asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now obtained information from the British Embassy in Paris concerning the Durk-heim Commission on Aliens in France, concerning the policy of the French Govern- ment on the repatriation or deportation of allied citizens, and concerning the permission given to Russians in France to proceed to America?

Inquiry has been made of His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, and as soon as a reply is received I will inform the hon. Member.

Will the Noble Lord inform the House also, because I have another question on the subject?

Of course. I shall inform the House if the hon. Member thinks it necessary.

I do.

asked whether the Japanese Government has asked that Japanese subjects in the British Empire of military age should be returned to Japan to join the Japanese Army; and whether the Japanese Government has been asked to deport British subjects of military age now in Japan?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked whether the Portuguese Government has asked that Portuguese subjects in the British Empire of military age should be returned to Portugal to join the Portuguese army; and whether the Portuguese Government has been asked to deport British subjects of military age now in Portugal?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked, in view of the admitted facts that the importation of foodstuffs by the Neutral Relief Commission makes Belgian products available for the Germans, and the distribution of these foodstuffs is being used as a means of obtaining forced labour in Belgium, what action the Government propose to take?

I cannot agree that the facts alleged are admitted, and there is consequently no ground for suggesting that His Majesty's Government should change their policy.

Has the Government not admitted that the distribution of foodstuffs has been used as a means of obtaining forced labour, and has Dot the Foreign Office issued a communication to the Press to that effect?

I do not think so. If the hon. Member reads the communication I do not think he will come to the conclusion that it means that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he can state, for the period from 31st October, 1915 to 30th June, 1916, the amount distributed by the Neutral Relief Commission in Belgium by way of separation allowances and other similar charges on behalf of the Belgian Government, the value of foodstuffs, etc., distributed by way of relief to the civil population, and the value of foodstuffs sold by the Commission; how payment is made for the purposes of the exchange in respect of these sales; and whether and, if so, to what extent goods are exported from Belgium as payment for the goods sold by the Commission?

The total expenditure of the Relief Commission in Belgium from the 31st October, 1915, to the 31st May, 1916, was £6,471,399 12s. 3d. As regards values of foodstuffs, I am having copies of all the Relief Commission's published Reports placed in the Library of the House, where they can be consulted for such information. For the most part, the Commission does not operate exchanges in respect of money received by it in Belgium from the sale of foodstuffs, but it does do so to a comparatively small extent by receiving outside Belgium moneys for transfer to persons in Belgium, the moneys thus received being devoted to the purchase of foodstuffs outside Belgium, while equivalent payments are made in Belgium out of the proceeds of the sale of foodstuffs to the persons to whom the money was to be transferred. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, with the possible exception of small amounts of articles, such as lace, which the Commission has occasionally been able to export and sell for the benefit of its funds.

Can the Noble Lord say the exact amount of the proceeds of the sale of foodstuffs in Belgium?

No, Sir; I cannot answer that without notice.

But it is on the Paper.

I am very sorry I did not notice the inquiry as to the specific amount.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the importance of establishing between this country and the United States complete confidence and cordial relations, he will advise the abolition or modification of the present censorship on news?

I do not think that there is any reason to suppose that the censorship as now exercised in regard to Press messages to the United States of America is at all likely to interfere with the confidence and cordial relations between the two countries The censorship is established for military reasons and its abolition or modification cannot be recommended except on military grounds.

May I ask if the Noble Lord heard the Prime Minister remark the other day that it was necessary there should be the freest interchange of opinion?

I do not think there is anything inconsistent in what I have just said and what the Prime Minister said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether news which has already been passed by the Censor in regard to circulation in this country is liable to a further censorship before publication in Australia; and whether, in view of the importance of maintaining complete mutual confidence, he will advise the relaxation of the regulations of the Censor with reference to Australia, and encourage a free draught of public opinion, to and from, between this country and the Dominions generally?

Telegrams received in Australia are subject to censorship there. I see no reason for suggesting any alteration of the existing system.

But the question specifically asks, is there a censorship in addition to the censorship exercised with reference to this country?

In reference to what the hon. Member is asking, at any rate reports of proceedings in this House are not subject to any censorship.

Yes, but that is only part of the question. I ask a specific question, and I ask for a precise answer. In addition to the censorship exercised with regard to news in this country, is there a censorship intervening before that news reaches Australia?

