asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office has information concerning a British subject who was granted a passport to proceed to France in March, 1916, who was arrested in Paris on 11th March, was informed before or during June, 1916, that the French Government had decided on his discharge, but who is still detained in custody; whether this gentleman's advocate was informed that his arrest was due to the English police and not to the French authorities; whether, for a considerable period, the Consulate in Paris and the Foreign Office in London gave no assistance to this English gentleman, who had resided many months in Paris since the outbreak of war as the agent of munition firms; whether his arrest was due to the English police; whether any reason can be given for his continued detention; and what action he proposes to take?

In reply to inquiries from the Foreign Office His Majesty's Consul-General at Paris reported on 31st March last that a British subject was detained in Paris on a charge of espionage and was being examined by the first court-martial. His Majesty's Consul-General closely followed the case, and took such steps as he properly could to expedite the investigation, and he also eventually obtained competent legal advice for the accused. It was at one time hoped that the investigation would be concluded by the middle of June, but it was not till the 30th of that month that the Consul-General reported that a decreee of expulsion had been signed that morning by the Minister of the Interior, and that it was expected that the release of the prisoner would follow in a few days. I understand that he was sent to England yesterday. The accused has stated that he was informed by his advocate that his arrest by the French authorities was in consequence of a communication from the British police, but the Foreign Office have no information to that effect.

Does not a decree of expulsion carry with it a moral slur upon the character of this man, who was employed at Woolwich under the War Office and who, very shortly before he went to Paris, was given a passport?

I am afraid I do not know the extent to which it carries a moral slur.

As he was only released yesterday, was it in consequence of my question having been put down?

No, Sir, I have no reason to think that.

I have.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information as to the treatment of the non-commissioned officers and men who fell into Turkish hands at Kut-el-Amara?

We have just received a Note from the United States Ambassador enclosing a dispatch from the United States Embassy at Constantinople, in which it is stated that official lists of the Kut prisoners have not yet been furnished by the Ottoman Government; that the United States Consul at Bagdad telegraphed on 26th June that 1,000 prisoners were still at that city too ill or weak to proceed; and that a British staff-sergeant has reported from Angora the arrival of sixty-two prisoners at that place. Outfits of clothing, toilet supplies, and money will be sent to the prisoners as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will in future negotiations with the Russian Government secure by treaty similar treatment in that country for British commercial travellers as is accorded to the representatives of Russian interests by us, and as already granted to our representatives in Italy, Finland, and France, seeing that in Article 24 of the Law of 15th July, 1880, of France, it is stated that, as French commercial travellers are exempt from any special regulations in Great Britain, British commercial travellers are accordingly exempted in France, and that such exemption in Russia would secure equality of treatment to commercial travellers in all the Allied countries?

The point raised by the hon. Member will be borne carefully in mind in the event of future negotiations with the Russian Government on commercial subjects.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information regarding the present position of the Polish refugees in Russia; and whether he can state the condition of the Poles in that part of Poland which is in the occupation of Germany, especially as regards the supply of the necessaries of life?

I have no special information as to the Polish refugees in Russia, but I belief the work of relief has been energetically carried on by Russion committees, to which considerable sums of money have been subscribed in this country. Reports as to the population in Poland are conflicting, because the enemy Governments at one moment proclaim their complete ability to feed the whole population and at the next moment appeal for relief from neutral countries. But I believe that the situation in many parts of Poland is deplorable, and that the population is exposed to all the sufferings which can be caused by a deliberate and systematic abstraction of foodstuffs of all kinds, and a drastic oppression of labour by the invaders.

Has the Noble Lord any information to show that Germany has commandeered the new harvest in Poland?

No, Sir. I do not think the new harvest is yet actually being gathered, but I am afraid there is only too much reason to believe that Germany contemplates commandeering the new harvest

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the possibility, in negotiations with Germany through the American Ambassador, of suggesting that the interned Germans should be sent to some neutral country like Sweden in exchange for a similar number of British interned prisoners in Germany who might be sent to Switzerland?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Gainsborough.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any and, if so, what progress has been made with the negotiations for the exchange of interned civilian prisoners in this country and Germany?

