I beg to move to leave out the words "application in writing shall be made," and to insert instead thereof the words "notice in writing of the application shall be given."

This is the first of a series of Amendments the object of which is to make certain alterations in the procedure relating to Private Bills. I may say that I do not propose to-day to move the last of them, which relates to the fees to be paid by the applicants for a Provisional Order, but the others really hang together, and cover quite a small point. When the notices previous to a Bill being deposited are served on the owners of property who are affected by the Bill, it is necessary to prepare a list of those who agree, those who disagree, and those who are neutral. Experience has shown that these lists are of very little value, and the Amendments which I propose would dispense with the preparation and publication of such lists. The sole object is to simplify and cheapen the procedure, to make it less expensive and less cumbrous. As almost every Private Bill involves a good deal of direct or indirect employment, it is very desirable at the present time that this kind of legislation should be made as easy as possible. I may say that in the House of Lords these alterations have already been accepted.

Is there any urgency for these particular Amendments? Could they stand over till to-morrow, in order to give some of us the chance of examining them with the Standing Orders and seeing whether they are really material? I myself have not had a chance of comparing the Amendments with the Standing Orders, and I think they might be allowed to stand over till to-morrow, so that we may see whether any really fundamental alteration is taking place.

I have no objection at all to their standing over till to-morrow, but it is desirable that they should be passed as soon as possible, so that the revised Standing Orders may be reprinted.

Can I move that all these Amendments stand over?

If the hon. Member objects, they cannot be taken.

I object.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps are in contemplation for the renewal of the negotiations with the Government of the Russian Republic begun at Genoa this year and continued at the Hague; and what is the present state of these negotiations?

A full statement was made in the House on the 26th July on the Hague Conference. I cannot add anything to that statement at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly give me an answer to the last part of my question, namely, what is the present state of these negotiations? Has anything been done since July last?

No, Sir. The state of the negotiations was, as the lion, and gallant Member will recollect, that the Russians were to make certain statements and take certain steps. As far as I know they have not done so.

Are we simply Sitting down on it now, or are we, through the usual channels, finding out whether there is any chance of renewing the negotiations?

Our position is perfectly clear. I should be only too glad to know that the Russians had taken the course indicated.

Has any statement or report been received at the Foreign Office here from the British Mission in Russia with regard to the negotistions?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to recognise the Russian Government?

The question of diplomatic recognition must necessarily depend upon the conditions which the Russian Government is prepared to accept and give effect to.

Is it not a fact that the Government are quite prepared to recognise a Government that is established by a coup d'etat of Whites, but not one established under the same conditions by a coup d'etat of Reds?

No.

Is it not the case that in the preamble to the trading treaty presented to the House, the late Government stated that the treaty was to be in existence until such time as an arrangement could be come to resuming diplomatic relations with Russia? When is that to be considered?

That is exactly what I have said. When the Russian Government accept the conditions that are laid down, the question of recognition will arise.

Will the conditions laid down by the Government to the Russian Government be laid before the House?

What the conditions are is a matter on which I must ask for notice.

How is it, when the Russian Government is invited to the Lausanne Conference, you continue this policy of pin-pricking by refusing to recognise them when they are taking part on equal terms with us in the Conference?

I do not think that question arises.

In view of the fact that we have given the Russian Government partial recognition by reason of the setting up of the British Mission at Moscow appointed by the Foreign Office, what else stands in the way?

That is the same question over again. The question on the Paper is as to diplomatic recognition. That must depend on the conditions the Russian Government are prepared to accept.

Are the conditions referred to those laid down at the Hague Conference 01 in some other form?

I should have to refer to them before giving an answer. The right hon. Gentleman must give me notice.

In view of the fact that the British Mission now in Moscow has been appointed by the Foreign Office, is not that diplomatic recognition of the Russian Government; and, if so, what further stands in the way of setting up our Ambassador?

No, that does not amount to recognition.

What is it, then?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the obstacles which the non-recognition of the Russian Government interposes to the resumption of full commercial relations with Russia. His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of giving full diplomatic recognition to the Russian Government?

So far as I am aware there is no foundation for the assumption that trade with Russia is in any way limited by the fact that the Soviet Government has not yet been accorded de jure recognition. If the hon. Member for Dundee will give me particulars of any case in point, I will go into it.

