asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing the Government has undertaken that the Overseas Dominions shall be effectively consulted when terms of peace come to be formulated, the fullest facilities will also be accorded to the people of Great Britain and Ireland to make known their views and desires?

Certainly every facility afforded to the Overseas Dominions will be provided also for Great Britain and Ireland.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information to the effect that Austria-Hungary has approached Russia directly or indirectly for separate terms of peace; and, if so, whether Great Britain and France would be prepared to sanction such separate settlement, provided Bosnia and Herzegovina were transferred to Servia, Austria undertaking to withdraw permanently from association and military co-operation in Germany, and Russia making such terms as might be considered advisable with regard to Galicia, Bukovina, and Transylvania?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The other points do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has received information from consular or other official sources in Scandinavian countries of the manner in which foodstuffs and other cargoes are being systematically conveyed to Germany, not withstanding an undertaking to prohibit such re-export by the Government of the importing country; whether the method adopted is to consign a cargo in proper form to a neutral Baltic port and on arrival there to re-consign it to another neutral port in the same or in some neighbouring state, with a secret arrangement for the ostensibly forcible capture of the vessel by the Germans during the voyage between these two neutral ports; and what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to stop these supplies reaching the enemy?

Several cases have recently occurred of ships loaded with grain and oil for Swedish Baltic ports being seized by German warships and their cargoes detained, under circumstances which clearly point to collusion between some individuals and the German authorities The Swedish Government have since issued regulations intended to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, and I trust that if these prove effective it may not be necessary for His Majesty's Government to take any special measures in the matter.

Suppose they do not prove effective, will the Government be prepared to take drastic steps?

I think the answer rather suggests that.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he will state what steps are taken at the ports of Genoa and Savona to inspect the discharge of British ships trading with America; whether he has received information that the steamship "Hazlemoor," of the Runciman Line, was, on the 11th March, discharging grain at Savona into wagons labelled Mannheim (Germany) viâ Basle; and whether he intends to take any steps to recall vessels of the British mercantile marine that may be under time charter, so that they may be employed to increase the tonnage available for British trade and Admiralty service and cease carrying supplies destined for enemy countries?

It is not advisable to explain in detail the measures and arrangements on which His Majesty's Government rely for guarding against the passage of goods to enemy countries through neutral territory. The owners of the steamship "Hazlemoor" have sent me particulars with regard to her cargo which show that it was shipped by Major-General Carlo Pagani to the order of the Italian Government. I would further remind the hon. Member of the reply given on 23rd February to the hon. Member for Plymouth as to the presence of German railway trucks in Italy and Switzerland. The last point of the hon. Member's question should be addressed to the Admiralty.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in reference to the recent outbreak in Singapore, whether the escaped German prisoner Diehn had been convicted of communicating with the enemy, and, in view of the fact that £2 per week is the maximum allowed to any German prisoner in England (whereas prisoners in Singapore were allowed access to their bank accounts), if there was any limit placed on the amount he could draw; were the regulations as to German prisoners under the Colonial Office or the War Office; and will he give the names of those conducting the inquiry in Singapore and say whether it is a public inquiry or in camera; and whether the Report of the Inquiry Committee will be published, so that the public and the relatives of the victims may have an opportunity of knowing whether or not there has been laxity on the part of any of those responsible for the government of the Colony?

I have no information as to the alleged conviction of the German prisoner Diehn, and as I have already informed the hon. Member, I am not aware what limitations were placed on the amounts allowed to be drawn by prisoners from their bank accounts. The control of German prisoners is a matter for the local military authorities. I assume that the hon. Member refers to the Court of Inquiry constituted by the General Officer Commanding. The members of that Court are: Sir Evelyn Ellis, a member of the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements; Captain A. R. Chancellor, Inspector-General of Police; and Mr. A. W. Vick, of the Chartered Bank. I am not aware how this Court is proceeding or whether its report will be published. These are matters for the military authorities by whom the Court was constituted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what assistance was given to this country by our Allies in suppressing the mutiny at Singapore, and whether their were any casualties amongst the forces landed; whether prior to the outbreak it was known that there was reason to believe that the 5th Regiment (Indian Light Infantry) was in a state of disaffection; if so, what steps, if any, were taken to prevent the disaffected portion of that regiment from having the use of their rifles, and, especially, what steps, if any, were taken with a view to ensuring that the disaffected men could not obtain ammunition; and, if no such steps were taken, who was responsible?

