asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the late F. Allsopp, No. 477,120, sapper, Royal Engineers, suffered from sunstroke and malaria while in Mesopotamia, and that shortly after demobilisation he was afflicted with paralysis; whether the claim for pension was disallowed, and on what grounds; and whether the circumstances of his death have been reported to the Ministry, and with what result to his widow?

I am, looking into this case, and will communicate with my hon. Friend at an early date.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that G. E. Crook, No. 588,678, sapper, Royal Engineers Signals, 3/1 London Divisional Signals, had his left eye and ear injured by shrapnel while on service in France, that the records of these injuries cannot be found, but that the case is remembered by one of his medical attendants; that Mr. Crook is now almost blind; and whether he can say why his blindness, in view of the injuries received, has been stated to be not attributable to service?

After full consideration of all the circumstances, it was decided by the Ministry that the eye condition is constitutional and in no way related to the wounds (of which the Ministry have a record) or to military service. This decision has been confirmed on appeal by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, and I regret, therefore, that the case cannot be re-opened.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Sydney Edward Smith, of Great Moulton, near Tivetshall, Norfolk, was attested on 24th May, 1917, and passed as Class A, and was passed into the Army on 24th May, 1917, in the Agricultural Company, No. 646,678, was sent to France in perfect good health, and was invalided home on 1st April, 1919, as unfit for military service; that he produced a certificate from his own medical officer which states that he did not suffer from rheumatism and myelitis before his enlistment and his health was good, and that he was a strong, athletic man; seeing that he is now totally disabled for life, suffering from chronic rheumatism and myelitis caused by exposure in France, will he say why he was not allowed a pension by the Appeal Tribunal; and will he make inquiries and see that justice is done to this man?

The Pensions Appeal Tribunal having confirmed and made final the decisions of the Ministry that the disabilities mentioned are neither attributable to nor aggravated by service, I regret that the case cannot be re-opened.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his atten- tion has been called to a statement made before the Commission that is sitting to inquire into awards made by judges of the Irish Courts under the Criminal and Malicious Injuries (Ireland) Act and repeated in the Irish Press, that he expected the gross total of the awards made by His Majesty's judges to be reduced by the Commission by 50 per cent.; and is he able to say that in the above statement he has been misrepresented?

My attention has been drawn to a Press report of the statement referred to, which, presumably, is based on a remark I made in the course of last week's Debate on the Compensation for Damage (Northern Ireland) Grant, in which I expressed the sanguine opinion that the claims in respect of damage to property in Southern Ireland would be found on investigation by the Compensation Commission to be exaggerated possibly by as much as 50 per cent. I do not wish to withdraw that opinion, which is based on the well-known custom of litigants in Ireland, as elsewhere, to err well on the side of generosity in estimating the amount of damage they claim to have sustained, but if there is any suggestion that I intended to imply that the Commission have received any instructions requiring them to reduce these claims, it is, of course, wholly unfounded.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the practice of the County Court Judges in cases which are not defended is to cross-examine the witnesses for the claim, in order to test the validity of the claim?

8. The hon. Member (Sir J. Butcher) asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the right of compensation for malicious injuries is a statutory right, and that the time for appeal from an award is by statutory rules limited to 10 days from the date of the award, he will state under what authority the Commission recently appointed, with Lord Shaw as chairman, can retry undefended cases unless such power is conferred by statute?

The hon. and learned Member is under a misapprehension as to the functions of the Compensation (Ireland) Commission, which is in no sense a Court of Law, and has no power to retry cases. In view of the fact that in present circumstances it is not practicable to enforce decrees issued by the courts in respect of malicious injuries committed prior to 11th July, the two Governments concerned have thought it right that payments should be made by way of compensation for such injuries, and the Commission in question has been appointed to determine and report what compensation ought in reason and fairness to be awarded. No statutory authority is required for this purpose.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say by what Government—this Government or the Irish Government —these claims, when investigated by Lord Shaw's Commission, will be paid?

That question has been raised a great many times. The awards, after the decision of Lord Shaw's Commission, will be honoured in the first place by the Provisional Government, and we will reimburse them as far as we are liable.

Are we to take it that the awards as made by the county court judges will stand, if they are capable of being enforced?

I cannot say that.

As these awards are being made under Statute and as Lord Shaw's Commission, according to the right hon. Gentleman, will have power to review, how can he then say that Lord Shaw's Commission is not changing awards given under Statute?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman raises a legal point which it would be impossible for me to answer offhand. I have given a complete answer to the question on the Paper.

My hon. and learned Friend asked what power Lord Shaw's Commission has to override Statutes—a specific question to which we have had no reply whatever.

asked the Chief Secretary the number of officers and the number of constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary to be disbanded under the Constabulary (Ireland) Bill; the number of officers and constables under one year's service and the number under two and under three years' service who will be disbanded; and the annual amount of compensation to be paid to the officer or constable in each period?

