asked the Secretary of State for India what is the nature of the work undertaken by Professor Ethé, an unnaturalised German subject, in connection with his Department; and what is the basis of his remuneration?

Professor Ethé has been engaged since 1872 in compiling a Catalogue of the Persian MSS. in the Library of the India Office. The first volume of this Catalogue was completed in 1901, since which date no payment has been made to him. The honorarium for the second volume is to stand over until its completion, and has not been fixed.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can say if the colonel commanding at Lucknow is the same officer who was adjudged responsible for the overcrowding of the troop train from Karachi to Peshawar which resulted in the death of many soldiers; whether he will explain why this officer has been transferred from Simla to Lucknow at a higher rate of pay, in view of the undertaking that the Indian Government might be relied upon not to employ this officer again in a responsible position; and will he say what posts have been given to the other officers implicated in the occurrence referred to?

On removal from his appointment as Deputy Quartermaster-General in consequence of his share in the responsibility for the incident referred to Brigadier-General Roe reverted to his permanent rank as colonel and to the Military Works Services, for which as a Royal Engineer he is specially fitted. He has now been appointed Commanding Royal Engineer at Lucknow, not Colonel-Commanding at Lucknow, as stated in the hon. Member's question. The duties of this post are those of an engineer and consist in the building of barracks, etc., and his responsibility is of an entirely different character from that attaching to his previous staff appointment at Army Headquarters. He has lost the rank of Brigadier-General and the prestige and better prospects of his staff appointment at Army Headquarters, which are considerably greater than those accompanying the position of Commanding Royal Engineer. His pay is very considerably less than that which he drew as Acting-Quartermaster-General. I may add that there is a shortage of Engineer officers in India, and a great demand for them in Mesopotamia. It was, therefore, in the public interest that Colonel Roe's services should be utilised in this capacity, and it was for this reason that the appointment was made. I believe that neither of the other two officers who were removed from their posts at the same time as Colonel Roe is now employed.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman inform the House that we might rest assured that the Government of India would not again place this gentleman in a position of responsibility. Does he mean to infer from his answers that this gentleman is not now in a position of responsibility?

No. My hon. Friend does not quite correctly give the sense of the answer which I gave on a recent occasion. I said that he might rely on the Government of India not placing these men in a position for which they had shown themselves unfit, and in which repetition of the same faults might lead to similar disaster. Colonel Roe is now employed in a totally different position for which I have no reason to doubt his fitness. We are short of officers who are capable of doing the work, and as I say he is appointed for reasons of public policy, and not out of compassion for him. I think that the punishment which has been administered has been sufficient for the grave error of judgment which he committed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman refer to the OFFICIAL REPORT and see if my interpretation of his answer is not correct? Will he also endeavour to make inquiries and see in what position the other officers are placed?

I will invite my hon. Friend to refer to the answer which perhaps I have more present in my mind than he has.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that in July last urgent appeals for help were sent to Calcutta from individuals at Wellington and other smaller stations at Nilgiri Hills on behalf of the wounded and sick soldiers arriving there in large numbers, and for whom no provision had been made; is he aware of the hardships and privations undergone by the wounded and sick from Mesopotamia at that date, that the early arrivals found no mattresses or pillows on their iron beds, that all they had to lie on was coir, that although it was cold the men had very few blankets between them, that they were drinking out of empty, cigarette tins and empty condensed milk tins, that the supply of drugs was hopelessly inadequate, causing much suffering among the patients; will he say what is the situation to-day; and whether the officers and officials responsible for this condition of affairs last July are still in the employ of the Indian Government?

A report reached me from a private source in August last that the provision made for soldiers at Wellington had been inadequate, and I at once telegraphed to the Viceroy a request that he would make full inquiry. The Viceroy was satisfied by an exhaustive inspection carried out by the G.O.C., in company with the Governor of Madras, that there were nothing more than inconveniences of a temporary character, which were quickly dealt with. The Viceroy added that there was no dearth of comforts or stores, and that private relief was merely supplementing official resources. In particular, I am informed that, with some 1,500 patients arriving at short notice, the deficiency of beds was limited to three men for one night each; that the shortage of crockery affected only twenty men for a few days, and that there was no lack of medicines at any time. All articles of clothing, bedding, or other equipment of which the patients were found to be in need, were at once drawn from the reserves, hired or purchased locally, or ordered by telegram from the nearest source of supply. The House is aware that I have not sought to conceal or excuse faults of administration where I believed them to exist, but I do earnestly deprecate uncritical condemnation of the Indian Government and of officers serving under it, who feel deeply the unjust aspersions cast upon them, to which it is not open to them to make any reply.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean the House to infer that the statements which I have made and which I have asked him to verify are not common knowledge in India?

