asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has had a letter written at the request of 200 British fishermen now interned in the Ruhleben Camp in Germany; and if he will take steps to effect an exchange of an equal number of German fishermen at present interned in this country?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am afraid that it would be impracticable to arrange an exchange on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how much of the untenanted land acquired by the Congested Districts Board and withheld by them from distribution they are putting under tillage crops this season, in pursuance of the policy of increasing food production; and, if they are tilling more of it than available allottees would till in present circumstances, will he say how much more?

The Congested Districts Board are not putting the untenanted grass lands acquired by them under tillage crops, as to do so would greatly delay the disposal of the land to migrants and to occupiers of congested holdings. The Board have distributed to migrants and in parcels for the enlargement of small holdings upwards of 20,000 acres of untenanted lands during the current financial year. The Board are endeavouring to prepare for sale and to dispose of the untenanted lands in their possession as rapidly as their financial resources and the labour available for the preparation of new holdings permit.

asked what decision has been arrived at by the Congested Districts Board upon the question of employing single fit men of military age upon their various works?

The Congested Districts Board do not think it advisable that their works on which the labourers in their employment are now engaged should be stopped or interfered with. To do so would retard food production and ultimate increase of tillage.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity of tendering any advice upon this matter?

I am not president, but whenever I am there I take the chair. The advice I gave on this occasion was that they should not take any steps to interfere with the desire of the people on their estate to join the Army or to put a stop to work on the estate.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many members constitute the Appeal Tribunal for the county of Lancashire; how many of these have been appointed as representatives of Labour; and is the number of Labour representatives considered to be an adequate representation of Labour on the tribunal and to provide for an adequate representation of Labour on any committees which may be appointed?

The Lancashire Appeal Tribunal consists of thirty-eight members, six of whom were appointed as representatives of Labour. Having regard to the functions of the tribunal, I do not think the Labour representation can be regarded as inadequate.

Are we to conclude from that answer that one-sixth of the representation is considered to be an abundant representation of Labour?

I said I did not think it could be regarded as inadequate. Where there are a great many interests to be represented, I think six Labour representatives is a fair share.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been called to the fact that there is not a single Welsh-speaking Welshman on the Appeal Tribunal for Pembrokeshire; whether he is aware that a large proportion of the inhabitants of that county prefer to give their evidence in Welsh; and whether he has taken any steps to remedy the composition of this tribunal?

I am in communication with the chairman of the Appeal Tribunal on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if he has made strong representations?

I have made it quite clear that there must be no difficulty in receiving the evidence from Welsh-speaking people, but whether that can be better done by having a Welsh member of the tribunal or by the presence of an interpreter I am not in a position to state.

( by Private Notice ): I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether any steps are being taken to classify the cases which are about to be brought before the Central Tribunal with a view to the early hearing of representative cases, so giving guidance to Appeal Tribunals, and avoiding the duplication of work, and the possibility of mutually inconsistent decisions?

I shall be glad to bring the hon. Gentleman's suggestion before the Central Tribunal.

asked whether, in the cases of married men called up for service and who desire to leave their wives and children with relatives, arrangements could be made through the local authorities to provide storing accommodation for furniture by taking over empty buildings and allowing storage of furniture in them for a nominal consideration, sufficient to cover insurance risks, etc., and so save the charge usually made by the regular furniture storing houses?

I should not wish to stand in the way of any such arrangements which a local authority might be willing to make, but it must be understood that local authorities possess no general powers enabling them to act in the way suggested.

Supposing that any local authority was able to make arrangements to give facilities for the storing of this furniture, would it have the approval of the right hon. Gentleman?

Most certainly. It would have my approval and also any assistance I can give them, but my hon. Friend knows that does not prevent local authorities from being attacked by their constituents for doing that which is held to be illegal. I will do anything in my power, and I have no doubt I could facilitate such an arrangement.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received a communication, dated 19th February, complaining that the How-den Rural District Council had altogether ignored the claims of Labour in connection with the appointment of the local tribunal; and whether he will take steps to ensure that a recognised representative of Labour is duly elected to that body?

