asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement regarding the position of the Calcutta Hides Committee and the participation of persons of German origin in the trade in hides?

The matter is still the subject of consideration with the Government of India, and no statement can at present be made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very strong feeling against the participation of any firms of German origin which exists in the large and loyal British community in Calcutta?

Yes, Sir.

asked whether the Government of India contemplates the early establishment of a council of ruling chiefs with specified functions and clearly-defined powers?

As the hon. Member is aware, the whole question of Indian constitutional evolution is now under the consideration of the Secretary of State and the Government of India. It would be premature to make any statement regarding particular measures which may or may not be in contemplation.

asked the Secretary for India whether he is aware that many senior officers of the Indian Army invalided from the front or otherwise unemployed are still drawing less pay than the pensions to which they are already entitled; whether they are precluded from retiring during the War; and whether he will take steps to remedy this?

Such cases are possible. The officers concerned have in ordinary times the option of retiring on the pension due to their service or of remaining on the unemployed list and counting their service on it for increased pension. In almost every case they prefer to remain unemployed and earn the higher pension. During the War the officer is obliged by Regulation to remain on the active list, but the maximum pension is issued in lieu of unemployed pay as soon as it has been earned. I do not think, therefore, that the refusal to allow them to retire during the War involves any hardship.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that instead of their Army pay these gentlemen are now being paid their pensions to which they would otherwise be entitled?

No; I understand that they are qualified for increased pensions.

Meantime they are losing money by their work.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the hardship of these officers in having their unemployed pay cut regularly when they are employed as censors and in other posts under the Government?

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

asked what steps have been taken to settle the claims of officers for compensation for chargers slaughtered for food and kit lost or destroyed during the siege of Kut-ul-Amarah, in Mesopotamia?

Claims for chargers are disposed of at once after telegraphic communication with the Government of India. Under rule claims on account of kit are not payable until the articles lost are required for further service and have been replaced. Subject to this, all claims are settled by the India Office, any necessary inquiry of the Government of India being made by telegraph.

When officers in Mesopotamia have made their claims and could get no compensation, what procedure must they adopt?

I will inquire.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can, consistent with the public safety and without betraying any information of value to the enemy, state who was in command of the East Coast defences against attack from the sea by enemy vessels on or about 15th January; how long this gentleman has been in command of this coast; and who is and has been for the past three months in command of the North-East Coast defences?

Since the beginning of the War it has been the practice of the Admiralty not to make public the names of naval officers holding important commands, whether afloat or on shore, and it is not considered desirable to make a departure from this practice. The officer referred to in the last part of the question has held his command for the last twenty-one months.

That being the case, can the right hon. Gentleman explain why he did not give me this answer before, instead of indulging in an unseemly outburst of simulated indignation?

This is not the moment for lecturing Ministers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why announcements have been made regarding the Dover Command and recent changes in that Command if it is not the policy of the Admiralty to make announcements?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of Voluntary Aid Detachment or other nurses who lost their lives on or about 31st December last, when the two large British ships were sunk by enemy action in the Eastern Mediterranean; (2) and the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a number of Voluntary Aid Detachment and/or other nurses lost their lives by enemy action on or about the 31st December last, when two large steamers were sunk in the Mediterranean with loss of life; whether he will arrange that the names of these and other nurses who have lost their lives under similar circumstances will be published in a special roll of honour, seeing they died on active service; and whether, with a view to alleviate the grief of parents and relatives, posthumous honours of a suitable class or order will be conferred upon these brave, patriotic, and self-sacrificing women and girls who have given their lives for their country?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. I very much regret to say that eight nurses lost their lives. The names of these ladies will appear shortly in the casualty lists. There has been some delay in checking the lists, but the next-of-kin have all been informed There is no order which can be conferred on them posthumously, but their nearest relatives will receive in due course the commemorative medallion which will be issued in respect of all who have fallen in the War.

While thanking the hon. Member, may I ask him whether it is possible for the War Office to write sympathetic letters to the relatives of these deceased nurses?

I think in all cases we endeavour to do so.

Will the next of kin of these nurses receive any pension or financial consideration from the State?

It. all depends. I think my hon. Friend should address his question to my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that nurses saved from these vessels have written letters home giving an account of what took place, and the Censor has declined to allow one word of the letters to be published?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked whether, although Mr. Karl Hestermann Merz, the new Director of Experiments on the Board of Invention and Research, was born in England, he is of pure German extraction; and whether in these times it would have been possible to find an Englishman to occupy this post?

The name of the Director of Experiments and Research is Mr. Charles Hesterman Merz, and not as stated. Mr. Merz and both his parents are natural-born British subjects, born in England. His father's father was born in South Germany, and settled in England about 1830. His mother's parents were natural-born British subjects. His selection for this important post at the Admiralty, for which he is pre-eminently suitable and qualified, has met with general approval, and the Board of Admiralty considers itself extremely fortunate to have secured his services, at very considerable personal sacrifice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why it is necessary to have as many as nine certificated engineers, six possessing chief engineers' Board of Trade certificates, in addition to other uncertificated engineers, on board vessels under Admiralty requisition, seeing that on the same ship when running for owners' account only seven engineers in all were employed?