They are common gossip and rumour, but I mean to imply that they are not facts. They are grossly exaggerated. Of course, it appeared in print. I know where my hon. Friend has got it from. It came to me from a private source which I thought | ought to be well informed. The moment I get information of the kind I communicate it to the Government of India and ask for inquiry. Inquiry has been made. The hospital has been visited and inspected on several occasions by the General Officer Commanding, and also by his Excellency the Governor of Madras. His Excellency authorised the Government to inform me that he was satisfied that the shortage was purely temporary, that the position is now satisfactory, and that the complaint made was grossly exaggerated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the terms of the arrangement under which 10,000 South African natives are to be recruited for employment in France by the French Government as a labour force?

No arrangement has been made for the employment of South African natives by the French Government.

Is this force being employed by the British Government in furtherance of the scheme for the substitution of black labour for white?

A certain number of natives in South Africa have been recruited to serve in the Army Service Corps.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say the number of men so employed?

I would rather have notice of that.

Will these men be used in discharging ships in French ports?

They are to be used in the way the Army commanders in France think most useful.

had given notice of the following question: To ask the Under-Secretary of Stats for Foreign Affairs whether he can state on what class of work the Chinese being recruited by the French Government for employment in France are to be engaged?

Before this question is put, may I ask whether the terms upon which the French Government offer employment are a matter of concern for this country?

I was about to say that the question is not one in which it seems that any statement is required from His Majesty's Government.

What objection is there to asking a question on matters which have appeared in the public Press and which, apparently, have passed the Censor?

Hon. Members of this House must exercise some discretion as to the questions which should be asked.

had given notice of the following question: To ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement as to the relations of the Allies with the Government established by M. Venizelos?

This question is postponed. Meantime I would ask my right hon. Friend to inquire into the allegations made that the followers of Venizelos in the Army and the Civil Service are being punished?

I will certainly make inquiry, but I do not believe that there is any truth in the allegation.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that recently at Youghal, county Cork, the juvenile members of a religious sodality and the boys of the Christian Brothers Schools, Middleton, were forbidden by the police authorities to march from the Market Square to a hurling match in a field near the town; whether he is aware that the hurling match was a challenge match between the boys of the former two schools, and that the age of the boys who proposed so to march to the field ranged from eight to fourteen; whether the authorities were informed of this intention on the part of the boys; and whether he will take any steps to prevent action of this character on the part of the police?

I am informed that application for a permit for a procession was made at the local police barracks a few minutes before it was intended to take place. The police officer in charge had no authority to grant a permit for a procession, and offered to telegraph to the county inspector, but was told it was not worth while.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this district 1,400 men have joined the Colours, and that many of these men who are fighting now at the front are the fathers and brothers of these young lads? Does he consider that this conduct is calculated to encourage recruiting?

I do not for a moment see the connection between the 1,400 men to whom my hon. and gallant Friend has referred and the inability of the local police officer to grant a permit for a procession. Where a permit for a procession is granted everybody who thinks fit may take part in it, but when they take part in it there is no guarantee that it is a procession of schoolboys.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the application of martial law in Ireland in this odious form is calculated to give the best results for recruiting and for every other purpose in which we are all interested?

That certainly does not arise out of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what proportion of the total number of recruits obtained from Ireland were drawn from areas reckoned as rural areas in the Census of 1911; and what proportion from those reckoned as civic areas?

Materials are not available for supplying the desired information.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that in certain cases referring to the Military Service Act police magistrates in Ireland exclude the local justices of the peace from the hearing; whether there is authority vested in the magistrate for so acting; and, if not, whether cases in which justices of the peace, though present on the bench, were not allowed to intervene will be retried?

The cases to which I assume reference is made in the hon. Member's question arose under the provisions of Section 154 of the Army Act, 1881. It has recently been decided in this country that the jurisdiction conferred under this Section can be exercised by a single justice sitting alone. I am informed that in this matter the law and practice in Ireland are the same as in England. In certain cases in Ireland where the complaint under the Section was made in the first instance to a resident magistrate sitting alone he has claimed and exercised the right to adjudicate alone. If need be the matter can be decided by appeal to the High Court in Ireland, but I think it is not one in which the Executive Government should interfere administratively.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable that the magistrate should adjudicate a question if there are local justices sitting side by side with him on the bench? Has he the right to exclude the justices from a voice in the case at all?

I am not concerned with the law now, but I have been told that in peace time if one Court of Summary Jurisdiction was seised of a case, new members, who were eligible to sit in the first instance in that Court, could not come in and upset the jurisdiction of the Court which is already seised of the particulars of the case.

If I submit a case to the right hon. Gentleman will he look into it?

As this subject has caused a great deal of uneasiness in Ireland, I should be very loth, indeed, as long as I am responsible, that there should be any Executive interference with the adminis- tration of justice in the Courts of Summary Jurisdiction, and if it is possible to avoid that course it will be avoided. The more convenient course would be to bring an appeal to the High Court of Justice to decide this matter definitely one way or the other for the whole of Ireland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House of his own knowledge that there has been no Executive interference in a recent case in the -county of Limerick on the part of the Attorney-General for Ireland?

