asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the entry into India of the newspaper called the "Vanguard of Indian Independence," lately referred to in the Press, has been prohibited in India, and, if not, why not; and whether extracts from this paper, which is said to be Bolshevist in tone, are allowed to be published in the Indian Press?

The entry into India of the publication in question has been prohibited by the Government of India. If any of its articles are reproduced in Indian papers—a matter on which I can give no news—and if those articles offend against the law. I am satisfied that there will be no hesitation in prosecuting.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Civil Disobedience Inquiry Committee, which was appointed by the All-India Congress at its last meeting at Lucknow to tour through all the principal towns of India with the object of ascertaining what part of the country is ripe for disobedience, has yet been arrested; and, if not, what steps are being taken in the matter?

No arrest has been reported, and from communications received from the Government of India the Secretary of State is satisfied that this means that no dangerous development has taken place.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Stock Exchange fixing the exchange value of the rupee at 1s. 4d. for the purpose of dealing in rupee securities on the Stock Exchange; and whether, under these circumstances, any change will be made in the official rate?

My attention has been drawn to the reported decision of the Stock Exchange Committee to which my hon. Friend refers. It is open to the Committee to take such decision as they think fit, as a matter of convenience for the purpose of facilitating dealings in rupee securities on the Stock Exchange; but this does not affect the official policy, which is based on an entirely different set of circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the statement alleged to have been made by the Officer Commanding-in-chief, Northern Command, relative to the League of Nations, when addressing the boys of St. Peter's School, York, on the 30th June; and whether any action has been taken thereon?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on 27th July.

Does the right hon. Gentleman confirm the account which appeared in the "Times," and the description of the League of Nations as "all tosh," and has he taken any disciplinary action in the matter?

still must refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the reply I gave, which was to the effect that Sir Ivor Maxse's speech was misquoted in the Press.

In view of the tenor of the speech, has a verbatim report of the Prime Minister's speech to the Free Church Ministers last week been sent to the officer commanding the Northern Command?

Has any intimation been sent to the "Times" newspaper, which is usually perfectly accurate, complaining of the report of this speech?

No, Sir, I have not thought that necessary.

Can the House be supplied with a correct report of the speech?

Will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon all soldiers the wickedness of fighting?

Answer!

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) why W. H. Plowright, ex-sergeant, Essex Yeomanry, Regimental No. D/16304, who enlisted 12th November 1908, and was discharged 20th April, 1919, has not received the Territorial Army efficiency medal to which he is entitled, and for which he has made two applications to Cavalry Records at Canterbury; Will he inquire into the matter;

(2) why P. H. Leeks, late lance-corporal, No. 80074, Essex Yeomanry who enlisted on 11th June, 1911, and was discharged on 5th May, 1919, has not received the Territorial Army efficiency medal to which he is entitled, and for which he has made two applications to Cavalry Records at Canterbury; and will he inquire into the matter?

I am inquiring into the eligibility of these two non-commissioned officers for the medal in question, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, during the War, the War Office authorities accumulated moneys from various sources, such as regimental funds of disbanded units, and a proportion of rebates made to units by the Army Canteen Board and the Navy and Army Canteen Board; what is the amount which was so collected and in hand when the United Services Fund was established; what amount was handed to that fund for administration on behalf of ex-service men; and if be will indicate to which statement of accounts this money will be found credited?

Yes, Sir; the fund derived from a proportion of the rebates amounted to £1,266,343 14s. 11d., of which the amount remaining to be handed over to the United Services Fund when it was established was £874,554 15s. 10d. The balance was expended for the benefit of the Forces. These amounts are referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 of Sir William Plender's report and are included (although the latter amount is not shown separately) in the balance sheet of the Navy and Army Canteen Board on page 12 of the White Paper (Command 1717).

asked the Secretary of State for War what notice of demobilisation was given to temporary officers serving in Ireland before its evacuation by the British forces; whether, prior to their retirement from the service, these officers were given opportunities of finding alternative employment; and whether their term of service in Ireland was taken into account in assessing their gratuities?

Temporary officers serving in Ireland have been given as favourable treatment as temporary officers elsewhere, both for gratuity and other purposes; that is to say, they have been demobilised as soon as they could be spared, and have reckoned for gratuity any service up to 3rd August, 1919. There is no regulated period of notice of demobilisation.

Is any gratuity being given to these temporary officers for services while in Ireland: if not, does the right hon. Gentleman recognise the fact that they will be getting less pay than regular officers doing the same work?

