House Of Commons
Thursday, 14th March, 1918.
The House met at a Quarter before Three of the clock, Mr. SPEAKER in the Chair.
Private Business
Gas Bills (Statutory Price)
With reference to the Gas Bills standing on the Order Paper to-day, I propose to set them down for Wednesday next at 8.15 p.m., in the expectation that on that day the President of the Board of Trade will be in a position to state to the House the method in which it is proposed to deal with so much of the Bills as concern the question of statutory price. I do not anticipate that on that day any one of the Bills will be carried to a Second Reading, but I hope that it will be possible to inform the House as to the method in which that part of the Bills is to be dealt with.
May I ask whether that applies only to the part of the Bills with regard to the question of price, and does not deal with the other points in some of the Bills, and some of a very serious character, and of great importance to the localities—are they to go by the board?
Those Bills which contain other proposals will have to be considered separately, and hon. Members who take exception to those Bills will have their opportunity later on.
:Is it intended that a discussion should take place on the Second Reading of the Bills or on Wednesday next?
:If the President of the Board of Trade is in a position to make a statement to the House, of course that can be followed by a discussion if desired. It depends on hon. Members.
With reference to the last of the Bills on the Order Paper, the Alliance and Dublin Gas Bill, would it not be possible to postpone that, seeing that many Members of the Irish party with not be presens?
I do not think they need be in attendance on Wednesday next. After what I have already said, they will see that it is not proposed to take the Second Reading of that Bill on that occasion.
Brentford Gas Bill, Cannock Gas Bill, Hampton Court Gas Bill, Liverpool Gas Bill,. Longwood and Slaithwaite Gas Bill, Yeadon and Guiseley Gas Bill, Cardiff Gas Bill, Commercial Gas Bill, Gas Light and Coke Company Bill, Hastings and St. Leonard's Gas Bill, Maidenhead Gas Bill, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead Gas Bill, Plymouth and Stonehouse Gas Bill, Portsea Island Gas Light Bill, Richmond Gas Bill, Southampton Gas Bill, South Metropolitan Gas Bill, South Shields Gas Bill, South Suburban Gas Bill, Swansea Gas Bill, York Gas Bill, Basingstoke Gas Bill (all by Order),Rhymney and Aber Valleys Gas and Water Bill,
Alliance and Dublin Gas Bill,
Second Reading deferred till Wednesday next at a Quarter-past Eight of the Clock.
Railway And Canal Traffic Acts, 1854 To 1894
Copy presented of Twenty-ninth Annual Report of the Railway and Canal Commission, with Appendix [by Command]; to lie upon the Table.
Charity Commission (England And Wales)
Copy presented of Sixty-fifth Report of the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales [by Command]; to lie upon the Table.
New Writ
For the Borough of Waterford, in the room of John Edward Redmond, Esquire, deceased.—[ Mr. Scanlan.]
Supreme Court Of Judicature (Ireland)
Accounts ordered "of the Receipts and Payments of the Accountant-General of the Supreme Court of Judicature in
Ireland in respect of the funds of Suitors in the said Court, including therein funds to the credit of Lunacy Accounts, in the year to the 30th day of September, 1917, together with a Statement of liabilities and assets and particulars of securities in Court on the 30th day of September, 191".—[ Mr. Baldwin.]
Oral Answers To Questions
War
British Minister At Hague (Lieutenant J F Barker)
1.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a young man named Harker is now occupying a position under the British Minister at The Hague; whether, before the War, his proper name was Haar-bleicher, which was subsequently changed to Harker; and whether he can state the special qualifications of this man for the position he now holds?
The hon. Member, no doubt, refers to Lieutenant J. F. Harker, of the Machine Gun Corps. He has been lent by the Army to the Foreign Office while he is unfit for general service. This gallant officer, who enlisted at the outbreak of war, and subsequently obtained a commission, and served for some time in France, is temporarily employed in a subordinate capacity at The Hague, where he is carrying out his work to the entire satisfaction of His Majesty's Minister.
Deutsche Orient Bank, Egypt
2.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state whether a British Controller has been appointed over the Deutsche Orient Bank in Egypt, and, if so, who, and at what date; and whether the bank has been finally wound up and its premises sold?
Mr. R. E. Moore, resident partner in Egypt of the firm of Messrs. Price, Waterhouse and Peat, was appointed Controller in November, 1914. The liquidation of the bank is nearly, if not quite, complete. I understand that the premises have not been sold.
Does he propose to sell them?
I am afraid I cannot answer that question offhand, but I should be very glad to show to my hon. Friend a lengthy report on the subject which we have received.
Military Service
Ireland (Recruiting)
3.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the discouragement to recruiting that continues to exist in the larger towns of Ireland owing to the presence of numbers of non-Irish, both Britishers and aliens, of military age who are evading military service by taking refuge in Ireland; is he aware that, without the active co-operation of the Irish Government, it is impossible for the military authorities to deal with this scandal; and what measures does he propose to take?
A considerable number of men of military age have undoubtedly crossed from Great Britain to Ireland for the purpose of avoiding military service. The police in Ireland have instructions with regard to the matter, and, by report to recruiting officers and the arrest and removal of men who are absentees, they are dealing with all the cases of which they have knowledge.
Is it possible for the police to take really effective action unless the National Registration Act is extended to Ireland?
I have no doubt the police are taking effective action.
Can the hon. Gentleman say what action he is taking, if any, to prevent refugees from Scotland coming over for from three to six weeks and conducting their business in Scotland?
If the hon. Member or anybody else has knowledge of such persons or can put me in possession of the information on the subject, I will take care to see that the steps which I believe at present are being taken shall be made effective in those particular cases.
Leaflet (Frodsham District)
18.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now had time to complete his inquiry into the circumstances in which a private individual caused to be printed and circulated a leaflet among the agricultural labourers of the Frodsham district of Cheshire warning them that, if they even threatened to resist any action on the part of the farmers, they would render themselves liable, if of military age, to be called up immediately for military service; whether he will give the name of the private individual responsible for the publication of this leaflet; and, in view of the fact that this leaflet has caused disaffection amongst certain of His Majesty's subjects, whether it is proposed to take action against this private individual under the Defence of the Realm Acts?
I have now seen a copy of this leaflet, the effect of which is not accurately given in the question. The statement contained in the leaflet referred to men who by strikes or threats hinder the work of agriculture. I find that sixty copies of the leaflet were printed, of which nineteen only were distributed and the rest destroyed. I have no reason to think that it produced any disaffection or had any effect whatever in Cheshire or elsewhere, and I am advised that it is doubtful whether a prosecution would succeed. In view of all the circumstances, I do not propose to take any action.
:Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman approves of private individuals using the Military Service Acts, and threats under the Military Service Acts, for their own purposes?
I entirely disapprove of it.
Conscientious Objectors
21.
asked whether the conscientious objector named Eric Fox has been condemned to a fourth term of imprisonment; whether it is intended to keep such men in prison no matter how long the War may last; and whether there is any intention on the part of the Government to take action which will put an end to these long terms of imprisonment, in cases where men have proved themselves to possess genuine convictions?
The question whether a man who has served a sentence of imprisonment shall be again called up for military service is entirely for the military authorities to determine, and I have no authority to interfere in the matter.
:Could the right hon. Gentleman not confer with the military authorities to ascertain whether some fixed, definite term could not be arrived at? It seems to me it is time these men were either acquitted or condemned to imprisonment for life.
:The question should be addressed either to the representative of the War Office or the representative of the Ministry of National Service.
But was not the statement made in another place on behalf of the Government to the effect that this matter would be considered?
Education (Ireland)
5.
asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction amongst secondary school teachers in Ireland owing to the unsatisfactory conditions of the proposed rules under which the Special Grant, equivalent to the Fisher Grant in England, is to be disbursed; and whether he would be willing to appoint a Commission or Committee of Inquiry on this matter?
Yes, Sir; steps are being taken for the appointment of a Committee.
7.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that, according to the Official Report, Volume 45, No. 159, of Parliamentary Debates on the Government of Ireland Bill, 9th December, 1912, it was expressly stated by Ministers of the Government that Irish model school teachers were Civil servants under a standard by themselves, and that in case of disturbance in their occupations as such their compensation was to be assessed under Schedule III., Part I., of the Government of Ireland Bill, i.e., as established Civil servants; and whether he will now take steps to have this body of teachers accorded in the matter of war bonuses full rights as Civil servants, so that they may receive in this respect the same treatment as other Civil servants on the establishment?
Model school teachers are in the direct employment of the Commissioners of National Education, but, otherwise, serve generally on the same conditions as teachers of ordinary national schools. They do not hold Civil Service certificates, and are not entitled to pensions as provided for Civil servants under the Superannuation Acts, but contribute out of their salaries towards a pension payable out of the Teachers' Pension Fund. The war bonus is paid to the teachers of model schools at the same rates and on the same conditions as to teachers of ordinary national schools.
10.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it has been definitely decided to set up separate Committees to deal with questions affecting primary and intermediate teachers in Ireland; if he will say what the constitution of the Committees will be; and whether, seeing that it has been decided to set up these Committees, the Government intended to suspend the White Paper provisions and distribute the money now available by way of a bonus to all teachers in the service?
I believe the general sense of those most interested in the subject to be in favour of separate Committee, and with the help of my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General for Ireland I am proceeding to deal with the matter on that footing. The constitution of the Committees will be announced as soon as possible. The answer to the last inquiry in the question is in the negative. What is proposed would merely introduce confusion and delay. Any Commission or Committee which may have to deal with the future position of the schools and the teachers will, of course, be in no way bound by the distribution of this year's additional Grant, or by the arrangements connected therewith which are contained in the Paper to which the hon. Member refers.
Will the teachers themselves have representation on these Committees—will the right hon. Gentleman see that they will?
The hon. Member may be quite sure that is a subject which is not lost sight of. The task is a very difficult task of deciding between a great many things. I do not want to pledge myself in any way at the moment as to the constitution of the Committees, but, with the help of my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General and other advisers, I shall try to take care that the Committees are competent to deal with a most difficult matter in the most effective way.
12.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will take steps to secure the introduction into Ireland of the system whereby talented boys and girls may win the right to free places in the secondary schools?
15.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is prepared to advise an increase of the Exchequer Grants for Irish secondary education, that the salaries of secondary teachers should be made a first charge on the funds of Irish secondary education, and that lay secondary teachers be declared entitled to the same security of tenure as primary teachers?
The points raised in these questions are such as will necessarily be dealt with by the proposed Committee on the subject.
May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to inspire himself with the example of his colleague who represents British education and prepare a large scheme, and also take note of the conditions of life of teachers, which become more and more difficult in Ireland?
Those are considerations which cannot be ignored. They are on the surface of the question.
Food Supplies
Land Cultivation (Ireland)
6.
asked the Chief Secretary if he will take steps to fix the rent to be charged for land for food production in Ireland?
I would refer the hon. Member to an answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for North Kildare on 21st January. In view of the importance of the matter, I would add that the tillage Regulations now in force have rendered very large areas of land subject compulsorily to cultivation, and that in all cases when the full powers of the tillage scheme are put in operation the lands in question are let at prices fixed at auction or decided by the Department of Agriculture.
Is it not the fact that the rent charged by the landowner is largely responsible for the increased food prices?
That is rather a long shot. It is my impression that that is not the fact, but I am aware there is a tendency in some quarters to increase prices, but I do not think that is so general as the hon. Member suggests, and it is corrected, moreover, by the determination of some people in Ireland, who are well aware of the value of land, not to pay more than a proper price.
Tillage Order (Ireland)
13.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any instances have been brought to his notice of cases where landlords in county Clare have not compiled with the Tillage Regulations; and, if so, whether any steps have been taken in such cases to secure observance of the law?
I assume the question to refer to landlords who are "occupiers" of their land. On that assumption the answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. I would further refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to his question on Monday last.
14.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state, even approximately, the number of acres in county Clare now used for cattle ranches and which could be made avail able for tillage if divided between the uneconomic holders?
I am not in a, position to furnish even an approximate estimate of the kind suggested in the question. Perhaps I may say I assume the question to refer to grazing lands. It is a little misleading to describe them as cattle ranches.
Even on that assumption, has it been brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend that there are thousands of acres available which could be made productive for food, and that that is really one cause of the unrest which prevails in county Clare and elsewhere in Ireland?
No, Sir. Every means that can. be legitimately taken by the Executive in Ireland has been taken to bring an unprecedented quantity of arable land into cultivation. My hon. Friend refers to unrest. There has developed in Ireland in the course of the last three or four weeks a criminal conspiracy for interfering with the ownership and occupation of land, and I cannot discuss any question of unrest in face of a combination of this kind.
I will raise that question later.
16.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether cases have been brought to his notice where owners of land are prevented from complying with the Tillage Order owing to their being boycotted and their workmen intimidated from continuing in their employment by men who desire to get possession of the land to cultivate in conacre themselves; that then, owing to their being unable in the specified time to comply with such Tillage Order, inspectors of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) enter on the land, take it from the owner under a Defence of the Realm Regulation, and divide it out for cultivation in conacre, possibly to the parties who themselves imposed the boycott and intimidated the workmen; and, if so, will he take steps to deal drastically with this procedure?
