asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the German authorities in Belgium have in the past requisitioned any crops grown by the Belgian people; whether in the operation zone, the ètape zone, or the occupation zone the German military authorities have carried out their promises made last year to allot to the native population 120 grammes of wheat per capita per diem; whether these promises have been carried out; and, if not, whether as a consequence more food had to be imported by the Neutral Commission for the civil population in Belgium?

If the first part of the question refers to the whole period during which the Germans have been in occupation of Belgium, the answer is in the affirmative. The 1914 harvest had, of course, been in large measure seized or destroyed before the work of the Belief Commission began. As regards the 1915 harvest, all wheat and rye in the occupation zone was reserved for the civil population, and I believe the whole quantity has in fact gone to the population. In the ètape zone, which includes the operation zone for this purpose, the promise of 120 grammes per capita per diem has, I believe, been carried out by the Germans. As to the last part of the question, I can only say that, compared? with the volume of imported foodstuffs normally consumed by Belgium, the imports of the Commission are not excessive, and that the ration allowed to the Commission has never been consciously increased on the ground that German requisitions or purchases made an increase necessary.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information about the potato crop? Does that apply to the potato crop also?

I would like notice of that question. I think it does.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether foodstuff and other commodities are imported into Belgium, other than those imported by the Neutral Commission, and are sold to the civil population of Belgium; and if he can state from what neutral countries such commodities are exported, or whether the Neutral Commission supply all the foodstuff imported for the civil population in Belgium?

There may, of course, be a certain amount of smuggling traffic, and there is a certain traffic in Dutch native produce not covered by Dutch export prohibitions. There is also one Dutch Commission, which exports a certain amount of bread to Belgium, though I believe this is not now in operation. The Neutral Commission is the only channel for importations into Belgium recognised or encouraged by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information concerning the change of British representation at the Vatican?

I must refer the hon. Member to the announcement in the Press on the 17th instant, which gave full information with regard to this appointment.

asked (1) what relationship, if any, exists between the Mr. G. A. Holzapfel, recently appointed to our Consular Service in Holland, and the enemy shareholders in Holzapfels, Limited, the sale of whose shares under the Trading With the Enemy Act is being considered by the Board of Trade; and (2) if the father and uncle of Mr. Holzapfel, recently appointed to the British Consular Service, left this country shortly after the outbreak of war and have not since returned?

With regard to these questions I have no official information, though I have heard it said that the facts are as stated in the second of them. Perhaps the House will allow me to say that I have reason to believe that Mr. Holzapfel has resigned his position. It does not seem to be everywhere understood that Mr. Holzapfel had only the honorary rank of Vice-Consul, received no pay, and consequently did not become a member of the salaried Consular Service, to which there was never any question of appointing him. As there appears to be some misaprehension with regard to British Consular representation at Rotterdam, I might add that there are three British salaried Consular officials there, namely, Mr. Masse, the Consul-General, and two Vice-Consuls —Mr. Tom, who has the local rank of Consul, and Mr. Maclean. The appointment of Mr. Holzapfel may now be regarded as at an end, and my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has given directions that for the future no person who is of foreign nationality or is a naturalised British subject or whose father was a naturalised British subject shall be appointed to any post, even of an honorary nature, in the Foreign Office or in the Diplomatic or Consular Services until such appointment has been considered and approved by himself or the Parliamentary Under-Secretary.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this gentleman resigned on his own initiative?

I do not think that my right hon. Friend should press that.

Is it the intention of the Foreign Office to confine Consular appointments to paid officers and not to honorary appointments?

The Royal Commission, which sat on this question before the War, dintinctly said that they thought the unpaid Service was a valuable thing to keep going.

Does this new system apply to Consuls-who are to be appointed in the future, or does it apply to existing Consuls?

My answer will apply to future appointments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as there are about 158 Acting-Consuls, Consuls, Vice-Consuls, and Consular Agents, and one Consul-General, with foreign names, he can say how many of these are British-born with British parents, how many naturalised of foreign extraction, and how many unnaturalised?

I do not know which are the 158 Consular officials who are regarded by my hon. and gallant Friend as having foreign names, and I am, therefore, quite unable to answer his question as it stands. Perhaps it will be sufficient to say that all salaried Consular officials are British-born subjects. It is true that a considerable number of the unsalaried Consuls and Vice-Consuls are foreigners, but this is, I fear, to some extent inevitable if we are to have representatives-in towns where there are few or no suitable British residents. It is entirely misleading to discuss salaried and unsalaried posts together. Unsalaried Consuls of foreign nationality? are, as a rule, appointed where it is a choice of having an unsalaried foreign Consular officer or none at all, and not where there is a possibility of having an efficient British Consular officer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the names are taken from Whittaker, and in view of the enormous amount of damage done to us and our Allies by people under enemy influence or in enemy pay, would it not be possible to have our Consular Service manned by British-born and British-bred subjects with no interest in enemy trade?

