asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the flooding of the River Barrow within the past few weeks has caused loss and suffering to occupiers of land within the catchment area; if he is aware that thousands of pounds worth of stock and crops have been destroyed by the floods within that period, that the process of destruction continues daily, and that unless some prompt measures of relief are taken hardship and want will be caused to many sufferers in the area; if he is aware of the provisions of the draft Barrow Drainage Bill circulated by the late Chief Secretary for Ireland for the consideration of the local authorities within the Barrow area; if he is aware that the local authorities approved of the provisions of that Bill, and agreed to raise by local taxation the amount to be raised locally under its provisions; and whether, taking into consideration the necessity of protecting, maintaining, and developing the sources of food supply during the War, he proposes either to introduce forthwith his predecessor's Drainage Bill, or, in the alternative, to recommend that a sufficient number of German prisoners of war should be employed in the drainage of the River Barrow?

I am aware of the damage caused by flooding of the River Barrow. The adoption of either of the hon. Member's proposals at the present time appears not to be practicable. The provision of a remedy against natural forces such as those which cause periodical flooding in a country like that traversed by the Barrow is a work of such magnitude as prevents its being undertaken in time of war.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that thousands of acres are rendered practically useless; and, in view of the importance of food production, is it not time that some steps should be taken, and will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Department of Agriculture for statistics of the damage done?

I will inquire of the Department as to whether some temporary remedy can be found but, as I pointed out in my answers, the causes have been in existence for many years, and the matter is one of great difficulty.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in one of the town lands, owing to the floods, the only outstanding object in one area was a tree, on the trunk of which was a poster calling upon farmers to join the Army?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been under consideration for seventy years?

This matter has had careful consideration for a considerable number of years, but the causes are widespread and have been in existence for ages.

Will the right hon. Gentleman advise the Government to put some of the German prisoners on to this work—some of the men who have been taken since July?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Irish Council of Agriculture, on the Motion of the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), to the effect that all shipments of potatoes from Ireland, unless such as may be authorised by licence from the Department, should cease; whether the Government have given effect to this, resolution by forbidding any further exportation of potatoes from Ireland; and, if not, will he say what are the intentions of the Government in regard to the condition created in Ireland by the partial failure of the potato crop, aggravated by continued exportation?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a resolution from Thurles Urban Council in reference to the price of potatoes; and if the Irish Government intend to take any steps to regulate the price of potatoes, which are the staple food of the poorer classes in towns in Ireland?

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if the Board has issued an order prohibiting the exportation of potatoes from Ireland; and, if not, if he will say why it has not done so?

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he has received a resolution from Castlebar Urban Council emphatically protesting against the continued exportation of potatoes from Ireland, and calling upon the Department to put an embargo upon such exportation, as otherwise, owing to the partial failure of the crops, there will be an alarming shortage of the staple food of the people of the West of Ireland; and if he can state what action the Department intends to take on the subject?

The exportation of potatoes from Ireland has not yet been at all abnormal. The resolutions referred to have been received and the Department of Agriculture is closely observing the prevailing conditions with a view to any action as to prohibition of export, or otherwise, which may become necessary.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the meeting of the Agricultural Association of Ireland at which his colleague proposed a resolution that there should be no exportation of potatoes from Ireland except under licence?

I am aware of the resolution, for I received a copy of it. Consideration of that resolution is comprised in the ground upon which my answer is founded.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that while exportation is not abnormal, there is a shortage of over 1,000,000 tons, whereas the exportation is about 200,000 tons; therefore, there is a deficit of the supply of the poor people of Ireland?

The question of the prohibition of export depends very much upon the districts and their relation to one another. The potato crop in some districts in Ireland from which potatoes have usually been exported is not, I am told, very seriously affected compared with other parts of the country, and the withholding, up to the present time, of any order for absolute prohibition of export is founded upon a desire to consider the relative interests of the various parts of the country.

Is the proposition of the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture accepted—is it a fact that potatoes can only be exported from Ireland under licence, or has the appointment or proposed appointment of a food dictator made a difference?