The present position is that on the 18th instant we addressed a Note to the United States Ambassador in which we renewed the proposal which we had previously made to the German Government that all British and German civilian prisoners of war over fifty years should be repatriated, as also those over forty-five years who are unfit for service in the field. We further proposed that the remaining British civilian prisoners of war, including merchant seamen of all classes who are not embodied in His Majesty's Naval Forces and the retired British officers detained in Germany, and an equal number of German civilians should be interned in a neutral country. No reply to that Note has yet reached us. The recent correspondence will shortly be published as a White Paper.

How long does the Noble Lord think it is proper to wait for an answer to that question addressed to the German Government?

We shall certainly not delay the matter from our side. We have no desire to delay it. We are anxious to get on with it as quickly as we can. It is fair to observe that the letter.was sent only five or six days or a week ago, and I do not think there is any ground for charging the German Government with undue delay at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Parliament was not consulted before the issue of the British Black List of proscribed business firms in neutral countries; when will all the correspondence on this subject be submitted to Parliament; and whether he can undertake that no further aggressive action will be taken by this Government until Parliament has been consulted?

Parliament was consulted as to the issue of the list presumably referred to when the Trading With the Enemy (Extension of Powers) Act was passed, and unanimously approved the policy. It is not proposed at present to lay on the Table any correspondence on the subject. There has been no aggressive action. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Is the Noble Lord aware of the strong resentment in America against this list?

I know there has been some Press criticism on the subject, and I have already answered questions upon it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present condition of the British Consul at Shiraz and the other British subjects held prisoners by German emissaries in Persia; whether there is any prospect of their immediate release; and, if not, whether His Majesty's Government will now take effective retaliatory measures against the German officials on the British concession in China?

According to our latest information all these British subjects except two are in good health, and the treatment being accorded to the prisoners had recently improved. In regard to the last part of the question I would observe that, whatever may have been the initial responsibility of German agents in the matter, these prisoners are at present in the hands of rebel Persian Tribesmen, and that the arrest of Germans in China would leave those tribesmen totally unaffected. Everything possible is being done to secure the release of these unfortunate British subjects, but the difficulties are very great.

Considering that the seizure of British subjects originated with German emissaries, will His Majesty's Government take no retaliatory steps at all?

If we can catch the original Germans there would be very good reasons for retaliatory steps, but I am not quite sure that it is really sound policy to punish one German for what another German has done.

asked the Under—Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will explain the delay in issuing the passport for which the Member for North Westmeath has applied to enable him to visit certain countries for the purpose of studying peat industries, with a view to the utilisation of bogs in Ireland after the "War, at a time when so much is being done in this country with a corresponding object?

In view of the proceedings against the hon. Member, the question of issuing a passport to him has been suspended.

Will it be issued immediately after those proceedings end?

That depends a little upon the result.

Will the Noble Lord consider the issuing of the passport if the hon. Member (Mr. Ginnell) will give an undertaking that he will not return again?

I would ask the Noble Lord not to take any notice of that insolent and uncalled for supplementary question.

asked the Under—Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any record of the tonnage of maize and other feeding stuffs imported into Holland during the first five months of this year compared with a similar period of 1914, and of the pigs and pig products exported from Holland to Germany in the same period; whether he will consider the effect of permitting the import of full pre—war quantities of feeding stuffs by Holland without a corresponding agreement for the import from Holland to this country of meat on the same scale; and whether he will take steps to prevent this indirect method of supplying the enemy with food stuffs, and particularly lard and other materials from which glycerine can be extracted?

The total of feeding—stuffs of all kinds imported into Holland during the first five months of this year were 304,130 tons, compared with an average importation of 588,664 tons for the same period during 1911–13. The imports of maize for the same period were 187,515 tons, compared with 358,962 tons for 1911–13. According to the official Dutch Trade Returns, 20,987 tons of pigmeat were exported to Germany during the first five months of this year, compared with 2,017 tons in the same period of 1914. In the same months 358 pigs were exported to all countries, as compared with 5,700 in the same period of 1914. Dutch meat is now being imported into this country from Holland, the quantities exportable to Germany being thus proportionately reduced. With regard to the last part of the question, the quantities of maize and rye importable into Holland are limited, since November last, to 225,000 tons per quarter, and those of oil cake and meal have been likewise reduced to 70,000 tons per quarter. No meat is now imported into Holland. According to the Dutch statistics only 2 tons of vegetable or animal oils (except fish oil) or of lard have been exported to Germany this year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British prisoners, including those engaged in the Dardanelles campaign, 'are, so far as is known, now in the hand of the Turks?