As regards the first part of my hon. and learned Friend's question, I cannot say whether the facts are as stated, unless he will give me the name of the vessel or vessels he has in mind. Generally, I may say that it has been found necessary to increase the number of engineers in many vessels owing to the closing up of water-tight doors, thus isolating machinery compartments. In consequence of this, for the proper supervision of the working of the machinery and boilers, additional engineers have been found necessary. But the whole question of the proportion of certificated to uncertificated engineers to be borne in these vessels has for some time been under consideration, and it has been arranged that an engineer-commander and a marine engineer of experience shall advise the Director of Transports and Shipping on this and other matters.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty for how many months a certain steamship was laid up in the Clyde, and why she was laid up; whether hire money has been or will be paid for the whole period she was laid up; if so, what the hire money amounts to; and, if hire was not paid for the whole period the ship was lying idle, for what period hire money has been or is being paid, and the amount of same?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The ship referred to has been held available since February last for use in case of emergency, and for this purpose an agreement was come to with the owners by which she is maintained in this condition for payment of a very small sum barely sufficient to cover the necessary care and upkeep. The terms, indeed, are considered very favourable to the Government.

Is it the case that the number of men constantly aboard that vessel is 500?

No. The upkeep is only that which is necessary to keep her fit and ready for the very important use which has been found for her.

asked whether three further large steamers were torpedoed by enemy submarines at about the same place as those mentioned last week by the Member for West Toxteth; and how many steamers have been torpedoed at that place or vicinity during the months of December and January?

It is not in the public interest to give the information asked for in this question.

Seeing that they are torpedoed in the same waters, is it not about time that the Admiralty should give a different route?

I should be very glad it toy hon. Friend would give us the advantage of his views, and come and discuss these questions with us.

My view is to change the route.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information regarding a certain steamship since she left Lamlash on or about 7th November last; and, if not, whether it must now be concluded that this steamer has been lost with all on board?

This vessel appears to have been in a convoy which was scattered by bad weather on the 76–8th November. Apart from this, nothing definite is known except that several dead bodies, supposed to be members of the crew, are reported to have been washed up at Islay.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman or his Department had any letters from wives and relatives of those on board this vessel, and is it not possible for him or his Department to give a definite answer to these anxious inquiries? Is the right hon. Gentleman surprised to learn that I have had many most pitiful letters addressed to me?

This is the first I have heard of it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can, consistently with the public interests, explain why a letter from the captain of a certain steamer, posted at Portsmouth on 21st January to his owner, R. P. Houston, 16, Leadenhall Street, London, was censored and not delivered until 25th January?

If my hon. Friend will be so good as to forward the envelope in which this letter was contained, I will be glad to have inquiries made, but without tie envelope it is impossible to say where or by whom the letter was censored.

Is it necessary to censor letters addressed to him?

I am not responsible for the censorship. That question should be addressed to the Under-Secretary of State for War; but if I get the envelope I will inquire.

Is it the practice to censor letters passing between correspondents in this country?

That is not a question which should be addressed to me. I am not the responsible authority. The question should be addressed to the Under-Secretary for War.

Is correspondence from one place to another in this Island censored?

That question should be addressed to the War Office.

The Parliamentary Secretary has no responsibility in this matter.

asked what were the British casualties in the recent action near die Dardanelles; and why slow-moving monitors were left in positions that enabled them to be sunk by fast warships like the "Goeben" and "Breslau"?

The casualties which occurred on the occasion in question were as follow: Six officers and 127 men were killed and 27 men were wounded. The monitors were stationed in this position as being the most suitable vessels to support the patrols, and prevent enemy mine-sweeping. The probability of attack from submarines precluded heavy ships from being kept in close proximity to the Dardanelles, as there are no suitable protected harbours. The minefields, although they did not prevent the exit of the Turkish ships, have fulfilled their function in that one ship was sunk and the other damaged when returning.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his Department, in placing contracts for vessels, still insists that a captain's gig of considerable value is ordered for every vessel; whether in war-time these gigs cannot be taken on board and storage ashore for them at some expense and trouble has to be found; and will he see that contracts made by his Department are made on a war and not a peace basis, so as to conserve the finances of the State?

The supply of a boat for the personal use of the captain is most desirable for obvious reasons, but the captain's gig is not a personal boat only, being part of the life-saving equipment of the ship. The question of the number of boats to be carried on board under war conditions has, I can assure my hon. and learned Friend, been very carefully considered.

Does the Department place its contracts as on a war basis, and not as under a peace system?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that his Department are not observing Agreement A 1 of the 11th June, 1917, arrived at under the auspices of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Government employés, to the extent that at Woolwich and Deptford women clerks are not being paid the overtime rate specified in paragraph 6, and in respect to the men the bonus awarded is not being counted for overtime as specified in paragraph 1 (a); and whether he will give instructions that the agreement shall be carried out in its entirety by the Admiralty as is done by the War Office and the Ministry of Munitions?