What about the Urquhart agreement, the result of which was attributed both by Mr. Urquhart and by the Russian Government to the fact that that Government have not yet received diplomatic recognition?

If the hon. Gentleman will read my answer, he will see that if any case be brought to my notice, I will go into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the undertaking given by his predecessor on the 3rd July of this year, and the demand from both merchants and shipowners, be will take an early opportunity of bringing in legislation with regard to bills of lading?

I will consider very carefully the question to which my hon. Friend refers, but it is not at this stage possible to make any definite statement as to the introduction of legislation.

Is it not the case that an agreement has been come to with the Chamber of Shipping and the Federation of Traders' Organisations, and that there is no reason why there should be any delay in introducing legislation on this subject?

I think the hon. Member knows what the position was at the end of last Session. I quite agree that there is a large measure of agreement, but since then there has been the International Maritime Convention, followed by a meeting of the Commission at The Hague. I am considering the effect of these, and am hoping to take up the matter very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Merchandise Marks Bill, which received a Second Reading in the last Session of the previous Parliament, will be re-introduced in the present Session?

It is not proposed to introduce Merchandise Marks legislation before Christmas.

Is not this Bill looked forward to by the trading community in the country with the greatest possible interest, and was not an assurance given that the Bill would be introduced in the Autumn Session?

As the hon. Member knows, this Session has assembled for a very particular purpose, and I think it is the general wish of the House that it should be got through as rapidly as possible.

Is it proposed to introduce this Bill next Session?

I do not think I can make a statement on that at present. The Cabinet has only just assembled, and all future legislation will have to be considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this Bill is looked upon with alarm by other sections of the trading community?

I shall take into account all relevant considerations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to lay before Parliament any plan for increasing credit facilities, or otherwise encouraging export trade?

The proposals foreshadowed in His Majesty's Gracious Speech will be laid before the Home without delay. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it is not practicable for me to anticipate the full statement which will be made on these proposals, but I can assure him that the interests of the export trade will engage the unremitting attention of the Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he can present a statement showing the various key industries which have been enabled to continue and extend their activities in consequence of the operation of Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and whether he can also show a similar statement giving approximately the number of persons who have been enabled to continue in permanent employment consequent upon the application to the industry upon which they have been engaged of Part II of the same Act?

My present information indicates that the industries affected by Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act have been enabled to continue, and that the range of production has been considerably extended. With regard to the second part of the question, I have recently requested the trade associations concerned to furnish my Department with periodical information as to employment in the industries covered by Orders made under Part II of the Act, but returns are not yet available. In this connection I would remind my hon. Friend that the Orders have only been in operation some three months, and in one case for a still shorter period.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that in point of fact this Act has conferred certain distinct advantages on the industries of this country?

Without doubt, Sir.

Oh, oh!

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish to the House the official information after making an ex parte, statement?

I have not made an ex parte statement. I was asked what was the deduction from the information in my possession, and I have given that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also inquire how many men have been thrown out of employment by this legislation?

I have no reason to suppose that a single man has been thrown out of employment.

Is it not a fact that since the Fabric Gloves Order was made the export of cotton yarn from Lancashire to Germany has been reduced by very nearly one million pounds weight?

Notice should be given of a question of detail like that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much has been received by way of duty up to the latest date available in respect of each class of articles or commodities in which Orders have been made under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

The amounts of -duty collected under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act up to the 24th instant, in respect of the various classes of articles included in the Orders made there under, are:

	£
Fabric gloves	50,695
Glove fabric	—
Domestic glassware	995
Illuminating glassware	3,599
Domestic hollow-ware	8,370
Mantles for incandescent lighting	35
Total	£63,694

The Order under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act in respect of all the above commodities except incandescent gas mantles was dated 8th August, 1922; that in respect of incandescent gas mantles was dated 9th October, 1922.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea of the expense of collecting those trifling sums?

I could not answer that without notice, but not so much as the amount received.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has made in the Recess any Orders under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and, if so, for what articles?

One Order has been made during the Recess, relating to mantles for incandescent lighting and their component parts, manufactured in Germany.

When will that be laid on the Table for discussion?

I think it is on the Order Paper to-day.

What is the general result of that Order on the value of the shares of the Welsbach Company?

As that is not a relevant question, I must ask for notice of it.

Is it proposed to hold any further inquiry?