I have already told my hon. and gallant Friend that so far as salaried officers are concerned they are all British-born subjects. So far as unsalaried officers are concerned, I am sure that if he will look into the matter he will agree with me that it is quite impossible that we can have an unsalaried Consular officer in every place where we have them now if we are debarred from appointing anyone of foreign nationality.

Would it not be better to do without them?

That question was very exhaustively examined by the Commission. As the matter has been raised, perhaps the House will allow me to read an extract from the Commissioners' Report on the subject of unsalaried officers. They say:

"Upon a full consideration of all the evidence we have no criticism to make of the policy now pursued by the Foreign Office in respect to this question. We think that the appointment of whole-time salaried officers to unimportant posts is not only unnecessary and extravagant hut that it would prove actually prejudicial to the efficiency of the officers in question. On the other hand we have received a considerable body of evidence testifying to the value of the services which unpaid Consuls of foreign nationality can render to British trade."

What is the date of that?

Just before the War.

Is it not the case that the Report was compiled before the War, and that the War has changed that as well as many other things?

Of course the War Las made enormous changes, and, as the hon. Member knows, the whole question of the Consular Service after the War is being very carefully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the thirty-four conscientious objectors sentenced to the death penalties in France have had their cases reviewed by the Appeal Tribunal; and, seeing that it is now over two months since they were sentenced and their terms of penal servitude began, how long are these men to be kept in prison before having their cases reconsidered in accordance with the Prime Minister's promise?

All these cases have now been reviewed by the Central Tribunal.

asked the Secretary for War whether, in reference to the thirty four conscientious objectors condemned to death in June in France, he is aware that certain other conscientious objectors were At the same time tried in France for the same offences but received light sentences; why F. C. Bromberger received only one year's hard labour instead of death by shooting; why Rendel Wyatt received two years' hard labour; and why of these men one still remains at Boulogne, one is in prison at Rouen, while forty are in Winchester Prison?

The hon. Member is doubtless aware that it is not possible in law to ask a court-martial the reasons why at their discretion they have inflicted any particular sentence. In regard to the latter part of the question, if he will state the names of the men at Boulogne and Rouen, inquiry will be made.

Are we to understand that no other conscientious objectors will be sent abroad, and that these men will as soon as possible be brought home?

That is not raised in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to state his arrangements for the enlistment of friendly aliens, especially of Russian Jews, in the British Army?

I have been approached by a responsible committee of leading Russian Jews, who have expressed their willingness to carry on an active recruiting campaign in London and in other centres, with a view to securing the voluntary enlistment in the British Army of Russian subjects living in this country who are eligible for military service. I have agreed that until the results of this campaign are seen the question whether those who do not enlist should be repatriated shall remain in abeyance. All who enlist voluntarily and who desire to become British subjects will be given a formal assurance on joining the Army that, if they fulfil the statutory conditions, they will be naturalised without fee within three months, if they are then still serving in the Army. So far as practicable, arrangements will be made for men wishing to serve together to do so. Pay, separation allowance, and pension will be the same as for British subjects. Men who can show that they would not be liable to military service in Russia, while eligible for voluntary enlistment in the British Army, will not at any time be required to serve by other methods. I am in consultation with the War Office as to the establishment of a special tribunal in London, and some modifications in the present arrangements in certain large towns, in order that Russian subjects may apply for certificates of exemption on the same grounds as are allowed to British subjects by the Military Service Acts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in his place on the Adjournment Motion if this matter is raised in the course of the Debate?

Certainly, if hon. Members desire it.

Do I understand there will be no repatriation until the House reassembles?

Yes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of allowing these men to go to other countries besides going back to Russia, or keep it open?

I should not give an undertaking to that effect. The whole question will be considered when we know the result of the voluntary recruiting.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will consult the War Office in connection with this matter with a view to raising separate battalions both of Jews and Russians?

That has been considered, but there are considerable military difficulties in the way.

asked the Secretary for War if he will inquire into the treatment of soldiers at Penkridge Bank Camp, in Staffordshire; if a man who reported himself sick to the doctor I was sent back to parade without examina- tion, and was taken ill and died; and if there have been several cases of suicide among the men in this camp?