Yes, Sir; parties were landed from French, Russian, and Japanese warships, and there were, I understand, two Japanese wounded. A Court of Inquiry was assembled to investigate the whole subject, but, as its report has not yet been received, it is impossible to give an answer to the last part of the question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the causes of this disaffection?

No, Sir, I have not. That will be the subject of the inquiry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the attention of the War Office has been called to the smallness in quantity of food supplied to the recruits at Efford Fort, Plymouth, the case particularly applying to the East Lancashire Regiment; and, if so, will steps be taken to inquire at once with a view of remedying the existing state of things?

There have been no recruits at Fort Efford of the East Lancashire Regiment since September last. It has been ascertained, however, that there has been some grumbling amongst men of the band attached to the company occupying that fort, but except on one occasion, when a minor complaint was made, no complaint had been made to the officers. Steps have been taken to improve the messing arrangements of these men and to remove all possible cause of complaint. The regulation scale of rations makes provision for an ample supply of food.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, or has his attention been called to the fact, that only last Sunday the supply was condemned by the officer in charge, and the men had to be re-supplied with tinned salmon?

I did inform the hon. Gentleman in the reply I have just given that steps have been taken, and they have I think been taken since I received the notice of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the rules of the Gaelic Athletic Association exclude from membership of the clubs affiliated to it all soldiers, sailors of the Royal Navy, miltiamen, or pensioners of the Army and Navy, and that at the annual meeting of the association on the 4th instant a motion to suspend the disqualification during the continuance of the War was withdrawn; if he is aware that the maintenance of this rule by an association which claims to be one of the largest Nationalist organisations in Ireland operates against the enlistment of members of the Gaelic athletic clubs; and what action, if any, the War Office intends to take?

I understand that the facts are as stated in the first portion of the question. It would be difficult to say what precise effect on recruiting of the rule in question might be, and in the circumstances no action is contemplated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this organisation declines to be regarded as a Nationalist organisation, and is one which includes all parties in Ireland?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of the Reserve men and recruits who have joined in Ireland have been members of this association?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will take steps to put a stop to any society passing resolutions which will stop recruiting in Ireland or elsewhere?

Of course, we would not only deprecate that, but do what lay in our power to prevent any such action as the hon. Baronet suggests. Very little information has come to the War Office about this society. I was not aware of what the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Meehan) has said, that a large portion of the troops who were joining were members of it, and I think it is interesting to learn.

Is not the definition "Nationalist organisation" a misnomer?

I should think very likely that is true, but I am not able to say.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention had been called to a circular, signed by a cremation undertaker, of Fleet Street, London, which is being sent to the relatives of officers killed in action proposing the exhumation and cremation of their remains; and whether these operations have the approval of the British military authorities, as stated in the circular?

The War Office have no knowledge of this circular, and I should be glad if the hon. Gentleman will supply me with particulars.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a London Scottish regiment has been formed and that a London Welsh regiment is being formed; and whether the Army Council can see their way to raise a London Irish regiment, with the same qualifications as regards antecedents as officers and men of the London Scottish and London Welsh?

A London Irish Regiment already exists and is at present serving with the Expeditionary Force. It is the 18th (County of London) Battalion, the London Regiment, known as the London Irish Rifles. The Noble Lord will find this battalion in column 1597 of the April Army List.

May I ask why, when any casualties occur in the ranks of the London Scottish, which is a battalion of the London Regiment, the words "London Scottish" are added, while when any casualties occur among the London Irish the battalion is not referred to as the London Irish; and why cannot the same treatment be given to both battalions?

The fact is that the London Scottish is a very old Territorial Regiment. The London Irish are a new battalion of the New Army—I think I am right in saying that—and part of the London Regiment; and they have hitherto been unable, for some reason I am wholly unable to explain, to establish the same title as the London Scottish, and I should say that was rather fortuitous.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that long before this unfortunate War started, in the official Army List published by the War Office this battalion of the London Regiment has always been referred to and has been in existence for years?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in the event of a sergeant being promoted or a private being promoted to sergeant, and these men being sent to hospital wounded, they revert on their return to their regiment to their previous rank of sergeant or private?