The gratuity ceased on 3rd August, 1919, but for like duties I do not think they get less pay. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular case in mind. I shall be glad if he will let me have the particulars.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that I am speaking on general principles? Regular officers get their pensions, and, in lieu of pensions, temporary officers were getting a gratuity. If they do not get a gratuity for services while in Ireland, will not their pay be less than that of the regular officers?

They receive the pay to which they are entitled under their contract. Their contract does not include gratuities, and therefore they do not get gratuities.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what amount has been received in tolls on the military road between Winchelsea and Rye during the last 15 years; how often the road has been completely repaired during that period: are the repairs now being carried out for a length of only 1,000 yards out of a total length of three miles; and, seeing that this road is an essential link on the coast road east and west, whether he will direct that the whole length of the road should be repaired?

There is no record of the amount received in tolls on the Rye-Winchelsea Road prior to 1915. For the seven years April, 1915, to March, 1922, the receipts were £3,278. An average of one-third of the whole road is put into complete repair yearly as far as revenue allows: at the present moment 900 yards run of the road are being completely repaired out of a total length of 2,940 yards. By the Statute under which the road was constructed, the amount expended on repairs must not exceed the revenues received from tolls; subject to this statutory limitation all repairs that are practicable are carried out.

Has the road been maintained out of the revenue from tolls? Considering its great importance, will my hon. and gallant Friend not hand it over to the Roads Board, so that it may be kept in a condition similar to that of the other roads in the immediate vicinity?

I should prefer to look into the matter before giving an answer. I think probably not.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider taking a personal trip along this road in a War Office car?

I would not mind doing it in a War Office car, but I will not go with the Noble Lord.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what sum was paid by the Board of Agriculture to Mr. Waddell, proprietor of the Palace Estate, near Jedburgh, as compensation for 49½ acres of land acquired for a small holding there: whether he is aware that the land had been lying in grass, in a more or less derelict condition, for many years; whether the arable farms of Crailing Tofts and West Nisbet, in Teviotdale, extending to about, 650 acres, have recently been let to two brothers; and whether the Board of Agriculture had the opportunity of considering if these farms might have provided small holdings for the Roxburghshire applicants who have been waiting for land settlements for several years?

The amount paid to the proprietor as compensation in accordance with the award of the Land Court was £921 12s. 1d. In addition, sums amounting to £199 19s. 6d. and £203 18s. 4d. were paid to him by the Board for interest and legal expenses respectively. I under- stand that the land referred to had been let annually as grass parks and was not in a derelict condition. I am informed that the present tenant of Crailing Tofts entered it in 1921 and that the farm of West Nisbet was let recently to his brother. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the. Colonies (1) whether, to avoid delay and further controversy, he will lay down for the guidance of the Ceylon Constitution Committee the scope of its powers, especially in reference to the number of members of which the reformed Council is to be composed; the number of official members; the number to be elected by territorial electorates; the number to be elected by committees or interests, if any; the number of unofficial members to be nominated, if any;

(2) whether he is aware that., owing to the opposition in Ceylon to the reforms promulgated in 1920, the Governor promised the Singalese to forward to the Secretary of State within a year from the first sitting of the new Council, i.e., June, 1921, his recommendations on such amendments to the Constitution as might be brought forward by Motion in Council, giving due weight in his recommendations to the views and votes of the elected members; whether this has been done; and, if not, whether he can state the reason:

Resolutions regarding the further reform of the Constitution were brought forward in the Legislative Council in December last, and fully debated. The Governor forwarded to me the report of the Debate, with an analysis of the voting on each Resolution, and his remarks thereon. One of the Resolutions, which was carried without a Division, ran as follows:

"That a scheme for the allocation and distribution of seats in territorial electorate; should be made on the recommendations of a Committee of this Council appointed for the purpose."

I approved of the appointment of this Committee, which has, I understand, now completed its report, which I am awaiting.

It would clearly be premature to come to any decision as to the numbers of the several classes of members indicated by the hon. Member before the report of the Committee is in my hands.

Are we to understand that this Committee has merely to report the percentage of each of the different interests, and not the exact numbers?

