asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the last White Book on Egyptian affairs deals only with matters up to the end of February of this year; and whether he will issue another White Book immediately so as to bring up to date public knowledge in Great Britain of conditions in that country?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the latter in the negative. As Egypt is now independent, the issue of periodical reports on internal conditions is a matter for the Egyptian rather than for His Majesty's Government. No doubt, however, it will be found convenient for His Majesty's Government to publish from time to lime reports on Egyptian affairs of special interest to Great Britain.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the Government contemplate publishing such a report at an early date, in view of the murders that are taking place in that country? Surely something is necessary to inform the public of this country what is the position?

I cannot give a definite assurance, but I will look into the matter.

Then will the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of issuing a statement at an early date, for the information of this House, as to the conditions in Egypt, if he be not able to to issue a White Book?

I will consider that.

May I ask whether, when the hon. Gentleman issues such a statement, if he propose to do so, he will make a statement first of all as to the agrarian crime in the country, and, in the second place, as to the arrangements that have been made, or attempted to be made, between the British and Egyptian Governments with regard to the compensation of officials?

That might possibly form a subject of such a periodical White Paper as that which I mentioned in my answer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the attempted assassination of Colonel Piggott, Army Pay Department, in Cairo; whether any of the perpetrators of this outrage have been captured; whether the attention of the Egyptian Government has been drawn to the circumstances that in every recent instance of an outrage of this kind upon British subjects the perpetrator has been suffered to escape: and whether the Egyptian Government has been informed that the British Government cannot countenance the indefinite repetition of such outrages?

Colonel Piggott, of the Army Pay Corps, was shot at 8.30 a.m. on 15th July, twice in the lungs by one of two effendis, who were apparently lying in wait for Mm near the British Consulate in Cairo. I regret to say that both miscreants escaped. The answer to the remainder of the question is in the affirmative.

Is it not a fact that there were two Egyptian policemen, one on each side, within a hundred yards of where this officer was shot, and yet the perpetrators got away? How does the hon. Gentleman explain that?

I do not know where my Noble Friend obtained that information. It has not reached me.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries to see whether it be correct, and, if so, take action?

Yes.

Is the same sort of inquiry being conducted into the murder of this officer as is being conducted in the former case? Is His Majesty's Government satisfied with the form of inquiry that is being conducted, in view of the fact that no discoveries are ever made as to the persons who are responsible for these outrages?

I have no doubt the Egyptian Government is taking every possible step to discover the perpetrators, and His Majesty's Government has very strongly urged the Egyptian Government to take every possible measure.

Does the hon. Gentleman not remember that ho informed the House a week ago that an inquiry was being conducted, with such assistance as might be necessary from the military authorities, and will he not take steps to strengthen the Court of Inquiry in consultation and co-operation with the Egyptian Government, so that we can get something out of it?

I can assure my hon. Friend that Lord Allenby, on his part, is doing his best to assist in bringing the offenders to justice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what Governments are officially represented at Angora; and if he is aware that practically every Moslem community in the world has delegates at Angora accredited to the Government of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey?

According to the information in the possession of His Majesty's Government, the Governments officially represented at Angora are Soviet Russia, Persia, Afghanistan, and Azerbaijan. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the Customs jurisdiction on the high seas accords with the limit of the international three miles, it has been at any time suggested, and-if so, under what circumstances, that this policy should be remodelled and the right of Customs search carried out at a greater distance from shore?

The question of remodelling the Customs Consolidation Act, which superseded the old Hovering Acts, with a view to extending Customs search beyond the three mile limit, has at no time been considered.

Is the hon. Member aware that the United States Government have decided to revive the obsolete Act?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Portuguese Government has yet introduced the promised legislation dealing with the complaints of British shipowners in regard to the excessive dues and charges now made on British ships entering Portuguese ports; and can he make any statement on the subject?

His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon, who has not ceased to impress upon the Portuguese Government the serious injury inflicted on British shipping by the Portuguese Decrees at present in force, reports that the proposed legislation is to be introduced towards the end of the present Session of the Portuguese Parliament.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the internal value of the mark?

I do not think I can usefully add anything to the reply given by the President of the Board of Trade to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow (Mr. Mosley) on the 17th July.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in accordance with the Treaty of Saint Germain, the Reparation Commission appointed under Article 179 is still in existence; if so, when did it last meet;. whether it was by the authority of the Commission that a lien was given by Austria to certain of the Allied Powers on her valuable national possessions; whether this lien now operates against her being able to offer these possessions as collateral against the raising of a foreign loan; and, in view of the financial situation of Austria, will Great Britain and the other Allied Powers now forgo any lien they may possess in accordance with Clause 22 of Annex 2?