The reply is a detailed one, and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, having regard to the fact that the meetings and proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the Freemasons of Ireland were expressly protected under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, and in view of the virtual suppression of the order in the South of Ireland during the past six months, he will say if any actual or implied agreement was arrived at in the negotiations that took place in December of last year that the liberties of non-political and non-sectarian orders should be preserved in the constitution of the Irish Free State which is about to be placed before this House and the assembly of the South of Ireland?

The answer is in the negative.

When the right hon. Gentleman says "the answer is in the negative," does he mean that at the present moment, the Freemasons cannot hold meetings in Southern Ireland? May we have an answer to that?

The question on the Paper is, whether any actual or implied agreement was arrived at, in the negotiations that took place in December of last year, for the protection of these associations. To that I have said the answer is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Order of Freemasons is, in fact, at the moment being suppressed?

I have seen some statements in the papers. I have also reason to know that the Masonic Hall of Dublin is in the hands of lawless people.

In reference to the portion of the reply which deals with the Masonic Hall in Dublin—the headquarters of the Masonic Order in Ireland—has the Government made any representation's to the Provisional Government requesting that this hall should be handed back?

We have made continuous representations to the Provisional Government, not only in regard to this hall, lout in regard to the general maintenance of law and order in the country for which they have assumed responsibility.

Has any specific representation been made in regard to this matter?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a specific question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give an exact list of the stores so far handed over to the Provisional Government; and whether it is intended to hand over any more stores?

It is not yet possible to furnish the information asked for in this question. Large quantities of non-military stores of different kinds have been handed over on the evacuation of military and police barracks and camps throughout Southern Ireland, and to prepare a complete digest of the numerous inventories which have been taken would entail an expenditure of clerical labour which for the moment cannot conveniently be undertaken. I am unable in the present circumstances to give any definite reply to the last part of my Noble Friend's question.

Can the right. hon. Gentleman tell us whether any of these stores have been paid for in cash, or have they been handed over "on tick"?

None have been paid for in cash. It is intended that they should be brought into the general financial settlement between the two countries, if that is what my hon. and gallant Friend intends by the expression of which he made use.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the grave danger to loyal soldiers who return to their homes in Ireland, he will postpone the disbanding of the Irish regiments until such time as law and order has been re-established in Ireland?

I have been asked to answer this question. I regret that I am unable to postpone the disbandment of these regiments.

May I ask the Leader of the House what provision will be made for those Irishmen disbanded from Irish regiments who are unable to return to their homes?

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

Will the right hon. Gentleman extend the same con- sideration to these men as has been extended to the disbanded men of the Royal Irish Constabulary, namely, give them 15s. a week separation allowance?

Can the Secretary of State for the Colonies give the House any information with regard to the state of affairs in Ulster?

I have received a telegram from the Prime Minister of the Government of Northern Ireland as follows:

"Situation in Belfast still extremely grave. Fierce fighting took place between the police and rebel forces in the vicinity of North Street and Carrick Hill last night. Between 5.45 and 6.15 p.m. five bombs were thrown from a Roman Catholic area at tramcars which were full of shipyard workers returning to their homes. A bomb was also thrown at a police Lancia car. Two attempts were made to fire tramcars, one near the City Cemetery in the morning and the other on the Falls Road at 8 p.m. The second car was totally destroyed. At 9 a.m. yesterday morning St. Silas National School (Protestant), Old Park Road, was attacked by incendiaries. Considerable amount of damage done, but the fire brigade managed to extinguish the flames. Messrs. Greeves Flax Mills (Protestant) were set on fire, and when the fire brigade attempted to deal with the flames they were forced back by armed men. The Carnegie Library, municipal property, Falls Road, was also set on fire and a considerable amount of damage clone. As far as can be ascertained at present three were killed and 20 wounded. Everything possible is being done to cope with the situation."

asked the Secretary of Stale for Air the amount of money we are spending to extend commercial aviation in this country, and the comparison such expenditure bears to that in Germany and Russia?

The estimated expenditure on civil aviation during the current financial year on the basis of the organisation forecasted when presenting the Estimates in £325,000. In addition, however, services on behalf of civil aviation are rendered by the Department of Supply and Research, the Controllcrate of Communications, and the Meteorological Office. The German Government is giving direct assistance to the air transport industry by the payment of a subsidy of 10 marks per kilometre flown for distances under 300 kilometres, and 11 marks for distances above 300 kilometres. In addition, in 1921, a sum of 10,000,000 marks was devoted to the relief of aircraft constructional companies. The amounts set aside as subsidies for air transport in 1920, 1921 and 1922 are reported to be as follow:

• 1920, 12,000,000 marks.
• 1921, 11,000,000 marks (and 1,000,000 marks for meteorology).
• 1922, 40,000,000 marks.

The Russian Government is understood to have entrusted recently the development of air lines in Russia and between Russia and Germany to a German concern, the Aero-Union Aktien Gesellschaft, with which it has co-operated in the financing of a Russian-German air transport company.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea of the number of commercial aeroplanes operating in England as a result of that expenditure, as compared with England?

