asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the final retiring pension of £l,000 per annum due to members of the Indian Civil Service on the completion of their full term of years may be reduced to or forfeited by those members who, not retiring at present, have not accepted the reduced retiring pension now offered to them but claim the full pension at the approaching end of their full term of service?

No, Sir. A member of the Indian Civil Service who serves his full time will receive on retirement an annuity of £1,000. There is nothing in the Premature Retirement Scheme which affects the annuity payable under normal conditions to an officer who retires after completing the full qualifying period of service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any decisions have been made on the suggested project for the abolition of the full provincial status of the Trans-Indus North-West Province?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the pay of officers domiciled in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation is refunded to the Imperial Government by the German Government; whether, although their pay ultimately comes from German and not from Imperial funds, they are charged British Income Tax thereon, whilst officers seconded to the Foreign Office for duty with the various commissions in Germany receive their pay tax-free because it comes from German and not from Imperial funds; and whether it is intended that the amount deducted as Income Tax from the pay of officers of the Army of Occupation in Germany be refunded to them as and when pay is refunded to the Imperial Government by the German Government?

The officers in question draw their Army pay from British funds, and their consequent liability for Income Tax under Schedule E is not affected by any general financial arrangement with the German Government under which the cost of the Army of Occupation is recoverable from the German Government. There is, therefore, no intention of refunding the tax.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction amongst officers of the Army because the gratuities to compulsorily retired officers are regarded as a premium on inefficiency; and whether the same gratuities can be offered in consequence to voluntary retirements until the necessary numbers are completed?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers which my right hon. Friend gave to questions on this subject on the 23rd May last.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Army has not followed the example of the Navy, and cut down the period of commands to such time as would give a chance of employment to those now on half-pay; and whether he is aware that the present practice is particularly hard as regards officers who have been specially promoted for service in the late War?

This matter was carefully examined by the Army-Council in 1919, and it was not considered desirable to make the alteration suggested.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that it is extremely hard on officers who were specially promoted for services in the War?

I am afraid that there is bound to be some hardship in these matters, but the matter has been considered carefully by the Army Council.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now able to state whether or no the Signal Service training centre will remain permanently at Maresfield: and, if so, whether he will have inquiries made as to the need to improve the accommodation there forthwith?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but I am inquiring meanwhile whether anything can be done to mitigate the discomfort at the station.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the fact that in March, 1918, the French Chief of Staff pressed for, but was at the time unable to get, British assent to the formation of an army of manoeuvre that could reinforce any part of the Allied line, as well as to the fact that, as is now known, the British Chief of Staff predicted that the British Fifth Army would have to hear the brunt of the German attack and was in danger of being overrun, he will have further in quiry made into the action of the Commander of the Fifth Army, which, as the result of the German break-through, has been called in question?

No, Sir; it is not considered that an inquiry is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War what reductions in the Army already arranged for have not yet been carried out; whether, in view of the serious position of affairs in Ireland, and the heavy commitments of the country in other parts of the world, any further cutting down contemplated will be suspended in the meantime; and if he will state what were the respective numbers of officers and men in the infantry, cavalry and artillery before the War, and what is the actual strength now of those forces?

As the answers to the first and third part of the question are of a statistical character, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission circulate the par-titulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Following are the particulars referred to:

As regards the first part of the question, out of the 10 third and fourth battalions recommended for disbandment, all but three have been disbanded. The three not yet disbanded are all serving

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will state the date upon which the Government entered into occupation of the land, utilised as a camp, at Frongoch, Bala; whether the tenancy has been determined and, if so, upon what date; and what were the annual sums paid, respectively, by way of rent and rates?

I have been asked to reply. There were two tenancies, starting from May and October, 1915. Both have been determined as from 31st October last. The aggregate rent, inclusive of rates, was £47 per annum.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to a resolution of the Merioneth local pensions committee protesting against the office of secretary to the Merioneth and Montgomery Territorial Army Association being held by a gentleman of ample

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the last part, I am not in a position to intervene.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an anti-aircraft brigade for the defence of London is to be formed in the Territorial Army; if so, what is to be the strength of the force and what will it cost; whether the War Office have any figures to show how large an anti-aircraft force would actually be required to defend London from attack by an air force as large as that of France; and whether the decision can be reconsidered, with a view to devoting the money to aircraft in lieu of ground defence?

As the answer to this question is somewhat lengthy, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Could I not have an answer to the last part of my question, as to whether the decision can be reconsidered with a view to devoting the money to aircraft, in lieu of ground defence?

I think my Noble Friend had better see the entire answer. If the House like, I can read it, but it is very long.

Following is the answer:

As a beginning to the future organisation for the air defence of Great Britain, two air defence brigades, Territorial Army, for the defence of London are included in the current year's Estimates, and steps are now being taken to form them. This has been done in consultation with the Air Ministry.

