asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will make inquiries into the case of ex-driver Harold G. Wether, No. T/3,025,671, of Slaithwaite, late of Matlock, to whom a considerable amount is due in respect of pension for his wife and child; whether he is aware that this man was married on 11th November, 1916, the day after being discharged from hospital and classed as Al: that, prior to his discharge from the Army in September, 1917, he again contracted illness and was discharged with a pension for himself and wife and, subsequently, a child, the pension for his wife and child having since been discontinued; and whether he will take steps to have the pension restored and the arrears paid?

As marriage took place after the man S removal from duty for the disability for which he is in receipt of pension, the wife is not eligible for allowance under the terms of the Royal Warrant. The question of the child's allowance is under consideration and I will communicate with my hon. Friend on this point as soon as possible.

Is it not the fact that it was before the actual removal from duty that this second disability was incurred?

No, I think not.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into that point: that is my information?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the case of ex-Private James William Bacon, No. T/419190, Army Service Corps, who was discharged from the Army with disability attributable to military service, which has now been altered to aggravated by military service; whether he is aware that, prior to Bacon joining the Army, he was a strong healthy man; that he is now totally incapacitated; and that his pension is now only 50 per cent.; and whether he will take such steps as will restore this man to full pension, especially as his medical advisers certify him as totally unable to follow any employment whatever?

The Ministry has at no time regarded the disability as other than aggravated by service, although, unfortunately, the basis of entitlement was first incorrectly notified to the man as attributable. He has, of course, a right of appeal to the tribunal on that question and has been so informed. He is at present receiving full treatment allowances in lieu of pension and no occasion arises, therefore, to review his award of pension so long as treatment with allowances continues.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has yet come to any decision in the case of Mrs. Wood, widow of the late Private William F. Wood, No. 27621, who died one day after the expiration of the seven years' limit under Article 11 of the Royal Warrant, and whose case has been under consideration since the beginning of April last?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that, having regard to the quite special circumstances of the case referred to, it has been found possible to make an award of pension provisionally at the rate of 20s. a week in place of the existing award of 13s. 9d.

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. Will he also be able to see when he is considering this question, that of the extension of time generally?

That has been considered, as well as this individual case.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of his Department in W case, No. 10646, Royal Engineers, in which a pension was refused to a widow and three children on the ground that the death of the husband was mainly due to alcoholic excess; whether he is aware that the medical officer who conducted the post-mortem examination attributed death to dilatation of the heart, probably due to acute alcoholism, and arteriosclerosis; and why the Ministry of Pensions has in this case departed from its usual rule of giving applicants for pension the benefit of the doubt?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, I have gone into this case very fully and sympathetically, but I could find no reasonable doubt that the cause of death had no connection with military service. The case has been heard by the Appeal Tribunal, who confirmed, and thus made final, the decision of the Ministry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the specific question put down on the Paper namely, why did the probability become a certainty when it was put before the tribunal?

It was because of the probability that the case went to the Appeal Tribunal, which is an independent tribunal outside the Ministry altogether, and they gave the decision to which I have referred.

If the doctor said it was a probability, does not that imply that there was a doubt, and why did the Ministry give the doubt against the widow and children?

They gave their decision knowing full well that the case would be re-heard before this independent tribunal.

Are we to understand that the Ministry of Pensions modified their decision because there was an Appeal Tribunal behind them?

Not at all.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can state, in the ease of ex-Private J. Penny, 35, Spring-wood Yard, Ramsbottom, who is suffering from valvular disease of the heart, due to service in the Army, which prevents him from working, why his pension has been reduced from £2 per week to 16s. per week; and, seeing that as this man has himself, a wife, and two children to keep it means either actual starvation or going to the Poor Law Guardians for additional help, will he have inquiries made?

The award of pension at the rate of 16s. a week is in accordance with the degree of disablement assessed by the Medical Board which examined this man last month. If he is dissatisfied with this assessment he has a right of appeal to a Medical Appeal Board.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this question was put down the man has had a further hear- ing, and has now had his pension reduced to 30 per cent., or 12s. 6d.? In view of the fact that the man cannot work, is not that a reason for further inquiry into the case?

I am most anxious and willing to make any further inquiries suggested by my hon. Friend. I did not know that he had been reexamined since the question was put down. I will look into the matter again.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether he is aware that an ex-soldier named Laurence Connolly, of 38, Church Street, Hamilton, was examined by a medical referee on 19th November, 1921, who recommended home treatment; that on 8th December, 1921, he was again examined at the cardiac clinic, Glasgow, and was then stated to be fit for work; that a still further examination was made into the condition of this man on 16th January, 1922, by the cardiac specialist, who decided he was unfit for work and recommended in-patient treatment; and that during the whole of the period between 19th November, 1921 and 16th January. 1922, Mr. Connolly was unfit for work and no treatment allowance was granted: that, if so, will he state the reason why treatment allowance was withheld;

(2) whether he is aware that an ex soldier named John E. Kelly, of 196, Glasgow Road, Burnbank, Hamilton, has been refused treatment allowance on the ground that his disability is such that he would not be unable to work at a remunerative occupation; that the disability from which Mr. Kelly suffers affects; his eyesight, and that he has to use special glasses; that it is practically impossible for a man in Mr. Kelly's condition to obtain employment as a miner, which is the occupation to which he belongs: will he state what kind of remunerative occupation he is fit for in the opinion of the doctor who examined him; and whether any, or what, steps will be taken by the Pensions Department to assist Mr. Kelly in finding such occupation?