I should be surprised to learn that there has been interference.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that an official employed in the Land Registry, Four Courts, Dublin, Charles J. Kenny by name, was handed a form which stated that, subject to the approval of the bead of his Department, he undertook to enlist when called upon to do so for the duration of the War; that Kenny refused to sign this undertaking; that he was then informed that, being of military age and not having undertaken to enlist, his services would be dispensed with; and whether this form of Conscription has the sanction of the Irish Government?

The form referred to in the question as having been given to Mr. C. J. Kenny, employed as temporary boy clerk in the central office of the Land Registry, was the form issued by the Lord Lieutenant as Director of Recruiting in Ireland, which was handed to all and signed by the majority of the few remaining eligible members of the staff of the Land Registry who had not already left for military service. As Mr. Kenny was not prepared to sign the form his services, as well as those of some other temporary clerks of military age in the Land Registry, were dispensed with; and the duties performed by them are now being discharged by men of over military age and by female clerks.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether native labourers have been brought from British South Africa to work at military and naval ports in France; and, if so, will they be brought to ports in this country under the same conditions under which they work in France and thus release for the Army a considerable body of male white workers?

A contingent of native labourers is being recruited in South Africa for non-combatant duties behind the British lines in France. The whole subject is being carefully considered by the Government.

May I take it that the subject of the employment of blacks in this country is under the consideration of the Government?

I have nothing to add to the answer I have given.

If all whites did their duty, there would be no need for blacks.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of complaints as to delay in dealing with hard cases by the Civil Liabilities Commissioners; whether he is aware that such matters as mortgage interest and insurance premiums, if they are to be satisfactorily arranged, must be capable of almost immediate adjustment; whether he will state how many cases have still to be dealt with and when decisions are likely to be reached; and whether he has considered the advisability of increasing the number of Commissioners?

Additional Commissioners have been appointed, as the increasing numbers of applications have shown this to be necessary, and since the commencement of the scheme twenty-six new Commissioners have been appointed, making a total number of Commissioners of ninety-nine. As I stated on the 17th October, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for the Mile End Division, in the few areas in which delay has arisen, owing to the exceptionally large numbers of applications, the arrears are being rapidly overtaken. The Commissioners had received 107,000 applications up to the 21st October; they have already dealt with over 86,500.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to announce whether Reservists can apply?

That matter is still under consideration by the Treasury.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great delay in obtaining Grants which the Committee actually do make?

A few cases in which there has been delay have been brought to my notice, but I do not think there is delay generally. I will inquire.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of the discontent caused by the fact that the pledges and promises given at the time of the passing of the Military Service Act are in many cases not being observed; that as between one tribunal and another there is divergence and inequality in the treatment of men with small businesses; whether he has received letters and resolutions on this matter; and whether it is proposed to take any action?

A war of the present magnitude cannot be carried on without much hardship, and my right hon. Friend appreciates the hardship suffered in many oases by the owners of small businesses. But he would strongly impress on all who sincerely desire the successful prosecution of the War the necessity of concentrating the man-power of the country on military service and work of essential importance. A general decision by the Central Tribunal on the cases of the sole proprietors of businesses was recently circulated; further directions are not at present contemplated. If proper use is made by the military representatives and by applicants of the right of appeal, there is no reason to think that a reasonable measure of uniformity, consistent with the necessity of getting the work done with celerity, will not be attained.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, under a new arrangement between the War Office, the Ministry of Munitions, and the Board of Trade, divisional officers of the last-named service are entrusted with the duties of inspecting men at present in the Army with a view to their suitability to the releasing for active service of men badged or in certified occupations and of arranging for their employment with employers who have men available for substitution; and will he say how many of these divisional officers are in his employment and their qualifications for this new duty?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made on 25th October by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, of which I am sending him a copy. The duties referred to will be undertaken by officers of the Employment Exchanges, working under the supervision of the nine divisional officers of the Employment Department. These officers have now for a long period been engaged in similar work as part of their normal duties, and they are, therefore, well qualified to undertake the task of selecting men from the Army and making arrangements with employers for the release of men for whom substitutes can be provided.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that this system of substitution as it has been tried up to now has proved a failure? Is it worth while going on with it much longer?

It is worth while giving this a trial at any rate.

Is it not wasting more time instead of dealing drastically with the problem?

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that General Sir William Pit-cairn Campbell, representing the War Office, addressed a meeting at Cardiff on 26th October, composed of the chairmen of tribunals and recruiting officers of South Wales on the question of man-power and to the fact that the question of man-power is related to the questions of finance, food supply, munitions, and the Navy, he will direct the Treasury, the Board of Agriculture, the Ministry of Munitions, and the Admiralty to arrange similar meetings to be addressed by representatives of those Departments in order that the tribunals may be put in possession of every aspect of this national problem?

I am not aware of the nature of the speech made by General Campbell. The various interests enumerated by my hon. Friend are all represented in His Majesty's Government, and I do not think it necessary to take the steps suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister if an opportunity will be given during the Debate on man-power to discuss the question of the utilisation of the civilian industrial native race man-power of the Empire?