The Austrian section of the Reparation Commission is still in existence, and meets at the headquarters of the Commission in Paris: the last meeting of which I am aware was held yesterday. The lien on Austrian assets in respect of the cost of reparation was imposed by Article 197 of the Treaty of Saint Germain, and not by the authority of the Reparation Commission, but this charge is subject to such exceptions as the Commission may make. I agree that the release or postponement for a long period of the lien on Austrian assets is very desirable, in order to enable her to offer assets as security for a foreign loan. His Majesty's Government, in common with the other principal Allied Governments, have been endeavouring for many months to obtain the consent of all the Powers entitled to Reparation from Austria to the release or postponement of the lien on Austrian assets, and renewed efforts to attain this object were recently made through the Conference of Ambassadors. It will not be necessary, in order to achieve this object, to amend Annex II to Part VIII (Reparation) of the Treaty of Saint Germain under the provisions of paragraph 22 of that Annex.

Has the hon. Member seen the report in to-day's papers that, as a matter of fact, the Allied Powers have remitted their lien on these Austrian possessions?

I have seen that report in the newspapers, but I am not quite certain whether it is correct. We have no confirmation of it.

Is it not a fact that this so-called Reparation Commission has been for many months a Relief Commission for suffering Austria, and ought it not to be so described in the future?

I think there is a great deal in what the hon. and gallant Member says.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state in the simplest form possible, for the benefit of the public, the exact amount which has been paid by Germany under the Versailles Treaty, either in cash or kind; and what proportion this represents of the total War indemnity demanded so far as figures have been formulated?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question asked by the right hon. Member for the South Molton Division (Mr. Lambert) on the 4th instant. The statement there given shows that, up to the 30th April, 1922, the amount credited on account of reparation was about £212,000,000, taking 20 gold marks as equivalent to £1 sterling. Germany's total liability in respect of reparation (exclusive of prior charges) was fixed by the Reparation Commission in 1921 at £6,600 millions, payable over a period of years.

Has this country received as much from Germany as will cover the cost of the Army on the Rhine?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question about that matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been arrived at with regard to the future of the Coastguard Service?

I hope that a decision will be reached shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the delay in coming to a decision with regard to the Coastguard Service is reacting rather badly on that Service, and that officers and men are getting very anxious?

A decision will be reached as soon as we can, but the question is full of difficulty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is to be done with H.M.S."Alacrity"?

The yacht "Alacrity" has been brought home, and paid off at Plymouth. She was returned to the owner last week at Cowes, the owner paying the cost of the voyage from Plymouth to Cowes.

Has any payment actually been made to the owner besides handing over the yacht?

No, Sir; I understand not.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statement made by the First Lord of the Admiralty, in an address to the 1920 Club, to the effect that the Navy must have control over its Air Service; and whether this statement represents the views of His Majesty's Government?

The Government policy-was stated by me in this House on 16th March of this year, and to this statement I have at present nothing to add, as the inquiry into the system of naval and air co-operation which I then foreshadowed is still proceeding. I should add that the meeting addressed by my Noble Friend was a private one, and reporters were not present. The account of what he said which reached the Press was, I am informed by him, unauthorised and incorrect.

Can the Lord Privy Seal tell us what the right hon. Gentleman did say?

Nothing inconsistent with the statement of policy which I made to the House in March last.

Will the Committee, to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred, give effect to the decision of the Government to maintain the unity and integrity of the Air Force?

No, Sir, the decision of the Government was that there should be an integral Air Force, and the Committee to which I have referred, and the appointment of which I then foreshadowed, was to consider methods in which Naval and Air Force co-operation could be most effectively carried out to the advantage of both services, and, above all, to the advantage of the country.

When will the Committee report?

I cannot say. It is dealing with very important matters, and with matters, admittedly, of some difficulty. With every good will on both sides, there will be no delay, but I cannot fix a time.

asked the Minister of Labour if it has now been decided to close the Government Instructional Factory at Spring Bank, Hull, and to transfer the trainees to the factory at Leeds; if the Hull establishment is better equipped, and managed on more economical lines, than that at Leeds; whether it was the original intention to close the factories at Leeds and Sheffield, but not Hull; what has been the cause of the alteration in policy in this respect; and if he will consent to receive a deputation on the subject before finally taking action?

It has been decided, after very careful consideration, to close the Government Instructional Factory at Hull next month, but this decision will in no way prejudice the prospects of the men now awaiting training in Hull and the surrounding district. It may be possible to arrange for two classes to be retained at Hull, and training facilities will also be available at Leeds, Keighley, Beverley and Birtley. It is not the case that the Hull establishment is better equipped or more economically managed than that at Leeds. I will see a deputation of course. But I doubt whether they will be able to convince me that I ought to keep this factory going.

