Food Supplies Threshing Machines (Shortage) 40. Captain WRIGHT asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that frequent representations have been made to the Food Production Department by the Derbyshire War Agricultural Executive Committee on the present shortage of threshing machines available for use owing to various reasons in that country, and asking that the committee may be given control of such machines and the engines necessary to drive them, and putting forward a scheme for that purpose; and whether, in view of those representations and the necessity, apart from the present shortage, of an increased number of these machines for the 1918 crop, he has taken any, and what, action? The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Prothero) Representations were received from the Derbyshire Agricultural Executive Committee on the 22nd and 31st October as to the shortage of threshing machines and engines in the county. Additional machines have been supplied so far as practicable by the Food Production Department, and the committee have been authorised to supplement this supply by hiring traction engines locally. With regard to the local control of threshing tackle, a general scheme with this object was approved and issued to all county committees on the 16th November last, of which a copy is being sent to my hon. Friend. The shortage of machines and engines, which is mainly due to the urgent war requirements of other Government Departments, has been engaging the anxious consideration of the Food Production Department, and all possible steps have been taken to increase the supply. Over a hundred additional threshing machines have already been supplied to county committees, and further large orders have been placed for machines to deal with the 1918 crop. Arrangements have also been made between the Military Authorities and the Food Production Department, by which a large number of traction engines will be released by the Forage Department at once, and a still larger number early in September. By this and other means, and by improved organisation in the counties I anticipate that the threshing facilities available in the country will be increased sufficiently to cope with the 1918 crop. Captain WRIGHT Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that before these threshing machines were allowed to the committee the bulk of engines privately owned which were available are being used by the Forage Department? Mr. PROTHERO It is certainly true that a considerable number of private engines are being used by the Forage Committee, and that is the reason why I stated that arrangements are being made to release as many of them as possible. Potatoes 41. Mr. CAREW asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, considering the importance of the potato crop this year, he will consider the advisability of making the spraying of potatoes, once before Midsummer Day and once again in July, compulsory; and whether he anticipates any difficulty in obtaining the necessary appliances for this purpose by the end of May? Mr. PROTHERO The Board have carefully considered the question of making the spraying of potatoes compulsory. They are of opinion that, in view of the want of agreement on the subject among experts, the varying liabilities or immunities of certain districts, the different dates at which the disease appears, and the fact that it would not be in. the interests of increased production to burden the farmer with further Orders at the present time, it is not desirable to introduce any general measure of control such as my hon. Friend suggests. The Food Production Department of the Board have taken adequate steps to provide information to growers, by means of lectures arid demonstrations, as to the disease and its treatment, and they have also taken steps to secure that supplies of machinery and material for spraying shall be in the hands of local merchants when they are required. 60. Mr. HUGH LAW asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that a large part of the total increased output of potatoes in Ireland during 1917 is attributable to the cumulative effect of the additional acreage of the crop grown by small farmers, who after supplying the needs of their households are unable individually to place potatoes on the market in four-ton lots; and whether the Government persists in the refusal to allow such men to pool their surplus stocks through their co-operative societies or otherwise, and thus to obtain the benefits given to the larger farmers in Ireland and elsewhere in the United Kingdom? Mr. CLYNES As I have already stated, the pooling arrangements suggested by the hon. Member would extend the benefits of the guarantee to persons to whom that guarantee did not apply, and would thereby impose an unjustifiable burden on the Exchequer. The Food Controller cannot, therefore, recommend the proposed extension. Mr. LAW Was not a general guarantee given by the Prime Minister without any condition, and was not the intention of the Government to cause an increased supply? Have not, therefore, those persons who have, in fact, increased their supply a claim upon the Government, in view of the Prime Minister's pledge? Mr. CLYNES The point has been made the subject of discussion already. and prior to the Adjournment before Christmas I expressed to my hon. Friend my willingness to discuss the matter