My hon. Friend appcars to be under some misapprehension as regards the conditions govern- ing the grant of treatment allowances. These allowances are not granted because the man may be physically unable to work, but only if, in consequence of a course of treatment approved by the Ministry, he is rendered unable to provide for his own support and that of his family. Neither fitness nor unfitness for work is itself a criterion, and any such expression of opinion by a medical officer in this connection is therefore irrelevant, and, indeed, contrary to official instructions. In the short time available I have not been able to get a full report on the individual cases, but I hope to be in a position to write to my hon. Friend about them in a few days.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think his reply covers both questions, 8 and 9?

I think so.

Pursuing the question further, does not the right hon. Gentleman think a man's occupation ought to be judged by the occupation he was following? A tribunal can say a man is fit for work, but he may be unfit to follow a particular occupation.

The hon. Member is making a speech.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the meteorological information now sent out by the Air Ministry in Morse could be changed to telephony, in order that the information might be interpreted more easily by farmers and others equipped with receiving apparatus?

The telephonic transmission would be additional to, and not in place of, the present telegraphic transmission in Morse, which is necessary under international arrangements. The cost of such a duplicate service would involve a capital expenditure of £5,000 and an annual upkeep of about £1,500. The provision of such a service will be considered when funds are available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are such telephonic reports to-day sent out from Paris?

Yes, I am aware of that fact, but am not responsible for the way the French get their money.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the statement issued by the Rolls-Royce firm that unless more orders can be given to them for the construction of aircraft engines they will have to close down that branch of their business; whether he is aware that many other firms engaged in the manufacture of aircraft and air engines are in a similar position; whether the Air Ministry intend to do anything to prevent such a state of affairs; whether he has any information to show how long the aircraft industry as a whole can exist on the present basis in this country; and whether these matters are receiving, or will receive forthwith, the attention of the Committee of Imperial Defence?

My attention has been drawn to the statement mentioned by my Noble Friend, and I am sorry to say that there are a number of firms in the aircraft industry whose orders for aircraft are far below the production capacity of their works. Owing to the necessity for national economy, drastic reductions were effected this year in Air Estimates. Consequently, money is not at present available to permit of large orders for aircraft being placed by the Air Ministry. I cannot give any forecast of the kind asked for by the Noble Lord, but I appreciate the seriousness of the position in the industry and I can assure him that it is engaging the anxious consideration of the Air Council. As regards the last part of the question, the national capacity to pro duce an adequate supply of aircraft and engines in war time is an important aspect of the problem of national air defence, which is already under con sideration by the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a most serious position may shortly arise if this and many other firms in the country are compelled to close down or go out of business altogether, and are the Air Ministry prepared to look upon this and do nothing whatever to help these firms?

I can assure my Noble Friend that we do not regard this situation except with a feeling of grave alarm, and we have made it our duty to represent this strongly to the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what percentage of the total Vote for Air Services is expended upon the actual provision of machines, repairs, and personnel, respectively; how many pilots and observers are on the active list and actually operating to-day; and what is the total strength of other officers and men on the establishment of the Royal Air Force?

In regard to the first question, I assume that my Noble and gallant Friend desires some information which is not contained in the Air Estimates, but I am not clear what precisely it is. The main provision for Air Force pay will be found under Vote 1 of the Air Estimates, and the cost of the maintenance of Air personnel under Vote 2. The money expended upon the provision of aeroplanes and their equipment is shown under Votes 3 and 9. Provision for repairs is partly included under the latter Votes, but repairs; are also undertaken, to a large extent, by service personnel, and it would, therefore, be difficult to disentangle the cost of such repairs from the Personnel Votes. The answer to the second question is that, according to the latest returns available, there are 1,862 qualified pilots and 109 observers. As regards the last question, there are 958 non-flying officers. This figure is partly made up of ex-warrant officers and other specialist experts who came to the Royal Air Force during the War, and whom it has been necessary, for various reasons, to retain temporarily. This number, therefore, will in the future constantly decrease, and will be reduced by about 200 within the next few months. Thereafter it will decrease steadily until it shrinks to a total of 530, which consti- tutes the present establishment of the non-flying list. The number of other ranks is 25,887.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will take steps to see that in future air pageants of the Royal Air Force, such as that recently held at Hendon, bombing displays will not be carried out against imitation Arab villages or representations of any other townships particularly peculiar to our friendly races?

I fear my hon. Friend is misinformed regarding the architectural features of the village to which he refers. The desert stronghold at Hendon was not intended to represent an Arab village, being, in fact, designed in a style assignable to no particular country or age, and I therefore see no reason for taking any steps in the matter. A more correct view than that taken by my hon. Friend is expressed in a well-known weekly journal, where, in describing the village, it is observed that the internationalism of its architectural style suggested Bolshevism in the architect's profession.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to a statement by Lord Weir that a French squadron costs but a quarter of what it costs to maintain a British squadron; what are the causes which bring it about; and what steps he proposes to take?