The provisional peace establishment for the ground troops of an air defence brigade, Territorial Army, is approximately 1,633 all ranks, including the signal section. These numbers do not include the squadron or squadrons, Royal Air Force, co-operating with the ground troops. The total strength of two brigades as above is, therefore, approximately 3,266 all ranks. The above establishment has been agreed to by the Air Ministry, who were consulted.

The total annual cost of an air defence brigade, Territorial Army, as given above —exclusive of the squadron Royal Air Force—is about £55,000, and for two brigades it will therefore be £110,000.

The decision to raise the ground troops of two air defence brigades for the defence of Great Britain has been reached after careful study of present and future strategical conditions. It is not in the public interest to disclose the considerations which have animated the War Office in deciding to raise these ground troops. The due apportionment of the available money for defence against air attack between aircraft and ground defence troops has been, and still is, the subject of careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state when the accounts of the Navy and Army Canteen Board and of the Navy and Army and Air Force Institutes will be published?

I hope that information on this matter will be available in the course of this or next week.

Will this information contain the balance-sheets for the three years which have been asked for?

I am not quite sure in what form the information will be given to the House. The documents are very lengthy, but I hope it will be possible to present it in a compact form.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has arranged that soldiers disbanded from Irish regiments, who are prevented from returning to their homes in Ireland consequent on the lawless state prevailing there, should receive pecuniary assistance from the fund administered by the hon. Member for Chelsea?

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to add to the personnel of the Irish Refugee Committee, to extend the scope and powers of that Committee, and to include disbanded Irish soldiers who are prevented by the present conditions in Ireland from returning to their homes; and will he consider the desirability of referring to this Committee the cases of those who have been compelled to leave Ireland because of the loss of all their property and who may have claimed and been awarded compensation, but who are penniless and in distress?

Any person ordinarily resident in Ireland who is unable to return to his home owing to disturbed conditions, and who is consequently in urgent need of financial relief in this country, can be dealt with by the Committee presided over by the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare).

Did not the right hon. Gentleman give a distinct promise in the House some three weeks ago that the ease of the disbanded soldier would be specially considered?

If ray hon. and gallant Friend will consider the answer I have now given, he will see that I am complying with the undertaking which I then gave.

If the depots of the regiments from which these men are being disbanded are in Ireland must they go to the depot to be disbanded? Could they not be disbanded here, if their people happen to be in England?

That does not arise out of the question, but I will consider it.

Does the fight hon. Gentleman's answer mean that my Committee can deal with any Irishman—whether he be in an Irish regiment or whatever his profession may be—who cannot return to Ireland? If that be so, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the machinery of my Committee is totally incompetent to deal with extended work of that kind?

I cannot believe that my hon. and gallant Friend is incompetent to deal with these questions.

It is a question of the machinery.

I had hoped to be able to see my hon. and gallant Friend personally before I answered this question, and I have been endeavouring to do so. If, however, he will consider the answer, I think he will see that it is limited to persons ordinarily resident in Ireland who are unable, etc.

Does that mean that the Committee can deal with men of other regiments, whether Irish regiments or not?

I am afraid I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the actual answer I have given. It has been very carefully considered with the Treasury and the other authorities who have to be consulted and I cannot enlarge upon the actual words of the answer.

Is it proposed in any way to broaden the basis of the Committee and give them extended powers, as was suggested by the Colonial Secretary?

I believe the Colonial Secretary has already dealt with that matter in an answer to another question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is quite impossible for a Member of this House to remain chairman of a Committee of this kind when decisions of this kind are taken without any consultation with him?

Might I ask my hon. and gallant Friend if he will come and discuss the matter with me after Questions to-day? We can certainly arrive at a little nearer agreement than is the case at present, and also save the time of the House.

Seeing that the Royal Naval College at Osborne is now vacated, might it not be used, as a temporary housing measure, for some of these people who are being evacuated or disbanded from Ireland?

That really does not arise out of the question, but it is an interesting suggestion in itself, and can be, of course, considered.

As the right hon. Gentleman said that the Colonial Secretary had dealt with the question of extended powers, can we clear up this matter and know whether any wider reference is being given to this Committee?

I believe I am to be asked a question on that later on. I am in process of arriving at a decision in regard to the necessary equipment of this Committee with the extended machinery which will certainly be required, and that extended machinery will, no doubt, include an addition to the personnel of the Committee.

Will the Committee be competent to deal with Catholics as well as Protestants?

What a question!

Is it competent, or will it be made competent?

Perhaps the Noble Lord will put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to carry out the agreement arrived at with the Irish Free State Government that, in cases of damage to property during recent disturbances, the party responsible for causing the damage was to be the party to bear the burden; whether Lord Shaw's Commission deals with the question of responsibility for causing damage; and, if not, how this question is determined?