I have received a report dated 21st August from the Western Command, but I am afraid that I am not yet in. a position to answer my hon. Friend's question. I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am able to do so.

As the War Office has said that the thing ought to be publicly known, is there some way of making it public?

I will see what can be done in the matter

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether all the men and horses in Mesopotamia are at the present time receiving full rations; (2) what preparations were made for the comfort and safety of the troops during the hot weather in Mesopotamia as regards suitable food, drink, and tent accommodation; (3) what arrangements, if any, were made for the provision of drinking water for reinforcements arriving in Mesopotamia after they had disembarked and marched to camp; and whether he is aware that in many instances men go to the nearest pool and drink water, the result of which is enteric, cholera, or fever?

In reply to these questions, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Roxburghshire on the 9th instant. As was explained then, no sufficient time has elapsed for an appreciable change to have been effected in the situation since the change of responsibility. I am making further inquiries as regards the rations. As regards the drinking water, I assume that so obvious a precaution against disease as the provision of proper drinking water has been taken, but I have no special information. If the hon. Member has private information from reliable sources I should be glad to be placed in possession of it.

May we take it that there are now no men still under-rationed?

Since I have seen the hon. Member's question I have sent out special inquiries on the subject, and though probably in some cases they have had to change the scale of rations with respect to certain things, yet there is no information that they are short of any important rations. However, I will make further inquiry.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can now give any figures to show the improvement in the issue of the temporary allowances to discharged soldiers awaiting the award of pension?

From a test analysis of the cases dealt with on 7th and 8th August I found that the number of cases in which there was a delay of over a week amounted to 18 per cent. From a similar analysis made last week the number had fallen to 9 per cent., showing a satisfactory improvement. Arrangements have been made and instructions were issued last Saturday which will, I think, subject to the unavoidable margin due to human error, produce prompt payment to all men discharged on medical grounds in future, and all men who have already been discharged will be dealt with as rapidly as possible after their cases have been brought to notice.

If in the case of a man who does not get the temporary allowance it is paid by the local pension committee, will the War Office refund that amount?

I should think so, but I must not be taken as giving a definite undertaking, without consideration; but the request would appear to be reasonable.

Would it be worth while for a man to make representations to the local pension committee if he was not getting the money?

Yes.

asked the chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the unpopularity of £1 Treasury notes in Scotland; whether he is aware that this is largely due to their small size and to the thinness of the paper upon which they are printed, which render them unsuitable for payment of wages where a number of coins have to be wrapped up inside the note; and whether,, to overcome these objections, he will consider the desirability of increasing the size-of these notes and printing them upon paper such as is used by the Scottish banks for their note issues.

The issue of notes of a new design and slightly larger size is now under consideration.

Would not the new notes-be on stronger paper?

I cannot say anything as to the paper on which the new notes-are to be printed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman familiar with the copied bank notes?

I have seen and admired them.

Has not this matter been, under consideration for the past six months? Will it be still under consideration six months hence?

It has been at least six-months under consideration, but I hope that it will not be so for six months longer.

Can we have a definite assurance that there will be some time limit to this consideration?

No. I am extremely sorry, but we have to find a note that will defy the forger, and after every successive; effort which we have made we have discovered that it was still possible to forge. The difficulties consequently are enormous, but I hope that they will be overcome very soon now.

Are Scotch forgers more efficient than English forgers?

asked the Secretary for Scotland for what reasons it is proposed to hold an inquiry into the educational provision in Scotland as part of an inquiry into the educational provision for Great Britain, instead of by means of a Special Commission of persons versed in the Scottish educational system?

As the Prime Minister indicated yesterday, the Government desire to institute a comprehensive survey of education in all its aspects. The main problems of the moment are of common interest, and I am of opinion that it is desirable to have them examined from the point of view of the country as a whole before we consider such special modifications as may be required to carry out any new lines of development in Scotland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the subject of the inquiry in the general survey to which he refers?

Will my right hon. Friend consult the two bodies of unofficial Scottish Members before he embarks on an inquiry of this nature?

In reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, I think that we might very well have a—

Conference!

I do not say a Conference, but investigate the matter from the point of view which hon. Members might put before us. Hon. Members might like to put evidence before the Committee.

Could we not have the whole body of Scottish Members called together to discuss aspects of this inquiry, in which they take such a tremendous interest?

If my hon. Friend could get the whole body together before the Adjournment.

Is it not the case that the main subject of the inquiry is the Treasury finance of education? And can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the proposals for the actual development of Scottish education, whether as regards machinery or the subject-matter of education, shall only be made on the authority of persons versed in Scottish education?