That is my recollection.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that none of the awards for malicious injuries to property, in defended cases, which the Provisional Government have promised to pay, have yet been paid; that the persons to whom these awards have been made are in sore straits for money; and that many of these persons who have landed estates are unable to get their rents paid and have mortgage interest and other charges to pay; and what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the latter part, I am aware that in some cases persons holding decrees are in great need of money, and I have already informed the House that in cases of real hardship my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be prepared to make advances from Imperial funds on the security of such decrees. Applications for advances in cases of hardship should be addressed to the Irish Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when Lord Shaw's Commission for dealing with claims of persons in Southern Ireland will resume its sittings; and whether it is the intention of the Government to make no arrangements, except with the previous sanction of Parliament, for the payment of sums to be used for the settlement of such claims otherwise than through the Commission?

In reply to the first part of the question, I do not know when the next sitting of the Commission will be held, and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Secretary of the Commission for information on this point; but, as I have on several occasions recently stated in reply to questions, there is no foundation for the suggestion that the sittings of the Commission have been suspended owing to Lord Shaw's absence in the United States. In reply to the second part of the question, the hon. and gallant Member is mistaken in thinking that any payment will be or is intended to be made through the Commission. It is for the Provisional Government, in the first instance, to pay all awards made by the Commission; and as I have recently explained to the House, arrangements have been made whereby in cases of hardship advances on such awards will be made from Imperial funds.

Have the two Reports of the Commission been received, and, if so, will they be laid before Parliament? The right hon. Gentleman must know. It is a simple question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government have, for purposes of safety, removed to this country from Southern Ireland any of the valuable stud of horses presented to the nation by Lord Wavertree?

I have been asked to reply. No horses have been removed from the National Stud other than for sale or service. and there is no reason to anticipate that removal for other purposes will be necessary.

In view of the process of destruction of property of all sorts which is now being carried on in Ireland by these rebels, would it not be desirable for the purposes of safety to remove the more valuable horses.

I have, had this matter under consideration, and none of my advisers, either in this country or in Ireland, think removal is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has protested against the recent attempt of the Provisional Government in Ireland to force compulsory Erse into all official correspondence, in spite of the agreement that Erse and English should be equally permissible, as exemplified in the circular of the Congested Districts Board of 11th July, directing that all official letters instead of beginning Sir and ending Your obedient servant, should be prefaced with the prescribed forms, for a lord a Higherna uasail, for a knight a ridire onóraigh, for a baronet a bharónaigh onóraigh, for a priest a áthair urramaigh, for a Protestant clergyman a dhuine uasail oirmhidinigh, for an ordinary layman a chara, and that letters should end with the words, Is mise, le meas niór, with a supplementary direction that great care must be taken to put in all the accents?

I have seen the document to which the. hon. Member refers, but I am not aware of any argument such as that suggested in the first part of the question, and even if such an agreement existed, I should not feel called upon to protest against the use by Trish Government offices of the Trish equivalents for the purely formal beginnings and endings of their letters. I do not anticipate that Irish Ministers will willingly incur the very great confusion which would inevitably result from the use of Irish for the material parts of their correspondence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the official who sent in this complaint to me, for the purpose of its being brought before the right hon. Gentleman's notice, has been murdered since the letter reached me last Monday?

That raises a very different matter from the one contained n the question, and I should like to have notice of that.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received a note which I sent him, saying that this document was to be returned to me, because it was the last reminiscence of a friend w he has been murdered since it was written to me?

No. I have not received that, but I will make inquiries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire of his secretary, because it was given to him, in the proper quarter on Friday last?

I will certainly make inquiries. I am surprised that in those circumstances it has not reached me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the urgent need and insistent public demand for an inquiry into the prison system and the administration of His Majesty's prisons and Borstal institutions, he will consider the appointment of a thoroughly representative Royal Commission at an early date for this purpose?

The matter is under consideration, and I hope to come to a decision shortly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman realise, before he does come to a decision, that no Commission can be thoroughly representative unless it have a woman on it?

I understood the right hon. Gentleman to say that the decision was to be arrived at shortly. Is there any possibility of that decision being arrived at before the House rises on Friday?

I am afraid not. There are a number of matters to be settled with other Departments before a decision can be reached.

(1) asked the Home Secretary what steps, in the way of criminal proceedings, he proposes to take in order to check the seriously increasing output of obscene literature having for its object the prevention of conception;

(2) asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intends to introduce legislation, on the lines of the French law of 1920, making it a punishable offence to publish or distribute books or pamphlets advocating or teaching the prevention of conception or offering for sale or advertising the sale of articles designed for the like purpose?