Does the right hon. Gentleman see that it is very hard luck on ex-service men in Hull to have to travel to Leeds for their classes, especially when married; does he not realise that Hull is the centre of a great area cut off from Leeds and the West Riding: and ought it not to be retained for the benefit of ex-service men already there?

The importance of Hull is not likely to be lost sight of. I have 250 places with considerable overhead charges and I have got 65 men there. Therefore I am distributing them in surrounding establishments. They will get travelling allowance. There are 500 on the waiting list in and about Hull. If the local technical committees would pass enough I would consider keeping the factory going.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Leeds there is nothing like the accommodation provided in Hull, and that there is also a great waiting list in Leeds? Why should not Leeds men come to Hull?

That is a question which was considered very carefully, and, after great consideration, it was given in favour of Leeds.

Is there any truth contained in the question that it is more economical at Hull than at Leeds?

That is not the case.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Unemployment Grants Committee, in assisting any relief work schemes of which they may approve, will deal with and decide all applications according to priority of receipt: whether they will at least ensure that necessitous areas are not overlooked; and whether some balance will be retained as long as possible to deal with cases of emergency which may present themselves in the coming winter, even at a late date?

The method of dealing with applications is necessarily one to be decided by the Committee, but I am quite sure that they will see that the moneys placed at their disposal are distributed to the best advantage that the circumstances permit.

asked the Minister of Labour whether men who were employed in an insured trade before they enlisted had their insurance accounts credited with full contributions during their period of service with the forces; and, if so, how is it that in many cases they are being told they have exhausted their right to covenanted benefit, notwithstanding the fact that since their demobilisation they have not received as much covenanted unemployment benefit as is being paid to non-service men engaged in the same trade?

Before the passing of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, no unemployment insurance contributions were paid or credited for service with the forces. Under that Act men discharged from the forces after 31st July, 1920, have been credited with contributions in respect of their services— 90 contributions if discharged before July, 1922, and 156 contributions if discharged after that date. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, ex-service men discharged up to 31st July, 1920, received out-of-work donation amounting in total to a very large sum, and have received preferential treatment as regards un-covenanted benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the ex-service men are not in a worse position than they would have been if their accounts had been credited with their payment up to the time they were serving with the Colours?

That it is difficult to say. What I can say, however, is that, both in respect of the Insurance Act and relief works, we have endeavoured to give preference to ex-service men.

asked the Minister of Labour how many officials, and at what cost to the State, are employed by the Ministry of Labour in connection with the placing of women in private domestic service and for the inspection of private houses where girls under 18 have been placed?

The placing of women in private domestic service is part of the work of women's departments of the Exchanges. No special staff is employed for this purpose. No officials are now, or ever have been, employed by the Ministry for the inspection of private houses. My hon. Friend may be interested to know that during the last 18 months the Employment Exchange officials have filled 284,000 vacancies for women, 190,000 of them being in domestic service, day and residential.

Is it not the case that there are inspectors who visit girls under 18, who are in domestic service in private houses?

Not from the Ministry of Labour. They have no right to do so. Besides there are no such officials.

How does the right hon. Gentleman prove that he has found places for these women?

A woman registers at the Exchange that she wants work. If there be a vacancy also registered, we call her attention to it. If she take the place, it is filled, that is all.

Thus you have proof that you have filled a vacancy?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that J. Cooper, of 39, Alexandra Road, Wednesbury, was informed eight, weeks ago by the Wednesbury Employment Exchange that he was not entitled to further unemployment benefit, as he had no stamps to his credit, until the period 20th July, 1918, to 12th July, 1919; that Cooper contested this statement and supplied evidence from the Metropolitan Carriage, Wagon, and Finance Company, Limited, of being an insured workman as from 1912: and seeing that, in spite of frequent applications, Cooper can obtain no benefit, will he hold an investigation into this case and instruct the local exchange to make, the necessary payments?

I am making inquiries locally in this case, and will communicate (he result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the closing of the continuation schools in London, he has made any arrangements for the officers of the employment exchanges, who now attend these schools in order to provide employment for girls and boys leaving school, to continue their work for juvenile employment elsewhere; and can he make any statement on the subject?

These officers have been withdrawn from the schools at which the day continuation classes were held and are now employed at the exchanges, except in certain cases in which their employment has been terminated. The boys and girls concerned were invited to register at the exchanges, and many of them have done so.

asked the Minister of Health if any decision has been arrived at regarding the renewal or repeal of the Rent Restrictions Act when it ceases to be operative in 1923?