In pursuance of the Agreement referred to by the hon. Member, it has been arranged between His Majesty s Government and the Provisional Government that the latter shall assume responsibility for seeing that all awards of the Commission are duly satisfied, and that the British Government shall reimburse the Irish Government for such proportion of the total amount as, in the opinion of the Commission, represents damage caused by the Forces of the Crown, or persons acting in the interest or supposed interest of the British Government.

When and how will the Commission arrive at a decision? Will it be on each individual case or will that make an aggregate decision at the end?

In the first instance the Commission will assess the amount of damage, and after that process is over they will communicate on whom the responsibility rests in their opinion, and there may be some doubtful cases which will have to be discussed between the two Governments. As a result a certain bill will be due from us, and we shall pay that bill to the Free State Government, assuming the Free State Government has already disbursed the sums due for other claims.

Shall we know case by case what this damage is assessed at or will it simply be an aggregate amount?

I should certainly think case by case, and the hon. and gallant Gentleman will be able to draw any moral offensive to his country that he may feel inclined to.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only moral I wish to draw is the excessive cost of the reprisals policy?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Irish courts of law have decided that no compensation can be given in the case of a man whose property has been confiscated without material damage having been done to it: and what steps the Government propose to take to remedy this omission in the law?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for York on the 3rd instant, and to the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley on the 6th instant.

In view of the fact that there is no legal means of obtaining compensation in these eases, will the right hon. Gentleman take these cases up at once with the Provisional Government and have the matter out straight, as it is very urgent?

I will take it up as soon as I see a good opportunity, but when a Government is really fighting for its life against wide-spread rebellion and revolution, in its capital as well as other parts of the country, I think one must show a certain amount if discretion and good sense in not pressing an enormous amount of administrative business upon them.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that he case of these unfortunate men is very urgent?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that as the result of these offences taking place, these cases are increasing enormously in number every day?

I have not been given any figures showing that there has been any very sudden increase in the number of refugees. No doubt there has been a good deal of damage done in the recent fighting.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the approximate number of cases and the amount of the claims to be dealt with by Lord Shaw's Commission; how many claims have so far been dealt with; and what sums of money have been paid to the claimants?

I am not in a position to answer the first part of the question, but the number of cases to be heard is certainly very numerous. In reply to the second part of the question, I understand that 10 cases have been heard by the Commission; but on this point I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for York on the 6th instant. No payments in the cases heard by the Commission have yet been made, but I am assured that there will be no delay in making payments as soon as the consideration of certain general questions has been completed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only 10 cases have been heard out of 10,000 cases? Does he think that is a satisfactory progress in regard to these cases, all of which are very urgent?

I understand that the cases selected were representative, key cases, as it were, the rulings in regard to which would apply, with very small modifications, to large categories of cases.

Is it not a fact that the Commission has adjourned for several months owing to the absence of Lord Shaw?

It is true that Lord Shaw has gone to the United States for a short time to fulfil an engagement which he had undertaken before he accepted the work of the Commission, but as the main principles have been laid down the work of investigation in the interval ought to provide a large number of cases for the decision of the tribunal when it reassembles.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who are these investigators?

I will, when I know.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when any money will be paid?

I think payment ought to begin very soon by the Provisional Government to parties whose cases have been dealt with by the Commission, but the general state of civil war which exists in Ireland necessarily restricts smooth working of these processes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how these people are to live in the meantime?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing someone in the meantime to take the place of Lord Shaw?

In all cases where decisions of the courts have been made before the sittings of Lord Shaw's Commission, would it not be possible to give some compassionate allowance, as many of these people are on the rocks?

The next question will afford me a means of dealing to some extent with the Supplementary Question of the, hon. Member.

When will Lord Shaw resume the hearing of these cases?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a decision has been arrived at as to the payment of 12½ per cent., in accord ance with the Pensions Order, 1920, on the pay of men whose service in the Royal Irish Constabulary was extended in the interests of the public service beyond the age limit of retirement; and whether he will state to whom application should be made for such payment?

The hon. Baronet refers, I think, to extensions under Section 8 of the Pensions Order of 1022. No members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who had either reached the age limit or were entitled to retire owing to length of service were retained in the force in the interests of the public service after the date on which that Order became operative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that proceedings brought in the High Court of Justice in Southern Ireland are being restrained in obedience to injunctions issued by the Republican Supreme Court; and will he state under what authority such powers are exercised by the Supreme Republican Court?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Bath on the 14th ultimo.

Is the judiciary in the South of Ireland in a state of complete, or partial paralysis?

I should say nearer complete than partial.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a reply has been received from the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State to the communication addressed to it by the Imperial Government, arising out of the murder of Sir Henry Wilson; and, if so, will he state what are the terms thereof?