It is the duty of the police to take proceedings in any case where books of an obscene character are being circulated, but it cannot be assumed that a Court would hold a book to be obscene merely because it deals with the subject referred to. There is no present intention of introducing legislation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these books contain positively obscene drawings?

No doubt, it would be a question of fact in each case whether a book was obscene or not.

Is it possible in this connection to prevent the publication in the newspapers of very undesirable matter which is given in evidence in the Law Courts?

"News of the World."

Is there anything published in any book worse than the proceedings in the Russell divorce case?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the increasing number of fatal accidents due to pillion riding on motor cycles; and whether he proposes to take action by legislation or otherwise to prohibit this dangerous practice?

I have been asked to answer this question. I have no evidence that the number of such accidents is increasing, and I do not think there is sufficient ground to justify legislative action.

Does the hon. Gentleman read the newspapers, and is he not aware that it is impossible to read the newspapers without seeing reports of at least two or three cases such as this every week, and in most cases the victim is a woman or a girl who is carried on the pillion? Does this matter not come within the hon. Gentleman's duty?

asked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions of owners or drivers of motors have been instituted since the 1st June on the charge of obstruction in the metropolitan police area?

From 1st June to the present date inclusive the number was 262.

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that certain prison governors are the only class of civil servants that have received no increase in pay, apart from War bonus, since 1878, he will take such steps as will enable him to grant to them an increase in pay equivalent to that which has been granted to prison warders?

The whole question of the pay of prison officers is at present under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.

asked the Home Secretary what are the times fixed for the opening and closing of licensed premises on weekdays and on Sundays in the different licensing districts in the County of London?

Full particulars on this subject, will be found on pages XVI and XVII of the introduction to the Licensing Statistics, 1921, issued last month.

Would it not have been easier for my right hon. Friend to have answered the question and given the details, so that the House would have known, without having to refer to the various pages to which he has referred?

It would have taken up at least ten minutes of the time of the House.

Not the particulars for London.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the case of Paul Nicklos, of 3, School Street, Aintree, Liverpool. an alien of Polish birth, resident in this country for the past 30 years, who alleges that his Post Office savings of £100 has been con-fiscated by his Department to pay enemies' debts, and that this was the reply he received on sending his pass hook to London; and, if this complaint is well founded, whether he will state upon what grounds he has adopted such a course?

In accordance with the Treaty of Peace Order, 1919, particulars of this account was notified to the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts and, upon application by that office, the balance standing in the account was transferred to it. When the depositor communicated with the savings bank he was informed of the action taken, and any application he may wish to make in the matter should be addressed to the Controller of the Clearing Office.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man's identity bill as a member of a free nation was issued to him previous to the Treaty of Versailles, and is he also aware that the £104 confiscated represents his life savings, and under the circumstances can the right hon. Gentleman justify departmental garrotting of that character?

This is a matter in which I had no discretion. I had to act in accordance with the Act of Parliament to which I have referred.

Is there not very wide discretion in hard cases of this sort, such as married women, and have not many wealthy people benefited under it? Why is this poor man robbed in this mean way?

I have acted in accordance with the Act of Parliament, and I have no discretion at all.

You have.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man is not a German, but a member of a free nation, Poland, separate altogether from Germany?

Any representations of that kind should be made to the Committee appointed under the Act to deal with the matter.

Who are the Committee, and where are they?

I have already given the names of the Committee.

Is it not a fact that where representations are made to this Committee, if the points are proved, the Committee does give amelioration in cases such as that put forward by the hon. Member?

I believe that to be so, but obviously it is not a Post Office question. I have to act in accordance with the Act of Parliament.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the suggestion that an Imperial Wireless Council should be appointed, to include representatives of the Dominions and India, so as to establish the fullest possible co-operation in the development of wireless facilities within the Empire; and whether he can now make an announcement on the subject?

Questions of policy relating to Imperial wireless communication are at present referred to, and, subject to the Cabinet, decided by the Imperial Communications Committee, of which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies is Chairman, and on which the India Office is represented. Whether it will be desirable to include direct representation of those Dominions controlling Imperial wireless stations will be considered when the Dominions have decided upon their policy.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the representatives of the Canadian Government have yet reached this country for the discussion of Canada's relation to the Imperial wireless chain; and, if not, when they will arrive?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Canadian Government have appointed their representatives, but, so far as I am aware, have not fixed a date for their departure.

asked the Postmaster-General what support he is receiving from the different parts of the Empire in furtherance of the wireless chain; and what is approximately the earliest period within which this form of inter-Empire communication may he completed?

