asked the Minister of Pensions the number of doctors acting on the pensions medical boards who have had no service during the War?

Of some 6,000 medical men employed by my Department on boarding duties only 299 (or 5 per cent.) have had no war service. Moreover, the large majority of these are specialists for whom no efficient ex-service substitutes can be obtained.

asked the. Minister of Pensions whether he will give the number of cases in which an appellant, having won his appeal to the House of Lords Tribunal, has had the result of such decision negatived by the decision of the medical board to which his case is then referred?

There are no such cases. I should like to take this opportunity of correcting a somewhat common misapprehension as to the effect of a decision by an assessment tribunal setting aside a final award. Such a decision merely implies (in accordance with the terms of Sub-section (3) of Section 4 of the War Pensions Act, 1921) that the tribunal consider that a final award, as such, should not have been made in the particular case at the time. It does not mean necessarily that the tribunal disagree with the rate at which the man's disablement has been assessed. Steps are being taken to make this clear in announcing decisions of this nature.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in order to ensure that ex-service men and their dependants are enabled to have their side of the case adequately stated before the appeals tribunal, he will consider the desirability of providing them with assistance by placing an official at their disposal when so requested?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Lambeth North (Mr. Briant) cm the 1st March.

asked the Attorney-General if an official of the Ministry of Pensions is present on behalf of the Ministry at the appeal tribunal in each case; and if he is allowed to remain in consultation with the tribunal while its members are discussing the decision, while the applicant, has been asked to withdraw?

A representative of the Ministry of Pensions attends before the tribunal on behalf of the Ministry in each case. He is not allowed to remain in consultation with the tribunal while its members are discussing the decision, but withdraws with the appellant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the additional pensions, apart from disability pensions, granted to Regular officers of the Indian Army who retired before the War, but served and became disabled by reason of their service during the War, are exempt from Income Tax on the same lines as in the case of Regular officers who served and became disabled during the War, having in view the reply given by the Minister of Pensions on the 20th June, 1022?

I understand my hon. Friend to be referring to cases in which the service pensions of the officers concerned have been increased as a result of re-assessment at the end of their War service. There is no exemption from Income Tax in respect of such pensions, whether increased or not, and whether enjoyed by officers of the Indian Army or by officers of the British Army. On the other hand, disability retired pay is, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, exempt from Income Tax under the provisions of Section 16 of the Finance Act, 1919.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that the majority of assessments for War disabilities are under 50 per cent, and that the action of his Department in raising the minimum qualification for pension under the new Article 17 will exclude a greater number of widows from benefit than is the case under the existing Article 17, he will reconsider it?

The modifications of existing Regulations for dealing with the cases of widows of men who die more than seven years after discharge, of which the new Article 17 forms a part, include valuable concessions, and were very carefully considered as a whole, and I do not see my way to alter them further.

also asked the Minister of Pensions the number of beneficiaries under the Royal Warrants and the cost of administration during the year ended 31st March, 1919; and the number of staff of all grades and the number of permanent officials of the rank of principal clerk and above at that date?

The approximate number of beneficiaries at 31st March, 1919, was 1,814,665, and the cost of administration for the year in question was £1,403,900. The staff of all grades (excluding staff of local committees) numbered 12,233 at the 31st March, 1919, of whom 32 were permanent officials of the rank of principal clerk and above.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Charlotte Ellithorne, of 21, Institute Road, Eccieshill, Bradford, whose only son William, private, No. 23,168, 8th West Riding Regiment, was killed in action on 11th August, 1917, and whose husband died in 1913 through service in India with the East Surrey Regiment, private, No. 1,696; that, though she suffers from rheumatism and cannot support herself, her pension of 11s. 1d. per week was stopped 18th October, 1922, by Awards Department, 7, Boar Lane, Leeds (reference 4/D/1,539); that her health has nearly broken down through her troubles and if he will take measures to have her case reconsidered?

I am having inquiries made into this case and will communicate with the hon. Member at an early date.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether disabled men are offered the opportunity of appearing before their local pensions committees to show cause why deductions from War pension should not be made before any stoppages are effected by the Ministry officials?

Provision has been made in the War Pensions Act. 1921, and in the Regulations issued thereunder whereby pensioners are given the opportunity of having their complaints heard and considered by War Pensions Committees, who may make representations to me.

further asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can state the nature of the deductions other than those relating to alleged overpayment of pension or allowances made by his Department from disabled men's pensions; whether stoppages are made in respect of clothing and other articles; and whether a man is given an opportunity to agree to the price charged against him before the deduction takes effect?

Recovery of overpay-meads is limited to cases in which the liability has been incurred by the man in his capacity as a soldier or a pensioner as distinct from that of a civilian. Certain articles of clothing are issued on loan to men receiving in-patient treatment on the distinct understanding that they will be held accountable for wilful damage or for any loss for which a reasonable explanation cannot be given. In every case particulars of the claim are sent to the man and full consideration is given to any representations which he may make.

also asked the Minister of Pensions whether deductions from war pensions are made by his officials for moneys alleged to be owing to other Departments of State; if so, whether he will inform the- House of the circumstances in which such stoppages are made; and whether, if the Ministry of Pensions is to become the debt-collecting agency of other Departments, he will obtain the opinion of the Law Officers as to the legality of enforcing deductions from war pensions instead of proceeding through the ordinary channels?

In the few cases in which the liability has been incurred by the man in his capacity as a soldier or a pensioner as distinct from that of a civilian, recovery is effected by my Department under the authority of Articles 8 and 22 of the Royal Warrant of 1914.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will have inquiries made into the ease of J. McMahon, 42, Clayton Street, Wigan, who was temporarily assessed at 40 per cent. disability by the medical referee in 1919, this being reduced by a medical board to 20 per cent. in 1920, when the amount between the two awards was placed as a debt against him, for which he has had 1s. 6d. per week deducted from his pension ever since, and now it is proposed to increase the deduction to 5s. per week from his weekly pension; and whether he can have the balance of the supposed debt cancelled?