So far as is known, the total number of prisoners now in the hands of the Turks is approximately 600 officers and 8,370 other ranks. These figures include native Indians and Egyptians in addition to British officers and soldiers and officers and soldiers from the Dominions.

Is there any possibility of there being prisoners in the hands of the Turks, captured at the Dardanelles, whose names have not been received by the Government?

I said in reply to a question yesterday that we were doing everything we could to check the names of British officers and men in the hands of the Turks who were taken at Gallipoli.

Is there any possibility that there are still men in the hands of the Turks whose names have not been received 2

There is, of course, always a possibility of there being men whose names have not been received. We are doing our best and exhausting every means to get the most accurate information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any communication has been made by his Department to the Canadian Government regarding the payment of the standard rate of wage to workmen employed by firms in Canada carrying out contracts for the supply of munitions of war or the building and repairing of ships for this country?

I have been in communication with the Canadian Government on the subject, so far as concerns contracts placed in Canada by the Imperial Munitions Board. The correspondence is still proceeding.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Government have subsidised, are subsidising, or intend to subsidise in any way Dutch butter manufacturers or exporters of Dutch or other foreign butter; 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.

I have received a letter from the Home Secretary, requesting me not to put this question because of the absence of the Irish Minister for Agriculture. Of course, if it is a matter of the personal convenience of the Minister for Agriculture, I gladly do so, but we cannot help noticing that both the members of the Irish Administration, the Attorney-General and the head of the Irish Agricultural Department, are not in attendance, and I should like to ask if it is by order of the Government that they are not allowed to attend the House?

No, they are attending to the business of their Departments in Ireland. The Attorney-General will certainly be here next week and I am asking the Vice-President if he can come over to answer the hon. and learned Gentleman's question and two others.

I have great pleasure in postponing the question.

asked the Home Secretary, in the case of Mr. Gerard Crofts, now in penal servitude for having been accustomed to sing Irish patriotic songs and having been found in the company of persons alleged to be guilty of something else, will he say what those persons have been convicted of, whether by an open Civil Court or by secret court-martial; what punishments they are now undergoing; and whether, apart from the company, Mr. Crofts was found guilty of any definite charge but that of singing patriotic songs 1

As regards Gerard Crofts, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on the 12th of July. As regards the other unnamed persons mentioned in the question, I can, of course, make no statement in the absence of any means of identification.

In view of the hon. Gentleman's previous answer that Gerard Crofts was found in company with people concerned in the insurrection, has not the hon. Gentleman, having that information, sufficient knowledge to know what they were convicted of, and whether Gerard Crofts was convicted of anything apart from singing patriotic songs?

He was not convicted for singing patriotic songs. I do not think that is an indictable offence.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Gerard Crofts had been in Ulster a considerable time before he was arrested?

I was not aware.

asked the Home Secretary on what charge Mr. Jeremiah O'Corkery, teacher of Gaelic, was arrested on the 12th instant; if not accused of anything but the practice of his profession, will he say under what law he was arrested; where he now is; when and where he is to be tried; and by what kind of Court?

If this question refers to a man named Diarmuid Corkery, of Inchiquin, Kenmare, an order for his internment has been made in the usual course, on the recommendation of the military authorities, and the grounds for his internment are stated in the notice which has been sent to the camp to be served upon him. He has been transferred to Frongoch, and his case is about to be considered by the Advisory Committee.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered whether he has been accused of anything but the practice of his profession?

Yes.

What is it?

I do not think it necessary to read out the terms of the notice.

What is he accused of besides the practice of his profession as a teacher of Gaelic?

The charge is analogous to that which has been made against the other persons who have been interned.

asked the Home Secretary for what offence, if any, William O'Reilly, an Irish prisoner at Frongoch, has been for eight days isolated from the other prisoners and confined to a cell there; whether the special treatment comprised other features; what tribunal imposed the punishment; whether he was afforded any opportunity of explaining or defending himself; and whether the punishment is at an end?