I think that it would be convenient if my hon. Friend would put his second question, because I think that the answer covers a good many of these points.

asked by whom and by what means the comprehensive review is to be made of the existing provision of education in Scotland as part of a review of the educational provision in Great Britain; whether proposals for developing it will be made on the authority of any persons not specially versed in Scottish education; and whether the inquiry will include primary schools, secondary and higher-grade schools, and universities?

I must ask my hon. Friend to wait for the further announcement on this matter promised yesterday by the Prime Minister, but I can assure him that I do not propose to nominate as a Scottish representative anyone not versed in Scottish education. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative. In answer to the supplementary question which has been asked, while it is true that the financial question is the important part of the investigation I cannot consider it to be the whole.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is altogether to the advantage of the inquiry to state as early as possible by whom the inquiry is to be conducted, and what are the scope and methods, and is there any reason for concealing these matters?

The information has not been published yet, but it will be published. My right hon. Friend promised definitely to publish both the personnel and the terms of reference.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Scottish Members?

I am always willing, and indeed anxious, to consult my hon. Friends. I think that it would be a good plan to set the inquiry on foot, and then have the Scottish Members to give evidence.

This is a Scottish matter. Why not consult the Scottish Members? It is infinitely more advisable to have these appointments made with the concurrence of the right hon. Gentleman's Scottish colleagues.

I join issue with my hon. Friend. This is not solely a Scottish matter.

I shall raise this on the Adjournment.

I knew he would.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the active steps now being taken by neutral nations to organise their agencies for higher education with a view to national scientific development and to meet the conditions that will arise after the War, for example, in view of the American Commission of Inquiry now in Europe to collect information and opinions towards that end, he can state what are the steps, other than Departmental, that the Government have now taken in that direction; whether he can state the names and scientific qualifications of the secretarial staffs attached to the Committees that have been appointed; if he will state whether any Reports will be made public for the consideration of persons interested, including the Members of this House; and how soon the first Reports may be expected?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I may refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for London University, and to the answer given on the 16th instant by the Secretary for Scotland to the hon. Member for the Bridgetown Division of Glasgow. I may add that the Secretaries to the Committees appointed will be announced with the Committees. I am unable at present to say when the first Reports may be expected. The question of publication will be considered when they are received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can supply any information as to the improvement in the moral conditions of Colombo which followed the action taken by the Governor three years ago; and whether the conditions continue to be satisfactory?

I have received no recent report from the Governor in this matter, but I will ask him for one.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he will instruct the new Governor of Ceylon, to make immediate inquiries into all cases of alleged injustice in connection with the riots last year, and par- ticularly if he will have inquiry made into the case of Mark Leo Fernando, of Divula-pitiya, in the Negombo district, who was arrested on 7th June, 1915, and shot in front of his house on the following day without any formal trial, though he begged for an inquiry; (2) if he will instruct the Governor of Ceylon to inquire into the case of Mututantrige Aron Fernando, of Karawanella, who, with several others, was charged with rioting before the Police Court of Kegalle and was kept in custody until he paid 10,000 rupees upon a receipt issued by a military officer, Major Bayly, whereupon he and his co-accused were all discharged; whether the Special Commissioner, in order to induce payment, warned this man that he had power to send him to gaol or have him shot; whether any part of this fine has been repaid; (3) if he will have inquiries made into the circumstances under which a bond was issued on 13th August, 1915, signed C. V. Brayne, Special Commissioner, stating that, upon faithful performance of the terms of the bond and the payment in full of 5,000 rupees each, two persons named in the bond had purchased an amnesty from all criminal proceedings in connection with the riots; (4) if he will have an investigation and report upon the case of Rankiripatirage Telenis Appu, Watubenegamage Podi Singho, and James Bass, of Algoda, in Three Korales, who were arrested early in the morning of the 10th June, 1915, in their houses, the second while in bed, and taken to the bank of the Algoda river and there shot, without any trial, in spite of their entreaties for an inquiry; and (5) if he will have full inquiry made into the case of Wadurava Kankanamalage Simon Perera, of Kal Eliya, in Hapitigam Korale, and Liyana Atchi Lekamalage Jiris Appuhany, who were arrested on 5th June in the house of the former, and shot immediately after in the compound without any trial, though they begged for an opportunity to prove their innocence?

The new Governor of Ceylon is inquiring into all matters arising out of the riots which in his opinion require investigation. I shall be glad to bring to his notice the questions of the hon. Member.

May we take it that this House will have an opportunity of considering the report of the Governor of Ceylon on these matters?