These matters have been taken into account in considering the question; therefore I can add nothing to the answer I have given.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take into consideration the extraordinarily high price that the working man earning low wages in Ireland at the present time has to pay; that the poor depend solely for their food upon potatoes, which are at the present time 1s. 6d. and 1s. 8d. per stone, whereas in normal times they are only 6d.; and will he take steps to have the exportation stopped?

I cannot say more than I have already said as to the course the Government is taking.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, in view of the after-the-war trade policy of Great Britain and the opportunity which may be afforded to develop and promote still further the Irish butter industry, he will consider the advisability of appointing additional dairy in structors who will visit creameries more frequently and advise and assist not alone on the question of production, but, as to marketing, means to be employed in turning out first-class quality and the other points which are absolutely essential to he Irish butter trade; and whether he is aware that Irish farmers of all creeds and classes are at one as to the appointment of these additional instructors?

In view of many other pressing requirements, the Department do not propose at present to increase the number of creamery inspectors.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he is aware of the feeling throughout Ireland, and particularly among the agricultural classes, that no percentage of oil should be extracted from Indian meal by millers; whether the latter for some time back have issued cards to retailers stating that 2½ per cent. of oil is extracted from Indian meal so that they may evade prosecution; and, in view of the fact that such meal will be used for human consumption this winter, particularly by the poor, will millers be prevented from extracting any oil whatever and allow the most nutritious portion of the grain to go to those who pay for the meal more than what it is value for?

The Department are aware of the circumstances. They have no power to prevent the manufacture or sale of such meals. The relative feeding value of oil-extracted and whole maize meals has been the subject of experiments, the results of which will shortly be available. Until these results have been considered the Department are not in a position to express a definite opinion as to the merits of the case.

asked whether the Government will direct that all farms shall be equipped with a sufficient and efficient supply of labour on condition that the land shall be cultivated so as to produce that form of produce that the Government considers most essential for the nation and at prices to be fixed at fair remunerative rates to the producer?

I must refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given on behalf of the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Dumfriesshire yesterday. The Government are fully alive to the situation.

When do the Government propose to announce a policy for increasing home food production?

What docs the right hon. Gentleman mean by the statement that they are fully alive to the situation? Does it ever lead to anything?

asked the Prime Minister if he is in a position to announce the name of the new Food Controller?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now state the name of the Food Controller; and whether the latter will control the home production of food, as well as its use, distribution, and sale, and help in reconciling and unifying the policies of the War Office and the Board of Agriculture, respectively?

I hope this announcement will be made by the end of the week. The delay in making it has been due to unavoidable causes, and in the meantime the organisation and work of the new office have been and are being actively proceeded with under the direction of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Will the Food Controller have any power to increase home production?

It is intended that he should have a say in that also.

Would it not be more suitable to make the announcement to the House of Commons?

If the House prefers that the announcement should be delayed until the House meets, I am sure that the Prime Minister will be glad to do so.

Will this be a salaried office?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a threatened shortage of food in the United States of America which indicates a probability of a further rise of prices here, and therefore an urgent need for economy and for an early increase in home production; and what further steps will be taken to secure both these ends?

I am fully aware of the urgent need for economy and for an increase in home production. Both matters are receiving attention and action has been and is being taken to secure supplies and regulate consumption.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if the new Food Controller will be empowered to organise the home production of food so that, if necessary, farms may be controlled, waste and derelict land brought under cultivation, prisoners of war set to work, new and up-to-date machinery employed, supplies of artificial manures arranged for, and all other measures taken to increase the production of food within the United Kingdom?

I am not in a position to forecast extent to which powers may be undertaken by the Food Controller. Many of these powers are now exercised by the Board of Agriculture, but due note will be made of the suggestions contained in the hon. Baronet's question.

(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireand whether railway and shipping transport facilities are refused to carry herrings from Balbriggan and that much valuable food is thereby being lost; whether he will exercise pressure to have this waste prevented; and whether it is a fact that empty steam colliers aggregating 1,000 tons leave Dublin daily for Liverpool without cargo?