That will depend upon the necessities of the case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the approximate loss in British shipping tonnage and the value of ship repair work which has been placed in foreign yards during the past two years which normally would have been carried out in this country: and the approximate number of workmen normally engaged in this industry who are in consequence unemployed?

There is no obligation to report the cases in which ships are repaired or reconditioned abroad, and it is not possible, therefore, to give even approximate figures which would be more than the merest conjecture.

Would not the diversion of British ships back to British yards have a far-reaching effect on trade and employment, without any dislocation of the shipping industry, and do the Government contemplate taking any steps to solve this problem?

Undoubtedly the transfer of work now done abroad in reconditioning ships to British yards would be a most admirable thing, but I think the possibility of that rests rather with all sections of the trade concerned than with His Majesty's Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage above pre-War figures the present cost of living is in Germany, France, Belgium and Italy: and if the figures are at all comparable with the cost of living in this country?

I have been asked to reply. As the answer includes a number of detailed figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what the present standard of cost of living is above pre-War in Great Britain: if the last ascertained figures show an increase or decrease; and, if so, what percentage?

I have been asked to reply. At 1st November, the cost of maintaining unchanged the pre-War standard of living of working-class families, as indicated by the statistics prepared by the Ministry of Labour, averaged approximately 80 per cent, above the level of July, 1914. The figure for the previous month was 78.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is his intention to bring in a Bill making if. compulsory to compensate house and other property owners, and also local authorities, for loss caused by subsidence through the working of coal or other minerals?

The question of introducing legislation to deal with this matter in a comprehensive way on the lines suggested by one or other of the various Committees and individuals who have studied the subject has been the subject of prolonged consideration by my Department, but it is clear that any scheme which would give the surface occupier any additional relief to that to which he may already be entitled under the terms of his title deed or otherwise under the existing law must involve the imposition of an additional financial burden either on the taxpayer or on the ratepayer or on the mining industry, and in present circumstances I see no prospect of being able to propose legislation of this character.

asked the President of the Board of Education the total number of children attending elementary and secondary schools who were receiving school meals at the end of October, and for the same period last year; and the total cost in each case?

The total number of public elementary school children in receipt of school meals under the former provision of Meals Acts (now re-enacted in Sections 82 to 85 of the Education (Consolidation) Act, 1921) at the end of October, 1922, was 52,921, as compared with 100,266 at the end of October, 1921. I cannot give the total gross or net cost of meals provided up to that date, but the average cost per meal supplied during the year ending 31st March, 1922, was 3·88d. The Provision of Meals Acts did not extend to secondary schools.

If the present rate of unemployment continues over the winter, is it the intention of the Department to continue the Provision of Meals (School Children) Act?

The question of the provision of meals is governed by Statute and I have no power to interfere with the operation of the Statute. It is laid down by Parliament.

Is it not a fact that the reduction in the number of children is due to the amount paid for the feeding of the children being placed against the amount of out-relief paid to the parents?

To a certain extent that is so, because a short time ago it became apparent that the design of Parliament to provide meals from the point of view of the education of the children was, to some extent, being used as poor relief and it was not an educational service.

That means that it has been shifted from the central fund on to the local rates.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the town council of Gateshead has decided to dismiss all teachers in its service and that all the elementary schools are now closed and have been closed since 31st October; if he can explain how this state of things has arisen; and what action he intends to take in the matter?

I understand that the local education authority for Gateshead proposed that the scale of salaries for teachers in public elementary schools of the area should be reduced from Standard Scale III of the Burnham Committee's Report to Standard Scale II. The teachers concerned did not agree to the proposal, and the authority, therefore, decided to give them notice for the termination of their engagements, intending to re-engage them at the lower scale. The teachers have net consented to this, and the schools are at present closed. I am watching the situation closely, and hope that an opportunity may occur for a re-consideration of the position by all parties concerned.

Does the local authority get the grant under these circumstances?

Is there no means by which you can interfere with the unfortunate system which is causing 23,000 children not to be receiving education?

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of provided and non-provided elementary schools in England and Wales in 1913 and 1922, respectively; and the accommodation in such schools?

The figures are as follow:—

I think I can answer the last question by answering the first. The attitude of the Board with regard to the question of the scales has always been that while they would recognise the Burnham scales for the payment of grant, they have always held that it is not their province to impose the scales on local authorities if they are not willing to adopt them, and with regard to what the hon. Member for Gateshead (Mr. Brotherton) says, I fully recognise the deplorable situation, and should be only too glad to use any influence in my power to assist towards a solution.

asked the President of the Board of Education what was the total number of boys and girls who left the elementary schools at the end of the last summer term in the London area and in England and Wales, respectively; and whether he has any record showing the total number of these who have obtained regular employment?