So far as I am aware, the agreement, which required (a) that bonus should be allowed to count for overtime; and (b) that the bonus authorised for members of the permanent staff should be granted to the temporary staff, has been applied to the clerical staff employed by the Admiralty at Woolwich and Deptford; but I am making further inquiry into the matter, and I would suggest that my right hon. Friend put down a further question on the subject about a week hence.

asked (1) whether the territorial acquisitions assigned to Italy by Article 5 of the quartipartite treaty of 26th April. 1915, were submitted before the treaty was made to the Serbian or Montenegrin Governments, or to Dr. Trumbic, or any other person on behalf of the Yugo-Slav nationality; if so, whether any of these consented to the provisions of Article 5; (2) whether the territorial acquisitions assigned to Italy by Articles 5. and 6 of the quartipartite treaty made in London on 26th April, 1915, are now regarded, or were ever regarded, as war aims of the Allies without the attainment of which the War must be indefinitely continued?

I do not propose to discuss in public the terms of the secret treaty to which the hon. Gentleman refers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is such a secret treaty or there is not?

I do not think that I will even go that length.

asked whether the negotiations which preceded the signing of the quartipartite treaty made in London on the 26th April, 1916, were carried on in Rome or in London; and, if in Rome, who were the persons who represented the British Government in these negotiations?

The negotiations were conducted in London.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the acreage of the territory in Europe claimed by France and Italy which was in the possession of the Central Powers at the outbreak of hostilites?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Questions Nos. 22 and 23 on 23rd January.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman says that he has no information, how can I get the information as to the area when I do not know what territory is being claimed?

The questions which the hon. Gentleman asks are quite obviously outside the affairs for which T am responsible. I think that he can find out for himself. At all events, I have no means of finding out which he has not.

If the right hon. Gentleman does not know the area which is claimed, he could, perhaps, tell us what the territory is, and then we could find out the area. This reply is another piece of Foreign Office trickery.

asked whether the representatives of the Allied Governments at Stockholm have addressed their Governments upon the subject of the proposed International Socialist Conference there; and whether those Ministers advised that passports should be given?

The advice given by diplomatic representatives to their Governments is necessarily confidential, like that of members of the Civil Service.

asked who, had succeeded Borton Pasha as Postmaster-General of Cairo?

Goldstein Bey has been appointed Acting Postmaster - General during the absence on sick leave of Borton Pasha, who is expected to return to his post within a month from this date.

Of what nationality is Goldstein Bey?

I understand that he is a Jew, born in Egypt, that his family are Jews born in Egypt, and that he is now under Russian protection.

Is lie a Bolo or a. Bolshevik?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the official Controller of Vegetable Oils is announced to speak in support of the programme of the Empire Resources Development Committee, at Cannon Street Hotel, on the 30th instant; and whether, in view of the apprehensions created in Canada, India, and West Africa, he is prepared to take any action which will remove the impression that the policy of this Committee must find favour with the Government, otherwise members of the Government would not be found upon that Committee and advocating in public the aims and objects as set forth in its literature?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the remainder of. the question, I have nothing to add to the previous answers on the subject, except that I understand that my hon. Friend referred to ceased to be Controller of Oils and Fats some months ago.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it desirable that a member of the Government should be associated with this Committee? In view of the fact that already members of the Government have had to disclaim sympathy with the policy announced on various occasions that large areas should be taken over from Canada and developed by us, is it not desirable that a similar course should be taken as that adopted by the right hon. Gentleman himself in resigning from the Committee?

I have told my hon. Friend that my hon. Friend in question has ceased to be a representative of the Government, and therefore it does not seem to me that any question arises which I can contemplate at all.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he has now issued instructions for the handing over of the amount of the credit balance of the Frongoch canteen fund to the honorary secretary of the Irish National Relief Fund (London); and, if not, will he see that this matter is dealt with without further delay?

Instructions have been issued to hand over the balance to the Chief Secretary for Ireland for disposal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the treatment of a young Irish soldier who joined the Army voluntarily; if he is aware that Private M. M'Carthy, No. 8475, A Company, 5th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, who was severely wounded and subsequently recommended by a board of medical doctors for discharge, has, instead of receiving his discharge, been. called before the military officials and sentenced to six months' imprisonment for having outstayed his leave two years ago; and if, having regard to the fact that the offence was committed two years ago, and that the soldier immediately afterwards was sent to the trenches, while his offence was paid for in blood, and that he is now a convalescent case, he will immediately order his release from prison, grant him the discharge which the medical board recommended, so as to allow his friends in Ireland to nurse him back to health and strength, which lie enjoyed previous to offering his life for the protection of the weaker nations?

I am inquiring into this case, and will communicate later with the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers on the Western Front who may be punished for minor offences are also further punished by having their home leave stopped for some months; and whether, in view of the unfairness of punishing a man twice over for the same offence, he can prevent this double punishment in the future?

I am making inquiries into this matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether Mr. P. M'Dougall, Commissioner, and the six Sub-Commissioners for Live Stock in Scotland, who are with one exception of military age, are or are not performing the duties of Commissioner and Sub-Commissioner, respectively, at the present time; if they are, from what date have they been so engaged; whether the local agricultural committees concerned have been consulted as to the continuance of the exemptions they have obtained; whether such exemptions were given on the ground that their presence on their farms was essential; and will he say why such exemptions are continued now that they have found time to accept paid official appointments under Government?

