asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement on the strike of wireless operators; how many ships are now at sea without wireless operators; how many are now at sea without the regulation number of wireless operators; and whether he will consider taking some action with a view to ending the dispute?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will recommend that an inquiry be held with a view to reaching a settlement of the shipowners' and wireless operators' dispute?

I have been asked to reply. I understand from my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade that he is unable to say how many ships are at present actually at sea without wireless operators or without the full number required by the rules. Since 26th November last, 1,258 British ships have sailed from the United Kingdom ports without wireless operators. Figures as to the number of ships whose wireless complement is incomplete are not at present available. As regards the last part of this question and the question of my Noble Friend the Member for Southampton (Lord Apsley) I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Members for Islington (Mr. Montague) and Edgehill (Mr. Hayes).

This question was really put in the hope that there would be something to report of progress made. Can the hon. Gentleman say anything about the negotiations that are pending, and if the parties have yet been called together, as was mentioned yesterday in the answer?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman will remember, I said yesterday that a communication was addressed yesterday to the employers which contained a copy of certain alternative proposals made by the Federation. We have not yet got a reply, but we are expecting one at a very early date, possibly either to-night or to-morrow, and after that we hope to arrange a joint conference. I am afraid I cannot carry the matter any further at this moment.

Should the Government decide to grant an inquiry in this matter, will they take into consideration the rather important question of requiring weather reports from all ships sailing under the British flag?

That does not arise out of these questions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the wireless operators' trade dispute is interfering with the proper observance of the rules and regulations laid down under the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919; and, if so, what steps does he propose taking to bring the dispute to an end?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Members for Islington (Mr. Montagu) and Moss Side (Mr. Hurst).

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of calls for help picked up by British and foreign ships, respectively, during the period of stormy weather in the month of January last?

I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British schooner "Spencer Lake" was reported abandoned during last month; and whether the vessel was equipped with wireless apparatus and competent operators on board?

The British schooner "Spencer Lake," 148 tons register, was registered in Newfoundland, and did not come within the operation of the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919. I am not aware whether she carried wireless apparatus and operators.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the steamships "Antinoe" and "Laristan," reported in distress with loss of life about the 26th and 27th January last, were equipped with wireless apparatus; and whether competent operators were on board?

The steamships "Antinoe" and "Laristan" were equipped with wireless telegraphy apparatus, and carried fully-qualified operators.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, failing a speedy settlement of the marine wireless dispute, he proposes to waive the Regulations under the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, indefinitely, or whether he will fix a time limit in order that the Act shall not be rendered abortive?

I cannot undertake to answer the hypothetical question which the hon. Member puts to me, and I sincerely hope that a settlement will be reached.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many special permits or clearances have been given to ships enabling them to proceed to sea without fully complying with the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, since 26th November last; how many of these were passenger ships; and the total number of lives, passengers and crews involved?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many special permits or clearances have been given to ships enabling them to proceed to sea without fully complying with the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, since 25th November last; how many of these were passenger ships; and the total number of lives, passengers and crews, involved?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many British ships have sailed from British ports during the last three months without complying with the Act of 1919 as regards the carrying of certificated wireless operators; and if it is intended to introduce legislation to indemnify the owners and masters from the consequences of their action?

The number of British ships which have sailed from United Kingdom ports without wireless operators from the 26th November to the 6th February is 1,258, of which 87 are passenger ships. I am unable to give the total number passengers and crews on board these ships. It is not proposed to introduce legislation to indemnify the owners and masters of the ships in question.

Is it not a fact that the Act of Parliament imposes penalties on master and owner if a ship sails without having complied with the Act?

I do not think I am called upon to express a legal opinion on the construction of the Act.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state under what. Section of the Act the Regulations are now being waived?

If the legal action of the Government is to be challenged, that must be done in the courts of law, which alone can pronounce an authoritative decision on the question of law.

Has the right hon. Gentleman now power to dispense with the requirement that ships should sail with wireless operators on board?