I have seen the statement referred to, but I do not know on what basis Lord Weir's estimate was framed. In any case, I think that deductions from published figures of air expenditure in the two countries must be subjected to so many qualifications as to render the comparison illusory. I may point out, for example, that French personnel are provided by compulsory service and that British Air Estimates include expenditure of a kind which the French meet under Army and Navy Votes. The French Air Service is almost entirely concentrated at home, which enables a greater part of the training to be done with the unit than is the case with us. Further, owing to the French mechanic being conscripted, it is possible to give less training to skilled personnel than is necessary in the British Service, where we have to teach them their trade.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state who is conducting the inquiry into the recent murder of British subjects in Egypt; whether the British Government is taking part in this; and what is the present status of the British Government in relation to the Egyptian Government in such matters and general matters of administration?

The inquiry referred to is being conducted by the Egyptian Government, with such assistance from the British military authorities as may be properly afforded. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the correspondence published in the White Paper Egypt No. 1 (1922).

asked the Under- Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Mexican Government has formally ratified the agreement come to in New York recognising their external debt obligations; and, if so, whether he can give details and particulars of the proposals?

My latest information is that on 30th June the agreement was still under consideration by the Mexican Government. I have not yet heard of its ratification.

Has my hon. Friend taken any steps to ascertain what are the details of this particular proposal, as asked in the latter part of the question?

I stated yesterday that we would make inquiries. This is a private Committee and it is not amenable to the jurisdiction of the British Government.

No; but I want to ask the hon. Gentleman whether they have done so—whether they have made the inquiries?

I will look into that.

On a point of Order. There is a question on the Paper, Mr. Speaker, in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Barnard Castle (Mr. Swan), and it seems in danger of being passed over. May I ask your ruling as to what an hon. Member should do who puts down a question, and then finds he is detained in one of the Committees upstairs?

The hon. Member (Mr. Thorne) can put it for his hon. Friend when we come to the second round.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the serious internal situation in Germany, he will take steps to ensure a resumption of negotiations to provide that country with an international loan?

In view of the outcome of the recent meeting in Paris of the Committee of Bankers appointed by the Reparation Commission, I do not see what steps His Majesty's Government could usefully take at present in the sense desired by my hon. Friend.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the appalling condition of Germany now that the mark is at 2,000 to the £l, and, in view of the almost inevitable collapse, can the Government not do something now to get a loan?

Does my hon. Friend suggest that the loan should be provided for Germany? The Government would have to provide the money for the loan.

Assuming that Germany goes bankrupt, have the Government considered exactly what they are going to do?

I do not think that Germany is very solvent at the present time. The state of Germany is a constant source of anxiety to the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to introduce such legislation as may be necessary to permit peeresses in their own right to sit in the Upper House?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House gave to a question by the hon. Member for Louth on the 14th June last.

asked the Prime Minister what services are at present rendered to the State by the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; and when it is proposed that the appointment should cease?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on the 9th February last, in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Chesterfield, and to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Hull Central on 13th February last-Captain BENN; Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that; circumstances have somewhat altered since the 13th February? Are we to go on paying indefinitely for services which are of a dwindling value?

I am sorry to say that a good deal of the work has still to be done and it must be done by somebody.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the announcement made by the Colonial Secretary yesterday, in which he explained that he was responsible for most of the Irish affairs and was responsible for the staff of the Irish Office?

I said nothing of the sort. On the contrary, I said that it would be quite impossible for me to give general direction and supervision for which I am taking responsibility if I do not have the assistance of the Irish Office and its full staff.

Why is the Chief Secretary not now in his place?

I am responsible and I ought to have been in my place. I apologise to the House for not being present when the questions addressed to the Chief Secretary were called.

asked the Prime Minister what definite steps His Majesty's Government propose to take in order to safeguard our air position and to secure the adequate and equal consideration of the needs of all three Services?

A Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence has completed an inquiry into this question, and its report has been under examination by the full Committee. Before the Government take its final decision, I should be glad if a deputation of four Members of the Parliamentary Air Committee could attend a meeting of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and lay its views before that body.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that he has stated that His Majesty's Government would be prepared to permit Germany to enter into the League of Nations, any official notification of this decision has been made, or will be made, to the German Government?

No such notification has been made. For the rest, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply of the 26th June to a question by the Noble Lord the Member for Hitchin.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the desirability of pursuing a peace policy in the Near East, he will issue an invitation to a round-table conference to Mustafa Kemal Pasha and recognise King Con-stantine, who is a constitutional king?

In regard to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford on the 3rd instant. The attitude of His Majesty's Government towards King Constantine remains unchanged.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the failure of the Near Eastern policy of His Majesty's Government since the landing of Greek troops in Smyrna, he will reconsider this policy and make a fresh statement to the House?

I cannot accept the statement in the first part of the question. I am convinced that events will more and more justify the policy pursued by His Majesty's Government in this part of the world. I regret that I can add nothing to the reply which was given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Clackmannan and Eastern on the 21st June.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if negotiations are going on now for concluding peace with Turkey?