The question the hon. Member has put contains a part which does not appear in the notice I have received. The answer to the question I received is that the Department of Agriculture state they have been in communication with the carrying companies. The Department say that all but sixty boxes which reached Dublin late for shipment were dispatched from North Wall yesterday. These sixty boxes are going forward to-day.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state when the Irish prison warders will receive the increased pay granted them?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Irish "prison warders will have to remain without their new scale of pay until the status of Derry prison has been further considered and decided; and, if not, whether he is now in a position to state when the new scheme of pay for Irish prison warders will come into operation?

The question of the prison warders' pay will not be held up until the status of Derry prison is settled. One small question of amount alone is now outstanding, and I am assured this will be decided in the course of a few days.

asked the Chief Secretary (l) if he will state why no person. in Ireland have been reckoned as indispensable in the Command Paper on men of military age who are engaged in giain-milling, bacon-curing, the butter industry, and similar food-producing industries there; whether he is aware that in the latest list of certified occupations in Great Britain wide exemptions are given to men in such industries; on whose responsibility no such men are regarded as indispensable in Ireland, though numbering many thousands; (2) why no persons in Ireland have been reckoned as indispensable in the Command Paper on men of military age who are engaged in the manufacture in that country of clothing, boots or shoes, fertilisers, or in printing and bookbinding, printing and publishing of newspapers, tanning, saddlery and harness-making, or in the timber trade or manufacture of furniture and carriages, or in building and contracting or in any industry except agriculture and a few minor occupations and the professions; (3) why no persons in Ireland have been reckoned as indispensable in the Command Paper on men of military age who are engaged in coal mines or other mines, or in quarries of any kind; whether he is aware that in Great Britain the great bulk of men of military age in these occupations are considered indispensable; and why a different policy is adopted in Ireland; and (4) why no persons in Ireland have been reckoned as indispensable in the Command Paper on men of military age who are engaged in woollen and worsted manufactures, in linen and hemp spinning, weaving or making-up industries, in bleaching, dyeing, printing, and finishing trades, or in flax scutching; whether he is aware that over 30,000 men alone are engaged in these industries in Ireland; whether he is aware that in Great Britain extensive exceptions on the ground of indispensability are granted to men in these industries there; and why it is proposed to discriminate against such Irish industries if compulsion were to be enforced on that country?

In compiling the Return referred to it was considered that the industries other than those expressly mentioned in the prefatory part of the Return could be adequately carried on by the men of military age included in the estimate of physically unfit with the assistance of men outside the limits of military age and women.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why the same estimate has not been made in this country and why Ireland is treated differently in this matter, and why it is proposed that men of military age in all these various industries are to be taken if Conscription were to be applied to Ireland?

The hon. Member's statement is founded on a misunderstanding. I am told the principles which have been applied were the same in both countries.

asked the Home Secretary how many conscientious objectors are located in Wakefield Prison, and what is the nature of the work upon which they are employed; if these men are free to leave the precincts of the prison every evening and to go to their homes for week-ends; and if he is aware that the reports of these men that they are employed only on light duties and are allowed ample liberty encourage other men to plead conscientious objection in order to escape military service?

The number of men now employed by the Committee on the Employment of Conscientious Objectors in their establishment at Wakefield is 566. They are engaged in foundry work, weaving, building, the manufacture of mats and mailbags, vegetable growing, tailoring, and boot-making and repairing. A certain number of men are also employed on the necessary cooking, cleaning, and clerical work. Subject to good behaviour, the men are free to leave the building between the hour of stopping work and the hour for closing the building. The Committee's agent who is in charge of the establishment may give individual men permission to be absent over Sunday. As regards the third part of the question, the matter is one for the decision of the tribunals, by whom all these cases are considered. I may add that the Committee hope shortly to be in a position to transfer a considerable number of the men now at Wakefield to other work.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the granting of conditional exemption to a conscientious objector upon his taking up work of national importance relieves him from the control of the military authorities; whether men so exempted are still under orders from officers appointed for recruiting work; and whether the military officer has a right to intimate that he can order the arrest of such persons at any time as absentees?

Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to address this question to the War Office.

asked whether the Board that was appointed more than two months ago by the War Committee to determine all questions arising between Government Departments relating to the allocation or economic utilisation of manpower for the purpose of the successful prosecution of the War and, in order to give effect to its determination, to direct the Government Departments concerned to create the machinery necessary to coordinate their activities in regard to the distribution or utilisaion of men and women, can be required by Parliament to lay before the House any account of its work; and, if so, will he say to whom should the demand be addressed?