with him and his colleagues. I can only say that up to the present the Food Controller sees no reason to vary the Order. Lamb Killing Order 42. Mr. G. LAMBERT asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it may be anticipated that owing to his representations a modification of the Lamb Killing Order may be expected in the near future? Mr. PROTHERO In view of the pronounced scarcity of feeding stuffs the Food Controller is prepared to issue to flock owners licences to sell lambs on their undertaking that their lambs will receive neither oats, opals, nor any other kind of concentrated feeding stuff, and that the consumption of such foods by the ewes shall not exceed a certain limited quantity. Mr. LAMBERT In view of the flock-masters having to apply for licences, when will they be ready to be granted? Mr. PROTHERO The change in the Order was only made this morning, and I am afraid that I am unable to answer that question. Captain STANIER Does that include all breeds, or only Dorsets? Mr. PROTHERO All breeds. Allotments (Acreage) 43. Sir ARTHUR FELL asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been called, to the considerable acreage of good land in the neighbourhood of Haynes Park and Wimbledon which is at present under grass and which might be used with advantage to provide allotments for the population,of the district; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter? Mr. PROTHERO About 100 acres of land at Raynes Park and Wimbledon has already been taken for allotments, but if the hon. Member has information of any unsatisfied demand for allotments and will send particulars to the Board, inquiries will be made. 44. Sir A. FELL asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the threatened enclosure of a portion of Wimbledon Common for thc purpose of providing further land for allotments; if he is aware that the land proposed to be enclosed is a part of what is known as the swamps, and consists of peat and gravel which is water-logged in winter and burnt up in summer, and that the crops likely to be produced from it will not pay the cost of production; that already a large part of the common has been taken by the War Office for the military camp and that every yard of the remainder of the common is wanted for the recreation and health of the large number of persons from the neighbourhood and from London, who use it continually; and, if necessary, will he refuse to sanction such land being enclosed? Mr. PROTHERO The Board have consented to the use for allotments of 7 acres of Wimbledon Common on the north-west of the Causeway near its junction with Camp Road, and they have also expressed their willingness to sanction the cultivation of 29 acres of Wimbledon Common extension. If my hon. Friend will supply further particulars of the proposals to which he refers the Board will cause inquiries to be made. Sir A. FELL Considering the importance of the great common of Wimbledon, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has personally seen the piece of ground proposed to be taken, and also the piece which is being enclosed, and which cuts off one part of the common from another? Mr. PROTHERO I regret to say that I have not had time personally to inspect Wimbledon Common, but the matter is in the hands of the people of Wimbledon, and I cannot imagine that such a use is being made of the Common as will prevent the utilisation of the rest of the Common for the ordinary purposes for which it exists. Pheasants (Close Season) 48. Mr. WILES asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of extending the time for shooting game this season owing to the general shortage of meat in the country? Mr. PROTHERO The Destruction of Pheasants Order (No. 2), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, enables pheasants to be shot during the close season. Admiral of the Fleet Sir H. MEUX May I ask is the right hon. Gentleman discriminating between cock pheasants and hen pheasants? Mr. PROTHERO Those concerned may draw that distinction. Mr. MILLAR Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland also the season has been extended? Mr. PROTHERO I am afraid that is a question which should be addressed to the Secretary for Scotland. Soldiers' Rations 50. Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that soldiers in the forces at home, many of whom are subjected to no great physical exertion, receive as part of their rations as much meat per day as large numbers of workers, such as miners and blast-furnacemen, engaged in the heaviest manual labour, are able, during the present shortage, to obtain per week; and what action the Government propose to take in the matter? Mr. FORSTER The meat ration of all troops at home, except those under training or otherwise in preparation for service-overseas, and mobile formation actually employed in home defence, has bees reduced by one-third. Food Distribution 51. Mr. MORRELL asked the Prime Minister if he has received resolutions from workers' meetings at Burnley and other places protesting against the existing method of distribution of the available food of the country as unjust and unequal, and demanding that the Government should immediately take over the whole of. the available food and ration it in a fair and equitable manner; and what steps the Government are taking in regard to this matter? 