With regard to first part of the question, the hon. Member would appear to be under a misapprehension. Of the six Deputy Live Stock Commissioners for Scotland three, not five, are of military age. Mr. M'Dougall was appointed in September, and the Deputy Live Stock Commissioners in November and December, 1917. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative, and to the fourth part in the affirmative. In regard to the last part of the question, it is considered by the Ministry of Food that in view of the importance and responsibility of the work done by Mr. M'Dougall and his Deputy-Commissioners, it is in the national interest that their exemptions should be continued, and Lord Rhondda is in communication with the Minister of National Service on the subject.

Do I understand that Lord Rhondda, the Minister of Food, has decided that no other persons can be found in Scotland who are not of military age to perform these functions?

My reply states that he is in communication with the Minister of National Service on the subject.

Will that answer be communicated to the Amalgamated Society of Engineers?

I see no reason for that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Board of Agriculture in Scotland was originally charged with the duty of dealing with all questions affecting live stock and has on its staff men of experience in this behalf at least equal to that possessed by the Live Stock Commissioner and Sub-Commissioners of military age; and, if so, whether the last-named officers will now he released for military duty?

The Food Controller is not aware that the Scottish Board of Agriculture has at any time been charged with the duty of exercising control over the supply, distribution, and prices of live cattle arid dead meat; nor is he aware that any person on its staff has had previous experience of the special problems arising out of the necessity for fixing prices and controlling distribution. The second and third parts of the question do not, therefore, arise.

For what purpose does this body exist if it cannot deal with primary agricultural needs like this?

There are many other purposes than those stated in the question of my hon. Friend.?

Why are these exempted from their purview?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether Mr. James Picken, Sub-Commissioner for Live Stock, South-West Area, in Scotland, was recently refused exemption by the Appeal Tribunal sitting at Dumfries; whether he has now been released for military duty or is still occu- pied as Sub-Commissioner of Live Stock; and, in the latter event, whether the Food Controller will now cancel his appointment as Sub-Commissioner?

Since Mr. Picken accepted an appointment as Deputy Live Stock Commissioner for the South-West of Scotland his exemption as a farmer has been cancelled by the local tribunal. The question of his further exemption on the ground that he is necessarily engaged on work of national importance is now under discussion with the Ministry of National Service.

Is it a fact that this gentleman, having been refused exemption by those who are aware of himself and his circumstances, is being held back from the Army by a Government Department?

No doubt those circumstances were taken into account in determining this case, and have been laid before the Ministry of National Service.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his answers to-day have not given the impression of a satisfactory decision in that respect?

We can form our own judgment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if lie is aware that an official representing the Builders' Labourers' Union was invited by Messrs. Lovell, builders, who are erecting buildings at Denham, to pay a visit to the works owing to a dispute there; if he is aware that while the delegates were discussing the matter with the general foreman two officials representing the United Builders' Labourers' Union and the National Union of General Workers, respectively, were arrested by the military authorities and escorted off the works between two soldiers; if he is aware that the firm in question are Government contractors and are doing Government work; and if he intends taking any action with the military authorities for exceeding their duty by arresting the two officials in question after being invited by the firm to meet the management?

I am making inquiries into this matter, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the figures relating to the first draft for the American Army made public by Provost-Marshal General Crowder, which show that the total number registered was 9,586,508, of which 1,057,363 were certified for military service; that claims for exemption totalled 1,560,570, of which 1,057,363 or 78 per cent. were granted; and, in view of these figures, will he state how the estimate of an American Army of 11,000,000 which is presented to the public on War Office films has been arrived at?

I am informed that no War Office films have appeared with this estimate, but perhaps my hon. Friend can give me further information on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can now state what London regiments were represented at the State entry of General Allenby into Jerusalem?

I am afraid I can add nothing to the information contained in the answers already given to my hon. Friend and in the dispatch from General Allenby, which has recently been published.

Is my hon. Friend aware that a certain number of regiments are very anxious to know if they were included in the State entry into Jerusalem?

I think it would be extremely ill-advised to add anything to the official statement which has been given by General Allenby.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that frequent representations have been made to the Food Production Department by the Derbyshire War Agricultural Executive Committee on the present shortage of threshing machines available for use owing to various reasons in that country, and asking that the committee may be given control of such machines and the engines necessary to drive them, and putting forward a scheme for that purpose; and whether, in view of those representations and the necessity, apart from the present shortage, of an increased number of these machines for the 1918 crop, he has taken any, and what, action?

Representations were received from the Derbyshire Agricultural Executive Committee on the 22nd and 31st October as to the shortage of threshing machines and engines in the county. Additional machines have been supplied so far as practicable by the Food Production Department, and the committee have been authorised to supplement this supply by hiring traction engines locally. With regard to the local control of threshing tackle, a general scheme with this object was approved and issued to all county committees on the 16th November last, of which a copy is being sent to my hon. Friend.