No such promise is given. As I mentioned to the House on the Colonial Office Vote, we trust the Governor in this matter, and are satisfied with the examination which he considers necessary.

A number of questions as to alleged irregularities have been raised during the last few months. Will these be all brought to the notice of the Governor?

Yes. They will be all brought to the notice of the Governor.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will issue a badge to be worn by miners showing that they are employed in an exempted trade, with a view to protecting them from unwarranted criticism when away from the collieries?

In view of the special arrangements made for exempting miners from military service, it was decided, in consultation with the Home Secretary, not to issue badges to miners.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the remarks made by the chairman of the Glasgow Munitions Tribunal on Tuesday last in reference to the low wages paid to certain munitions workers, for instance, a wage of 27s. for a week of fifty-six hours, and that he had expressed his opinion fifty times in the strongest possible manner; and whether, in view of the high increasing cost of the necessaries of life, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

My attention had not been called previously to any remarks made by the chairman on the particular occasion referred to. I am aware, however, that the question of the wages paid to labourers in this district has from time to time been the subject of comment before the tribunal. Any question as to the wages of these men which cannot be settled between the parties should be referred as a difference to the Board of Trade under Part I. of the Munitions of War Act.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the shipowners and merchants in Hull and Grimsby have refused to give extra pay to the workmen for the work done on August Bank Holiday Monday; if he is aware that the Government recommended that where there was no existing agreement between employers and workmen, at least time and a-quarter should be paid for all work done on that day; and if he intends taking action in the matter?

My attention had not previously been drawn to this matter. I may, however, remind my hon. Friend that the recommendations of the Government with regard to special rates of pay were directed to persons engaged on munitions work, and I can only undertake to deal with complaints relating to firms who are so engaged.

Is there not a moral obligation on employers in view of what was recommended, and seeing that the men worked on Bank Holiday?

Are these not matters of Government concern, and will the Government recognise the principle?

I do not quite follow.

Railways.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the rates of pay authorised in a circular issued by the Ministry for women and girl munitions workers at various ages are not paid to women workers in factories and controlled establishments where the eight-hours working day is in operation; and whether he will advise that the authorised rates be paid in all establishments where the normal working day is in operation?

I am not aware of any such case as that referred to in the question, but if my hon. Friend will bring any such case to my notice, I will make inquiries. It is possible that my hon. Friend is referring to the case of women engaged on men's work, who, in accordance with the provisions of the Minister's Order embodying Circular L2, are rated at £1 per week reckoned on the usual working hours of men in the engineering trade in the district.

Has the right hon. Gentleman inquired into the case which I mentioned last week of the National Munitions Factory? Does the right hon. Gentleman admit that what I said was right, or will he make inquiry?

We are making inquiry.

Where the women and girls are employed forty-eight hours a week, will the right hon. Gentleman recommend that they be paid the minimum of £1 a week?

So far as Circular L2 is concerned, the regulations should be complied with, and if my hon. Friend has any case to bring forward where they have not been complied with it will be dealt with at once.

If the men get a full week's pay for forty-eight hours a week, and the girls work forty-eight hours a week and do not get a full week's pay, will the right hon. Gentleman see that they are paid £1 a week?

If that is being done.

If it is being done, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the girls get a full week's pay?

They will have a full week's pay in the district where forty-eight hours are a full week's work.

If the men work forty-eight hours for a full week's pay, will the girls working there get the minimum of £1 a week?

We cannot say whether that number of hours is worked in different districts.

In a district where the men get a full week's pay for a forty-eight hours' week, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the girls get it?

Certainly, if that is a week's work.

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this subject on the Motion for the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that in Circular L2, dated October, 1915, which deals with the rates of pay to women workers on munition work, paragraph 1, states that women workers of eighteen years of age and over employed on time work or work customarily done by men shall be rated at £1 per week, reckoning on the usual working hours of men in engineering establishments of the particular district; that employers in all-parts of the country are refusing to pay more than £1 per week; that many trade unions have applied on behalf of women to a number of employers for an advance over the £1 per week, mainly in consequence of the extraordinary rise in the price of foodstuffs since October, 1915, and are asking that the rate shall be raised to 25s. per week; and if he can see his way to receive a trade union deputation with a view to arriving at a satisfactory conclusion?

The points raised in this question have been brought to my notice. The matter is under consideration, and I am referring it for advice to my right hon. Friend who advises the Government on Labour questions.

asked the Minister of Munitions what extra rate is paid for overtime and night work in the case of female workers who are working on time and piece rates?