Several cases have occurred in which occupiers of land have claimed that they were prevented from complying with the Tillage Regulations owing to boycotting. If, as a result of inquiry, 'the Department of Agriculture are satisfied that the statements made by the occupiers are well-founded, the lands are not entered upon, and the procedure suggested in the hon. and gallant Member's question is not adopted. It is impracticable to carry out the provisions of the Defence of the Realm Regulations in connection with lands which are definitely boycotted.
Might I send the right hon. Gentleman a case in point?
Certainly.
Bread
28.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what increase, if any, has taken place in the daily consumption of bread in the month of February, 1918, as compared with the month of September, 1917; whether the stocks of wheat in this country and anticipated arrivals of wheat are likely to be sufficient to meet this rate of consumption until the new cereal year; if not, whether it is proposed to ration the consumption of breadstuffs; and, if so, at what date?
The returns from bakers and retailers show that the consumption of bread and flour, comparing the four weeks. ending 13th October and the four weeks ending 2nd March, has risen in the ratio of 96 to 100¼ Last year it rose in the ratio of 95½ to 102½. It should be added that the consumption during the most recent period, that is, the period ending 2nd March, is slightly lower than that in the period ending 2nd February. This is substantiated by the figures showing the deliveries of flour from the mills. The stocks, despite the low imports of recent months, compare favourably with those held at this time last year, and, as I said last Tuesday, it is hoped that if great care is exercised and all waste avoided the rationing of bread and flour may be indefinitely postponed.
Arising out of that, can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is proposed to proceed any further with the dilution of the loaf?
Not further than the point which we have reached at present.
Bacon Factories, Tralee
29.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the regulations regarding the sale of pigs will, if enforced, have the effect of closing the two bacon factories in Tralee, which employ over 200 men; whether he is aware that this is practically the only industry in the town; and whether he will take steps to secure that every facility will be given to these factories to remain open?
I am informed that both the bacon factories in Tralee have been allotted supplies of pigs, and that there will be no necessity for either to close down.
Flour
30.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has inquired into the conduct of the Northshore Mills, Liverpool, in refusing to sell flour to merchants in the West of Ireland because of the disturbed state of the country; whether it is intended to prosecute them for this refusal; and whether they will be allowed to exercise such prejudice in trade in the future?
I find that the North-shore Mill Company have not refused to sell flour to merchants in the West of Ireland, but owing to the disturbed state of the country and the difficulty of getting their money, the company decided to insist on cash before delivery. In spite of this, their actual deliveries in Ireland for 1917 were considerably greater than in the previous year.
39.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether Messrs. Spiller and Baker will be prosecuted for the freights they charged on flour brought by their own boats from Cardiff to Cork; and whether they will be compelled to return to traders whom they supplied in Kerry the overcharges which they made?
I am not aware that the firm referred to has been guilty of any breach of regulation. I recently informed my hon. Friend that the matter of freights involved was having the attention of the Shipping Controller. I am now able to tell him that a maximum freight for flour to Irish ports was established on 1st March.
Restaurant And Hotel Prices
31.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the prices charged by hotel proprietors to commercial men is often far in excess of the value of the food supplied; and whether he will take steps to prevent this practice?
:Complaints of overcharge in restaurants and hotels have been received from time to time. As I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Enfield last Monday, the Food Survey Board are considering whether any and what action can usefully be taken.
Fish
32.
asked the. Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will see that Irish interests are considered when fixing the price of fish; if he will say whether any Irish representatives of salmon-fishing industries were or will be consulted before the price is fixed; and if he will see that nothing is done that will interfere with production?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second, that the Fishery Department for Ireland was consulted before the prices were fixed; and to the third, that the greatest care has been taken to secure that prices are not fixed so low as to discourage production.
Arising out of that answer, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether any committee has been set up in Ireland to deal with this question of the price of salmon, and, if so, would he recommend that some Irish representative be placed on such committee?
I am not aware of the establishment of any separate committee, but, as my reply states, the Fisheries Department for Ireland has been consulted. If my hon. Friend has any particular information bearing on the question, I shall be glad to receive it from him.
33.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the report of the Fishmongers' Company that their fish-meters seized and condemned at Billingsgate Market in the month of February 100 tons 15 cwts. of fish as unfit for food; and that this quantity was nearly double what was condemned in February, 1917; and whether he will take all steps possible to prevent this waste of necessary food in the future?
The answer is in the affirmative. Every effort is being made to secure that fish reach the markets in good condition, but I may remind the hon. Member that the difficulty of ensuring rapid transport, both by sea and by rail, is necessarily increasing under war conditions. These difficulties are enhanced during the periods of exceptionally heavy catches of migratory fish.
May I ask if they have not sufficient ice at Billingsgate to keep this fish, or salt?
There are occasions when ice is not available at the particular points where fish may be lying at the time being.
In view of the importance of this matter, would it not be possible to use motor lorries in cases of urgency?
I may say that the quantity of herrings landed on the mainland in this case was believed to have been totally unprecedented, and on that account inevitable congestion was caused, and therefore waste resulted.
Cattle Sales
34.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Department has consulted the Board of Agriculture as to the advisability and practicability of making it compulsory for farmers to sell cattle by dead-weight?
Lord Rhondda does not propose to make it compulsory for farmers to sell cattle by dead weight, but he is in consultation with a Committee appointed by the National Farmers' Union, the Central Chamber of Agriculture, and the Royal Agricultural Society as to the purchasing of cattle by dead-weight in districts where this can be satisfactorily arranged. The Board of Agriculture have been and are being consulted on this as on all other matters concerning agricultural produce, but the Food Controller is alone responsible for the decision that may be taken.
Inasmuch as this is essentially a question for farmers and the Board of Agriculture, can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that those views will be duly weighed and advantage taken of them before any final decision is arrived at?
Yes; I will readily give that assurance.
Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister of Food to make it a penal offence for any farmer to sell a cow for slaughter which is in calf?
Irish Executive
11.
asked if any proposals are under consideration for a change in the personnel of the Irish Executive?
I am not able to give the hon. Member any information on this subject.
Has the right hon. Gentleman any understudy in training?
No, Sir; it is not my duty to provide understudies. I suggest that hon. Gentlemen should communicate with the ingenious persons who have disseminated what they call information on this subject. They should not refer to me for information on the subject, but to the authors of the reports.
Will the right hon. Gentleman say who is the author of them?
I have not the least idea.