The recovery being made is in respect of advances made in anticipation of pension on the distinct understanding that they would be recovered from any subsequent award of pension. Recovery is at present suspended, as the man is undergoing a course of treatment and is receiving allowances in lieu of pension.

asked the Minister of Pensions when the Handbook of Pensions Regulations will be ready; and whether Members of this House will be able to get the same from the Vote Office?

The larger part of this Handbook is in the hands of the printers, and I am informed that copies will be available within the next 10 days. I shall certainly see that every Member of this House who so desires is supplied with a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will have inquiries made into the case of R. Coote, No. 10/4,315, Lancashire Fusiliers, of 3, Higham Street, Wigan, who was given a final Meekly allowance for 35 weeks on 6th, June, 1922, arid appealed to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, who set aside the final award and allowed the appeal on 4th December, 1922; that he has recently been before a medical board, who stated that there are no grounds for further award of pension, but that he will be, examined by a special medical board shortly before 1st February, 1924; and whether, when the Pensions Appeal Tribunal allows an appeal, the pensioner is entitled to a continuance of his pension, with retrospective payments, from the termination of his final weekly allowance?

The decision of the Assessment Appeal Tribunal was merely that the ease was not considered suitable for a. final award at the time, apart altogether from the extent of any existing disablement, a question on which the tri- bunal expressed no opinion. The medical board, including a specialist on tropical diseases, which examined the man after that decision found no disablement, and there is therefore no ground for the grant of further compensation. The man will be examined again early next year to ascertain his condition, but if, in the meantime, he considers that his condition has grown worse, it is open to him to have his case reconsidered on that ground by applying to the local area office.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is proposed to pay pre-War disability pensioners the 5d. and 4d. per diem on attaining the age of 55 and 65?

Pre-War disability pensioners, if not already entitled to an age pension under pre-War Regulations or not drawing pension under the more favourable terms of the Great War Warrants, receive the age pension at the stated ages provided that they draw pension under post-War Regulations in respect of service.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of his statement that the trade in worn-out or decrepit horses is stopped, he will state the conditions under which the export of horses for butchery purposes is carried on; whether he is aware that the new conditions under which these animals are exported are more cruel than those under which decrepit horses were exported, and that these animals go for long periods without food or water; and whether his Department will investigate specific cases of bad treatment which may be forwarded to it?

All live horses exported from Great Britain to the Continent have to comply with the provisions of the Exportation and Transit of Horses, Asses, and Mules Order of 1921, which came into operation on the 1st January, 1922. I will have a copy of this Order sent to my hon. and gallant Friend. No horses can be shipped unless they pass a high standard of fitness to work and to travel without suffering. I would point out, however, that I have no power to determine the use to which a horse shall be put after it leaves this country, but I have already said that I will encourage in every way the conversion of the traffic in live horses for butchering into a trade in dead meat. The reply to the second part is in the negative. With regard to the third part, I shall be pleased to make inquiries, but I have no power to deal with reported cases of the bad treatment of horses in continental countries.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the National Conference of Assessment Committees, in September, 1921, entered into an agreement with the various railway companies for the years 1922–23–24, under which agreement the rateable values of such companies were reduced from 21 per cent. to 70 per cent. of the existing values, which in one case represented an actual cash equivalent of several hundred thousand pounds, and, as a result of these reductions, the companies have been relieved of their fair share of the local taxation burden and have shifted it upon the backs of the general community, of which in most counties in the country the agricultural community carries the heaviest proportion, and that such relief to the companies is made good almost entirely by additional rate levies on agricultural property; and will he say what steps can be taken to secure an immediate decrease in the railway charges for the transport of agricultural and horticultural produce?

I have been asked to answer this question. I understand that the agreement to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was voluntarily entered into by the National Conference of Assessment Committees and the railway companies. I have no knowledge of the effect of the agreement. With regard to the latter part of the question, under Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, applications may be made to the Railway Rates Tribunal for reduction of railway charges, and the Tribunal may make such modifications as they deem just.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now state what steps are to be taken by his Department to deal with the gross disparity existing between the prices obtained by fishermen for their fish and the prices paid by the consumer?

I have given further consideration to this subject, but I am afraid that I have nothing to add to the answer given to the question which the hon. Member addressed to me on the 14th December last.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the great disparity between the wholesale prices of fish at Billingsgate and the price at which fish, and especially kippered herrings, are retailed in London, and that, as a result, a valuable source of food supply is denied to people of moderate means; and whether he will order an inquiry into the subject?

In view of the great differences in the prices at which fish, generally, is retailed in different parts of London, I am unable to ascertain and examine what is the great disparity referred to in the question, but if the hon. Member will send me full details as to the district, prices, kind and quality of fish that he has in mind, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the danger to which farmers in various parts of the country are subjected owing to the condition of the abandoned military camps, with the result that large growths of weeds have been produced, the seed from which blows over adjoining cultivated lands; and will he issue sonic instructions on the matter to prevent the damage now occasioned by the occurrence?

My attention has recently been called to this matter and I have asked for more precise information. If the hon. and gallant Member will let me know of any specific cases brought to his knowledge, I will consider what action can be taken.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether ho is aware that many allotments instituted by local authorities under the Cultivation of Lands Order, 1917, are now being taken over by these authorities under the recent Allotments Act; whether he is aware that this will involve the local authorities in considerable expense which, under present conditions, will arrest the development of the allotment movement; and will he therefore reconsider the decision to claim from local authorities credit balances arising from these allotments?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As, however, local authorities will not be put to any additional expense in acquiring the land in question as compared with the acquisition of land which had not been previously used for allotments under the Cultivation of Lands Order, I am not prepared to reconsider the decision referred to in the last part of the question. The retention by local authorities of credit balances which are moneys of the Crown would amount in effect to a State subsidy in respect of allotments provided under the Allotments Acts, which is contrary to the intention of Parliament expressed so recently as last year in the Allotments Act, 1922.

asked the President of the Board of Education to which secondary schools the children attending the elementary schools of Wednesbury, Tipton and Darlaston, respectively, are entitled to go; and will he state the precise conditions which govern their admission?

