asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it has been represented to him that in many particulars the policy of the Government in regard to the United States has been of an irritating kind, without any compensation corresponding to the danger of producing misunderstandings; whether in future he will keep in view the importance of maintaining the best possible relations with the United States; and whether he will take steps accordingly?

It is unfortunately inevitable that our blockade measures should cause inconvenience and consequently irritation to citizens of neutral countries, much as we regret it. I can only say that, consistently with the paramount duty of using to the utmost our legitimate belligerent rights, we have done, and shall do, all we can to make their exercise as little burdensome to neutrals as we can. I trust that I may appeal to all patriotic persons not to increase our difficulties on this subject by the use of reckless or intemperate language.

Will the right hon. Gentleman cultivate, not in a formal but m a most assiduous way, good relations with the United States?

We always have done so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the question of the money guarantee which has often proved an obstacle to the entrance of well-educated young men to the Diplomatic Service; and whether, in view of recent events, he will abolish this proviso so as to widen the area from which men of ability may be obtained?

The proposals made by the Royal Commission are being discussed at the present moment, but I cannot yet say what changes will be made in the regulations for the Diplomatic Service.

Is the Noble Lord in sympathy with the general tenour of this question?

Yes, Sir, I think I may say so.

asked whether the complete blockade of Greek ports implies that a state of war now exists between Greece and the Allies?

The answer is in the negative.

asked whether, in view of the attitude assumed by the enemies of the Allies in Greece and the increasing danger of delay, he can state definitely the intentions of the Government in regard to the authority of King Constantine?

The Governments of the Allies are fully alive to the danger of delay in dealing with the unsatisfactory situation in Greece, and they are about to present certain demands to the Greek Government with a view to clearing it up.

I shall take the earliest opportunity of raising this question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman include any demand for guarantees for the supporters of M. Venizelos in Athens?

In view of the fact that a new Government has been recently formed, I think it would be desirable not to press the matter further.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the acts of piracy continued by enemy submarines and the indiscriminate sinking of Allied and neutral vessels with the avowed object of diminishing or destroying the world's merchant tonnage (with the exception of German tonnage) and the effects this policy, if successful, would have upon the whole civilised world, he has already consulted the Allied Governments with a view to a collective or joint Note being addressed to neutral Governments, and more especially to the greatest of all neutral Governments, the object and purport of the Note being to arrange for the free admission to and enjoyment of neutral ports by merchant vessels armed for effective defence and protection against piratical submarine craft; whether this has already been done and, if so, can he state when; and, if not done, will he say why it has not been done?

At the beginning of the War His Majesty's Government explained to the Governments of neutral maritime countries their view of the legal and historical justification for arming merchant ships for their own defence Since then, as occasion arose, they have communicated on the subject with the Governments of countries which British defensively armed merchant ships have required to visit. Of all the Governments approached only one at present refuses to admit defensively armed ships into its ports, and even that Government does not impugn the legality of arming merchant ships for defence. The French and Italian Governments have acted separately from His Majesty's Government in the matter.

Will the Noble Lord give the names of the neutral Governments who have refused free admission to their ports of armed merchant ships?

I think I would rather have notice of that question.

asked whether Germany obtains through the blockade by way of neutral countries supplies of fat and copper; and whether he will give statistics of the present importation of these commodities into Holland and the Scandinavian countries as compared with the normal importation in the three years preceding the outbreak of war?

There is no foundation for the statement that Germany is obtaining these commodities through the blockade, as will be seen from the following figures of imports into Holland and Scandinavia:—

The import of animal and vegetable oils and fats of all kinds into these four countries for the first nine months of this year was, in round numbers, 250,000 tons.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can offer any explanation of the conduct of the police at Moycullen, county Galway, in tearing down a poster announcing a collection for the Irish Language National Fund; whether there is any warrant for treating this as an illegal purpose; whether it is by direction, or as a means of getting promotion, policemen pursue Gaelic teachers from village to village in the West of Ireland, and send their children as spies to ceilidhthe; whether he has noticed that the Gaelic League authorities publicly advise restraint under this provocation; and whether the Government have decided to try to extirpate the Gaelic language?

So far as the Government is concerned I know, and so far as individuals are concerned I am informed that there is no foundation for the allegations in the question except that in the case of a person suspected of promoting disloyalty, who happens to be a Gaelic League organiser, it was considered necessary to keep his movements under supervision.

Has the right hon. Gentleman inquired of any other authority but the police?