Summer Time
19.
asked the Home Secretary if he has received resolutions from the textile and engineering trades protesting against the date the Summer Time Act comes into operation; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
I have received no protests from these trades, except one resolution from the Bury District Committee of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers suggesting that the postponement of Summer Time to the third Sunday in April would be more acceptable. As I said in the answer which I gave on the 4th March to the hon. Member for the Bury Division, I recognise that the fixing of an earlier date this year will cause some inconvenience, but I am sure that this will be cheerfully borne in view of the great general advantage of the change. I may add that the British Forces in France have adopted French Summer Time, which began on the 9th instant, and that it is desirable that the interval between the dates fixed for Summer Time in this country and in France shall be as short as possible.
Workmen's Compensation Act (Discharged Soldiers)
20.
asked whether employers of labour who give work during the War to discharged soldiers who are physically deficient have any concessions made to them in regard to their liabilities under the Workmen's Compensation Act?
:As indicated in my reply to a question of the hon. Member for the Tottenham Division on the 28th February, I have appointed a Committee to consider this matter. The Committee is now proceeding with its inquiry.
Will the right hon. Gentleman include in the consideration of that Committee the question of workmen's insurance—as to how it would be affected by the re-employment of disabled soldiers?
I am sure the Committee of Inquiry must needs have regard to that subject.
Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement that employers may without any risk employ discharged soldiers in the meantime? There are many discharged soldiers seeking work who are unable to obtain it on this account.
There are many employers who know that is our view, and it is with a view to removing any doubt that we have appointed this Committee.
Workers' And Soldiers' Council
22.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the Workers' and Soldiers' Council, a body in connection with the Union of Democratic Control, and which was started in the interests of Russian aliens in the East End of London soon after the debacle of Bolshevism took place in Russia; is he aware of the revolutionary propaganda that this body of alien enemies is preaching; and what steps will he take to remove these persons from the East End of London?
I understand that this body was established in the first half of 1917, but that for the last eight months it has had no recognised offices and holds no public meetings. If the hon. and gallant Member has evidence showing that the council is affiliated to the Union of Democratic Control, is engaged in revolutionary propaganda, and is composed of alien enemies. T shall be glad if he will submit it to me.
May I ask the right hon Gentleman whether he is aware that aliens are addressing meetings and preaching revolutionary matter; and, if he has the power, would he be prepared to consider the issue of permits to aliens before they are allowed to address meetings, so as to enable the police to inquire whether they have such permits, and to stop the meetings if they have not?
No; I do not think that is a desirable course to take. It was considered as an alternative, but it was thought better to make an Order that empowers me to prevent them addressing; meetings.
Surely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that after the meeting has taken place it is too late, and that it is better to empower the police to prevent the meeting unless they are satisfied that the speaker has your authority to address the meeting?
That is so in some cases, but to make an Order forbidding all aliens, including Allies, to address meetings would be quite a different matter.
Enemy Air Raids
Public Shelters (Advisory Committee)
23.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the names of the members of the Advisory Committee who advise the police authorities as regards the safety of air raid shelters in the London area; and will he state if the London County Council, who are the Building Act authority for London, have been consulted in any way on this matter?
The following are the names of the members of the Advisory Committee:
- Sir A. Stenning, F.R.I.B.A., Past President of the Surveyors' Institution (Chairman).
- Mr. E. C. P. Monson, F.R.I.B.A., F.S.I.
- Mr. Fitzroy Doll, F.R.I.B.A., F.S.I.
- Mr. Dendy Watney, F.S.I.
- Mr. Horace Cheston, F.R.I.B.A., F.S.I.
- Mr. Percy Monckton, F.R.I.B.A., F.S.I.
- Brigadier-General F. Horniblow, C.B.
- Major F. G. P. Gedge, D.S.O., R.E., and
- Lieutenant W. P. H. Roe, R.E.
Maroon Warnings
The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. G. FABER:
24. To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state why air raids on London, whether by night or day, cannot be signalled by maroons, seeing that is the most efficient way of warning people to take cover?
I am aware this was answered yesterday by the Home Secretary, and I only ask it now in case the right hon. Gentleman may have anything further to add.
No; I will refer my hon. Friend to the answers which I gave yesterday.
Easter Bank Holiday
26.
asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government will again consider the necessity of declaring Saturday, 30th March, the day preceding Easter Sunday, a bank holiday, following the precedent of the last two years, in view of the continued pressure of work under war conditions which has been aggravated by the business men's week and tank collections?
Very careful consideration has been given to this suggestion, but in view of the date on which the Saturday before Easter falls this year—at the end of the quarter—its adoption would give rise to inconvenience in many cases. The Government have, therefore, decided that the original decision must be maintained, but they recognise the great pressure under which the staffs of the banks have been working, and will consider the possibility of the grant of an extra day at Whitsuntide.
:May I ask my hon. Friend is he not aware of the great number of women now employed in banks, and cannot he extend the half-holiday to them, if not to the whole staff?
Post Office (Alien Employes)
35.
asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he will grant a Return of persons of enemy origin employed as postmasters or postmistresses in the United Kingdom; and (2) to whom is allocated the duty of watching people of enemy nationality employed in post offices in the United Kingdom?
My right hon. Friend does not consider that the issue of such a Return would serve any useful purpose, and he regrets he cannot see his way to furnish one. Careful inquiry has already been made in every case, and he is satisfied that the precautions taken are sufficient. Aliens employed in the Post Office are, like others, subject to the surveillance of the police, so far as their private conduct is concerned. As regards their official work, there are ample opportunities for observing their actions.
Are we to understand that there are so many persons of enemy origin in the Post Office that it is impossible to compile a list of them, and does the hon. Gentleman think it is desirable that people who handle letter-bags should be under the surveillance of the police?
The hon. Member is asking the same question again.
This is a very much more difficult question than the hon. Member thinks. My hon. and gallant Friend asked a question last week with regard to a sub-postmaster at Eaton Terrace. That man is the son of an English mother, who married a native of Lorraine before the German occupation in 1871. He was born in 1866. In 1871, with the rest of the population of Lorraine, he became technically a German. In 1874 he came to England with his mother, between forty and fifty years ago. He has a son serving in the British Navy on His Majesty's ship "Hercules."
Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there has been a great many complaints about these alien people in post offices? I have had a great many letters about it. And could not our police or detectives be better employed than in watching postmasters of alien origin?
Are there not many cases of undiluted Germans who are now sitting in security and in control of British post offices'?
My right hon. Friend is very careful with regard to this matter. If there is any particular case which my light hon. Friend would like to bring before the Post Office I will look into it.
Why is it at all necessary to employ people of enemy origin in the Post Office?
The statement which I have just made shows the difficulty of the question; but I am sure that my hon. Friend himself would never think of asking the man in the case I mentioned to resign his post,
I would think of asking any man of enemy origin to resign.