I am not aware that Parliament has any specific power to require the Man-Power Distribution Board to render an account of its work, but both the Board itself and the War Committee who appointed it are most anxious to give to this House all the information about the Board's operations which could be given without injury to the public interest, and a full account of the Board's work will be given in the forthcoming Debate.

To whom are we to address ordinary questions from day to day relating to man-power? Is it to the Prime Minister?

I cannot make any better suggestion than to the Prime Minister. If the question does not suit his Department they will be transferred to some other.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether ho is aware of the practice of the Central Tribunal in applying to the local tribunal for information in cases which have been referred to them by an Appeal Tribunal; and if he will say whether in such cases the information so obtained is submitted to the appellant in order that he may answer any misstatements that may have been made?

The Central Tribunal is not under my control. I understand that appellants are given full opportunity of stating their case to the Central Tribunal.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Petrol Control Committee is the sole authority for the issue of permits for the purchase of petrol; will he state under what Statute or in pursuance of what duty a district inspector of the Royal Irish Constabulary has recently served notice in writing on an Irish firm in Kilkenny, warning them that the sale of petrol to any person is prohibited unless a permit issued by the police is produced by the purchaser, or unless the licence issued by the Petrol Control Committee is countersigned by the police; will he state by whose authority it has been decided that such licences are invalid unless countersigned by the police; and, if this Regulation is not sanctioned by any Statute and is not permitted in England, will he take steps to see that officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary obey the law and do not take upon themselves powers which have not been given to them?

The practice described by the question appears to have originated in precautions taken at the instance of the military authorities. The question of the continuance or modification of the practice is now being examined.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will introduce a Bill to extend the Small Holding Colonies Act, 1916, to Ireland?

The question of the advisability of extending the provisions of. this Act to Ireland is at present being considered, at the instance of the Government, by several of the Irish Departments.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the reason for transferring the Press censorship from the military to the civil administration in Ireland; whether this course has been adopted in any other part of the United Kingdom; and whether care will be taken to exercise the censorship in a way that will not hamper free Press criticism of Irish administration as distinguished from military affairs?

The transfer of the censorship was thought by the military and civil authorities in Ireland to be desirable? and was made with a view to place the censorship in Ireland on as nearly as possible the same footing as hi England. I am not aware of any ground for expecting that the censorship will be used to interfere with free criticism of the Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take pains to see that it is not interfered with?

I receive evidence every day that it has not the least effect on criticism either of the Government or of myself.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is a paper called "New Ireland," which had an article containing full particulars of Frongoch prison, which article was prohibited?

Well, Mr. Speaker, I have seen—

The hon. Gentleman had better give particulars of every particular instance.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can give the reasons which have made it necessary to withhold the measure of recognition asked for by the Association of Volunteer Training Corps in Ireland and to the consequent disbanding of the various training corps?

This matter is not one of Irish administration. It was decided by the Secretary of State for War.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when the destroyed property owners in Dublin will be in a position to build; and if he will say when they will hear the amount awarded in each case for destroyed buildings?

The information mentioned in the question will be communicated to the persons concerned individually when decisions have been arrived at in their respective cases.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say when, after seven months, a decision will be arrived at?

I do not exactly know that in the exercise of my prevision I am equal to answering that question. It will not be delay by any operation of mine; on the contrary, if I can I will accelerate it.

Is it the Treasury that is in default. Have they during the time given one shilling towards rebuilding?

(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the date upon which the Dublin Reconstruction Emergency Bill will be taken, and whether, having regard to the fact that the measure, as agreed upon by both parties in Dublin, is not acceptable to the Government, ample time will be given between the appearance of the proposed Government Amendments on the Order Paper and the Committee stage of the Bill, so that the interested parties in Dublin may have time to meet and consider their effect?