I am making inquiries in this case.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the claim for exemption by a man who was the sole support of a blind mother, three blind sisters, and a blind brother; and whether, in view of the exigencies of such a case, he can impress upon tribunals that there are other considerations than those of piling up numbers for the Army?

I have heard of a somewhat similar case in which the man proposed to apply for exemption, and I may point out that express provision is made for exemption where serious hardship would arise owing to a man's exceptional domestic position. Tribunals are well aware of this provision.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a statement made at the Girvan Local Tribunal on the 9th instant by a member of the tribunal who said that he would put all conscientious objectors in the front line, and that it was all bunkum about conscientious objectors; and, seeing that the Act provides for exemption on the ground of conscientious objection, whether he will undertake that members of tribunals who are partisan will be removed so as to secure the impartial administration of the Military Service Act?

I have only seen a brief newspaper report. I agree that it would be well if members of all tribunals from the highest would abstain from strong expressions of individual opinions when engaged in performing functions which call for impartiality and a judicial temper. As to the last part of the question, I would point out to my hon. Friend that the members of local tribunals are appointed by the local authorities under the Act.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the commentaries of chairmen of tribunals; whether he is aware that when a conscientious objector at Leominster stated that he believed the power of God to be stronger than his arm the mayor told him to talk sense; whether he is aware that the mayor also upbraided him for his selfishness; whether tribunals are supposed to administer the law or indulge in generalities of this kind; and whether he will take steps to protect appellants from vulgar abuse from the tribunals?

Reference to the cases of conscientious objectors is included in a circular which I am on the point of issuing to the tribunals.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the action of one of the Glasgow local tribunals on the 16th instant in ignoring the instructions issued by him with regard to the exemptions which may be granted to conscientious objectors; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

I have been in communication with the local tribunal on the subject of this question, and I find that they are perfectly aware of their powers under the Act as to granting exemptions to conscientious objectors.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the tribunal takes a view directly contrary to that embodied in his instructions as to their powers?

They do not. I have had the advantage of seeing the chairman of the committee, and I think my hon. Friend has been misled by the report in the papers, which is somewhat ambiguous.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a member of the tribunal has indicated that they are not bound by the instructions, but by their own interpretation of the Act.

That is not included in the question asked.

Yes, it is.

Has the right hon. Gentleman, who has seen the chairman, also seen a deputation of the men to-day?

No, Sir.

Why not?

I really cannot receive deputations appealing from local tribunals, seeing that the law provides a proper appeal.

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that the tribunals now recognise that they have power, if they think fit, to grant complete exemption on the ground of conscientious objection?

I think that the tribunals have always understood that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the deputation did not wish to see him on that point at all?

I understand that the deputation wished to put before me cases of conscientious objection, but as provision is made for appeal, I did not think it would be proper to receive the deputation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the form of appeal is issued in duplicate, one for the local tribunal to send to the Appeal Tribunal and the other to send to the military representative; whether he is aware that on the back of both the local tribunal sets out its reasons for rejection, and that, as a consequence, while the military representative goes to the Appeal Tribunal armed with those reasons, the appellant has no knowledge of the same; and whether, seeing that the military representative and the appellant are both parties to the same case, he can see his way to furnish the appellant with the same information open to the military representative?

The duplicate notice of appeal filled up by the appellant which is to be sent by the local tribunal to the other party to the case does not provide for the entering of the reasons of the local tribunal for their decision.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the facts are as stated in the question, that the military representative has certain facts before him in going to the Appeal Tribunal which the appellant has not? Does he not see that both ought to be in the same position?