If this question refers to Michael O'Reilly, an Irish prisoner, at Frongoch, I am informed by the commandant at the camp that this man was sentenced on the 13th July to 165 hours' close confinement for inciting his fellow prisoners to insubordination. Close confinement entails a certain reduction in the scale of diet, which has to be approved by the medical officer, and is carried out in the camp cells. The man was not continuously confined, inasmuch as he was allowed walking exercise for at least two hours daily. The punishment was imposed by the usual Commandant's Court, and O'Reilly was allowed to defend himself. The punishment is now at an end.

asked the Home Secretary whether the case of James Dwyer, formerly of 7, Inns Quay, Dublin, lately detained in Stafford Detention Prison, No. 44 E, and believed to have been changed from there to Frongoch, has been investigated by the Advisory Committee; and, if so, has he been released?

Dwyer's case has been dealt with by the Advisory Committee, who have recommended to me that he should remain interned.

Does the hon. Member for Newry concur in that?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that out of the 5,700 male teachers in Ireland only two were tried and sentenced for participation in the rebellion; if he is aware that out of fifteen others arrested on suspicion seven have been discharged by the Advisory Committee and that the cases of the remaining eight are under consideration; if he is aware that a recent careful and searching investigation by the National Board throughout all the national schools in Ireland to inquire into the charges of alleged widespread disloyal and seditious teaching has revealed only three instances of alleged disloyal teaching that call for investigation; if he is aware that definite charges of spreading disloyalty and sedition and disseminating treason among the youth of Ireland have been made in the Report of the Hardinge Commission; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, the Government will institute an inquiry or take any action to vindicate the character and reputation of the Irish teachers from the charges made against them?

The facts appear to be as stated in the hon. Member's question. The Commissioners of National Education have already issued a statement on the subject which appeared in the Irish Press on the 22nd instant, and I hardly think any further action is called for.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Report of the Hardinge Commission charges of disloyalty were made against these Irish teachers and whether in view of the Report of the Board of National Education he will not vindicate these men?

The Board of National Education in Ireland has already issued a very full and convincing statement in defence of the loyalty of the general body of their staff.

May we understand that the Report of the Hardinge Commission. being found unreliable in this, will be found equally unreliable in other matters?

I am not aware that the Hardinge Commission made a general statement.

asked how many prisoners from county Clare are still detained in connection with the rising; whether regard will be paid to the peaceable condition of the county; and whether all these men will be restored to their homes as soon as possible?

I understand that two men from county Clare are still detained. Their cases are still under consideration by the Advisory Committee.

If there are only two men, and there has never been any disturbance, would it not be well to release these two men?

I must necessarily await the recommendation of the Advisory Committee. All the other men from Clare who were detained have been released.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in regard to the death of Ernest Cavanagh on 25th April at Liberty Hall, he will ask the police to consult the military authorities so that, as the police were not themselves present, every means of ascertaining the truth may be made available?

Yes, Sir, this shall be done.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will furnish a Report of the trial in the case of Malachy Brennan; and whether he is aware that in this case there are grounds for a public inquiry?

My hon. Friend is, I think, misinformed. There was no trial, and the question of a Report does not, therefore, arise. In answer to the second part of the question, I would refer him to the answer given yesterday by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for North Westmeath.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are special circumstances regarding this case which make a. special inquiry necessary?

I was not aware that there were any special circumstances.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make arrangements with the prison authorities at Lewes so as to allow the three Irish lady prisoners who are confined there to be allowed to take reasonable outdoor exercise under proper supervision outside the prison grounds?

I regret that I am unable to accede to this request. The Commandant at Lewes reports to me that the prisoners in question look very well and sit out in the open all day, and are able, if they desire, to get walking exercise in the exercise ground. The medical officer reports that all three are in excellent health. I would add that as the wing at Lewes Prison, of which these ladies are the sole occupants, is needed for other purposes, I have arranged for their transfer to Aylesbury, where other ladies are interned' under Regulation 14B.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these ladies are quite satisfied with their treatment in Lewes, and if they are satisfied, is it at their request they are transferred?

They are not being transferred at their own request, but for the reason I have mentioned that the wing which these ladies occupy at Lewes is needed for other purposes, they are being transferred to Aylesbury, where they will receive treatment on the same lines.

