Written Answers
Navy And Army Pensioners (Stepney)
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many naval pensioners are resident in the Metropolitan borough of Stepney?
As the records of naval pensioners are not classified according to the localities in which they reside, I regret that I cannot furnish the information desired.
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can state how many pensioners of his Department are resident in the Metropolitan borough of Stepney?
The information required is not available at the War Office, and would only be obtainable by the perusal of the individual records of pensioners kept by paymasters. I regret that I cannot undertake an investigation which involves so large an amount of labour.
British Army
Recruiting (Wales)
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the different regiments in the regular Army associated with Wales are at full strength or not; and what has been the result of recruiting in Wales during the last six months?
The four regiments in question were practically up to establishment on 1st April. The number of recruits accepted in the Welsh area during the first six months of the recruiting year beginning on 1st October last, was 998. This is regarded as satisfactory.
His Majesty's Silver Jubilee (Bands)
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, so far as is possible, he will allow Army bands to play for the different sections of the civilian population on 6th May, arranging, if desired, for such Army bands to have the public holiday on some other day?
Army bands may, as far as the exigencies of the Service permit, be considered as available to play to the public on 6th May, and instructions have been issued to military commands to co-operate with local authorities in this connection. Band personnel so employed, who are, in consequence, unable to take their holiday at the normal time, will be granted a holiday in lieu.
Income Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will restore to the small Income Tax payer the scale of allowances operating prior to 1931 before making concessions to the well-to-do classes of taxpayer, who are the main beneficiaries of any reduction in the standard rate of tax?
I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.
Palestine And Syria (Education)
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the sums of money spent annually by the French and Italian Governments, respectively, in Palestine and Syria on education, together with the comparable amount spent by the British Government?
I have no information as to the expenditure of the French and Italian Governments on education in Palestine or in Syria. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom spends no money on education in those countries except in connection with the education of the personnel of Army and Air Force detachments in Palestine.