I presume it would be in order to raise this topic in such a discussion.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that it is now proposed to deplete the farms of all labour of military age, including apparently skilled and indispensable labour during the next five months, the Government will' definitely approve the employment upon the farms for the period of the War only, and under proper supervision, of suitable boys from elementary -and secondary schools who have reached .the age of twelve, without depriving local education authorities in rural areas of the Government grant payable in respect of such boys, and thus causing them financial embarrassment and a consequent reluctance to act in what they deem to be the highest national interests?

With regard to the first part of the question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board on 10th October. If he will refer to the circular therein mentioned he will, I think, see that the assumption contained in the first part of this question is not accurate. The second part therefore does not arise.

Is the right hon.? Gentleman aware that in some parts of the country a large number of boys are being released for agricultural work, and in other parts none at all? It operates most unequally.

I shall be glad to consider any facts brought to my notice.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Mr. Ernest Robinson, of 20, Florence Street, Grimsby, who was brought before the stipendiary magistrate at Grimsby, on 25th October, on the charge of being an absentee, and remanded for twenty-eight days pending a deferred medical examination, has been dismissed from his post as collector of Customs and Excise on the ground that he has been convicted of being an absentee, and whether, in view of the fact that he has not been convicted, but remanded at the instance of the medical board, who after an examination on 21st October deferred his case for a month for a further medical examination, he will direct that his dismissal shall be suspended until the result of further examination is known and the magistrate has given his decision?

Mr. Robinson, who is an assistant clerk, and not the collector of Customs and Excise at Grimsby, has not been dismissed. As the charge against him has been adjourned on medical grounds, his employment is being continued pending the decision of the magistrates.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether instructions have been recently issued to stop conscientious objectors digging graves in France-within five miles of the trench line; if so, whether this was a Government instruction to the War Office; and if he can state whether genuine conscientious objectors object to digging the graves of British soldiers whose deaths are caused by the enemy?

The only instruction issued to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in France limiting the work on which the Non-Combatant Corps may be employed is that they may not be employed in the firing line; the second part of the question, therefore, does not arise. I have no information as to the third part.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a watchmaker named John Ladd, now Private No. 9732, 2/4th York Regiment, Hipswell Camp, Catterick, appeared before the medical board at Cardiff on 1st June and was placed in B 1 Class; that he was thoroughly examined by the same board on 24th August, when he was placed in C 3; that on 8th September he was called up, nevertheless, for service on his first medical ticket, namely, B 1; that the military representative caused it to be written on Private Ladd's notice paper that his second medical ticket was not recognised; that he was taken ill on his way to camp and had to remain in billet at Northallerton; that during the eight days he was in camp he was for four days on light duty, being unfit for parade and drill; and that he has been at home on leave for close on two weeks, during which time he has been medically attended by Dr. W. E. Thomas; and whether, in the circumstances, Private Ladd will be placed in Class O 3, where he could be of some service to the country, instead of in B 1?

Inquiries are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that numbers of men who were rejected subsequently to 14th August, 1915, and to whom notice to present themselves again for medical examination was not sent before 1st September, 1916, have now received notice requiring them to present themselves for service with the Colours; whether these notices have been sent out in error; and what steps ought to be taken by men who hold certificates of rejection in order to secure that the military authorities, where they do not dispute the facts, shall cancel the calling-up notice?

Men who have offered themselves for enlistment since 14th August, 1915, and who have been rejected and hold a certificate to that effect should see the recruiting officer concerned, and should show him the certificate in question. The date of dispatch of the notice requiring men to present themselves again for medical examination is of importance only in the case of men who on offering themselves were not attested. A man who was attested, but was at the time of attestation not accepted on medical grounds, may be called up for reexamination at any time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a man who was rejected at the Woodford Recruiting Office on 11th December, 1915, and who received Army Form B 2512a, endorsed M. 0. does not approve, signed W. L. Gadsdon, Captain, Recruiting Offices, Woodford, and to whom no notice was sent before 1st September,. 1916, requiring him to present himself again for medical examination, has now on 18th October received a notice calling him up for re-examination; whether he is aware that, on his attention being called to these facts, the recruiting officer replied that the form held did not cover the man in question under present circumstances; and if he will state whether this form so endorsed has no validity under the Military Service Act?

The facts of this case are not quite clear, and I will have inquiries made.

Has the hon. Member seen a Copy of the correspondence between this man and the recruiting officer which I forwarded to the War Office?

No, I have not seen it.

asked whether the men in Category B 3 are likely to be called up?

Some men in Category B 3 will certainly be called up,, but I am not in a position to give any definite details.

asked if a punishment known as "crucifixion" is inflicted on our soldiers in the field; if so, for what offences is it inflicted; whether a man has died under such punishment; and will he have an inquiry made with a view to putting an end to the infliction of such a punishment upon the soldiers?

asked whether a British soldier was recently sentenced to what is known as "crucifixion"; whether he was with five others tied by the neck, waist, hands, and feet to cartwheels for an hour, and when released was dead; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the case, with a view to preventing the possibility of such treatment of our soldiers and the dismissal of the officers concerned if such a sentence was. inflicted?