That is asking the same question in another form.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any shipowners, or their representatives, were informed prior to 26th November, 1925, that in the event of a dispute with wireless operators arising proceedings would not be taken against the shipowners for non-compliance with the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1019?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he was approached by the shipowners to give such information?

No, certainly not. I have received no representation from the shipowners prior to this dispute, and I should certainly not give them that information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the circumstances in connection with the sinking of the s.s. "Laristan" in mid-Atlantic; how many lives were involved and how many lost; whether the "Laristan" carried a full complement of wireless operators; whether any British ships were in the vicinity, and what was the distance from the "Laristan" of each ship; whether each ship carried wireless operators, and how many picked up the "Laristan's" distress call; whether any failed to pick up the distress call and, if so, what was the reason; and whether he will take immediate steps to institute a public inquiry into the loss of the "Laristan"?

My attention has been drawn to the circumstances of the sinking of the steamship "Laristan" in the Atlantic. Six members of the crew of 30 were saved. The ship carried one certificated wireless operator as required by the Wireless Telegraphy Rules. Particulars of the British ships in the neighbourhood at the time cannot at present be given. A formal inquiry into the loss of the vessel is being ordered, at which all relevant circumstances will be investigated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that passengers leaving Southampton for Guernsey on 23rd December by the cross-Channel service were not warned that the vessel did not carry a wireless operator; and whether he will take disciplinary action?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a passenger leaving Guernsey for Southampton on 27th January by the cross-Channel service was not warned that the vessel did not carry a, wireless operator; and whether he will take disciplinary action?

Inquiry has been made into this matter. The Board have impressed upon owners the necessity of warning passengers when no wireless operator is carried, and every effort is made by the Southern Railway to do this. It is, however, very difficult to ensure in the case of these cross-Channel trips that every passenger is warned, as the steamer is at sea within half-an-hour of the arrival of the train alongside.

also asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the Press reports on 1st February regarding the sinking of the Dutch vessel "Alkaid" off Newfoundland; will he make inquiries whether any British ships were in the vicinity; whether they picked up her distress call; and, if not, why not?

My attention has been called to the reports concerning the sinking of the Dutch steamship "Alkaid" off Newfoundland on 1st February. The crew were rescued by the German steamship "Westphalia." Information is not available as to the British ships in the neighbourhood at the time, and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by instituting special inquiries now.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the distress in mid-Atlantic of the British steamer "Errington Court"; if not, will he make inquiries; whether the "Errington Court" fully complied with the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919; if not, in what respect did she not; whether the Board of Trade granted an exemption; what was the nature of the exemption; whether any British ships were in the vicinity of the "Errington Court"; what distance each ship was from her; whether any British ship picked up her distress call; if not, will he explain why; and what was the distance between the "Errington Court" and the Norwegian steamer "Hada," at the time?

The steamship "Errington Court" sailed without a wireless operator. My attention has been called to the message sent on her behalf by the Norwegian steamship "Hada" on 28th January, to the effect that the steering gear was out of order and was being temporarily repaired. No further information has been received. It is not known whether any other British ships were in the vicinity of the "Errington Court," nor is any information available as to the distance between the "Erring-ton Court" and the Norwegian ship "Hada" at the time when messages were exchanged between the two ships. As, however, the message was presumably sent by flags or morse lamp signals the vessels must have been fairly close. The message in question cannot be properly described as a distress call, as had the "Errington Court" been in need of assistance, she would, presumably, have asked the other vessel to stand by or send help.

Is it not worth while making inquiries as to whether British ships were in the vicinity when distress calls were sent out?

I really do not see what value that would he, nor do I see how the inquiry could be conducted. A wireless call may be received by a very large number of ships. It would be quite impossible to plot out on a chart, by deductive evidence, where particular ships were at any particular time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question which asks whether the Board of Trade granted an exemption?