Appended is a table showing the grant - aided secondary schools at which pupils from Wednesbury, Tipton and Darlaston were in attendance as day scholars on the 31st March, 1922, together with the numbers, separately stated for each area, who were then in attendance at each of the schools. I could not summarise within the limits of question and answer the precise conditions governing the admission of pupils to all the schools named in the list. The general conditions of admission to grant-aided schools as prescribed by the Board are set out in the Appendix to the Regulation

Number of pupils residing in Darlaston Urban District, Tipton Urban District, and Wednesbury Borough, who were attending neighbouring grant-earning secondary schools on 31st March, 1922
Secondary School				Darlaston	Tipton	Wednesbury
Staffordshire—
Bilston Girls' High School	…	…	…	16	2	15
Walshall—
Grammar School	…	…	…	16	—	34
High School for Girls	…	…	…	5	2	22
West Bromwich —
Municipal Secondary School	…	…	…	1	9	8
Wolverhampton —
Convent of Mercy High School	…	…	…	1	1	3
Girls' High School	…	…	…	4	1	3
Grammar School	…	…	…	4	—	2
Municipal Secondary School	…	…	…	1	—	—
Birmingham—
Five Ways. King Edward VI. Grammar School for Boys.				1	—	1
Handsworth, King Edward VI. Grammar School for Girls				—	—	8
King Edward VI. High School for Boys		…	…	—	4	3
Handsworth Grammar School	…	…	…	—	—	1
St. Paul's Secondary School	…	…	…	—	—	3
St. Philip's Grammar School	…	…	…	—	3	2
Worcestershire—
Oldbury Secondary School	…	…	…	—	18	—
Dudley—
Grammar School	…	…	…	—	86	6
Girls' High School	…	…	…	—	78	1
Total	…	…	…	49	204	112

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the great discontent among local authorities on account of the differentiation in the matter of grants paid by the Government to local authorities' training colleges and to denominational colleges, respectively; and that numbers of students are unable to find places for training in undenominational colleges, and are precluded by religious scruples from applying for such in denominational institutions; and whether he will take steps to place the undenominational colleges on the same basis, so far as

I may refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on the 22nd February to the Noble Lord, the Member for South Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, before he approves of the alteration of the present system of recruiting for line battalions of the Regular Army, he will consider the matter carefully in its wider aspect as to the necessity of preserving esprit de corps by safeguarding the territorial connection in the rural counties, such as Shropshire, where population is scattered?

The proposed modifications in the recruiting system have been most carefully considered in all their aspects, and have been subjected to a practical test for two years. The instructions on the subject, which are about to be issued, have been so framed as to safeguard adequately the esprit de corps and territorial connection of all regiments of infantry. I can assure the Noble Lord that the Army Council fully appreciates the importance and value of these characteristics of our Army system, and every consideration is given to them when carrying out any re-organisation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of private soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers who, since the Armistice, have married German women?

During the period from the Armistice to the 31st December, 1922, the number of marriages contracted between members of the British Army of the Rhine and German women was, approximately, 400.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what are the sources of manufacture, i.e., dyeworks and chemical factories, which can, in France, Germany, Italy, the United States of America, and Japan, be made available for the production of poison

ADMISSIONS AND DEATHS from Small-pox in the British Army in each year from 1909 to 1914.
—				1909.	1910.	1911.	1912.	1913.	1914.*
UNITED KINGDOM:—
Average strength	…	…	…	124,494	123,318	123,575	123,109	119,766	68,682
Number of admissions and deaths			…	—	—	—	—	—	—
* January to July inclusive.

Sir; I am not in a position to give this information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that no organisation of the Militia has been decided on, His Majesty's Government has made any arrangements to furnish and train drafts for the Regular Army in time of war?

The establishments of the Regular infantry are now designed to provide, with its reserve, the personnel required to complete battalions on mobilisation, the necessary drafts during the first few months of war and the cadres to administer and train the subsequent drafts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what has been the average strength of the British Army during each of the years from 1909 to 1910, inclusive; what has been the number of men who have been attacked by, and have died from, small-pox in the United Kingdom, in India, in Egypt, and in the Colonies, respectively, for each of those years; and what has been in each of those years the percentage of cases and of deaths to the average strength, and the percentage of deaths to attacks in the United Kingdom, India, Egypt, and the Colonies, respectively?

I regret that, owing to the volume of work involved, the small-pox statistics for the period from the outbreak of war are not yet available, but the figures for the preceding period are appended (commissioned ranks nest included):

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why Captain P. S. Corbould, ex-captain in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers, and formerly of the Nagpur Volunteer Rifles, who, being in England on leave on 4th August, 1914, was mobilised with the fourth battalion Berkshire Regiment, and given a commission in the Territorial Force by Gazette of 22nd September, 1914, after which he proceeded to India, where he served from 15th December, 1914, to 5th April, 1919, has been refused the medal for voluntary service overseas?

Captain Corbould was not serving with the Territorial Force on 4th August, 1914, nor had he completed a period of not less than four years' service with the Territorial Force before that date. He does not, therefore, comply with the conditions governing the grant of this medal, as published in Army Order 143 of 1920, and is ineligible.

asked the Secretary of State for Air, if, in regard to the Report of the Civil Air Transport Subsidies Committee, the terms of reference were disclosed to the witnesses called before the Committee?

