asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the Government has guaranteed the interest on the outstanding £2,000,000 Six per Cent. Bonds of the British-America Nickel Corporation; and, if so, for how many years and up to what amount; (2) whether the sum of £600,000 which the -Government has invested in the British-America Nickel Corporation ranks pari passu with the first mortgage debentures of the corporation held by the National Trust Company of New York; (3) whether the whole of the assets of the British-America Nickel Corporation have been mortgaged to the National Trust Company -of New York; whether the Government has entered into any guarantee for the payment of interest on the debentures; and, if so, for what period of years; (4) whether the money which has been advanced by the Government to the British-America Nickel Corporation will be required to pay off the loans of the corporation, redeem debentures, or pay arrears of interest on their debenture bonds; and whether he is aware that none of the money advanced by the Government will be available for the purpose of developing the production of nickel by the company?

His Majesty's Government have not guaranteed the interest on any part of the share or loan capital of the British-America Nickel Corporation. The advance made to the corporation by His Majesty's Government is secured by an issue of 3,000,000 dols. first mortgage gold bonds, forming part of an issue of 6,000,000 dole. first mortgage gold bonds, the whole issue ranking together. The trustee for the bondholders is the National Trust Company, Limited, a company incorporated in Canada, and not in New York, as stated by my hon. Friend. The advance is specifically allocated to purposes of development and the provision of working capital.

Has the Government any security that this advance of £600,000 will be applied to purposes of development?

Yes; I believe that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an undertaking that no treaty will be signed with a foreign Power before its terms are made known to Parliament; and whether he has considered the precedent of the American Constitution and the possibility of submitting to Parliament for ratification any treaty of first-class importance?

The subject raised by my hon. Friend's question involves a very grave constitutional change; and I fear cannot be dealt with by question and answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information concerning an agreement between the United States and Switzerland providing for the importation of foodstuffs into Switzerland?

An economic agreement was concluded between the United States authorities and the Swiss Government on December 5th last. Its general effect is that Switzerland is allowed to import certain quantities of foodstuffs and raw materials from America, subject to guarantees against their re-export to the enemy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, following upon the two recent successful raids of the Germans, one of them near the Tyne mouth, he has made any important changes in the Navy, especially in the higher commands?

As already announced, changes have been made in certain appointments on the Naval Staff at the Admiralty, but it would be entirely incorrect to infer that any of these changes have been made in consequence of the incidents referred to in the hon. Member's question.

In consequence of that reply, I will take an early opportunity of raising the whole question of the incapacity of the higher ranks of the Admiralty.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that since the Order he made giving 12½ per cent. increase to time-workers considerable labour disturbances have arisen; whether there has been any increase in the demand for extension of this bonus to other branches of munition makers, including those engaged on piece-work; whether, before issuing the Order giving the increase in wages, he consulted and acted in harmony with the Ministry of Labour; and, if not, whether he will take care to do so in future and thereby help to avoid difficulties in the engineering trades?

The present position so far as the 12½ per cent. bonus is concerned is set out in the official announcement sent to the Press in the course of last week, which states that

"The Cabinet have decided that the settlement of any claim arising from the recent Orders granting an advance of 12½ per cent. to plain time-workers in the shipbuilding and munitions trades shall be referred to the Ministry of Labour in place of the War Cabinet Labour Committee."

And adds that the Ministry of Labour propose to deal with applications on the lines of a resolution passed by the committee of trade unionists advising the Minister of Munitions to the effect that: (1) the bonus shall be extended to cover time-workers who have not yet received the advance in the shipbuilding and munitions trades, and (2) that so far as pieceworkers in these trades are concerned no 12½ per cent, shall be given, but that low piece prices shall be revised.

The Ministry of Labour and the other Departments concerned are actively engaged in settling the matter in accordance with this announcement. With regard to the latter part of the hon. Member's question, I have nothing to add to my previous statements, which were to the effect that not only was the Ministry of Labour consulted in this matter, but that the decision was given by the War Cabinet after prolonged consideration and consultation with officials of all Departments involved, including the Committee on Production.

Can my hon. Friend give any idea what is the total cost of this, increase?

I am afraid I cannot.

Can the hon. Gentleman present in some intelligible form what changes have been made since the first proposal was made, so that we can appreciate what this 12½ per cent. increase means?

I think the hon. Member will find if lie looks at the announcement made last week that it is perfectly intelligible.