Until recently noncommissioned officers with the Expeditionary Force were liable to lose their acting rank when sent home wounded or sick, although they did not lose it when sent to a hospital overseas. Under the regulations now in force, however, all non-commissioned ranks have been made substantive with the Expeditionary Force and men wounded retain their rank even if sent home.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a lawn meet of the Quorn foxhounds was held in the grounds of Donington Park, and the hounds were brought close to the wire entanglements in order that the German officers might have a better view of the pack; and, if so, whether he will give directions to prevent the recurrence of such proceedings?

I understand that the Quorn Hounds met, as one of their ordinary fixtures, in the park adjacent to Donington Hall on the 23rd ultimo, but did not enter the grounds. No objection was raised to their hunting in the park, which is not in view from the Hall.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that no sort of interchange of courtesies between the prisoners and the members of the hunt occurred?

Yes; that is in accordance with my information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any Government contracts have been given to a German named Kuchnrich, residing at Holly Court, near Sheffield; whether this man owns or controls the business where Julius Wurscher, an enemy alien of military age, was employed until his recent conviction for an offence against the Defence of the Realm Act; if he is aware that it was Kuchnrich who paid the fine of £100 inflicted on Wurscher for that offence; whether Kuchnrich has procured the release of certain interned alien enemies of military age, including one Klein, who falsely represented himself to be of Swiss nationality; whether any aliens so released have been permitted to leave the country; and whether any investigation has been made as to the antecedents and character of Kuchnrich?

Small quantities of a special steel have been obtained from the London agents of a firm in which Kuchnrich is interested, but this steel is now being obtained from other sources. It is, I believe, the case that Kuchnrich controls the firm for which Wurscher was working. I have no means of knowing whether the firms was paid by Kuchnrich or not. The Department has no knowledge of Kuchnrich having procured the release of interned aliens. As I have said before, it is not desirable to state in public the steps taken in any individual case of this character, but the hon. Member may rest assured that all necessary investigations are made in these cases.

May I ask whether, in point of fact, any steps have been taken against this man, who has been deemed locally to be an extremely dangerous person?

That really is to what I was referring in the last paragraph of my answer. It is not really desirable to state the steps which have been taken, but I would ask the hon. Gentleman to rest assured that all necessary steps are taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the public outside are extremely reluctant to take those assurances for granted?

All I can say in answer to that is that I regret it extremely if the hon. Gentleman is correct in his diagnosis of the actual public outside, and I can only deprecate it and assure the public outside that there is no ground for that kind of alarm at all.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the men of the National Reserve doing duty at the detention camp at Lancaster since last September are only receiving recruits' pay, whereas others doing the same work are receiving efficiency pay; and, if so, if he will inquire into the matter with a view to having the grievance of the men removed?

The grant of proficiency pay depends upon the nature of the men's previous service and not upon the duties now performed. I will make inquiries into the case referred to, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many men and how many women are now employed in the Censor's Department on the work of examining private correspondence to and from this country; and what is the scale of salaries for per sons so employed?

The number of men is 130, and of the women the same. The salaries are:—For men, £550, £400, £300 a year: £5, £4, and £3 a week. For women, £200 a year: £3 and £2 a week.

asked what qualifications are required of the women employed in the Censor's Department on the work of examining private foreign corespondence; whether these are highly educated women with a knowledge of several foreign languages; whether many of them were induced to offer their services by the promise that the salary would commence at £2 per week for a period not exceeding three weeks, when it would be raised to £3 per week if their services were found to be of special value; and what steps have been taken in pursuance of this promise?

The qualifications required are discretion and a knowledge of certain languages. The possibility of advancement was held out, but no period within which it would take place was mentioned. In pursuance of the undertaking mentioned, the salary of those whose services have been found to be of special value has been raised to £3 a week and further promotions will be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the women employed in the Censor's Department on the examination of private foreign correspondence are required to work from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., while the men employed on the examination of foreign trade correspondence are only required to work from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; whether the examination of trade correspondence is much easier work than the examination of private correspondence; and whether he can either reduce the hours of the women on their present work or, alternatively, arrange an exchange of work and hours between them and the men?