I assume that the hon. and gallant Member alludes to the communication to which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister referred during the Debate on the Irish Office Vote on the 26th June last. That communication did not arise out of the murder of Sir Henry Wilson, but out of the state of affairs then prevailing in Ireland; and in view of the great changes which have taken place in the situation since that date, no reply, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, is now necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a number of Sinn Feiners recently entered the house of a Loyalist in Tipperary and, having locked up the owner of the premises and an aged relative in a room, proceeded one by one to outrage the wife of the owner; whether any arrests have yet been made in connection with the occurrence; and if he will take the necessary steps for this case to be included among the other unpunished crimes and outrages which the Free State Government have undertaken to look into if and when they are able, provided the necessary evidence is still available?

It has been reported to me that a number of men (not necessarily Sinn Feiners) entered the house referred to and committed a criminal outrage on the wife of the owner. The local officers of the Provisional Government at once inquired into the case. The leader of the gang who committed this shocking crime is believed to be a man who absconded from the neighbourhood immediately after the event, and every effort is being made by the Provisional Government and by the inhabitants of the neighbourhood to trace him and bring him and his associates to justice. So far as can be ascertained there is no political clement in this crime, which is one, I am glad to say, of rare occurrence in Ireland. In reply to the last part of the question, the hon. and gallant Member will understand from what I have already said that there is no need to bring the, matter further to the attention of the Provisional Government, who are no less, anxious than His Majesty's Government could be to deal energetically and ruthlessly with crime of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there are a large number of refugees from Ireland who, although they have judgments in their favour amounting to thousands of pounds, have had no payment made to them and, as a result, are in a state of grave financial embarrassment: and whether he will set up a Royal Commission, upon which the Dublin and Ulster Governments should be asked to appoint representatives, with the power to make advances or payments on account to these people!

I am aware that a number of those who have been compelled to seek refuge from Ireland in this country have obtained decrees in respect of malicious injury to preperty in Ireland. As the House is aware by arrangement between the two Governments concerned a Commission under the Chairmanship of Lord Shaw has been set up to deal with such decrees, and in these circumstances His Majesty's Government could not see their way to set up a further Commission for the purpose indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend. I am, however, assured by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer that in individual cases of exceptional hardship advances can be made from Imperial funds to be repaid out of any sums which may be awarded to the holder of the decree by the Compensation (Ireland) Commission.

Does that mean that any man with a decree can go to the Irish Office and obtain a payment on account?

No. My promise on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer was not so sweeping as that, but a man who has got a decree from this Commission can apply to the Irish Office in the first instance, and they can consult the: Treasury as to whether he comes within the scope of the undertaking which I have given on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

On what Vote will this come, as grave doubt has been expressed as to whether any money has been voted for this purpose?

I cannot say at the moment whether it will be necessary to have a Supplementary Estimate, but the policy in regard to compensation has been announced clearly to the House. I hope in the first instance that payment will be made by the Government of the Irish Free State, and we should reimburse them, and the process of reimbursement will be part of the general financial settlement to be made between the two countries; but it may not turn out like that, in which case we shall certainly have to consider whether any money due should not be paid in the first instance by us to persons who have suffered for their loyalty to this country.

How are they to live in the meantime?

If they have got a decree they should apply to the Irish Office, who will submit their claim to the Treasury which, in eases of exceptional hardship, will make certain advances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a person domiciled in the Irish Free State and held to be a citizen of the Irish Free State is in the same position with regard to taxes partly levied in Great Britain and partly in the Irish Free State as is a citizen of the Dominion of Canada: and, if so, what is his position with regard to the payment of Super-tax, and to which taxing authority will he be required to make his return for assessment and subsequent payment?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to him of the 6th April last. I am sending him a copy of that reply. I may add that discussions are taking place between the Imperial and Provisional Governments on the questions of double taxation which may arise when the Constitution of the Irish Free State is established.

Does that mean that at the moment the British citizen, the Englishman, and the citizen of the Free State are on exactly identical terms for the purposes of taxation?

I understand that that is so in regard to taxation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the terms of a Treaty to regulate the relations between the British and Arab Governments have now been agreed between the Government of Iraq and the British High Commissioner in Baghdad: whether the terms of this Treaty will now be laid as a Parliamentary Paper and will be communicated officially to the League of Nations; whether there is a general demand throughout Iraq that this Treaty shall be submitted forthwith to the General Assembly of Iraq for ratification; whether any further representations have been received from King Feisal regarding the pressure being put on him to secure the assent of the British Government to some modification of the international political status of Iraq involved by the terms of the draft Mandate for Iraq: and whether it is proposed to ask the Council of the League of Nations at its next session to consider the difficulties which have arisen in Iraq with regard to the use of the word mandate?

The terms of the proposed Treaty with the Iraq Government have not yet been finally agreed, but the negotiations are on the verge of completion, and I hope to be able to make a full statement on the, subject in a very short time. The text of the Treaty will be laid before Parliament as soon as it has been signed, and it will be communicated in due course to the Council of the League of Nations. Provision is made in the Treaty for its reference to the Constituent Assembly of Iraq prior to its ratification. With reference to the fourth part of the question, there has been a free interchange of views with King Feisal in the course of the negotiations, the result of which will be embodied in the Treaty. It would be undesirable and contrary to practice to give details of these discussions. The reply to the last part is in the negative.