Has the hon. Gentleman not noticed himself the various changes which are announced from day to day in the newspapers with regard to this, and cannot he give us a complete statement of what it really means?

I think the hon. Member must be satisfied with the public announcement which has been made.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that his own Department has calculated that the cost would be £120,000,000?

No, I am not so aware.

asked (1) the Minister of Munitions whether he can now state the result of the inquiry on the alleged case of bribery and blackmail in connection with the importation of agricultural tractors; and what action, if any, is being taken; and (2) the Attorney- General if he will produce the correspondence between himself and the Ministry of Munitions with reference to an alleged ease of bribery and blackmail in connection with the importation of agricultural implements; and on what date the papers were deposited with him by the Ministry of Munitions?

The allegations referred to by the hon. Member have now been fully investigated under the supervision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with assistance. These allegations rest entirely upon two statutory declarations made by two gentlemen recording a conversation they had had on the same day with a Mr. E. B. Killen, a director of the company, which acted as the agent for the sale of "Moline" tractors in this country.

The statutory declarations were entirely based on this conversation, and the declarants did not purport to deal with the facts as being within their own knowledge, and their statements are not therefore in any sense evidence of such facts recorded in such conversation, but only of the fact that such a conversation took place.

Mr. Killen was examined by the Director of Public Prosecutions in regard to the conversation, but repudiated ever having made some of the most important statements attributed to him, and emphatically denied his having at any time, or to anyone, stated that any agreement or any document in writing was ever in existence, saying that he must have been completely misunderstood.

He did, however, repeat certain allegations based, not upon his own knowledge, but -upon facts which he alleged to have been communicated to him by two of his co-directors. These gentlemen have also been carefully examined, with the result that they, in turn, repudiate all the material statements attributed to them by Mr. Killen.

There is no reason to doubt that, the statutory declarations record with substantial accuracy the statements made by Mr. Killen in the conversation referred to, and I consider that the declarants acted properly in calling the attention of the Minister thereto.

But I am advised by the Director of Public Prosecutions that, as the result of the searching investigation to which the statements then, and subsequently, made by Mr. Killen have been subjected, not only is there no primâ facie case against any officer of the Ministry upon which any proceedings could be launched, but that the result of the investigation has been completely to exonerate the Agricultural Machinery Department of the Ministry and its officers, past and present, from any justifiable suspicion of corrupt practices or of improper conduct.

I regret that Mr. Killen cannot be held criminally responsible for making his slanderous and untrue statements, which, whether made wilfully or carelessly, were calculated to throw doubt upon the honour of patriotic public officials, but I am advised that the form in which his statements were made protects him from such proceedings.

Are we to understand that any statement of this kind can be made by any member of the public accusing a Department of bribery and blackmail, and that the Department can take no action against such civilian whatsoever?

I would remind the hon. Member that the gentlemen who made these statments did not give any publicity to them. It is the hon. Member himself who gave them publicity.

Are we to understand that this statement has been offered by two responsible citizens, requesting that action should be taken against tins wan for making these statements in their presence, and that the Minister refuses to take such action; and is the Minister prepared to publish the shorthand reports of all the inquiries that they have made or to lay them on the Table of the House?

The hon. Member has not correctly summarised the statements made. The statements alleged to have been made by Mr. Killen are denied by him.

Do Mr. Killen's co-directors or do they not admit the truth? Do they accuse him or does he accuse them, and in view of the importance of the charge, does the hon. Gentleman not think it advisable that a full inquiry should be made—a public inquiry?

The fullest possible inquiry has been made. If there was the least chance of success I should continue to proceed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the doctrine still prevails in the Navy that requires that a battleship shall keep beyond 10,000 yards from the enemy to fight her guns; if so, whether the results of this cautious policy have justified the strategy of the Admiralty; and, if not, whether he will place in the position of First Sea Lord a man of greater enterprise and resourcefulness than the present holder?

Nothing is known at the Admiralty of the doctrine referred to, and the remainder of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that doctrine is taken from the literal words of Admiral Jellicoe, and is it on a par with the administrative capacity of the Admiralty that they are not aware of the words of their own chief printed in all the public Press?

I have nothing to add to what I have already said.