The hours in the private correspondence department are from 9.30 to 6.30, and in the trade department from 10 to 6. Men and women are employed in both departments, and observe the same hours. Those employed in the trade department are, however, predominantly male.

Is there any reason for the longer hours in the private correspondence department?

Only that it is suggested that the trade department requires more special knowledge.

asked upon what grounds it is suggested that representation should be given to the governing body of the National Relief Fund on the Statutory Committee proposed to be set up in connection with military pensions and payments; whether application has been made by the Government to the National Relief Fund to provide or supplement separation allowances and pensions; and, if so, with what result?

The Select Committee on Pensions, in their second Report, have recommended that the Committee of the National Relief Fund should be invited to contribute to the voluntary funds out of which the pensions and separation allowances paid by the State may be supplemented; and it is for this reason that it is proposed to give the governing body of the fund representation on the Statutory Committee.

I take it that there will be an opportunity presently for discussing the advisability of the policy?

No doubt.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the report of Messrs. Spillers and Bakers, Limited, a Cardiff firm of flour manufacturers, in which it is stated that the profit for the past year was £367,865, while the profit for the previous year was £89,352, and the highest previous profit in any year was £196,517 in 1912; that there has been carried forward to the next account £100,000 more than last year; that the bonus to the shareholders has been increased by 5 per cent.; and whether he is advised that, under recent emergency legislation, the Government possess adequate powers for dealing with a case like this, in which profits are largely swollen owing to the strain of the present crisis?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been directed to the fact that the annual report of Messrs. Spillers and Bakers, Limited, millers and flour merchants, just issued, shows a profit for the year ended February, 1915, of £367,865, as compared with a profit of £89,352 for the year ended February, 1914, and if he will make such provision in the forthcoming Budget as shall ensure the heavily graduated taxation of special profits made during war time?

My right hon. Friend has received many communications on the report referred to. The whole question of war profits is under consideration, and I fear for the moment my right hon. Friend can make no further statement.

Have the Government proposals for the distribution of profits been so far matured that the employés of Messrs. Spillers and Bakers will get a proportionate bonus out of these profits?

I can only say that, for the moment, I can make no statement on the subject.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the fact that the entire population expect the Government to tax these enormous profits up to 20s. in the £?

Do we understand that the matter is now actively occupying the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and that we may hear shortly what steps he proposes to take?

The Budget is to be taken on Tuesday next and that will be the ordinary occasion for a statement on the subject.

asked whether His Majesty's Government, in introducing any proposals relating to intoxicating liquors and the War, will consider the possible remedy of posting up the names of all offenders who through drink have caused loss of time in providing munitions of war on a black list, either within or without the factories, the disgrace of appearing on which might be a sufficient deterrent to prevent further trouble, while it would have the advantage of revealing the actual number of delinquents, of being free from inconvenience to others, and of not disturbing vested interests?

I must ask the hon. Member to await my right hon. Friend's statement on this subject to-morrow.

asked the Prime Minister whether several Government Departments have not nearly the usual amount of work to do that they have in normal years: whether the staffs of these Departments are now almost without work; and, if so, will the Government, as a temporary measure, transfer a number of employés from these Departments to those which are overworked, to the benefit of all the Departments?

The policy of transfer was adopted at the the beginning of the War, with excellent results. A large number of men have also joined His Majesty's Forces from offices where they could be spared, and I am not aware of any cases where Departments are overstaffed for the work which they have to do.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that many recruits in the new Army who were engaged to be married before going abroad were prevented by the exigencies of military duty from getting married before leaving England on active service; that hardship and anxiety is thereby occasioned to the women betrothed to these men; and whether he will consider the possibility of so amending the marriage law by a temporary measure as to enable soldiers on active service during the present War to be married by proxy if they so desire?

I do not think the hon. Member's suggestions will find general acceptance.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider it, if specific evidence is put before him as to its desirability?

asked the Financial Secrtary to the War Office whether the firm of Messrs. Walker, Parker and Company, Limited, lead manufacturers, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, Chester, and Bagillt, North Wales, have at present any contracts in hand for the War Office; if so, whether he is aware that the firm in question refuses to recognise the unskilled labour trade unions and refuse to see deputations from these unions who seek to represent their members in the employ of the firm on wages questions; and whether, in view of the recent agreement arrived at between the unions and the Government at the Treasury, steps will be taken to bring this firm in line with those now engaged on the production of munitions of war?