75. Mr. TREVELYAN asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that large numbers of men are threatening immediate stoppage of work in order to stand in the food queues instead of their wives and daughters; and whether he has any proposals for avoiding a condition of things where hard-worked men have to go to to work underfed while their wives have to desert their household duties to stand in the queues? Mr. CLYNES A certain number of resolutions to the effect described in the questions have been received. Power was given to food control committees by an Order made 22nd December to put into force rationing schemes with a view to the prevention of queues. Under this power a large number of schemes have already been introduced, including one for Burnley, and other schemes are being introduced as rapidly as possible. I hope that shortly the greater part of the country will be covered by such schemes. Effective control is exercised over all foodstuffs included in the schemes, as well as over a number of other foodstuffs not at present included. Every possible assistance is being given to food control committees by the Ministry of Food in the preparation and administration of these schemes, and in particular steps are being taken as rapidly as possible to adjust the supplies of foods to the various localities according to their total needs. These steps, which involve drastic changes in the existing methods of distribution, cannot, however, be taken more rapidly than at present. Mr. MORRELL Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the local schemes of rationing have not up to the present had the effect of abolishing queues, and do the Government propose to establish any complete scheme of rationing for the whole country? Mr. CLYNES Yes, the Government does propose, later on, to establish what is termed a national scheme. A national scheme will only be effectively operated through local administration. Colonel Sir C. SEELY Has the Food Controller's Department formed any estimate of the extra amount of meat required if the allowance to everybody engaged on labour is the same as is provided for soldiers at home? Mr. CLYNES Yes, the first consideration in arranging the scheme is the con- sideration of an estimate of the different requirements of different groups of the population. Butter 58. Sir J. D. REES asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the prohibition of the export of butter from Ireland prejudices the Irish population by interfering with an established trade and decreases the supply of butter in England, where the shortage is greater than in Ireland, while it increases the competition for the insufficient supplies available of both butter and margarine, he will consider the advisability of cancelling that Order? Mr. CLYNES I have nothing to add to the at seers already given to the hon. Members for South Tyrone and Rutland on the 17th and 22nd January. Service Men On Leave 63. Major HUNT asked whether sailors and soldiers home on short leave from service abroad are subject to the same rationing system as civilians in this country? Mr. CLYNES Sailors and soldiers home on short leave from service abroad are on the same footing as civilians so far as obtaining food is concerned, except that they are entitled to draw their daily sugar ration of 2 ozs. in place of the civilian weekly ration of ½ lb. Major HUNT Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men arrive from abroad very hungry and they cannot get enough to eat when they arrive to satisfy their hunger? Could not that be put right? Mr. CLYNES I endeavoured, in my reply, to answer the particular point in the question. Any other circumstances which the bon. and gallant Gentleman cares to give will be considered. Feeding-Stuffs 65. Captain WRIGHT asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the difference of approximately £5 per ton between the prices fixed by the Food Controller for cattle cake of different kinds and the prices actually paid for such cake by the importers is to be borne by the importers from whom he has now requisitioned the cake or by the Treasury, or will he issue a new Order? Mr. CLYNES Any stocks of cattle cake taken possession of by the Ministry of Food under the Cattle Feeding-stuffs (Requisition) Order, 1918, will be taken over on the terms prescribed in the Cattle Feeding Cake and Meal and Millers' Offals (Maximum Prices) Order dated the 1st November, 1917. It is not proposed to pay compensation to holders of such stocks, but any case of hardship may be brought before the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission. Captain WRIGHT Is the House to understand that these importers of cake are to make claims before the Claims Commission for the loss of £5 a ton on tens of thousands of tons and to wait for the recovery of what they have actually spent until those claims have been settled? Mr. CLYNES Where any real loss is sustained the hardship or loss may be reported to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission. Mr. FIELD Does that Regulation apply to Ireland as well as Great Britain? Mr. CLYNES I am under the impression that it does, but I shall require notice to give a definite reply Milk 66. Captain WRIGHT asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in fixing the price of milk for the summer months, he will bear in mind that in many important dairying districts the cost of producing milk is greater in the month