I am not sure that I follow the hon. Member's meaning. If his question is whether I he terms of reference were read over to the witnesses, the answer is that such a course is unusual, and was not followed in the present case. The general character of the inquiry was, however, explained to all the witnesses.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now state the result of the representations to the Middlesbrough local authorities with regard to wages paid on relief work?

A deputation from the town council saw representatives of the Unemployment Grants Committee on February 21, and I understand that the council are now paying 87½ per cent. of the rate of wages to the men referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's previous question. With regard to the latter part of that question, the position was explained to the deputation, but I am not aware of the action taken by the council.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were registered as unemployed in Glasgow last week, and how many in the corresponding week, of last year; how many are on municipal relief works now and how many a year ago: and will he consider the making of a special grant to Glasgow in view of the urgent need of providing alternative employment for the men displaced in the shipbuilding and engineering industry of that district?

83,361 persons were registered for employment at the Employment Exchanges in Glasgow at 26th February, 1923, and 83,679 at the corresponding date last year. The number of men on relief works in the area was 3,581 at 2nd March, 1923, and 4,316 a year ago. With regard to the last part of the question, grants are available from the various grant-making Departments in respect of approved schemes of relief works. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 5th March by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for the Maryhill Division (Mr. Muir). I am sending copy of this reply.

asked the Minister of Labour If he is aware that Messrs. William Beardmore and Company, Limited, Government contractors, are paying labourers a wage of 32s. a week; will he state if it is permissible for Government contractors to pay such low wages; and will he make representations to the firm that their paying a living wage is a condition of their retention on the list of Government contractors?

I have no information as to the rates of wages paid to labourers by Messrs. William Beardmore and Company, Limited. If it is contended that the firm is committing a breach of the Fair Wages Resolution, representations should be made to the contracting department concerned.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total number of persons killed in the mining industry for the 10 years ending 1921; and the total amount of money paid by way of compensation, etc., to their dependants?

The total number of persons killed in the mining industry in the United Kingdom during the 10 years ended 1921 was 12,897. Particulars of payments under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, for the years 1915 to 1918 were not collected. In the six remaining years of the period there were 7,638 fatal accident cases reported, the total compensation for which amounted to £1,467,062.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his Department is conducting any inquiries into the dangers of over-winding and other accidents in colliery shafts; whether he has received representations that the present safeguards are inadequate; and whether he proposes to issue fresh Regulations on the subject?

The investigation of accidents in colliery shafts is part of the duties of the Inspector of Mines. In view of the extent of the winding operations at the mines of this country, the number of accidents is remarkably small. They form less than 4 per cent. of the fatal accidents at collieries, and their number has long been steadily decreasing. Representations have, however, been made to me by the National Federation of Colliery Enginemen that the present safeguards need improvement in some respects. I have asked them to furnish me with evidence in support, of their contention, and when I have received it I will consider the matter carefully.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider the issue of fresh Regulations imposing stricter conditions on shot-firing in coal mines; and whether he is empowered to make such Regulations at any time without fresh legislation?

I am carefully considering what further steps can be taken to lessen the risk of accidents from this cause. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total amount of money paid as mining royalties for the 10 years ending 1921 and the approximate number of mining-royalty owners?

The total amount of money paid as royalties in the coal-mining industry for the 10 years ended 1921 was approximately £60,000,000. The number of owners of coal royalties was estimated by the Board of Inland Revenue, in evidence given before the Coal Industry Commission in 1919, at about 3,800. I have no later information, nor have I statistics of royalties on minerals other than coal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether sufficient coke will, so far as can be ascertained, be available to keep the blast furnaces in this country in full production, with the consequent avoidance of unemployment: and what are the reasons for the reported shortage of coke at the present moment?

I am satisfied that every effort is being made by suppliers of coke to meet inland requirements, and I understand that they are sanguine of being able to deal with the situation. The recent sharp increase in the demand for British coke is no doubt mainly caused by uncertainties about supplies from the Ruhr coalfield.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, having regard to the policy being followed by the English Board of Agriculture, whereby the establishment of ex-service men upon the land is in effect actually being discontinued owing to the financial difficulties encountered by earlier smallholders, his Department will for the same reason adopt in Scotland a similar policy?

It is not proposed to make in the meantime any change in the policy of land settlement in Scotland.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he will give a table showing, under various headings, the allocation up-to-date of the sum of £150,000 granted for agricultural development under Section 3 of the Corn Production Acts (Repeal) Act, 1921?

The appended table shows the sums allocated to date from the grant of £150,000 provided under Section 3 of the Corn Production Acts (Repeal) Act, 1921:

	£
Scholarships for Children of Agricultural Workers, 5 years at £3.000	15,000
Women's Rural Institutes. 5 years at £3.000	15,000
Edinburgh and East of Scotland College Farm	8,000
Post Graduate Scholarships— 9 at £100–£120—maximum for 5 years	5,400
Animal Diseases Research Association	3,500
Royal (Dick) Veterinary College	3,440
Perthshire Education Authority —Continuation Classes	750
Chief Costings Officer—to enable completion of work	250
	£51,340

As the expenditure of this money will be spread over a period of at least five years, it has been thought advisable not to allocate the whole of the grant at present to the possible exclusion of urgent and meritorious claims for assistance which may arise at a later date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the total number of emigrants from Great Britain for each of the four years ending December, 1913, and the four years ending December, 1922, distinguishing between the Dominions and foreign countries?

