War
British Trade Agreements
3.
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has information to the effect that Messrs. Babcock and Wilcox have made an agreement with certain companies in Spain, one of the features of which is that all plant, machinery, tools, and other materials needed for their engineering works shall be purchased if possible in Great Britain; and, if so, whether this feature can be encouraged and developed to the advantage of British trade?
I understand that an agreement has been concluded between Messrs. Babcock and Wilcox and certain Spanish interests for the creation of a large constructional company in Spain, and that one of the terms of the agreement is that the company should purchase in the United Kingdom all imported materials, plant, etc., provided that equal conditions of quality and price are obtainable.
I regard this condition as one of great importance to British trade, and trust that other firms, who may make contracts for industrial enterprise overseas, may see their way to securing the insertion in such agreements of similar provisions.Propaganda (Enemy Countries)
6.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether propaganda in enemy countries has hitherto been conducted by a clerk in his Department; whether he will state the date in which this clerk began his duties in respect of such propaganda; whether the duties have now terminated, and, if so, on what date; if he will state whether the duties were discharged to his satisfaction; and, if so, why the change, if any, was made?
Propaganda in enemy countries, as elsewhere, was carried out by the Foreign Office until February, 1917, when the present Government constituted a separate Department for the conduct of propaganda. This was named the Department of Information, and was directly responsible to the War Cabinet.
Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the statement of the Prime Minister that the duties which Lord Northcliffe is now fulfilling were discharged by a clerk in the Foreign Office prior to Lord Northcliffe's appointment?
I have given the hon. Gentleman all the facts. He can draw his own inferences.
Finland
7.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Great Britain has now recognised the Republic of Finland; and, if so, whether diplomatic relations have been or will be opened with Finland as a neutral State?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.
Is there greater hesitancy on the part of the Government to recognise a republic than to recognise a monarchy?
Why should there be?
In view of the closer relationship now being entered into by Germany and Finland, is this matter receiving consideration—whether we should recognise the Finnish Republic?
I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman thinks that closer relationship between Finland and Germany is an additional reason for recognising or for not recognising. I am not quite sure what he does mean.
Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that when a neutral State has close relationship with the enemy, it is also our best part to encourage close relationship, so that they shall not be permeated by enemy influence?
Cotton Goods (Exports To Denmark And Norway)
8.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affiairs what were the exports of cotton yarn and cotton piece goods to Denmark and Norway in 1913 and 1916, respectively?
The total Danish imports for 1913 and 1916, to which I have annexed the imports for 1917, were as follows:
Cotton yarn and thread:— | ||||
1913 | … | … | … | 1,843 tons |
1916 | … | … | … | 3,206 tons |
1917 | … | … | … | 1,836 tons |
Cotton manufactured goods:— | ||||
1913 | … | … | … | 4,810 tons |
1916 | … | … | … | 7,013 tons |
1917 | … | … | … | 4,796 tons |
The total Norwegian imports were:—
Cotton yarn and thread:— | ||||
1913 | … | … | … | 2,017 tons |
1916 | … | … | … | 2,769 tons |
1917 | … | … | … | 1,922 tons |
Cotton manufactures:— | ||||
1913 | … | … | … | 4,384 tons |
1916 | … | … | … | 5,957 tons |
1917 | … | … | … | 4,777 tons |
I would add that the imports for 1916 and 1917 were covered by guarantees against their direct or indirect re-exportation to the enemy.
Food Supplies
Tea And Cocoa (Swedish Exports To Russia)
.
asked what were the exports of tea and cocoa from Sweden to Russia in 1915 and 1916?
No statistics are at present accessible to His Majesty's Government showing the quantities of these commodities exported from Sweden to Russia or to any other country.
Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to suppose that a large amount of those exports were re-exported to Russia?
Yes, I believe so.
Tillage
11.
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture how many additional acres in England, Scotland, and Wales will have been brought under the plough by the end of this month?
It is impossible to state how many acres will be ploughed up by the end of the period mentioned, but if the hon. Member will repeat his question in about a month's time I shall hope to be in a position to give him the information he desires for England and Wales. I must refer the hon. Member to the Secretary for Scotland for information regarding that country.
Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of instituting a comparison between the three, or, I suppose, four nationalities, so as to make the element of competition come in?
I will take note of that.
Imported Fish
21.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can state what arrangements have been made, in anticipation of the increased demands for fish, to import supplies of refrigerated fish from Canada and Newfoundland; and whether it is anticipated that the increased supply of imported fish will be sufficient to supplement the supply provided by our own fishing vessels, and will be equal to the demand?
The Food Controller has not yet found it possible to arrange for the regular shipment of frozen fish from Canada and Newfoundland, as all the available refrigerated tonnage from North America is at present required for more essential foodstuffs. In any event, it is unlikely that the total supply of fish that can be secured for home markets will be equal to the increased demand occasioned by the shortage of meat.
Arising out of the hon. Gentleman's reply, will he inquire whether recommendations regarding the supply of the necessary refrigerator machinery and buildings to carry this policy into effect were not made by the Fisheries Department of the Board of Agriculture more than eighteen months ago?
I will make that inquiry. My reply speaks of the available refrigerators.
Potato Crop (Ulster)
22.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a few weeks ago his Department agreed with representatives of the Irish Food Control Committee, the Irish Potato Advisory Committee, and the Welsh and Liverpool Potato Purchasing Committees that 5,000 tons of potatoes should be sent weekly from the North of Ireland to certain districts in Wales and England; whether the farmers in Ulster were asked directly by the Government last year to increase the production of potatoes and were promised £6 per ton on the faith of the Prime Minister; whether acceptance of these potatoes is now refused, although some 10,000 tons have been purchased through the Irish Potato Advisory Committee in accordance with the express agreement referred to and are at present either held up in store or at the ports awaiting shipment; whether the officers acting on behalf of the Government in this matter have the authority of Lord Rhondda or any other responsible person; and if he will say what advice is to be now given to the Ulster farmers and to the Irish Potato Advisory Committee both in regard to the disposal of the Irish potato crop of 1917 and the extent to which the Government desire this crop to be grown in Ireland in 1918?