In the case of women and girls on munitions work of a class customarily done by men, extra rates for overtime and night work are prescribed by Orders of the Minister of Munitions, of which I am sending copies to my hon. Friend. No general rule as to the extra rates to be paid in such cases to women and girls on other munitions work has been issued; but as I stated recently in-the House of Commons, it is proposed to issue instructions on this point in a few days.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the selling price of flour per sack in London on Tuesday, 15th August, was 56s., top grades 3s. or 4s. more, and that the price is 13s. over and above that of 27th June, 1916; if he can give reasons why this rise has taken place within the course of six weeks; if he is aware that for every extra 10s. per ton charged on wheat freightage 1d. is added to the price of the quartern loaf; if he can state what was the rate of freightage per ton on foreign wheat imported in June, 1914; and what was the freightage per ton on imported wheat from the same countries in July, 1916?

The price of No. 1 Northern Manitoba wheat quoted ex ship in London was reported as 52s. per quarter of 496 lb. on 3rd July and 72s. 6d. per quarter on 11th August. In that interval the price of the same quality and quantity of wheat in New York rose from 43s. 9d. to 57s. 9d. It will be seen from these figures that the greater part of the rise in the London price was consequent on the rise in New York which followed the receipt of unfavourable reports of the condition of the growing crop of the United States, and was not due to any causes within the control of His Majesty's Government. A very small proportion of the rise, not more than 3s., was accounted for by freights. Some figures illustrating the rise in freights since the beginning of the War were given on Thursday last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Sunderland.

Is it true that, according to a report stated in the papers, there is a certain cornering of wheat in London, and that 200,000 quarters of wheat are being held up by firms in order to keep up the price?

Inquiries have been made, and we have been unable to find that there has been any attempt at cornering, but, if my hon. Friend has any evidence of it, I shall be only too glad to inquire.

May I say that there was an article in the "Statist" last Saturday which goes to prove that there is a corner in wheat existing in London?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury at whose expense a cinematograph film of the Cabinet is being taken; if the Treasury will remain in possession of the film; and if any estimate has been formed as to the extent the Treasury will benefit from the proceeds to be derived from the exhibition of the film?

With regard to the first part of the question, I may say that no expense would have fallen upon the Treasury in this connection. The proposal has, however, I understand, been dropped, and I need scarcely add that it was never intended to allow a cinematograph picture of the Cabinet in Session to be taken.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer more fully the first part of the question, as to who has incurred the expense up to the present?

No expense has fallen on the Treasury.

asked the Home Secretary if he will see his way to allow books and Irish newspapers, as well as other comforts, to be sent those prisoners who are undergoing penal servitude as a result of the rebellion?

As these men are under sentence of penal servitude they must be subject to the same rules as other prisoners, and they cannot be allowed to receive newspapers or presents—but, as I stated last Wednesday in reply to the hon. Member for the College Green Division of Dublin, they will be allowed a liberal supply of books.

May I ask if there is any precedent for treating men convicted of political offences otherwise than as ordinary criminals, and if there be no such precedent will he not create one in the interests of good feeling between England and Ireland?

There is no precedent for persons convicted of such offences being treated differently from other persons while in penal servitude, and I am not disposed to create a precedent.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the practice in France— it is well to take a leaf from France occasionally—where a complete distinction is made between ordinary criminals and men whose offences are only political, considering that those men often subsequently rise to Cabinet rank?

I am not sure that they include a class of persons who have taken up arms against the Government of the country.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to that portion of the Hardinge Report where Major Price cast reflections upon the appointments to the magistracy in recent years by the Lord Chancellor; will he say whether there was any foundation for the statement of Major Price; and, if not, will he take steps to see that this gentleman, who is drawing a double salary as a Government officer, will be compelled to withdraw the insinuations made not alone against the Lord Chancellor, but against a big body of respectable Irish citizens?

My attention has been called by the hon. Member himself to the evidence mentioned in the question. The facts as to the appointment of magistrates by the present Lord Chancellor of Ireland were stated in my reply of Wednesday last to the question of the hon. Member for North Sligo. The reply given to the hon. Member's question of the 7th August made it clear that Major Price was not drawing a double salary. As to the continued employment of Major Price I cannot add anything to what was said by the Home Secretary in answer to a question of the hon. Member on the 7th instant.

May I ask whether, in view of the fact that there can be no confidence in the administration of the law in Ireland when there is such a man as Major Price, he will ask the Secretary of State for War to withdraw him from Ireland to this country and utilise his services here, or otherwise send him to the front?

asked the Prime Minister whether, when the time arrives for discussing peace terms to conclude the present War, the Government will consider the advisability of making a condition in the settlement that the hours of labour of workpeople in all countries concerned be reduced to a ratio below that in operation prior to the War, with a view to minimising and regulating foreign trade competition?

