asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that a part of the premises of the Air Ministry was lent on Armistice Day to certain persons, who were not ex-service men, for an entertainment; whether any part of the funds raised was used for the benefit of ex-service associations; and whether, for the future, the Department will refuse to lend their premises on Armistice Day for any entertainment unless it is in accord with the sentiments of ex-service men in the Department and ex-service men generally?

With regard to the first and third parts of the question, the Air Ministry refreshment club premises were used on the evening of Armistice Day for an entertainment sponsored by one of the Air Ministry athletic associations, which includes in its membership a large proportion of ex-service men. Representations made against the entertainment by certain ex-service members of the staff were received too late to permit of any alteration in the arrangements already completed, but instructions were given that the Department's premises should not be used in future on 11th November for similar entertainments. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour how many temporary clerks employed in his Department are ineligible for appointment to permanent pensionable posts under regulations recently issued?

Out of 12,232 temporary clerks employed on 1st November, 1932, rather more than 2,000 have the requisite length of service rendering them eligible for appointment to permanent posts in accordance with the recent report of the temporary staffs committee, and of these all but about 250 are eligible for pensionable posts in accordance with that report.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the maximum already payable to Grade III S-class clerks in the London area on a 42-hour week; whether he is aware that the Royal Commission recommended an increase in the rates of the S-class but the Treasury have refused to apply this increase; and whether, in view of the discontent amongst the S-class in consequence, he will give instructions for negotiations to be entered into by the Treasury with the associations concerned on the pay and conditions of this class?

In reply to the first part of the question, the maximum weekly rate of a Grade III S-class clerk in the London area is 65s. 1d. for a 42-hour week and 68s. 9d. for a 44-hour week. As regards the second and third parts, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 29th November to the hon. Member for Blackley (Mr. Lees-Jones).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the petition which has been submitted to the League of Nations by a number of Members of Parliament and others concerning the position of the Ukrainian minority in Poland and the establishment of an autonomous régime in the territory known as Eastern Galicia; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government will support this petition?

I have seen a copy of the petition referred to, but I am not aware that it has yet been declared receivable by the Council of the League of Nations. It has previously been stated in this House that under existing rules of procedure at Geneva publicity is only given to petitions the examination of which by a committee of three has been completed; and I am accordingly not at present in a position to supply further information on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount granted from the Exchequer to voluntary or charitable institutions in England and Wales from 1925 to the last convenient date, giving each year separately; the name of the institution or organisation; and the amount received by each?

The comprehensive information for which the hon. Member asks is not readily available, and its preparation would involve an expenditure of time and labour which would not, in my opinion, be justified.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the inclusion of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act in the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill, he proposes to introduce the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Amendment Bill at an early date; and whether the Bill will be proceeded with before Christmas?

I am giving notice to-day of intention to introduce a Bill to amend the Rent Restrictions Acts, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement as to further proceedings.