According to the Regulations no provision is made for entering the reasons for the decision on that part of the form which is sent to the military representative. If some tribunals have done it they have acted in a way which is not in accordance with the Regulations.

asked the Home Secretary whether Mrs. Nellie Best is now imprisoned in Holloway Prison; whether there is anything exceptional in the treatment which she receives; what is the state of her health; and whether some curtailment of this prisoner's sentence can now be considered?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, Mrs. Best was sentenced to imprisonment in the first division, and there is nothing exceptional in her treatment. As regards the third, she refuses to be examined or to give the medical officer of the prison any assistance in ascertaining her state of health, but so far as he can judge, her health is much the same as it was on her reception in prison. As to the fourth, no sufficient reason has been shown to justify the Home Secretary in recommending any interference with her sentence.

Is this lady in hospital or in an ordinary part of the prison?

I shall require notice of that question.

Is she being forcibly fed, and, if she is being forcibly fed, is she being treated under the "Cat-and Mouse Act"?

Will my hon. Friend please give notice?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been called to a resolution passed unanimously at a meeting of the Lanarkshire branch of the Farmers' Union of Scotland protesting against the action of local tribunals in depleting farms of necessary labour; and, if so, whether further instructions to tribunals will be issued enjoining the necessity of retaining on the land labour which is necessary for the production of food?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for the Louth Division of Lincolnshire.

Is the right hon. Gentleman having regard to those districts where there is a scarcity of women's labour on account of the competition of munition work?

Of course that must be an element on the question as to whether they are essential and irreplaceable.

That arises here.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in respect of the period of postponement voluntarily attested men are being worse treated than conscripts under the Military Service Act; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have his promise carried out that both classes will, as far as possible, be placed on an equal footing?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War to the hon. Member for Tower Hamlets on the 16th March. If my hon. Friend has any special case of hardship in mind I shall be happy to have it looked into, if he will send me particulars.

asked under what statute the police kept some business premises in Cork closed during a portion of last week, in the absence of disturbance or proclamation; when will the innocent articles, including business documents and a cheque written in Irish, taken from houses under pretence of a raid for arms, be returned to their respective owners; and whether the boxes, drawers, and presses broken open on that occasion will be repaired by the police or executive?

I am informed that the police did not keep any business premises in Cork closed during a portion of last week, but that on the 14th instant the premises of John Jennings, William Shorten, and Thomas Curtin, which are usually opened at 9 a.m., were searched at 8 a.m. under No. 51 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The question of the ultimate disposal of the documents seized on the occasion and at present retained by the police is being considered. No boxes, drawers, or presses were broken open by the police.

asked the Home Secretary what offence is alleged against each of the British-born subjects now in prison without trial or legal accusation; if a crime, and the evidence good, what is the reason for denying a trial; and what is the statutory authority for this imprisonment without trial?

I cannot add anything to the full statement which the Home Secretary made to the House in debate on the 2nd of this month.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds Councillor Lane, of Cork, has been deprived of the Commission of the Peace; and what action he proposes to take with reference to that case?

Mr. Lane has been deprived of the Commission of the Peace by the Lord Chancellor of Ireland for having made use in public of expressions inconsistent with the position of a magistrate, and I do not propose to take any action in the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Councillor Lane opposed in the council a motion to confer the freedom of the city of Cork upon the Lord Chancellor, and that this is the cause of his removal?

I do not think so. There were other reasons intervening.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the inadequacy of old age pensions due to the present rise in prices, he has considered the question of making recommendations to the local authorities; and whether he has taken any action in connection therewith?

The amount of the old age pension is determined by statute. It could not be increased by any recommendations which I might make to local authorities.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the introduction of legislation to relieve the disabilities attached to old age pensioners receiving relief from the local authorities?

It does not come within my functions. The Old Age Pensions Act is a Treasury Act, and they administer it. I only act in a very minor capacity, and any legislation would have to be introduced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Would legislation to relieve the disqualification of persons who have received relief from the local authorities be required to be introduced by another person or Department?