If my hon. Friend will put a question down, I will give him all the information I can.

Is there not a great deal of money being spent by the Admiralty which might more profitably be spent on civil aviation?

asked the Linder-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, seeing that under the Trianon Treaty, Articles 207–6 and Article 208, the Reparation Commission have the power to enforce economic cooperation between the succession states, what action to that end is intended?

Reference to the Articles mentioned will show that it is misleading to suggest that the Reparation Commission have power to enforce economic cooperation between the successor states. Such co-operation was, however, the object of the Conference held last October at Porto Rose, which His Majesty's Government did everything possible to encourage. I hope that the results of the Genoa Conference will contribute to the same end.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has received any assurance from the French Government that, in the exercise of the rights conferred by Paragraph 18, Annex 2, Part VIII, of the Treaty of Versailles, the French Government would not act save in accord with its Allies?

I would refer the hon. and gallant. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy) on the 18th instant. That answer is now the subject of correspondence with the French Government-, and, in these circumstances, I should prefer not to make any further statement at the present time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that Kemal, in his note to the Allied Powers, dated 22nd April last, whilst saying that he could not accept the principle of an armistice with the Greeks without simultaneons evacuation of Turkish territory, nevertheless declared himself ready to enter into negotiations at Ismid with the Allied Powers and Greece, and that Kemal's proposal was acceptable to France and -Italy as opening a path to peace, he will urge upon the Greek Government the desirability of accepting this proposal?

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that a conference of Turks, Greeks and Allies offers the only peaceable solution, and that Mustapha Kemal Pasha has suggested that such a conference should be held at Ismid, he will say whether the British Government has supported this specific proposal?

Mustapha Kemal Pasha did not express readiness to enter into ntgotiations with the Allied Powers and Greece the implication rather is that the delegates to the Athens and Constantinople Governments were to be excluded from the proposed meeting. There is therefore no question of urging the Greek Government to accept it.

Both the refusal of the armistice prior to evacuation and the proposal of a meeting prior to acceptance of the peace conditions involve a departure from, if not a repudiation of, the plan of the Paris Conference. Once this plan were abandoned in favour of a preliminary meeting with one of the interested parties, the other two, namely, the Governments of Constantinople and Athens, would be equally entitled to demand preliminary meetings on their own territory for the purpose of bargaining on the basis of the Paris offer. In the opinion of His Majesty's Government, there is no room for separate bargaining, and they would prefer to obtain a definite acceptance or refusal of their offer from the three Governments concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Soviet Government was invited at the Genoa Conference to take sides against Turkey in her conflict with Greece?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister if a Commission will be appointed to inquire into the alleged atrocities of Turks on Greeks and of Greeks on Turks: if the Italian and French Governments do not favour such a course; and why has the British Government refused to publish the Report of the Commission appointed to inquire into the alleged atrocities of Greeks in the Smyrna vilayet?

My hon. Friend's question contains no point which has not already been dealt with in this House, and I beg leave to refer him, regarding the first part of his question, to the replies given to my Noble Friend the Member for Hitchin (Lord R. Cecil) on the 17th instant; as regards the second part, to the reply returned to the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) on the 22nd instant, and with reference to the third part, to the reply returned to my hon. Friend the Member for East Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees) on the 24th instant.

May I, with great respect to my right hon. Friend, ask whether the answer is not completely unsatisfactory to all those inquiring into the, subject?

The hon. Member could answer that better himself.

asked the Prime Minister what steps His Majesty's Government are now taking to bring about peace in the Near East, and in Turkey-in-Asia in particular; and whether any progress has been made?

The three Allied Governments are considering the position resulting from the attitude of Greece and Turkey towards the Allied proposals for a settlement. I cannot say more at present.

Have His Majesty's Government considered means of stopping the fighting and an invitation to both these warring Governments to go to The Hague, and enter into a pact of non-aggression?

No, I do not think I can say more at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply has yet been received from the foreign Governments approached in connection with the sending of commissioners to Pontus and Smyrna; if so, what is the character thereof; and, if not, whether, in view of the anxious situation in the Near East., the Government will take isolated action in the sense indicated within a fixed limit of time?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which was given to the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) on the 22nd instant. The reply of the United States Government has not yet been received, but it is expected shortly, and His Majesty's Government propose to await its receipt before taking any further decision.

May I ask how long the Government proposes to wait for a reply from the United States?

I have already dealt with that in previous answers. I think it is only courteous to give the United States Government time to consider our proposal. I hope that they may accept it.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, how many civilians and ex-service men, respectively, have been dismissed from the maintenance branch of the building department of the Office of Works during the last three months and whether, in all cases of dismissal, ex-service men have been given preferential treatment over civilians?