A Committee is being appointed to consider the whole question referred to.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when the Committee will meet, and what chance there will be of the public, who are interested in this, knowing what result has been arrived at?

The Committee will meet as soon as I have been able to get the personnel, and it has been constituted? I have no doubt they will report as soon as they have been able to inquire into all the facts.

Will this House be informed as to the names, and will the Report of the Committee be laid before the House?

The House will undoubtedly be informed of the names of the Committee as soon as I know them.

Has the right hon. Gentleman decided on the terms of reference'?

I have been considering the terms of reference. They follow on the lines laid down by the right hon. Gentleman opposite (Dr. Addison).

asked the Minister of Health the number of men employed in building houses for local authorities under the provisions of the Housing Act of 1919 in each of the six months, January to June?

The number of men employed in building houses in assisted schemes of local authorities and public utility societies in each of the months referred to was as follows:

—		Skilled.	Unskilled.	Total.
January	…	58,083	39,188	97,271
February	…	54,610	36,565	91,175
March	…	52,666	35,867	88,533
April	…	48,610	34,224	82,834
May	…	44,494	30,438	74,932
June	…	39,904	20,747	66,651

It may be pointed out that unemployment in the building trade has steadily fallen in each of these months.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that a reduction of over 30,000 men engaged in building houses is carrying out the pledge of the Prime Minister that not a single house less would be built if a change were made in policy?

That is a question which would better be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the Minister of Health at what price he estimates the ordinary speculative builder can now erect workmen's houses of the standard required under the Government's assisted housing schemes; and what would be the weekly rent payable, exclusive of rates, to give the speculative builder an adequate return on each house?

I am afraid I cannot give the hon. Member the information he asks for. The conditions under which speculative builders operate vary so considerably in different cases that any general statement would be misleading.

If the right hon. Gentleman has not this information, on what was his statement based that private enterprise could fulfil the housing needs that the Government had left vacant?

I did not say that I had no information, but that I have not got information which I could put in the shape of an answer to the question.

Can the House have the advantage of the information the right hon. Gentleman has in his possession?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has recently advertised for a woman Poor Law inspector to perform responsible duties over a large area at a salary of £200 per annum, rising by annual increments of £10 to £350; whether the salaries of male Poor Law inspectors are about £l,000: and on what grounds he has decided that a woman with the qualifications specified in the advertisement and the same responsible duties, should be paid so much less than a man, in view of the pledges given by the Government in the women's Civil Service Debate of last, year?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The salaries of the male inspectors are £600. rising to £900, and in three cases only, to £1,000. As regards the second part, the hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. The responsibilities and duties-of the women inspectors and the male general inspectors are in no way comparable.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increase in the charges for water that have been made in the Metropolitan district for the current quarter; that the Barnet District Water Company have increased their rate by approximately 20 per cent., and that the explanation given is that the increase is authorised by the Minister of Health; and whether these increases have been made without legisla- tion and the authority of his Ministry alone?

I am aware of the increases referred to. Those made by the Metropolitan Water Board were authorised by the Metropolitan Water Board (Charges) Act, 1921, and did not require my consent. The increased charges of the Barnet District Water Company were authorised by an Order made by me under the Water Undertakings (Modification of Charges) Act, 1921, after an inquiry and full consideration of all the facts. No objection was made to the Order, and the Act provides that in the absence of objection the Order may take effect without the confirmation of Parliament.

When this inquiry was held, were those concerned given a chance to appear, so that they might object?

It is necessarily open to take objection to any such Order, and if it be taken, the Order must come before the House. No objection has been taken to the Order.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the consumers in Barnet have no information whatsoever of this intended increase, and will he give them the opportunity of being heard on the subject before the Order is allowed to be put into operation?

I was not aware of what the hon. and gallant Gentleman says.

May I send the right hon. Gentleman proof of the fact that that is the case, and, if so, will he take the matter into consideration?

Most certainly I will.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has in his possession the data required for the introduction of a Smoke Abatement Bill; and whether he can give any intimation as to a prospective date for its introduction?

I hope that this Bill will be introduced in another place this week.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of boards of guardians in the county of London; what is the total number of members of such boards; what is the total expenditure of guardians in London for the last financial year; if his Department makes any grants from taxes towards this expenditure; and, if so, to what extent?

There are 28 boards of guardians in the county of London, and the total number of members of those boards is nearly 800. The total expenditure of London guardians, excluding payments made to the Metropolitan Asylums Board, for 1920–1921, the latest year for which particulars are available, was £6,912,000. The grants made by my Department from taxes towards this expenditure amount to £5,836. In addition, grants are payable to the guardians by the county council out of the money paid to them by my Department from the Local Taxation Account and from other moneys.

asked the Minister of Labour what further economies he has effected in the administration of his Department since his statement of 10th April last; and what are the present numbers and cost of that administration as compare with 1913?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the information for which he asks.