Yes, by the Treasury.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many Belgians have been compulsorily enlisted in the Belgian Army in this country in accordance with the arrangements given by him in this House on 10th November, 1915?

I do not think it would be in the public interest to give the figures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in a recent interview with a representative of an American newspaper, he stated that an Order in Council was about to be issued prohibiting the import into the United Kingdom of bulky luxuries in order to provide room on ships for necessaries; and if he will say whether hops will be included among the bulky luxuries to be prohibited by the Order in Council referred to?

A Proclamation prohibiting the importation of certain goods was issued on Tuesday, and a Proclamation relating to further classes of goods will be issued very shortly. The question of hops is under consideration, but it will not be included in the next Proclamation, which will deal with manufactured goods.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the fact that the import of hops last year required 2,500,000 cubic feet of space, and that the same space would have sufficed for the import of 53,000 tons of wheat and 52,000 tons of sugar?

If worked out on that basis, I have no doubt that the hon. and learned Gentleman's arithmetic is correct, but I am not aware that the wheat and the sugar would have come in the same vessel.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say what proportion of the share capital of the colliery near Chislet, Kent, which was known before the War as the Anglo-West-phalian Colliery Company, is held by aliens; whether he is aware that a German named Peritz, who was formerly managing director, recently visited the works; why this gentleman has not been interned; if he is aware that no coal is being raised at this colliery, but that development work is being carried on by labour which, if the colliery were closed, would be released for work of greater national importance; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Less than 1 per cent. of the share capital of the Chislet Colliery, Limited, is held by enemies. There is a further indirect interest of enemies in the company owing to their holding shares in another company which is a shareholder of the Chislet Colliery, Limited, but the proportion is small. I have no information as to any visit to the works by the former managing director, who, as a matter of fact, was interned on 24th July last and has not since been released. As regards the part of the question relating to the employment of labour on development work, I will consult the Home Office.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say whether supplies of fine sugar were recently stopped by the Government; if he is aware that for this alleged reason one large retailer in Bradford was unable to obtain deliveries of this class of sugar for seven weeks, and was kept without stock for two weeks, although the Royal Commission were at the time quoting the price wholesale and retail as if this class of sugar was on sale; and whether he will arrange that when the supply is stopped in future a public announcement shall be made to avoid misunderstanding between the public and retail traders as to the cause of the stoppage?

The reply to the first part of this question is in the negative, and it is not anticipated that the contingency mentioned in the second part will arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in many cases wholesale grocers, as a condition to the sale of sugar, are stipulating that the purchasing retailer should also purchase tea, often of a specific brand, and that this stipulation is consequently imposed by the retailer on the public who are thereby compelled to buy a brand of tea which they do not desire, and further to buy tea in excess of their requirements; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Any such cases should be reported to the Secretary of the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply, when they will at once be investigated. The practice, however, of selling sugar to purchasers of other goods, unless abused, may act as a safeguard against undue purchases by those members of the public who desire to accumulate stocks in order that they shall not have to share in any economy that the national interest may require.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not in the national interest to impose such a system upon poor people?

Yes. Of course if there is a reduction in the total sale of sugar it is quite obvious that it must affect all classes. The reduction will not be permanent. It will not go further. So long as it does last I hope that all classes will show themselves willing to bear it.

Is it not more likely that the probable result of this will be to compel poor people to buy a class of tea they do not want and in excess of what they want, and is not that grossly undesirable?

The question put to me is dealing with wholesale grocers.

No.

This is primarily a matter for the wholesale grocers. The supplies come from the, wholesale grocers. That was the question. Of course, any case in which this practice is abused—in fact, every case—will be inquired into by the Sugar Commission.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that this is a practice which is in force all over the country and is growing, and that the injustice is very great?

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered that the obligation to purchase other articles may be used indirectly as a means of increasing the price of sugar?