If in place of the right hon. Gentleman covering ignorance by this method, will he endeavour to bring a little illumination into his own Department and into his own mind?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make his promised statement on the results of the inquiry into the loss of the second Norwegian convoy; and whether he will make a statement as to the outcome of any inquiry into the attack on a convoy off the Tyne on the same day?

A Court of Inquiry, appointed by the Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet, has been held into the circumstances connected with the attack on the Scandinavian convoy, which took place on Wednesday, the 12th of December, 1917, when His Majesty's ship "Partridge" was sunk, and His Majesty's ship "Pellew" damaged. The Court consisted, as announced in the statement which I made to the House on the 17th of December, of Admiral Sir Doveton Sturdee, Vice-Admiral Sir John M. de Robeck, and Rear-Admiral W. E. Goodenough.

The Board of Admiralty, after full consideration, confirm the finding of the Court in its opinion that the escorting vessels did their best to protect the convoy, and were fought in a proper and. seamanlike manner, and that the other forces which were at sea for the purpose of giving protection to the convoys which were crossing the North Sea at that time took all possible steps to come to the assistance as soon as the attack was reported to them, and to prevent the escape of the enemy.

The Court of Inquiry makes a number of recommendations on the convoy system. These, I need not assure the. House, have received, and are receiving, the closest consideration. From the commencement of the convoy system its great difficulties have been recognised. Adjustments and improvements are continually being made, and its general great success is attributable thereto.

It is due to Sir David Beatty that. I should say that the Board of Admiralty are further of opinion that the circumstances which prevented the covering forces from being on the spot at the time of the attack were such as could not be prevented, and they are of opinion that the Commander-in-Chief's dispositions were the best that could have been made with the forces available at the time.

As regards the second part of the question, the enemy's attack off the North-East Coast of England was upon two neutral vessels which had become separated in the dark during the night of the 11th-12th of December from a southbound convoy. One of these two vessels was attacked in the very early hours of the morning of the 12th of December, and sunk. The survivors, except two engineers who went down with the ship, were picked up by patrol forces which were shortly on the scene. Soon afterwards, on the same morning, the other neutral vessel which had been separated from the convoy was also attacked, and the crew abandoned the ship, which afterwards broke in two, the two halves being later towed into port. The vessels escorting the convoy from which these two ships had fallen astern were unaware of the attack owing to the distance separating them.

As the right hon. Gentleman stated in the course of Debate that Sir David Beatty was responsible for the arrangements for these convoys, does he still adhere to that statement?

The statement that Sir David Beatty was responsible—yes. I adhere to it.

The statement that Sir David Beatty is entirely responsible for the defence of these convoys and the arrangements for the convoys?

Yes. I stated that.

I beg to give notice that I will draw attention to this matter on another occasion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the object of the Admiralty is to lead the Navy to victory, or to cover up every blunder and every defeat by misrepresentation in this House?

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a convenient site for a Government shipbuilding yard can be obtained from the Dublin Port and Docks Board; and whether the Admiralty will consider the advisability of establishing the industry in Ireland's capital?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Dublin Harbour on the 28th November last, in which I stated that there was no intention of establishing a national shipyard in Ireland, but, as I have stated before, every effort is being made, and will be made, to take full advantage of the resources of the various shipbuilding yards in Ireland. With regard to the Dublin Dockyard Company itself, the berths of this company are being rearranged, so that instead of having three berths they will possess four berths within six months. As regards the site referred to by my hon. Friend, it has been suggested to the Dublin Dockyard Company that this site should be utilised as an extension of their existing yard. We are in communication with the company on the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Air Board whether it is intended to establish an aircraft factory in Dublin, seeing that labour, materials, and site are available for that purpose?

A proposal of this nature which was put forward by the hon. Member for Waterford is under consideration, and I hope that a decision will shortly be reached in the matter.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what further relaxation has been made respecting the export of horses not required for agricultural or industrial purposes in Ireland; and whether it is the intention of the Department to take a census of Irish cattle, sheep, horses, and pigs with a view to retaining a sufficient breeding stock and food supply in the country?

The Department of Agriculture are prepared to consider applications for licences to export horses which would not in ordinary course be suitable for, or used for, agricultural purposes in Ireland. A census of cattle, sheep, horses and pigs will be taken in the ordinary course on 1st June, and in the meantime, if necessary, approximate estimates will be obtained of the numbers of livestock in the country.

asked the Prime Minister whether a permit is required for the purpose of exporting foodstuffs from the British Isles; and, if so, what Department is responsible for the issue of such permits?