I did not receive the hon. Member's notice, but the position is this: For something like three months or fourteen weeks I have been ready, when the parties came to an agreement, to deal with it. They came to an agreement a few days ago, and the Irish Office has been busy ever since trying to put the agreement in a form in which probably the Bill would get through the two Houses. The Amendments are complete and will be put upon the Paper to-morrow. If the parties think they may have questions to raise which have not been raised and can persuade the other parties who have settled their differences to run the risk of this Bill not being dealt with before it is possible to deal with them in this House it may be adjourned for another week, but in view of the great pressure that hat been put upon me to bring it on at the earliest time, the Amendments will be handed in to-night and will be on the Paper to-morrow morning, and I strongly recommend those who are interested in the Bill to acquiesce in the order which is proposed, namely, that the Bill shall be taken on Monday if possible.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the Dublin Corporation has been offered £400,000 by an American bank for the housing of the working classes; and if he will consider the advisability of steps being taken for assisting the corporation to pay the interest on the loan?

I am aware of a proposed loan of 2,000,000 dollars from a firm of American bankers. I cannot hold out any hope of an exceptional provision with regard to the interest, assuming the loan to be sanctioned and accepted.

asked whether the result of the courts-martial on fifteen untried Irish prisoners at Frongoch Camp is yet announced; if he will say what the nature of the charge was against them and by whom made; and if he will cause inquiry to be made as to the commandant's fitness to control men?

The finding of the military Court cannot be promulgated until it has been confirmed by the proper military authority. I have not yet received information of the result. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 22nd November in reply to a similar question. The answer to the last part is in the negative.

Has the right hon. Gentleman got any information as to the sanity of the commandant there?

asked the Home Secretary if he will issue orders to the commandant at Frongoch to hand over to the prisoners' camp leader for distribution all letters and parcels for the interned Irish prisoners; and, if the prisoners are not released before Christmas, will he allow them out on parole for Christmas week?

With regard to the first part of the question, I am making inquiry. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are over 100 parcels of food supplies going bad, and will he see that there is a proper distribution?

I am not aware of it.

asked when the new conditions for Irish prisoners undergoing sentences of penal servitude will be put into operation; if the new rules will apply to prisoners at Maidstone and Wormwood Scrubbs; if he has yet considered the suggestion to allow them to wear their own clothes; if he is aware that the conditions of the Irish prisoners at Dartmoor are much worse than the lowest criminals; how many Irish prisoners are receiving hospital treatment, and for how long; if he will announce the dietary scale of each prisoner; and if he will say the number under eighteen years of age?

The new conditions will come into operation as soon as the prisoners can be collected at Lewes. This will be as soon as all the necessary arrangements can be made, probably in two or three weeks' time. The Irish prisoners now at Maidstone and Wormwood Scrubs will be included. These prisoners will be excused from wearing prison dress when on transfer from one prison to another. It is not the fact that the conditions of the Irish prisoners are worse than those of the lowest criminals. I will inquire as to the prisoners receiving hospital treatment at Dartmoor. The convicts at Dartmoor are receiving the dietaries prescribed by the Rules of September, 1901. There are five Irish convicts under the age of eighteen.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what the Government hope to gain by keeping boys under eighteen years of age in prison? You made an order to release boys under eighteen.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether some time back Messrs. Harrods, of London, were suspected of having offered for sale goods labelled as Irish, but which were really American; whether prosecutions were instituted, and, if so, with what result; will he state if any other of the leading London houses were visited on similar suspicion, and, if so, will the names of the firms be given; and what proceedings, if any, were taken against them?

Articles purchased as linen by officers of the Department in 1913 at the premises of Messrs. Harrods were found to be made from cotton. The circumstances of the case were fully investigated at the time, and, as there appeared to be ground for concluding that the misdescription was due to an error, it was considered that an explanatory public advertisement by the firm would meet the case. In the same year articles were bought as linen by officers of the Department at a large number of shops in London. Prosecutions were instituted in seven oases, in six of which convictions resulted. The names of the firms concerned in these cases duly appeared in the Press reports of the proceedings in Court.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he can say what is the export trade in eggs from Ireland to Great Britain for the years 1914, 1915, and for the first six months of 1916; and what is the proportion to the whole Irish agricultural exports for the same period?