The suggestion of my hon. Friend is attractive, but I fear that it would present great practical difficulties.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a number of resolutions are on the agenda for the Trades Union Congress, which will be held in Birmingham on the first Monday of September, condemning the action of the Government in not granting an extra allowance to old age pensioners in consequence of the advance in the prices of all kinds of foodstuffs during the War; and whether he can now announce that the Government intend to give a Supplementary Grant to old age pensioners during the war period?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave yesterday on this subject to the hon. Member for the Houghton-le-Spring Division.

Does the Government recognise there is always danger if you sit on the safety-valve too long?

That is a sound general observation.

The Prime Minister says it is a general proposition. I can assure him it is a particular proposition.

Order, order!

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has yet considered the proposals for liquor prohibition in Scotland during the War, placed before him by a representative deputation on 25th July last; and if he can now make a statement on the subject?

As my hon. Friend is probably aware, since receiving the deputation referred to in the question, I have recently received two further deputations on the same subject. The whole matter is receiving my most careful consideration.

May I ask the Minister of Munitions whether he can give the House any information as to the identity of the place in Yorkshire where the explosion took place, which is announced in this morning's papers, and as to the number of lives lost and any other information which, consistent with the public interest, he can give?

I cannot identify the place. We have not been able to ascertain the cause of the explosion that occurred yesterday evening. Twenty bodies have been recovered up to the present. Considerable destruction has resulted from the explosion, but the casualties have not been as heavy as was at first anticipated.

All at the one place?

Yes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the cause, or have they been able to find out?

We have not been able to ascertain.

I do not think the House heard where it was?

I did not say.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state whether it is a fact that a warning has recently been issued to the editors of all Irish papers on the subject of Press criticism of the Government and its administration in Ireland, and whether he can give the terms of the warning, and whether the Chief Secretary himself was acquainted with and approved of its terms before that was issued?

A notice was recently issued warning editors in Ireland against making publications which are likely to cause disaffection. The Press Censorship is at present a Department of military administration. The terms of the warning were settled by the Censorship. I was aware that a warning would probably be issued, but not of its terms.

Was the right hon. Gentleman consulted before this warning was given?

I told the hon. Gentleman and the House exactly how the matter stands.

In this matter we want to know who is governing Ireland on the Civil side, and whether we can rely on the assurance of the Prime Minister himself that General Maxwell has no interference whatever on the Civil side of the Government of Ireland?

As I have told the House, the Press Censorship is at present a department of military administration, and is not under the control of the Civil administration in Ireland. It happened that while I was in Dublin last week I became aware that by reason of certain incidents which had occurred, the nature of which I do not think I ought to state to the House, it would probably be necessary that a warning should be given. I gather from the question which is put to me that the warning which was then spoken of in conversation to me as a thing which might be necessary, is the warring to which the question of my hon. Friend refers.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to state; specifically to the House whether newspaper editors in Ireland have been warned that they are not entitled to criticise the Government of Ireland?

To that question the answer is, No. The warning which has been given to them is as to publication, which, of course, includes criticism, which is likely to produce disaffection and a publication which offends against the terms of the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

The good old days!

The Indian Press Act over again!

Can the right hon. Gentleman point to a single provision in the Defence of the Realm Regulations which prevents newspaper editors from criticising the Government or any Department of it?

I have not the Defence of the Realm Regulations before me, but that there are provisions in the Defence Regulations which prohibit the publication of matters tending to excite disaffection in the country I am perfectly sure.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the Defence of the Realm Regulations relative to the conduct of the Press were under discussion in the House the late Home Secretary definitely stated that the newspapers would be free to criticise the Government and the Departments of the Government?

The hon. Member must give notice of that.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is now in a position to tell the House the result of his negotiations with the hutting agents for a reduction in the amount payable to them in respect of commission?

I am afraid I am not in a position even yet to announce any definite arrangement. For some time past I have been in communication with my hon. Friend the senior Member for Devon-port, as representing the firm of Sir John Jackson, Limited, and on the 14th July last—that is to say, before the date of the publication of the Report of the Public Accounts Committee—he agreed to certain proposals which, if they can be carried out, will reduce the commission payable by, way of profit from 5 per cent, to 4 per cent.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that an agent of this same firm, when the men struck because they were paid sweating wages, told the men that they ought to be shot? If that is so, who is going to be shot now?