I am informed that this firm is doing Government work under subcontracts. Any dispute affecting such work would properly be dealt with under the arrangements made at the Treasury conference to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether Herr Wassmuss, German Consul-General at Shiraz, is still at Shiraz awaiting instructions from the German Legation at Teheran; and, if so, whether he is a free agent after his violation of Persian neutrality?

It is understood that Herr Wassmuss is still at Shiraz, but I am not aware that his Consular appointment has been recognised by the Persian Government. It is understood that the Persian authorities have not interfered with his liberty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, in consequence of orders having been issued that officers of the Indian Army on the active list who were specially selected at the commencement of the War for employment under the Imperial Government were to receive no emoluments except from the Indian Government, many such officers, who have been selected for responsible appointments entitling them to extra duty pay under the Royal Warrant and Allowance Regulations for the British Army, now suffer financial loss, as they receive at least £90 per annum less than officers of equal rank performing the same duties in the British Army; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The hon. Member's statement is not entirely accurate. The rule in force is that an officer of the Indian Army on the active list borrowed for service under the Imperial Government shall not receive less than the equivalent of the emoluments of his Indian appointment. If any such officer holds an appointment for which War Office regulations allow higher emoluments he is entitled to draw those emoluments on signifying his desire to do so.

Is the hon. Gentleman quite sure, as a matter of fact, that they do not draw less than the equivalent of the emoluments of their Indian appointments?

They are certainly entitled in the cases mentioned to draw the higher emoluments.

asked the Prime Minister whether, on every fuse manufactured in this country, a royalty of is is paid by the Government under a German patent for the benefit of Krupp, of Essen; if so, whether this money is paid to the Public Trustee by the British armament firms for the account of Krupp; and whether he can state the amount of money due to Krupp after the expenditure of ammunition at Neuve Chapelle alone?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this. I am making inquiries. Perhaps the Noble Lord would repeat his question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries into the royalties paid to German firms for submarines?

That does not arise during this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there has been any large increase in the exportation of linseed oil to Holland from this country since the War broke out; and, if so, how much?

The quantity of pure linseed oil exported from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands from 1st August, 1914, to 31st March, 1915, amounted to 19,159 tons. In the corresponding period of the years 1913–14 the amount was eighteen tons. I should add that by virtue of an Order in Council, issued on 21st April, the export, of linseed oil is now prohibited to all destinations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that a percentage of glycerine can be extracted from linseed oil?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a force of Turks (Persian irregulars), commanded by German officers, have blown up the pipe line conveying Persian oil for the use of His Majesty's Government; and will he explain why the British public should not be informed of this fact, as the circumstance is well known both by Germany and Turkey?

I have nothing to add to the answer given by me yesterday to the hon. Member for East Nottingham, of which I will send the Noble Lord a copy.

Did the hon. Gentleman give any reason yesterday why the information was concealed?

No, what I said yesterday was that I was unable to make any further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if any licence to trade in this country has been granted to the German firm of pianoforte makers, Blüthner and Company, of Wig-more Street, London, and of Leipzig. Germany; and, if so, if the same will be withdrawn, as has been done in the case of Bechstein and Company, pianoforte makers, of Wigmore Street, London, and Berlin, Germany?

The answer is in the negative. As Messrs. Blüthner and Company, Limited, are an English registered company with English directors, no licence to trade is required, but the company cannot, of course, trade with Germany and is subject to all the general restrictions imposed by the Trading with the Enemy Acts and Proclamations.

Does it not rather aggravate the case that this German firm have turned themselves into a limited liability company to sell German pianos seeing that the present is the same as the previous firm and that it remains purely a German firm?