The revised scheme of Imperial wireless communications, which I described in the statement. I made to the House on the 13th ultimo, has been communicated to the Indian and Dominion Governments, and. until replies are received, I am unable to answer the hon. Member's question.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can supply particulars of the broadcasting services company or companies which are to be formed; whether a limit to individual holdings will be insisted on; or whether any means will be taken to ensure that these companies are not controlled by one or two of the largest firms, thereby constituting a monopoly, to the detriment of the small firms and the receivers?

asked the Postmaster-General if negotiations for the institution of wireless broadcasting have yet reached a satisfactory conclusion, and if he can make a statement upon the matter; and whether he will arrange for a demonstration of wireless in some convenient room in the House for the information of Members?

I regret I cannot arrange for a demonstration before the Adjournment, but, subject to the consent of the authorities of the House, I will endeavour to do so in the autumn. The formation of the company, or companies, referred to is still subject to negotiation between the wireless manufacturers, and I am not able to make any further statement as to its constitution. The Articles of Association will be subject to my approval. I do not propose to impose any limit on individual holdings. Such a limitation might well result in the capital required for financing the service not being forthcoming. The security against a monopoly will lie in the fact that any bonâ fide manufacturer in this country will be eligible for membership, and apparatus manufactured by him will be admissible for use under the licence.

Is the Government aware of the opposition to this Bill in certain quarters, and is it intended to proceed with the Wireless Bill this Session?

The only opposition of which I am aware is that indicated by the Amendments on the Order Paper.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any undertaking to lay the terms or Articles of Association before Members of this House for their consideration?

I answered that question yesterday. I said that Papers would be laid on the Table of the House.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when?

I cannot until the negotiations are completed.

Before the Recess? Mr. KELLAWAY: Oh, no.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Mr. G. W. Green, superintendent warehouseman in the stamp section, General Post Office, was retired on the grounds of health on the 28th February, 1922, and that up to. the time of his death, 5th April, 1922, he had not received any payments on account of arrears of salary or pension: whether his widow applied to the Post Office, on account of financial distress, for an advance of money due, and the application was refused; and whether any payment has since been made, and, if so, when?

I have been asked to answer this question. Probate was not received until 23rd June, but payment of the amount due to the estate of the deceased officer has now been made.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that ex-Private S. Dennerley, No. 33,926, who is disabled and on a 30 per cent. pension, has been under treatment in the Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, and had a piece of shrapnel removed, since when he has been before the local pensions committee and sent to a medical board at Bolton, but has since been informed that the pensions authority require a report from the doctor at the hospital, for which a charge of £3 3s. is made; and, as this disabled soldier is out of work, will he see that the report of the doctor concerned is obtained, and ensure that Dennerley gets fair consideration?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that the case referred to has now been satisfactorily settled in the claimant's favour.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will circulate a return showing all alterations of Royal Warrants, Orders in Council, and instructions and regulations of the Ministry of Pensions or the Special Grants Committee during the past 12 months, by which any advantages, financial or otherwise, given to ex-service men have been varied or withdrawn; and whether he will state the number of persons affected by such alterations?

Amendments of Royal Warrants and other Regulations of the Ministry are published in the normal course, and a new handbook consolidating the practice and administration of pensions is now in course of preparation. A special return, which, if it were not to be gravely misleading, would have also to set out all improvements in the detail of administration which have been to the advantage of pensioners, would not be commensurate in value with the labour and expense involved, My right hon. Friend is not, therefore, prepared to accept the suggestion.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many of those who are interested in the administration of pensions have considerable haziness as to the meaning of the more recent changes, and, in view of that, does the hon. and gallant Gentleman not consider it necessary to clear up this matter?

When will the handbook be ready? It is very necessary.

I cannot give the hon. Member the date of the publication of the handbook, but I am in entire agreement with him that it would be of great advantage to have this new handbook Everything possible ought to be known to the pensioners, so that they can get their full rights.

Will this be available for Members of Parliament?

Certainly, as I have already stated.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman, at any rate, indicate some of the improvements?

I am afraid that I cannot give a detailed list in a supplementary answer, but I might mention some of them. For instance, the maxi-mum rate of dependant's need pension has been raised from 18s. to 205. That is a material improvement. The concessions granted to men suffering from tuberculosis have been extended to officers. The reorganisation of areas will save this country about £300,000 a year in the cost of administration, and in the making of final awards, a great benefit to the pensioners, we are making good progress.