I would refer my hon. Friend the Member for the Eifion Division of Carnarvonshire to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Hanley, which was to the effect that the particular case mentioned cannot be investigated until information has been obtained as to the name, number, and regiment of the soldier who is alleged to have died under the circumstances suggested. In reply to the right hon. Member for the Blackfriars Division, I would say that he will find the conditions under which field punishment should be carried out by referring to page 721 of the "Manual of Military Law." He will find the offences for which it might be awarded set out under Section 44 (5) of the Army Act.

Could not field punishment No. 2 be modified by regulation instead of by legislation?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if lie can state for last year the total number of families in Ireland outside of the rural areas; and whether there has been an increase or a decrease as compared with the 295,633 given in the Census Returns of 1911 as the total number of families in Ireland in that year, exclusive of those in the rural areas?

There is no record of the number of families in Ireland subsequent to that of the 1911 Census. Perhaps I may add that there would have to be a long course of inquiry by the constabulary to obtain the particulars, and I would ask my hon. Friend to consider whether it is desirable at the present time to incur the expense and trouble of compiling particulars in that way.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can state the figure is correct, that there are less than 300,000 families outside the rural areas in all Ireland?

My attention was not directed to that underlying assumption. If my hon. Friend will repeat the question one day next week, I will have an answer ready.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what instructions have been given to the Rebellion (Victims) Committee, in reference to the question as to whom they are to regard as dependants of persons who, without misconduct or default on their part, were killed in the recent Dublin disturbances; whether directions have been given to the Committee that the term "dependants" is to include persons who are regarded as such under the Workmen's Compensation Act; and if the Committee will be given directions, where a claimant is proved to have been wholly dependent on a person killed under the conditions stated, that the claim shall not be prejudiced by the fact that the relationship was not that of husband or parent?

The interpretation of the reference to the Committee, which has already been published, is a matter for determination by the Committee itself, and instructions on the points mentioned in the question are not deemed necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will direct that the evidence taken by the Commission of Inquiry into the Portobello murders shall be printed and circulated?

I have con-suited the Chairman of the Royal Commission and he is of opinion that, in view of the full character of the Report, the publication of the evidence taken would be a needless expense; but if there is a general desire that it should be published, I will consider the question again.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has received further information concerning the condition of the Irish potato crop; whether he proposes to take steps for the purpose of safeguarding the Irish people from a scarcity of potatoes during the winter and spring; and if he proposes to take action with a view to the provision of sound seed potatoes for next year's planting

The Department of Agriculture is being supplied with regular and frequent reports from every district in the country on the subject, and is also in consultation with the Government, in order that, if action becomes necessary, it may be promptly taken. Owing to the recent bad weather, much of the potato crop remains in the ground. According to the best judgment the Department can form, the crop will be about two-thirds of normal, or perhaps a little less. After careful inquiry, the Department believes that the danger is not of such a serious nature as is apprehended by the hon. Member. When the crop has been lifted, and the full facts are known, any necessary action will be taken, and can, if the facts require it, include action with regard to the provision of sound seed potatoes.

Is the estimated shortage of potatoes for the present year greater than the quantity of potatoes exported from Ireland in a normal year?

The exports in the year 1915 amounted to about 250,000 tons, but 1915 was rather an abnormal year. I am not quite sure what the figures were for 1914.

Is that greater or less than the two-thirds estimated yield this year?

I should like notice of that.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it will be necessary to interfere with exports to Great Britain?

I do not think that question should be pressed. It is quite certain that with a large quantity of potatoes in the ground, which cannot be lifted in this weather, it would be extremely hazardous for the Department to give an answer to the question.

Is it not the fact that large quantities of potatoes are exported from the North of Ireland to America and some other places?

There are no potatoes exported to America, for the simple reason that the American Government stopped the export trade, but there is always export trade elsewhere.

In view of the imperfect state of the knowledge of the Department as to whether or not the crop will be sufficient for the needs of the people, will the right hon. Gentleman recommend the Government to stop at once any exportation of potatoes from Ireland?

I am not prepared to do that. The "imperfect knowledge of the Department" arises from the simple reason that the crop is largely underground, and it is impossible to say yet what it will be.

We cannot spend all our time discussing potatoes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether attention is being given to the increase in the price of potatoes; whether he is aware that the price has gone up 100 per cent, in many cases within a week, and that growers are holding up their stocks; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the farmers in Lancashire and other parts of the country are holding back potatoes for higher prices despite the prices they are offered; and will his Department put an end to this conduct by compelling such sales at fair prices, and prosecute those responsible for concealing stocks of potatoes or other foodstuff?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask whether, in view of' the interview my Wolverhampton colleague and I had with him yesterday with regard to the present high prices prevailing in the Wolverhampton district, he is prepared to make a statement on the general position and as to what course he intends to take?

Will the right hon. Gentleman also make a statement as to the powers possessed by the Government to prevent stocks of potatoes being unduly withheld from sale?