All labour required for work on the maintenance branch of the building department is supplied by the Board's maintenance contractor as and when required, and the First Commissioner is unable to supply the figures asked for, as it does not necessarily follow that a man is dismissed by the contractor because he is not at the moment required on the Board's work. The maintenance contractor, however, is on the King's Roll and employs a very high percentage of disabled and ex-service men.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Civil Service Commissioners do not give reasons for their decision when rejecting candidates examined by an investigating board under paragraphs 36–39 of the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which this procedure arouses, arrangements can be made whereby the reasons could be obtained by the individuals concerned?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The adoption of the arrangement suggested in the second part is not only impracticable, but would be entirely at variance with the established practice in such matters.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the case of Thomas Phillips, 92, Cambridge Street, Stafford, an ex-service man, who had obtained a job on a new pipe-track started by the Stafford Corporation and, on making application to the Local Exchange, was refused the necessary card to enable him to start work; that this man obtained another job with Messrs. Sandy and Company, another relief scheme, and again the Exchange withheld his card; and whether, in view of the fact that this ex-service man has a widowed mother to support, fulfilled the necessary qualifications, was genuinely unemployed, and of his persistent efforts to obtain work, he will have inquiries made as to the reason for this action on the part of the Local Exchange?

It is necessary for the Exchange, in selecting men for relief work to have regard to the relevant circumstances of each applicant for the work, including the registered period of unemployment and the number of dependants. On the occasions in question, the number of applicants with prior claims to consideration was more than sufficient to fill the vacancies notified and I regret that it was, therefore, not possible for the Employment Exchange to submit the applicant in question.

asked the Prime Minister the total cost to the country of the British delegation to Genoa; whether the cost of the hotel expenses at Genoa is to be borne by this country; whether any persons other than those on the delegation took advantage of the facilities provided for the British delegation; and, if so, how the cost will be met?

So far as can be ascertained at present, it is anticipated that the cost of the British delegation will amount to approximately £7,000, but it will be obvious that until all the accounts have been received no final total can be given, and there may be some small addition to this figure.

The Italian Government having been generous enough to extend hospitality to the whole of the British delegation, the cost of hotel expenses, with the exception of the usual gratuities, will not fall upon British funds.

With regard to the last part of this question, the only facilities provided for persons other than members of the delegation were travelling facilities, the cost of which has been or will be recovered from the persons concerned.

Did any persons other than the delegation actually take advantage of the facilities provided by the Italian Government?

I think not, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Prime Minister if he will indicate the nationalities of the armies which he stated, in an interview reported in the Press, were, a few weeks ago, massing on frontiers extending over thousands of miles with every intention of marching against each other, and whose march has been arrested by the Genoa Conference?

My right hon. Friend will deal with this question in the course of his statement on the Genoa Conference.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will consider the question of publishing and distributing free the Note presented to the Russian delegates by the Powers at the Genoa Conference on 2nd May, together with the Russian reply of 11th May?

I have been asked to reply. The documents to which the hon. Member refers have already been printed in Command 1667 (papers relating to International Economic Conferences, Genoa), of which, I understand, a full distribution has been made.

In view of the carefully edited publicity which has been given to both Notes, is it possible that the Government can consider the publication of this in the same way as they have done in previous disputes of an internal character, not carrying with them the signification of this international settlement?

I am afraid I really do not understand what my hon. Friend means.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is not a single newspaper which has given anything like a précis of the Note either of this Government or of the Russian Government?

I really am not responsible for what the public Press does.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will publish the details of the claims put forward by the Russian representatives at the Genoa Conference of the damage wrought on Russian territory by the campaigns of Denikin, Koltchak, Yudenitch, and Wrangel?

A general claim was made by M. Litvinoff in the course of the experts' discussions, but was not entertained by the Powers concerned.

Would it be correct to say that the claims of Russia against us in a war made by us against Russia are an obstacle to settlement?

"Oh!"

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he can state the progress which has been made with the settlement of the claims of passengers who were on vessels torpedoed in the War;

(2) whether he is aware that the claims of passengers who were victims in the sinking of the steamship "Arabic ' during the War are still unsettled, though seven years have elapsed; and when a settlement in this matter may be expected?

I have been asked to reply. As regards the latter question, the answer to the first part is in the affirmative. The Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action is considering as rapidly as possible claims by British nationals against the £5,000,000 provided for the purpose of makingex gratia grants in respect of damage by enemy action. Claims arising out of death and personal injury are receiving first consideration. I am not in a position to make any statement as to the progress made pending publication of the Report of the Royal Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Michael Roche, who was convicted, in January last, of a serious crime against military disciplne and sentenced to six months' imprisonment, was released in April; and, if so, whether those responsible for the discipline of the Army were first consulted, and did they approve?

When it was decided to release the other men who were convicted with Roche, his case was also considered, and it was thought right to remit the remainder of his sentence. Roche was convicted by a civil court of larceny, and no question of military discipline arose.

Can the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of my question, as to whether those responsible for the discipline of the Army were first consulted?