Post Office Workers (Whitley Report)
36.
asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a resolution from the local joint committee of the associations of the Manchester and district post-office workers asking the Government to enter into negotiations with the National Joint Committee of Post Office Associations, with a view to an early application of the principles of the Whitley Report to the Post Office; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?
My right hon. Friend has received the resolution referred to. The general question is under the consideration of the Government, and he is not in a position at present to make any further statement.
In view of the great importance of the efforts the Government are making to stimulate action in various industries, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the delay in this matter is causing very great dissatisfaction amongst the Civil servants of the Post Office?
I think the onus of the charge does not fall upon the Post Office. It is a matter for the general consideration of the Government.
War Bonds
38.
asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that by the stamp advertising War Bonds now stamped on postal packets the address is often wholly or partially obliterated and the writing on postcards rendered illegible, and that mistakes in the delivery of letters and postcards are thereby made more frequent; and whether he will give instructions that this stamp shall be placed only in such a manner as not to cover any part of the address or other writing on postal packets?
Impressions of the stamp in question take up no more space than impressions of the stamps ordinarily used, and only those addresses which are written without attention to the Post Office injunction to leave a clear space above the address can be hidden as suggested-I am informed that very few cases come under notice.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I could show to him a number of letters where the address has been absolutely obliterated by the stamp, and letters have been delivered in the wrong places in consequence?
Very plain directions are given on page 50 of the Post Office Guide, and I am sorry that, the hon. Member has been caused inconvenience.
Will the right hon. Gentleman see that that direction is carried out?
I will mention the matter to my hon. Friend.
53.
asked whether, in order to estimate correctly the amount by which the money available to the Government for the conduct of the War has been increased by the purchase of National War Bonds during business men's week, allowance should be made for the subsequent application of such bonds in discharge of Excess Profits Duty; and, if so, whether he can say the probable extent of such allowance?
There are no adequate data for estimating what proportion of the National War Bonds sold last week will ultimately be tendered in payment of Excess Profits Duty; but, as I stated yesterday, we have done everything that we could to discourage investment in War Bonds of money which would immediately come into the Exchequer in the form of taxation.
Can the right hon. Gentleman say what last week's exhibition cost the country?
No, Sir; I cannot give the amount, but I can assure the House that it has been done very economically.
Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that a system of Premium Bonds would be more economical still, if it is money you want?
Mercantile Marine
Ocean-Going Tonnage
40.
asked whether, with a view to reducing the risks to shipping tonnage at the present time, he has considered the possibility of exchanging large British ships for an equal tonnage of small ships of neutral tonnage, in order that the larger ships should be employed outside the danger zone;
Such a measure as my hon. Friend suggests would have the effect of reducing the amount of ocean-going tonnage in employment for war needs, and is, therefore, not practicable in the present tonnage position.
Shipbuilding
46.
asked the Prime Minister if he is prepared to appoint a Committee of Members of this House to inquire with the utmost rapidity into the position of British shipbuilding and to afford the Committee, if appointed, the fullest opportunity to investigate the causes of the delay which have been said to have taken place recently, and of recommending methods by which our shipbuilding can be speeded up?
Perhaps the hon. Baronet will await the statement which the First Lord of the Admiralty proposes to make in the House next week on Vote 8 of the Navy Estimates.
65 and 66.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) if he is satisfied that all the available discharged soldiers who are suitable for work in shipyards at the present time are being supplied to those industries by the Labour Exchanges and other agencies for placing that class in civil employment; (2) if shipyards in this country are being worked to their full capacity; and, if not, have the facts been adequately communicated to the employers and workers in this industry, and are there no further means to stimulate the output of shipbuilding?
My hon. Friend may rest assured that every effort is being made to utilise to the utmost extent the full capacity of the shipyards in this country, and, as I have stated in the House on several occasions, private yards are being extended so as to give them a greater number of berths and also to provide them with the additional plant necessary for increased output. Down to the 13th March, 151 extension schemes have been sanctioned, involving additions to machinery and plant, extension of some of the existing slips, and the addition of new slips.
As regards the supply of additional labour to the yards, I gave the net additions since 1st October last down to 1st March on Thursday last in the Debate. As regards skilled men returned from the Colours, on the 14th February I told my hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham that the War Office had consented to the release of 20,000. I told him also on that date that we, hoped that these numbers would be forthcoming at the rate of 1,000 per week during the latter half of February and onwards. Down to the 12th March, 1,098 skilled men have been released and sent to the yards and shops, and 790 are in the depot awaiting transfer.Is it a. fact, as reported by a responsible ship-owner, that the shipyards are stopping work at twelve o'clock on Saturday, and, having regard to the circumstances, is it not possible to further increase the output of the yards by working later on Saturday and on Sunday?
I do not know about the closing on Saturday. There must be some men engaged, at any rate. But you will not increase the output by keeping men continuously on the stretch.
With respect to the 151 extensions to private shipyards that have been sanctioned, will the right hon. Gentleman say during what period they have been sanctioned, how far back they go, and how many of them have been, in fact, carried into effect?
I cannot answer the first part of that question without notice, but I can answer the latter part. Five have been completed. I can give further information. One hundred and seven have been begun. Eight of them are for extended slips, and forty-four for new slips.
Has the Department formed any estimate as to when any result from these steps that: have been taken to increase the output may be anticipated?
If my hon. Friend will look at the Official Report of the Debate on Wednesday, I think columns 1071–2, he will find that I did my best to say: Two slips are ready now. Does my hon. Friend refer to the national yards or to these extensions?
To these extensions.
I am afraid that I cannot answer that question
Has the principle of different ships been suggested to the Department, so that the machinery can be kept going?
I referred to that question in the Debate. We have endeavoured to modify the various standard ships, in order that the capability of the separate individual yards may be fully met.
18.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to a statement recently made by Sir John Ellerman that for a period of thirteen months the whole of the resources of the country had built seventeen steamers, of a gross tonnage of 86,000 tons; and whether he will now give the correct tonnage of shipping built in the period mentioned?
I think my hon. Friend has not covered the whole of Sir John Ellerman's statement. It is quite true that he said at the Chamber of Shipping meeting on 6th March that up to the end of February, or for a period of thirteen months, in which the whole resources of this country have been devoted to new construction, seventeen steamers of 86,000 tons gross have been constructed. He was here, of course, referring only to the standard ships. But he went on to say, and quite rightly, that during the corresponding period the output of vessels constructed by private enterprise amounted to over 1,030,000 tons. As a matter of fact, Sir John was inside the figure, and, of course, to that output must be added the output of Navy tonnage during that time.
Is. the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that ships launched in November and December were in proper condition for launching, and that they were not put into the water prematurely, thereby giving a better return for the last quarter of the year than was justified?