Is it not a fact that the German ladies are in a large preponderance at Aylesbury, and is it not rather unfair to send the Irish ladies to be confined with these German ladies 1

There is classification at Aylesbury. Arrangements are made for the ladies to be together in groups.

Has it been definitely decided never to give these ladies what they have applied for—a trial under the ordinary law?

The hon. Member has put that question very often, and I have replied.

I did not know, when I put down this question, that one of the two Bills referred to was to be introduced yesterday.

One of these Bills the Law and Procedure (Emergency Provisions) (Ireland) Bill has already been introduced, and will be circulated to-day. It is hoped to introduce the other Bill next week. I would remind the hon. Member that the provisions to be inserted in this Bill form the subject of discussion between the Dublin Corporation and the Government Departments concerned, and the latest proposals of the corporation were put forward on the 18th instant.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the number of Irish public bodies from which he and other members of the Government have received resolutions calling, in the interest of peace and good order in Ireland, for the immediate release of all arrested in connection with the recent insurrection, and the number calling for the withdrawal of martial law; whether the Government have any doubt that those resolutions represent the opinions of the civil population of Ireland without distinction of politics; and, seeing that opinion in the contrary sense is limited to persons profiting by disorder and martial law, whether immediate arrangements will be made for acceding to public opinion reasonably expressed by a general amnesty and the withdrawal of martial law?

I have received about fifty resolutions in favour of the release of persons arrested, and about ten in favour of the withdrawal of martial law. With regard to the rest of the question, I cannot to—day add anything to my previous answers.

asked the Prime Minister whether Lord Lansdowne was speaking with the authority of the Cabinet in stating that the Irish Crimes Act, 1887, for the trial of alleged offenders by resident magistrates in Ireland was to be put into operation in certain cases; whether he is aware that a Bill for the repeal of this Statute was, on 18th April, 1894, carried in the House of Commons on its Second Reading by a majority of 60, with the support of the Radical Government of the day; that on 13th March, 1906, a Motion demanding the repeal of this Statute was carried in the House of Commons by a majority of 292 to 83, with the full support of the Radical Cabinet, while, in the year following, the Second Reading for the repeal of this Statute was carried by 206 to 77; and whether the Cabinet have given their consent to the revival of a measure which has been thrice publicly condemned by Cabinets in which the right hon. Gentleman himself and several of his colleagues were leading members, who pledged themselves individually and collectively for its repeal?

I will be glad if my hon. and learned Friend will allow me to defer an answer to this question till Monday, when I will deal with this and other kindred matters in a speech.

Will the right hon. Gentleman read the speeches, including his own, in relation to this matter?

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware that many Russian Jews now in this country observe with particular devotion the traditional duties of their religious faith, such as the eating only of kosher meat; whether he will make some statement to reassure such Jews that on entering the British Army such religious scruples will not be violated, or, alternatively, whether he will arrange for special companies or battalions in which such religious duties may be more easily observed; (2) whether he is aware that many Russian Jews now in this country speak Yiddish and have no command of the British language; and whether, when these men are brought into the Army, they will be first instructed in a course of English, so that they may be able to fully understand their officers before being sent to serve; and (3) whether he is aware that Finns, though Russian subjects, are entirely exempt from military conscription, and if returned to Russia or Finland would not be required to serve; whether this fact was considered by the Home Office before its policy was formulated and its regulations published; and whether it is his intention to force into the British Army those aliens whom their own Government exempts from military service?

I can only repeat that, as I stated in the House on Monday last, all details connected with the enlistment of Russians are now being considered and arranged.

Are these details now being considered in consequence of questions I have put down?

No, on account of the importance of the matters.

Did my hon. Friend's question not make the matter important?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to an appeal from the Jewish students in the Manchester University giving reasons against the new conscription proposals as they affect Russian Jews in this country, especially pointing out the hardships which would ensue from the deportation of political refugees who have sought and found an asylum in England; and whether these representations will lead him to modify his proposals in regard to these exiles?

I have seen a copy of the appeal to which the hon. Member refers. I would call his attention to the statement which I made in this House on Monday last on the subject of the enlistment of Russian subjects.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that people, Russian Jews or otherwise, who have come to this country as political refugees from Russia, however they may be punished if they resist compulsory military law, will not be deported back to Russia?