Year ending		British Subjects Emigrating to			Excess of British Emigrants over British Immigrants.
		British Countries.	Foreign Countries.	All Countries.
31st March, 1913	…	293,000	72,000	365,000	300,000
31st March, 1914	…	243,000	68,000	311,000	229.000
31st December, 1921	…	130,000	43,000	173,000	106,000
31st December, 1922	…	113,000	40,000	153,000	90.000

Similar particulars are not available for periods prior to 1st April, 1912. The earlier statistics show the passengers who left the United Kingdom and the passengers who entered it, these passengers consisting not only of migrants, but also of business people, tourists, etc. The average excess of British passengers outward to non-European countries over British passengers inward from such countries during the years 1909 to 1913 was about 230,000 per annum, a figure which is inclusive of the net movement from Ireland. The records for the years 1919 and 1920 were seriously affected by the repatriation of persons who had been in this country for purposes connected with the War, and are, therefore, not comparable with the figures given above. There is some reason for believing that the figures given in the above table for the year ending 31st March, 1913, include an important number of persons incorrectly described as having been permanently resident in Great Britain.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the. Colonies whether he can state the number of persons convicted annually in Hong Kong for engaging in the overseas traffic in girls for immoral purposes and the penalties imposed?

I am not in possession of the information asked for by the hon. Member, but the Governor will be asked to supply it.

The Returns of British subjects previously resident in Great Britain who left to take up residence in overseas countries, show the following totals to countries within the British Empire and to foreign countries respectively:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the total cost of settling a family of five in Australia, including the minimum amount which the Australian Government requires immigrants to possess?

The total cost of the passages to Australia of a. family consisting of a man and wife with three children under 12 years of age is £115 10s., but towards this sum it is open to His Majesty's Government and the Australian Government in suitable cases jointly to make a free grant of £38 10s. The amount or landing money would vary according to the circumstances of each case, but would, as a general rule, be about £15. The cost of settling the family on their arrival would vary according to the State in Australia to which they were proceeding and the nature of the work on which they were engaged.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the pronouncement of the City Coroner that doctors should not sign a death certificate if they had only seen the patient for the first time two hours before death; whether instructions to this effect have been issued by his Department; and whether, in view of the fact that such policy would greatly increase the number of inquests involving post-mortem examinations without adequate justification, he can state the average cost of such inquests?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, no such instructions have been issued by my Department or by the Home Office. With regard to the third part, I have no information, but will make inquiries and communicate with the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the ease of a coloured seaman, his wife and child, who have been receiving full relief from the Westminster Board of Guardians, and are now to be given free passage back to Jamaica, from whence they came, at a cost of £55; and can he state why these particular aliens were ever admitted to this country to be a burden on the ratepayers?

According to the facts given in the question, these persons would appear to be British subjects, being natives of Jamaica. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that tinder the Police Regulations, 1920, the officer appointed assistant chief constable of a county force shall be the officer appointed deputy chief constable under Section 7 of the County Police Act, 1839, and ill view of the fact that under the same Act and Section the appointment of deputy chief constable is confined to officers holding the rank of superintendent, he will inquire into the action of the I Hampshire Joint Standing Committee in approving the appointment as assistant and deputy chief constable of a gentleman who had not previously held the rank of superintendent?

The appointment in question was not contrary to the Regulations, and I do not think I can take any further action with regard to it.

asked the Home Secretary whether a German named Hans Meinicke, aged 24, who fought against the British from 1910 to 1920 and was convicted for an assault on Constable James Frank at Richmond on 18th January, 1923, is still in this country and, if so, why?

As I informed the hon. Member for the Kidderminster Division (Mr. Milne) last month, this man left the country on 11th February.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to control the reports published in the Press of proceedings in the Divorce and other Courts?

I would refer to the reply I gave on the 21st February to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Southern Division of Derbyshire (Mr. Lorimer).

asked the Home Secretary if, in the case of ex-officer Sutton, late of Holloway Prison, who was recommended by the medical officer for light work in consequence of certain physical injuries, he will say whether that recommendation was carried out?

On the 10th March, 1922, the medical officer reported Sutton to be unfit permanently for any heavy work, lie, was placed by the Governor, who is a medical man on such lighter portions of the work as could be allotted, to him, until he was again placed on the sick list on 14th April, The medical authorities are agreed that the complaint from which Sutton was suffering, and which rendered him unfit for the duties of a prison officer, did trot arise from injury.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been directed to the dis- advantage under which British bankers are in competing with the United States for foreign loans because of the 2 per cent. duty which is imposed in this country upon issues of new capital, while in America there is no duty on fresh capital raised there; whether he is aware that British bankers have lost much business owing to the disadvantage they are under in comparison with the United States bankers; and whether the present position has been considered with a view to some amelioration at an early date?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a question on this subject by my learned Friend the Member for the Exchange Division of Liverpool (Sir L. Scott) on

Months.				Excise.		Customs.		Total.
				Quantity.	Net Receipt of duty.	Quantity.	Net Receipt of duty.	Quantity.	Net Receipt of duty.
1921				Pf. Gals.	£	Pf. Gals.	£	Pf Gals.	£
September	…	…	…	1,2653,557	4,493,076	238,872	881,521	1,502,429	5,374,597
October	…	…	…	1,314,365	4.647,826	301,419	1,119,446	1,615,784	5,767,272
November	…	…	…	1,678,333	5,963,979	472,429	1,752,351	2,150,762	7,716,330
December	…	…	…	1,772,094	6,288,157	448,902	1,662,300	2,220,996	7,950,457
1922
January	…	…	…	1,122,078	3,949,660	254,557	944,082	1,376,635	4,893,742
February	…	…	…	1,021,365	3,528,542	220,924	813,898	1,242,289	4,342,440
March	…	…	…	794,788	2.680,230	127,190	456,774	921,978	3,137,004
April	…	…	…	690,051	2,359,883	91,784	335,134	781,835	2,695,017
May	…	…	…	1,894,628	6,762,721	365,258	1,350,232	2,259,886	8,112,953
June	…	…	…	1,080,712	3,801,494	147 240	544,293	1,227,952	4,345,787
July	…	…	…	1,128,453	3,994,785	162,178	599,029	1,290,631	4,593,814
August	…	…	…	l,l8l,840	4,171,434	177,138	660,233	1,358,978	4,831,667
September	…	…	…	1,083,161	3,831,717	172,841	644,349	1,256,002	4,476,066
October	…	…	…	1,308,817	4,638,460	255,880	952,572	1,564,697	5,591,032

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the gross amount of £1,403,697 collected as motorcar import duty in the year ended 31st March, 1922, was reduced by repayments to a net amount of £763,913; whether the repayments included sums repaid in respect of motor cars and parts thereof to he used as commercial vehicles exempted from duty and, if so, what amount was repaid under that heading; and whether he can state the approximate annual cost to the State in salaries and expense of dealing with claims for repay-

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of proof gallons of spirits which paid duty, and what was the amount of revenue there-from, under the headings Excise and Customs, respectively, for each month from September, 1921, to October, 1922?