I cannot say anything about that matter, but the statement attributed to Sir John Ellerman that the total output for the thirteen months Avas 86,000 tons is not a full report of what he did say, because he said in addition that there was 1,030,000 tons constructed under private enterprise.
Having regard to the very serious statement just made by my hon. Friend, will the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made?
Certainly; if my hon. Friend will put down a question.
69.
asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether the Government have commandeered upwards of 650 acres of agricultural Land at Beachley, in Gloucestershire, and the plots on which two blocks of six cottages each, erected toy the Admiralty for the fishermen they evicted on this land, have an area of about one-twenty-sixth part of an acre; whether the dimensions of the third bedroom in each cottage are 6 ft. 7½ ins. by 6 ft. 1½ ins. by 7 ft. 9 ins. high; whether the blocks of cottages are part of a definite and ordered scheme for the development of the land; and whether an assurance can be given that such blocks of cottages will not be repeated over the rest of the estate?
In connection with the establishment of national shipyards on the Way it was found necessary to take possession of certain agricultural land. The actual area taken possession of at Beachley is 580 acres. It was decided to erect two blocks of six cottages each in order to provide accommodation for fishermen who formerly possessed houses on this land. These cottage were built as a special case by the Admiralty, after consultation with the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, in order that these fishermen might, in the national interests, be kept within reasonable reach of their fishing ground. The area of the land on which these two blocks will be built allows for twenty-six cottages to the acre. The dimensions of the third bedroom in each cottage are as stated, but this provides three bedrooms as against two in the former cottages. The other rooms are in every respect larger than those in the houses which the fishermen were formerly occupying. In addition, bathrooms and larders have been provided. I am sending my Noble Friend a statement showing the comparison between the new and the old buildings.
The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of the question: Will he give an assurance that any future building will be on a more enlightened principle and a better lay-out than has been the case in the past?
Without going into the question of a more enlightened principle, I may say that this was emergency work. We were very anxious that the men, when they came back from the salmon fishing on the 1st March, should find houses ready for them. It is a self-contained transaction. We shall certainly adopt any larger scale, if necessary, beginning afresh and not following this scheme.
School Teachers' Salaries (War Bonus)
41.
asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Grant for improvement of teachers' salaries can properly be applied in recoupment of war bonuses already paid; and, if not, whether he will take steps to ensure that the London Education Committee shall apply the said Grant exclusively to the purpose for which it was intended?
The primary object of the Supplementary Grant was to secure permanent improvement of teachers' salaries, but the Regulations do not require local education authorities, in considering the improvement of teachers' salaries, to exclude from consideration war bonuses already granted.
42.
asked whether head teachers in London County Council schools earning salaries of £250 or above have participated in the war bonus enjoyed by other teachers; and, if not, whether, having regard to the increased cost of living, steps will be taken to pro vide that head teachers shall receive a war bonus proportionate to that granted to the lower grades or, in the alternative, an increase of salary?
The Board have no control over the arrangements of local education authorities for granting war bonuses.
43.
asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware of the dissatisfaction expressed by assistant masters of the secondary schools in England and Wales at the manner' of distribution by some local education authorities of the supplementary Giants in tended primarily for the improvement of the salaries of teachers; whether he is aware that in many localities the addition to the teachers' salaries is insufficient to compensate for the increased cost of living; and whether he can take steps to alleviate a state of feeling which may have the effect of lessening the efficiency of the teaching?
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Attercliffe Division of Sheffield on 18th January, a copy of which I am sending him.
Naval And Military Pensions And Grants
44.
asked the Pensions Minister whether any scheme for increased pensions to dependants of soldiers and sailors has yet been agreed to; if so, when will it be operative?
I can add nothing to my previous replies on this subject.
55.
asked the Pensions Minister respecting the application for a grant from the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee made by Lance-Corporal—No. 28306, 6th Yorkshire Regiment, who was an estate joiner prior to enlistment, in receipt of 23s. per week and house rent free, with liberty to earn extra money by private work, and had other pecuniary advantages allowed to him, and who, under these conditions, took out insurance policies in 1912 which committed him to the payment of premiums amounting to £3 18s. 8d. a year, which application has been refused; whether he is aware that the insurance policies referred to are on the point of being lapsed on account of the impossibility of the soldier's wife paying the premiums out of her total income of 28s. per week, out of which she has also to pay rent and maintain herself and three children, aged four, seven, and eight, respectively; and if he, will make urgent inquiries into this, case with the object of affording to this soldier the protection which was promised when the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee was instituted?
The case cannot be identified from the particulars supplied, but if the hon. Member will send my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board the name and address of the man he refers to he will have inquiry made.
56.
asked the Pensions Minister if the concession recently made to meet the case of parents of soldiers killed in action who cannot prove pre-war dependence because their sons enlisted during apprenticeship, and whilst their sons were, in, fact, incurring monetary obligations towards their parents, which, having regard to the slender resources of their parents, the sons would have repaid on the completion of their apprenticeships, goes no further than that it merely empowers the grant of a pension if the parents are in pecuniary need, whereas, before the concession was made, pensions in the circumstances mentioned were granted in cases of hardship, which change in effect is little more than a change of words; and, if the concession goes no further than this, whether he will take steps at an early date to deal effectively with this long-standing grievance?
I am not sure that I follow this question. The concession made as regards pensions to-parents who had not been actually dependent on their sons consisted in extending to other parents the special provision made in the Royal Warrant of last March for the parents of apprentices. If the hon. Member is thinking not of pensions but of separation allowances, I may remind him of my reply to the question he put to me on 13th February, when I explained that the amended Regulation removes the condition of "hardship" and permits of an allowance being given, equivalent to the support the soldier might reasonably be expected to give if he were in civil life, when such allowance is necessary for the due upkeep of the home. This is, I think, something more than a mere change of words.
Is me new Regulation accessible? Has it been published?
It has been published, I should think, within the last month.
57.
asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that John Thomas Blackman, 6, Connaught Villas, Arthur Road, Windsor, a discharged soldier, was supplied with a glass eye by the country at a total cost of 10s. 6d.; and that, in order to obtain the glass eye, he was compelled to travel to Reading, losing thirteen and a-half hours' work, at 10|d. per hour; and whether in such cases he will take steps to see that the discharged man who has to lose work and travel some distance in order to have artificial eyes or limbs provided has his out-of-pocket expenses paid?
Any discharged disabled man is entitled under the Instructions of the Ministry to obtain from his local War Pensions Committee payment of the travelling and out-of-pocket expenses (including within certain limits, loss of wages) incurred by him in connection with his treatment. I have communicated with the local committee in regard to the particular case referred to.