I have already given assurances on that subject on many occasions.

asked the Home Secretary whether visitors to agricultural shows in Ireland, which are established for the improvement in the breeding of stock and agriculture generally, are liable to the Government tax; and whether he will say whether a horse-jumping competition, if held in a separate enclosure at the conclusion of the show, will be subject to the tax?

Payments for admission to agricultural shows are subject to the Entertainments Tax, unless the Commissioners of Customs and Excise are satisfied that any of the exemptions provided in Section 1 (5) of the Finance (New Duties) Act, 1916, are applicable, and this can only be determined by the Commissioners on consideration of the particular circumstances of each case. If a horse-jumping competition were held in a separate enclosure the tax would be leviable on the charge, if any, for admission thereto.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these agricultural shows in Ireland are held for purely agricultural education, and are mainly, if not entirely, made up by the contributions of the local people, who are all small farmers, and is it fair to levy this tax on them?

The Commissioners of Customs can only judge of each case as it arises. I have no doubt a case such as is described by the hon. Member might receive different treatment from a case under different circumstances.

Who are the Commissioners of Customs, and have they any knowledge as to local matters in rural districts in Ireland?

They have knowledge of the law, which is the important matter.

Is an agricultural show an entertainment?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether Mr. F. L. A. Ribton, an assistant clerk in the Stationery Office, with over ten years' service, has been declared dispensable for military duty while temporary clerks, introduced into the Department since the outbreak of war, have been granted exemption from military duty; whether Mr. W. R. Griffiths, an assistant clerk in the same Department, has been declared dispensable for military duty while a second division clerk of only one year's service, who is learning the work upon which Mr. Griffiths has been engaged, has been granted a certificate of exemption; and, if so, whether the decisions in the two cases may be reconsidered and an undertaking given that the question as to whether a man is or is not indispensable shall rest upon the work which he is doing, and not upon the grade to which he happens to belong?

As regards Mr. Ribton, the case is as stated. As regards Mr. Griffiths, the question does not state the facts either accurately or fully. Mr. Griffiths was absent from the office on military service for nineteen months. He returned five months ago as a time-expired man, and is liable to be called up again under the Military Service Act, 1916. Mr. Griffiths has not been engaged on the work now being performed by the second division clerk referred to, who has been in the office nearly two years, and is in charge of a large staff of men and women employed on war work. The Controller of the Stationery Office, with full knowledge of the circumstances, decided that the work done by Messrs. Ribton and Griffiths could be done by lady clerks, and he therefore declined to certify those officers as indispensable. In the case of certain other clerks, efficient substitutes could not be found, and he therefore certified such clerks as indispensable.

asked the Home Secretary whether, during the shortage of petrol, he can take any steps to relax the Regulations forbidding the emission of smoke by motor vehicles so that paraffin oil may be substituted for petrol?

It would be necessary to introduce legislation for this purpose. I am considering whether any action should be taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this regulation has never been carried out satisfactorily by his Department?

It is not for my Department to carry it out. It is not a regulation, but is forbidden by (Statute, and if the law is broken it is the duty of the police to see: that the law is observed.

asked the Home Secretary if the members of the Royal Irish. Constabulary have received any financial consideration by way of bonus since the beginning of the War; if he will state whether a memorial from this force has been sent to him, through the Inspector—General, Royal Irish Constabulary, praying that a bonus may be granted to them during the period of the War owing to the increase in the cost of living; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The memorial referred to by the hon. Member has been received and is under consideration. A statement on the matter will be made in the course of a few days.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has inquired into the case of Charles Sarno, a Russian subject, who left Russia sixteen years ago as. a political refugee, and who has lived in this country for years and was ready to join the British Army; why this man was apprehended, imprisoned, and destined for deportation to Russia; whether he was saved from deportation and exile in Siberia solely by the Grant by the High Court on the 25th July of a rule of habeas corpus; whether any deportation order for Sarno was signed; if not, why he has been so treated; and whether reparation and an apology will be tended to Mr. Sarno?

As this case has been brought before the Court again I cannot say anything in the matter except that I do not accept the accuracy of any of the statements or suggestions in the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really mean to say that he signed an order of deportation and that the police did not know it?

I cannot add anything to the answer I have given. As the matter is sub judice it would be improper for me to discuss it in the House.