I will make quite certain and let the hon. Member know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether when the offer of the cession of Cyprus was made to Greece it was made a condition that the burden of the tribute was to be transferred to that country?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the need for adequate provision for patients in advanced infectious stages of tuberculosis in Ireland; whether he is aware that the effectiveness of the work of the local committees is seriously hampered by such cases spreading infection; and whether immediate steps will be taken to secure proper provision for such cases?

The importance of securing the isolation of patients in an advanced stage of tuberculosis has been duly recognised by the Irish Local Government Board, who have lost no opportunity of bringing the subject to the attention of the county councils. The matter, however, is complicated by the necessity of affording accommodation for such cases in reasonable proximity to their homes, as well as by difficulties of finance and management which would result from the establishment of numerous specialised institutions. The recommendation which the Board have addressed to all county councils has proceeded on the lines of the utilisation of the union isolation hospitals for this purpose by means of their transfer from the boards of guardians to the sanitary authorities, and their subsequent adaptation for the reception of advanced tuberculosis patients. This suggestion is receiving attention.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Local Government Board have yet adopted a scheme for the domiciliary treatment of tuberculosis patients in Ireland; if he is aware that the Local Government Board suspended the domiciliary part of schemes adopted by county committees in Ireland pending the preparation of an All-Ireland scheme; and whether, in the event of an All-Ireland scheme not being put into operation at once, the Local Government Board will permit county committees who have adopted domiciliary schemes of their own to put such schemes into operation at once?

Domiciliary treatment of tuberculous patients is being carried out under the schemes of a number of county councils, but the Irish Local Government Board have advised the councils to proceed tentatively in this matter, pending the complete organisation of their dispensary arrangements. In a few instances the Board, in accordance with instructions from the Treasury by whom half the net cost of approved schemes for the treatment of tuberculosis is recouped, have taken exception to a monetary allowance for the purchase of ordinary subsistence for a tuberculosis patient under domiciliary treatment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the domiciliary treatment of patients cost 10s. as against a much larger amount per week for sanatorium treatment; that there are a number of cases in Ireland which are fit for home treatment; and whether this scheme of the Local Government Board will be put into operation at once?

I will bear in mind what the hon. Member has said.

asked the Home Secretary whether Major Price, who is acting as intelligence officer at Army headquarters, is still county inspector of Carlow and drawing the salary of that office; if he will state who is at present performing the duties of Major Price as county inspector, and what salary is such person receiving for such duties; what salary Major Price receives as county inspector and the total amount of all payments made to Major Price from military sources since his appointment as intelligence officer; and if Major Price since his appointment as county inspector of Car-low never performed any of the duties of that office while receiving full salary from the date of his appointment?

Major Price's position continues to be as explained, in reply to the hon. Member's question of the 23rd March last. Pending Major Price's release from military duties the supervision of the county of Carlow has been entrusted to the county inspector of the adjoining county of Wicklow, who is in receipt of his ordinary rate of pay only. Major Price's annual pay as county inspector is at present £370, with the usual allowances for lodging and servant. From the date in August, 1914, on which he took up military duty to the end of last month he has drawn about £526 in subsistence allowance, this being a charge on military funds. The reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative, as Major Price remains an officer of the constabulary, receiving no military pay.

Has he ever performed any duties in the county for which he receives his salary?

No, I understand he has not taken up his active appointment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that practically the whole of the shops of the country kept open on Whit Monday, the shop workers foregoing their holiday without extra remuneration; and whether the Government will recommend that, in lieu of Whit Monday, Tuesday, 8th August, should be observed as a holiday in the distributive trade.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for West Carmarthenshire on Monday last.

Seeing that these shop workers on the last occasion worked without any extra remuneration at all, cannot the Home Office recommend to employers on this occasion that, if they do work the extra day, they should at least be paid for it?

I will consider that suggestion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of those working in shops had the extra holiday?

asked the Home Secretary if he can say whether Mr. Sehmer, of Toat Farm, Pulborough, was one of the three naturalised British subjects of whom the late Home Secretary stated on the 9th of June, 1915, that an Order in Council to cover those cases was then being obtained; whether he is aware that Sehmer, a German naturalised shortly before the outbreak of war, is connected with the family of that name owning one of the largest armament factories in Germany; if he will ascertain and state the result of the inquiry about this man promised by the late Under-Secretary of State for War on the 19th of May, 1915; if he will say whether Sehmer has ever been interned under the Order in Council referred to; if he is aware that Sehmer is now residing in a house facing the sea at 21, South Terrace, Littlehampton; and whether, having regard to the circumstances mentioned, it is proposed to allow this man of hostile origin and association to remain uninterned?