Seeing the necessity for getting at the facts, will the right hon. Gentleman read to hon. Members one or two?

Oh, yes, I will give the first sentence. Since the beginning of April this year, the staff of the Ministry has been reduced from 21,015 to 18,863, representing an annual cost of approximately £350,000.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the opposition of the postal workers to the abolition of the Civil Service Arbitration Board and the action of the Government in adding to the existing Whitley Council three supporters of the Government to take over the function of the Arbitration Board; and, having regard to the fact that nothing but an independent court of appeal such as a board of arbitration provides can settle satisfactorily the disputes which have been found incapable of adjustment by the Whitley committees or by direct negotiations between the staff organisations and the State, will he reconsider the matter, with a view of retaining the present board?

I have been asked to reply. Representations have been made on this subject. It is not the case that the National Whitley Council, as reconstituted, will take over any function of the Civil Service Abitration Board. With regard to the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the replies given to the hon. Member for the Rushcliffe Division of Nottingham on the 22nd February last and to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith on the 24th May last.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he proposes to appoint an officer from the junior administrative staff of the General Post Office to an executive post in his Department; what are the present and maximum substantive salary and the temporary emoluments of this officer; and what increase of present and maximum substantive salary will accrue to him from the appointment?

There were four vacancies to be filled, and, following the usual practice, names were considered from the Government Pool and from within the Ministry. Three of these vacancies were filled from within the Ministry and one from the Government Pool by the appointment of the officer referred to who has a distinguished War record. This officer's present substantive salary is £386, rising to £500 a year. In addition he receives an allowance as Private Secretary of £200 and a bonus of £260 a year, or £846 in all. The substantive salary of his new post is from £760 to £850 a year, together with the appropriate bonus.

asked the Minister of Health what, if any, precautions are taken against the supply of drugs and medicines of inferior quality to panel patients by retail chemists; and is he aware that such patients are frequently informed that they can have drugs and medicines of superior quality by paying for them?

Tests are made from time to time to ensure that prescriptions are correctly dispensed, and severe penalties have been imposed in cases where chemists have supplied drugs of a kind different from that ordered by the doctor. As regards the latter part of the question, if the hon. Member will give the particulars of any cases where such statements have been made, whether by practitioners or chemists, which have been brought to his notice, I will have inquiry made with a view to disciplinary action if the facts can be established.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that Charles W. McGuirc, ex-sergeant in the Royal Irish Constabulary, was awarded £1,700 compensation for injuries received in an ambush in 1921 while on patrol in the town of Letterkenny; whether £l,350 of this has been paid, and that Sergeant McGuire has been informed that £80 or £90 will be deducted from the balance for medical expenses; and whether he will see that, as the injuries from which Sergeant McGuire suffered were received in the exercise of his duty, the medical expenses rendered necessary by these injuries shall be borne by the Crown, and that no portion of the sum awarded to Sergeant McGuire shall be deducted?

The question of the deduction of medical and nursing expenses in cases of this nature is under consideration. If the hon. and gallant Member will repeat his question at a later date I hope to be able to give him a definite reply.

On what principle of justice can a policeman or a soldier, in the exercise of his duty, be called upon to pay medical expenses out of his own pocket?

I quite agree, if the facts are as stated, with the hon. and gallant Gentleman's conclusion, but as this is a grant of public money, I hope the hon. and gallant Member will give me the opportunity of proceeding through the usual channels.

Surely this must have happened in hundreds of cases, and lots of these people must have been injured in cases of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether arrangements have now been concluded to strengthen the personnel of the Irish Relief Committee over which the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare) presides; in what manner this is to be done; what will be the revised terms of reference and what additional funds will be allocated for the purposes of relief: and whether he will arrange that relief Sub-committees be set up in Glasgow and Liverpool and any other town in Great Britain where Irish refugees, of whatever religion, arrive or congregate?

Yes, Sir, the arrangements of which I informed the House in reply to the question from my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chelsea on Monday, have been completed and I am informed that a notice will be issued to-day to the Press from the offices of the Committee.

I am advised that these changes do not necessitate any revision of the Committee's terms of reference and that the funds at their disposal are adequate for their immediate needs. The House can rest assured, however, that no case in which the Committee is competent to give financial assistance will be allowed to suffer through lack of funds.

In reply to the last part of the question, the Committee are competent to deal, and do in fact deal, with cases by correspondence all over this country and in this connection are in close touch with the chief constables, and I have before me no evidence to show that this system is not successful or that the inauguration of a local Sub-committee system is necessary.