Was the Warrant for the 12th July made in the ordinary way, because there is a considerable amount of doubt among Members of this House, as well as among war pensions associations?

If the hon. Member has any doubt, and will communicate with me, I will do my best to clear up the matter.

asked the Prime Minister how many members there are in the present Cabinet; whether the Chief Secretary for Ireland is a member; and whether he is prepared to consider the reduction of the size of the Cabinet by pooling Departments of a somewhat similar character under a single Cabinet Minister, who would represent all these Departments in the Cabinet, similarly to the case of the suggested Minister of Defence representing the three fighting Services?

The present Cabinet consists of 19 members, of whom the Chief Secretary for Ireland is one. The suggestion contained in the last part of the question seems to me to be quite impracticable.

asked the Prime Minister how many Lordships of the Treasury are now vacant; and why these offices are not filled?

There is at present one Lordship of the Treasury vacant.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the second part of the question, why these posts in the Government are not filled?

I confess that. I am surprised by the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question. I should have thought he would he more anxious to inquire why they had been filled, if they had been filled.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his interesting observations, may I press him to answer the question, why does he not fill the posts? Are the Government afraid of the bye-elections?

Perhaps the Prime Minister is waiting for the hon. and gallant Gentleman's assistance.

Are we to understand that the late hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. T. A. Lewis) is still to retain his office?

He will retain it at present.

Can he discharge his duties?

asked the Postmaster-General what is the salary at which youths of 18 now commence work in the Post Office, and what was their commencing salary before the War; what is the maximum salary to which these youths normally rise; for how many hours a week are they employed: whether they are in receipt of uniform or other perquisites; and what salary is paid to girls of 14 and 16, respectively, who are being trained as telephonists?

As the answer is a long one, I hope the hon. Member will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many additional responsible officers have been appointed to his Department during the past 12 months; and what number are ex-service men?

Including officers appointed to ordinary vacancies, and those transferred or promoted (chiefly from the staffs of local committees) to fill posts created under the Area Reorganisation Scheme, the number appointed to posts at a salary of £400 or more during the past 12 months is 51, of whom 44 are ex-service men. The seven non-service men appointed are all permanent civil servants transferred from other Government Departments.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of the staff now at work at the new Issue Office at Acton; and what number of that staff lives at or beyond a five-mile radius of this office?

The staff employed at Pension Issue Office, Acton, numbers 4,878. I regret that the further information desired is not available.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman doing anything from the point of view of cheap transportation of these 4,000 people, or anything in the way of housing? It is some considerable way from the centre, and many have to travel miles to and from their business.

This office has only recently been started, to the great advantage of all concerned, as it brings all the work under one roof, and clears the Department out of Reagent's Park, which everyone desires.

I raised this point over a year ago. Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman try to do something?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any representations have been made to him in favour of an extension of the customary hours for the performance of certain classes of duties undertaken by officers of Customs and Excise; whether he is aware of the strong feeling in that service against any such extension; and whether, if the issue is raised, he will ascertain and consider the views of the various grades of officials concerned?

:I would refer the lion. Member to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Members for Edge-bill and East Newcastle. As I then stated, all relevant circumstances will he taken in to consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is prepared to agree to arbitration in respect of the disagreement that has arisen on the Temporary Staff's Pay Committee of the National Whitley Council for the Civil Service with regard to pay?

I have under consideration at the present time a request for arbitration in this matter, put forward by the staff side of the Temporary Staffs (Pay) Committee, and hope shortly to be in a position to communicate a decision to the Committee and to the hon. Member.

Will that be before the House rises?

I hope so.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will refer to the Cabinet Committee on Unemployment the further consideration of the possibility of arriving at a formula whereby special financial assistance may be given to those industrial areas where the percentage of unemployment is much above the average for the rest of the country?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on Tuesday, 35th July, to which I have nothing to add.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since that time the Prime Minister has announced the appointment of a new Cabinet Committee to explore this question? Will that Committee further consider the case of the necessitous areas, and will any report be made before the House meets again, or anything done?

I think the hon. Gentleman is rather mistaken about the objects of the Cabinet Committee.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that unless something be done during the next three months, and assistance given, many of these industrial areas will be absolutely bankrupt?

I do not think that is the case.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will direct that application from bodies such as the National Citizens' Union shall be favourably considered for representation upon local employment committees?