Mr. Sehmer, by reason of his German origin, could be dealt with under the Defence of the Realm Regulation 14B if there was reason to think that, for the purpose of securing the public safety or the defence of the realm, it was necessary to place restrictions upon him. Mr. Sehmer has not been interned under this Regulation and the consideration which has been given in his case by the proper authorities has not disclosed any reason for interning him. Mr. Sehmer is not residing and has not resided at Littlehampton; he has only been there for short visits while his British-born wife and family were staying there recently for a few weeks. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland communicated with the hon. Member as to the inquiry referred to.

No.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the shooting of Malachy Brennan by soldiers in Capel Street; whether he has received statements of fact concerning this case; and whether he will have a public inquiry into the matter?

asked whether an impartial inquiry will be held into the action of a company of one Sherwood Foresters, under command of Captain Jackson, in destroying property to the value of £15 on the night of the 13th May last while in forcible possession of St. Clare's Hall, Manorhamilton, county Leitrim, having regard to the fact that a number of independent witnesses are prepared to give sworn testimony that the damage was done while the military were in sole possession and that it could not have been done by outsiders; and whether the temperance society to whom the property belonged will be compensated for the damage sustained?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the Bedfordshire branch of the Farmers' Union wrote to his Department calling attention to the fact that one of their members had been threatened with arrest for protesting against the destruction of his crops by soldiers, when immediately adjoining was grass land which could have been utilised, and giving full particulars of the name of the officer and his unit, at the same time stating that they had been unable to get any satisfaction from the officer commanding the Signal Service Training Centre at Woburn; and, if so, will he say what action was taken by his Department in dealing with the Farmers' Union and in dealing with the officer involved?

Inquiry into both these matters has been instituted, and to save time and to avoid delay the hon. Gentlemen will receive the results by letter as soon as they are received.

Will there be any publication of the proceedings at the trial?

As soon as information is received it will be sent out.

Will independent evidence be taken?

I cannot answer that.

asked when the five prisoners arrested at Manorhamilton on the 14th May by the military, who had no connection with the recent disturbances, will be released?

It is not desirable in the public interest to give information beforehand about the release, or recommendations for release, of individual prisoners.

asked if all or any of the four Boylan brothers (Edward, John, Joseph, and Peter), natives of Dunboyne, county Meath, have been released; what was the crime they were arrested for; and if the fact that they were prominent members of the Gaelic Athletic Association had anything to do with their detention?

A prisoner named John Boylan was released on the 18th instant. I have no information about the other three; they do not appear to have been interned.

asked when the Irish prisoners are likely to be released; and if he has any further recommendations from the Advisory Committee?

asked for the number of cases of interned Irish prisoners inquired into by the Advisory Committee; how many they have recommended for release; and how many have actually been discharged from prison?

The Advisory Committee inform me that they have now dealt with between 1,200 and 1,300 cases. They have so far recommended to me the release of 860 men and two women. Releases are taking place daily, as the necessary arrangements can be made, and the number actually discharged up to the present time is about 500.

Why is there always such a long delay between the time when the Committee recommend release and the Home Secretary taking action?

I sign the orders for release the moment I receive the recommendation from the Committee, and sometimes it takes a litle time to make the transport arrangements.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that that "little time" generally means a fortnight or three weeks?

Could some announcement not be made to the relatives of the people who have been released?

I am afraid that would only be inviting a demonstration.

In view of the fact that it will take several months to go through all the cases at the present rate cannot something be done to expedite matters when so many releases are taking place?

I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. I hope that all the cases will have been dealt with in a few days from now.

asked when P. T. Daly, Arthur Griffiths, Shaun T. Kelly, and William O'Brien (Dublin Trades Council), Irish prisoners, are likely to be released?

The cases of these four prisoners are tinder the consideration of the Advisory Committee, and I have not yet received any recommendation with respect to them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman speed up the Advisory Committee in regard to these four gentlemen, as they are due to attend a Labour Congress which takes place next month?

If the hon. Member will be good enough to write me particulars about the conference I will see if any exceptional steps can be taken.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on Wednesday of last week a portion of the residence near Macroom, county Cork, of Captain Phillips was disfigured with tar, the emblems of the Irish republic painted on it, and shots fired; and whether, beyond the recruiting activities of Captain Phillips since the outbreak of War, there is any reason assigned for the occurrence?