I know something from my own knowledge of the matter, without asking any person.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the wholesale slaughter in Ireland of young pigs of from seven to ten weeks old; whether the number slaughtered for the London market has recently amounted to some thousands per week, the number killed by one firm alone reaching 1,000 per week; whether one of the reasons for this state of affairs is the want of feeding stuffs; whether the shipping companies refuse to carry this pork unless under a Government permit and, even with that, refuse to carry more than a tenth part of what is awaiting shipment; and whether he will take immediate action in regard to this matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 7th Novem- ber to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for the Eastern Division of Kent. The Department have issued a new Order to prohibit the shipment or slaughter of breeding sows which comes into force to-morrow. As regards the latter portion of the question, the Department are aware that delay has taken place in the transit of pork from Ireland to Great Britain. They have taken the matter up with the carrying companies and believe that arrangements are at present being made to obviate a recurrence of such delay.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will say what steps the Department is taking to increase the supply of foodstuffs for pigs in Ireland owing to the scarcity of which pig-breeding has had to be discontinued and immature pigs are now being sold at twelve weeks old?

The Department have no powers to increase the supply of feeding stuffs for pigs in Ireland beyond taking all feasible measures to impress upon farmers the desirability of increasing, as far as possible, the area under tillage. There is no scarcity of foodstuffs for pig-feeding other than potaoes, and the Department have recommended farmers that where potatoes suitable for pig feeding are scarce swede turnips should be partially substituted therefor. The decrease in the number of pigs in Ireland is due, in the Department's opinion, not so much to the scarcity, but rather to the high price of feeding stuffs, nor has pig-breeding, as stated in the question, been discontinued, but the number of pigs is in certain districts being reduced owing to the causes stated. The Department have issued an Order, coming into operation on the 15th instant, which will prevent breeding sows from being slaughtered or exported. Immature pigs are being killed and exported because they command a higher price as pork than as store pigs. In the Department's opinion, if the sale and slaughter of these immature pigs were stopped, such a course would react injuriously upon pig-breeding generally in Ireland.

Arising out of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that there is no scarcity except potatoes for pig-feeding stuffs in Ireland, may I ask if he is aware that bran and pollard are largely used for pig-feeding, and, owing to the standardisation of bread, it is impossible to obtain those stuffs?

That, no doubt, is a matter which will have to be regarded for the future, but the standardisation is so recent that it cannot have affected matters at present.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has considered that the agricultural producers of Ireland could be greatly increased if the provisions of the Land Act of 1909 were realised with as little delay as possible; and whether, in view of the fact that the Congested Districts Board and the Estates Commissioners have had certain estates in West Clare in hand for years without settling the business, he will take steps to carry out the purpose of the Land Act of 1909 with the least possible delay?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that they have dealt as rapidly as their available resources permitted with the preparation of estates in West Clare purchased by them for resale, and that the great majority of these estates have been sold or are ready for sale. In so far as estates in county Clare are pending for sale to the Estates Commissioners, I am told that they are being dealt with as rapidly as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in West Clare I, myself, could have done as much in six months as all these gentlemen combined have done in six years?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the necessity for increased food production, he will advise the Congested Districts Board to permit small landholders to till untenanted lands which have been let or may hereafter be let to them temporarily by the Board on condition that such lands will be surrendered peacably, after reasonable notice, when required for final distribution amongst occupiers of uneconomic holdings?

I am advised that it would not be to the public advantage to take action in the direction indicated owing to the difficulties involved in subsequently disposing of lands so dealt with.

Why should not these poor people be helped and encouraged at the present time when a supply of food is so necessary to till the land and produce food? Why should they be prevented in this way by a public Department?

It is obvious that we must consider what will be the economic effect.

What advantage is there in keeping large tracks of land for purely grazing purposes when there is a scarcity of food? Why not give these poor people an opportunity of breaking up this land and tilling it?

I have had a good deal of expert advice, and I find that the experts do not generally agree that it would be economically advantageous to break up Irish grazing lands on a large scale for purposes of cultivation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Board to reconsider the matter? It is very important.

I will take care that the hon. Member's observation is communicated to them.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the most recent reports from various parts of the country of the shortage in the yield of the potato crop, of the hardship and suffering of the poorer classes in the towns, and of the fears entertained of an ensuing famine in Ireland, the Government now propose to take efficient steps to prevent all further exportation of potatoes from Ireland; whether the Government are taking step's to ensure an efficient supply of seed potatoes for next year's setting; and if he will state specifically what steps the Irish Government are taking in these matters?