This was a civil case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say who gave orders for the release of this man, as well as the two Irish prisoners convicted of stealing the guns? Was it the Cabinet, or the right hon. Gentleman himself as Home Secretary?

It was part of the general policy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if this non-commissioned officer has been reinstated in his regiment?

I should think not, but I do not know.

asked the Home Secretary (1) what buildings have been erected at Imber Court Park by the Metropolitan Police, and the cost thereof; whether other buildings are in course of erection or contemplated, and the estimated cost; whether the Adam and Eve stables, Kensington, are still retained as a training and sick depot for the mounted branch; and, if not, what has been done with this property;

(2) whether Imber Court Park has been purchased by the Metropolitan Police; whether this property was formerly used as a racecourse; what is the extent thereof; whether he can state what price was paid; who was the previous owner; for what police purpose has it been obtained by the police authority; and on whose recommendation or advice was the purchase made?

Part of the Imber Court Estate was purchased in 1920, on the recommendation of the then Commissioner of Police and of the Receiver, to provide new reserve stables, etc., for the mounted branch of the Metropolitan Police, the price paid being £12,743. Buildings comprising a riding school, stables, and married quarters have been erected at a cost of £35,000; no other buildings are contemplated. The land purchased covers about 37 acres, and was bought from Major Smith, of the Imber Court Engineering Works. It previously formed part of the estate of the late Lord Michelham, and was, I understand, used before the War as a trotting racecourse. Part of the old reserve stables at Adam and Eve Mews has been let for garage purposes, the remainder, with the quarters over, being used for the mounted men of the Paddington Division and for one of the prison vans.

The right, hon. Gentleman said it formed part of the estate of Lord Michelham. In whose possession was it at the time it was bought by the Government?

I have answered that. It was purchased from Major Smith, of the Imber Court Engineering Works.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think this enterprise might have been economised in view of the necessity for such a useful enterprise as the retention of the women police?

I have already answered that.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that ex- Inspector John Syme, of the Metropolitan Police, was sentenced on 18th November, 1921, to three months' imprisonment in default of finding sureties to be of good behaviour for 12 months: that the prisoner has resorted to hunger-and-thirst strike, refusing even to partake of water, as a protest against his imprisonment; that he was temporarily released from Pentonville Prison on 23rd May under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for lil-Health) Act, 1913; that this is the seventh release during the term of the sentence imposed on 18th November last; how many days of this sentence have been served and how many days still remain to be served; what has been the cost incurred by the police authorities and prison service, respectively, in cab fares and expenses of escort conveying the prisoner to and from Brixton, Wandsworth, and Pentonville Prisons and his home since his original arrest on l5th November; whether police officers attached to the Special Branch, New Scotland Yard, have been employed daily keeping observation on ex-Inspector Syme during his periods of temporary release; what has been the total cost to the police authorities in wages and expenses of the officers so employed; whether four officers were employed daily on this duty between 22nd April and 18th May; whether such observation is usually kept on prisoners temporarily released; and, in view of the need for economy in the police service, will he consider the desirability or advisability of granting an inquiry into ex-Inspector Syme's alleged grievance?

The facts are correctly stated in the first part of the question. Owing to Syme's persistency in refusing to take sustenance when in prison, he has, I understand, actually served only 41 days out of the three months' imprisonment passed on him in November. I cannot say what is the total cost incurred by the police in connection with the case, but it must be considerable. For other than financial reasons I greatly regret. the exceptional measures to which the hon. Member draws attention, but I see no alternative. I cannot regard Syme's persistency as affording any ground for departing from the decision which was arrived at after repeated consideration of his case by my predecessors and myself.

In view of the persistence of this individual, as the right hon. Gentleman says, in trying to bring before the public what he considers to be a grievance against the Government, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this man has been sufficiently punished, and that it would be a greater economy to the nation not to be constantly imprisoning and constantly releasing him and having him followed up and clown the streets, when released, by detectives?

That question has already been answered.

I want to know whether this cat-and-mouse Act is going to be continued in regard to this individual, and whether it is not a case of atrocity on the part of the British Government regarding an individual who has been persecuted for the last four or five years?

The hon. Member is repeating the original question.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a suggestion recently made by one of His Majesty's judges that strychnine should be coloured other than white, thereby protecting the public against misadventure in its use; if he is aware that experts agree that strychnine can be made a different colour; and will his medical officers give consideration to the suggestion with a view to legislation or an Order being issued enacting that all poisons should be of a definite colour?

Yes. My attention has been called to this suggestion, and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave no Tuesday to a question on the same subject by the hon. and gallant Member for South-West St. Pancras (Major Barnett).

asked the Prime Minister on what grounds the Government have transferred to the local rates an expense of over £30,000 per month to meet the cost of feeding school children clue to continued unemployment, which last year was borne by the National Exchequer?