The occurrence described in the question has, I regret to say, taken place, and probably for the reason stated. The police have made inquiries, but have not yet been able to discover the perpetrator.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience to the public and damage to Government property, the result of republican processions and demonstrations in the city and district of Cork; whether he is aware that during the past week the windows of the recruiting offices in the city of Queenstown have been broken, parties of soldiers made the objects of hostile demonstrations, and constabulary pelted; and will he say what action do the Irish Government propose to take to put an end to such disturbances?

As regards the incident in Cork on the 13th instant, I would refer to the reply which I gave yesterday to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds. Again on the 14th instant in Cork, during a parade of some youthful demonstrators, three police were struck by eggs or oranges thrown by persons in the crowd, which dispersed immediately on the police being ordered to draw batons. On the same day, at Queenstown, members of a crowd of 500 which had assembled to welcome released prisoners hissed in passing some military officers and pulled down a recruiting notice. No windows were broken on the occasion. The police are taking steps to prevent such occurrences in future.

Is there any place in the British Empire outside Ireland where such processions would be allowed?

That is a question which the Home Secretary cannot be expected to answer.

asked the Home Secretary if he can give any reason why the Government refuse to give Miss Molony, Miss Ryan, and Miss Kearney, Irish prisoners, the right of trial by judge and jury; if he will say why they are not granted the same right of legal defence as that granted in every civilised country in the world; and if he will say what the Government have to fear by allowing women a public trial?

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave the hon. Member on the 17th July in answer to a similar question.

Have the Government considered this question not from the narrow but from a broad point of view?

That is a matter for argument.

asked why Mr. James Hogan, stationer, of Tipperary, was arrested by the police and detained in the military prison from the 5th to the 8th instant on a charge of having exhibited in his window picture postcards bearing photographs of Sinn Fein leaders, in view of the fact that exactly similar postcards have been permitted to be exhibited in stationers' windows in Dublin and other cities and towns throughout Ireland; and if he will explain why this trader has been subjected to exceptional treatment?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his similar question on the 18th instant.

The right hon. Gentleman has not replied to my question. I ask him again if he will explain why this trader has been subjected to exceptional treatment while other people all over Ireland are allowed to display those postcards in their windows without any interference from the authorities; and whether this is a case of over-officiousness on the part of the military authorities?

I do not know that this trader was subjected to exceptional treatment. The action was taken by the police on the order of the competent military authorities. I will communicate with them and ask for a further explanation, and then I will write to the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that on the particular date upon which this man was arrested for displaying these postcards in his window similar postcards were being sold and displayed all over Ireland?

asked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given to discuss the Motion relating to the Report of the Royal Commission on the rebellion in Ireland, of which notice has been given by a large number of Members?

I have consulted my colleagues, and we think that in view of the urgency of other business it is not possible to give an opportunity at present; but if there is anything in the nature of a general desire for such a discussion, we shall of course, in accordance with the usual practice, do our best to satisfy it.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the House of Lords have already had an opportunity of discussing this Report, and does he not think it very desirable that this House should also have an opportunity?

I am most anxious that we should have an opportunity.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether he can ask the Commissioners, without further delay, to publish the evidence on which they base the Report?

Could not the right hon. Gentleman arrange to take this discussion on a Friday as an extra day?

I do not think that would be convenient.

asked the Prime Minister when the promised public inquiry into the circumstances under which Mr. Sheehy Skeffington was murdered in Portobello Barracks will take place; whether he can give the names of the Commissioners who are to conduct the inquiry; and whether the reference will be wide enough to include the cases of Messrs. M'Intyre and Dixon and the fate of all prisoners taken in Portobello Barracks while Captain Bowen-Colthurst was in a position of authority in those barracks, the extent of responsibility of other officers for the murders, how it came to pass that Captain Bowen-Colthurst was retained in a position of responsibility in view of the evidence given as to his mental condition, and who was responsible for continuing Captain Bowen-Colthurst in authority for nine days after he had murdered three men and after these murders had been reported to the military authorities in Dublin?

I have been in communication with Mrs. Skeffington this week, and I propose to set up such an inquiry as soon as the machinery can be settled, as to which I should like to communicate with my hon. Friend. The inquiry would be wide enough to embrace the matters referred to in the question, though I am not to be supposed to admit the accuracy of some of the suggestions which it contains.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish a Return showing in detail the cases of unarmed men, women, and children shot by the rebels in the recent fighting in Dublin, giving the circumstances, and specifying in each case whether it was reported through the police or the military authorities?

Yes, Sir, I will arrange that this shall be done.

asked the Prime Minister when martial law in Ireland will be withdrawn?