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the negotiations with France about Tangier, he will consider the advisability of buying out the French interest and charging the same on the other side of the balance sheet?

I fear that the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend is not a practicable method of dealing with the question of Tangier.

Is this not a question of financial interests, and are the French Government prepared to settle this question in conjunction with other international debts?

No. It is a very much bigger question.

Is there any truth in the report published in the Spanish papers that it is the intention of our Government to meet the French and the Spanish Premiers before the Conference takes place?

No, not before the Conference, but the Foreign Secretary will meet them at the Conference.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that under no circumstances will the interests of Tangier be surrendered?

I am sure that my Noble Friend will consider those interests.

asked the Prime Minister if the removal of the Government veto on the construction of the Channel Tunnel will form one of the subjects for discussion at the next meeting with Monsieur Poincare, having regard to the great importance attached to the question both in France and England, as well as in Italy and Belgium, and the effect it would have on the depressed trade of Western Europe?

I do not think that such discussion would be useful at present. The whole of the time at our disposal will be required for the discussion of other urgent questions.

May I ask if half an hour cannot be found for the discussion of a subject which is so entirely approved by the Chambers of Commerce both of France and England?

I am afraid that half an hour will not settle a question which has been under discussion for at least a generation, and upon which there is undoubtedly a sharp division of opinion, and even military opinion at the moment is hostile to it.

Has this subject been discussed recently by the Committee of Imperial Defence?

Not recently, I think.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the military service convention between this country and M. Tereschenko, purporting to act in the name of the Russian Government, was never ratified by the Russian Duma, he will say whether any British residents in Russia and Russian subjects in this country were called up for service under the convention; and whether any Russian subjects who declined to recognise M. Tereschenko's authority and did not join up for service are now being arrested, sentenced to terms of imprisonment, and deported by stipendary magistrates without any regard to length of residence or character borne in this country?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative. The Agreement did not require ratification. I have no information as to the last part of the question: no action is now being taken by the military authorities against Russians who did not join up for military service.

asked the PrimeMinister whether the Polish Government intends to hold elections to the Polish Diet in Eastern Galicia on 1st October; and whether, since, according to Article 91 of the Treaty of St. Germains, the Allied and Associated Powers alone are competent to dispose of the rights of Eastern Galicia, any representations have been made to the Polish Government in regard to their independent action?

On 21st February the Polish Diet adopted a motion to the effect that elections to the new Diet should be held not later than 1st October. A report is awaited as to the attitude of the Polish Government in regard to elections in Eastern Galicia, pending which I am unable to make any statement regarding the desirability or otherwise of making any representations in the sense suggested.

Did the Polish Government announce their intention of not holding the elections in Eastern Galicia to the Polish Diet, and if they do not, would this not be a violation of the Treaty of St. Germains?

We are awaiting a report on this question from the Polish Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the early meeting of German and Italian delegates to discuss the nature of the goods by which reparation in kind may be paid to Italy, he will explain exactly the powers given to separate countries to take such steps?

Under the Reparation Chapter of the Treaty of Versailles and the Annexes thereto Germany is bound to deliver reconstruction material, shipping, coal and dyestuffs to the Reparation Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty. Under Article 8 of the Schedule of Payments and Annex 4 to Part VIII of the Treaty of Versailles Germany is bound, subject to the prior approval of the Reparation Commission, to provide such material and labour as any of the Allied Powers may require towards the restoration of the devastated area of that Power or to enable any Allied Power to proceed with the restoration or development of its industrial or economic life. Any agreements between Germany on the one hand and an Allied Power entitled to reparation on the other hand for deliveries in kind under this article are, therefore, subject to the prior approval of the Reparation Commission, moreover, as regards the year 1922 any such agreements are conditioned by the fact that the maximum value of deliveries in kind to be demanded has been fixed at 950 million gold marks for France and 500 million gold marks for other Powers entitled to reparation and that under Article 3 of the Financial Agreement of 11th March, 1922, the method by which deliveries in kind may be made (including the proceeds of the Reparation (Recovery) Act) is laid down and that the Governments agreed to prohibit the re-export of deliveries in kind during 1922.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount of the Parliamentary grant-in-aid of the local police forces in 1914; and what is the amount this year?

I have been asked to reply. There was in 1914 no grant from moneys voted by Parliament in respect of the cost of the county and borough police forces, but certain sums from "assigned revenues" were, under Statute, applied towards the cost of the pay and clothing and the pensions of the county and borough police, the total sum so applied in respect of the financial year 1913–14 being approximately £1,775,000. In 1918, a supplementary grant from moneys voted by Parliament was instituted with the object of bringing the total subvention up to one-half the net cost of the police under all heads, and the amount payable in respect of this grant during the current financial year is estimated at £3,880,000, in addition to the statutory grants as in 1913–14.

Is it not a fact that in consequence of the extra police necessary on the roads for the regulation of motor traffic on point duty, the local authorities are now incurring greater expenditure on police than in 1914?

I cannot say without notice whether the strength of the police forces has increased since 1914, but certainly their work has increased.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the speed of motor vehicles traversing the space between Abingdon Street and Bridge Street; and whether, in view of the large number of pedestrians who cross the roadway to and from the Houses of Parliament, he will make an order limiting the speed of all such vehicles to six miles per hour?