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this case on the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill.

I would point out to the hon. Member that if the case is before the Court that would be a very improper thing to do.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give to the country the reasons which influenced him to grant powers to South Wales colliery proprietors to raise the standard price of coal from 4s. 6d. to 6s. 6d. per ton at the pit; and is he aware that the exercise of his power in this direction is causing dissatisfaction in the country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on Monday to a question by the hon. Member for the Attercliffe Division. The increase mentioned applies only to the South Wales district.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this increase of 2s. means a new charge upon the consumers in South Wales and Monmouthshire of no less than £3,500,000 a year, in addition to the 4s. increased price that was put on in the former Bill, making a total net charge of no less than £9,149,000 upon the amount of coal consumed?

I do not know whether the figures are correct. The hon. Member's statement is made on the assumption that the whole of the coal so affected is consumed in South Wales.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that already there are reports of advancing prices for all consumers, and that there is pressure from other districts to get the same advantage as the South Wales district has got; and will the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the difficulty of the position, try to get from the Government time for the discussion of this matter in the House?

I beg to give notice that on the Adjournment I shall call attention to this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the South Wales and Monmouthshire coalowners will be allowed to make an extra charge of 2s. 6d. per ton for all coal suplied to the Navy on and after the date fixed by the Board of Trade; if he is aware that in some districts the coalowners have already jumped up the price of coal 1s. 8d. per ton because of the concession made to the South Wales coalowners; and if he can state the increase of the working cost in the South Wales coal fields since the passing of the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act?

The Price of Coal (Limitation) Act does not apply to coal to be used on a ship. The alteration of the standard amount in respect of the mines in the South Wales district does not authorise coalowners in other districts to increase their prices. The average increase in working costs since the passing of the Act at the collieries in South Wales, whose accounts are audited for the purposes of the Conciliation Agreement, was 2s. 6d. a ton.

Have the Board of Trade any power to restrict excessive charges on bunker coal?

That is under consideration.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to state that the 2s. 6d. refers to export coal, and is he aware it has risen from 18s. to 20s.?

I am not referring to export coal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many poor districts in Ireland coal has risen to £3 per ton with a tendency to a further increase of from 5s. to 10s., and is he aware that it will be absolutely impossible for many of the poor people in Ireland where there are no munition works to buy any fuel for the coming winter?

I have given an answer to a specific question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that his action in permitting the South Wales coalowners to advance the price of coal by 2s. 6d. beyond the limit fixed by the Coal Prices (Limitation) Act has been resented by the Miners' Federation of Great Britain and the general public; that it is interpreted as an invitation to coalowners in all parts of the country to put forward similar demands; that it is bound to lay additional burdens on the poorest people; that it is causing unrest among many of the workers; and whether, in view of these considerations, he will reconsider his decision in this matter?

I received a deputation from the Miners' Federation on the subject, and pointed out to them that the increase was given in respect of a proved increase of working costs. The Price of Coal (Limitation) Act of last year provided that if the Board of Trade are satisfied as regards the coal mines in any district that, owing to special circumstances affecting those mines, the standard amount of 4s. should be increased, the Board may substitute for that amount such higher sum as they may think just. In these circumstances, if it can be shown that the working costs of raising coal for home consumption in any district have increased, the Board can hardly refuse to entertain an application under the Act.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, if any valid arguments are placed before him—will he reconsider the decision he has come to with these coalowners?

I shall be most happy to consider any arguments which are placed before me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why two whole fleets of ships under the British flag were allowed to be transferred to the American flag during the War, in view of the fact that these ships would have been useful for carrying meat for the supply of our troops and those of our Allies; and whether he can give the assurance that nothing of the sort will be allowed in future till after the end of the War?

The vessels referred to were transferred in the early months of the War before the Government had power to control transfers. No such transfers would be possible or permitted now. I may add that the capital of the shipping companies owning the fleets in question was mostly American before the War.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the names of the owners of the two fleets which were transferred?

I will if notice is given.

asked whether, in view of the importance of the inquiry to the community in general, it is the intention of the Committee on Food Prices to issue an interim Report, and at the earliest possible moment?