If the Committee presided over by the hon. Baronet the Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoarc) be able to give assistance to Irish people driven out of their houses and who are in absolute want in this country, will that Committee allot them a sum of money or give them assistance, in order to keep them alive?

That is what the Committee is for.

Is it not the case that the right hon. Gentleman has said over and over again that the functions of this Committee ought to be enlarged, and did not the right hon. Gentleman himself tell the House last week that the func- tions of the Committee were going to be enlarged?

If the hon. Member had been in his place on Monday last—

I read the right hon. Gentleman's replies in the OFFICIAL. REPORT.

Then if the hon. Member will recall what he has read in the OFFICIAL REPORT, he will find that his question was fully answered.

As regards the terms of reference, the right hon. Gentleman, said that they were not to be extended, and, in view of what has happened in the House, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of extending the terms of reference?

They have been extended.

Will the right hon. Gentleman read the letter of the hon. Member for Worcester (Sir E. Goulding) which appeared in the "Morning Post" and the "Times" this morning?

If the hon. Member wishes me to read that letter, he might, perhaps, cut it out, and send it to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Protestant Church of St. Thomas, in Marlborough Street, Dublin, was burnt during the recent fighting in the Sackville Street area in that city and the Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is but a few doors away, has been spared; whether he is aware that the forces engaged in the fighting in this area took no steps whatever to save the fabric of the Protestant Church, while every effort was made to save the Roman Catholic Cathedral; and whether representations are being made to the Free State authorities that the Imperial Government will demand that the fullest compensation shall be paid for the damage or destruction of property belonging to loyalists and Unionists in that State?

I do not regard the fact that a Protestant building was destroyed, while the Catholic Church escaped injury in the conflagration, as-justifying the conclusion that no effort was made to save the former from destruction. I understand that in the particular case in question the Protestant Church is believed to have caught fire from the neighbouring buildings due to the direction of the wind, and that the firemen did in fact do everything in their power to prevent its destruction. As regards the question of compensation, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement in the latter part of my reply to a question addressed to me on the 17th instant, by the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the attack on St. Kevin's Protestant Church, South Circular Road, Dublin, on Tuesday the 11th instant, when men broke into the church and riddled the organ with bullets, smashed the electric lights and windows of the church, and left the building with the floor littered with empty cartridge cases; whether a patrol consisting of 10 or 12 men, under an officer or non-commissioned officer of the Free State was in the vicinity at the time and took no steps to protect the church; whether he will demand an explanation of this sacrilege from the Free State Government, and of the action of their officers, and their failure to protect the property of loyal citizens: and whether he has taken any steps to obtain a guarantee that such outrages as these shall cease?

I am informed that an officer of the Free State Army was sent to investigate this outrage as soon as it was brought to the notice of the authorities, and that the Provisional Government have the matter under consideration. In reply to the last part of the question it must be obvious that neither His Majesty's Government nor the Provisional Government can give any guarantee that outrages of this kind by irresponsible persons will altogether cease in Ireland.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the desirability of making a strong statement to the public generally and to the Provisional Government in Dublin in particular, to the effect that the Free State Government will have to pay for all such outrages as these, and if he 3oes that, does he not think it will have a very good effect on the people in Ireland who are committing so many of these outrages?

It is essentially part of the case that the Provisional Government are putting before the people of Ireland that the whole cost of repairing the damage now being inflicted will fall upon them. They are making that plain in every communication they issue.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it plain to this House that that will be the case, namely, that the Free State Government will have to pay for all these outrages?

It is obvious that any Government professing to carry on a civilised administration in a modern State must insist upon proper compensation to persons for property damaged by riot or malicious injury.

Then why should we pay for the damage done by the constituents of the hon. and gallant Member (Captain Craig)?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if my constituents are known to have been guilty of any outrages?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total debt to the Imperial Exchequer which has been incurred by the Irish Free State since its establishment; whether any security has been given therefor in the shape of control over Customs, dues, or otherwise; and will he state what rate of interest is being paid on any sums that have been advanced and what arrangement is proposed for their repayment?

No sums have been advanced from the Imperial Exchequer to the Irish Free State by way of loan or interest. Certain sums are payable by the Irish Free State to the Imperial Exchequer in respect of debts collected by the Free State, of the cost of services not yet transferred, and of equipment supplied; and periodical claims for repayment are being rendered. No security has been asked for these sums, nor is interest being charged. There are also certain charges which are incurred in the first instance by the Irish Free State, and are recoverable from the Imperial Exchequer.

Is it the intention of the Government to allow loans or outstand- ing amounts due from the Free State without any security whatever? Is no security going to be taken for any amounts that were advanced or lent to, or which are due from, the Free State?