As the reply to the last part of the question is in the negative, will the matter be communicated to the principal Allied Powers, or is no international sanction necessary for the purpose of the Treaty 2 Have we power under the San Remo agreement to proceed without consulting our Allies?

I am advised that the course we have adopted is entirely within the limits of our powers. Of course, the Treaty will be brought before the League of Nations, and no doubt will be a subject of discussion there, but I do not anticipate that the view will be unfavourable. It will enable us to proceed to give effect at an earlier date to all the most beneficial provisions of the Mandate.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this Arab demand for the abrogation of our mandate provides an opportunity for complete withdrawal?

I think the Arab dislike of the word mandate arises out of pure ignorance of what is implied in a mandate. They imagine it is some method of controlling or enthralling them, whereas the whole object of the mandate is to keep the mandatory Powers in order and make them conform to their obligations.

Does not the Arab Government demand complete transfer of all authority in Government, while our country is to retain responsibility for providing men for the maintenance of the Government?

I am advised that if we were to threaten to withdraw from the country it would produce chaos and panic, and certainly very formidable disorders would result.

As the Treaty of Sevres has not yet been ratified has the League of Nations actually sanctioned the mandate?

The actual mandates have not yet been passed by the League of Nations, but meanwhile we have been confronted with the need of carrying on from day to day and year to year, and we are carrying on with a considerable measure of success.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to lay the terms of the Treaty on the Table?

I had hoped to be able by now, but I should think in a week or 10 days. There is hardly anything outstanding now except minor points, in which we are endeavouring to meet their views as much as possible, subject to our obligations to the League of Nations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement as to the reduction effected in the Estimates of the Government of Gibraltar; how far these reductions will relieve the load of taxation; and whether it is proposed to abolish the export tax upon coal?

The Estimates of Gibraltar for the current year show a reduction of nearly £100,000 in expenditure as compared with the previous year. Further economies are contemplated, and I have found it possible to approve the abolition of the export tax on coal.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the continual misinterpretations of our pledges to the Arabs, he will publish the letter of 24th October, 1915, from Sir Henry McMahon to the Sheriff of Mecca in full or the whole correspondence of which that letter formed one item?

No, Sir; it would not be in the public interest to publish one or all of the documents comprising the long and inconclusive correspondence that took place with the Sheriff of Mecca in 1915–16. I am dealing with the question of the alleged pledges to the Arabs in my reply to the hon. Member for North Stafford.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what pledges, if any, were made to the Palestine Arabs in the year 1915; whether the Sykes-Picot agreement, negotiated between the Governments of France and Great Britain before the Arabs entered the War as Allies, provided that in the event of Allied victory Palestine west of the Jordan was to be a separate international State with the exception of Haifa, which was to be British territory; and whether the Balfour declaration of November, 1917, was preceded by any pledges or promises regarding the future of Palestine?

No pledges were made to the Palestine Arabs in 1915. An undertaking was given to the Sheriff of Mecca that His Majesty's Government would recognise and support the independence of the Arabs within certain territorial limits, which specifically excluded the districts of Mersina and Alexandretta and the portions of Syria lying to the west of the districts of Damascus, Horns, Hama and Aleppo. It was also stipulated that the undertaking applied only to those portions of the territories concerned in which Great Britain was free to act without detriment to the interests of her Allies. His Majesty's Government have always regarded and continue to regard Palestine as excluded by these provisos from the scope of their undertaking. This is clear from the fact, to which the hon. Member refers, that in the following year they concluded an agreement with the French and Russian Governments under which Palestine was to receive special treatment.

So far as I am aware, the first suggestion that Palestine was included in the area within which His Majesty's Government promised to recognise and support the independence of the Arabs was made by the Emir Feisal, now King of Iraq, at a conversation held in the Foreign Office on the 20th January, 1921, more than five years after the conclusion of the correspondence on which the claim was based. On that occasion the point of view of His Majesty's Government was explained to the Emir, who expressed himself as prepared to accept the statement that it had been the intention of His Majesty's Government to exclude Palestine.

When I assumed responsibility for Middle Eastern affairs, I went carefully into the correspondence referred to, and my reading of it is the same as that of the Foreign Office, as was recently stated in the declaration of British policy in Palestine which has been published and laid before the House. I am quite satisfied that it was as fully the intention of His Majesty's Government to exclude Palestine from the area of Arab independence as it was to exclude the more northern coastal tracts of Syria.

In view of the many statements that have been made on all sides about this correspondence, will the right hon. Gentleman consider again the desirability of publishing the correspondence, and putting an end, once and for all, to embarrassment and doubt?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, confident as he is of the view of His Majesty's Government, he is at all certain that the other party to the negotiations and correspondence really thought the same thing, and whether it has not been a bond fide statement on the part of King Hussein and his advisers?