of April than in any other month? Mr. CLYNES The answer is in the affirmative. Captain WRIGHT Can the hon. Gentleman say what the price will be? Mr. CLYNES Not as yet. The matter is under consideration. Mutton Imported (Retail Prices) 67. Mr. W. THORNE asked the authorised prices on Saturday last at which legs, loins, shoulders, and necks of imported mutton were sold in the Manchester area; at what price were privately-imported frozen sheep sold in Liverpool and Manchester during the week in question; and at what price were Government-imported sheep sold? Mr. CLYNES Maximum retail prices for imported mutton have not at present been fixed by the Manchester Local Food Control Committee, as the supply has been very limited, but a scale of such prices is now under consideration, and will be issued shortly. In the meantime the retail prices of joints are regulated by the general provisions of the Meat (Maximum Prices) Order, 1917, which limits the aggregate profit made by a butcher in any fortnight to 20 per cent., or 2½ d. per 1b., whichever shall be the less. The maximum wholesale price at which frozen lambs, whether imported privately or on Government account, may be geld is 11½d. per lb. 68. Mr. THORNE asked the total quantity of refrigerated beef, mutton, dairy produce, rabbits, etc., delivered ex the Corporation Cold Stores, Manchester, which were condemned during the twelve months ending 31st December last? Mr. CLYNES I am causing inquiries to be made, and will convey the information to the hon. Member so soon as it has been obtained. 69. Mr. THORNE asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether last week and the week previously he forwarded considerable consignments of Government imported lambs to the Manchester area to relieve the meat shortage; whether the price at which these lambs are sold to retailing butchers is 11½d. per 1b.; whether he is aware that the Argenta Meat Company, of Oldham Street, Manchester, Regent Road, Salford, and many other shops, displayed on Saturday last a price list for imported lamb of ls. 4½d. per 1b. for legs and loins, the loins in some cases being cut very long, is. 2d. for shoulders, 1s. 2½d. best ends of necks, 1s. O½d. breasts, and 11½d. scraps; and that these prices represent a profit of 3d. to 3¼d. per 1b., according to how the loins and best ends are cut; and whether he will ask the Manchester Food Control Committee and the Salford Food Control Committee to exercise stricter control over these companies? Mr. CLYNES The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Food Controller has no information with regard to the prices at which joints of imported lamb were sold by the Argenta Meat Company, of Salford, but he is confident that the Manchester and the Salford Local Food Control Com- mittees may be relied upon to enforce the provisions of the Meat (Maximum Prices) Order. Foxes 70. Mr. W. THORNE asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether many tons of food would have been saved, our poultry supply much increased, and our supply of eggs augmented, except for the refusal of the Food Department to offer a reward for the destruction of foxes last winter, when requested to do so; that owing to the wet harvest an abnormal quantity of grain was scattered about the fields which might have fed poultry, who were prevented availing themselves of it through the abnormal quantity of foxes; whether he will now issue a reward of 20s. per head for every fox killed; whether he will consider if there are any safe methods by which their destruction may be attempted by poison; and whether he will inform those who desire to retain foxes for sport that they can easily renew the supply by importing from Ireland and America. when the War is over? Mr. CLYNES My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Poultry have fed as usual on the grain left in the harvest field, and the quantity of food that would have been saved if there had been a reward offered for the destruction of foxes may be regarded as negligible. I may add that the Food Production Department of the Board of Agriculture are in communication with the Master of Foxhounds Association in order to secure the performance of their promise to effect a normal reduction of foxes throughout the country. New Zealand Lambs (Smithfield Market) 71. Mr. W. THORNE asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether on 21st and 22nd December a considerable consignment of New Zealand lambs was released and placed on Smithfield Market with instructions that they were to be sold to the poorer districts; whether, during the earlier part of the week, a considerable number of lambs were released in the ordinary way and which, like most Government meat sold at Smithfield, was delivered to middle-class districts and West-end restaurants; whether the selling price of lambs was 11d. per 1b. till Thursday, 20th December, and was raised to 11½d. per 1b. on the release of the extra lambs for the poorer districts; and what proportion of the lambs released on 21st and 22nd December were placed by the agents of the New Zealand Refrigerating Company? Mr. CLYNES The statement that a number of New Zealand lambs were released and placed on the Smithfield Market on the 21st and 22nd December, with instructions that they were to be sold to the poorer districts, is correct. No Government lambs were released in the earlier part of the