Munitions
Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic)
45.
asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is no Welsh representative upon the Liquor Control Board; whether he is still in favour of the principle of devolution; and whether he will consider the, appointment of a Liquor Control Board for Wales and Monmouthshire, who shall be charged with the powers and administrative functions, so far as Wales and Monmouthshire are concerned, which are now exercised by the Board of Control in London?
Members of the Central Control Board are not appointed as representatives of the several parts of the United Kingdom. The question of the appointment of a separate authority for Wales and Monmouthshire would receive consideration if any proposal were under discussion to reconstitute the Central Control Board on a basis of nationality. But there are obvious objections to any such proposal.
Case Under Investigation
60.
asked the Minister of Munitions whether charges have been brought to his attention that an engineering firm in Aberdeen engaged in the manufacture of munitions were faking 6-inch shell, and were in the possession of special marking tools for this purpose, a consignment of shells costing £4,000 being involved; whether Colonel Stansfield, of Woolwich Arsenal, was sent to Aberdeen by the Ministry; whether it was discovered that discarded shells were being-marked as if they had been passed and approved; whether these engineering works have since been taken over by the Government after a military investigation had taken place; whether he is aware of the name of the electrical engineers in Aberdeen who produced a tool for markings similar to the inspector's mark; and whether there has been or will be prosecution of any or all concerned?
I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will put down this question one day next week. I have a certain amount of information in regard to it, but I am not yet satisfied.
Ministry Of Information
47.
asked if the Ministry of Information is intended to serve as a central bureau for the purpose of answering inquiries by tile general public on all matters concerning the administration of the country, as far as it is in the public interest to do so, without referring the inquirer to the Department involved in the inquiry; and, if so, how it is proposed to link up the other Departments with the Ministry of Information?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not arise.
48.
asked the Prime Minister if he will state the name and Civil Service rank of the Foreign Office clerk to whose duties Lord Northcliff e succeeded; and whether the clerk alluded to is still employed?
I think it would be a very undesirable precedent to refer to any Civil servant by name as suggested in the question.
Will the right hon. Gentleman state the salary that this clerk is receiving?
No, Sir; I do not intend to do so.
Supreme War Council
49.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the possibility of enlarging the scope of the activities of the Allies at Versailles by the creation of a Standing Committee with representatives of all the Allied countries, who shall be charged with the duty of formulating definite proposals regarding the military, financial, and economic sanctions which may be necessary to enforce the decisions of an arbitration Court; and, if so, whether he proposes to invite representatives of neutral Governments to take part in. these discussions?
I do not think that the suggestion of my hon. Friend is a practical one.
Unclaimed Balances
50.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will require all banks to give a return of the amounts of their unclaimed balances, in order that he may ascertain whether any considerable sums could be added to the Exchequer to meet the increasing expenses of the War?
As inquiries made by the Treasury indicate that the amount which might be forthcoming from this source is not likely to be substantial, I am not prepared to adopt the course suggested in the question.
Will the right hon. Gentleman say approximately what is the amount of the unclaimed bank balances, and if he cannot say now will he be prepared to answer if I put a question down?
The hon. Member must give notice of that question.
Shropshire Electric Power Company
52.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a subsidy has been granted to the Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Worcestershire Electric Power Company; if so, on what principle is this grant of funds made to a new company; and whether it is the policy of the Government to make Grants until such time at least as the Coal Conservation Committee has made its final Report?
No subsidy has been granted to this company. As I stated yesterday, in answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Norh-East Derbyshire, the Ministry of Munitions have made loans against security to this company. The policy is to assist in cases where it is essential that more power should be made available for munition purposes.
Naval Officers' Pay (Income Tax)
54.
asked why, when the State contracts to pay naval officers so much a day and to provide them with lodging and certain victuals, and in some cases finds it convenient to pay officers money in lieu of such accommodation and victuals, Income Tax is levied on such officers in respect of such sums?
I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer, of which I am sending him a copy, given on the 28th November last to a similar question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Chatham.
Could the right hon. Gentleman say if that answer justifies what is pure robbery on the part of the State, and if it is convenient to the State to pay a man in money rather than in kind, why should that be taxed?
If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will look at my answer he will see that, apart from the merits, it is simply carrying out the law as it stands.
Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to change this unjust law?
I do not agree that it is unjust, but it is a subject which can easily be raised on the Finance Bill, and I shall be ready to defend it then.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that policemen have to pay Income Tax on their boots?
Industrial Insurance Agents
58.
asked the Minister of Labour if he will take steps to speed up the inquiry into the conditions of industrial insurance agents?
The inquiry is proceeding as rapidly as can be expected from its complicated character.
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is twelve months now since a Committee recommended the investigation of the case of these men, and that they are suffering considerable hardship owing to the delay?
The Committee was not appointed many weeks ago, and in order to arrive at a just conclusion a very large number of considerations have to be taken into account. There are a large number of companies, there are varying conditions among the different companies, and there are many other questions that arise.
When does the hon. Gentleman expect the Report of the Committee?
I cannot say.
Discharged Soldiers (Civil Employment)
59.
asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the large number of organisations offering to assist discharged soldiers to find civil employment, some forty or fifty of these being in London alone, whether any steps are being taken to co-ordinate the activities of these organisations by a central conference or otherwise; and, if so, what those steps are?
My right hon. Friend already has this matter under con- sideration, and proposes to bring the general question before the Labour Resettlement Committee, which he has recently appointed to advise him with regard to the action which should be taken in connection with the return of sailors and soldiers to civil life at the completion of the War. If it seems desirable to do so, he will be very glad to arrange a conference of the kind suggested. In the meantime he hopes that the local advisory committees connected with the Employment Exchanges will be able, in consultation with the local war pensions committees, to make suitable arrangements for co-ordinating the work of voluntary organisations concerned with the employment of ex-Service men.
Air Force
Aircraft Construction
61.
asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has received repeated applications and deputations for months past from certain aviation workers in regard to granting adequate travelling facilities for the increasing number of workpeople employed; whether the present congestion on omnibuses and tram-cars is retarding output and is causing dissatisfaction among employés; whether any efforts have been made to reach such arrangements with the Midland Railway Company as would ease the present congestion and, if so, with what result; and what further action it is proposed to take?
This matter has for some time been engaging the attention of the Transport Department of the Ministry, who have succeeded in obtaining the provision of additional omnibuses. Additional tramcars have also been provided at the rush hours, but, owing to the shortage of drivers, it has not as yet been possible to do more. The question is still receiving the special consideration of the Tramway Company and the Tramways (Board of Trade) Committee. In regard to railway facilities, the Department suggested the provision of a suitable halt as a means of removing congestion. In spite of serious engineering difficulties, this proposal has been adopted, and the halt is at present under construction and nearing completion.