I do not think that is so. At any rate, Sir Henry McMahon was perfectly clear in his indication of what was intended at the time. I am perfectly ready to place his opinion on public record.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman now say that this correspondence was inconclusive, and that King Hussein came in as one of the Allies before the correspondence was completed, or any real definite undertaking was actually signed as between the Treaty-making parties?

That is so.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to the correspondence being published, other than its being against the public interest?

If the hon. Member had been in his place when an earlier Question was answered, he would have heard that we did not think that the publication of the correspondence was desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the misapprehensions concerning the Rutenberg scheme, especially in regard to the provisions for irrigation and agriculture, he will publish a summary thereof?

Copies of the agreements concluded with Mr. Rutenberg were placed some time ago in the Library of the House, where they are open to inspection by hon. Members. I do not think that there would be any advantage in adopting the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is prepared to revise the attitude of the West Coast Colonies towards trade spirit by allowing importation, but by charging on all imported liquor a heavy flat-rate duty which will discourage cheap spirits, check all drinking, and help to restore the revenues?

As the hon. and gallant Member will see, if he will refer to the Convention relating to the liquor traffic in Africa, which was signed at Saint Germain-en-Laye on 10th September, 1919, ratified by His Majesty in 1920, and laid before Parliament as Command 478, His Majesty's Government are bound by treaty in the matter. Under this Convention who are pledged to prohibit the importation of trade spirits.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the other signatories to the treaty are also carrying it out?

That is a question which I should certainly have to consider very carefully before I attempted to answer it.

is not that the question raised in Debate the other day to which an answer must be given?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps are being taken to discover the amount of the debt to the Chartered Company in respect of North and South Rhodesia, in accordance with the recommendations of Lord Buxton's Committee; if so, when the case for North Rhodesia will come before the Privy Council; and, if not, whether it is proposed to settle with the company without knowing what the legal debt may be?

As regards Southern Rhodesia, further consideration of the recommendations of Lord Buxton's Committee with regard to the determination of the deductions to be made from the Cave award has been deferred pending the taking of the proposed referendum as to the future of the territory. As regards Northern Rhodesia, the arrangements for the proposed reference to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of the British South Africa Company's claims, including the claim to reimbursement of the administrative deficits, are still under examination.

Is it not unfair to take a referendum in Southern Rhodesia when the people of the colony who are voting are unaware what liability independence will put upon their shoulders?

I was inclined to think further delay might have been advantageous, but it is the wish of the elected body there that a referendum should be held as rapidly as possible.

Is not the delay-on the part of His Majesty's Government, who have delayed discovering exactly what the debt is?

I am sure if a fault lies anywhere, it is with His Majesty's Government!

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has accepted the suggestion of the Kenya Government to replace the Income Tax by increasing the tax on rice from 15 per cent. to 25 per cent., on pulse from 15 per cent. to 30 per cent. and by a protective tariff of 50 per cent. on imported timber; whether the Report of the Special Committee on Reduction of Expenditure in Kenya will be published: and whether he will set up an Economy Committee for the Gold Coast and Sierra Leone?

The increases in Customs duties made by the Government of Kenya to provide the revenue expected to be obtained from Income Tax are in operation. The Governor's comments on the increases will be made by despatch. The increase on rice is as stated; on grains other than rice and wheat the increase is from 20 to 30 per cent.

I shall consider the question of publishing the Report of the Committee which the Governor has appointed to consider redaction of expenditure and other matters when I have received it. The Committees recommendations for reducing staff are communicated to the Colonial Government from time to time, and there is no question of awaiting a Report before giving effect to them.

A Committee on Economics sat last year in Sierra Leone, and many of their suggestions have been carried out. In the Gold Coast the Governor is already carrying out a policy of rigorous retrenchment. The financial position of that Colony is not so serious as to suggest that his efforts require to be supplemented.

Am I to understand that the protective tariff of 50 per cent. on imported timber is now in effect, and that his Majesty's Government have sanctioned it?

The object of all these duties is solely to procure revenue.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the shooting of Sergeant Beesley of the Metropolitan Police, in Plenheim Road, Holloway, on Wednesday, the 5th instant, while arresting an alleged cycle thief; and if he has yet decided to arm the police with revolvers so as to enable them to defend themselves against armed criminals?

As I have stated on previous occasions, any constable engaged on dangerous duty who is competent to handle a pistol is supplied with one if he desires, and I am strongly advised against requiring the police generally to carry arms at other times. It is not desirable that they should use such weapons except to resist an armed attack, and until he was arrested there was no reason to suppose that Sergeant Beesley's assailant was armed.

In the case of a police constable who wishes to be armed in view of possible attacks by criminals, will he be supplied with practice ammunition if he applies for it, as I am told that he has to pay out of his own pocket for the ammunition with which he must practice in order to become expert?