26.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the export of potatoes from the North of Ireland to England has almost stopped and that a very large quantity, bagged ready for shipment, are in consequence becoming damaged and unfit for use; and whether, seeing that quantities are still on farms waiting for purchase, causing disappointment and loss to the grower, he will say what means he proposes to take to remedy the feared loss of good food?
The hon. Member for Mayo is right in assuming that the Food Controller is responsible for the initiation of arrangements on the lines indicated in his question for absorbing the exportable surplus of Irish potatoes. These arrangements have enabled nearly 24,000 tons to be exported to this country in the last six weeks, whereas in the previous two months before the Ministry of Food intervened only 12,000 were got away.
The farmers in Ulster, as in other parts of the United Kingdom, were asked last season to increase the production of potatoes, and were guaranteed on certain conditions a minimum price of £6 per ton. That guarantee is being and will be observed. Owing to the accumulation of stocks in the hands of dealers in South Wales and the South-Western Counties of England the South Wales Potato Control Committee has found it necessary to ask for shipments from Ireland to be temporarily reduced, with the result that the Ulster warehouses have become congested and orders from the firms have been suspended. The accumulations in South Wales are being rapidly disposed of, and in a fortnight's time it is expected that considerably more than 5,000 tons weekly will be required by the two Purchasing Committees, in view of the fact that as soon as it became known that Ulster could send over more potatoes than South Wales and Liverpool could absorb, the Food Controller issued an Order which had the effect of prohibiting the import of any but Irish potatoes into seven counties in the South-West of England. The Food Controller will be prepared to consider claims for compensation in respect of any losses which may be proved to be due to the above circumstances. The Ulster farmers and the Irish Potato Advisory Committee can rest assured that the whole of this season's exportable surplus will be needed, and that the Government desire to see a largely increased production of potatoes both in Ulster and elsewhere during the coming season.Arising out of the hon. Gentleman's reply, may I ask him if he can state definitely, on behalf of the Government, that no loss will be inflicted on these farmers and the association which has brought the 10,000 tons of potatoes at the request of the Government to the market?
So far as losses may arise from shipping causes, for which the Government is responsible, my reply is to give the fullest assurance that that loss will not be suffered by the potato growers.
In order to reassure the potato growers in Ireland, and to help the people of Ireland to carry out the request of the Government, can the hon. Gentleman say, on behalf of the Food Ministry, that the farmers Who have produced potatoes in Ireland, and have potatoes available for sale of the 1917 crop, will receive the Government's guaranteed price of £6 per ton?
As far as such fanners come within the guarantee my answer is. "Yes."
May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman wishes to qualify in any particular the guarantee of the Prime Minister given in this House on 2nd February, 1917, in these terms, "Potatoes we simply propose to guarantee for this coming season at £6 per ton"; or is the hon. Gentleman prepared to undertake for the Government that producers of potatoes will receive this guaranteed price?
I certainly do not wish to qualify any guarantee given on behalf of the Government, but to repeat my assurance that all who are covered by the guarantee can rest assured that no loss will fall upon them because of the failure of shipment referred to in the question.
Fish (Maximum Prices)
25.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he intends to fix a maximum price for fish when sold wholesale, and, if so, when it will be done; is he aware that in some markets the wholesale men have combined and are refusing to sell below the maximum retail price, thus ruining the retail traders' business; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this method of dealing with his fixed prices?
An Order fixing the maximum price of fish at each of the principal stages from the producer to the consumer was signed on 14th March, and will come into force on 25th March. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.
Has the price been fixed without consultation with the trades interested?
Certainly not. The trades have been throughout consulted.
Has the Order been made public?
I am not certain about that.
Fish Prices (Scotland)
29.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether representations have been made to his Department by the retail fish trade of Scotland asking that they should be consulted before the new schedule of controlled prices for fish is issued; if so, is it the intention of the Food Controller so to consult them; in any ease, is the present maximum price for fish sold in wholesale quantity to be retained; and will a difference of 30 per cent. be fixed between wholesale and retail, so as to allow a fair "working margin?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and I regret that these representations were not received in time to allow of the consultation taking place before the completion of the new Order. The prices scheduled in the original Order have, subject to a few alterations, been adopted as to the retail prices in the new Order. The difference allowed between wholesale and retail prices is not less than 20 per cent. on the average, and the Order is believed, under present conditions, to leave a fair working margin for retail traders.
May we take it it is too late now for the trade to make representations as to the prices fixed?
It could not be effective now.
Exports (Control)
53.
asked the Prime Minister what Minister was responsible in 1915 and the first eight months of 1916 for the very large and increased exports of essential foodstuffs to Scandinavia, Denmark, and Holland?
At the time referred to the control of exports from this country had not been fully organised, and it would be impossible to say that any single Minister was responsible.
Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is very great disaffection throughout the country on this subject; and can nobody be regarded as responsible for this most vital matter?
I have no doubt, if the House of Commons had thought it desirable to attach responsibility for what happened three years ago, that it would have done so.
Having regard to the fact that the country is suffering at the present time from this export, will the right hon. Gentleman give a day to discuss the question, and see that the person responsible is known to the country?
I have always said that I am willing to give time for the discussion of any subject which the House generally desires to discuss, but in my opinion it is much more important to discuss what we do now than what was done three years ago.
Agricultural Improvements (Ireland)
66.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any advances were made during the past year by the Board of Works for agricultural improvements in Ireland; and whether it is the present policy of the Irish Government to assist small farmers, particularly in the matter of increasing the national value of their holdings?
No new loans for agricultural improvements have been made by the Commissioners of Public Works since June, 1915, in view of the decision that in present financial circumstances such issues should be suspended during the continuance of the War and until further directions. A sum of £155 was issued in the current financial year in respect of loans sanctioned prior to such suspension. The special measures for securing an increase of food production in Ireland which are being taken by the Department of Agriculture include assistance to small farmers and allotment holders.