The number of proof gallons of spirits on which duty was paid, and the net amount of revenue therefrom under the headings Excise and Customs, respectively, for each month from September, 1921, to October, 1922, are as follow:ment of import duty in respect of exempted vehicles?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the repayments in6ided a sum of £468,928 repaid as rebate in respect of motor cars and parts thereof exempted from import duty on the ground of use as commercial vehicles, etc., or as parts thereof. As regards the last part of the question, the work of examining claims for rebate is included in the general duties of the staff of the Customs and Excise Department, and accordingly its cost cannot gated separately.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what condition is the owner of a commercial motor vehicle entitled to claim rebate for motor-car import duty previously paid on the landing of the vehicle or parts thereof; whether the owner of any imported touring motor car is entitled to a rebate on converting the motor car into a commercial vehicle.; whether there is any limit of time within which a claim for rebate may he made: and whether he will consider the simplification of the work of the Customs and other Departments by abolishing statutory exemption of commercial vehicles from the payment of import duty?

Under Section 13 (4) of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, if it is shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise that any motor car has been and is being exclusively used as a motor omnibus, motor ambulance, or in connection with the conveyance of goods or burden in the course of trade or husbandry, or by a local authority as a. fire engine or otherwise for the purpose of their fire brigade service, repayment of the duty paid on importation may be made. The same provision applies in the case of chassis, parts and accessories of motor cars The wording of the Section precludes repayment in cases where the motor car has been used for non-exempt purposes at any time subsequent to its importation, and while there is no statutory limitation of time within which a. claim must be made, this provision, naturally, has the result that claims are ordinarily made within a short interval after importation. As regards the last part of the question, I cannot anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, prior to the passing of the Finance Act, 1922, interest paid upon War Loan and chargeable for Income Tax under Case III of Schedule D was assessed upon the basis of income received from the same source during the year preceding assessment; that as a result of the legal decision, National Provident Institution v. Inland Revenue, it was held that when the War Loan was disposed of in the second year no Income Tax was leviable upon the interest paid in the preceding year: and if he will say how much interest upon War Loan thus escaped taxation prior to the amending of the law in the Finance Act of 1922?

I am aware of the facts mentioned in the first part of the question, but I regret that no information is available in regard to the amount of interest which has escaped taxation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of revenue received from the Excess Profits Duty and the total amount refunded up to date?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave the hon. Member for Merthyr (Mr. Wallhead) on the 6th instant. I am sending him a copy of that. reply.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what loss to the Exchequer would be involved in the abolition of the present duty upon clubs of 3d. in the £?

I regret that I am unable to supply my hon. Friend with this information. He will, I am sure, appreciate that I am unable to give estimates in anticipation of the Budget Statement either of the yield of duties in the coming financial year or of the effect on the Revenue of abolishing them or altering their rates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what loss would fall upon the Exchequer by the abolition of the Corporation Profits Tax during the next financial year and during a full year after the collection of outstanding arrears, respectively?

It. is estimated that the abolition of the Corporation Profits Tax as from 1st January last, the anniversary of its imposition, would involve a loss to the Exchequer of £7,000,000 within the year 1923–24 and of £20,000,000 in the first full 12 months after abolition.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the total revenue derived from the Excise duty on beer for the last financial year and the number of standard barrels brewed?

The net revenue derived from the Excise duty on beer for the year ended 31st March, 1922, was £121,844,583. The number of standard barrels brewed in the same period was 23,513,774.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, before taking anything off the Income Tax, he will consider the possibility of reducing the Excise Duty on beer?

I can assure my hon. Friend that all relevant considerations will be borne in mind in framing the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of Government surplus motor lorries disposed of by the Disposal Board since 6th April, 1922, and the average price per vehicle obtained for them; and whether he can state the number of motor lorries now held by the Disposal Board for disposal?

Since the, 6th April, 1922, the Disposal Board have sold at home a total of 605 motor lorries, and a further 337 lorries are at present available at home for disposal. I regret that the corresponding figures in respect of surplus lorries sold in Commands, etc., abroad are not available. It is not considered desirable in the public interest to furnish information as to prices realised.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the ease of the wife of Mr. James Tomlinson, of 82, Hardshan Street, St. Helens, Lancashire, who is on the verge of 70, and who has been informed that, owing to the fact that her husband had succee4led during a working life of 40 years' hard work and thrift in saving £100, and who is also in receipt of a pension of 30s. per week from his employers, this fact will disqualify her from receiving the old age pension; if this is in accordance with the Regulations; and if he will give this case special consideration?

I have no information regarding this case, but am making inquiry. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that the question whether a person is entitled to an old age pension depends upon whether he fulfils the statutory conditions. Under the law the decision rests with the local pension committee, or with the Minister of Health if the decision of the committee is appealed against, and I have no power to interfere with such decision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the cost of printing the tables in the 1921 Census Returns for the County of London in Government printing establishments as compared with the cost of similar tables in the 1911 Census Returns, which were printed by private firms?