I have been asked to reply. All foodstuffs exported from the United Kingdom to destinations other than the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man require a special permit, except where such export is covered by a general permission, as in the case of foodstuffs for the troops. Licences other than those on Government account are issued by the War Trade Department after consultation with the Ministry of Food.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many permits have been issued during the last twelve months?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can now announce the increases in pensions to widows?

I am not yet in a position to make an announcement with regard to the new Royal Warrant, which will deal with increases in pensions to widows as well as various other matters.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me how long the suggestions have been before the Treasury in regard to the pensions for widows; and can he say whether he is aware that the pension of a widow when her husband has been killed is very much less than the amount she receives in separation allowance when he is alive and serving?

I am hopeful of having a decision within the next fortnight.

I will put the question down in a fortnight's time.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many eases of appeal to the Special Tribunal dealing with aliens of Russian nationality have been disposed of to date and how many remain still to be heard?

Eight thousand six hundred applications, including some applications far renewal of exemptions, have been received; 3,300 have been decided. Steps have been taken, by the appointment of additional members, to expedite the hearing of the outstanding cases, so that they may be decided as soon as possible after the local National Service officials have made their inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the proportion of ships completed to ships sunk by the enemy which prevailed in November has been maintained in the month of December?

The reply is in the negative. The results in December were not so favourable as in November.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he can state the number of standard ships completed up to 31st December, and how many, if any, have been sunk?

Thirteen standard ships were completed and delivered up to 31st December, 1917. The number sunk remains at one.

is it not the case that a second has been reported sunk during the month of December?

No, Sir. Only one has been sunk up to date.

asked the Minister of National Service whether, before further drafts are made on British manpower, he will take steps to make available for work of national importance all friendly or neutral aliens of military age whose countries do not require their return for military service or who belong to countries with whom no convention for military service exists or to a country with whom such convention has been annulled; and will he take steps to ensure that in no case is any foreigner allowed to acquire permanently the business or position of a British subject called up for service?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Somerset on the 14th of December last, and I am glad to say that, as the result of arrangements which have now been completed with the other Government Departments concerned, measures have been taken for the purpose of utilising, to the fullest possible extent, in work of national importance, the services of all suitable aliens, including those of the class referred to in the first part of his question. With regard to the second part of the question, much has already been done, with the assistance of the Local Government Board, to safeguard the interests of men called up for service, and I may add that very shortly we hope to be able, under a new Defence of the Realm Regulation, to prevent either foreigners or other persons from opening new retail businesses or branches without a licence.

asked the Minister of National Service whether the three grades into which men are now put after medical examination are divided into three subdivisions; whether not only the men but the tribunals have been refused any information as to which sub-division of a grade a man is put in; whether, in view of the assistance to employers, men, and tribunals such information would give, he will at once issue instructions that full particulars of the sub-division of the new grades shall be given; and will he issue to the House full details of these subdivisions so that it may be known how men are to be utilised in the future?

My hon. Friend appears to have been misinformed about the system of medical grading by National Service Medical Boards. There are no subdivisions of any of the three grades for men who are fit for military service, and it would not be practicable from a medical point of view to make such sub-divisions. Full information as to the scope of each grade is given to the tribunals, but it would not be possible to give, either to them or to employers or to the men themselves, any information about the way in which the men are likely to be utilised in the Army. This is, and must be determined by the varying demands of the War Office for men for particular services, and by many other considerations, none of which are constant.

Did not the old grading under the War Office A 1, 2 and 3, and B 1, 2 and 3 mean grading for particular service; and is not the same kind of grading taking place under the present National Service scheme?

The present grading is much more satisfactory, and the hon. Member must know that the grades he has mentioned were the cause of much heart burning and dissatisfaction in the old days.

asked when the Committee for the Co-ordination of Educational Administration in Ireland met to discuss their recommendations; and whether any action has been taken in the matter?

There has been no recent occasion for a meeting of the Committee referred to. The methods of co-ordination originally recommended by the Committee have been carried out by means of conferences, committee meetings, and otherwise as occasion required. A conference between the Intermediate Education Board, the Department of Agriculture and their respective inspectorial staffs was held last month, and conferences have beer held with the authorities for primary and higher education.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that the sum granted to Ireland for education is altogether inadequate, he will increase the Supplemental Grant of £384,000 to a figure more in accordance with the equity of the case and the real needs of the situation?