No, Sir; I think the hon. Gentleman will see from the answer I have given that, as I understand the case, there are English directors of the company.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the legal prosecution of a firm of engineers engaged at cartridge-making in Armley, Leeds, in which it was shown that a girl under eighteen years of age worked from 6 a.m. on Friday till 7 a.m. on Saturday, when she met with an accident, whilst an older woman worked from 6 a.m. on Friday till 11 a.m. on Saturday; whether he is aware that the Stipendiary Magistrate declined to convict on the ground that he might be limiting the output of ammunition; whether his attention has also been drawn to the death from exhaustion of an artificer at the Small Arms Factory, Enfield, who was stated to have worked eighty and a-half hours a week since August, thirty-two hours a week above normal; and whether he can take steps in co-operation with the military and naval authorities to encourage only such industrial conditions as will not destroy physical health and in the end retard output?

As regards the prosecution of the firm at Leeds, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Bridgeton. I have seen a report of the inquest in the case referred to in the second part of the question. The Home Office has no power to control the hours of adult male workers in factories, but, so far as its powers extend, it has made every endeavour, in consultation with the War Office, and Admiralty, to adapt the conditions of work to the needs of the present emergency, and at the same time to safeguard workers against excessive hours.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that firms in this country having a contract with German firms, although signed in Germany, for the delivery of goods here the delivery of which in consequence of the War is rendered impossible, are having to get their goods manufactured in this country, and when the War is over will be legally compelled to accept delivery of goods from German firms within the terms of the original contract; and, if so, will steps be taken to safeguard British firms from any legal proceedings that may ensue?

The hon. Member will recollect that the Legal Proceedings Against Enemies Act was recently passed for the express purpose of providing a solution of problems similar to that referred to in the question. The solution depends on the facts of each case, but I should not have thought that the consequences suggested by the hon. Member would necessarily follow in the circumstances mentioned.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman know that the opinion of learned counsel has been taken, and that the advice given is directly opposite?

I have offered no opinion whatever. I assume that any opinion that may be given will be given after a full statement of the facts; but I say if the relevant facts are as stated in the question I am surprised that the conclusion should be as suggested.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will now have a Return prepared showing the local committees and other bodies which have received grants of money from the National Relief Fund, and the amounts and dates of such grants?

I understand that the Executive Committee of the National Relief Fund are about to issue a Report which will give the substance of the information desired by the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now supply any further details of the German exports to the United States in January last or in any recent months; the cause of the increase of these exports; the nature of them; and if they were shipped from German ports or through neutral countries?

I will circulate a statement with the Votes. From it the hon. Member will see that during the seven months, August, 1914, to February, 1915, inclusive, the imports into the United States from Germany were valued at £12,222,000, as compared with £23,426,000 during the corresponding months of 1913 and 1914, the decrease being thus 48 per cent. The imports from the United Kingdom were valued at £29,824,000, as compared with £34,413,000 in the earlier period, the decrease being thus only 13 per cent. The imports from Germany, though higher in January, 1915, than in preceding months, owing mainly to large imports of dye-stuffs and fine chemicals, were lower than in the corresponding month of 1914, and showed a heavy decline in February.—[See Written Answers this date.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the report of Messrs. Vickers, Limited, which shows profits at disposal to December last amounting to £1,241,845, and that, after paying ordinary dividend for the year at 12½ per cent., the firm are able to place to reserve a sum of £1,764,000, or £694,000 more than a year ago; whether he is aware that the women employed as belt machinists at the Erith works of this firm are at present asking for an advance of 1d. an hour in cases where their hourly rate is 2½d. or less, and an advance of ½d. an hour where the hourly rate is higher; and that the request has been refused by the firm; whether he will take steps to secure an equitable settlement of a dispute which is causing feeling among the workpeople?

The Chief Industrial Commissioner has had under consideration the dispute to which the hon. Member refers, and arrangements have been made for a meeting between the parties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a fuller statement of policy as to the intention of the Government regarding the supply and price of coal; and to what extent the Government propose to adopt the recommendations of the Departmental Committee?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any steps have been taken to carry out the recommendations of the Committee on the Retail Prices of Coal; and, if so, what has been done; and will he give an early opportunity for the discussion of this matter in the House?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state the steps which are being taken to carry out the recommendations of the Committee appointed by him on the subject of the retail price of coal; and whether any of the recommendations of the Committee have vet been given effect to?