The records for 1911 are no longer available, and I regret that I am consequently unable at present to furnish the required information with regard to the tables for that year. I may say, however, that owing to the change in the form of the. tables and to the different conditions now obtaining in the cost of labour and materials in the printing trade, there would in any case be no satisfactory basis of comparison between the cost of producing the 1911 and 1921 Census Returns.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state to the House the names of ex-Cabinet Ministers and ex-Lord High Chancellors now in receipt of pensions or allowances from public funds, and the number of years each Minister served as a Minister or Officer of the Crown; the total amount of salary received for such services; the period each of these gentlemen has been receiving a pension or allowance, and the total each has received up to date?

The information is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the advisability of asking Parliament to amend Section 6 of the Superannuation Act, 1834, in such a manner as will secure that all applicants for ex-Cabinet Ministers' pensions shall make statutory declaration of the amount of their own income, their wife's income, and the incomes of any members of their family living at home, and also to provide for a similar statement being supplied to the Treasury at least once a year?

Applicants are already required, in accordance with the terms of the Act referred to, to make a declaration as to their private means before a pension is granted, and no amendment of the existing Statute would be required in order to provide for a declaration in the form suggested in the hon. Member's question. I should add that the grant of a pension is in all cases subject to an undertaking to surrender it in the event of any material improvement of circumstances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the House any particulars of the proposed capital levy in Greece?

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the graduated tax on real and personal estate which the Greek Government are proposing to levy as a cover for their new issue of notes. As soon as I receive the text of the decree I will cause a copy to be placed in the Library of the House for the information of Members.

Department				Grade					Salary.*
Treasury	…	…	…	Director of Women Establishments				…	£1,200.
Admiralty	…	…	…	Principal Lady Superintendent				…	£300—£15—£400.
Foreign Office	…	…	…	Chief Woman Officer (Chief Clerk's Dept.)					£300—£15—£400.
General Post Office		…	…	Woman Establishment Officer			…	…	£800
Inland Revenue		…	…	Principal of Women Staff (Temporary)					£525 (inclusive).
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries				Controller of Women Staff			…	…	£230—£10—£300.
Ministry of Health		…	…	First Class Clerk		…	…	…	£300—£15—£400.
Ministry of Labour		…	…	Principal Officer	…	…	…	…	£600—£25—£750.0
Ministry of Pensions		…	…	Assistant Principal		…	…	…	£200—£20—£400.
Public Trustee	…	…	…	Chief Superintendent of Women Staff					£350—£15—£450.
Scottish Board of Health			…	Member of Board		…	…	…	£1,000—£50—£1,200.
* Bonus in addition except where salary is stated as inclusive.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount, if any, repaid by the Dominions to this country during the current financial year up to, 31st December, 1922?

The following principal sums have been repaid by Dominions and Colonies during the current financial year to 31st December, 1922:

	£	s.	d.
By South Africa	381,015	18	6
By New Zealand	141,169	11	2
By Australia	525,877	5	4
By British Guiana	141,922	8	10
	£ 1,189,985	3	10

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether women establishment officers have yet been appointed to all Departments employing a considerable number of women; in which Departments the appointments have been made and at what salaries; and what are the duties attaching to the posts?

Women are now employed in responsible posts in the Establishment Branches of the Treasury and of all Departments employing a considerable number of women. The following statement shows the Departments concerned duel the scales of salary and duties attaching to each appointment:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the prominence recently given to the unsatisfactory condition of certain insurance companies, any representation has been made by the Treasury or other Department requesting the directors of such companies more closely to supervise all dealings in their securities: and what is the nature of such representations?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how long it is proposed to continue the sale of national savings certificates at the present rate of interest; and whether, in view of the undertaking given by the Government of the: day, at the time war savings certificates were instituted, that the sale of national certificates would not be continued beyond the point necessary for raising money for War emergency, he will say whether he or his predecessor has received any representations from trustee savings banks urging the Government to implement such promise or undertaking?

I am unable to say when the rate of interest on savings certificates will again be altered. So far as I am aware, no such undertaking as is alleged in the question was ever given by the Government; in any case the Treasury have repeatedly stated that it was their hope that the certificates would remain as a permanent part of the machinery of national finance. A representation has been received from a savings bank in the hon. Member's constituency, but, as appears from what I have said, I regard it as based on a misapprehension. I do not think any such views are held by trustee savings banks generally.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any of the Allied countries, to which we paid any part of the interest amounting to £3,185,071 during the financial year 1921–22, are themselves debtors to this country and, if so, whether they paid interest on their debt to us?

The sum referred to was retained in this country and applied to the service of debts due to us.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to take any further steps with regard to the Hackney Marshes (Government Factory Site) Acquisition Bill; or whether this Bill has been dropped?

The matter is under consideration, and it is hoped that a decision will be arrived at shortly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer upon what imports the Irish Free State Government proposes to charge customs duties what be the amount of such duties; if there have been any negotiations or communications with His Majesty's Government on this subject; and it, in the event of customs duties being charged by Irish Free State upon goods imported from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, customs duties will be proposed to be charged on goods exported from Southern Ireland to Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

The existing customs duties will operate in the Irish Free State until they are changed by the Free State Parliament. The answer to the second part of the question is' in the negative. As regards the third part, on and after 1st April next customable goods imported from the Free State will be subject to customs duties as in the case of similar goods arriving overseas.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Serbian authorities in Montenegro have persistently refused to restore the material confiscated by them in Montenegro from the Canadian White Cross in charge of Brigadier-General Burnham; whether any communications have passed between the Foreign Office and the Canadian Government on the subject; and what steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to obtain satisfaction from the Serbian Government?

The difficulties which Colonel Burnham had encountered in obtaining an export licence for these stores were brought to the attention of the Foreign Office by the Colonial Office in April last. As a result of the representations then made by His Majesty's Minister in Belgrade the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government sanctioned the export of all the stores in question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position regarding the Boxer indemnity from China?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Kincardine and Western (Lieut.-Colonel A. Murray) on 20th February.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the total of Hungary's reparations has yet been fixed; and what sum it is intended to exact?