The suggested increase is altogether beyond the province of the Chief Secretary.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Congested. Districts Board will consider the condition of the Westley estate, and, in view of the necessity of improving the tillage so as to meet the food problem, and also having regard to the fact that a number of tenants are living on uneconomic holdings and working hard for a bare subsistence, if he will advise that the striping out of the land will be proceeded with at once?

The estate referred to has not been purchased by, or offered for sale to, he Congested Districts Board.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this case personally, even if only from the point of view of food production, considering the number of tenants who are willing to till the land and are held back only by proprietary interests of a selfish character?

That is a very large question. It is impossible, simply because there are lands occupied in a particular method according to law to meet the wishes of people in the neighbourhood who are willing to cultivate them, but have no right to do so. The general policy of cultivation is being carried out by very strong measures indeed throughout the country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this case himself, as far as possible, as it stands out very conspicuously?

:I will see what are the facts of the case.

asked whether it is the intention of the Irish Government to again review the pay, emoluments, and war bonus of the Royal Irish Constabulary, and make the pay and bonus of the force somewhat more approximate to that enjoyed by members of the various county police forces in Great Britain?

The Treasury have sanctioned an addition of 2s. 6d. per week to the existing war bonus of the Royal Irish Constabulary, to take effect from 1st December.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is satisfied with the flow of recruits to the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether the losses by enlistment into the Irish Guards at the commencement of the War have been made up, or whether the force is being kept to strength by retaining the services of members who have reached the age limit; and is he aware of cases of head constables of over sixty years who have been asked to continue on the active list, with a consequent block of promotion to the junior ranks and discouragements to recruiting to fill vacancies?

The reduction of the numbers of the Royal Irish Constabulary by reason of the enlistment of members of the force in the Irish Guards has not been made up, but recruiting for the force is now proceeding, and excellent recruits are being enrolled. Retirement on pension has been stopped by the operation of Section 2 of the Police (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1915, except on medical certificate or to take up Government appointments, and to that extent the strength of the force is being kept up by retaining the services of men who, in normal tmes, would have retired on pension. It is, however, not correct to say that men are being retained in the force who have become inefficient owing to age. Head constables over sixty years of age have not been asked to continue to serve, but a few men of this rank between the ages of sixty and sixty-five, who are reported to be still active and efficient, are allowed to continue serving. Men over sixty years of age who are reported to be inefficient owing to age are at once called upon to retire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether cast Army horses are still being sold on the Western Front; whether, as a live horse fetches £4 more than a dead one in Paris. these horses are forced to endure unnecessary cruelties in order that they can be sold alive at their destination; and, if so, whether he will take steps at once to put an end to this practice?

An average of 150 horses are sold weekly to French agriculturists for work on the land under special arrangements with the French authorities. These secure good treatment. There is no foundation for the suggestion that cast horses are subject to unnecessary cruelty for the sake of an additional £4 per head. The live horse selected and sent to Paris for human food fetches no more than the dead one sent for the same purpose. It is impossible to destroy all animals locally owing to insufficient abattoir accommodation and difficulties of transport. Animals which are sent alive to Paris are carefully selected and are inspected by the Deputy-Director of Veterinary Services of the area. They are accompanied by a conducting party of the Army Veterinary Corps, who water, feed, and attend them on the journey, and they are met and accompanied up to the abattoir by members of the corps.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the war bonus of 8s. to temporary male civilian clerks in receipt of 40s. a week or less, or 7s. to those in receipt of more than 40s., covers the additional cost of living since the outbreak of hostilities; and, if not, whether he will increase the bonus, so that these poorly-paid clerks may not be in a worse position than they were in July, 1914?

The claim of these temporary employés is now before the Conciliation and Arbitration Board of Government Employés, and I understand that an award will very shortly be made.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government will make any announcement with reference to the Convention; and if he can now state what the prospects are?

I cannot make any statement on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the decision of the Government on the increased pay of junior officers, and whether separation allowances are to be paid?

As the hon. Member knows, the decision of the Government has already been announced.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why, according to the decision which appears in this morning's papers, separation allowance is to be given in the case of officers' children for males up to eighteen years of age and for female children up to twenty-one years of age, and for invalid children beyond those years, when the separation allowances for the children of private soldiers cease at fourteen years of age, and there is no provision for invalid children?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

My question is down on the Paper. It has been answered by a statement issued in the Press this morning, which is a convenient form. Surely I ought to be entitled to raise this point arising out of the answer given?