I fear that I can at present add nothing to the many answers I have given on this subject.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman's answer run counter to his own words that no considerable portion of the population of this country can be coerced by another?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the indignation in Dublin caused by the refusal to hold a public inquiry into the North King Street murders; if, to satisfy the demands for justice, he will call for the evidence submitted at the inquests of the victims and the jury's verdict on the same; if he will say why the Government refuse an open inquiry; and if he is aware that the refusal to accede to this request is looked on with suspicion by the Irish people?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for East Mayo on Monday last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to obtain a copy of the verdict of the coroner's jury into the North King Street murders? Is he aware of it?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received numerous communications urging the absolute necessity of paying Irish national teachers a war bonus in order that, having regard to the prices of food, they may have reasonable means of sustenance for themselves and their families; and whether he will recommend the Treasury to pay their salaries monthly?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As stated by the late Chief Secretary in reply to a question of the hon. Member for North Wexford on the 1st March last, I fear there is no prospect of a war bonus being granted to the Irish national school teachers. As regards the latter part of the question, I have, arranged to see a deputation of the teachers on this subject tomorrow.

Have the the teachers in England received a war bonus?

That question should be addressed to the President of the Board of Education.

asked whether any, and, if so, how many teachers, male and female, respectively, got a war bonus added to their salaries from Imperial or local funds?

The salaries of teachers on the staffs of schools under the Board's jurisdiction are not paid directly out of Imperial funds; and I have no information as to the extent to which the local education authorities and governing bodies of schools have granted war bonuses to the teachers in their employment.

I did not ask to what extent, but if any teachers had received the bonus?

I have already answered that part of the question by saying that I have not the information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask for the information and give it to those Irish Members who require it?

I will consider that.

asked whether the widow and dependants of a noncommissioned officer or private of the Royal Irish Constabulary, who has lost his life during the recent rebellion in Ireland, are on the same footing as those of a non-commissioned officer or soldier of the Regular Forces killed on active service for the purposes of pension or gratuity?

No, Sir. The widows and children of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary killed on duty are qualified for pensions and allowances under the Constabulary Acts, and awards have already been made accordingly, but, in view of the special circumstances under which members of the force have recently lost their lives, it is proposed that the sums payable under the Acts should be supplemented by special grants, and a supplementary estimate will be submitted to the House of Commons for this purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take measures to limit the price of foodstuffs, as already applied to wool and other articles of use, with a view to the reduction of the present prices of articles of consumption?

This question is at present being examined by a Committee. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the reference.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of bacon which has arrived in this country during the last twelve months fit for human consumption and which has since been disposed of for soap boiling and kindred purposes; if he is aware that in recent weeks the wholesale prices of meat were fixed by the American trust at 1s. 0½ d. for hinds, 10¾ d. to 11d. per 1b. for forequarters of beef, and 1s. 1d. for over-age River Plate lambs; that at the time of these high prices the prices in the United States of America were 6¾ d. to 7d. per 1b. for hinds and fores; if he is aware that even with a freightage charge of ½ d. per 1b. meat prices in this country remain excessive; and if he proposes to take action?

In the year 1915, 326, 169 tons of bacon were imported into the United Kingdom, and in the six months ended 30th June, 1916, 208, 836 tons. I am not in a position to say how much was used for other purposes than food. I am informed that the highest wholesale price in London for chilled hindquarters of beef was 11⅜ d. per pound on 29th May; for chilled forequarters, 9½ d. on 7th June; and for River Plate lambs, 1s. 1d. on 16th June. On 2nd June, chilled hindquarters were 1s. 0½ d. per pound and chilled forequarters 10¾ d. in the United States. The freight rate from the United States is, I understand, about l½ d. per pound. The present London price for chilled hindquarters is 9d. per pound, for chilled forequarters 7d. per pound, and for River Plate lambs 10d. to 10½ d. As the fall in prices is likely to continue, I do not consider it necessary to take any special steps at the present moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when legislation may be expected to give effect to the intention of the Government to deal with the question of the keeping alive of British patents applied for during the War?

The whole question as to the nature of the Amendments which may be desirable in the Patents and Designs Act is now undergoing examination. Amongst the matters which are being examined is the position of patents which, owing to circumstances arising out of the War, the patentee has been unable to develop.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any hope that this matter will be dealt with at an early date?