I regret that I cannot give figures for the children who left school at the end of any particular term, and the latest complete figures which I have are for those who left school in the course of the year ending 31st March, 1921. I will send my hon. Friend those figures, but I have no information as to how many of the children who left to enter employment did, in fact, obtain regular employment.

Could the hon. Gentleman consider the question of what is going to be done with these boys and girls, from 14, who have not passed to secondary schools and cannot get employment?

That question is at present engaging the attention of the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to a proposal of the Mexican Government to honour their national obligations to British creditors in respect to Mexican Government securities issued prior to 1910?

His Majesty's Government are informed that an agreement was made on 16th June last between the Mexican Government and an international bankers' committee providing for the readjustment of Mexican Government obligations and the resumption of payments by the Mexican Government on an agreed basis. The first payments under this arrangement are due to be made during the year 1923. The agreement has been approved by the Mexican Congress.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether that agreement has been ratified?

Yes. I understand that is has been ratified.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date the Greek troops had evacuated Smyrna; on what date the Turkish cavalry entered Smyrna; and whether the evidence of witnesses is to the effect that the fire in the Armenian quarters was started by Turkish soldiers?

According to the information of His Majesty's Government, the Greek troops completed the evacuation of Smyrna on the evening of 8th September. Turkish cavalry entered Smyrna at 11 a.m. on the next day. The evidence of reliable witnesses is to the effect that the fire was started by Turkish soldiers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the British Government to keep the late Sultan of Turkey at a cost of £100 per week?

asked the Prime Minister if the deposed ex-Sultan of Turkey is in receipt of monetary assistance from His Majesty's Government; and, if so, from what fund and what is his private income?

The question of the extent to which His Majesty's Government should bear unavoidable expenditure caused by the Sultan's temporary accommodation in Malta is at present under consideration. Inquiry is being made on the subject of the Sultan's private resources, on which His Majesty's Government at present have no information.

When it comes about that he is receiving financial assistance, will he sign the unemployment register before he receives the dole?

Fifteen shillings a week and 1s. for each wife.

asked the Prime Minister what measures His Majesty's Government is taking, in view of the present menance to the lives and property of the non-Turkish population of Constantinople and of the responsibilities of the Allies in the matter, to assist in the evacuation of the threatened population by the provision of transport facilities or otherwise?

The subject raised in this question is one of the very important points now being discussed at Lausanne, and it is not possible for me at present to make any definite statement.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether assista7ice in removing refugees will be given as adequately as was given at Smyrna?

I cannot say. All I can say is that the matter is being carefully considered.

Have our naval authorities instructions to act in case of massacre, so that they may be able to take people away if cases similar to those which occurred in Smyrna should arise?

I cannot say definitely what instructions have been given to the naval authorities, but all possible steps with the fleet at our disposal are being taken to that end.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Angora Government to expel all non-Turkish women and children from Anatolia, while conscribing for military service all males between 18 and 45; whether he can give the House any additional information upon this subject; and what steps His Majesty's Government proposes to take both to prevent the execution of this policy and also to remove to a place of safety the many thousands of non-Turks who are gathering in the Anatolian seaports under threat of expulsion?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the second part, His Majesty's Government do not consider the present moment, while delicate negotiations are in progress, suitable for the publication of further information on this subject. In regard to the third and fourth parts, these matters are at present receiving urgent attention at Lausanne.

Would the Government approach the British Dominions with a view to finding places of destination for the refugees?

asked the Prime Minister what additional expenditure over and above the original Estimates has been incurred to date in connection with the Near Eastern crisis and the naval and military demonstrations against the Turkish Nationalist forces; and whether it is intended to introduce a Supplementary Estimate?

The additional expenditure incurred to date is estimated at £2,475,000. It will be necessary to lay Supplementary Estimates before the House next Session.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether all the Papers relative to the Near Eastern situation will be laid before the Supplementary Estimates, so that we may have full information?

Supplementary Estimates will not be until next Session. I hope that by that time one can safely lay all the necessary Papers.