As any right hon. Friend the Leader of the House has already stated, the Government do not agree with the hon. Member's assertion, and I am unable to add to the reply given to his question of the 9th instant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that half this charge was borne by the Treasury last year and is now thrown entirely on the local rates, and how are the local authorities going to find the money, seeing that they are already overburdened?

The hon. Member has put that question already.

I have never had an answer.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of secondary schools in England and Wales which, not having prior to the year 1918 received from the Board any maintenance grants or other grants-in-aid, have since applied for recognition as State-aided schools and of these how many have been so recognised; and whether he can state the total amount of grants paid by the Board since 1918 on account of such schools?

Ninety-five schools not previously in receipt of aid from the Board applied under the Secondary School Regulations for grants as from 1st August, 1918, or later dates. Of these, 81 were accepted and 14 refused. Of the 81, 10 have been transferred to local education authorities. The grants paid in respect of the 81 schools uncles the Secondary School Regulations up to the 31st March last amounted to £175,000. In addition, deficiency grant has been paid in respect of certain expenditure incurred by local authorities on the schools.

asked the Prime Minister whether the date of The Hague Conference has yet been fixed; what countries have been invited to take part; and what countries have refused?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer which I gave on Monday last in reply to questions on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) and my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormsby-Gore).

Does that answer state definitely what nations have refused?

I have answered this question completely, and my Noble Friend would save himself and others trouble, as also save the time of the House, if he were to inform himself of what has taken place. No country has refused.

asked the Prime Minister the reasons for the non-admittance of German experts to the Conference of Experts to be held at The Hague?

The reasons are set forth in the correspondence printed in Part I, B, of Command Paper No. 1667.

Are we to understand from that that at no stage of these negotiations will German experts, as apart from the German Government representatives, be admitted to any of the Conferences, however much they affect Germany?

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been agreed that those States that may be dissatisfied with the results of the preliminary discussions at The Hague on 15th June need not appoint experts for the general meeting of 26th June, but as a consequence cannot prevent it from taking place?

I would refer the hon. Member to Command Paper 1667, Part I, No. 7, paragraph 4.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to facilitating the work of the proposed commissions at The Hague, adequate preparations will be made for a joint secretariat; and whether the time before 15th June will be utilised in an endeavour to remove some of the more obvious misunderstandings between the conveners of the Conference, so that an agreed and perfectly definite agenda may be before this preliminary meeting of the non-Russian Powers on 15th June?

The President of the Genoa Conference has undertaken to make the necessary arrangements with the Netherlands Government for the assembling of the Commissions at The Hague, which will include secretarial arrangements. The Foreign Office are keeping in touch on these matters. I am not aware of the misunderstandings to which the hon. Member refers; but the object of the preliminary meeting on the 15th June is to enable the non-Russian Powers to have a full exchange of views and to determine the constitution of the non-Russian Commission.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is great unemployment in the fabric glove and other industries in which the Board of Trade Committees have recommended that Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act should be applied: that, owing to his absence abroad, no decision of the Government could be arrived at; and whether, in view of the great urgency and importance of the matter, he is now able to announce the intention of the Government as to making an Order in accordance with the provisions of the Statute?

I hope that it will be possible to announce the policy of the Government before the Whitsuntide Recess.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a definite date when the Government can announce their policy, in view of the great urgency and importance of this matter?

No. I can say no more than I have said, and perhaps I had better not have said as much.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this announcement will he made, and whether, if it be in favour of making Orders, the Orders will he laid before the House before the House disperses for Whitsuntide?

I cannot add anything to the answer.

Not, even, when?

No. I said I hoped a statement would be made before Whitsuntide.

asked the Prime Minister why the Report of the inquiry commission on atrocities committed by the Greek troops at the occupation of Smyrna has never been published?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which was given to my hon. Friend the Member for East Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees) on the 24th instant.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government propose to instruct the British delegate to bring the question of the admission of Germany and/or Russia to the League of Nations at the next meeting of either the Council or Assembly of the League of Nations?

The question of the admission of Germany to the League depends primarily on the desire and initiative of Germany herself, and it would be premature for His Majesty's Government to decide upon any course of action until these are known. The attitude of Russia is well known.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have considered the advisability of setting up a Committee to consider the financial procedure of the House; and, if so, what the terms of reference will be?

No, Sir: I have not discussed this subject with any of my colleagues except the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with whom I had some conversation before speaking on the occasion to which I think that my hon. Friend refers.

Is it in the recollection of my right hon. Friend that he was giving consideration to this question in February last, and has not the interval been sufficient to enable him to give some indication to the House of his intentions in the matter?

Yes, I was giving attention to the question then, but the reception accorded to my suggestion did not encourage me to proceed, as it was plain that there was not that general agreement or desire to co-operate which would enable me to go further.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, under the Armistice terms accepted by the Powers at the Genoa Conference, the Japanese troops now in Siberia will evacuate that country;

(2) in what manner the truce accepted by the Powers represented at the Genoa Conference will affect the Japanese occupation of Siberia?

asked the Prime Minister whether, as a result of the acceptance of the pact of non-aggression by the Japanese Government at the Genoa Conference, the Japanese have withdrawn the terms of the ultimatum presented to the delegates of the Far Eastern Republic by the Japanese delegates at the Dairen Conference on 15th April?

