, in view of the curtailed reports printed in newspapers, prefer to read the accounts as published officially; that the extra cost presses particularly on small provincial newspapers, political organisations, societies, and other bodies; whether the free copies to Members are charged to the House of Commons Vote, and the copies to Government Departments to the Votes of those Departments; and whether, in view of the fact that the remainder cannot be expected to be sold at an economic figure to cover all these charges, and in view of the desirability of not placing any restrictions upon the circulation of the deliberations of Parliament, he will take steps to arrange for the cost to be reduced to a more reasonable figure?

I have been asked to reply. As regards the first three parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Torquay and the hon. Member for the Bother Valley Division of Yorkshire on the 14th February last. The answer to the fourth part of the question is in the negative the cost of free copies being borne on the Vote for Stationery and Printing. The suggestion in the last part of the question that the copies placed on sale are priced at a figure calculated to cover the cost of free issues is incorrect; the price fixed covers only the proportionate cost of the copies offered for sale. In these circumstances, I regret that I am unable to consider a reduction in price until it is justified by a fall in production costs.

Was the matter referred to the Publications and Debates Reports Committee and, if not, may I ask Mr. Speaker whether this should not have been done?

I am afraid I could not say off-hand. Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the decision to raise the price of the OFFICIAL REPORT was at any time submitted to this House for its approval; and if he will state the number of copies circulated gratuitously daily and the number of copies sold?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The average number of copies of the OFFICIAL REPORT of Debates of the House of Commons circulated gratuitously is 1,700 and the average number of copies sold daily is 800.

Ought not this question to he referred to the Publications and Debates Reports Committee under the Standing Orders of the House?

I think the decision on this matter rests with the Treasury, but I was informed that the Committee did propose to make certain inquiries.

As member of the Publications and Debates Repots Committee, may I may we have considered this matter and are going to consider it again.

What is the average number of copies sold at the increased price?

If the hon. Member will put down a question, I shall be glad to get the information.

On what Vote can this matter be discussed?

It is a little difficult to say. I should like an opportunity of considering it. No doubt there is one particular Vote on which questions of this sort can be discussed, and that is the salary of the Treasury Minister.

Does it not come on the Stationery Vote?

No doubt.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total net produce of the Land Tax in Great Britain for the financial year 1921–22; what was the aggregate of the quotas of Land Tax for Great Britain as fixed in the year 1798; and to what amount that aggregate had been reduced by redemptions and otherwise at the end of March, 1922?

The approximate net receipt of Land Tax in Great Britain in 1921–22 was £620,000. The aggregate of the quotas of Land Tax for Great Britain as fixed in 1798 was £1,905,077. At 31st March, 1922, this amount had been reduced by redemptions and otherwise to approximately £908,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the aggregates of the annual values of houses as assessed for Inhabited House Duty; and what was the total net produce of that duty in England, in Scotland, and in Great Britain as a whole, respectively, for the financial year 1921–22?

As the answer is in tabular form, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the aggregates of the incomes brought under the review of the Department for Income Tax under Schedule A; and what was the total net produce of Income Tax under Schedule A in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and in the United Kingdom as a whole, respectively, for the financial year 1921–22?

As the answer contains figures in tabular form, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the weight of a copy of last year's Navy Estimates was 2 1bs. ½ oz. and the price 4s. 6d. nett, and the weight of this year's Navy Estimates is 1 1b. 7 oz. and the price 15s. nett; whether he is aware that there is a similar extraordinary increase in the cost of all Government publications; and, in view of the reduction in the cost of paper and printing, whether he will explain the policy causing these charges?