There is no power to make an Order limiting the speed of all motor vehicles to six miles per hour. The traffic is well controlled at the place mentioned in the question, and I am advised that any special restriction as to speed at this spot is most undesirable. Though it would be impracticable strictly to enforce any such restriction, it would tend to traffic congestion.

As it is difficult to gear down to six miles an hour, would not an additional refuge be more effective?

Has the hon. Gentleman tried to cross at this point in the rushing traffic?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he has had laid before him, as a result of his Circular of 16th June, any new definite schemes for effective modern road reconstruction; if so, of what nature; and whether necessitous areas availing themselves of the assistance of the Road Fund are expected to limit themselves strictly to undertakings within their own boundaries or whether, with the approval of the Ministry, these can be executed outside?

A number of schemes have been submitted in response to the Circular, No. 156 (Roads), issued on 15th June, and it is expected that many more will be received by the middle of July, that being the date fixed in the Circular for submission of the schemes. The schemes already submitted are generally for the construction of new or the widening and improvement of existing roads. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether M. Szumskis, a Lithuanian of 22 years' residence in this country, was arrested on the 24th May, sentenced to a month's imprisonment with hard labour, and recommended for deportation for failing to notify the police of his change of address; and, whether, seeing that there is ample evidence that this man bears a highly respectable character both among business and other circles in this country, that he tried twice unsuccessfully to join the British forces in the War, and in view of the triviality of his offence, he will institute inquiries with a view to cancellation of the order for deportation?

The facts of this man's conviction and recommendation for deportation are as stated in the first part of the question. I understand that an appeal against the conviction is pending, and until the result of the appeal is known, I can express no opinion on the ease. No deportation order has yet been made.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the sentence of three months' hard labour imposed by the Llandaff (Glamorganshire) magistrate on Monday last upon Henry Clinton Roberts, aged 17, for being concerned in the theft of two magnetos from a garage: if he is aware that the case was rushed through without adequate time being allowed to procure defence for the lad; that the lad when charged immediately showed the police-where the goods were hidden, and that he had previously borne a good character; and whether, in view of its having been a first offence, he will exercise his authority to mitigate the severity of this sentence?

I am making inquiry into this case, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman possibly suspend the sentence and allow the boy out on bail?

I am sorry I have no power either to suspend the sentence or to allow the boy out on bail. But if the circumstances justify it, I can recommend His Majesty to reduce the sentence. I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for bringing the case to my attention.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the possibility where extradition from a country situated like Austria involves crossing one or more other States with the consequent extradition difficulties of arranging for the prisoner to be brought by aeroplane?

I am afraid that the difficulties involved by the plan proposed by the hon. and gallant Member would be more formidable than those which may arise when an extradition prisoner is taken through the territory of a third State in the ordinary course. There is no need to anticipate any serious difficulty arising in the present case, if the usual methods be followed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the precise nature of the status acquired by a man who, under Article 3 of the Draft Constitution of the Irish Free State, has became a citizen of the Irish Free State: what rights an Irish Free State citizen possesses and to what responsibilities is he subject as distinct from the rights and responsibilities of a British citizen; and whether there is anything in the Canadian Constitution by which a man can become a Canadian citizen as distinguished from a British citizen?

The draft Constitution does not purport to define the rights and obligations of citizens of the Irish Free State. What it does do is to confer certain specified rights within the Irish Free State on a class described as citizens of the Irish Free State and to prescribe the conditions upon which persons are entitled automatically to such citizenship on the coming into force of the Constitution. The rights in question are the right to vote at Parliamentary elections, the right to a seat in either House on taking the oath prescribed by the Treaty and the right to free elementary education. All persons who are domiciled in the Free State when the Constitution comes into force become entitled to these rights irrespective of whether they are British subjects or not, provided they satisfy one of the other conditions in Article 3 as regards birth, parentage, or seven years' previous domicile. It is quite true that there may be British subjects then in the Free State to whom the conditions will not apply, and who therefore will not enjoy these rights, but the same State affairs could exist under the Canadian or other Dominion Constitutions. As regards the last part of the question, the Canadian Legislature has power to define who are Canadian citizens for certain purposes, and has, in fact, done so for the purposes of the Canadian Immigration Acts.

Will it not create a good deal of difficulty for Irishmen coming over here who are only Irish citizens? What will be their position in this country? Will there be a consular representative to whom they can apply?

I do not think there will be any more difficulty than at present. There is now no inconvenience at all.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the small arms, artillery, and other munitions of war which have been supplied by His Majesty's Government to the Irish Provisional Government will be returned when hostilities have ceased?

As I stated in reply to questions addressed to me on 9th February last by the hon. and gallant Members for Melton and Bournemouth, arms, ammunition, transport and military and police stores generally have been and are being transferred to the Provisional Government subject to a valuation, and it will be for that Government therefore to say how much of these stores they desire eventually to purchase.

Is it a fact that aeroplanes have been supplied to the Provisional Government?

Yes, several have been supplied.

Against what enemy can they be employed, unless it be this country or Ulster?