I was not aware of any fact of that kind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has had any representations from the National Boot and Shoe Operatives in opposition to their being included in the Act extending the operation of the Unemployment Section of the National Insurance Act, and whether he would exercise the powers he has under the Act and postpone to a date later than 1st September the application of the Act to this industry?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, there is no power under the Act to postpone its application to a particular industry which is included in the Schedule. Any postponement would have to be general, applying to the Act as a whole, and having regard to the importance of bringing insurance into force at the earliest possible date, the Board of Trade cannot see their way to any such general postponement. As regards the boot and shoe trade, I may add that the matter has been fully discussed with a deputation of the union in question, but I am not satisfied that even if it were possible there would be a good case either for postponing insurance in this trade or for excluding it from insurance altogether.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this trade was placed in the Act without any knowledge whatever of the facts, and that it did not discover that it was in until the Bill had become an Act of Parliament?

My hon. Friend should have raised that question when the Bill was before the House. If he is representing that industry, then would have been his opportunity.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the general interest excited by the Public Accounts Committee's Report, he would give a day for its discussion after the evidence had been printed?

Yes, certainly. I think that the evidence should be printed first.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is yet able to make a statement in reference to the wages and allowances paid to certain classes of workmen at Rosyth?

Since Tuesday last, when I gave my right hon. Friend an undertaking on this point, this matter has again been looked into, and I am now in a position to say that, pending the provision of sufficient housing accommodation at Rosyth, men locally entered and living in towns at a distance therefrom will receive the 6d. a day recently sanctioned for men transferred from the Southern yards.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of any negotiations with a view to the termination of hostilities being initiated during the Recess, he will at once summon Parliament together to deliberate on the matter?

No, Sir; I cannot give any such undertaking.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is true, as stated in a leading English newspaper today, that General Sir John Maxwell is to be withdrawn from Ireland; also whether martial law is now to be withdrawn, and ordinary laws and civil liberty restored to the people of that country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question With regard to the position of Sir John Maxwell, no decision has yet been arrived at. That must be a matter involved in the general policy in regard to administration in Ireland. With regard to martial law, the hon. Member gave notice this morning that he was going to ask a question. It happens that recently the hon. Member for the Harbour Division of Dublin (Mr. Byrne) had on the Paper a question on the same subject which was not asked. I have here the answer which I proposed to give, and which, I think, deals with the matter to which the hon. Member has directed his question. The answer is in these terms:

How can either the Prime Minister or the Chief Secretary expect normal conditions to be restored so long as Ireland is under a military dictatorship, and martial law is the order under which Ireland is ruled? Further, is the Chief Secretary's present answer consistent with the statement made by the Prime Minister on the 10th May, in reply to the hon. Member for East Mayo, that it was the earnest hope of the Government that normal conditions in Ireland would be restored at the earliest possible moment?

That is still the earnest hope of the Government.

Towards what end are Ministers directing the government of Ireland at the present moment? Is it the policy of conciliation, or is it the policy of irritation of the general mass of the public? If that be the effect of General Maxwell's regime, which I can assure the Prime Minister it is, will he bring about the recall—

The hon. Member is making a speech.

Arising out of the first part of the reply of the Chief Secretary, I would like to know, when he stated that the recall of General Maxwell has not yet been decided upon, whether that means that it is at present under the consideration of the Government?

The condition of Ireland is from day to day under the consideration of the Government, and there is the sincerest anxiety, on the part of the Government, first of all to do nothing which shall cause reasonable provocation to law-abiding citizens in Ireland, and secondly, as soon as it is safe and proper in the interests of Ireland to restore Ireland to a normal state of government.

That is not a reply to my question. I asked the right hon. Gentleman was the withdrawal of General Maxwell from Ireland now under the consideration of the Government?

I submit I have answered the question.

Can the Chief Secretary state a single fact in justification of the continued retention of General Maxwell in Ireland?

That must be a matter for debate. I could state volumes of facts.

We shall have the Debate on the Adjournment.

I shall refer to this point also.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, if the Government unanimously decided that the moment had come that self-government should be set up in Ireland, that they are not able to abrogate martial law and restore the ordinary law?

Let me answer that question. Martial law does not exist in Ireland in any real and effective sense. Ireland is toeing governed just as Great Britain is being governed.

If it does not exist, why—

Order, order!

asked the President of the Local Government Board the average cost per head of pauper indoor maintenance on 31st March, 1913, 1914, 1915, and 1916, respectively?

The estimated average cost per indoor pauper in England and Wales for the year ended March, 1913, was £32 12s. 10¾d., and for the year ended March, 1914, £34 9s. 4¾d. Complete returns for the later years are not yet available.