Agriculture (Soldiee Labour)
69.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced in rural districts in making use of soldier labour by farmers who are unable to obtain food for them; whether the Army Council could devise some system by which rations could be provided for the soldiers who are engaged in agricultural work; and whether in Shropshire some soldiers have had to be sent back to barracks on account of this difficulty at a time when it is most important to get corn sown for this year's harvest?
:The Department are aware that difficulties are experienced in rural districts in obtaining food for soldiers engaged on farm work. Arrangements have been made with the military authorities by which supplies of tinned beef and biscuits can be drawn for soldiers who are migratory—that is, engaged with the Department's tractors or horse gang teams. It would, however, be impracticable to supply individual soldiers engaged on farms scattered all over the country with Army rations. In rationed areas the men should apply to local food control committees for the civilan ration card. In areas not at present rationed the local food control committees should be consulted.
Dogs
61.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that in this country at the present time dogs consume a large amount of foodstuffs which could be more usefully applied to the feeding of live stock, more especially pigs, he will in the forthcoming Budget impose a substantial tax on all dogs which are not absolutely necessary for the purposes of trades of national importance?
I am unable to anticipate my Budget statement.
62.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many dog licences were issued in 1913 and 1918 in the borough of Birmingham?
My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am informed that the number of dog licences issued in Birmingham for the year ended 31st December, 1913, was 42,309, and for the year ended 31st December, 1917, was 43,283. Figures for the present year are not yet available.
Mangolds And Turnips
19.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution adopted by the County Dublin Farmers' Association to the effect that, having considered the prospects of root-growing for sale in the season of 1918 at the current control prices for mangolds and turnips, they have agreed that such roots cannot be produced at such prices; that for this reason the maximum prices must be increased without further delay, as the time for sowing has now arrived; and that before any other prices are fixed such bodies as theirs should be consulted; and whether, in view of the importance of having as much land as possible under root crops, this resolution will be favourably considered immediately, so that the producers may know how they are likely to stand in the matter before the time for sowing has passed?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Food Control Committee for Ireland are in consultation with the Department of Agriculture on this matter, and will consult the County Dublin Farmers' Association before making definite recommendations to the Food Controller as to the fixing of prices for mangolds and turnips for the winter, 1918–19.
Sweets
23.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what ruling will be given to small shop-keepers who are wholly or nearly dependent upon the sale of sweets?
The answer is in the negative. This matter is under consideration, and a statement thereon will be made shortly.
Will the hon. Gentleman be able to make the statement before Thursday?
I am not able at present to say.
Will the hon. Gentleman endeavour to make it before Thursday?
Certainly.
Tea
24.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Consumers' Council was consulted before the price of tea under the new Government scheme was fixed at 2s. 8d. per lb.; whether the actual all-in coat to the Government does not exceed Is. per lb.; if so, whether he will consider that the margin of profit between the actual cost to the Government and the price to the consumer should be reduced by at least 4d. per lb.; and will he say whether the Consumers' Council acquiesced in the liaising of the lowest grade of tea from 2s. 4d. to 2s. 8d. per lb?
The Consumers' Council was consulted about the. price of National Control Tea, but most of the items of cost which makes that price necessary were decided before the first meeting of the Council. The Council favours a price of 2s. 6d. a lb., but as the all in cost of the tea to the Government exceeds Is. a lb., and the duty amounts to another Is., it cannot, under present conditions, be sold at 2s. 6d. a lb. without loss. Lord Rhondda is considering the possibility of buying a cheaper tea after the 31st May, when the present contracts expire, and a further investigation is being made into the gross profits allowed to the trade. The answer to the last part of the hon. Member's question is that, with the introduction of the National Control Tea, the old system of three grades of tea has been abolished. National Control Tea consists of a fair average blend of all teas of the highest and lowest grades, and is sold at one price only. It should be remembered that under the old system the lowest grade tea at 2s. 4d. a lb. was frequently unprocurable.
If after 31st May only the cheaper tea is going to be sold, what is to become of the higher-class tea?
My answer has already announced what has become of the higher-class tea. The only change which will take place, if any, after 31st May is that under the new plan of national control—the tea might be sold at less than 2s. 8d.
Could not the Government reduce the price of this tea by remitting to itself the duty of Is. per lb.?
That might be addressed to the Government at large. I am not able at this moment to answer it.
Milk
27.
asked the Parliamentary to the Ministry of Food if his atten- tion has been called to the effect on farmers and milk dealers of the price limitations expected to come into operation on 1st April next; if he is aware that farmers in the West Riding estimate that it requires a pack of meal, which costs £3 3s. and 30 stones of hay, which, at 9d. per stone, amounts to £l 2s. 6d., to produce 36 gallons of milk, or a total cost of feeding stuff of £4 5s. 6d., which, with 12s. for labour, brings the total cost for food and labour to £4 17s. 6d. for 36 gallons of milk, and for this quantity of milk, at Is. 9d. per gallon, the farmer will receive only £3 3s.; if he is aware that the farmers complain that they are unfairly treated as compared with milk dealers, who are to be allowed to charge Is. per gallon over the wholesale price, which, after allowing 1d. per gallon for leakage, shows a profit, in the case of a milk dealer who, with the help of a girl, is said to be able to retail 60 gallons a day in Bradford, or 420 gallons a week at l1d. per gallon profit, amounting to £19 5s. a week on 60 gallons a day; and if he will make inquiries into this matter with the object, if the facts are as stated, of readjusting the prices so as to deal more fairly as between farmers and milk dealers?
The summer price of milk to the producer was fixed, with the approval of the Board of Agriculture, after careful consideration of the varying estimates put forward by farmers as to the cost of production. I am advised that the figures mentioned in the second part of the question are abnormal, as regards both labour and feeding stuffs. The dealer's margin of Is. per gallon is a maximum figure, subject to variation by local food control committees. In Bradford, for example, the margin of profit allowed for retail distribution in March is not l1d. but 5d. per gallon, and this has to include the cost of railway transport. I can assure the hon. Member that complaints by farmers of unfair treatment as compared with dealers are not more numerous than complaints by dealers of unfair treatment as compared with farmers. The recently effected adjustment in prices is thought to be fair to both sides, and it is not proposed to vary it.