I am in communication with the London County Council regarding the Committee's recommendation in favour of the accumulation of a stock of coal in London. The rates of freight on the interned steamships have been largely reduced. The recommendation regarding the utilisation of prize ships has been brought to the notice of the Prizes Disposal Committee. The recommendation in favour of restricting the export of coal to neutral countries raises very difficult questions which are now receiving my careful consideration. I expect to be able to announce the decision very shortly.

Will my right hon. Friend say why the Government's decision to accumulate coal is confined to London?

The recommendation of the Committee was confined to London.

Does it matter what the Committee recommends?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not it is the intention of the Government to fix a maximum price for coal, seeing, in spite of the high prices, they have done nothing for the last three months?

I must have notice of that question.

asked whether the British Industries Fair to be held in May in the Agricultural Hall is being organised by the Board of Trade; whether representatives of the Board of Trade are now visiting the factories of exhibitors in order to ascertain that the articles to be exhibited are made under conditions which meet with the Board's approval; whether such approval takes into account labour conditions; and, if so, in what way?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. A number of firms and their factories have been visited with a view of ascertaining the nature of the goods to be exhibited and of securing compliance with the regulations drawn up by the Board of Trade to the effect that only British manufacturing firms will be admitted as exhibitors, and that the goods shown must be goods of their own manufacture. There is no question of giving the Board's approval to the conditions of manufacture.

asked the Postmaster-General why letters and par-cols sent to soldiers on active service which are returned to the Post Office as death of the addressee, are not returned through the War Office, or otherwise, to the home address of the deceased to be at the disposal of his representatives; and if he will give directions for this course to be followed in future?

By arrangement with the military authorities, letters and parcels addressed to soldiers on active service which are undelivered on account of the undeliverable on account of the death of the addressees are retained until the casualties have been officially notified by the War Office to the next of kin, and are then returned to the senders, in accordance with the ordinary rule that all undeliverable letters and parcels must be returned to the senders.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been many cases where no name of the sender has been discoverable in the parcel, and that in those cases the parcels have not been returned to the representatives of the addressee; and will he see that in such cases arrangements are made for the representative of the deceased to receive the parcel?

Those cases have not been brought to my notice. I shall certainly make inquiry, and I think it very probable that the course indicated by the right hon. Gentleman will be taken, though I can give him no promise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are a very large number of parcels that have been quite recently dealt with under circumstances such as those suggested by my hon. Friend?

No, Sir. I am not at all aware of it. On one or two occasions information has been conveyed to me of a large number of parcels, here, there, and elsewhere, but on making inquiry as to the existence of these alleged parcels they have been found, in fact, not to exist.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that until quite recently there was an immense accumulation of parcels which had not, in fact, been delivered, lying at the Post Office, and that, I believe, steps were taken to have them conveyed to the Record Office in order that they might be delivered to the personal representatives of the deceased?

Not under the circumstances detailed in the question of the hon. Member opposite.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that cider is regarded as a temperance beverage, is not subject to Excise Duties, and provides the best substitute for intoxicating drinks, steps are being taken to increase the amount, improve the quality, and promote the use of home-produced eider?

I cannot commit myself to the assumption contained in the preamble to the hon. Member's question. I may say, however, that Grants are made by the Board and from the Development Fund for the encouragement of the best methods of cider production, while by proceedings I under the Merchandise Marks Acts and otherwise the Board safeguard genuine cider from the competition of spurious ciders, thus encouraging the manufacture and use of the beverage.

Does the hon. Gentleman, distinctly traverse or deny the preamble of my question?

I am not quite sure how far it is to be regarded as a temperance remedy.

May I ask whether as a matter of fact cider does not contain more spirit than the average beer?

I am informed that that is so.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is no adulteration in connection with cider, but that there is with, beer?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the workmen employed in the Army Ordnance Department at Haul-bowline have not yet received the increase of pay promised them, while the workmen in the Naval Department there have received the increase since October last; and whether he will take steps to place the men in the Ordnance Department on the same level, so far as the increase in wages is concerned, as the men in the Naval Department?

It has been arranged that this increase shall now be given.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to introduce legislation into the Central Provinces for the enforcement of vaccination; and, if so, whether a conscience clause will be introduced into the Vaccination Act as in the case of the English and Scotch Vaccination Acts of 1907?