The shortage of machines and engines, which is mainly due to the urgent war requirements of other Government Departments, has been engaging the anxious consideration of the Food Production Department, and all possible steps have been taken to increase the supply. Over a hundred additional threshing machines have already been supplied to county committees, and further large orders have been placed for machines to deal with the 1918 crop. Arrangements have also been made between the Military Authorities and the Food Production Department, by which a large number of traction engines will be released by the Forage Department at once, and a still larger number early in September. By this and other means, and by improved organisation in the counties I anticipate that the threshing facilities available in the country will be increased sufficiently to cope with the 1918 crop.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that before these threshing machines were allowed to the committee the bulk of engines privately owned which were available are being used by the Forage Department?

It is certainly true that a considerable number of private engines are being used by the Forage Committee, and that is the reason why I stated that arrangements are being made to release as many of them as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, considering the importance of the potato crop this year, he will consider the advisability of making the spraying of potatoes, once before Midsummer Day and once again in July, compulsory; and whether he anticipates any difficulty in obtaining the necessary appliances for this purpose by the end of May?

The Board have carefully considered the question of making the spraying of potatoes compulsory. They are of opinion that, in view of the want of agreement on the subject among experts, the varying liabilities or immunities of certain districts, the different dates at which the disease appears, and the fact that it would not be in. the interests of increased production to burden the farmer with further Orders at the present time, it is not desirable to introduce any general measure of control such as my hon. Friend suggests. The Food Production Department of the Board have taken adequate steps to provide information to growers, by means of lectures arid demonstrations, as to the disease and its treatment, and they have also taken steps to secure that supplies of machinery and material for spraying shall be in the hands of local merchants when they are required.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that a large part of the total increased output of potatoes in Ireland during 1917 is attributable to the cumulative effect of the additional acreage of the crop grown by small farmers, who after supplying the needs of their households are unable individually to place potatoes on the market in four-ton lots; and whether the Government persists in the refusal to allow such men to pool their surplus stocks through their co-operative societies or otherwise, and thus to obtain the benefits given to the larger farmers in Ireland and elsewhere in the United Kingdom?

As I have already stated, the pooling arrangements suggested by the hon. Member would extend the benefits of the guarantee to persons to whom that guarantee did not apply, and would thereby impose an unjustifiable burden on the Exchequer. The Food Controller cannot, therefore, recommend the proposed extension.

Was not a general guarantee given by the Prime Minister without any condition, and was not the intention of the Government to cause an increased supply? Have not, therefore, those persons who have, in fact, increased their supply a claim upon the Government, in view of the Prime Minister's pledge?

The point has been made the subject of discussion already. and prior to the Adjournment before Christmas I expressed to my hon. Friend my willingness to discuss the matter with him and his colleagues. I can only say that up to the present the Food Controller sees no reason to vary the Order.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it may be anticipated that owing to his representations a modification of the Lamb Killing Order may be expected in the near future?

In view of the pronounced scarcity of feeding stuffs the Food Controller is prepared to issue to flock owners licences to sell lambs on their undertaking that their lambs will receive neither oats, opals, nor any other kind of concentrated feeding stuff, and that the consumption of such foods by the ewes shall not exceed a certain limited quantity.

In view of the flock-masters having to apply for licences, when will they be ready to be granted?

The change in the Order was only made this morning, and I am afraid that I am unable to answer that question.

Does that include all breeds, or only Dorsets?

All breeds.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been called, to the considerable acreage of good land in the neighbourhood of Haynes Park and Wimbledon which is at present under grass and which might be used with advantage to provide allotments for the population,of the district; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

About 100 acres of land at Raynes Park and Wimbledon has already been taken for allotments, but if the hon. Member has information of any unsatisfied demand for allotments and will send particulars to the Board, inquiries will be made.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the threatened enclosure of a portion of Wimbledon Common for thc purpose of providing further land for allotments; if he is aware that the land proposed to be enclosed is a part of what is known as the swamps, and consists of peat and gravel which is water-logged in winter and burnt up in summer, and that the crops likely to be produced from it will not pay the cost of production; that already a large part of the common has been taken by the War Office for the military camp and that every yard of the remainder of the common is wanted for the recreation and health of the large number of persons from the neighbourhood and from London, who use it continually; and, if necessary, will he refuse to sanction such land being enclosed?

The Board have consented to the use for allotments of 7 acres of Wimbledon Common on the north-west of the Causeway near its junction with Camp Road, and they have also expressed their willingness to sanction the cultivation of 29 acres of Wimbledon Common extension. If my hon. Friend will supply further particulars of the proposals to which he refers the Board will cause inquiries to be made.

Considering the importance of the great common of Wimbledon, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has personally seen the piece of ground proposed to be taken, and also the piece which is being enclosed, and which cuts off one part of the common from another?

I regret to say that I have not had time personally to inspect Wimbledon Common, but the matter is in the hands of the people of Wimbledon, and I cannot imagine that such a use is being made of the Common as will prevent the utilisation of the rest of the Common for the ordinary purposes for which it exists.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of extending the time for shooting game this season owing to the general shortage of meat in the country?

The Destruction of Pheasants Order (No. 2), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, enables pheasants to be shot during the close season.

May I ask is the right hon. Gentleman discriminating between cock pheasants and hen pheasants?