Yes, I am aware of that, but the shortage of sugar, I trust, will be only quite temporary—that is, the shortage on the present scale. It is due to the shortage of shipping. I think that the shortage on the present scale will be over almost immediately, and then I trust that troubles of this kind will disappear.

Does that mean that the shortage of shipping is going to be reduced?

No; it refers to the shipping available at particular times and particular places for the transport of sugar. I think that the difficulties have now been overcome.

asked the names of the members of the Sugar Committee; and if they are dealing directly with the public or only advising the Board of Trade?

The names of the members of the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply appeared in the Gazette of 11th September, 1914. The Commission is carrying on its work independently of the Board of Trade, and deals with the members of the public so far as they are concerned with the sugar trade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether, in view of the importance of sugar as an article of food in the form of preserves and similar products, he is taking any special steps to restrict the consumption of sugar in the form of articles of luxury like confectionery in a larger degree than in the form of articles of food; and (2) whether, in restricting the supplies of sugar to preserve makers to 75 per cent. of their previous consumption, he took into consideration the probable effect of such a measure in increasing the price of jam much more than proportionately to the increase in the price of sugar and in depressing the price of fruit below an economic level and ruining fruit-growers; and whether he has secured from any competent authority a report of the comparative effects of artificial restriction of the consumption in various trades?

I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestions in mind, but I do not think that action on the lines proposed by him is necessary at the present time.

When there is a shortage of sugar is restriction being imposed upon articles of food and upon articles of luxury in the same proportion?

It is at the present time, but I hope the present shortage will not be a lasting shortage.

If it lasts will that be revised?

If it lasts we will have to reconsider the whole circumstances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether and, if so, to what extent the supplies of sugar to brewers are being restricted?

Brewers' sugars have not been included in the scope of the operations of the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply.

May I ask whether that is being reconsidered?

No, we do not propose to do so. Brewers' sugars are dealt with under my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade's Regulations with regard to the prohibition of imports.

Where does he get the sugar? Does he not get it from the right hon. Gentleman?

No, we do not give it.

Is it imported separately?

Yes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that there has been a shortage of sugar in all parts of the country, and that the price has been increased over and above that promised by the Government; and if he can give the reasons why sugar is being held back by the Government?

It has been found necessary to restrict sugar supplies in order to be in a position to economise in the use of tonnage employed in the import of that commodity. Any cases of overcharge reported to the Sugar Commission will be investigated by them.

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that the Government promised, some long time ago, that the price of sugar should not exceed 4d. per 1b., and that now 5d. and 5½d. is being charged?

I think that since the time to which my hon. Friend refers the price of sugar has been raised by the Government to 4½d. I am informed that the general retail price now is 4½d.

No.

You go and buy a pound of sugar outside, and see what you have to pay.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether British ships are during the War taking out to the West African Colonies cargoes of spirits which used to be taken in German ships; whether he can state from what ports in Europe the spirits are exported, and in what quantities they were imported into the Colonies of Sierra Leone, Gold Coast, and Nigeria, respectively, during the calendar year 1915; and whether he can give an assurance that this trade is now restricted?

Before the War spirits were, like other goods, conveyed to West Africa by British and by German vessels. A large proportion of the exports, though shipped at Hamburg, were of Dutch manufacture. At present, I understand, the port of Rotterdam is the only important port of export, and the spirits are carried by British vessels only. The imports of spirits into the three Colonies referred to, stated in hectolitres of pure alcohol, were, in 1915:

asked if the Government insurance scheme against damage by aircraft or bombardment covers damage which may be occasioned to property on shore by the explosion of mines of German or British origin which may drift upon the coast, as has already happened on more than one occasion?

asked whether in view of the fact that mines have washed ashore on the East Coast and exploded, thereby causing damage to property, compensation will be given to the owners of the property in question, or whether the loss caused by mines exploding will be recognised as a basis of claim under the Government's scheme of insurance against damage by aircraft and bombardment?