Compulsory vaccination is already enforceable in municipalities at the request of the Municipal Commissioners and cantonments in the Central Provinces under an Act of 1880. An amending Bill is now proposed extending the power of enforcing compulsory vaccination to certain quasi-municipal areas. It is specified both in the Act and the amending Bill that it is open to any inhabitant of the area to object to the extension, but in neither case is there a conscience clause.

asked what steps the Welsh Commissioners propose to take in the parishes of Llansilin and Rhydycroesan in order to obtain a conclusive expression of their desire to remain within or without the provisions of the Welsh Church Act, in view of the fact that the Commissioners were not satisfied that the votes received in the ballot held in those parishes indicated with sufficient clearness the views of the parishioners?

The Welsh Commissioners inform me that they have this matter under consideration, but have not as yet come to any definite decision.

Has the right hon. Gentleman done anything since the first reported ballot, now something like two months ago?

No; I understand what the Commissioners have done is that they have left the matter alone for the time being. I understand that to be in accordance with the desire of the hon. Member.

Are we to under stand they are leaving the matter alone because they are waiting for the Welsh Church Act (Postponement) Bill?

No, Sir, there was a strong protest against the ballot having been taken. In eighteen cases the ballot was completed and in two other cases it was not, and I assumed it would be in accordance with the wishes of the hon. Member that the ballot should not be taken in those two cases. I represented that view of the matter to the Commissioners. The matter is not entirely in my power.

May we understand, then, that nothing is being done or will be done at present?

I cannot answer for the Commissioners and say definitely that nothing will or will not be done. I represented to the Commissioners what took place in the House of Commons, and they have given me the answer that I have read, that they have not as yet come to any definite decision as to what they will do in the matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is the Association of Poor Law Unions of England and Wales who have not replied to his letter of the 1st February last relative to the loss of income sustained by vaccination officers owing to the operation of the Vaccination Act and Order, 1907: if so, in view of their letter to the Local Government Board of the 24th September. 1909, would he at once take action on the lines then suggested by that association without further delay; and, as there are no vaccination officers members of the Union and Rural District Clerks' Association, what was the nature of his communication to that association on the 1st February last and their reply thereto?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With respect to the second part, my right hon. Friend would prefer to await the reply which it is understood will be received shortly. As regards the last part of the question, similar letters were addressed to the two associations. There would be no advantage at the present time in publishing the reply which has been received.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to see that the matter receives some reasonable consideration from the Local Government Departments concerned?

I have reason to believe that that is the case, and that a reply will shortly be received.

asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the interest taken by the public in Wales in the matter, he will cause to be laid upon the Table of the House the Report of the Committee appointed by the Hoard of Education to report on the University Colleges of Wales and the Report of the Departmental Committee appointed by the Treasury to consider the question of the Welsh School of Medical Research?

It has been thought advisable, in accordance with the usual practice, to defer publication until the Treasury is in a position to arrive at a decision as to the new grants recommended.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, since his appointment in June, 1912, the Agriculture Commissioner for Wales has been required to report annually upon the condition and requirements of agriculture in the Principality; if not, will he instruct the Commissioner to report fully upon the work of the Department in Wales during the years 1912, 1913, and 1914, and upon the relative condition of agriculture in Wales as compared particularly with Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, and Belgium; and whether in the preparation of such Report provision will be made for him to have the collaboration of the Small Holdings Commissioner for Wales and the representative of Wales on the Development Commission, such Report or Reports to be submitted to the House at an early date?

The Agricultural Commissioner has been in constant communication with the Board on the subjects for which he is more particularly responsible, namely, the development of agricultural education and the improvement of live stock in Wales, but he has not been required to present annual reports. The Board will, however, gladly ask him to report upon the progress made since his appointment and upon the present condition of agriculture in Wales. A comparison with the other countries named by my hon. Friend would be interesting, but it would be a long and arduous work, and under present conditions I am afraid it is not practicable. The Board also propose to ask the Small Holdings Commissioner concerned to report on the progress of the small holdings movement in Wales. The constitutional relations between the Board and the Development Commission make it impossible for the representative of Wales on that Commission to collaborate in these reports.