They are to be used against the enemies of the Irish Free State, who are at present in many parts of Ireland, challenging by force of arms the authority of the lawfully constituted Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the late Sir Henry Wilson, when at the War Office, very strongly opposed the employment of aeroplanes even against rebels, on the ground that it would involve the making of war on women and children.

It is very difficult to embark on a controversial discussion with regard to the opinions of a late Member of this House, who lost his life under such tragic circumstances, and I do not think his opinions should be quoted at a time when they cannot be argued and discussed with the freedom that should attach to a Parliamentary Debate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information as to the casualties suffered in killed and wounded among Free State and rebel forces in Ireland since the commencement of the bombardment of the Four Courts?

I have no information in regard to these casualties beyond what has appeared in the Press.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to make a statement at the close of Questions on the real position in Ireland at the moment?

I have no special information to give the House to-day, beyond what is contained in the newspapers. I think the suppression of the revolt in Dublin is nearly complete, and I presume that the Provisional Government will now address themselves to the state of affairs in different parts of Ireland.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman receive communications from time to time as to what is taking place in Ireland at the present moment?

Yes, I do, but nothing like so frequently as the newspapers, and, on the whole, the information I have runs in no way counter to the general information supplied by the newspapers. At the present moment I have not any information that would add to the knowledge which the House has through the usual sources.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not arrange with the Provisional Government for a daily bulletin to be sent to him as to what is happening in Ireland?

No, Sir. I am not going to worry these men who are fighting under very difficult circumstances, and, under circumstances peculiarly painful to them, are endeavouring to restore order in their own country. I am not going to worry them for communications from hour to hour.

I did not suggest that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any financial support has been given by the British Government towards the upkeep of the Ulster specials; and, if so, whether, and to what extent, the British Government exercise control over this body?

In reply to the first part of the question, Parliament will be asked to vote a Grant in-Aid of the revenues of the Government of Northern Ireland, of which part is intended as a contribution to the cost of the Special Constabulary; in reply to the second part, no direct control is exercised; but we expect the Northern Government to give reasonable and proper consideration to our views, and this they are usually ready to do.

Is the money provided in the Estimates already, or shall we have a Supplementary Estimate for this?

A considerable sum of money has been taken in the Estimates, and has not yet been spent. If it be spent, and more be needed, a Supplementary Estimate will be presented.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the developments which have taken place in Ireland since the demobilisation of certain Ulster battalions was decided upon, and in view of the desirability of giving Ulstermen the fullest opportunity of enlisting in Ulster regiments, the proposal to abolish two battalions will be abandoned and the Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Irish Fusiliers left as they are at present, two-battalion regiments?

My right hon. Friend very much regrets that, although every consideration has been given to this matter, he is unable to alter the decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the height standard for recruits of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers has recently been raised to 5 feet 10 inches consequent on the ample numbers of men offering themselves as recruits; whether the recruiting for the Royal Irish Fusiliers is equally satisfactory; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of retaining the second battalions of each of these regiments?

The height standard for recruits enlisting into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers has recently been raised to 5 feet 10 inches, and recruiting for the Royal Irish Fusiliers has been closed. These steps have been taken so as to ensure that there will be no large surplus of men in these regiments when disbandment of the second battalions takes place.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total number of persons kidnapped by Free State forces since the Truce and the number kidnapped by Republican forces; and how many in each case are supposed to be alive and likely to be safely restored to liberty in the near future?

I have no means of ascertaining the number of persons kidnapped in Southern Ireland since the truce, which is now nearly a year ago. I am in communication with the Northern Government as to the number of persons taken from within their jurisdiction and believed still to be in illegal custody, and on this subject I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I shall give to his next question

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received from the Provisional Government replies to his inquiries as to the fate of the four loyalists captured by Free State troops at Pettigo about a month ago; and, if so, will he state the nature of such replies?

No, Sir. I am still in communication with the Provisional Government with a view to ascertaining the whereabouts of these men and securing their release; and, as the House is aware, operations are now taking place in the counties bordering on the territory of the Northern Government which, I hope, will result in clearing up many points which are at present doubtful; but while the Provisional Government are engaged, in this area and elsewhere, in suppressing an armed rebellion against their authority, I cannot ask them to give their undivided attention to individual eases of outrage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the compensation of loyalists in the South of Ireland, who have had their stock driven from their lands and have not been able to recover the same, and have had, in addition, been forced by threats to abandon their homes and taken refuge in England, has formed the subject of an agreement between the. Government of Great Britain and the heads of the Irish Provisional Government; and is he aware that these men have in the majority of cases no means of livelihood except that derived from farming?

No, Sir. As I stated in reply to a question addressed to me by the hon. and learned Member for York (Sir J. Butcher) on the 3rd instant, this matter will have to be considered between the two Governments, but the present moment is not opportune for that purpose.

What ought a man to do who is living exiled in this country, his land having been seized and his cattle stolen?

If the circumstances are so urgent, and his distress is so great that he has no means of carrying on for the period—I hope a short one—which will elapse before order is effectively restored, he should apply to the Committee presided over by the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare).

Has the right hon. Gentleman extended the powers of that Committee yet?