I think I have answered that. There is no dispute about this. As announced last Session, the Government decided, following the precedent of previous Governments, that where a vessel could not comply with the Regulations owing to a strike, the vessel would not be detained.

What authority has the President to grant exemption? Would not that be a gross violation of the Statute of 1919?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the widespread anxiety there is among the public as to the lack of wireless operators; and does he not think that the Government should safeguard the lives of the people?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the British steamer "Petworth" was recently disabled in the Bay of Biscay; whether the Board of Trade permitted her to leave Liverpool for Tenerife without a wireless operator; whether he is aware that her wireless installation had to be worked by an incompetent deck officer; whether this officer was able to make the proper signals; what was the nature of the exemption given with respect to wireless; and under what Statute was that exemption given?

Reports have been received that the British steamer "Petworth" was disabled with engine trouble on the 29th January. Distress messages were sent out, and on the morning of 30th January the steamship "Ariosto" was standing by. Later the services of a tug were obtained, and the "Petworth" was towed into Falmouth, where she arrived on 3rd February. The vessel had sailed from Liverpool on the 24th January without a certificated operator. From information which I have received from the General Post Office, it would appear that the ship's transmission was not good, and she could not receive messages or answer inquiries. Assistance, however, was, in fact, obtained in response to her Wrieless calls. No formal certificate of exemption is given in these cases, but when the sole cause of a vessel being without an operator is the refusal of operators to sail owing to the strike, the vessel is not detained.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, namely what was the nature of the exemption, and under what Statute was the exemption given?

I have answered that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any reports regarding the distress of the Norwegian steamer "Johanne Dybwad," in latitude 45 50 N., longitude 37 20 W.; if not, will he make inquiries; whether any British ships were in the vicinity; whether any of them picked up her distress call; and, if not, will he explain why?

My attention has been called to the case of the loss of the Norwegian steamship "Johanne Dybwad," on 2nd February. The crew were rescued by the Belgian steamship "Arminco." The British steamship "Gloxinia" appears to have received messages in connection with this case, but I have no information as to whether any other British ships were in the vicinity.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the permission of the Board of Trade for ships to sail without wireless operators is to continue indefinitely?

No one can desire the indefinite continuance of the present position, but it would be better not to attempt to make any statements as to future action while negotiations are proceeding.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the distress call alleged to have been sent out by the steamship "Olympic," and whether he will inform the House of all the particulars in his possession?

I have seen the reports in the press as to a distress call stated to have been sent out by the steamship "Olympic." It appears to have been reported by an American amateur station. I have no information as to the origin of the call, but it was not sent out by the British ship of that name.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give full details of the wreck of the British steamer "Antinoe"; whether any British ships were in the vicinity of the "Antinoe" at the time she sent out the distress call; if so, what distance was each ship from the "Antinoe"; whether any of them picked up the "Antinoe's" distress call and, if not, what was the reason; whether he will state the distance between the American liner "President Roosevelt" and the "Antinoe" at that time; the number of persons aboard the "Antinoe"; and whether the Board of Trade will order an inquiry into the loss of this ship?

A formal investigation will be held into the loss of the steamship "Antinoe," and all relevant circumstances will be inquired into.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications had been received up to the last day of January for an inquiry under the scheme for the safeguarding of industries; and the number of applications that have been refused?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for inquiries have been received under the Safeguarding of Industries Act; how many Committees have been set up; and how many have reported?

The number of definite applications made under the Safeguarding of Industries procedure up to date is 34. Of these, 13 have been rejected, as not disclosing a prima facie case, without reference to a Committee of Enquiry. Nine committees have been appointed to consider 11 applications; and reports have been received and published in respect of nine of such applications. One application has been withdrawn. The others are either still under consideration or in abeyance. As I have previously stated in this House, I think it is expedient to follow the practice under the original Safeguarding of Industries Act that information should not be given about any particular application unless and until it is referred to a Committee.

In the case of those applications rejected, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to give a reason as to why they have been rejected?