week, and it is, therefore, incorrect to state that a considerable number were delivered to middle-class districts and West-end restaurants. The Food Controller is not aware that the selling price for lambs was raised from 11 d. to 11½d. per lb. on the 20th December, as stated by the hon. Member. The price of 11½d. per lb., at which the lambs in question were sold, is in accordance with the provisions of the Meat (Maximum Prices) Order, 1917. About half the lambs released were placed on the market by the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, Limited, who were the original vendors of these consignments to the Board of Trade. Boarding Schools 72. Mr. KING asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the difficulties under which the feeding of boys and girls in boarding schools is now carried on, and that the rations of growing boys of sixteen to eighteen years cannot be reduced without grave danger to our man-power; and whether he has received representations from schoolmasters on this matter? Mr. CLYNES In common with other sections of the population, boarding schools are at the moment experiencing difficulty in obtaining supplies of some articles of food, and complaints to this effect have been received from some schoolmasters. It is hoped that a considerable alleviation of the situation will result when the measures now being taken to improve and control the distribution of food are in operation. The importance of satisfying the reasonable requirements of boys of the ages mentioned is fully appreciated by the Ministry of Food. Bread Ration (France) 73. Mr. OUTHWAITE asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can state in English weight the amount of the bread ration in France? Mr. CLYNES A national system of bread rationing is not at present in operation in France. The Government has drawn up a graduated scale of rations which may be enforced by the issue of cards at the discretion of the local authorities in communes with over 20,000 inhabitants. Local authorities which have introduced bread cards have frequently modified the Government scale, usually in the direction of a flat ration. Greater Paris on 29th January last introduced a bread ration of 10½ ozs. per head per clay, uniform for all ages and persons. Mr. OUTHWAITE How is it they have a better system in France that enables the French people to get more bread than we do? Mr. CLYNES There is no restriction in this country as to the amount of bread that may be purchased, so that France cannot have a better system than our own in regard to bread. Foodstuffs (East End Of London) 74. Mr. OUTHWAITE asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the scarcity of food in the East End of London, and will any steps be taken to immediately remedy this state of affairs? Mr. CLYNES My attention has been called to this matter. Special supplies of most of the essential foodstuffs have from time to time been sent to this part of London, and every effort is being made to secure that the district receives its fair share of the food at present available. Mr. OUTHWAITE How, then, does the hon. Gentleman account for the fact that thousands of persons in these East End districts stand every morning in queues, sometimes for four or five hours, and then are unable at the end to get supplies: is he aware that working-men are now going through their day's work on bread and treacle: from what do these conditions arise? Sir C. HENRY Does the hon. Gentleman admit that there is a greater scarcity in the East End than in the other parts of London? Mr. CLYNES I am not aware that in proportion to the population there is a greater scarcity in the East End. The other points raised in the supplementary question have been repeatedly answered in reply to questions. Mr. WHITEHOUSE Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a very important deputation, wholly composed of working-women from the East End of London, visited this House two days ago and placed before Members their own experiences arising out of the scarcity of food in the East End? Mr. CLYNES A large part of the time that I devote to these matters is occupied in meeting such deputations. Mr. HOUSTON Is the hon. Gentleman not aware of the great scarcity of food in the West End? Mr. OUTHWAITE Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that if the conditions to which he refers in the country are the same as prevail in the East End of London that the sooner the Government close up the War the better? HON. MEMBERS Disloyalty! An HON. MEMBER They are more loyal than you. Mr. CLYNES I do not think that even the poor in the East End of London would take that view. Irish Cattle Trade Mr. FIELD (by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Food Controller whether his Department has received from the Irish Cattle Traders and Stock Owners' Associations a protest against the establishment of a ring to control the sale of Irish animal imports at Birkenhead lairage; whether he is aware that this committee have proposed an entrance fee of £25 and a yearly subscription of £5, and a guarantee of £100 from members, and, further, have reserved to themselves the power of preventing sales except by members of their body; whether he can state what is the intention of the Food Control Department in this matter? Mr. CLYNES The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Owing to the absence