Anti-Aircraft Artillery
70.
asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the personnel of the anti-aircraft artillery has been attached to the Air Service; and whether complete cooperation exists between the aircraft and the anti-aircraft forces?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and to the second part in the affirmative.
Teade Union Rules
62.
asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is now in a position to fulfil his promise to introduce an amending Bill giving full legal sanction to Government pledges in respect of the restoration of trade union rules and conditions; whether the measure has been drafted; and, if so, when it is likely to be introduced?
This whole question is being carefully considered with the other Departments concerned, and an announcement will be made in due course.
St Paul's Bridge
73.
asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received any application for the extension of time for purchasing property for the construction of the new St. Paul's Bridge; and whether he has granted the same or whether, in view of the changed circumstances in London owing to the War, he will consider the desirability of all preparations for this new bridge being discontinued until after the War is over?
The Local Government Board have made two Orders under the Special Acts (Extension of Time) Act, 1915, for the extension of the time limited for the compulsory purchase of lands under the Corporation of London (Bridges) Act, 1911, and they have before them an application for an Order to extend the time for a further period of one year. The Act of 1915 was passed to enable Government Departments to extend the periods limited for the exercise of powers under local acts, and I am not aware of any reason why the City Corporation should not have the benefit of the Act, so as to prevent their powers from lapsing.
Representation Of The People Act
London Polling Areas
74.
asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in certain London divisions under the Representation of the People Act wards have been divided between various constituencies, and although these parts of wards will be the same for Parliamentary and county council elections they will revert to their original wards or areas for borough council and guardian elections; and whether, as it is desirable to have the same polling areas for all elections in London, he can issue an Order making the polling areas made under the Representation of the People Act the same for all elections in London?
I understand the hon. Member to suggest that in London the polling districts—and, similarly, the wards —should be the same for all elections, and although the Local Government Board are not empowered to issue any general Order on the subject, the convenience of such arrangement is recognised. The Board are accordingly prepared, where an alteration of ward boundaries for borough council elections is rendered desirable by the alteration of polling areas under the Representation of the People Act, to entertain an application for an Order to alter such boundaries under Section 26 of the London Government Act, 1899. An application could be at the same time made to the London County Council for an Order altering the ward boundaries for the purpose of the election of guardians, under Section 60 of the Local Government Act,. 1894.
Ministerial Statements
May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, a question with regard to the following question I desired to put to the Prime Minister by Private Notice: "To ask the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the disquieting statements by Sir J. Compton-Rickett, M.P., with reference to a pending Imperial crisis; also whether his attention has been called to the statement by Sir Auckland Geddes yesterday at Bristol to the effect that an invasion of this country by Germany is to be anticipated; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take this opportunity of taking the country into his confidence and either dismiss these alarming Ministerial statements or substantiate them in an appeal to the country, be that the people may realise the true gravity of the situation?"
On that point, Sir, you advised me that it was not the Prime Minister's business to take note of Ministerial statements. May I ask you whether, having regard to the fact that these statements have been given much prominence in the Press, and to the feeling in the country about them, the Leader of the House might not take this opportunity of dismissing them as irresponsible statements or substantiating them by making an appeal to the country for a special effort?:The hon. Member has done the very thing I told him he was not entitled to do
Is it not a fact that the recent massing of vast German Armies on the Western Front has seriously altered the complexion of the War, and ought not the House to be called upon to discuss what is a very grave situation in the opinion of Ministers?
I think that the hon. and gallant Member has mistaken both the question of his neighbour (Mr. Billing). and my letter to him in reply.
Prison Management (Ireland)
8.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can arrange for the experimental introtion into any Irish prisons of the new methods of prison management which have been carried out with success in the prisons of Sing Sing and Auburn, in New York State?
In the existing conditions in Ireland, I do not think it is advisable to try any avoidable experiments with the prison system.
9.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can arrange for an inquiry into the system of duty for Irish prisons with special reference to evening duty and Sunday duty; and whether steps can be taken to provide that all prison officers shall have alternate Sundays off duty, as far as can be arranged, and to secure adequate hours of relaxation to those on evening duty?
I am informed that the relaxations referred to are, with others, already given in Ireland.
Small-Pox (East London)
72.
asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can give particulars of the outbreak of small-pox in the East End of London; if he will state the districts from which cases have been reported and the number of cases so reported; what steps have been taken; and with what result?
Ten oases of small-pox were notified between 2nd and 7th March in Stepney, Hackney, Bethnal Green, and East Ham. These cases were removed to hospital, the houses were disinfected, all human contacts are under observation, and all who could be persuaded were vaccinated. It is reported this morning that seven further cases have occurred in Stepney amongst the contacts and have been removed to hospital.
Do the Government propose, in view of this emergency, to ask for any powers to enforce compulsory vaccination in certain districts now?
Bill Presented
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE BILL,—
"to make further provision for the health of mothers and young children," presented by Mr. HAYES FISHER; supported by Mr. Munro and Mr. Walsh; to be read a second time upon Monday next, and to be printed. [Bill 10.]
Orders Of The Day
Business Of The House
Easter Recess
I have three questions to put to the Leader of the House: First, can he say if the House will sit tomorrow; secondly, what the business will be for next week; and, thirdly, can he say anything about the Easter holidays?
I will give the business first.
On Monday, the first business will be the adjourned Debate on the Second Reading of the Education Bill, followed by the remaining stages of the Overseas Trade Department (Secretary) Bill, and we hope the Second Reading of the Army (Annual) Bill. Tuesday: Civil Service Estimates, to move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair; and the Committee stage of the Army (Annual) Bill. Wednesday: Supply—Navy Estimates, Shipbuilding Vote. Thursday: I hope to make the Motion for the Adjournment, which, if nothing happen to prevent it, will be to the 9th April—that is to say, two weeks and one extra day of Parliamentary time. It is in the hope of getting the Adjournment at that time that I have put down the Motion to have a Sitting to-morrow, if necessary, in case we do not get the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Bill to-night. It is necessary, also, to get the Second Reading of the Overseas Trade Department (Secretary) Bill in order to get it before the end of next week. My right hon. Friend asked me about to-morrow. No; we will not sit to-morrow if we get, as I expect, the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Bill and the Second Reading of the Overseas Trade Department (Secretary) Bill to-night.Does the right hon. Gentleman still hope to have a Recess of three or four weeks, as he suggested some time ago, at Whitsuntide, in addition to the Easter Recess?
It is quite impossible to anticipate at this stage, but I do hope so. If I may say so, it would be really to the advantage, not merely of the Government, but of the House, to-have rather more of a Recess at Whitsuntide than was possible last year.
Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Overseas Trade-Department (Secretary) Bill is so urgent?