How is it that when we want two battle cruisers to go to Rio for the exhibition at a cost of half a million sterling—

That question does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether any Estimate has been framed by the Cabinet as to the weekly cost of military, naval, and air forces now involved in the Dardanelles, including the cost of victualling and coaling; and, if so, what is the weekly cost?

The additional cost now being incurred week by week (exclusive of initial and terminal charges) is estimated at £63,500.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider as to the advisability of immediately submitting the Turkish question to the League of Nations for settlement in accordance with Article 17 of the Covenant?

Article 17 of the Covenant of the League is intended to apply to cases where it may be possible to prevent the outbreak of hostilities, and not to a war actually engaged. A conference of the belligerents concerned is now being held at Lausanne, with the object of bringing to a final conclusion the negotiations for a settlement in the Near East which were begun at the general Peace Conference. I fear that at present no useful purpose could be served by the intervention of the League of Nations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention drawn to the attack reported to have been made and organised upon a British officer member of the Allied Commission of Control at Ingoldstadt; and whether he can make any statement upon it?

I have been asked to answer this question. I can only say at present that the attention of the Government has been drawn to this incident and that the steps to be taken in the matter are under consideration.

Will it be made quite clear by the Government that any further attacks upon British officers will not be tolerated?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he intends to introduce this Session of Parliament the Rabbits Bill, which was printed and introduced during the last Session of the late Parliament?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to investigate the exact extent and character of the intermediate charges upon milk and other agricultural produce between the farm and the home, so as to ensure the fair treatment both of producer and consumer?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the discrepancies between the prices paid to producers and those charged to consumers; whether he is aware of the existence of profiteering by middlemen; and if it is the intention of the Government to take steps to put a stop to this practice which imposes additional burdens on the people?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to set up a Select Committee to inquire into the causes of the discrepancy between the prices of wheat and bread and of cattle and meat; and, if so, when that Select Committee will be appointed?

asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a Committee with the fullest powers possible to inquire into the question of the price of foodstuffs?

I am proposing to a Departmental Committee to into the methods and cost of and distributing agricultural, horticultural and dairy produce and to consider whether and, if so, by what means, the disparity between the price secured by the producer and that paid by the consumer may be diminished. The matter is one of great complexity and I think an enquiry by means of a Departmental Committee is more likely to lead to useful results than if it were made by a Select Committee of this House. The exact terms of reference and the composition of the Committee will be announced with as little delay as possible.

In view of the great dissatisfaction in the country in regard to this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman set up the Departmental Committee at the earliest date?

He said so.

When docs the right hon. Gentleman propose to set it up?

I assume that this will have reference to England and docs not include Scotland?

I should not dare to include Scotland.

asked the Prime Minister whether any bargain or arrangement has been made whereby, in return for French support in the Near East question, we undertake to retain British troops on the Rhine and to countenance continued Allied occupation of German territory in those parts?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to appoint an Under-Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions?

Whether an Under-Secretary is necessary is now under consideration, but I am not yet able to announce a decision.

Will the right Gentleman be able to tell the House when my Amendment is reached?

I do not see that my right hon. Friend's Amendment is affected by this question, but I hope to be able to answer it on Friday.

asked the Prime Minister whether any suggestions have been made by either the French Government or by Signor Mussolini to include in the discussion at Lausanne the question of inter-Allied debts; and whether the House can be assured that His Majesty's Government still stand by the Balfour Note on this subject?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Balfour Note still represents the policy of His Majesty's Government?

The answer to the first part of Question No. 28 is in the negative. So fair no formal discussion with our Allies has taken place on the subject of reparations; and when it does the Government will be free to consider the question in all its aspects.

are we to understand from that answer that this Government does hold itself open to revise the policy laid down in the Balfour Note in regard to inter-Allied debts?

It does mean that we are perfectly free to reconsider the question in all its aspects.

Has the Government yet considered the question?

My answer implied that it had not yet been considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not be intimidated by the fact that the Labour party alone support the Balfour Note?

As I do not quite follow the hon. Member's question, I cannot reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to submit for the consideration and approval of this House all international obligations which may be incurred by this country by means of treaties, agreements, understandings, or conversations with the Government of any foreign Power?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of a treaty or other international understanding being entered into between the Powers now conferring at Lausanne, the same will be submitted to the House of Commons for discussion and approval prior to its ratification?

asked the Prime Minister whether an early opportunity will be given to this House to discuss the question of submitting to this House before ratification all treaties with a foreign Power or Powers involving the potential use of the armed forces of the Crown; and whether an early opportunity will be given to this House to discuss the desirability of all conventions, agreements, or understandings of any kind involving the potential use of the armed forces of the Crown being regarded as invalid unless submitted to, and approved by, this House after the fullest discussion?