Those concerned may draw that distinction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland also the season has been extended?

I am afraid that is a question which should be addressed to the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that soldiers in the forces at home, many of whom are subjected to no great physical exertion, receive as part of their rations as much meat per day as large numbers of workers, such as miners and blast-furnacemen, engaged in the heaviest manual labour, are able, during the present shortage, to obtain per week; and what action the Government propose to take in the matter?

The meat ration of all troops at home, except those under training or otherwise in preparation for service-overseas, and mobile formation actually employed in home defence, has bees reduced by one-third.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received resolutions from workers' meetings at Burnley and other places protesting against the existing method of distribution of the available food of the country as unjust and unequal, and demanding that the Government should immediately take over the whole of. the available food and ration it in a fair and equitable manner; and what steps the Government are taking in regard to this matter?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that large numbers of men are threatening immediate stoppage of work in order to stand in the food queues instead of their wives and daughters; and whether he has any proposals for avoiding a condition of things where hard-worked men have to go to to work underfed while their wives have to desert their household duties to stand in the queues?

A certain number of resolutions to the effect described in the questions have been received. Power was given to food control committees by an Order made 22nd December to put into force rationing schemes with a view to the prevention of queues. Under this power a large number of schemes have already been introduced, including one for Burnley, and other schemes are being introduced as rapidly as possible. I hope that shortly the greater part of the country will be covered by such schemes. Effective control is exercised over all foodstuffs included in the schemes, as well as over a number of other foodstuffs not at present included. Every possible assistance is being given to food control committees by the Ministry of Food in the preparation and administration of these schemes, and in particular steps are being taken as rapidly as possible to adjust the supplies of foods to the various localities according to their total needs. These steps, which involve drastic changes in the existing methods of distribution, cannot, however, be taken more rapidly than at present.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the local schemes of rationing have not up to the present had the effect of abolishing queues, and do the Government propose to establish any complete scheme of rationing for the whole country?

Yes, the Government does propose, later on, to establish what is termed a national scheme. A national scheme will only be effectively operated through local administration.

Has the Food Controller's Department formed any estimate of the extra amount of meat required if the allowance to everybody engaged on labour is the same as is provided for soldiers at home?

Yes, the first consideration in arranging the scheme is the con- sideration of an estimate of the different requirements of different groups of the population.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the prohibition of the export of butter from Ireland prejudices the Irish population by interfering with an established trade and decreases the supply of butter in England, where the shortage is greater than in Ireland, while it increases the competition for the insufficient supplies available of both butter and margarine, he will consider the advisability of cancelling that Order?

I have nothing to add to the at seers already given to the hon. Members for South Tyrone and Rutland on the 17th and 22nd January.

asked whether sailors and soldiers home on short leave from service abroad are subject to the same rationing system as civilians in this country?

Sailors and soldiers home on short leave from service abroad are on the same footing as civilians so far as obtaining food is concerned, except that they are entitled to draw their daily sugar ration of 2 ozs. in place of the civilian weekly ration of ½ lb.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men arrive from abroad very hungry and they cannot get enough to eat when they arrive to satisfy their hunger? Could not that be put right?

I endeavoured, in my reply, to answer the particular point in the question. Any other circumstances which the bon. and gallant Gentleman cares to give will be considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the difference of approximately £5 per ton between the prices fixed by the Food Controller for cattle cake of different kinds and the prices actually paid for such cake by the importers is to be borne by the importers from whom he has now requisitioned the cake or by the Treasury, or will he issue a new Order?

Any stocks of cattle cake taken possession of by the Ministry of Food under the Cattle Feeding-stuffs (Requisition) Order, 1918, will be taken over on the terms prescribed in the Cattle Feeding Cake and Meal and Millers' Offals (Maximum Prices) Order dated the 1st November, 1917. It is not proposed to pay compensation to holders of such stocks, but any case of hardship may be brought before the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission.

Is the House to understand that these importers of cake are to make claims before the Claims Commission for the loss of £5 a ton on tens of thousands of tons and to wait for the recovery of what they have actually spent until those claims have been settled?

Where any real loss is sustained the hardship or loss may be reported to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission.

Does that Regulation apply to Ireland as well as Great Britain?

I am under the impression that it does, but I shall require notice to give a definite reply

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in fixing the price of milk for the summer months, he will bear in mind that in many important dairying districts the cost of producing milk is greater in the month of April than in any other month?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what the price will be?

Not as yet. The matter is under consideration.

asked the authorised prices on Saturday last at which legs, loins, shoulders, and necks of imported mutton were sold in the Manchester area; at what price were privately-imported frozen sheep sold in Liverpool and Manchester during the week in question; and at what price were Government-imported sheep sold?

Maximum retail prices for imported mutton have not at present been fixed by the Manchester Local Food Control Committee, as the supply has been very limited, but a scale of such prices is now under consideration, and will be issued shortly. In the meantime the retail prices of joints are regulated by the general provisions of the Meat (Maximum Prices) Order, 1917, which limits the aggregate profit made by a butcher in any fortnight to 20 per cent., or 2½ d. per 1b., whichever shall be the less. The maximum wholesale price at which frozen lambs, whether imported privately or on Government account, may be geld is 11½d. per lb.

asked the total quantity of refrigerated beef, mutton, dairy produce, rabbits, etc., delivered ex the Corporation Cold Stores, Manchester, which were condemned during the twelve months ending 31st December last?