They—not so much the powers, but the functions and scope of the Committee—are in process of being extended.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the slow progress that is being made by Lord Shaw's Commission in dealing with the cases submitted to it, many of which are cases of old standing and require immediate attention; whether he is aware that in a recent instance, where the applicant for compensation inquired when his case would be heard and what was the procedure, he was informed by the secretary to the Commission, on 16th June, that it was impossible to inform him, even approximately, when his case would come on or to indicate the necessary procedure: and whether it is possible to take steps to accelerate the hearing of these cases?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the last part, the cases hitherto heard by the Commission have been selected by them with a view of settling large questions of principle the decisions on which will govern very numerous other cases, and it is to be hoped that as a result of these decisions and of the appointment of investigators and assessors in accordance with the Commission's terms of reference, the work of the Commission will be very greatly expedited. I am not aware of any additional means by which this end could be achieved.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the second Report of the Commission to examine into Awards for Malicious Injuries in Ireland is ready for presentation to the Government; if so, whether this second Report will be also available for Members of the House who are not Members of the Government: and will he say when the first Report was presented and when it was made avail- able for Members of this House and the general public of Great Britain and of Ireland?

The terms of reference to the Commission empower them to present interim Reports from time to time to the British Treasury and to the Ministry of Finance of the Provisional Government. The first of such Reports has already been received, and it is understood that the second will; shortly be forthcoming. No decision has yet been come to with regard to the publication of these interim Reports, Colonel NEWMAN: Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that it will not be published in the Press, but only to Members of the Government?

No, I said nothing of the sort. I said almost the direct contrary to that.

When shall we have this Report?

I said no decision has yet been reached whether the Report is to be published or not.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, owing to the approaching absence of the chairman of the Commission appointed to investigate the awards made under the Malicious Injuries (Ireland) Act, investigators are to be appointed to proceed with the work of the Commission, and to endeavour to bring the parties together in various parts of the country; if so, will he say how many of these investigators will be appointed, by whom will they be appointed; by whom they will be paid, and will they all be Irishmen; and whether, having regard to the fact that the work of the Commission is to re-hear judgments already given in British courts of law, be will say who are the parties that are now to be brought together by these investigators?

I am in communication with the Commission in this matter, and should, therefore, be obliged if the hon. and gallant Member would postpone his question to a later date.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to three pieces of anti-Indian legislation recently put for ward by the Natal Provincial Council; whether he is aware of the comments thereon in the Press; and whether he can do anything to prevent the enactment of this legislation?

I am aware that certain ordinances have been introduced into the Natal Provincial Council to which objection is taken by Indian organisations. It rests with the Government of the Union of South Africa to decide whether assent should be given to such ordinances if passed by the Provincial Council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these ordinances are being denounced in India, not by Indian newspapers, but by such English newspapers as the "Times of India" and many others?

I do not quite see what answer my hon. and gallant Friend expects me to give to that piece of information.

Did not I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that he regarded the opposition to this particular piece of legislation as coming from interested sources, instead of from people who naturally take the view of the English people?

However that may be, it rests with the Government of the Union of South Africa to decide what should be done.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman advise the Union Government?

I am certainly not going to allow the hon. and gallant Gentleman to lead me into a course involving strife and friction with the Government of the Union of South Africa,.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the grave dissatisfaction of the late employes of the Cornwall House luncheon club and the Cornwall House staff, the Treasury will consider the setting up of an independent Committee to investigate the working of the club in order to put it on a sound financial basis?

I understand that the question of the future arrangements to be made as regards the Cornwall House Luncheon Club is at present under consideration by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, who, in arriving at a decision on the matter, will no doubt-have regard to the views of the staff there employed.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether ho has obtained a new site for the National Mines Research station; and, if so, where is it?

No, Sir. Many inquiries have been made with a view to discovering the most suitable site for the experimental station. Negotiations are proceeding, but, as they are not yet completed, and the choice depends largely on cost, perhaps it would be wiser not to make any statement at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to make sale by net weight obligatory for any household commodities besides tea and bread?

The reply is in the negative. The legislation which has been introduced is confined to the two commodities whose sale by weight is already regulated by an Order of the Board of Trade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many aircraft carriers are now in commission and in reserve; how many ships are fitted for carrying aircraft; and whether enough machines, pilots, and observers are kept either on board or at their attached aerodromes to provide for the full establishment of aircraft laid down for these ships?

The ships in commission are "Argus" and "Pegasus"; the ships under construction or reconstruction are "Hermes," "Eagle" and "Furious";"Ark Royal" is in reserve. Seventeen battleships, four battle cruisers, and seven light cruisers are fitted with flying platforms. As regards the number of machines, I would refer my Noble and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 12th April to the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford (Rear-Admiral Sueter). The number of pilots and observers is adequate for the aircraft actually allocated to the Navy.

Is the answer to the second part of my question in the affirmative, or in the negative?

I referred my Noble and gallant Friend to an answer in which I said that the number we thought desirable had been reduced, from considerations of economy.

Are we to understand that the Navy has not got the number of machines that it really requires: and, further, are the Admiralty satisfied with the position? May I have an answer?

It was contained in the last answer.