It is only a temporary arrangement during the transitional period. These sums are being collected purely temporarily, subject to a permanent arrangement being made.

Is it the intention of the Government to make a permanent arrangement with regard to these matters, and take proper security?

Obviously, a permanent arrangement will have to be made when the transitional period has passed.

Are not the unfortunate Irish who have anything to lose the ultimate security?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether negotiations are proceeding for a British loan of £2,000,000 to the Iraq Government for irrigation and agricultural purposes; and, if so, will he state what security is proposed for the repayment of this sum?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part therefore does not arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what regulations exist to prevent unnecessary suffering during the voyage of live cattle imported into this country; and whether such Regulations are effective?

Regulations for the protection of animals from unnecessary suffering during the voyage to this country are, as regards animals from abroad, contained in Chapter 6 of the Foreign Animals Order of 1910, and as regards animals from Ireland, in Part I of the Animals (Transit and General) Order of 1912, copies of which I will send to the hon. Member. Judging from the inspection of the fittings in the vessels engaged in this trade, and the number of casualties reported, I am satisfied that the Regulations are as effective as can be expected, but a certain amount of suffering is unavoidable in the ease of voyages across the Atlantic.

Then, the right hon. Gentleman is of opinion that live cattle can be imported into this country under Regulations which, in his judgment, are, on the whole, effective?

I said, "as effective as can be expected." It is obvious that a certain amount of suffering is entailed, but that is unavoidable.

Is there any more suffering in this case than is entailed when a race horse is sent over to the United States of America?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can state the total quantity and value of sea fish of British taking landed in Great Britain during the first half of the years 1920, 1921, and 1922, respectively?

As the answer is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with the permission of my hon. Friend, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that from the time of the last South African War up to the present year it has been the custom to admit the sons of deceased officers of the Auxiliary and Territorial armies whose widows are, or would have been, if living, eligible for pensions, into the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, at reduced fees; that in the present year new Regulations were issued by the Army Council which, as far as the Army is concerned, debar the sons of any but Regular officers from this privilege; whether this course was adopted in order to effect economy; and, if so, what is the estimated amount of the annual saving which will result from this change in the conditions of entry?

The facts are as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. It is impossible to state the exact saving which will be effected by the exclusion of the sons of deceased officers of the Auxiliary and Territorial armies from the privilege of reduced fees, but as regards the general effect of the new Regulations, there will be a saving spread over a number of years which, it is estimated, will reach £50,000 per annum at its maximum, assuming that the number of cadets at the Royal Military Academy and the Royal Military College remains the same as now.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that he has the opinion of the country behind him in effecting this economy at the expense of War widows, and will he consider the advisability of modifying the new Regulations so that they might at least apply to the sons of Territorial and Auxiliary officers who were mobilised in 1914 and who lost their lives in the War?

With regard to the first part of the question, I am never convinced that we have the opinion of the country behind us in any economy. As to the second part of the question, the whole of the facts shall be very fully considered.

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake not to make this decision effective until the House has had some opportunity of expressing its opinion on this tiny economy which is causing such gross hardship on the very people whom the whole House wishes to protect? Will the hon. Gentleman represent that to the Secretary of State?

Yes, I will make that representation to the Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility, in view of the reductions made recently in the Army and the fact that the accommodation at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, was greatly enlarged shortly before the War, of moving the Woolwich Academy to Sandhurst to occupy the older building there?

This matter is already under consideration in connection with the general question of the training of candidates for commissions in the Regular Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the formation of the new Territorial ground force for London, efforts are being made, and with what result, to get in touch with officers and men who were serving in a similar capacity at the termination of the War?

Yes, Sir; arrangements have already been made by which it is hoped to obtain for the air defence brigades personnel who have had experience in anti-aircraft work. It is not yet possible to say how many men will be obtained.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now make a statement as to what Government Bills the House of Commons will be invited before the Adjournment definitely to pass?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Merchandise Marks Bill is to be proceeded with this Session?

asked the Lord Prvy Seal whether it is intended to proceed with the Sale of Bread Bill in the present Session; and whether, having re- gard to the fact that its proposals are inapplicable to Scottish conditions in this trade, the reference to Scotland will be deleted in order that the passage of the Bill may be facilitated?

I hope to make a general statement on the Business of the House for the remainder of this portion of the Session, in the early part of next week.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make any statement on the course of proceedings at The Hague Conference; when a statement, with an opportunity for debate, will be made to Parliament; and when the next conference is to take place and where?

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been definitely decided to bring home the British delegation from The Hague during the present week?