Yes, I can.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will take steps to stop entirely the importation of chemically bleached flour from the United States, the consumption of such flour being illegal in that country; if necessary, will he introduce a legislative measure to attain the object indicated; and (2) whether the experts engaged in connection with his Department have yet arrived at any definite conclusion as to the method which should be adopted to ensure that the public shall obtain the most wholesome and nutritious quality of bread and flour when demanded?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this and the following question. My predecessor in 1913 introduced a Bill with the object of enabling my Department to deal with the bleaching of flour and kindred questions. The Bill made no progress, however, and I do not think the present is a suitable time for initiating legislation on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the licence to admit by parcel post consignments of bulbs from other countries is having an injurious effect on the home trade, inasmuch as trade can now be done directly with Dutch nurserymen which was formerly done at home; and whether further consideration will be given to the whole matter with a view to safeguarding the interests of the horticultural trade of this country?

Instructions have now been given to the Customs to treat imports of bulbs from Holland and Scandinavia through the post as covered by the general prohibition of importation imposed by the Proclamation of the 10th May.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British steamers recently purchased on behalf of the Australian Commonwealth, have been or will be transferred from the register of the United Kingdom to that of Australia; and, if the transfer is effected, whether these steamers will be relieved from the payment of Excess Profits Tax and Income Tax to the British Exchequer?

The registry of these vessels has not been transferred to Australia, and I am not in a position to say whether the transfer will or will not be made. The question as to taxation is a matter for the Treasury.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of British steamers which were in the Baltic on 4th August, 1914, giving their total net and total gross registered tonnage; and how many British steamers, up to his latest returns, have escaped from the Baltic, giving their total net and total gross registered tonnage, and the date of his latest return?

There are no official returns regarding the British vessels in the Baltic, and it would not be expedient to publish any figures at the present moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the nominal amount of the share capital of Thermit, Limited; how much of that share capital has been issued; how much is held by British-born subjects resident in the United Kingdom and how much by aliens resident in Germany; the names of the directors and manager of the company; whether this company enjoys the protection of British patents which prevent other British companies or firms from carrying out similar operations; and whether Thermit, Limited, is able to carry out work of a special nature which cannot equally well be carried out by a firm or company composed of British-born subjects engaged in similar work?

The nominal capital of Thermit, Limited, is £50,000, the whole of which has been issued and was held by or on behalf of Germans resident in Germany. The directors of the company before the War were Karl Goldschmidt, Hans Goldschmidt, and E. Stassfurth, resident in Germany, and R. Stutz, a naturalised British subject resident in this country. Since the War the business has been managed by Mr. Stutz subject to the supervision of a controller appointed by the Court on the application of the Board of Trade. The company owns certain patents in respect of all of which licences can be granted by the Board of Trade to British firms and licences have been granted to one British firm. The shares of the company were vested in the public trustee under the provisions of the Trading With the Enemy Amendment Act, 1916, and he has recently entered into an agreement to sell the whole of those shares to a British company.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this company will be wound up, seeing that it is an entirely enemy company?

I am not quite sure what the exact process will be, but a sale of shares to a British company has been arranged.

Has this company been under the consideration of the Advisory Committee of the Board of Trade?

I think so, but I should not like to say so off-hand. I will tell the hon. Member later.

asked the Prime Minister whether the final draft of the Bill for amending the Government of Ireland Act, 1914, has been submitted to the right ton. and learned Member for Dublin University and the hon. and learned Member for Waterford, and assented to by them, respectively; and, if not, whether it is the intention of the Government to submit the final draft of such Bill to those Gentlemen and to obtain their assent thereto before its introduction?

As I stated yesterday, the Government have been and continue to be in communication with both the hon. Members referred to. Until the Bill is introduced I cannot make any more definite statement.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman answer this definite question: Whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce this Bill without first securing the approval of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Dublin University (Sir E. Carson) and the hon. and learned Member for Waterford (Mr. J. Redmond)?

I am afraid that I cannot add anything to what I have said.

asked the Prime Minister whether, considering the injustice that is being inflicted on the officers and men of the Royal Navy owing to the delay in the distribution of prize money and the numerous and intricate points involved in the preparation of the Bill necessary for the purpose, he will now appoint a special Committee to collect the required information and draft the Bill necessary to deal with the matter, so that the Bill may be introduced without further delay?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The distribution of prize money is not being delayed because the Bill has not been prepared; in fact, a draft is already in existence. Even if the proposed Bill were passed to-morrow it would not expedite the distribution. That cannot take place until the close of hostilities, and the net amount available for distribution is actually known. As a matter of fact, the points requiring decision have recently been discussed between representatives of the Admiralty and the Treasury, and the conclusions arrived at are now under the consideration of the departments concerned.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the prize money cannot be distributed until the close of hostilities? It used to be.