Russia
10.
asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a protest against the repudiation of Russian foreign loans and confiscation of the property of foreigners has been made by diplomatic representatives of the Allied and of neutral Powers to those claiming to be in authority at Petrograd; and, if so, whether any, and what, answer has been returned?
A formal declaration was signed by the representatives in Petrograd of all foreign Powers, and forwarded to the Commissary of Foreign Affairs stating that they considered decrees on the subject of repudiation of Russian State debts, confiscation of property of all kinds and other analogous measures as without force, and reserved to themselves the right to claim damages from the Russian Government at the time for all losses which these decrees might inflict on their nationals. As far as I am aware no reply has been returned.
Military Service
Mercantile Shipyardmen
15.
asked the Minister of National Service whether any men have been withdrawn this year for military service from the mercantile shipyards; and whether men are still being withdrawn?
Men engaged in occupations dealt with in the Schedule of Protected Occupations (MM. 130 Revised) who are available for recruitment, are not called up by the recruiting authorities from Admiralty or Ministry of Munitions firms until their names have been notified to the recruiting official concerned by the Admiralty representative, or munition area dilution officer, as the case may be. The Schedule affords complete protection to men engaged in certain specified occupations in hull construction and repair.
Royal Air Force
Aid Ministry (Accommodation)
16.
asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that much confusion and dislocation of work, with resulting inefficiency, is being occasioned at the Air Ministry by reason of the failure to readjust the accommodation necessary for the Department; whether anticipated readjustment has been repeatedly postponed; whether he realises that with spring approaching it is of paramount importance that the Air Ministry should be in a position to discharge its functions under conditions rendering efficiency possible; and whether he will devote serious attention to this matter, to which effect has in the Department been repeatedly promised to be given and as repeatedly postponed?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; no readjustments have been repeatedly postponed, so far as my Department is concerned. I am fully aware of the paramount importance of the Air Ministry, and have given extreme personal care and attention to its need in the matter of accommodation, when its final requirements were made known to me. I cannot in any way admit that any delay whatsoever has occurred, so far as the accommodation question concerns my Department, nor have any promises been made which have not been carried out.
Apparently the hon. Member does not realise the magnitude of the operations which this question has involved. I may mention that, apart from the Kingsway premises which have had to be taken over, which involve the acquisition of premises occupied by about 160 business firms and the rehousing of three large Government Departments, I have acquired for the Air Ministry during the past few months the Covent Garden Hotel, the Metropolitan Water Board Offices, a large block of offices in Clement's Inn, the Savoy Mansions, fifty rooms in the Strand Palace Hotel, twenty bedrooms in the Constitutional Club, and a large temporary temporary structure on the roof of the Hotel Cecil.Arising out of that answer, is not the real difficulty in the organisation of the Department, and would it not be better to reorganise the Department than to acquire more buildings?
I am not responsible for the organisation of the Department.
In view of the urgency of the Air Minister's work in winning the War, ought we not to get right down, apart altogether from inconvenience to anybody, to getting efficient administration here?
That in no way concerns my Department.
Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us there is no truth in the statement that there has been delay in this thing due to the belief that he hopes himself to renew his spring offensive against the British Museum?
If any delay has taken place the hon. Gentleman has certainly not assisted, because he prevented the Air Board going to the British Museum.
Medical Service
43.
asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry how far the arrangements for the medical care of the Air Service have been proceeded with; and what steps he intends to take to expedite the transference of Royal Army Medical Corps officers previously attached to the Royal Flying Corps to the Air Forces, so as to be under the direct control and administration of the Medical Administrator of the Air Council in this country?
The answer to the first part of the question is that the Medical Administrative Committee have met and have come to a number of decisions which are now being dealt with by the Air Council. The answer to the second part of the question is that the officers referred to will, in the first instance, be lent to the Air Force, and will be under the direct control of the Medical Administrator. When the conditions of service for medical officers who are to be seconded to the Air Force have been decided, those officers who are considered suitable will be seconded to the Air Force.
Shipbuilding
Housing Accommodation (Clyde)
30.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Central Billeting Board has presented a Report on the housing conditions in Clydebank; and, if so, what action he proposes to take to carry their proposals into effect?
Yes, Sir; the Central Billeting Board has presented a Report on the housing accommodation, not only in Clydebank, but on the Clyde in general. So far as Clydebank itself is concerned, I am advised that no immediate action is necessary for the provision of further housing accommodation in that district so far as shipyard labourers are concerned.
We have acquired, up to date, twelve hostels in Glasgow, estimated to accommodate 1,200 men. The weekly charge per man is about 23s., which includes breakfast, mid-day and evening meals, the terms being inclusive of everything except personal laundry charges, and luxuries, such as drinks and smokes, etc. Labourers who cannot find accommodation in Clydebank itself can more conveniently be accommodated in these hostels. I should add that a considerable number of men have also been accommodated in private lodgings. I have confined by remarks to shipyard labour, and should my hon. Friend desire information regarding munition workers, perhaps he will address a question to the Ministry of Munitions on the subject.Reduced Output (January)
32.
asked to what extent the reduction in output of the shipbuilding in January, reported by him, was due to the strike in the shipyards on the Clyde during that month which, to a large extent, brought construction to a standstill in that district; if, in order that injustice may not be done to yards on the North-East Coast and other shipbuilding districts where he is satisfied that every effort is being put forth, he will give separate statistics of falling-off for the principal shipbuilding centres; and if, in view of the manner in which the situation on the Clyde has been handled throughout, he will state what steps are being taken either to reconstruct or strengthen with expert control the Admiralty Shipyard Labour Department?
I cannot state the precise extent to which January's output was due to the labour disputes on the Clyde during that month. But undoubtedly they had a very serious effect indeed. I say this after making the most generous allowance for exceptionally bad weather and the effect of the holiday period.