I am afraid that I cannot answer without notice, but if my hon. Friend is correct, I will look into the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of issuing orders to superintendents of police that when men are going on a dangerous job he will issue an order that they shall carry arms, and not leave it to them to ask for them?

It depends on the job. Men on special duty are selected for their skill with the pistol, and are armed.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it advisable to have the law strengthened so as to have more severe penalties for criminals who are caught with arms'?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received representations from the Deptford Borough Council with regard to the number of accidents to pedestrians crossing the carriageways at the junction of Lewisham High Road and New Cross Road, the council urging that the services of a second constable are needed if serious accidents are to be averted; and whether, if a second constable cannot be placed on duty there throughout the day, he will consider the desirability of advising the Commissioner of Police to arrange for a second officer to be there during the busiest hours of the day and on Saturdays?

I have received a communication from the Deptford Borough Council regarding the traffic at the junction of Lewisham High Road and New Cross Road, and have consulted the Commissioner of Police who informs me that a single officer is in his opinion ample for the proper control of the traffic. Moreover, the lay-out of the roads at this spot is such that an additional officer could not work with the one already on point duty there.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now state when he proposes to introduce the Bill dealing with the legitimation of children by the subsequent marriage of their parents?

I regret I am not in a position to add anything to the answer given on the 4th instant.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that he has already allowed the greater part of the Session to go by without making any apparent move, and that if later on it is said that time will not permit the introduction of this Measure and will not be considered as relieving him of responsibility?

I hope that my hon. Friend will not suppose that I have been doing nothing. This is a much more difficult matter than he supposes. I have been giving it the most careful consideration and discussing it with the law officers and others.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman ask an hon. Member not to proceed with a Bill on the subject as the Government were going to introduce a Bill?

That is true, because the Bill brought forward seemed to us to be inadequate and it would have been very difficult to do anything with it.

Before Whitsuntide did not the right hon. Gentleman promise to introduce it in a few days?

I am not sure that I gave that pledge, but certainly I did promise, and I will carry out the promise, to bring in a Bill as soon as I can.

Will it be in this Session?

It may be brought in, but I am afraid that it will not be possible to proceed with it, but I hope that we may be able to bring in a Bill which will show exactly what we propose.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether, as stated in English prisons to-day, that, despite the precautions taken against suicide the suicide rate is three times as high among prisoners as among the ordinary population: if so, whether he is prepared to call for Reports from the prison medical officers on the subject;

(2) whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Report of the Prison System Inquiry Committee that the ratio of insanity among prisoners, after deducting the cases where prisoners are regarded as mentally unsound on reception, is nearly five times higher than among the ordinary; population; and whether he is prepared to call for Reports on this matter from the medical officers of prisons?

I have seen the statements referred to, but they are entirely misleading. There is no doubt that among persons received into prisons there is an abnormally high proportion of persons prone to insanity and suicide, and before any comparison is made between the prison and the ordinary population, this factor and many others must be taken into account. For example, the ratio among the prison population, which consists of persons over 16 years of age, cannot properly be compared for these purposes with the ratio among the ordinary population of all ages.

asked the Home Secretary by whose authority the Safety-first Council has placarded London with orders to the public to keep to the left; and whether, in view of the confusion in the public mind, caused by the conflict of opinion on this point between various public bodice, he will advise the setting up of a Select Committee to inquire into the whole question of rules of the road, and as to whether it would be advisable to change the rule of the road for vehicles to keep to the right, as is the case in most civilised countries in the world, and which is also the rule at sea and in the air?

I have no information on the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, I am not aware of any necessity for changing the present rule of the road for vehicles which is laid down by Statute, and I do not propose to take any steps in the matter.

In view of the fact that there is no statutory rule of the road for pedestrians, and of the increasing volume of motor traffic in the country, would it not be well to have a Committee to inquire into the advisability of introducing legislation?

That is another matter which I will consider.

Does not it arise out of the first part of my question? In view of the fact that there are three contradictory rules issued by all sorts of people all over the country which are creating disorder, would it not be well to have a proper Statute on the subject?

There are no rules at all. What you see on the pavement is entirely a voluntary effort.

Is it hot illegal to write on the pavement? If it is not illegal, should I be in order in writing "L.G.M.G." on the pavement?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that he has laid upon the Table of the House a statement by one of the women patrols containing allegations against Mrs. Stanley, the head of the force, he will also lay upon the Table of the House the comments, if any, culled for from Mrs. Stanley upon the statement before its publication as to its accuracy or otherwise?

A statement has been received from Mrs. Stanley denying the accuracy of the statement made by Inspector Why les, and as the latter has been published I think it only right that Mrs. Stanley's statement should also be published forthwith, and I am accordingly laying it on the Table of the House. As the whole matter will clearly have to form the subject of a disciplinary inquiry, I must refrain from comment at this stage.

Did the right hon. Gentleman obtain any comments from Mrs. Stanley before he made the statement containing allegations against her?

No, Sir.