I am informed that the harvesting of the main crop potatoes has been delayed, so that the actual quantities available for us are not large, while fears that serious injury from disease will reduce the size of the crop and prevent the free marketing of these supplies. Until the quantity and quality of the crop are known with greater certainty, it is impossible to decide whether such holding back is beneficial or injurious to the community.

The present high price of potatoes is due partly to shortage of crop, but more particularly to shortage of labour and unsuitable weather for raising the main crop and putting it on the market. Farmers have, I believe, in the last few weeks been using every effort to get as much wheat sown as possible, and the raising of potatoes is behindhand in consequence. When main crop potatoes come on the market in greater abundance, as they should do within a few weeks, I expect to see prices steadying, and I am watching the question very closely in connection with the Board of Agriculture to see that no avoidable scarcity is produced. If there are farmers or merchants who are in a position to put potatoes on the market but who are unreasonably withholding them the Government have power to take action under existing statute, and will not hesitate to Use it if cases are brought to their notice.

I would appeal to all those who, as so many do, consume potatoes twice daily, more as a matter of habit than anything else, to economise in the use of potatoes and to substitute other foods for them, so that there may be a better supply for those who are not so well off and for whom a sufficient supply of potatoes at a reasonable price is a very important part of their daily food.

Will the right hon. Gentleman stop so many potatoes going to some of the large hotels?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the railways running north of London have been declining recently to carry potatoes to the London markets?

Have not very large quantities of potatoes been exported front this country this year to our Allies?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the same crop of potatoes has increased 100 per cent, in price in the course of a week?

We have had to use a certain amount of potatoes grown in this country for supplying the forces abroad. We have also been making every effort to obtain potatoes from other parts of the world in order to keep the Armies well fed. What we have here, of course, we are using to the best advantage; but I need hardly say that we do not regard the present price-of potatoes as the price that is likely to rule throughout this winter.

Is it not a fact that large quantities of potatoes are used for the purpose of producing alcohol for the Minister of Munitions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Midland and Great Northern Railways Joint Committee have refused transit facilities for truck No. 39,705, containing four tons of potatoes for human food, consigned to Acton Station from Long Sutton (Lincs), and whether he is also aware that the London and Northwestern Railway Company's goods agent stated that Acton was at that time open to receive such traffic; and whether, owing to the scarcity of potatoes in London, he will take the necessary steps to prevent such obstruction of traffic being repeated?

The Board of Trade have received a complaint to the effect stated in my right hon Friend's question, and I am sending him a copy of the reply which has been addressed to the complainants.

asked whether, in view of the ravages of potato disease this season and the tendency consequent upon resulting high prices to rush the potato crop on to the market during the autumn and winter with the possible effect of rendering potatoes unobtainable next spring, the Board proposes to take steps, either to regulate their distribution during the next few months or, following the example of the Irish Department of Agriculture, to issue a public warning to farmers against feeding sound tubers to their stock?

asked if, in view of the shortage of potatoes in this country through disease, he will take steps to secure all available outside supplies for consumption and also of healthy seed from. Scotland and America for spring planting?

I can only say that questions connected with this year's shortage of the potato crop are at present receiving the most earnest attention of the Board of Trade and the Board of Agriculture. I hardly think that farmers, if they have a chance of marketing their potatoes at anything like present prices, are likely to feed them to stock. The importance of securing a proper supply of seed is fully appreciated.

asked the Secretary, for the Colonies if he is aware that the proposal to allow neutrals to bid for German properties in West Africa is fraught with danger and is viewed with dissatisfaction by those best qualified to judge; and if he would hold the sale over in the meantime?

The subject has been very fully considered, and I am not prepared to direct that the sale should be postponed.

asked a question which was inaudible in the Reporters' Gallery.

That is not my view. Arrangements will be made for a discussion on the subject next week.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies if any steps have been taken to utilise the labour supply of Malta for use at docks or munition works in England?

No, Sir; but this labour has been utilised in other directions.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state why the morning mail to the south should not be dispatched from Amiens Street and the delay in backing into Kingsbridge thus avoided?

I am informed that, apart from other considerations, there is not adequate platform accommodation at Amiens Street for the whole of the vehicles of the Great Southern and Western Company's Kings-bridge train.

Does the hon. Gentleman make any attempt to investigate this question himself, or does he accept what is supplied to him?

The Post Office is taking steps to find out from the railway company what their position is in regard to this matter. As far as the control of the com- pany is concerned, it is not in the hands, of the Post Office, but in the hands of the Board of Trade.

Am I not right in thinking that it was the Post Office that gave this company permission to delay the Southern mail fifty-five minutes?

I am under the impression that the railway company do the best they can for the service.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has in any way represented to the railway company that it is not reasonable that an express, mail train should take thirty-one minutes to run six and a half miles between West-land Row and Kingsbridge; and whether, if the railway company refuse to make some improvement, he will consider the advisability of reverting to the former-practice of transferring the mails between these two points in horse vans, which was much more expeditious?