The immediate cause of the trouble was the claim of piece-workers to be awarded a bonus in consideration of the bonus which had previously been awarded to the time workers. The. War cabinet decided to grant the piece-workers a bonus of 7½ per cent., and the bulk of the men resumed work towards the end of the month. There was another dispute affecting a smaller number of men which had reference to riveting rates as fixed by the Committee on Production's award of 11th December, 1917. After discussion, an inquiry was instituted by the Clyde Shipbuilders' Association and the Boilermakers' Society, pending which the men in question resumed work. My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that comparative statistics should be prepared showing output according to districts is already under consideration. We shall, however, enter upon such a comparison more for the purpose of stimulating the spirit of patriotic emulation, rivalry, and determination, than for the purpose of recrimination. As regards the last part of the question, the Shipyard Labour Department had no jurisdiction, as I am advised, to intervene in the Clyde disputes of January. I am bound to say—and I watch the matter day by day—I think we owe a good deal to the Shipyard Labour Department—on the staff of which there is a considerable number of men experienced in ship construction and yard management and shipyard trade unionists—for its efforts in the direction of extending dilution, securing interchangeability, setting aside demarcation rules, and in a great many cases smoothing over difficulties in anticipation of troubleWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the information I have asked for in the first part of the question is in existence; and, if so, will he state why he does not give it?
The hon. and gallant Member must read my answer. I have most categorically answered every point raised in the question.
With all deference to the right hon. Gentleman's answer, will he say whether the information asked for in the first part of my question does exist; and, if so, will he give it to the House?
If the hon. and gallant Member means do I know the precise extent to which the reduction in output is due to the strike in the Clyde shipyards, I say that I do not know, and no one does, but I repeat that it had a very serious effect indeed, and I do not think I can carry it further than that.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very great deal of irritation and friction is caused in shipyards by there being five departments interfering at the same time, and is he aware, that a sixth department is now interfering?
That is a question which could very fairly be discussed in the Debate on Wednesday. Obviously, I could not deal fully with it now. What I have done is to answer precisely the question on the Paper.
Then I am to understand that that information does not exist?
I do not think anybody could say definitely what is the precise effect.
We cannot go on arguing this point.
Is not the delay largely due to the fact that the New Year's holidays cut into several days, the work being held up; and was there not several days of bad weather?
That has all been dealt with in the reply.
Naval And Military Pensions And Grants
33.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that, under the injuries in war compensation scheme now in force, the minimum pension for the widow of an officer in the mercantile marine under Admiralty employ who loses his life is £35 16s. 11d. a year, and that the allowances for children vary from £6 10s. 4d. to £13 0s. 8d., whereas the minimum pension to the widow of a sublieutenant, Royal Navy, is £100 a year with £24 per year additional in the case of each child; and whether it is proposed to withdraw the present scheme of minimum pensions and raise the pensions for officers and their dependants to at least the amount of the ordinary Service scale?
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, the question of the practicability of apply- ing the Service scale to these officers, it is at present under the consideration of the Treasury.
Does the Department agree that there is no question of principle that this concession should be made to' the officers in the mercantile marine under the Admiralty, and that it is purely a matter for the Treasury to pay the necessary money?
I do not think it is quite that. The mercantile marine rates of pay—I do not want to prejudice the principle at all—are different from the naval rates, and there are questions of administration which will have to be gone into before we can arrive at a settlement which I hope will be an early one.
35.
asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Mr. E. H. Vant, who was formerly an officer in the Lincoln Regiment and who was gazetted out of the Service and placed on pension on 31st March, 1916, was taken seriously ill with rheumatic fever on 8th May, 1917; that a letter was issued by the War Office authorising his admission to the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, and was sent to the Supply and Transport, who forwarded the same to the Eastern Command; that the Eastern Command in turn forwarded instructions to the A.D.M.S., Woolwich; that in spite of several telephonic communications no authorisation reached this officer that permission had been granted to undergo treatment at the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich; that he had to pay for his own nursing and medical expenses; that upon his recovery on the 5th September, 1917, a telegram was sent from Woolwich as follows: "B/2575/917. A.A.A. I hold authority for you to be admitted to this hospital for further treatment. Kindly wire date and hour convenient for motor ambulance to fetch you here, please. Commanding Royal Herbert Hospital"; that this officer applied to the Ministry of Pensions asking that, in view of the negligence on the part of the A.D.M.S., Woolwich, they would grant him a refund of the money expended upon his treatment (about £73); and that a letter was received, dated 19th February, 1918, and signed by Lieutenant Eicholz, stating that it was regretted that the Ministry was unable to grant him any assistance; and whether, in view of these circumstances and the fact that authority to this officer to go into hospital miscarried, an inquiry will be instituted with a view to getting refunded to him the money expended by him upon his treatment?
Mr. Vant was invalided for neurasthenia in March, 1916. More than a year after his relinquishment of his commission he contracted rheumatic fever and the authorities of the Royal Herbert Hospital offered to admit him, although there was no obligation to do so, as the disability was not that for which he was invalided. The officer submitted a claim in respect of his expenses to the Ministry of Pensions, but the Director of Medical Services considered that the rheumatic fever could not be regarded as the result, either direct or indirect, of the neurasthenia for which this officer was invalided; and as under the Royal Warrant treatment is only provided for the disability which is the cause of invaliding, the claim was not one which could be dealt with by the Ministry. Needless to say, my Department were in no way concerned with any failure to admit the officer to hospital.
Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that a promise was made to admit this officer to the hospital, and that that promise was not carried out; and is he aware that this officer had to pay £73 out of his own pocket—surely the State should reimburse this sum, which was put upon him owing to the failure of the Department to carry out its promise?
There is no obligation so far as the Pensions Ministry is concerned. With respect to the latter part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, if the hon. Member will put another question I will make inquiries.
Can my hon. Friend say what authority there is in the Warrant for the statement that any disabled officer or man is not entitled to claim for any subsequent disease at any subsequent period for any further disability that arises?
The disability must be one arising out of the service. In this case the medical officer says it did not arise out of the service.
Can my right hon. Friend say that did not arise out of the cause for which he was invalided? Will he tell the House of any authority that he or the Government have for discontinuing to any soldier, officer or man, in any subsequent period a pension for any disability that can be attributable to the service?