In the old days this prize money was given to the captor, but the Board of Admiralty decided that it would be more equitable to divide it over the whole Fleet, and we cannot therefore proceed to divide it until the close of hostilities.

Will the representatives of those who die before the money is distributed get their share?

Certainly, that is one of the points, with a great many others, which we have got to consider.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that his argument is perfectly futile? If a Bill were drafted and the question settled it would be easier for everybody, and easier to get the names of those entitled to it?

I am very sorry to think that I have given a futile answer, and most of all to the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether the leakage and wastage involved in the sudden expenditure of several millions sterling a day on the War has now been checked; and whether he has taken, or proposes to take, any special steps to co-ordinate and regulate the expenditure for war purposes by the various Government Departments?

Considerable fluctuations in the daily rate of expenditure on the War are inevitable, but I have no reason to think that such fluctuations have involved leakage and wastage, as implied in the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider, although in the early days of the War, when the expenditure was sudden, great waste took place, that now the time has arrived for greater economy, and should not regulations be introduced into the whole of the spending Departments connected with the War?

I should be glad to see greater economy introduced, if possible, in the whole of the spending Departments.

So would the House of Commons.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will explain at an early date the reason why the War expenditure of this country, from causes beyond the control and foresight of the Government, has risen from five to six millions a day?

The estimate of £5,000,000 a day was an estimate of total expenditure, not only war expenditure, and correspondingly the figure of £6,000,000 a day relates to recent total outgoings. The statement made by me was not, as has been suggested, a surprising announcement made casually in debate, but was no more than a reminder of the figures of Exchequer issues that are published week by week and are the subject of comment in the Press.

During the last seven weeks the total Exchequer issues have been in round figures £300,000,000. On the one hand this includes a large payment for dividend on War Loan and Exchequer Bonds early in June, and on the other does not include certain payments not yet brought into account, the actual outgoings for the period being, in fact, just over £6,000,000 a day.

The unforeseen and unforeseeable causes which raised the rate of expenditure to this height during the period in question were mainly, first, the rate at which American securities were sold to the Government for the purpose of regulating the American exchange, and secondly, the rate at which the advances made to Allies and Dominions were drawn upon. The concurrence of these two causes led to the exhaustion of our borrowing powers under the War Loan Act, 1915, earlier than was anticipated.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen some of these newspaper comments upon his words, and were not these newspaper comments very inaccurate?

In view of the fact that some of these newspaper comments expressed surprise at the announcement, whereas they themselves have commented week by week upon the figures, I am bound to say I did feel a certain amount of astonishment.

Can these purchases of American securities and payments on loans really be called expenditure at all?

I was arguing the question and explaining why my borrowing powers had been exhausted earlier than I anticipated. These borrowing powers I have to exercise in order to meet issues. These issues were made earlier than was anticipated. Whether my right hon. Friend considers them properly as expenditure or not is immaterial to that argument. I had to make the issues, and therefore I had to borrow.

May we look forward to the continuance of that expenditure at the rate of £6,000,000 a day, and are we to expect to drop back to the former expenditure?

I certainly hope the expenditure will return to what I prefer to regard as normal.

asked whether any opportunity will be given to the House to discuss the Interim Report of the Consultative Committee on Scholarships for Higher Education; and whether any opportunity will be given to discuss the proposals now under the consideration of the Government for the entire revision of the system of education in this country, particularly in regard to the growing importance of education in science?

An opportunity for raising these matters was given on Tuesday.

Will the right hon. Gentleman refer to the matter a little more closely, in view of the fact that the scheme I have in view is a large national scheme of education, far more magnificent than any scheme which is in the Report?

asked whether the Government have subsidised, are subsidising or intend to subsidise, in any way whatever, directly or indirectly, Dutch butter manufacturers or exporters of Dutch or other foreign butter to Great Britain; and, if so, to what extent per hundredweight of such butter as they may have exported, or may export, from Holland or elsewhere to Great Britain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned to the hon. Member for West Cavan on the 12th instant.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that at the national conference of the representatives of the National Free Church Council, friendly societies, trade temperance societies, trades councils, representing 3,000,000 of people, held on 1st July at Newcastle, passed a resolution urging that immediate action should be taken by the Government to alleviate the conditions of the old age pensioners who are suffering under the present increased cost of living, and protesting against the inequalities and penalties imposed on thrift and personal provision for old age by the administration of the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908 and 1911, and further urging such amendments to the Acts as would enable an old age pension to be paid to every person insured under the National Insurance Acts on attaining the age of seventy years who, for at least twenty years up to the date of the receipt of any sum on account of a pension, had been a British subject and had his residence in the United Kingdom; and to enable all provision for old age made through registered frendly societies, trade unions, employers' provident funds, and benevolent institutions to be exempt from calculation as income in any application for a State pension; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir. I have seen these resolutions. I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made yesterday to a deputation from the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress, of which he was a member.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now publish Reports and correspondence relating to the visit of Lord Haldane to Berlin in February, 1912?