If the hon. Member wants information on the point which he has mentioned, he must give notice.

I have given notice.

The hon. Member's question does not directly affect the question which he now raises.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give this House an early opportunity to discuss the question of pay and allowances to junior officers?

I hope that the House will be satisfied with the ordinary opportunities for any discussion of this question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what opportunity for discussion can we have if the Prime Minister does not propose to give an opportunity?

The business which we have to do during the remainder of this Session is very considerable, and I think that it would be very difficult to afford an opportunity. I am sorry to say that there will not be a long interval between this and the next Session.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the pay of both officers and men is quite as important to them as the question of the workmen's pay is to the workmen, and will the right hon. Gentleman give at least the same consideration to those who are fighting as is shown to those who are not?

Surely the decision which has been announced shows that we do recognise the men who are fighting.

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to move the new Standing Order regulating Secret Sessions of this House?

The Government propose to take this Motion on the first convenient day.

asked under which Vote Lord Northcliffe's mission to the United States of America comes; and when will there be an opportunity to discusss his actions?

The general expenses of Lord Northcliffe's mission are defrayed from the Votes of Credit, and can be discussed on those Votes.

Seeing that we shall not have another Vote of Credit for some time -will the right hon. Gentleman afford us an opportunity of raising this most important matter on the Motion for Adjournment?

It can be raised, without any assistance from me, on the Motion for Adjournment; but there was a Vote of Credit not long ago, when it could have been raised.

Are the expenses of the mission to continue if Lord Northcliffe does not return to America?

They will continue. Lord Northcliffe is doing very useful work in connection with the mission here.

What is the relationship between Lord Reading and Lord North-cliffe?

I will raise this question on the first possible opportunity.

asked when the Second Reading of the Education (Scotland) Bill will' be taken?

I regret that I am not at present in a position to make a definite announcement regarding this matter.

If the Government are unable to proceed with the Bill this Session, will a Motion be moved carrying it over until next Session?

No; but I hope that it will be proceeded with early next Session, in the same way as the English Education Bill.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Petroleum Bill; and, if so, when this will be done?

asked whether progress will now be made with an amended Petroleum (Production) Bill?

It has been decided not to proceed with this Bill, as it has been found that the action necessary can be taken without special legislation.

Are we to understand that the Government will be able to make arrangements for payment of royalties without legislation?

No; but we have come to the conclusion that we can do what is necessary for the War.

Are the Government proposing to go behind the back of a direct vote of the House of Commons by administrative action

I have already given an answer which shows that we have no such intention.

Are we to understand that no borings have yet been made?

They have been going on a long time.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now say on what date it is proposed to introduce the Man-Power Bill?

To-day.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the names and constitution of the Air Council?

These have already been published in the Press.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what day His Majesty's Government propose to give for the discussion of the Reports of the Committee on National Expenditure?

Discussion on this subject will take place as soon as possible, but I am not yet able to state the exact date.

Will it be possible to have a discussion before the Prorogation?

I hope so. I gave some promise, I think, that it would be taken before the Adjournment.

(by Private Notice) asked the hon. Member for Central Sheffield whether, as a result of the recent Conference between British and Turkish representatives, any agreement has been reached with regard to the exchange of prisoners of war; what are the terms of the agreement, if any agreement has been made, and how soon it is expected to become operative?

The agreement concluded at Berne has not yet been ratified, and I regret. therefore, that it is not advisable to give complete details at present. I may say generally, however, that its terms are more satisfactory than had been expected. Arrangements have been arrived at with regard to exchange on a substantial scale, the inspection of camps, and improvement in the general treatment of prisoners. It is hoped that as soon as the agreement has been ratified by both Governments, its provisions will be carried out without delay. I shall be happy to give my hon. and learned Friend full details at the earliest opportunity.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the improvement in the treatment of prisoners will include the delivery within a reasonable time of letters and parcels to prisoners of war in Turkey?

I think I had better not mention this or that provision before the ratification, because if they were not approved and fell through, there would be great disappointment.

asked. whether Income Tax is being charged on the lump sum payable to Civil servants on retirement in lieu of pension; and, if so, under what authority?

The answer to my hon. Friend's question is in the negative.