The matter rests with the Reparation Commission, but so far as I am aware the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state what is the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to Eastern Galicia; and whether, in view of the continued failure of the Supreme Council, they will, under Article 11 of the Covenant, otherwise bring the question before the Council of the League at its next meeting?

The status of Eastern Galicia is actually under consideration by the Ambassadors' Conference. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of state for War what was the strength of the British Army of Occupation in Germany on the 1st March, 1923?

The strength of the British Army on the Rhine on the 1st March, 1923, was 8,665 All ranks.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in connection with the issue of licences to private firms or companies to erect wireless stations in this country capable or communicating with the Dominions, Colonies, and foreign countries, the erection of similar or corresponding wireless stations in the Dominions or the Colonies will be subject to the permission or under the ultimate authority of the Imperial Government?

The answer to my hon. Friend's question is generally in the affirmative as regards the Colonies, subject to the provisions of local laws, where such laws exist. As to the issue of licences in the self-governing Dominions for the erection of wireless stations, the conditions would he for settlement by the Governments concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of the American cotton crop in bales from 1st August, last to the present time and the percentage of this crop taken by the United Kingdom, the United States, the Continent of Europe, Japan, and Mexico: will he give the percentages taken by those countries of the crop of 1913–14: will he state what percentage of the trade in American cotton manufactured goods of the United Kingdom and of the United States, respectively, is exported; and what is the amount approximately used for home consumption in each case?

The following statement shows the magnitude and distrbution

Destination of Crop, &c			From 1st August, 1922, to 2nd March, 1923, of the Crop Year 1922–23.		Corresponding period of the Crop Year 1913–14.
			Bales.		Bales.
Cotton brought into sight to date	…	…	9,254,000		12,898,000
			Quantity.	Proportion of Commercial Crop to date.	Quantity.	Proportion of Commercial Crop to date.
Distribution to date:			Bales.	Per cent.	Bales.	Per cent.
Taken by United States and Canadian Mills			3,916,000	42·3	3,257,000	25·3
Exports—
To Great Britain	…	…	1,149,200	12·4	2,712,800	21·0
To Continent	…	…	2,113,500	22·8	4,032,500	31·3
To Japan, Mexico, etc.	…	…	498,200	4·4	325,000	2·5

I am unable to furnish the information requested in the third and fourth parts of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total

—		Exports to Canada from the United States.		Exports to Canada from the United Kingdom.
		1913.	1922.	1913.	1922.
		£	£	£	£
Exports of Domestic Produce		79,755,000	Separate	23,795,000	25,271,000
Exports of Foreign and Colonial Merchandise.		3,207,000	particulars not available.	3,512,000	2,664,000
Total Exports	…	82,962,000	130,215,000	27,307,000	27,935,000

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether his attention has been drawn to the large area of burnt common land lying between Chobham and Sunningdale, just outside the borders of the Farnham Division

The following statement shows the total value of the exports from the United States and the United Kingdom to Canada in the years 1913 and 1922:of Surrey; and whether, after consultation with the proper authorities, he will consider the advantage of replanting part of this area for the double purpose of finding employment for the unemployed and enhancing the beauty of the district, as he proposed to do with regard to the Devil's Jumps, near Farnham?

The area referred to being common land could not be acquired by the Forestry Commissioners, except by the exercise of their compulsory powers under the Forestry Act, 1919. The policy of the Commissioners is, as far as possible, to acquire privately-owned land, and thereby to avoid any interference with commonable rights.

further asked whether, in view of the opinion and wishes of the whole of the country side of West Surrey, it was proposed to proceed with the intention of enhancing the beauty of two of the three hills known as the Devil's Jumps, near Farnham, by destroying the heather and planting firs on them?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to my answer to his question on the 26th February last, which states the intention of the Forestry Commissioners with regard to their land at Churt.

asked the hon. Member for Wood Green, as representing the Charity Commissioners, whether he is aware that under the provisions of the will of the late William George Lovell, who died in July, 1909, a considerable sum of money was to be applied for the provision of almshouses in Bedfordshire, with weekly payments to the occupiers; and what steps have been taken to carry out the terms of the will?

The late William George Lovell, who died in July, 1909, left his residuary estate to trustees for the purpose of founding and endowing almshouses. His wife, who predeceased him, left her residuary estate for the same purpose. The greater part of Mr. Lovell's estate was represented by brewery shares, which it was not possible to dispose of profitably until 1917. It was impracticable to erect almshouses during the War, and owing to the death of the Right Hon. J. W. Gulland, M.P., who was a trustee of both wills, the proceedings were delayed Both Mr. and Mrs. Lovell directed that the almshouses should be subject to such regulations and conditions as should be approved by the High Court of Justice, and in 1921 the Commissioners, finding that nothing had been done, advised that an application should be made to the Court. Recently, having ascertained that no such application had been made, they addressed an inquiry to the solicitor for Mr. Lovell's trustees, and have been informed that an application to the Court is about to be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether, seeing that the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Thames and Lee Conservancy has been signed and presented for many weeks past, he will say when it is proposed to lay the same upon the Table of the House?

I have been asked to reply. The Report which has been made by the Committee to the Ministers of Health and Transport is being printed and will be available shortly.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that several of those who acted in the capacity of presiding officers, poll clerks, &c., in the county of Cumberland at the General Election of November, 1922, have not yet received their fees; and can he give the reason why these people have been kept waiting for their money?

I do not understand why the presiding officers, poll clerks, &c., in the county of Cumberland have not received their fees. An advance of £2,000 has been made to the acting returning officer in respect of his total claim of £2,253 15s. 7d., and the balance will be paid if, on detailed examination, the account proves correct. I may add that the account was received nearly a fortnight after the prescribed date.