I regret that the conditions governing this matter have in no way changed since I replied to a question on this subject put by my hon. Friend the Member for the Luton Division on the 24th November last.

Have not the documents in question been shown by Lord Haldane to some of his friends, and is it not unfair to him to withhold them from publication in view of the unfavourable conclusions drawn from the policy of concealment?

In view of the expressed desire of Lord Haldane that the matter should be dealt with publicly, cannot the Government modify their view?

When will we get the Papers?

Is it not the fact that Lord Haldane has expressed a desire that these Reports and communications should be made public as soon as possible, and, if that is so, will the right hon. Gentleman oblige his Friend?

I will consult my Noble Friend on the subject.

Is it not the desire of Lord Haldane that these Papers should be published, and if they are being held back is it not for other reasons?

I will consult him.

asked the Prime Minister why no representative of Ireland has been given a place on the Committee appointed to consider the commercial and industrial problems arising after the War?

The Committee was not formed on any basis of national or local representation. No question therefore arises of including representatives of the various parts of the United Kingdom as such.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that Ireland is entitled to representation upon this Committee?

The appointments were not based on national considerations at all, but rather upon the personal qualifications of the various members.

In view of the industrial condition of Ireland, surely Ireland ought to be represented?

If the hon. Member will suggest somebody from Ireland, I will consider it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Army Council and the Board of Admiralty were consulted before the pledge was given on behalf of the Government that the Dardanelles Papers would be laid upon the Table of the House?

No, Sir; neither of these bodies were formally consulted.

asked the Prime Minister (1) on what grounds, in reference to the Dardanelles and the Mesopotamia Expeditions, information, however confidential, not useful to the enemy, has been withheld from the House of Commons though admittedly in the possession or procurement of the Government; and (2) whether he is aware that the withholding by the Cabinet of information relating to the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia Expeditions on the ground not that it might be useful to the enemy but that it is confidential has produced grave discontent among the relatives and friends of the men who have perished in these expeditions, in the belief that such information though in the power and procurement of the Cabinet is withheld to shield the incompetence of individuals; and whether a full disclosure of the circumstances, except so far as they are calculated to give useful information to the enemy, will forthwith be made to Parliament as the grand inquest of the nation?

With regard to these questions, I think the matters they raise are controversial, and can best be dealt with in debate.

Is there not a distinction, which he has drawn himself, between confidential information and the secrecy of the Cabinet? Is not confidential information withheld for the first time from the House of Commons by the Government? Why are we treated like children in this matter?

Because it is confidential.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue a White Paper giving a list, with all proper particulars, of the firms and companies which the Advisory Committee to the Board of Trade have dealt with under the recent Trading With the Enemy Amendment Act, and stating in each case whether the firm or company has been ordered to be wound up or has been permitted to carry on business, with the reasons for so doing, or has been otherwise dealt with?

A summary of the cases dealt with by the Advisory Committee under the Trading With the Enemy Amendment Act, 1916, has now been presented. The names of the firms or companies as to which an Order has been made under Section I of the Act are published in the "Gazette" and have been laid before this House, but I do not think it desirable to publish a list of cases in which no such Order is made. If my hon. Friend desires to know the particulars of any individual cases I shall be happy to communicate them to him.

Would it not be much more convenient to Members of this House and the outside public to have a complete, list of these firms and companies instead of hunting through some dozens of numbers of the "Gazette"?

I think I can explain to the hon. Member in private why the present course is the most desirable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what British companies are interested directly or indirectly, and to what extent, in the shares and profits of the Astra Romana Company; (2) if he has any information to show that any portion of the Astra Romana Company's output of benzine, kerosene, or other petroleum products has been delivered to or disposed of in Germany during the War; and (3) if he can state the names and nationality of the persons who at the outbreak of war were directors of a petroleum company in Roumania called the Astra Romana Company; and who are the principal shareholders of this company?