That does not arise out of the question.
Yes; it does.
38.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions whether any medical referees have been or will be appointed in Ireland for the purposes of the pensions administration in that country; if so, what are their qualifications; and can he indicate the medical men from whom applications might be received?
It is proposed to appoint medical referees in Ireland; the qualifications necessary will be the same as those required for similar posts in Great Britain. Any registered practitioner of substantial experience in general practice is entitled to apply. I have for some time been in negotiation with the Local Government Board for Ireland and with the National Health Insurance Commissioners (Ireland) with a view to making arrangements for these appointments and other matters, and a representative of the Ministry is very shortly visiting Ireland in this connection.
Will the representative of the Ministry see those medical men who have already made application for appointment?
I do not know that it will be possible to meet everyone who has applied, but that is one of the purposes of the visit.
What is the remedy of an Irish officer who, in the meantime, is dissatisfied with the assessment of his disability?
The local committee have got power to send them to any local practitioner and to pay for it.
54.
asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has yet been arrived at to grant an increase of pensions to old soldiers and widows?
59.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make any statement regarding the possibility of increasing the pensions now payable to old soldiers in respect of previous wars?
I will answer these questions together. I hope that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Pensions will be able to make an announcement at an early date.
Can the right hon. Gentleman expedite that answer? It is two months since he told me that the question was being considered.
In consequence of these questions, I have made a communication to the authorities concerned.
Has my right hon. Friend seen the speech of the Minister of Pensions, in which he says that he is prepared to stand or fall by the increase which the Treasury has now turned down, and will he say what he intends to do before the Adjournment Debate on Thursday, when the matter will be raised if it is not settled?
I have seen the report of my right hon. Friend's speech, and I have no doubt that, like every other Minister, he will be prepared to stand or fall by what he thinks is right if it is not done.
Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us before the House rises for the holidays?
The right hon. Gentleman has answered.
77.
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Lance-Corporal A. Gibbons, No. 18164, a soldier resident in London but now stationed at the Irish Command Depot, Tipperary, has recently lost his wife and been left with three children aged eleven, nine, and four years, respectively, and that the aggregate allowance payable to provide rent, food, and clothes for these three children is 19s. per week; and, if so, whether he will take steps to secure the amendment of the Warrant in such manner that children losing the benefit of separation allowance through the death of their mother may receive an additional weekly grant in lieu thereof?
Local war pensions committees have power to grant an allowance in a case where a soldier loses his wife and a relative or other person comes into his home and acts as guardian of his children. If the hon. and gallant Member will send me Lance-Corporal Gibbons' home address, I will communicate with his local committee.
Admiralty (Cabling Facilities)
34.
asked whether in 1915 or 1916 any directions were given by the trade division of the Admiralty permitting to certain firms priority in cabling; and, if so, if he will give a list of these firms to whom priority was granted and the dates on which instructions for such priority were issued?
I am informed that no general directions have ever been given conferring priority in cabling. When it has been necessary for firms to send cables on Government business, such cables have from time to time been expedited at the request of the Department affected. Each such case has been judged on its merits, first by the Department making the request, and then by the Chief Censor.
Artificial Limbs
37.
asked why officers are not supplied with a new artificial leg when one is needed, as is done in the case of non-commissioned officers and men?
An officer of the Army who loses a leg is fitted with an artificial one free of cost, and is given a wound pension of £100 a year, out of which he is expected to defray the expense of repair and renewal. In view of the misleading statements which have appeared in the Press, I may perhaps inform the hon. and gallant Member that the wound pension is in addition to retired pay, and that actually no officer who loses a leg in action gets less, in the aggregate, than £150 a year. The question whether it is possible to give military officers further assistance in the matter of artificial limbs is engaging my attention.
Increase Of Rent (Amendment) Bill
39.
asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Government are considering the possibility of amending the Increase of Rent Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915, with a view to raising the limit of rateable value of the houses protected, and preventing purchase from being made a ground for ejectment; and whether they propose to introduce legislation on this subject?
I may refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for East Nottingham on Wednesday last.
47.
asked the Prime Minister whether the War Cabinet have yet come to a decision to amend the Act relating to the prevention of arbitrary ejectments from their homes of wives and children of soldiers and sailors who are serving their country abroad; and whether he can state when the amending Bill will be introduced to the House?
I presume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Bill which was introduced in another place on 12th March, and will be taken in this House as soon as possible.
Will the right hon. Gentleman press it forward as fast as he can? The matter is very urgent.
I quite agree as to the importance of the matter. We shall do what we can and make what arrangements are possible in the matter.
Russian Subjects
40.
asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Shoreditch and Bethnal Green Tribunals have protested against sending back wounded soldiers to the front while thousands of Russian aliens are allowed to walk the streets immune from military service; and is it intended to resuscitate the tribunal that dealt with such aliens, in order that, if fit for any form of military service and not possessing other necessary reasons for exemption, they may be forthwith set to work of national importance?
My right hon. Friend has not received information of protests of the kind stated by the hon. and gallant Member. The question of resuscitating the special tribunal to which the hon. and gallant Member refers must depend upon the decision reached by the Government upon the larger question.
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this tribunal, when it ceased work, had more than 4,000 cases to deal with?
I am aware that it had a very great many, but, as the hon. Member knows, the whole conditions have changed.
Will not these men want classification now?
45.
asked the Prime Minister whether the War Cabinet has now considered the position of Russians in the Army and in this country; whether any policy has been decided upon; whether Russian subjects are liable to, or free to offer for, National Service; if so, under what conditions; and whether Russian subjects in Britain may consider them selves as Allied or neutral aliens?
55 and 56.
asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, owing to want of co-ordination and overlapping of authority between the Local Government Board, the Home Office, the Ministry of National Service, and the Ministry of Labour, no policy can be decided on dealing with the employment of Russian males of military age in this country; will he say to which Ministry the solution of the question has now been entrusted; (2) whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction prevailing in parts of the Metropolis owing to the inability of the Government to either employ the 20,000 aliens of Russian nationality and of military age on work of national importance or deport them from the country; and will he say when the War Cabinet will come to a decision on the question?