I am causing inquiries to be made, and will convey the information to the hon. Member so soon as it has been obtained.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether last week and the week previously he forwarded considerable consignments of Government imported lambs to the Manchester area to relieve the meat shortage; whether the price at which these lambs are sold to retailing butchers is 11½d. per 1b.; whether he is aware that the Argenta Meat Company, of Oldham Street, Manchester, Regent Road, Salford, and many other shops, displayed on Saturday last a price list for imported lamb of ls. 4½d. per 1b. for legs and loins, the loins in some cases being cut very long, is. 2d. for shoulders, 1s. 2½d. best ends of necks, 1s. O½d. breasts, and 11½d. scraps; and that these prices represent a profit of 3d. to 3¼d. per 1b., according to how the loins and best ends are cut; and whether he will ask the Manchester Food Control Committee and the Salford Food Control Committee to exercise stricter control over these companies?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Food Controller has no information with regard to the prices at which joints of imported lamb were sold by the Argenta Meat Company, of Salford, but he is confident that the Manchester and the Salford Local Food Control Com- mittees may be relied upon to enforce the provisions of the Meat (Maximum Prices) Order.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether many tons of food would have been saved, our poultry supply much increased, and our supply of eggs augmented, except for the refusal of the Food Department to offer a reward for the destruction of foxes last winter, when requested to do so; that owing to the wet harvest an abnormal quantity of grain was scattered about the fields which might have fed poultry, who were prevented availing themselves of it through the abnormal quantity of foxes; whether he will now issue a reward of 20s. per head for every fox killed; whether he will consider if there are any safe methods by which their destruction may be attempted by poison; and whether he will inform those who desire to retain foxes for sport that they can easily renew the supply by importing from Ireland and America. when the War is over?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Poultry have fed as usual on the grain left in the harvest field, and the quantity of food that would have been saved if there had been a reward offered for the destruction of foxes may be regarded as negligible. I may add that the Food Production Department of the Board of Agriculture are in communication with the Master of Foxhounds Association in order to secure the performance of their promise to effect a normal reduction of foxes throughout the country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether on 21st and 22nd December a considerable consignment of New Zealand lambs was released and placed on Smithfield Market with instructions that they were to be sold to the poorer districts; whether, during the earlier part of the week, a considerable number of lambs were released in the ordinary way and which, like most Government meat sold at Smithfield, was delivered to middle-class districts and West-end restaurants; whether the selling price of lambs was 11d. per 1b. till Thursday, 20th December, and was raised to 11½d. per 1b. on the release of the extra lambs for the poorer districts; and what proportion of the lambs released on 21st and 22nd December were placed by the agents of the New Zealand Refrigerating Company?

The statement that a number of New Zealand lambs were released and placed on the Smithfield Market on the 21st and 22nd December, with instructions that they were to be sold to the poorer districts, is correct. No Government lambs were released in the earlier part of the week, and it is, therefore, incorrect to state that a considerable number were delivered to middle-class districts and West-end restaurants. The Food Controller is not aware that the selling price for lambs was raised from 11 d. to 11½d. per lb. on the 20th December, as stated by the hon. Member. The price of 11½d. per lb., at which the lambs in question were sold, is in accordance with the provisions of the Meat (Maximum Prices) Order, 1917. About half the lambs released were placed on the market by the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, Limited, who were the original vendors of these consignments to the Board of Trade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the difficulties under which the feeding of boys and girls in boarding schools is now carried on, and that the rations of growing boys of sixteen to eighteen years cannot be reduced without grave danger to our man-power; and whether he has received representations from schoolmasters on this matter?

In common with other sections of the population, boarding schools are at the moment experiencing difficulty in obtaining supplies of some articles of food, and complaints to this effect have been received from some schoolmasters. It is hoped that a considerable alleviation of the situation will result when the measures now being taken to improve and control the distribution of food are in operation. The importance of satisfying the reasonable requirements of boys of the ages mentioned is fully appreciated by the Ministry of Food.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can state in English weight the amount of the bread ration in France?

A national system of bread rationing is not at present in operation in France. The Government has drawn up a graduated scale of rations which may be enforced by the issue of cards at the discretion of the local authorities in communes with over 20,000 inhabitants. Local authorities which have introduced bread cards have frequently modified the Government scale, usually in the direction of a flat ration. Greater Paris on 29th January last introduced a bread ration of 10½ ozs. per head per clay, uniform for all ages and persons.

How is it they have a better system in France that enables the French people to get more bread than we do?

There is no restriction in this country as to the amount of bread that may be purchased, so that France cannot have a better system than our own in regard to bread.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the scarcity of food in the East End of London, and will any steps be taken to immediately remedy this state of affairs?

My attention has been called to this matter. Special supplies of most of the essential foodstuffs have from time to time been sent to this part of London, and every effort is being made to secure that the district receives its fair share of the food at present available.