It was resolved at Genoa on the 19th May that "the pact to refrain from acts of aggression will be founded on the observance of the existing status quo." The present situation in Eastern Siberia will therefore not be affected. I have no doubt, however, that the Japanese will withdraw their troops as soon as they find it possible to do so, in accordance with the assurance given by their representatives at Washington. As has already been stated, His Majesty's Government have no information in regard to the alleged ultimatum referred to by the hon. Member for Bothwell (Mr. Robertson).

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made as to the accuracy of the reported further advance of the Japanese troops, in view of this Agreement reached at Washington?

I do not think that arises.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is intended to give this House an early opportunity of discussing the Report of the Select Committee set up to inquire into the telephone services of the Post Office, which matter was not fully considered during the debate on the Post Office Estimates.?

An opportunity for this discussion was afforded on the Post Office Estimates and the Postmaster-General himself dealt with the most important recommendations of the Report. I cannot give special facilities for a further discussion.

asked the Postmaster General whether he has received any expression of willingness on the part of the National Farmers' Union to nominate a representative to serve on the Post Office Advisory Council; and whether, in view of the anxiety of that organisation to promote the increased use of the telephone in rural areas, he proposes to appoint an additional number of the Advisory Council so that it may contain an accredited representative of the only organisation of working farmers which represents and has machinery covering all the administrative counties of England and Wales?

I have received a letter from the National Farmers' Union in the sense referred to by the hon. Member. The members of the Post Office Advisory Council are selected on account of their individual qualifications and not as representatives of particular interests. But, as I have already informed the House, I have appointed a gentleman to the Council who is a member of the National Farmers' Union and exceptionally qualified to speak on behalf of agricultural interests.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the desirability of having two representatives of the greatest British industry upon this Council in view of the Government policy of home production?

No, Sir. I think that industry is fairly represented.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us why he has made an addition to the Advisory Council when he has stated previously that he would never add to it? Why has he thus differentiated?

I have not added to it. There happened to be a vacancy, and I have filled it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that when another vacancy occurs it shall be filled up by a representative of the agricultural interest?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that other interests are represented as well?

asked the Postmaster-General whether, having regard to the discrepancy between the cost of postages for weekly and monthly trade journals, and the advantages in postal rates enjoyed by foreign publishers, he will revise the present rates of postages for fortnightly and monthly trade journals?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer on this subject given to the hon. Member for Poplar (South Division) on 10th May.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that there are no telephone call offices on the departure platforms at Euston Station; and when does he propose to instal one?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to my replies to questions on this subject on the 81h and 21st February, copies of which I am sending to him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations, if any, he is making to the Canadian Government in regard to the Bank Act of Canada, and especially the alleged inequitable operation of Clauses 88 and 89 whereby preference is said to be granted to Canadian banks and facilities created for fraudulent practices on the part of importers: and whether he is considering the specific proposals made on this matter by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in London?

The President of the Board of Trade does not contemplate taking any action in this matter. I am not aware of the nature of the proposals of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware of the considerable disturbance and feeling in Canada and this country in this matter? Are the Government taking any action whatever?

I think the point to which my hon. Friend refers is the preference accorded to Canadian banks. That is, I believe, part of the existing law, and while I know that objection has been taken to that law, my right hon. Friend, I understand, has not received any direct representation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that an English firm, issuing a quarterly journal for horticulturists, applied to his Department for the names of printing firms in Germany, and that the names were supplied; that the publication in question is now being entirely produced in and posted from Germany; and whether it is the practice, of the Department to give such information which, in this instance, has resulted in a loss to an industry faced with a considerable percentage of unemployment?

I am not aware of any quarterly journal for horticulturists being produced in and posted from Germany as the result of information supplied by my Department. As regards the second part of the question, such information was furnished in a single instance some months ago to a firm who pressed for it very strongly on the ground that they could not otherwise cope with foreign competitors who were having their catalogues printed in and posted from Germany, but the information was only given after the possibility of placing the order in this country had been exhaustively discussed with the firm concerned.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the publication in question, which I have in my hand, bears no imprint as it would have to bear if produced in this country, and will his Department see that the German printers are placed on the same footing as the British printers?

I do not know what is the publication to which my hon. Friend refers, but I shall be very glad to see a copy of it afterwards.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount of the total debt of Germany, imperial, state, and local, in 1914, and what was the then sterling equivalent; and what is the present debt of Germany and its present sterling equivalent converted, respectively, at the present rate of exchange and at the rate of exchange which represents the ratio between the level of wholesal prices in both countries?