I will give the general reason that they did not comply with the terms of the scheme.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some cases it is impossible for the people to obtain the information required by the Board of Trade?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by the expression "in abeyance," used in his answer?

Either that the application is waiting or has been temporarily withdrawn pending the obtaining of further information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has refused a good many applications on the ground that they are not substantial industries, and will he define what is a substantial industry?

No, I do not think that would be convenient. I think a substantial industry is one which most of us can recognise when we see it, but I think it would be very unwise, and not to the interests of any industry, that a very hard and fast line should be drawn.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the promised Measures for the safeguarding of wrapping paper will be introduced?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Members for Macclesfield (Mr. Remer) and Altrincham (Mr. Atkinson), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give a list of the companies, distinguishing them by industries, which have created bonus shares since 1916?

Whenever a company limited by shares makes any allotment of its shares the company must within one, month file with the Registrar of Companies a return of the allotments, but a company is not required to indicate what shares have been issued as bonus shares. In these Circumstances it is not possible to supply the information asked for.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the countries which prohibit either by tariffs or in practice the importation of specific articles; and in each case what these articles are?

I will arrange to have circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible a statement giving the desired information, so far as it is available. The preparation of the statement will, however, take some little time.

asked the President of the Beard of Trade what increases have been made in foreign countries in general textile duties during the last year, indicating the amount in each case?

To answer this question exhaustively would involve a very large amount of labour, and I propose, therefore, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, to have circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, as soon as may be possible, a statement summarising the desired information in regard to the more important countries. In the first place, however, I should be glad if he would let me have an indication of the classes of textiles and the countries which it is desired should be included.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the settlement of the dispute between the American and British interests in the meat trade; and if he can make a statement as to the effect such settlement will have on the consumer?

I have been informed that a settlement has not been reached. The second part of the question, accordingly, does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he intends to introduce legislation this Session revising the Weights and Measures Acts?

The Weights and Measures (Amendment) Bill, which was introduced last Session, but with which it was not possible to proceed, will, I hope, be introduced shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantities in bales of cotton exported from America from 1st August to 31st January in the years 1913–14, 1919–20, and 1925–26, to Great Britain, the Continent, and the Far East, respectively?

asked the President of the. Board of Trade whether, with regard to the assistance which is about to be

As the answer involves a table of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As the answer involves a table of figures, I propose, with my hon. Friend's concurrence, to have it circulated with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the further guarantee to Jamaica Sugar Estates reported to Parliament in House of Commons Paper No. 174 of 1925 in respect of a loan of £20,000 for the purchase of machinery for a rum distilling factory. The answer to both parts of his question is in the negative. The conditions attached to the grant of a guarantee are the normal ones, namely, that plant, machinery and materials are to be purchased in this country and shipment made in British ships.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not consider that it would be advisable to guarantee only the capital, and not the dividends?

That is a question relating to the guarantee of the loans.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and designation of factories which have been established by foreign firms in this country within the last 12 months or are in process of being established?

I regret that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received representations from the Bradford and other chambers of commerce with regard to the urgent necessity for a new Bankruptcy Act; and whether he will be able to introduce such a Measure at an early date?

I hope that a Bankruptcy Amendment Bill may be introduced shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a considerable and increasing volume of trade is taking place between Russia and Germany which is doing much to restore the national economy of Germany; that Russia, is obtaining large credits from Germany for 12 months and longer which is facilitating trade relationships between the countries; and whether, in view of trade depression in this country and the effects of competition of this character, he will take steps to bring about better trading relationships between this country and Russia?

I am aware that there hits been some increase in the trade between Russia and Germany. But the amount appears to be only a small fraction of German trade, German exports to Russia during the first nine months of last year varying from 2 per cent. to 3 per cent. of total German exports. I am also aware that some credits have been given, though I do not know the amount. With reference to the last part of the question, I think that all the trade that is possible under present conditions can be done under the Trade Agreement, and the volume of that trade must necessarily depend on the extent to which Russia establishes conditions which inspire confidence in traders.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider very seriously the propriety of extending the export credit scheme to Russia so far as cured herrings are concerned?