On a point of Order. I asked the right hon. Gentleman whether the Admiralty are satisfied with the position. That was not contained in the answer.

I think it was.

asked the Minister of Health if he is collecting the opinions of organisations of property owners and of tenants on the future of rent restriction; and, if not, whether he will consider this course, in view of the guidance it may give his Department in reaching some solution of the problem?

As my right hon. Friend stated in the answer which he gave yesterday to the hon. Member for the Rushcliffe Division (Mr. Betterton), he hopes to be in a position shortly to make a statement on this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the London County Council have decided upon the introduction of 100 uncertificated and untrained persons as teachers in the elementary schools within their area; whether this decision has been suggested or recommended to the county council by his Department; whether the proceeding meets with his sanction or approval; whether any extension of the policy is contemplated: and, having regard to the imperative necessity for trained teachers to be in charge of children during the early period of school life, if he will take such steps as will ensure a reconsideration of the policy referred to, with a view to its being suspended or discontinued?

I understand that the proposal of the council relates only to classes in which the majority of children are under five years old. Perhaps, therefore. I may refer the hon. Member to the reply I made on the 13th March to the hon. and gallant Member for South-East Essex (Lieut-Colonel Hilder).

asked the Secretary of state for War if he is aware that the little ammunition supplied to the competitors of the present Bisley meeting is very defective; and, seeing that the War Office possess an enormous quantity of rifle ammunition of excellent quality owing to the cessation of the War, will he take steps to supply some of this at once for use at the present meeting at Bisley, especially considering what great use the War Office made of the Bisley crack shots during the War in training men in rifle shooting?

The ammunition supplied for use at the present meeting of the Army Rifle Association, to which meeting it is presumed my hon. and gallant Friend refers, was of good quality, and no complaints regarding it have been received from Bisley. The best ammunition available has been selected for use at this meeting and for the meeting of the National Rifle Association which commences on 10th July.

If I bring reliable information before the War Office that this ammunition supply has been very defective, will the matter be considered?

Certainly, it will be considered: I hope to be at Bisley myself early next week, and will ask for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the statement of the Commonwealth Minister of Defence, that delay in the manufacture of aeroplanes in England is preventing the start of important inter-State air services in Australia in August and September next; and whether the Ministry has taken, or intends taking, any action to remove this delay?

I have been asked to reply. Although I have seen the reports in the Press of the statement referred to, I have received no other intimation that such a delay is taking place. Whatever may be the cause of the delay, there does not appear to be any justification for interference or action by the Air Ministry.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been directed to the complaints that, under the new policy adopted by the Post Office, orders from wholesale houses, usually posted at the close of the day in half-penny envelopes, are purposely delayed and delivery is consequently not effected until the 3 p.m. delivery on the following afternoon, which in practice means that a day is lost; and whether, in sympathy with commercial requirements, he will consider altering this procedure?

A few such complaints have come to my notice. In order to relieve the sorting offices during the hours of pressure in the evening, the reduction of the postage on printed matter to id. was coupled with the proviso that correspondence paid for at this low rate should be posted before a specified time in the afternoon, if required to be, dealt with the same day. This restriction is on the lion's recommended by the Geddes Committee in their Report on the Post Office. In view of the considerable economies and improvements in staffing effected thereby, I regret that I am unable further to extend the scope of the reduced rate, which, I may point out, is below cost. Printed matter posted after the specified time, and bearing a penny stamp, is not subject to delay.

(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a paragraph in a certain London evening paper, of 5th July, in which it is stated that a certain peer was to undertake a race in a motor vehicle from London to Aberdeen, 610 miles, within 15 hours; whether he is aware that this would entail an average spend of 40 miles per hour; whether he has any information as to whether this statement is correct, and, if so, whether he will cause appropriate proceedings to be instituted against the peer referred to in the paper?

At present I know nothing of this matter beyond what is reported in the newspapers. If these reports be correct, I think it is most desirable that something should be done to prevent any repetition of such a proceeding. I am making inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this race, or what- ever it was, is very much repudiated by-all motorists, and particularly by the motor organisations?

Is it not a fact that the Postmaster-General recently travelled from Scotland to England at a rate far in excess of the legal limit, and would it not be better to take proceedings against him?

I do not know.

How does the record of this Noble Gentleman compare with the record of the questioner himself?

Is it not a fact that peers and commoners who want to go to Scotland desire to get there as quickly as possible?

Is it not a fact that the Postmaster-General was coming away from Scotland as fast as he could?

(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary why it has been necessary to keep John Syme under such close police observation, and what is the reason for the recent proceedings against him?

The reason is that Syme has on several occasions threatened to molest the King and members of the Royal Family, and has written letters to His Majesty threatening annoyance. A speech containing threats against His Majesty is the ground for the recent proceedings against him.

As Syme is continually coming out of prison under the "Cat and Mouse" Act, is he not as dangerous on these occasions as if he were released altogether?

Will not the right hon. Gentleman have him examined by three Harley Street specialists?

It is a fact that he is very dangerous when he is out, and the alternative is between letting him die in prison of hunger-striking or letting him out. He is a very dangerous man and very difficult to deal with.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet has reconsidered, or intends to reconsider, their decision to proceed with the draft Order under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?