With my hon. Friend's permission I will circulate the answer, which contains many figures, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what powers rhubarb growers who prior to 1918 have been assessed to and paid Income Tax under Schedule B are now in some districts only, and not in others, having their assessments reopened and new assessments made on them on the basis and principles of Schedule D; why has this been done in some districts and not in others; and whether, in the interests of finality, and seeing that the period of three years in which a new assessment. can be made has now expired, in the interests of justice, and the prevention of inequality, and having regard to the comparatively small amount involved, he can see his way to direct that rhubarb growers shall only come under the provisions of Rule 8 and Schedule B of the Income Tax Act, 1918, from the date of the passing of that Act?

I am not aware of any case where a rhubarb grower, who prior to 1918 had been assessed to, and paid Income Tax under, Schedule B, is now having his assessments re-opened and new assessments made on him on the basis and principles of Schedule D. If my hon. Friend has in mind any case in which this course has been taken, I shall be happy to have the matter looked into if he will furnish me with the necessary particulars.

I will do so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the British Cellulose Company has sold its power station; and, if so, what is the price and who has bought it?

An agreement has been made under which the Cellulose Holding and Investment Company have an option to purchase the power station at a price of £200,000 and it is likely that the option will be exercised.

further asked if the Government has any nominee on the board of directors of the Cellulose Holding and Investment Company; and what is the relation between this company and the British Cellulose Company?

The Government has no nominee on the board of the Cellulose Holding and Investment Company in which company the Government has no financial interest. The relationship between the Cellulose Holding and Investment Company and the British Cellulose Company is that the Cellulose Holding and Investment Company are purchasing £500,000 first mortgage debenture stock from the British Cellulose Company.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any Report has been received from the Treasury Committee appointed to consider questions arising in connection with the liability of Dominion and foreign Goverments and of such bodies as the League of Nations and the Reparation Commission to United Kingdom taxation in respect of profits, property, or otherwise, etc.; and, if no Report has been received, wile may it be expected?

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the Government investments in commercial, industrial, and other undertakings at home and abroad; what was the original cost of such investments; and what is their approximate market value to-day?

I would refer the hon. Member to House of Commons Paper No. 250 of 10th November, 1921, and to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury gave to the hon. Member for Wigan on 20th February last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the total liabilities the Government have incurred by the guaranteeing of capital or interest, or both, on commercial and industrial undertakings at home and abroad at the present time?

The Treasury have agreed to guarantee under the Trade Facilities Act the principal and interest of loans amounting to £16,710,645.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received any representations and, if so, of what nature, from any sugar-producing parts of the British Empire against the waiving of an Excise Duty on sugar produced in this country?

I am unaware of any representations having been addressed to me in the sense suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the rent in marks before the War of a German artisan's dwelling generally similar to that which would have been let for 10s. a week, inclusive of rates, in this country; what, approximately, is the rent, inclusive of rates, of such a house in England to-day; and what is the rent of the corresponding German house to-day, respectively, in marks, and in sterling converted at the present rate of exchange and at the rate of exchange which represents the ratio between the level of wholesale prices in both countries?

I have been asked to reply. As the answer is lengthy, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether British Guiana is coming on the money market for a loan; whether the British Government are to guarantee the loan; if not, will he make it clear whether or not the Colonial Office consider themselves bound by a statement of the right hon. Joseph Chamberlain to the effect that, guarantee or no, this country could not allow any Crown Colony to default in interest on their loans and, if they do hold with Mr. Chamberlain's dictum, will he, by a clear and definite guarantee, enable the loan to be floated on better terms both for the Colony and for the British taxpayer?

Yes, Sir; the Government of British Guiana recently called locally for tenders for a loan for 50 years of £1,000,000 at 5½ per cent., and has accepted a tender at 96. This loan is not guaranteed by His Majesty's Government. British Guiana is not a Crown Colony, and accordingly the latter part of the question does not arise.

Does the statement made by the late Mr. Joseph Chamberlain in reference to the Crown Colonies apply here?

British Guiana is a Colony which has a legislature responsible for the proper control of its own affairs, and therefore stands in a slightly different position to the other Colonies we have control over or have to deal with.

May we take it from that that there is no sort of implied guarantee resting upon this country for whatever loans British Guiana may itself raise either now or in the future?

That is what I said. I hope, nevertheless, that this colony, which is in a backward state, will get support and that the money will be raised to help the colony to help itself, but this will not be aided by its credit being unduly cried down by the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

Is it not the duty of the right hon. Gentleman to look after the credit of this country? May I ask, if the loan has been completed, why he should make these aspersions, which are absolutely unwarranted, upon an hon. Member of this House?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the North Borneo Chartered Company retains to itself the monopoly of gambling rights amongst the Chinese labourers of the territory; that the company puts up to auction each year the sole rights to organise and farm out gambling among the coolies; and what was the amount received by the company at the last sale by public auction of this right?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, I will ask the British North Borneo Company for the requisite information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British North Borneo Company make £25,000 a year out of these gambling licences? [HON. MBMBERS "Why not?"]