I am afraid that even in the interest of the principal export commodity of my hon. Friend's constituency, it would be undesirable to upset the general and considered policy of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is prepared to consider a settlement of the debt owing to this country by Russia on the basis of that country's capacity to pay?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him of the 4th February.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers who have been transferred from Cologne to Wiesbaden are being temporarily accommodated at a hotel; and whether there is any grant or allowance made to cover the extra cost to which these officers are put?

A certain number of officers are accommodated in hotels at Wiesbaden until quarters are available for them. The General Officer Commanding has been authorised to issue allowances towards the extra cost to which these officers are put.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of the desirability of upholding the prestige of the Army of Occupation, British officers were transferred from Cologne to Wiesbaden in second-class railway carriages?

The only first-class carriages in Germany are bogie corridor stock which, for purely technical reasons, could not be attached to the troop trains, and it was necessary to use second-class carriages instead.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the large cuts in contemplation in the various departments of the Army, he will simultaneously issue instructions to all commanding officers to exercise economy within their own jurisdiction, and particularly in the direction of mess bills and subscriptions to various objects, which fall particularly heavily on young officers?

The duty of a commanding officer to ensure economy in his unit, and to protect his officers against unnecessary expense, is already prescribed in King's Regulations; I would refer in particular to paragraphs 83, 1451 and 1476. I have no reason to think that commanding officers fail to carry out their duty in this respect.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why this Regulation is so very ineffective?

I do not think it is ineffective.

Oh, but it is!

asked the Secretary of State for War why an amendment to the Pay Warrant of 1922 was authorised in Army Order 420 of 1925 increasing the pay of inspectors, Royal Army Service Corps and Army Ordnance Services, from £3 4s. 6d. to £3 7s. 3d. per day?

This is a minor adjustment to put the pay of these officers into proper relation to the pay of officers of lower rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state when the obsolete Peerless armoured car, still on the establishment of Yeomanry armoured car units, will be replaced by a type of British manufacture and modern design?

I regret that I cannot yet say.

Can the Secretary for War state when he will be in a position to reply?

No, I am afraid I cannot say. It depends on money.

asked the Secretary of State for War the dates when definite sanction was given to the cadets for their grants for the year 1925; if there has been any subsequent withdrawal; and, if so, upon what date?

It was announced in the Press on the 14th August last, that financial assistance not exceeding £15,000 a year would be given to the Territorial Cadet Force, but that the conditions governing the grants had not yet been -determined. The decision to hold back the grants was communicated to the Central Council of Territorial Associations in December. By that time, owing to the demand for drastic reductions of expenditure, it had become uncertain whether Army funds could continue to afford assistance to Cadets, and it would have been illogical and confusing to restart the grants only to discontinue them again in the following year. I am convinced of the value of the Cadet Force to the Territorial Army, and it was with the greatest reluctance that I took the step of holding back the grant. I am glad to be able to say that I have; now been able to arrange for the grants to be paid in the current year, and to be included in the Estimates for 1926–7.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling in the country against the militarisation of the schools of this country in this fashion?

No, Sir, I am not aware that there is any feeling against the cadets.

asked the Secretary of State for War if there are any pharmacists employed at Netley hospital; and, if not, if he will see that the hospital is supplied with an adequate staff of fully qualified men to undertake the dispensing?

There are no pharmacists at Netley hospital, but there is a staff of non-commissioned officers and men fully qualified to undertake the dispensing.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Germans are at present undergoing sentences of imprisonment given by British courtsmartial during the period of our occupation of Cologne; for what offences they are imprisoned; where they are imprisoned; and how their position is affected by the evacuation which has just taken place?