The transfer of the-mails by horse vans between Westland Row and Kingsbridge would take much longer than the present conveyance by railway. I will communicate with the-railway company in order to ascertain whether any improvement can be made in the general arrangements between Kingstown Pier and Kingsbridge.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the mutual interest of the public and the Post Office, he will consider the advisability of permitting subscribers' numbers and exchange in the telephone directories to be used as their registered telegraphic-addresses?

Subscribers are not only permitted but invited to use their telephonic addresses for their telegrams. Owing, however, to the risk of error inseparable from the telegraphic transmission of figures, it is essential that the name form part of the address. Public notices calling attention to the facility, which is too little known, are about to be issued.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that many complaints are being made about the? difficulty of getting post parcels, letters, and newspapers delivered to the forces in Mesopotamia; that parcels not delivered are seldom returned to the senders; and if he will take steps to put this service upon a satisfactory footing?

I have been asked by the Secretary of State, who had to leave, to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division of Glasgow on the 26th of last month. Efforts are being made to put the service on a satisfactory footing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if evidence is being taken of released prisoners as to their experiences; and, if so, are all the persons engaged on this work of British nationality?

Yes, Sir. This is one of the duties of the Government Committee on the Treatment by the Enemy of British Prisoners of War, which was appointed by my predecessor, and over which Mr. Justice Younger presides. I am informed that all persons employed by the Committee for this purpose are of British nationality.

Is it not the fact that the hon. secretary, Mrs. Livingstone, is an American lady?

I have given the information which has been supplied to me but I will inquire.

asked the Prime Minister what Government machinery and organisation will be set up for the new Department which it is proposed should in future deal with matters connected with British prisoners in enemy countries; whether any officials who have special knowledge of the subject will be transferred from the Foreign Office and the War Office; and, if so, will he state how many there will be and give their names and positions?

It is proposed that the existing staff of the Prisoners and Aliens' Department of the Foreign Office should be transferred to the new Department; this will involve the transfer of about eleven officials of various classes. It is not proposed to transfer any officials from the War Office to the new Department.

Will Lord Newton, who is Assistant Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, remain head of that Department?

I think my Noble Friend is quite capable of serving in a dual capacity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Committee to be set up by him to consider the question of selling cocaine to unregistered dentists is to consist of Members of this House or is simply to be a Departmental Committee of the Home Office?

I propose that the Committee should be a Departmental Committee, consisting partly of Members of this House and partly of other persons with special qualifications, but with no bias either on the one side or the other. A Member of the House would be chairman. I hope to be able to complete and announce the appointment of the Committee this week.

Are we to understand that those "other persons" will not be men from his Department, who have been persistently advising him how to deal with-the cocaine supply?

I am not contemplating, putting any member of the Home Office-on the Committee.

asked (1) whether the wireless messages from Switzerland, passed by the British, Censor and printed in the British papers, have any official or semi-official character; and (2) how many of the various wireless services issued by the Allies are regarded as official or semi-official; and what is the principle actuating the authorities in. dealing with the news matter intended for distribution?

I am afraid the hon. Member's Question 34 is not one to which .a definite reply can be given. The messages sent from the wireless stations consist partly of official communiqués and partly of semi-official or unofficial messages. As regards the second part of the question, all wireless messages are referred to the Press Bureau, and are dealt with by the Bureau in accordance with the general principles which have been explained on previous occasions. With reference to Switzerland, the Press Bureau state that they know of no wireless messages from Switzerland. There is an agency, with the title of the "Wireless Press," which receives messages by telegraph from Switzerland and other places.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that difficulty will be caused to farmers during the coming winter owing to the shortage of labour by the Order which he has made under the Defence of the Realm Regulations requiring cattle which are being driven on the public roads half an hour after sunset to be attended by one person carrying a lamp in front and a second person carrying a lamp in the rear; and whether, in the circumstances, he will give instructions for the Order to be withdrawn?

The general shortage of labour was fully considered in framing the Order. The Order requires a lamp to be carried in all cases by the person driving the animals, but a second lamp, carried at the front, is required only when a large herd or flock (twenty head of cattle or 100 head of sheep) is being driven. The Order was made on urgent representations received from the military authorities and county councils and other local authorities as to the danger arising from cattle being driven at night without any visible indication of their presence on the roads, and I am satisfied that the Order is necessary to secure the safety of the cattle and sheep as well as of traffic generally.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the names of all the industrial diseases scheduled up to date under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, Section 8, Sub-section (6)?

The list is too long for me to read out in the House, but I will furnish my hon. Friend with a copy of it and with the Orders by which the diseases were scheduled.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is with his authority and approval that automatic machines are being placed in the vicinity of the small shops closed after eight o'clock under his recent Order for the purpose of supplying cigars, cigarettes, and confectionery; and whether he proposes taking any steps in the matter?