of any weighing facilities, the ordinary procedure for grading and weighing live cattle under the Cattle (Sales) Order could not be carried out at Birkenhead. The Ministry of Food has therefore constituted a representative committee of the various interests, with authority to make regulations for the conduct of the Birkenhead market, in order to secure observance of the maximum prices for live cattle and dead meat. An association is also being formed to act as agents for the Ministry of Food, but its constitution and conditions of membership have not yet been formally approved. The matter was discussed at the last meeting of the Central Advisory Committee on Live Stock and Meat Supplies, and it was arranged to receive a deputation of Irish cattle traders and stock owners, in order to arrive at a satisfactory settlement, and to determine what changes may be necessary in the present regulations. Mr. FIELD Am I to understand from the hon. Gentleman that the free sale of cattle will be allowed at Birkenhead Lairage and that the matter will not he put into the hands of a commercial ring? Mr. CLYNES I think my hon. Friend may conclude that there is no desire to put it into the hands of a commercial ring. The intention, as I have before said in the matter, is that the Irish cattle interests shall be taken into full consideration. Mr. LOUGH Has not the hon. Gentleman admitted that the Grading Order cannot be carried out? Would it not be better, then, to withdraw it until it is possible to give effect to it? Mr. CLYN ES No; I do not admit that the Grading Order cannot be carried out. It has only just been begun. I do not think that, with greater experience, that that assertion would be made. Mr. LOUGH In the case of Birkenhead you admitted it? Inland Transport 45. Mr. GILBERT asked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to set up a Committee in order to control all forms of inland transport, excluding railways; and, if so, if he can state when this Committee will be appointed, and the names of members, and what forms of transport they are to deal with, and if they will include canals, tramways, and all kinds of motor traffic? The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Albert Stanley) My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It is not proposed to set up a Committee to control all forms of inland transport, excluding railways, but it is proposed to set up a body forthwith to co-ordinate the work of the existing Government Departments in connection with road transport. It will not include canals and tramways, but will generally include other kinds of road traffic. The. terms of reference and the names of the members will be published shortly. Mr. FIELD Will this body deal with Ireland, or will a similar body be appointed for Ireland? Sir A. STANLEY It will apply to Ireland. Port Of London 46. Mr. GILBERT asked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to close the Port of London; if his attention has been called to the recent diversions of ships from the Port of London; and if he will consider that, in view of the importance of London as a food distributing centre for many millions of the population, every and all facilities shall be given, so that every food ship that is possible shall be allowed to enter London's port? Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY I have been asked to reply to this question. The Government does not propose to close the Port of London. It is true that, for reasons of safety, the western ports have lately been used to a relatively greater extent than the eastern ports, but the dependence of London upon sea-borne supplies is fully appreciated, and the Port of London will continue to be used to the fullest extent which is consistent with the safety of the national supplies. Mr. GILBERT Will the Government consider the question that vessels coming to London shall have convoy facilities equal to those accorded to vessels going to western ports? Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY My hon. Friend has had the advantage of a private conference between the Ministry of Shipping, the Shipping Controller, and the head of the Anti-Submarine Department, and leading members of the Admiralty, and therefore he knows that the suggestion made in his question is without foundation. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!" "Apologise!"] I withdraw that. I will only say that the hon. Member knows that the suggestion in his question to give equal protection, in given circumstances, is in accordance with the views of the Admiralty. Mr. G. LAMBERT Is it due to this diversion of traffic that there is such a scarcity of food in London, and may it be expected that there will be a more plentiful supply for London when the traffic is brought to the Port of London? Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY It is perfectly true that the necessary divergence of traffic caused difficulties with regard to certain supplies, but, as I said in my answer, both the Admiralty and -ourselves are keeping this point constantly in mind, and are endeavouring to bring every ship they possibly can with supplies for London, under the given circumstances. under Admiralty protection. Mr. ROWLANDS Supposing many ships are diverted from London, can the Government see their way to providing transport facilities to bring food supplies into the Metropolis at the present time? Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY That is also under most careful consideration, and we are constantly in touch with the Railway Executive, and a Committee has been set up to endeavour to solve the difficulties. Mr. PRINGLE Has the diversion which has actually taken place been decided on without any real consideration of the transport facilities? Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY No, Sir. It was absolutely necessary to make certain diversions, and the whole inland transport was most carefully considered. My hon. Friend will see that it. is a question of balancing advantages and disadvantages, and we have done our best to meet the situation. Mr. HOUSTON Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that General Pringle intimated to the Port of London Authority the intention of closing the port, and had it not been for these protests it would have been done? Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEY I have no knowledge of such an intimation, but if it was made, it was under a misapprehension. Mr. RUNCIMAN As this is a matter of great importance, may I ask the Leader of the House, representing the War Cabinet, whether he will prevent any further diversion of food ships from the Port of London without full consultation having been made, not only with the Railway Executive Committee, but also. with the Port and Transit Committee? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law) I quite realise the importance of the point raised by my right hon. Friend and which was brought to my notice by him. I can assure him that no diversion will take place, and I state this after consultation with the Shipping Controller, which is not rendered absolutely necessary by the protection of ships. The question of railways has, of course, to be dealt with simultaneously, and a great deal is being done to secure that the supplies come through. Mr. LEIF JONES rose— Mr. SPEAKER Notice of any further question should be given. Cambrai 49. Mr. LYNCH asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for a Secret Sitting of the House so that the truth of the Cambrai affair may be told? Mr. BONAR LAW The answer is in the negative. Mr. LYNCH Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that at least the Western Front will be as stubbornly defended as the reputations of those unsuccessful generals? Mr. PRINGLE Will the right hon. Gentleman say why Ministers discuss these matters at arranged gatherings outside, while all the facilities for discussion in the House of Commons are denied? Mr. BONAR LAW If the hon. Member refers to the Secretary of State for War— Mr. PRINGLE I do. Mr. BONAR LAW I have read his statement., and I do not see a single particle in it in which he differs from statements made in this House. Mr. HOGGE Arising out of the answer, does it mean according to the question that the truth has not been told? Mr. BONAR LAW It means that the answer to the question is that I do not propose to give any further facilities. Mr. PRINGLE Can the right hon. Gentleman say when Sir Douglas Haig's dispatch on this incident will be published? Mr. BONAR LAW :I cannot say. It has not yet been received. Western Front (Casualties) 52. Mr. OUTHWAITE asked the Prime Minister whether the excess of British casualties on the Western Front during the last nine months over those sustained by the French Forces is due to the action taken by the Chamber of Deputies after the failure of the French offensive in April last, when the Minister of War was forced publicly to promise that the French Army would stand on the defensive until American reinforcements arrived; and can he state why no similar provision was made for the conservation of British man-power? Mr. BONAR LAW This is a question to which, in view of the statements which have repeatedly been made on the general military position, I do not think it right to give any answer. Mr. OUTHWAITE Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that steps will be taken to conserve British manpower on the Western front similar to those taken by the French Government with such success? Mr. BONAR LAW I think the only possible answer to that is that if the men in command of our Armies did not to the fullest extent possible attempt to save life they ought not to be there, and if the Government did not insist on them doing so the Government ought not to be there. Mr. OUTHWAITE Is it not the fact that we lost something like half a million more men than the French last year, and does not that in itself show the necessity of some inquiry as to the methods of our command? Mr. BONAR LAW It is obvious that if I had the figures in my head I would not give them, but, apart from that, anyone who has considered military operations must realise that there may be occasions when one branch of the Army is fighting more severely than another branch, and that it is right that it should do so. Mr. PRINGLE In view of the statement made by the Minister of National Service in introducing the Military Service Bill, does not the right hon. Gentleman see that it is important to have an authoritative statement from the Government on this subject of casualties? Mr. BONAR LAW We had as authoritative a statement as could be given. The Government fully realise the necessity, not merely from the humanitarian porn: of view, but from the point of view of winning the War and