At the time of the evacuation of Cologne, 23 Germans were undergoing sentences imposed by British Summary and Military Courts for a variety of offences ranging from murder to possession of arms. Nine have been transferred in custody to Wiesbaden, where they will continue to serve their sentences; their position has not been otherwise affected by the withdrawal from Cologne. The remaining 14 were handed over to the German authorities for disposal. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the exact Offences for which they were sentenced.

asked the Secretary of State for War what number of British troops were in the occupied area in the six months prior to the evacuation of Cologne; how many have now been withdrawn to this country; and how many have remained in the occupied area and where are they stationed?

The average number of troops serving in the British Army of the Rhine during the six months ended 31st December last was approximately 9,000. The number withdrawn to this country was about 1,000. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing where the remaining 8,000 are stationed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as a result of the special efforts being made to find suitable employment for the temporary officers of the Corps of Military Accountants, he will state the number of officers for whom suitable employment has been found by the War Office, and the number still unemployed?

As a result of War Office action, two of the temporary officers of the Corps of Military Accountants have been found employment, and in three other cases negotiations are still pending; four others are known to have found employment independently. The War Office have no information as to employment having been found by the remaining seven.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in abolishing the Corps of Military Accountants non-commissioned officers of long service are being discharged with one week's pay for each year's service; whether his attention has been called to one specific case where the man's extension of Service to 21 years had been approved though he is now being dismissed; and whether he will consider either allowing him to transfer to some other corps or giving him a pro rate pension for his completed service?

I regret that it has been necessary to discharge a number of men who had re-engaged to complete 21 years but had not completed 14 years' service, the minimum for which pension is payable. A gratuity has been awarded to these men proportionate to their unexpired service; it is not possible to give a pension. If the hon. and gallant Member will send me particulars of the case in question, I will see whether transfer to another arm is possible, but I cannot hold out much hope as this question has already received consideration.

Are the posters that appear upon the walls asking men to join the Army to be taken as scraps of paper?

asked the Secretary of State for War if experiments in connection with the efficiency of various poison gases are still being carried out by his Department?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his Department has any evidence of Fascist propaganda amongst troops at Aldershot or other military centres?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will hold up the decision to displace civilians by the introduction of military at the heavy repair shop, Feltham?

No, Sir. The heavy repair shop is a military unit of the Royal Army Service Corps, which, in the ordinary course, must be partly manned by soldiers. Only civilians have been employed there hitherto because the requisite proportion of soldiers has not been available. Notice of the proposed change was given to the War Department Industrial Council on 25th April, 1925, but action has already been suspended for nine months, during which discussions on that Whitley Council have taken place with a view to minimising hardships consequent on discharges. These discussions have proved abortive, and in the interests of the State action can no longer be delayed.

May I ask why this matter is being forced by the War Department without giving the War Department Industrial Council an opportunity of dealing with the matter Why is this departure being made by the Government when previous Governments have decided against this policy?

With regard to the last part of the question I have no knowledge of any decision having been taken contrary to the action now contemplated. With regard to the first part of the question, as to why it has not been put before the Industrial Council, the hon. Member himself has taken part in the discussions to which I have referred, and he knows the question has been discussed for nine months. At the present time the War Department Industrial Council does not function because an important branch of one of the trade unions concerned refuses to attend the meetings of the Council.

In view of this matter having been before the War Department Industrial Council, and seeing that a meeting of that body is now in progress, why is the War Office imposing its decision without giving that body, with all its difficulties, an opportunity of discussing the matter.

The hon. Member is mistaken about the meeting taking place. There was to have been a meeting last week, but it had to be postponed owing to the refusal of one of the trade unions concerned to take any part in it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the clerical complements for the Hilsea Ordnance Depot have yet been filled; and, if so, at what date it is anticipated the civilian clerks concerned will be assimilated to their new grades under the clerical reorganisation scheme for the War Office out-stations?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to announce the civilian clerical complements for Army Ordnance Services, having in view the fact that the Financial Secretary to the War Office stated in the House of Commons on 2nd December, 1925, that the work was then proceeding as rapidly as possible?