Damage to property on land, caused by mines which are washed ashore is not covered by the policies issued under the Government aircraft and bombardment insurance scheme.

Does the Government propose to do anything to meet this case, because the people hurt by it see little difference between a shell or bomb dropped from a ship and a mine which drifts ashore?

The question is put to me purely as a matter of insurance. The policies which have been issued relate to a strictly defined area, and we should have to extend the area of our insurance in the directions indicated by the hon. Gentleman.

Does not Question 17 directly ask whether the loss caused by mines exploding will be recognised as a basis of claim? Does not that mean in future? Will not the right hon. Gentleman answer that question?

Yes, I have answered it.

asked whether the clerical staff of the Labour Exchanges and unemployment insurance department requested on the 8th February that the question of the grant of a war bonus be referred to arbitration; if so, whether such request has been granted; and, if a reply has not been accorded, whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to agree to arbitration in this case?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The request is still under consideration by His Majesty's Government.

asked the names and nationalities prior to 1st August, 1914, of the members of the Diamond Committee?

The Diamond Exports Committee consists of Mr. A. Mosely, C.M.G., Mr. L. Breitmeyer, and Mr. V. A. Litkie. Mr. Mosely and Mr. Litkie were British subjects at the date mentioned. Mr. Breitmeyer was naturalised in October, 1914. I understand that he is of German birth, but he has lived in this country for many years.

I take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the loyal and conscientious way in which the members of the Committee have performed their work.

asked the names of the British shipowners who have during the past twelve months handed over British trawlers on time-charter to subjects of other countries?

It was explained to the hon. Gentleman on 16th March that this information was supplied for Government purposes only, and therefore could not properly be published without the consent of the parties concerned. Moreover, I do not think that publication could serve any useful purpose.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he has received any reports on the steel helmets supplied to the troops; if these reports are satisfactory; and, if so, whether the necessary steps are being taken to see that all our soldiers are provided with such helmets?

Reports of a very satisfactory nature have been received on the steel helmets, and the necessary steps have been taken to obtain a supply sufficient to meet the requirements of the War Office. Over 300,000 have already been delivered.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he can state what progress has been made in the provision of steel helmets for troops in the field; whether a satisfactory pattern has at length been definitely approved; and whether he can give any explanation of the delay that has occurred in the issue of orders for the manufacture of this necessary article of equipment?

A satisfactory pattern was approved some five months ago. Changes are being made to meet the improvements suggested by experience. No avoidable delay has taken place in dealing with the matter. As I have already pointed out, over 300,000 of them have been supplied.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole of the French Army, which is much larger than the British Army, has been completely equipped with these helmets?

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the investigations of the Inventions Department of the Ministry of Munitions have resulted in the adoption and manufacture of devices which can be utilised for the advantage of the country in the conduct of the War; and whether any such devices are actually in use?

It would not be in the public interest to enter into details with regard to the work of the Munitions Inventions Department, but I can assure my hon. Friend that practical results of value have already been obtained, and more are in prospect.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he can state the reasons why the men who are doing excavating and concreting work on the new building at Enfield Small Arms Factory are not having their unemployed books stamped?

My right hon. Friend has inquired into this matter, and finds that the failure to pay unemployment insurance contributions in this case was due to a misunderstanding. Steps have now been taken to put the matter in order.

asked the Minister of Munitions the nature of the arrangement between himself and Mrs. Pankhurst for the women's demonstration at Westminster for which they were jointly responsible; the limit, if any, fixed upon the liability of public funds for the expenditure thereon; whether any such limit has been reached or exceeded; and whether the balance of £205 7s. 11d. remaining due to one trader for goods supplied for that demonstration is to be paid out of public funds?

I have nothing to add to the replies already given on this subject.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the question on the Paper, whether the balance is to be paid out of public funds?

There is no balance.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the approval of the Treasury was obtained for the expenditure out of public money on the women's demonstration organised at Westminster by the Minister of Munitions and Mrs. Pankhurst; what limit was fixed on the amount; what requirement as to vouchers; and who constituted the Treasury when the approval was given?