I have no information that automatic machines are being placed in the vicinity of shops as suggested, but if my right Hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of the cases brought to his notice I will make inquiry.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the sale of all pamphlets at meetings held under strict regulations at certain prescribed places in the parks and certain open spaces in London has been prohibited; whether he has been notified of the protest raised by the trade unionists of London; and whether he can state the ground on which this wholesale suppression of opinion has been taken?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The matter is not one which has been previously brought to my notice, but I understand that the hon. Member refers to action taken by the London County Council under the by-laws relating to their parks and open spaces, which was the subject of discussion at the council's meeting yesterday. I have no authority to intervene.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the basis of remuneration on which the controllers and liquidators of enemy firms and companies are employed; are they all employed on the same conditions; and will he lay a copy of the agreements upon the Table of the House?

Supervisors and controllers of enemy businesses are remunerated on the basis of the time actually occupied in the work at the rate of £5 5s. a day for principals, £1 11s. 6d. a day for chief clerks, and 16s. a day for other clerks. An increased rate has been allowed in a few exceptional cases, and in some other cases a special fee may be paid. No formal agreements have been entered into, but the controllers are informed by letter of the scale of remuneration. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman was under the impression that these payments were made out of public money?

Not at all.

They are paid at the expense of the firms controlled.

That is not the point. These men are remunerated according to the time they take.

According to the time they take in actually doing the work. The work is measured by the hour, not according to the number of weeks or months that elapse before the work is completed—which is quite a different thing.

The longer they take the higher the remuneration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the names of the scientific expert referees who advised the Board of Trade that only Messrs. Levinsteins were in a position to make indigo at the Ellesmere Port works?

The scientific experts who advised the Board of Trade on the evidence of ability to manufacture synthetic indigo at the Port Ellesmere Works submitted by British Dyes, Limited, and Messrs. Levinsteins, were Sir William A. Tilden, F.R.S., and Professor W. J. Pope, F.R.S.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the verdict was based on the possibility of manufacture or on the possibility of the supply of raw materials for manufacture?

The question on the Paper does not cover that point, and I cannot answer the further question without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now prepared to make a statement as to the recommendation of the Minority Report of the Departmental Committee on Prices in, regard to the regulation of prices of the milk industry?

I can only say at present that the whole of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee, together with the Memorandum to which my hon. Friend doubtless refers, are receiving very careful consideration from the Board of Trade. Any further statement will be made when I introduce the Bill which, as already intimated, is being prepared.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the farmers of the country have already raised their prices? Will he say what action he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to adopt Recommendation 3 of the Departmental Committee on Prices; and, if so, which are the less necessary commodities which will be excluded?

A very considerable number of commodities is already included in the list of articles, the importation of which is restricted with a view to saving tonnage. The Board of Trade are constantly considering the possibility of extending the list, but I fear that I cannot hold out much hope of any substantial further saving of tonnage by this method, in view of the necessity of maintaining industries essential to the conduct of the War or engaged in the export trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that wheat has been sold on the Baltic Exchange at 80s. per quarter; and, in view of the fact that he has secured wheat from Australian farmers at 40s. per quarter, will he take steps to take over all wheat in possession of farmers in this country at or about this price?

The data on which this question is based cannot be accepted by me, and I do not think that the step proposed by the hon. Member is at present necessary or advisable.

May I ask what price has been paid to American farmers for wheat, and why the same price should not be paid to English farmers?

It is quite open to the hon. Gentleman to ask the question, but it would be most injudicious for me to answer it.

Can my right hon. Friend explain why, when the freight on wheat goes down the price of flour goes up?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the delay in announcing that the Wheat Commission will be provided with tonnage at the same cost as the Sugar Commission is due to the efforts of the Board to provide cheaper tonnage; and, if not, to what is it due?

The question as to what arrangements for the transportation of wheat purchased by the Wheat Commission would be most in the national interest has been a very difficult one, and has been under careful examination by the Departments concerned. It has now been decided that for the present, the Commission's wheat shall, a3 far as possible, be carried in requisitioned vessels under the same terms and conditions as those now in force for the transportation of sugar. The tonnage problems of the Wheat Commission are, however, much more complicated and difficult than those of the Sugar Commission.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason as to how it is since he made his statement to the House that wheat has gone up 9s. per quarter?

Well, Sir, that is only another proof of what has often been said in this House: that the price of wheat is not made in England, it is made by all the sources of supply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps have been taken to fulfil the promise given by him to a deputation introduced by the hon. Member for Hanley after the outbreak of war, that consideration would be given to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Canals and Waterways?

I fear I cannot, for the moment, add to the reply on this subject which my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works gave to the hon. Member on the 10th July.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can furnish a list of the enemy-owned shares in British companies which are now vested in the Public Trustee for sale?

I will lay a list on the Table of the House.

asked whether the enemy-owned shares in the Enfield Electric Cable Manufacturing Company, Limited, have yet been sold by the Public Trustee; and, if so, to whom and for what price?

The Public Trustee informs me that he is carrying on negotiations for a sale of the enemy-owned shares in the Enfield Electrical Cable Manufacturing Company, Limited, but he has not yet effected a sale.