Complements for the Office of the Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (Provision) have been authorised. Those for the office of the Chief Inspector of Stores and Clothing will be authorised within a few days; those for the Central Ordnance Depots and the Command Depots, including Hilsea, will be ready shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that serving:soldiers are not at present eligible on discharge for employment in record, pay, and other offices controlled by the War Office, and that at any time they are not eligible for clerkships of Grades I, II and III; that these better-paid appointments have been earmarked as a new field of employment for the Civil Service, and that in future ex-service men can at best only be employed in the lowest grade without any hope of advancement; and wild he, in the interests of the soldier and recruiting, take steps to see that the clerical posts of all grades in these military offices, which have always been manned by ex-service men in the past, are reserved for the fighting services as heretofore?

I am making inquiries. I have no intention of reducing the number of appointments open to serving soldiers on their discharge.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the approximate value of clothes and stores, separately, that were in hand at the date of the last stocktaking; and what was the date of such stocktaking?

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend in reply to his question on the 22nd December last, I am considering the whole question of an annual valuation of Army stocks, but I am not at present in a position to give these figures. As regards the last part of the question, stocktaking by the Ordnance Department is a continuous process, the whole of the items being verified over a period of three years. Stocks of clothing and stores in the hands of units are verified annually on the 31st March.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say when he will be in a position to give me a reply to the first part of the question? I should like to know when I may put it down again.

The valuation is under consideration now. If my hon. and gallant Friend will put the question down in a fortnight s time, I hope I may then be able to give him a reply.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Sir H. Lawrence's committee in their Report dealing with Army accountancy expressed the view that the control of Army expenditure by regulation based on maximum allowances for all normal conditions was necessarily wasteful; that nevertheless, arising out of the disbandment of the Corps of Accountants, this system has again come into being; and whether there is reliable evidence to show that the saving that will be effected by the staff reduction that has taken place will counterbalance the wastage of expenditure which occurred in the years preceding 1919 under the methods of accountancy that have been revived?

My hon. and gallant Friend is correct in his statement of the views of the Lawrence Committee, but is under a misapprehension as to the effect of the recent decision regarding cost accounting. Cost accounts are to be continued for all establishments in which there is reason to consider that they are of proved use for financial control. The saving to be effected in staff reduction is a real one. I hope to deal more fully with this subject in introducing Army Estimates.

asked the Prime Minister if he can give an assurance that under no circumstances will the coal subsidy be continued after May?

Until the Royal Commission's Report has been received and considered my right hon. Friend is not in a position to make any statement as to the future of the coal industry.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information when the Coal Commission will issue their Report?

No, Sir. I have none. I do not know whether my right hon. Friend has.

May we take it that any statement to the contrary by a Minister of the Government is without authority?

I cannot believe that any of my colleagues could, even in a moment of forgetfulness, make a statement that would contradict what I have said on the authority of the Prime Minister.

Would the right hon. Gentleman look into some of the incapable utterances of his colleagues?

I have a good deal to do!

In spite of the pre-occupations of the Foreign Minister, may I invite him to look into a statement recently made by the Home Secretary that "under no circumstances will the subsidy be continued after May"?

May I, Mr. Speaker, answer that last observation? I invite the hon. and gallant Gentleman to quote my speech accurately.

That is impossible.

The word, I think, used by the Minister was "unthinkable."

To please the hon. and gallant Gentleman I will send him a verbatim report of my speech.

Even a verbatim report would not be accurate.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many mines have been opened or reopened, and how many closed and not reopened, since the granting of the coal subsidy, indicating in each instance the number of men affected?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any coal-pits which were closed before the date when the subvention to the coal mining industry was granted last year have since been reopened; and what pits, if any, open at that date have since been closed?

Since 1st August, 1925, 126 mines, normally employing 18,046 wage-earners, have been closed and not reopened, while 131 mines, at present employing 39,148 wage-earners, have been reopened, and 42 new mines, at present employing 880 wage-earners, have been opened.