I realise the desirability of keeping Parliament as fully informed as possible of any obligations into which His Majesty's Government may enter by means of treaties or other similar engagements; but I am not prepared to commit myself to the grave constitutional change proposed by the hon. Members, which is particularly unsuitable to be dealt with in the way of question and answer.

Will the Prime Minister allow a day in the course of the Session for the discussion of this most important matter?

I certainly cam or promise a day during this Session, but if we live there will be plenty of opportunities later.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to place upon the Table of this House the text of any existing treaties, conventions, arrangements, or understandings of any kind whatsoever with a foreign Power or Powers, committing this country in obligations involving war, or which may be open lo such interpretation, and of which this House and the country have at present no knowledge?

The object desired by the hon. Member is attained by Article 18 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, to which His Majesty's Government have strictly conformed. I know of no other unpublished treaties or similar engagements, to which His Majesty's Government are a party, which involve this country in such obligations as those to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Royal Air Force, or any part of it, or any force of aircraft under the control of British authorities, is or has been engaged in en-forcing or attempting to enforce upon any part of the population of the mandated territory of Iraq the payment of taxes, either by bomb-dropping or otherwise; if so, whether the British Government has concurred in the taking of such measures; if not, whether, under the existing constitution of that territory, it would be possible for such measures to be taken without the knowledge of the British Government; whether he is in a position to make a full statement upon the matter; and, if not, whether he will order a full inquiry and lay the results upon the Table of this House?

There is no foundation for any suggestion that bomb dropping or other offensive action by aircraft is resorted to in Iraq or any other area for the purpose of enforcing payment of taxes or in punishment for non-payment. The normal duties of aircraft in Iraq are those of patrol and communication. Offensive action is in no case undertaken except in reply to open and armed defiance of the administration or to attacks upon the native police forces of a kind which would otherwise necessitate expeditions by ground units. Such action, when undertaken, is under sole control of the British authorities, acting at the request of the Arab Government. In order to give every opportunity to the tribes concerned to submit to the Government, explicit warnings are habitually issued to them before any air action is taken, and these warnings, even when they do not lead to immediate submission, enable the inhabitants to withdraw from the area selected. The result is that casualties have been few.

I am assured that the use of aircraft under these conditions has achieved insults at least equal to those obtainable by ground expeditions and at a smaller toll of life and property. The reports received show that the number of cases in which the mere threat of air action is sufficient to bring about the desired result far exceeds the occasions where offensive air action is found to be actually necessary, and the High Commissioner reports that it is no exaggeration to say that air action amongst the Euphrates tribes has saved far more human lives than it has destroyed by restoring order and preventing inter-tribal fighting.

The Secretary of State is in communication with the High Commissioner on the whole subject, and as soon as full details have been received the matter will be exhaustively reviewed by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to accept the recommendations contained in the Report of the Select Committee on the Training and Employment of Disabled Ex-service Men?

I have been asked to reply. The Government propose to proceed broadly on the lines recommended by the Select Committee, and I am inviting the Lord Mayors, Lord Provosts and Mayors to set up the King's Roll Committees in their areas forthwith. It has also been decided to appoint a King's Roll National Council, and I am glad to be able to announce that Field-Marshal Earl Haig has consented to be Chairman.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that shifting one man out of a job to put another into it does not touch the question of unemployment, as the new man is simply taking the job of his predecessor?

I am not sure that that arises out of the question, but the general underlying considerations are present to my mind.

Have any training establishments been closed down lately, and are the same arrangements still being carried on?

I would like to have notice of that question, but there are abundant places vacant for training purposes in the factories which are now open.

asked the Prime Minister what immediate steps he proposes to take to ameliorate the position of the ex-service men during the forthcoming winter?

I have been asked to reply. A full statement of the proposals of the Government for dealing with unemployment will be made at the appropriate time during the Debate on the Address; but meanwhile I can assure the hon. Member that in preparing these proposals the Government have kept constantly in mind the special claims of ex-service men.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that ex-service men are lying in wash-houses and stables and are in receipt of only 15s. a week, though they have wives and families?