The Treasury approved generally expenditure within certain limits on advertising and propaganda in respect of munition work at the discretion of the Minister of Munitions, and consequently were not concerned with specific proposals falling within those limits.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the amount was that the Treasury sanctioned?

I think that question should be addressed to the Minister of Munitions.

He has refused to answer it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, "who constituted the Treasury when the approval was given"?

If the hon. Gentleman had done me the favour of listening to my answer he would see that the answer to the first part is in the negative, and therefore I assumed there was no occasion to answer the latter part.

Is there any means of finding out the exact amount?

Yes, it would certainly appear in the report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to doubt that the money was usefully spent in the public interest?

asked the Home Secretary if an alien enemy of the name of Joseph Mock is allowed to carry on his business in London; and if he will state the reason why he has not been interned?

This man is an Austrian who has been resident for many years in this country and has a British wife and children. He was exempted from internment after careful inquiries and on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee.

What was the reason for exemption?

The case was brought before the Advisory Committee, and the Home Office acted upon the advice of the committee, who were appointed to advise the Department.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that it has been part of the policy of the Air Department of the Admiralty in recent months to use trained pilots for clerical work; and whether, in the interests of the country, he will take steps to secure that men trained at great expense, and who are anxious to fulfil their true professional duties, shall not be employed on comparatively unskilled work?

Since the establishment of the Air Department it has been necessary to employ trained pilots in the administrative work of the Department in the same manner as, for instance, qualified gunnery and torpedo officers are employed in the Naval Ordnance Department. The Admiralty fully recognise the importance of not withdrawing pilots from the active work for which they have been trained, and this point is kept constantly in mind.

Is it not the fact that 130 pilots have been employed at the Air Department in clerical work owing to the scarcity of clerks?

It is not the policy to employ pilots medically fit on purely clerical duties. They have other duties. Certain of these, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, are employed on the dangerous work of testing new machines. Certain of them are medically unfit, having been incapacitated by accidents. But as I have said, the whole matter is being kept in mind.

Was the First Lord aware of the fact that so many pilots were employed as clerks when he said that they were short of pilots?

Is it true that 130 of these people were employed as stated by the hon. Member?

The hon. Member did not state that.

Yes, he did.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the statement of Lord Derby that, as chairman of the Air Committee, he possesses neither power nor responsibility, he will inform the House exactly what are the functions of the Committee and what duties devolve upon it; will he state how often it meets; and what practical results are expected from its deliberations?

With reference to the first and third parts of the question I would refer the hon. Member to a speech of my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War in this House on the 16th February last, in which he announced the formation of a "Joint Air Committee" and indicated its duties. The functions and powers of this Committee were more particularly described in a speech made in another place on the 10th of this month by my Noble Friend the Marquess of Lansdowne. In regard to the second part of the question, the Committee meet as often as will conduce to the most efficient transaction of their business. At present they meet about twice a week.

Is it proposed that their duties and powers shall be increased?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give an assurance to the House that the Allied raid on Zeebrugge was not, so far as this country is concerned, an isolated and sporadic act of offensive air warfare, but is part of a well-considered plan for vigorous and repeated attacks on enemy aircraft bases and other points of strategic importance?

The Government have every intention of using to the utmost the air resources at their disposal for offensive as well as defensive operations.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to a protest of the National Union of Ship Stewards, etc., with regard to the employment of Chinese on the Admiralty transport "Highland Monarch"; whether he is aware that, although British seamen were available, the signing on of these Chinamen has been defended by the Director of Transports on the ground that they were from Hong Kong, and therefore came within the term British-coloured; whether he is aware that when the agreement of November, 1915, that British seamen should have preference was entered into it was understood that this pretext would not be used; and whether, in order to avoid any friction, he will take steps to see that the agreement is strictly adhered to?