afterwards, of conserving our man-power to the utmost possible limit. Mr. OUTHWAITE Is it not the fact that French papers have frequently pointed out the excessive losses suffered by our troops? Mr. SPEAKER The right hon. Gentleman has no responsibility for that. Ex-King Constantine 53. Mr. LYNCH asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the conditions existing whereby ex-King Constantine is paid a pension of £20,000 a year, which is ultimately derived from the British Treasury, he will submit the whole matter to the War Cabinet and, if necessary, proceed to due sanctions in regard to the representations of the Foreign Office involved Mr. BONAR LAW As the hon. Member has repeatedly been informed, the payments made to the ex-King of Greece are furnished from Greek revenues only. Mr. LYNCH May the House be informed also on this point, that although this is paid by the Greek Government it is paid by money furnished by this Government and that there is no other source, and that this Government has control of that money which is subsidising this enemy? Mr. BONAR LAW The hon. Member is quite wrong in his facts. This is not the only Government lending money to the Greek Government. Does he suggest that we are not to lend money to the Greek Government unless they chose to cease their payments? Mr. LYNCH Is it not a fact that, although this is not the only Government that has lent money to Greece, one of the other Governments has now refused to do so? Mr. BONAR LAW I am not aware of any such facts as the hon. Member has stated. Mr. LYNCH Will the right hon. Gentleman inform himself if the facts are as I have stated? Mercantile Marine (Seamen's Insurance) 54. Mr. BYRNE asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the growing discontent amongst sailors and firemen of the mercantile marine caused by the inadequate sum awarded to their dependants in the event of their death at sea; if, in order to make sure that the trade and commerce of Great Britain and Ireland shall continue uninterrupted, he will issue instructions to have an insurance policy for £1,000 placed in the hands of every seaman's wife or principal dependant; and if he is aware of the dangers of a stoppage of the cross-Channel trade if adequate provision is not made for the dependants of the sailors and firemen in the event of their death at sea? Sir A. STANLEY My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am not aware of the discontent referred to in the question, but am prepared to consider any evidence of grievance which the hon. Gentleman may put before me. If the hon. Gentleman studies the scheme which has been forwarded to him he will see that every captain, officer, and seaman on a merchant ship already has what is in effect free life insurance policy for a considerable sum. The capitalised value of the pension given would in the case of the higher ratings exceed the figure of £1,000 mentioned in the question. Timber (Growers' Profits) 55. Mr. DENMAN asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether growers of Limber who have received for their timber sums two or three times as large as they would have obtained on pre-war prices are liable to Excess Profits Duty; and, if not, whether he will make it clear in his next Budget that they must contribute to the Exchequer a fair share of the increased wealth they have realised owing to the War? Mr. BONAR LAW I. would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Hanley on the lath November last, of which I am sending him a copy. Mr. DENMAN Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is not to the interest of the rural community that urban commercial interests should feel that the former is escaping its share of war taxation? Mr. BONAR LAW I quite agree with that general statement. Mr. PRINGLE Will you apply it? French Government Departments (Accommodation) 56. Mr. HUGH LAW asked the First Commissioner of Works what additional accommodation has been provided in Paris for Government Departments since the outbreak of war, whether by new constructions or by commandeering of existing buildings? Mr. DUDLEY WARD (Vice-Chamberlain of the Household) I have been asked to reply to this question. No additional accommodation has been taken in Paris so far as the Office of Works is concerned. Mr. LAW I think the hon. Member is mistaken. He says no additional accommodation has been taken in Paris so far as the Office of Works is concerned. I did not ask what additional accommodation had been taken in Paris so far as the Office of Works is concerned, but what additional accommodation had been taken in Paris by the French Government. Mr. SPEAKER The hon. Member answered for his Department; he cannot answer for others. Wine (Release From Bond) 64. Major HUNT asked the Parliamentary Secretary, to the Ministry of Food whether, as the Government are preventing wine from going through neutral countries into Germany, he can say why the wine now lying in bond in this country is not allowed to be cleared freely; and, seeing that this would have the effect of saving more beer for the use of munition workers and other working people, if this question will be taken into consideration by the Food Controller? Mr. CLYN ES The question of releasing wines from bond was recently considered by the War Cabinet, and it was decided to authorise the release of the same quantity as was issued in the year 1916.