The local employment committees are composed of equal numbers of representatives of employers and workpeople nominated by industrial associations in the various localities, together with a small panel of additional members which provides for the representation of local authorities, of ex-service men's associations, and for the appointment of individuals recommended by the committee themselves in view of their personal knowledge of local industrial matters. There is no provision for the representation of bodies other than those referred to above, and my right hon. Friend doubts the expediency of giving the direction suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the proposed period of annual training which it is proposed to lay down for a pilot and an observer, respectively, in the Air Force Reserve; whether they will, during their training, have an opportunity of actually working with the Fleet; and whether Parliament will have an opportunity of considering the conditions of training, service, and Regulations for this new force before it is brought into existence?

The answer to the first question is that 12 hours' flying in all, on up-to-date war-type machines, will have to be completed in each year, in periods of not less than two nor more than six days in each quarter; to the second, that reserve officers who have served with the Fleet will be given practice in flying on and off aircraft carriers, and, further, that advantage will be taken of any opportunities that may arise for practising them in actual work with the Fleet; to the last, that, as pointed out to my Noble and gallant Friend on the 27th July, the reserve is not a new force and that the conditions of service and general Regulations were laid before Parliament on 7th February last.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is considered to be the flying life of a pilot in the Royal Air Force; whether any difference exists between the flying life of a pilot working with the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, and the Army; and how long is required to train a pilot to work from an aircraft carrier?

The answer to the first question is that no statistics are available to enable art exact statement to be made as to the flying life of a pilot, and to attempt to strike an average would be very misleading owing to the wide variations that are mil with. There is no reason, however, au officer of the Royal Air Force should not continue flying throughout his service; many of the senior officers of the !loyal Air Force are flying regularly to-day.

As regards the second question, so far as experience has gent, at present, there is no reason to suppose that there is any difference in the flying life of a pilot whether working with the Royal Navy, the Army, or the Royal Air Force.

The answer to the last question is three months on an average

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to publish in fall the minutes of the meetings held at The Hague Conference; and, if so, whether the documents will be published before the Recess?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave him yesterday. I do not think these documents will be available before the Recess.

asked the Prime Minister whether the French Government have made any intimation that they propose to act independently about fresh territorial sanctions if the monthly indemnity is not paid when due?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any alteration in the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the Reparation Clauses of the Treaty of Versailles is in contemplation?

I would ask the hon. Member to await the statement that will be made during the Debate on the Appropriation Bill.

Yes, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we are not going to get a statement, but that the Prime Minister is going to wait for observations and criticisms and will then engage in the usual forensic display, and are we not to have an authoritative statement from any hon. Member of the Government?

If the hon. and galland Gentleman puts his questions well in Debate, no doubt he will get a reply.

No! Questions are put, but never answered by the prime Minister.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to the revival of European trade and industry, he will represent to the Reparation Commission the desirability of immediately asking the Bankers' Committee appointed by the Commission to resume their inquiries in order to ascertain what sum is within the capacity of Germany to pay, and to make proposals regarding the definite fixing of Germany's cash obligations and the financial steps required to meet the situation?

I would ask the hon. Member to await the statement that will be made during the Debate on the Appropriation Bill.

asked the Prime Minister if His Majesty's Government is aware of the inaccuracy of the reports of the proceedings of this House which appear in the newspapers; that speeches are frequently censored, mis-quoted, or omitted altogether in order to support the special political views of any particular newspaper; and that, to the bulk of uninitiated readers, the official form and appearance of the columns headed "Parliament" appear to be in the nature of a. semi-official report; whether, while leaving complete freedom to editors in regard to comments in editorial columns, political notes, and elsewhere, he will support legislation to prohibit the publication in the public Press of these misleading reports; and if he will appoint a small Committee, under the control of Mr. Speaker, to arrange for the issue each day of a non-party and unbiassed summary of the Debates on each day's sitting?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the case of Joseph Murdock, of 110, Chesterton Street, Garston, Liverpool, a casual dock labourer, who was imprisoned for non-Payment of Income Tax for 28 days on the 10th July; that this is his second term of imprisonment for non-payment; that he is an ex-service man and served all through the War on active service; and if, in view of the fact that such employment is intermittent in character, and that such men's whole future earnings is mortgaged by demands for Income Tax, he car, see his way to secure this man's release and take the necessary steps to prevent imprisonment in similar cases in future?