That does not arise out of the original question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of not making any recommendations for honours until the Report of the Royal Commission on the distribution of honours is issued?

I hope that the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Honours will be received before any further honours list is submitted.

Had the Royal Commission before them the detailed cases, particulars of which have been given recently in the Press?

I cannot answer that. I have not been in communication with them.

Have the Commission given any indication as to when the Report is likely to be received?

I have not seen the Chairman, but I am informed that it is quite likely to be in a week-or two.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to introduce an' Expiring Laws Continuance Bill; and, if so, whether he will include therein provision to continue the Local Authorities (Financial Provision) Act, 1921, which comes to an end in December next?

The Expiring Laws Act, 1922, became law in August, and the Government do not propose to introduce a further Measure of the kind this year. The questions arising out of the expiry at the end of next month of Section I of the Local Authorities (Financial Provisions) Act are at present under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this Act be not renewed the poorer boroughs in London will be bankrupt, as it is impossible to carry on, and they will have the same position again as they had a year ago?

The matter is under the consideration of the Minister of Health, for whom I am taking the question at the moment, but I am sure that the consideration referred to is present to his mind.

If there is nobody on that bench who does understand the subject, may I ask the Prime Minister to put there somebody who does? I appeal to the Prime Minister. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] You will not put me down that way. I would ask the right hon. Gentleman—[HON. MEMBERS: "Better!"] —hold your tongues—whether he will kindly get the necessary information, make himself acquainted with the subject, and give me an answer to this question to-morrow?

I think that I am fairly well acquainted with the subject, but if I understood my hon. Friend's question, it relates to a certain decision. I would suggest, therefore, that if he wants a more definite answer on a point of policy involving a decision he should put a question down.

I have asked you a question, and you are not able to answer it. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

We cannot debate the matter by question and answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that our present expenditure on the fighting forces is double that of pre-War, he will, before sanctioning orders being placed for two new battleships, ascertain whether sums already allocated are being properly spent; and whether the sum necessary for the provision of two new battleships would be better employed for defence purposes in the equipment of an efficient air force?

I am not at present in a position to give a definite answer to this question, as the Cabinet has not yet had time to re-examine this and similar questions of expenditure.

Before any definite order is given for any battleship, will the House of Commons have an opportunity of expressing its opinion on the matter, and also expressing its opinion as to whether the money would not be better spent on aircraft than on battleships?

Is it not a fact that the House of Commons has already had an opportunity of expressing an opinion?

If hon. Members endeavour to debate every question by question and answer it will be unfair to those whose questions are lower down on the Paper.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what progress has been made with respect to giving out the orders for the construction of the two new battleships, their armament, and armour; and whether, with a view to relieving the unemployment in the centres interested, he can at once expedite such orders?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now say what steps have been taken with regard to the placing of con tracts in the matter of new capital ships; whether it is the intention of the Government to lay down one of these ships in the Royal dockyards; if so, whether he will consider the advisability of laying one down at Devonport; whether he is aware that the lengthening of the slip at Devonport would give work to a consider able number of men who are now unemployed; and, seeing that the undertaking is a necessity, can he give any assurance that the work will be started immediately?

Tenders for the construction of the two new battleships and their armament and armour have been invited and some have been already considered. I hope that a decision will be reached in the whole matter very shortly, but the latest tenders are not due till the end of this month, so that a final decision cannot be given for some days yet. I can assure my hon. Friend the Member for Devonport (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) that the possibilities of building in the Royal yards have been fully explored, but I regret that the Board of Admiralty could not accept the very serious delay in completion of one of the ship's, if it were built at Devonport, where the slip on which it would be built could not possibly be ready for some 18 months.

Would it not have been possible, if the slip had been enlarged 18 months ago, to have given instructions that the ships should be built in the Devonport Dock- yard, and was this possibility not brought to the right hon. Gentleman's notice 18 months ago?

That would have involved a cessation of the work which, was being done in the dockyard during the 18 months.

Is it not true that I brought to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman—

This dockyard competition is not in place now.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether H.M.S. "Berwick" was sold by public auction or by tender to German purchasers for breaking up; if by tender, whether the ship was advertised in the shipping newspapers as being for sale; how many tenders were received; and, if the ship was not so advertised, how tenders were obtained?