I am informed that the Committee on Prices propose to makes an interim Report dealing with meat, milk, and bacon, and that it is hoped that this Report will be ready at some time in September.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that condensed milk prepared by the Nestle and Anglo—Swiss Company, marked Produced in Switzerland, is being sold in the United Kingdom; and whether, in view of their statement that their purchases of German raw products largely exceed their sales of condensed milk in Germany, he will take steps to prevent the importation of this condensed milk into the United Kingdom from Switzerland unless it is shown that it contains no German sugar or other German raw product?

I understand that the sugar used in the Swiss factories of this company is derived mainly from America and that none is of German origin.

asked the Prime Minister whether the military authorities in Ireland at the time of the insurrection had Government sanction, either in advance or subsequently, for bombarding the headquarters of the Cumann-na-mban nurses, cutting the red crosses off their dresses, and imprisoning them as criminals; and what has been the result to Colonel Portal of his special activity in this conduct?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. There is no truth in the insinuations contained in this question, and the question of Government sanction does not therefore arise. The head quarters of the Cumann-na-mban were at No. 2, Dawson Street, and this was not bombarded. This society, I am informed, has nothing to do with the Red Cross. The majority of the women arrested carried arms and some are known to have used them.

In view of the hon. Gentleman's insolent answer—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—I must ask permission to inquire. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]

I did not quite catch what the hon. Member said.

In view of the hon. Member's insolent answer——

That is not a proper way in which to refer to a Minister.

In view of the hon. Gentleman's insolent answer——

In view of the insolent answer——[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!" and "Sit down"]. I am accused of want of truth, and I am entitled——[HON. MEMBERS: " Order!"]

I must ask the hon. Member to conform to the Rules of the House.

I must ask whether Colonel Portal denies the allegation in this question?

I must call on the hon. Member to ask Question 47.

He does not deny it, because if he did he would be telling a lie. I ask whether Colonel Portal denies the allegation in this question—whether he denies that he ordered his men to cut the Red Crosses off the nurses' dresses and that the men carried out these orders'! [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] Are you aware that——

If the hon. Member cannot behave himself properly, I will ask him to withdraw.

I am behaving myself.

I shall not call on the hon Member for any further question.

I beg to ask Question 47. It is on the Paper.

As the hon. Member cannot comply with the ordinary customs of the House, I shall not call upon him to ask any further questions.

Under what Standing Order do you deny me the right of asking a question which is printed on the Paper?

Under the Standing Order dealing with disorderly conduct.

When did it become disorderly conduct to ask a question on the Paper and defend the truth of the question?

I have already called the attention of the hon. Member to the fact that his language is disorderly, and that it is contrary to practice and disorderly for him to persist in speaking while I am on my legs.

Is it disorderly to maintain the truth of the question on the Paper?

It is disorderly to use the language which the hon. Gentleman has been using and to conduct himself in the way in which he has been conducting himself.

Do you say that it is disorderly to maintain the truth of the question on the Paper?

having called Question 48,

I ask Question 47!

If the hon. Member persists in interrupting the proceedings, I shall call on him to withdraw.

I have already asked Question 47.

I have already told the hon. Member that I will not allow it.

You are violating the Rules!

I call upon the hon. Member to withdraw.

I follow the Paper in my hand.

I have to call the attention of the House to the fact that the hon. Member for North Westmeath, after having been called upon to withdraw, declines to withdraw. I must name him to the House.

Mr. Speaker having named the hon. Member for North Westmeath, I beg to move that he be suspended from the service of the House.

For how long?

Question, "That Mr. Ginnell be suspensed from the service of the House," put, and agreed to.

I must ask the hon. Member to withdraw.

I must ask Question 47!

I call upon the Serjeant-at-Arms to remove the hon. Member, in obedience to the Order of the House.

The Serjeant-at-Arms approached Mr. Ginnell, who declined to withdraw.

( having advanced the Table ): The hon. Member refuses to obey your order.

Then I shall suspend the Sitting of the House until such time as the hon. Member has withdrawn.

Sitting suspended at Twenty-seven minutes past Three o'clock.

The hon. Member for North "Westmeath having retired, the Sitting was resumed at 3.33 p.m.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now say when the new registration will be begun; and whether the Cabinet has yet decided to include in it all soldiers and sailors who are serving or have served during the War?

The Government will introduce proposals on the subject of registration. I cannot at the moment anticipate their scope.