How, then, does the hon. Gentleman account for the fact that thousands of persons in these East End districts stand every morning in queues, sometimes for four or five hours, and then are unable at the end to get supplies: is he aware that working-men are now going through their day's work on bread and treacle: from what do these conditions arise?

Does the hon. Gentleman admit that there is a greater scarcity in the East End than in the other parts of London?

I am not aware that in proportion to the population there is a greater scarcity in the East End. The other points raised in the supplementary question have been repeatedly answered in reply to questions.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a very important deputation, wholly composed of working-women from the East End of London, visited this House two days ago and placed before Members their own experiences arising out of the scarcity of food in the East End?

A large part of the time that I devote to these matters is occupied in meeting such deputations.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware of the great scarcity of food in the West End?

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that if the conditions to which he refers in the country are the same as prevail in the East End of London that the sooner the Government close up the War the better?

Disloyalty!

They are more loyal than you.

I do not think that even the poor in the East End of London would take that view.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Food Controller whether his Department has received from the Irish Cattle Traders and Stock Owners' Associations a protest against the establishment of a ring to control the sale of Irish animal imports at Birkenhead lairage; whether he is aware that this committee have proposed an entrance fee of £25 and a yearly subscription of £5, and a guarantee of £100 from members, and, further, have reserved to themselves the power of preventing sales except by members of their body; whether he can state what is the intention of the Food Control Department in this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Owing to the absence of any weighing facilities, the ordinary procedure for grading and weighing live cattle under the Cattle (Sales) Order could not be carried out at Birkenhead. The Ministry of Food has therefore constituted a representative committee of the various interests, with authority to make regulations for the conduct of the Birkenhead market, in order to secure observance of the maximum prices for live cattle and dead meat. An association is also being formed to act as agents for the Ministry of Food, but its constitution and conditions of membership have not yet been formally approved. The matter was discussed at the last meeting of the Central Advisory Committee on Live Stock and Meat Supplies, and it was arranged to receive a deputation of Irish cattle traders and stock owners, in order to arrive at a satisfactory settlement, and to determine what changes may be necessary in the present regulations.

Am I to understand from the hon. Gentleman that the free sale of cattle will be allowed at Birkenhead Lairage and that the matter will not he put into the hands of a commercial ring?

I think my hon. Friend may conclude that there is no desire to put it into the hands of a commercial ring. The intention, as I have before said in the matter, is that the Irish cattle interests shall be taken into full consideration.

Has not the hon. Gentleman admitted that the Grading Order cannot be carried out? Would it not be better, then, to withdraw it until it is possible to give effect to it?

No; I do not admit that the Grading Order cannot be carried out. It has only just been begun. I do not think that, with greater experience, that that assertion would be made.

In the case of Birkenhead you admitted it?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to set up a Committee in order to control all forms of inland transport, excluding railways; and, if so, if he can state when this Committee will be appointed, and the names of members, and what forms of transport they are to deal with, and if they will include canals, tramways, and all kinds of motor traffic?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It is not proposed to set up a Committee to control all forms of inland transport, excluding railways, but it is proposed to set up a body forthwith to co-ordinate the work of the existing Government Departments in connection with road transport. It will not include canals and tramways, but will generally include other kinds of road traffic. The. terms of reference and the names of the members will be published shortly.

Will this body deal with Ireland, or will a similar body be appointed for Ireland?

It will apply to Ireland.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to close the Port of London; if his attention has been called to the recent diversions of ships from the Port of London; and if he will consider that, in view of the importance of London as a food distributing centre for many millions of the population, every and all facilities shall be given, so that every food ship that is possible shall be allowed to enter London's port?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Government does not propose to close the Port of London. It is true that, for reasons of safety, the western ports have lately been used to a relatively greater extent than the eastern ports, but the dependence of London upon sea-borne supplies is fully appreciated, and the Port of London will continue to be used to the fullest extent which is consistent with the safety of the national supplies.

Will the Government consider the question that vessels coming to London shall have convoy facilities equal to those accorded to vessels going to western ports?

My hon. Friend has had the advantage of a private conference between the Ministry of Shipping, the Shipping Controller, and the head of the Anti-Submarine Department, and leading members of the Admiralty, and therefore he knows that the suggestion made in his question is without foundation. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!" "Apologise!"] I withdraw that. I will only say that the hon. Member knows that the suggestion in his question to give equal protection, in given circumstances, is in accordance with the views of the Admiralty.

Is it due to this diversion of traffic that there is such a scarcity of food in London, and may it be expected that there will be a more plentiful supply for London when the traffic is brought to the Port of London?

It is perfectly true that the necessary divergence of traffic caused difficulties with regard to certain supplies, but, as I said in my answer, both the Admiralty and -ourselves are keeping this point constantly in mind, and are endeavouring to bring every ship they possibly can with supplies for London, under the given circumstances. under Admiralty protection.

Supposing many ships are diverted from London, can the Government see their way to providing transport facilities to bring food supplies into the Metropolis at the present time?

That is also under most careful consideration, and we are constantly in touch with the Railway Executive, and a Committee has been set up to endeavour to solve the difficulties.