I understand that there is to be a plenary session of The Hague Conference to-day for the purpose of healing any new proposals which the Russians may put forward. The future of the Conference will clearly depend on the result of the meeting. As regards the last part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, I would refer him to the statement made by the Prime Minister on Thursday last in regard to the Business of the House.

Shall we have a statement in any case on this important subject before the House rises for the Recess?

That is the question which was answered by the Prime Minister last Thursday, when he stated that an opportunity would be found in Supply next week.

When are the delegates coming home?

I think I had better not answer that question. I do not know what proposals the Russians are going to make to-day, or whether they are going to make any. They indicated a desire for another meeting, and one is being held.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the course of his conferences and discussions at Genoa with members of the Soviet Delegation, he held out any hope or gave any undertaking as to the granting of credit to Russia by this country?

No hope of credits was held out, except such as might be secured under the Trade Facilities and Export Credits Acts by traders and business men undertaking enterprises in Russia. As stated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply to a question on the 11th May, His Majesty's Government made it perfectly clear from the outset that they were not prepared to make a loan to the Soviet Government.

Am I to understand that the advantages of the Trade Facilities Act will not be granted to the Soviet Government quá Soviet Government?

The advantages of that Act are given to traders and business men who undertake business with Russia or elsewhere, and not to the Government of the country with which they happen to be trading.

I only wanted to make it quite clear.

asked the Secretary for Mines what effect the reduction of the price of coal by 9s. a ton has had on the coal market; and whether there is any reason to anticipate the extension of this reduction in prices to districts other than the Metropolis?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the letter from the Chairman of the Coal Merchants' Federation, which I read to the House on the 6th July. I am informed that the improvement in the retail coal trade mentioned in that letter is being maintained. In reply to the second part, I understand that the reductions in London prices have already been followed by decreases in domestic coal prices in most other parts of the country.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether in considering the general circumstances of applicants for parents' need pensions, the capital value of any resources are taken into account rather than the annual yield in income; whether he is aware that this is contrary to the practice in other spheres, e.g., in reckoning income for old age pension purposes; whether he is aware that many pensions have been refused until such capital sums are exhausted and the applicants reduced to want: and whether he will give instructions for a better system to be introduced?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. Where capital is invested, the actual yield is taken, and where it is uninvested the annual income is estimated at 5 per cent. I shall be glad to inquire into any particular case my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether the coalowners of the country have applied to the railway tribunal for a reduction of the rates on coal?

I am informed that no application has been received by the Rates Tribunal from the coal owners for a modification of railway rates.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been called to the alarming increase in the number of fatal accidents caused to railwaymen through the non-observance by the railway companies of the working rules whereby a look-out should be provided to protect men working in gangs on the permanent way; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am fully alive to the importance of the point raised by my right hon. Friend, and no opportunity has been or will be omitted by my Department of impressing upon the railway companies the necessity of taking steps to ensure that gangs working on the permanent way shall be enabled to obtain protection by the appointment of look-out men whenever danger be likely to arise. No doubt my right hon. Friend has in mind certain cases involving serious loss of life which have recently happened, but I am glad to say that there has been a marked reduction in recent years in the number of fatal accidents to men working on the permanent way, the average annual number for the four years from 1911 to 1914 having been 80, and for the last three and a half years, 52.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what action has been taken as to the recommendation of the Geddes Committee that an independent committee should be set up to consider the possibility of reforms, with a view to economy, in Scottish judicial arrangements?

The suggestions on which the recommendation of the Geddes Committee was based were the subject of an exhaustive inquiry by a Royal Commission in 1870, which reported against them. I do not in these circumstances propose, as at present advised, to hold the inquiry proposed.

In view of the fact that the inquiry took place 52 years ago, and that the need for economy is presumably more than it was in 1870, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider the making of some economies in the very expensive Scottish judicial system?

If I might respectfully recommend my hon. and gallant Friend to study the Reports of that Commission, he will find that there are considerations to-day just as strong as were then advanced, and, moreover, the population of Scotland has increased by 45 per cent. since that date.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what action has been taken with regard to the discontinuance suggested by the Geddes Committee of the item of £7,000 a year for port sanitation, and the reduction of members on the Scottish Board of Health?

In view of the fact that the port sanitation services are in large measure national services, in the efficient maintenance of which the whole nation is interested, it was decided to make provision in the Estimates for the current year of the Scottish Board of Health for the sum referred to as representing a fair contribution from the State towards the cost of these services at Scottish ports. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Section 23 of the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, from which he will see that it is proposed to effect the reduction of members recommended by the Geddes Committee.

Is it not possible to effect a reduction without waiting for the Bill in question to become law?

No, certainly not, because these members were appointed by Statute, and another Statute is required to modify it.