Is the House to understand that the right hon. Gentleman submitted the statement to the House without any attempt to check its accuracy in any way?

The statement was obtained by the Commissioner of Police and was brought out owing to a statement made by the hon. Member for Plymouth (Viscountess Astor). When I mentioned it I was asked to publish it, but when I came into the House I had no intention of using it. It was brought out in the course of the Debate and I had to put it on the Table.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman's answer amount to this, that he submitted to the House a state- ment as to which he had no ground whatever for saying whether it was accurate or not?

It was taken by the Commissioner from a very responsible officer.

As the House, in coming to a decision, was greatly influenced by the statement of the Home Secretary, how is the House to set the matter right, if that turn out to be the case?

rose—

We cannot debate every question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been called to the effects of the decision of the Courts in the case of Kerr v. Bryde; and if he proposes to introduce legislation to prevent the confusion arising from this decision, including the rectification of entries in the valuation rolls for the current year?

I am aware of the decision referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. The question of amending legislation is under consideration.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman not consider that, unless something is done at once, the budget of every local authority in Scotland for the past two years will be thrown into confusion, and thousands of pounds will have to be repaid on account of alleged over-payment of rates?

The urgent necessity for either judicial or legislative action is fully before me.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Regulations of the Post Office, which prescribe that a Post Office servant cannot retain his seniority on transfer unless the transfer is a compulsory one, operate with great hardship upon their servants who, by reason of disability the direct result of war service, are compelled to ask for a transfer; and whether, seeing that such cases should be placed in a different category to those where the transfer is asked merely to suit the-personal convenience of the transferor, he will make such alteration in the Regulations as will ensure that Post Office servants who suffer disability as a direct result of war service shall not be penalised in consequence of disability arising from such service?

To allow seniority to be carried in cases of transfer on the grounds of health would result in inflicting hardship on a number of officers through no fault of their own. The present rule that seniority is not carried in such cases has been in force for many years, and is accepted by the staff generally as the most equitable arrangement.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that there is a wide distinction between the case of a man who leaves his locality as a result of disability caused by war service, and the case of a man who leaves a locality merely to suit his own purposes?

I sympathise with those cases. But this arrangement is accepted by the staff generally as the best method. Anyone who sympathises with these particular men must also sympathise with those who lose their seniority.

As the right hon. Gentleman says he is sympathetic, would he be prepared to receive a deputation or representations from members of the staff, who are by no means satisfied?

I will have to consider that suggestion.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will consider the advisability of applying to touting moneylenders and to persons carrying on other businesses which are noxious to the community the same postal restrictions as are applied to persons who offend against the lottery laws; and is he aware that in some of the British Dominions the Post Office has, and exercises with benefit to the community, the power of suppressing or strictly limiting nefarious undertakings by refusing them the right to use the Post Office?

The laws relating to lotteries and certain other matters prohibit the use of the post in connection therewith. There is, however, no similar legislation regarding money lending. I have no power to interfere with moneylenders' circulars sent through the post. I am aware of the facts stated as regards certain British Dominions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether in many recent instances letters posted in Leicester and London have taken three or four days to be delivered in Bury St. Edmunds; whether he can explain why these delays take place; and whether, in view of the inconvenience and loss of orders caused to traders, he will take steps to prevent their recurrence.?

My attention has been drawr to the delay to a number of packets posted in London, and one posted in Leicester during a recent week-end, which were prepaid one halfpenny only. The delay in London was partly attributable to the fact that the packets were posted after 3.30 p.m., and wore, in accordance with Regulations, liable to be held over till next day, and partly to exceptional pressure owing to a heavy arrival of mails at the time. The Postmaster-General has power to delay all packets, other than those sent at the letter rate of postage in such circumstances, if the letters would otherwise suffer delay. The packet posted in Leicester should have been delivered on the following Monday instead of, as actually happened, on Tuesday. I am having further inquiry made in this case and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the deliberate delay on letters with a halfpenny stamp, not posted before half-past three, causes very great inconvenience to the business community, who are in the habit of making up their post towards the end of the day, and will he find a means of abating this very serious inconvenience?

I will see if anything can be done in the matter.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state the decision of the Government with regard to their promised reconsideration of the measures to be taken to relieve necessitous local authorities from the extra burden placed upon them by the working of the five weeks' gap period in the Unemployment Insurance Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given yesterday in reply to questions on this subject.

Are we to understand that the concession announced by the Prime Minister is the limit to which the Government is prepared to go to meet the deputation that waited on them some weeks ago from necessitous areas?

Yes, Sir. A Bill will be introduced, and opportunities for raising these points will then occur.

Is the Prime Minister still prepared to consider suggestions as to what is a necessitous area?

A Bill will have to be passed through the House in the next few days, and no doubt opportunities for discussing these points will arise during the passage of the Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in addition to the officials of the Cabinet Secretariat, he has the services of any other private secretaries; if so, at what cost: and in connection with what Departments do they discharge their duties?