I regret that I am unable at present to add anything to the answers which have already been given with regard to the position of Russians in this country. The whole subject is being considered by the various Departments concerned in all its aspects.
Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give us some indication whether Russians in this country are friendly aliens or neutral aliens? It is a matter which becomes of great importance to them in their daily life and avocations.
I have already said that I can give no more information than is contained in the answers that I have already given on the subject.
Petroleum
46.
asked the Prime Minister whether Sir Lionel Phillips, as Controller of the Mineral Resources Development Branch of the Ministry of Munitions, is in control of the arrangements for obtaining petroleum that may be under the soil of the United Kingdom; and, if not, in what authority these powers are vested?
The answer to the first part of the question is No, Sir. The Controller of Mineral Oil Production is responsible to the Ministry of Munitions for the arrangements for developing the supply of mineral oils from the deposits in the United Kingdom.
Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is the Controller?
Sir Arthur Churchman.
Have any arrangements at all been made?
Yes, the arrangements are being made.
Can the right hon. Gentleman, the leader of the House, say when the House will be informed as to the course to be taken by the Government in respect of boring for petroleum?
It is rather difficult to make a statement without notice, but, as a matter of fact, I have been in communication with the gentleman who controls the business we intend to employ for this purpose, and I believe that a satisfactory arrangement has been made with him.
Is it proposed to introduce any legislation on the subject, and will any royalties be paid to the owners of the surface?
We believe now that it will not be necessary to introduce legislation.
Will any royalties be paid?
Obviously, the question does not arise in the way in which the matter is being dealt with at present. That was the reason that we took this course.
Is compensation to be paid to the landowners?
Can we understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the nation will not be bound to pay any royalties to any of the owners of the surface under which petroleum is thought to exist without Parliament having an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the subject?
My right hon. Friend knows that we had arranged in that way, and the question only arises because the particular firm had doubted whether they could go on with the work in that way. I understand the difficulty has been got over and the position is as it was previously.
Supreme War Council
48.
asked the Prime Minister whether the military operations in the Eastern theatres of war come under the supervision or control of the Supreme Allied Council at Versailles, in order to give the fullest expression to the doctrine of the single front and to obtain complete unity of action amongst all the Allied forces; and, if not, whether he can tell the House the reasons for not adopting this policy?
The answer is in the Affirmative.
Science In Education (Committee)
50.
asked the Prime Minister when the Report of the Committee on the Place of Science in Education, presided over by the president of the Royal Society, will be published and available for the use of Members of this House?
The Report will be laid on the Table to-day and will be in the hands of Members as soon as it is printed.
Soldiers And Sailorsm (Emigration)
51.
asked the Prime Minister whether the distribution of leaflets by the Royal Colonial Institute among sailors and soldiers is done with the knowledge and consent of the Government; whether it is intended in these leaflets to give the sailors and soldiers to understand that each man migrating to the Dominions will have financial assistance from the Government up to the maximum of £500; and, if not, will he take steps to let sailors and soldiers know to what extent, if any, they will receive financial help from the Government when they migrate to the Dominions?
The Government are not concerned in the distribution of these leaflets, which are entirely unofficial. As regards the last part of the question this will be one of the duties of the emigration authority to be constituted by the Bill, of which notice has been given.
Does the hon. Gentleman think it right for leaflets of this nature to be distributed among soldiers and sailors, if there is no foundation for them?
Will my hon. Friend say what unofficial distribution there can be of leaflets of any kind to members of both the Services?
The question should be addressed to the gentleman who presides over the Institute.
Are these leaflets distributed with the sanction of the Colonial Office?
I have just answered the question.
Have the Government undertaken to pay any sums of money for the emigration of discharged men?
I have just pointed out that an Emigration Bill will be introduced dealing with all these questions. Perhaps the hon. Member will know something about it when it is introduced.
Liquor Trade (Net Profits)
52.
asked the Prime Minister whether, despite the decreased output and consumption of liquor, the profits of the trade have increased for 1917 by £50,000,000; and what further action the Government propose to take?
I have no data which would enable me to estimate with any accuracy the net profits of the trade, and I can say nothing now in reference to the last part of the question.
If some profits were made in 1917, was it not the first of a long series of years in which the liquor trade made any profit at all?
Government Purchases Of Land (Valuers)
60.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fees have been paid or are arranged to be paid by the Director of Lands for the War Office, the Air Board, and the Ministry of Munitions to valuers outside his own Department in connection with the purchase of land for Government purposes; and whether he will furnish the House with the names of the individuals so employed?
The Director-General of Lands has been fortunate in being able in many cases to arrange with eminent surveyors to value property on behalf of the Government at less than the usual fees, the profession as a whole being anxious to help the Government in every way during the War. In these circumstances it would hardly seem fair to state in the House all the fees that have been agreed upon.
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this work is done by one of the Government Departments for the Admiralty, and why are these three other Departments brought in from the outside?
I am not aware that any other Department has taken land for the Admiralty.
Telegraphists (Army And Civil Pay)
63.
asked the Postmaster-General whether the telegraphists who volunteeered in 1914 were promised full civil pay in addition to their military pay and emoluments; whether he is aware of the value of the services of these men to the Army at that time and that, on 31st July, 1917, it was announced in the "Post Office Circular" that these officers would not, on discharge or transfer to the Reserve, be eligible for the usual Army gratuity; and upon what grounds the contract is varied without the consent of the men affected?
The answer to the first three questions is in the affirmative. In view of the exceptional treatment in the matter of pay already accorded to these men, as compared with those serving in other units, it was not considered that they should benefit by the gratuity issued to soldiers serving on the ordinary terms.
Carnegie Library, Cahirciveen
67.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the committee of the Carnegie Library in Cahirciveen refused the use of a room to the county council for technical and commercial classes; that practically the whole of the library, except the reading room and book office, is held by various Sinn Fein clubs; and that illegal drilling and gambling is carried on; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?