The Admiralty notice of November, 1915, was worded as follows:

"In Admiralty transports, crews should so far as possible be either British or British coloured.

No other nationalities should be engaged unless, it is found impossible without delay to the Transport Service to secure crews of British and British, coloured persons.

This rule shall not necessarily apply in the case of any ship which at the time of requisitioning had on board a crew of Asiatics signed on at an. Asiatic port."

Inquiry showed that a full crew of British firemen was not available when the crew was engaged in Liverpool. In these circumstances the employment of other ratings became necessary, and as this, vessel has been accustomed for years past to carry Chinese no reason was, or is now seen, for not allowing Hong Kong Chinamen to be employed.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the strain that has been put upon bank clerks since the outbreak of war, and that holidays during that period have been reduced to a minimum, and Saturday being a half-holiday, he will consider the possibility of declaring 22nd April, the Saturday before Easter Sunday, a Bank Holiday?

Yes, Sir, the Government have decided to make the 22nd April a Bank Holiday.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to adopt the Report of Lord Sydenham's Committee on Venereal Diseases; and, considering that history shows a recrudescence of this disease at the end of every great war, whether he will take steps to put into immediate action the recommendations of this Committee?

The recommendations of the Royal Commission are now under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to secure that on the discussion of the Army (Annual) Bill some time will be given, or some opportunity afforded, for dealing with this question?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the fact that Professor J. H. Longford, formerly His Majesty's Consul in Japan, at the beginning of the War vainly offered his gratuitous services to four Departments of the Government; and whether the services of this gentleman and of many other retired and pensioned officials could be utilised with great advantage to the State by setting free men of military age in Government Departments, and also effecting a substantial reduction in public expenditure?

I have seen Professor Longford's letter in the "Times." I can assure the hon. Member that the services of retired Civil servants are utilised in Government Departments wherever possible.

If retired Civil servants again offer their services, will they be accepted?

I am perfectly certain that, where suitable, their services will be employed. I know that they are employed to a great extent.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is able at present to give the date of the day to be allotted to the Debate on the salary of the Secretary of State for War?

I cannot yet name a date.

asked whether any part of the salary of the Secretary of State for War is paid out of contributions obtained directly from Egypt?

No part of the salary of the Secretary of State for War is paid out of contributions obtained directly from Egypt.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in regard to new appointments to posts in the War Office, it is thought advisable, in cases where the appointees have relinquished positions carry- ing higher salaries than those of their new offices, to pay them at the higher rate; whether, if this system be approved, it will be extended to privates in the Army; and whether, if legislation be necessary to secure this extension, he will ascertain the probabilities of a Bill to that purpose being accepted as an agreed measure?

Each case of this character is dealt with on its merits.

Does that mean that the Secretary of State for War is taking money which he has not earned, and in what grade of the hierarchy do the principles of common honesty obtain?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board contemplate the early issue of a comprehensive handbook or pamphlet giving advice upon the various details of British poultry raising and egg production?

A pamphlet of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend is now in the Press, and will shortly be published at the price of 3d., post free.

asked what was the import into the United Kingdom of dead poultry in hundredweights and eggs in long hundreds in the years ending March, 1914 and 1915, respectively?

The imports of dead poultry into the United Kingdom for the two years referred to were 258,158 cwts. and 175,638 cwts., respectively, and the imports of eggs for the same periods were 21,996,408 and 16,374,281 great hundreds, respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any details of the Treasury bills now being issued by the German Government as to the dates of maturity, denominations, rate of interest, and issue price?

I have no information on these points.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the sum allowed by way of discount to individual subscribers who paid up in full on application to the 3½ per cent. and 4½ per cent. War Loans is assessed to Income Tax?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for the St. Augustine's Division of Kent on the 14th July last. It depends upon the particular circumstances of each case whether the discount should be treated as capital or income.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the Section under which the charge is regulated?

I can if the hon. Gentleman will give notice.