The statistics of eggs exported from Ireland to Great Britain during the periods referred to are as follows:—

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to the new industry which it is pro posed to establish in the city of Cork; whether the existing schemes of technical instruction are so framed as to permit of special instruction being given in the methods of manufacture which will be employed in this new industry; and, if not, will steps be taken to ensure that students who are likely to obtain employment in this new industry will be given every facility, under a scheme of technical instruction, to fit themselves for this special form of employment?

The Department are aware through the public Press of the proposed new industry in Cork. A scheme of engineering instruction is in operation in the Cork Municipal Technical School, and provision is made under the Department's programme for technical schools for the instruction of workers in engineering and other trades. The Department will be glad to facilitate as far as they can any developments and adaptations in the existing provision for technical instruction which may seem advisable.

To what special industry does the question refer?

It refers to the proposed establishment of a constructive factory in Cork, which it is expected and hoped will be of great advantage to the population of Cork and the South of Ireland.

Will the right hon. and learned gentleman take advantage of this occasion to greatly extend technical education so as to make it something really vital and practical in the life of the country?

The Department which has, as one of its functions, to deal with technical instruction will be very glad indeed to fulfil the functions contained in the answer.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider the possibility of finding space for housing to some extent the additional offices and employés of the Government in the at present disused Committee Rooms of the House of Commons?

Two Committee Rooms in the Commons and two in the Lords are in regular use by Government Committees and Commissions. I will consider whether further use can be made of the remaining rooms without inconvenience to Members, who use them largely for private meetings and unofficial committees.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has called the attention of the Great Southern and Western Railway Company to the fact that during the month of October, omitting Sundays and two days on which the train did not wait for the arrival of the mails, the morning mail was only late in arriving at Kingstown by thirty-five minutes on two occasions, and that on the same basis the average delay for the last three weeks of October was only fifteen minutes; whether, in fixing the period of thirty-five minutes now allowed as a margin of delay, maximum delay or only average delay was taken; whether there is now any improvement in the running of the mail between Euston and Kingstown; and whether he will approach the railway company with a view to having the thirty-five minutes' interval at Kingstown cut down to a figure corresponding with the real facts?

The object with which the present time of starting the Great Southern train from Kingsbridge was adopted was, as I have often stated, to fix a time corresponding with what is attainable under war conditions. The hon. Member's figures as regards time of arrival at Kingstown cover too short a period and are arrived at with too much omission for me to accept them as a safe guide to what is at present attainable, although I am sure that the North-Western Company and the City of Dublin Company are alike doing their best.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered that part of the question which asks whether there is now any improvement in the running of the mail between Euston and Kingstown?

It varies from day to day in accordance with the traffic. The two companies are doing their best, and nothing more can be done under the circumstances.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why, until the adoption of English time in Ireland, we were able to get our letters an hour and a half before we get them now?

The increase of traffic has been lately very considerable, and the time of passenger trains carrying mails worse than it was a few months ago.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what advantage it has been to any human being to extend English time to Ireland?

asked the Postmaster-General why it has been decided to have the mails conveyed from Drimoleague to Bantry, a distance of fourteen miles, by horse-drawn vehicles instead of by train as was the custom hitherto; whether, in so deciding, he considered the delay which would result in the delivery of the mails in the Castletownbere and Bantry districts, and the inconvenience which would be thereby caused to the commercial, mercantile, and professional classes resident in those districts; and whether, in view of the general objection to the proposed arrangement, the matter will be reconsidered?

The road service between Drimoleague and Bantry is intended to minimise the serious delay which would otherwise result on and after 1st December from the withdrawal by the railway company of the train by which the mails are at present conveyed.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman make some new arrangement with this railway company?

I am afraid I have got no power to control the timing of railway companies' trains.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a notorious prostitute from Piccadilly, suffering from a loathsome disease, interned at Aylesbury, has been placed among British and Irish political in ternees, not accused of any moral turpitude; and, if so, whether he will have this state of affairs remedied?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for North Salford.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny the statement in this question?

I gave a full reply yesterday.

asked the Home Secretary when it is intended to release and make amends to the two ladies interned at Aylesbury for friendship with Indian-British subjects, Miss Howsin, English, and Miss Brunner, Swiss; why they were not released when the Home Office became aware that they had no German associations or sympathies; alleged admissions by them being wholly false, will he specify the charge on which they are now detained and give them a free opportunity of dealing with it; and if he will state what the reason has been for secrecy regarding both the charge and the treatment in the cases of these two untried ladies?