I am informed that the library committee have refused to allow the county council the use of a room for technical and commercial classes, and that the entire library, except the reading room and book office is held by various Sinn Fein organisations. There is a room where billiards and cards ace played, but the police have no evidence of gambling or drilling. Proceedings are being taken to restrain the improper use of the library premises.
British Prisoners Of War (Turkey)
70.
asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the Turkish authorities refuse to allow their English officer prisoners to buy soldier's ration bread with which to satisfy their hunger on the ground that Turkish officers in our hands are not allowed this concession; whether he is aware of the price which the said officers are charged for bread, which they are compelled under these circumstances to buy in the bazaar, with the result that many officers with limited means and with a wife and family to support are reduced to great financial extremity; and whether the military or Indian authorities will take some effective step or steps to relieve this situation?
Representations to the effect that British officer prisoners of war in Turkey are not allowed to purchase food at Government contract rates have recently been received, and it is known that the price of foodstuffs in Turkey is now very high. The Netherlands Minister has been authorised for some time past to supplement materially, and gratuitously, the amount paid to British officers by the Turkish authorities, but owing to the totally inadequate means of communication it is probable that this does not always reach the prisoners. The question is tinder consideration whether, in view of the continued rise in prices, the payments made by the Netherlands Minister should be increased.
Army Leave (Eastern Front)
71.
asked the Under secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility of granting leave of absence to troops who have served in the East since the outbreak of war?
I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on Thursday last to a similar question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for North Dorset.
Aviation Ground, Loch Doune
72.
asked the Under secretary of State for War what was the approximate area of the land at Loch Doune, Ayrshire, which was purchased by the War Office for the purpose of an aviation ground; what was the date of the purchase; and what was the price?
The area taken over under the powers of the Defence of the Realm Regulations was 17,346 acres. No part of the property has been purchased.
Army Pay Corps (Pay)
76.
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the provisions of Article 4 of Army Order 1, of 1918, apply to non-commissioned officers of the Army Pay Corps on normal rates of pay as well as to non commissioned officers of the Royal Artillery clerks' section?
No, Sir; the corps, to which that article applies are detailed in it.
Tramcar Drivers (Discharged Soldiers)
78.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the reason for withholding certificates to discharged soldiers under the age of twenty-one who desire to obtain employment as tramcar drivers on the Metropolitan tramway systems; and whether he will take steps to provide that the period during which the police take up the references of a prospective tramcar driver is considerably reduced?
The age of twenty-one years was fixed on the advice of the Cab Committee in 1894, and the Commissioner of Police, who is the licensing authority, is precluded from granting a licence to any person below that age. My right hon. Friend is prepared, however, as a war measure, to modify the Order and to allow applications from discharged soldiers of the age of twenty who are physically fit for the work. Every effort is made to expedite the inquiries and to see that no avoidable-delay occurs.
While thanking my hon. Friend for that concession, could he not lower the age to nineteen; and, in view of the fact that these men are considered fit to have the Parliamentary vote at the age of nineteen, why cannot they at that age drive tramcars?
I will consult my right hon. Friend on that point.
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of these men have been driving lorries in France and on the other fronts, and are, therefore, well qualified to drive tramcars; further, is he aware that the law which now precludes them was passed in 1894, before there were any motor-driven vehicles at all?
I will consult my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on the point my hon. and gallant Friend has raised.
Hospital And Merchant Ships (German Prisoners)
57.
asked the Prime Minister whether, for the purpose of safeguarding our wounded officers and men and our medical and nursing staff, he will put on all hospital ships a number of German officers of superior rank; and whether he will also do the same on all unarmoured merchant ships?
The subject has been carefully considered by our naval and military authorities, and the action proposed in the question is not being taken.
Have not the Government yet discovered that the only treatment the Hun understands is that of reprisals?
We have discovered a, good deal about the Hun, but there are a great many considerations involved in a question of this kind which, obviously, cannot be discussed in the House of Commons.
Will the right hon. Gentleman give us some indication of why it is not done?
I have already given my answer. My hon. and gallant Friend must see that it is quite impossible to give in public the reasons either for or against an action of this kind.
Interned British Subjects And Aliens
79.
asked the Home Secretary whether in every case British subjects and aliens have been interned only on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee or whether the Home Office has interned anyone contrary to the advice of the Committee?
I presume the question refers to British subjects and alien friends interned under Regulation 14b. In these cases the Internment Order is made in the first instance on the recommendation of the competent military authority, but the person with respect to whom the Order is made has the right to appeal to the Advisory Committee. In no case has internment been maintained contrary to the advice of the Committee
Mercantile Marine (Standard Uniform)
1.
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Report from the Committee appointed to consider the question of a standard uniform for the mercantile marine, which was signed on the 14th December last, will be laid upon the Table of the House; if and when it is proposed to publish it; and whether he can state what action is intended to be taken on it?
This Report, together with the Supplementary Report, which was signed in January, will shortly be laid on the Table, and will be published as soon as it is received from the printers. The action to be taken upon it is now under consideration.
Notification Of Births (Ireland)
68.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Notification of Births (Extension) Act, 1915, has up to the present been put in force in Ireland; whether the provisions of Section 2 of the Act have been adopted by any public or local authorities in Ireland; and whether any and, if so, what steps have been taken by the Local Government Board or by any local authority in Ireland in connection with the Act?
Arrangements for maternity and child welfare, in pursuance of the Notification of Births (Extension) Act, 1915, have been undertaken by the local authorities of twenty-six urban districts (including the county boroughs of Dublin, Belfast, Londonderry, and Waterford) and of two rural districts, and comprise schemes of health visiting of mothers and young children by duly qualified nurses, provision of medical and midwifery attendance in necessitous cases or confinement not otherwise provided for, the institution of maternity centres and day nurseries, and the supply of milk and dinners for necessitous mothers and young children. An Exchequer Grant is available to defray half the cost of the foregoing services, and in the current financial year is being distributed by the Local Government Board to twenty-four local authorities and to twenty-eight voluntary agencies administering approval schemes. Further schemes on similar lines are being formulated.