The arrears of tax for which proceedings were taken in this case relate to the year 1920–21. I understand that Mr. Murdock is a capstan-man employed by the London and North Western Railway Company. I am informed that the amount of his earnings during each of the last two years was quite sufficient to enable him to pay his Income Tax quarter by quarter had he wished to do so. He appears to have received every consideration in the course of the proceedings before the Justices, which were adjourned on two occasions to give him an opportunity of stating his case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to the assessment in this and other cases, this unfortunate man is assessed in a lean quarter on the previous fat quarter, and that the earnings of the fat quarter go to pay the assessment, and the arrangement works out that subsequently, being assessed in a lean quarter, the man has no money to pay? [HON. MEMBERS: "Genesis!"]

All that doubtless would be taken into consideration by Inland Revenue Authorities, and I am informed that this man was in a position to pay his Income Tax whether the quarter was lean or fat.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any further steps have been taken with regard to the arrangements for funding our debt to the United States of America?

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 17th July, except that to meet the convenience of the United States Government the Delegation's arrival in Washington has been postponed until the end of September.

Is any change contemplated in that Delegation, and is any Member of His Majesty's Government going to the United States?

It is very difficult to say whether there is any change in the Delegation, which has not yet been appointed.

When may we expect to see the letter that has been circulated, we understand, by this Government to the various Powers, written by the Earl of Balfour and mentioned in to-day's Press?

The document to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers is the one, I suppose, that has been communicated to France and to certain other Governments in Europe. It. will, I think, be laid—

No, circulated. Sir R. HORNE: Circulated to-morrow.

What about the second part of the question: Is any member of His Majesty's Government going on this important mission, and who will it be?

That remains to be decided.

Has it been decided to do anything with the United States before we have definitely decided as to the Continental debts?

It has been decided—and announced to the House—to send a, Delegation to the United States to discuss with the American Government the question of the funding of the Debt.

Will any definite agreement be arrived at with the United States before the Delegation goes?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the differences between the United States Shipping Board and the Ministry of Shipping have now been settled; and, if so, for what amount?

I have been asked to reply. An agreement was entered into on the 13th July with the United States Shipping Board for settlement of certain outstanding claims by a payment to the Shipping Board of 12 million dollars, including interest. This settlement excluded certain claims by the late Ministry of Shipping in connection with ex-German vessels which had been used by the United States Government, and another claim in which the Shipping Board was an intermediary.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that the United States some time ago offered to accept a very much smaller sum? Is that so? If so, why was the sum mentioned not accepted by the Government?

I think I can safely say that is not the Case.

Is it not the fact that the late Mr. Raeburn refused an offer from the United States Shipping Board of 44> million dollars, and afterwards the thing was settled at 12 million dollars: why is the taxpayer to pay that loss?

I should like notice of a question in which these various figures are involved.

Will a Supplementary Estimate be laid for this sum of 12 million dollars?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the conditions under which, within the ambit of existing Regulations, cattle from Ireland after disembarkation at Scottish ports are forwarded inland and isolated provide no real safeguard against the spread of foot-and-mouth disease if present; and whether, in these circumstances, he will allow free movement of cattle, as formerly, after landing?

No, Sir, I am satisfied that the Regulations in question, which ensure a period of detention of 14 days for Irish cattle which have either been sold at the ports or moved direct to farms, thus checking their movement from market to market, do provide a real safeguard against the dissemination of foot-and-mouth disease. The answer to the last part of the question is therefore, in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, without accomplishing its object, these Regulations have a dislocating effect on the inland cattle trade, and could he not make some alteration?

The inland cattle trade would be much more dislocated if we allowed the methods to prevail which spread disease from place to place, as was the case before we introduced the necessary Regulations.

asked the President of the Board of Education if, in view of his statement in a speech at Kingston some time ago to the effect that there are certain areas in the country where the staffing arrangements in schools are now upon a somewhat lavish scale, and where such reductions can be effected without loss of national efficiency, he will explain where the staffing arrangements are upon a lavish scale?

The question whether the staffing of the public elementary schools in a. particular area is in any degree excessive is one which requires most careful consideration, and can only be decided satisfactorily after consultation between the authority and His Majesty's inspector, with due regard to all relevant local circumstances, including the character of the school buildings, the quality of the staff available, and the needs of the children. The Board have been in communication with a certain number of authorities upon this question already, and propose to pursue it further; but it is a matter with which I can hardly deal in the limits of question and answer in this House.

Before the right hon. Gentleman made that statement, did he acquaint himself with the facts?

Of course.