These two ladies are interned under Regulation 14 B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The procedure under this Regulation was the subject of a full statement by me in the Debate on 2nd March and has been dealt with in replies to previous questions by the hon. Member. The circumstances in which Miss Howsin was interned were explained by the Attorney-General in the Debate on 23rd March; Miss Brunner was interned for similar reasons. I am satisfied that both of them are well aware of the grounds on which the Orders for their internment were made, that they have had ample opportunities of making representations to the Advisory Committee and to me, and that in the interests of the defence of the Realm they must remain interned.

Was Miss Brunner an English subject?

No, Sir.

asked where the rules can be seen, and by whom made, under which some prisoners interned at Aylesbury are not allowed to consult a solicitor on any subject, some allowed to consult on private business, but only in the presence of a wardress, none allowed to consult regarding the internment, none allowed to complain of any treatment, insanitary conditions, or other menace to health, and for breach, or attempted breach, of any of these rules, punished by loss of all letters and visits at the discretion of the governor; and whether such rules have ever been submitted to this House for approval?

The same rules apply to all the prisoners interned at Aylesbury, and any who can show reasonable ground for desiring to see a solicitor with regard to private affairs are allowed to do so in the presence of a wardress. They were all free to obtain legal assistance for the purpose of their appeal to the Advisory Committee, but any subsequent representations as to their internment must be made to the Secretary of State or, as regards their treatment, to the two lady visitors. The rules are made by the Prison Com- missioners with my approval; they have not been and do not require to be submitted to the House.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman modify the rules so as to allow an interview between prisoners and visitors in business matters?

They are allowed.

Yes, but in the absence of wardresses?

I do not think it would be safe to do that in connection with these persons, many of whom in Aylesbury are interned under suspicion of espionage.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received from the Manchester and district wholesale and retail confectioners a petition stating the hardships arising from the Early Closing Order, and asking that there should be some extension of the opening hours for shops, especially during the two weeks preceding Christmas Day; and, if so, whether he has been able to consider the petition, and is he able to consent to such extension?

I hope to be able to make a statement on this matter in the course of a few days.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the very serious effect which the Order has on the livelihood of small shopkeepers, and the absurdity of it being legal to sell a meat pie if hot, but not if it is cold?

asked the Home Secretary what were the respective positions and salaries and ages of the six Germans and Austrians lately employed at the Deutsche Bank, the Dresdner Bank, and the Disconto-Gesellschaft, who have been permitted by him to remain uninterned after their services at the said banks were terminated; how long had they been, respectively, employed at the said banks; and what are the general principles which have been observed throughout by the Home Office in granting exemptions from internment?

Three of these persons were, respectively, sub-manager, deputy sub-manager, and accountant of the Deutsche Bank, their ages being fifty-six, fifty-seven, and seventy, and their salaries £1,000, £650, and £370. They had been thirty-three, twenty-five, and forty-two years, respectively, in the employment of the Bank, A fourth was chief of the bill department of the Disconto-Gesellschaft, aged forty-seven, salary £360, eleven years in the employment of the bank. I have not full information about the other two, but am obtaining it. The Advisory Committee recommended that exemptions from internment should be given on the ground of long residence and British connections in the case of persons who were free from all suspicion, and the principles laid down by them have been followed throughout.

asked the Home Secretary if he can state the various kinds of work at which German prisoners of war are employed in England?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Secretary of State for War in reply to a question on the 21st of this month, that it is undesirable to give this information.

asked whether there is any periodical vision test for drivers of vehicles in the Metropolitan area; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of instituting such a test, in view of the number of accidents now occurring?

Public carriage drivers in the Metropolitan area are required before they are licensed to produce a medical certificate of fitness, in which their fitness as to sight is considered. After they reach the age of fifty years a certificate of fitness is required either quinquennially or as often as the licensing authority may deem necessary. For drivers generally I have no power to impose any test.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is advisable to have some test in view of the large number of accidents now occurring?

I am not sure that it is so much a question of eyesight as more light.

Will he inquire as to whether the eyesight has been found de fective in many instances?

That is not in accordance with the report of the Chief Commissioner.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can announce the decision which the Government have arrived at regarding the indemnification of third parties who have suffered in property or life through explosions in Government and other factories engaged in producing or handling high explosive substances?

Legislation is being introduced to deal with this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what Bill?

The Bill down on the Paper.

Will that legislation also include people injured by faulty aiming?

If the hon. Member will read the Bill he will see what it does mean.

asked whether the extension of the Christmas holidays which has been announced applies only to munition workers; and, if so, does the Government intend to make arrangements to enable those persons, other than munition workers, who gave up their Bank holidays to get extra holidays at Christmas?

I would refer my hon. Friend to a written answer I gave yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Enfield Division.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has yet considered the advisability of the taking over of the South Wales mines by the State in order to eliminate war profits, to avoid industrial disputes during the War, and to secure the best results from the labour of the miners?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. As my hon. Friend will have seen, a Regulation has been made empowering the Board of Trade, so far as they consider necessary for the national safety and the defence of the realm, to take possession of coal mines, either generally or in any particular area. The Board of Trade have already made an Order applying the Regulation to the coal mines in South Wales and Monmouthshire as from to-morrow, in the confident belief that this action will secure the advantages set out in my hon. Friend's question.

Is it intended, under this arrangement, that the coal owners should be guaranteed a fixed profit and that any increased wages will be borne by the general community?

I cannot make any statement at the present moment as to the financial arrangement that will be arrived at.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement with regard to that?

At the earliest possible moment.

asked whether an opportunity will be given to the House, before rising for Christmas, of expressing by a vote its approval or otherwise of the conduct of affairs by the Foreign Office, especially in regard to Greece?

Opportunities for discussing Foreign Affairs will arise in the ordinary course of business and I am not prepared, as at present advised, to set aside a special day for the purpose suggested in the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be advisable to have a Secret Session in order to have a frank discussion, especially in view of the decision of the French Chamber?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see that the Greek question may be the turning point of the whole war?

I do take the view that it is a very serious question, but there will be opportunities next week for it to be discussed in connection with the Vote of Credit.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to state the policy of the Government in regard to the special register of electors; and, if not, whether he can indicate when he will be able to make a statement?

I will deal with this when I come to make a general statement about business.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the amount of salary which is at present being paid to the Paymaster-General; and is it paid as Paymaster-General or as Labour Adviser?

A Supplementary Estimate will be presented on Monday to authorise payment of salary at the rate of £2,000 a year to my right hon. Friend as Paymaster-General. When the Pensions Bill becomes law, my right hon. Friend will be paid the salary attaching to the office of Pensions Minister.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that he has not answered the question on the Paper as to what is being paid at the present time? What salary is he drawing at the present time and for what office?

The salary, I understand, of Paymaster-General. The Estimates, I am told, provide for it.

Can he not answer the question what salary is the Paymaster-General drawing at the present time?

I am sorry that I did not understand this question, but the answer was prepared for me. I would rather my right hon. Friend would put it down again.

I will put it down on Monday.

Is any new member joining the Cabinet obliged to "pool" his. salary or is it optional?

asked the Home Secretary whether certain interned aliens at Islington are still allowed to leave the camp periodically; and whether it is in tended that the practice shall continue?

I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement I made on 28th June last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the St. Augustine's Division. The practice is the same now as then, but the number of permits has been reduced and is now very small.

asked the Home Secretary whether he caused an inquiry to be made into the recent escape from Islington Camp of Ferdinand Kehrman, Grseme Scott, and Edward Hodgson, and with what result?

I have inquired into the matter, and after consultation with the Commandant have authorised measures calculated to prevent any similar escapes.

Does my right hon. Friend not think it advisable that there ought to be a military guard in this camp as well as in every other camp?

It is not thought necessary in the circumstances.

Does he not consider it desirable that these men, if guilty' of any offence, should be brought to trial and not kept in prison month after month and no charge made against them?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why there is a military commandant for the Irish prisoners at Frongoch and not for the Germans in London?