The matter is being dealt with by the Irish Office and the Department of Agriculture in correspondence with the Board of Trade.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the declaration publicly made by the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) at a recent meeting in Dublin, to the effect that the Executive in Ireland had decided to pre vent any further shipments of potatoes from Ireland except under licence; whether, since the date of the said declaration, the Executive have allowed shipments of potatoes from Ireland to take place freely without permits or licence of any kind, and whether exportation of potatoes is now going on extensively from all parts of Ireland; and whether the Government have now decided, in regard to the question of potatoes and the food supply of the Irish people, to reverse the policy announced by the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture?

The hon. Member appears to be misinformed. No declaration of the nature referred to was made by the Vice-President. The resolution was adopted at the meeting of the Council of Agriculture on the 14th ultimo, urging the advisability of obtaining power to prohibit temporarily the export of potatoes from Ireland, save under licence. I have since been in communication with the Board of Trade on the matter. Since the date of the meeting of the Council of Agriculture shipments of potatoes have taken place from certain districts where potatoes are usually grown for exportation, but the exports of potatoes during October and November of this year have been considerably less than in the corresponding period of the previous year.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has received information as to the potato crop this season in West Clare; and whether he can indicate any measures that may be necessary to prevent hardship to the poor people who depend greatly on potatoes for food?

Reports received by the Department show that the potato crop this year in West Clare is about 30 per cent. less than last year's crop. Where spraying was carried out the proportion of diseased tubers is not large. The Department are taking the only measures at present in their power in this matter, namely, urging farmers to select their seed at once and not to feed livestock with seed potatoes or potatoes suitable for human consumption.

As this is not only a very complicated but very important question, may I ask that someone in the Department should be detailed to make a special study of the matter and to co-operate with the members of the Irish party on the subject?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that that necessity has not been overlooked, and the Department has been at work on it with more than one of its ablest members for several weeks past.

What has it done?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether complaints have been made in the South of Ireland owing to the preferential method of distributing sugar; who are the distributing agents for Kerry; and what steps he proposes to take to secure that all traders are given their proportionate and due share?

The question of the proper distribution of sugar is at the moment engaging the careful attention of the Food Controller. He is naturally not in a position to make any announcement of the policy on the matter at the present moment, but hopes to be able to do so at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether a food controller has been, or will be shortly, appointed; if so, at what salary; whether offices and work in preparation for the duties of food controller have been organised; and whether the provision of home-grown food for both animal stock and the civil population will come under the powers of a food controller?

As regards the first part of the question, Lord Devonport has been appointed Food Controller and the hon. Member for Wilton will act as Parliamentary Secretary of the Food Control Department. As regards the second part of the question I am not in a position to make any statement at present. All the matters referred to in the third part of the question are well in hand. The encouragement of the production of home-grown food, including feeding stuffs, will be within the province of the Food Controller in co-operation with the other Government Department concerned.

Will a Bill be introduced constituting the new Ministry of Food and the new Ministry of Labour?

It is the intention to introduce such a Bill.

Will it be introduced before this Session comes to a close?

I think it will be better to wait till I make a statement about business later.

Will these Bills give the Government a right to appoint these new Ministers?

The hon. Gentleman had better wait till he sees the Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether it will be within the power of the Food Dictator to prohibit the use of grain and sugar for the production of beverages?

The Defence of the Realm Regulations give power to specify the purposes for which alone any such article may be used.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether during the last three months the Board of Agriculture has made any request for public money for the provision of agricultural machinery, the employment of a special ad hoc staff, or the cultivation of at present waste and uncultivated land, with a view to a large increase in home-grown food in either 1917 or 1918; and, if so, whether he has refused the application?

Proposals on this subject have been made to the Treasury by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. The Treasury have invited the Board to work out their schemes in detail, and the matter is now under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his official information shows that some distress exists amongst the women workers in the linen trade of Belfast, where these workers have only their own wages to rely upon for subsistence, but that this distress is mitigated in the case of most of these workers by the fact that they have men in their families or are in receipt of separa- tion allowances; and, if so, whether he will advise the taking over by the Government for the period of the War of this industry which, whilst earning profits for the owners, refuses to pay a living wage to its employés, who are obliged to depend upon the earnings of their menfolk and the separation allowance of their soldier relatives to provide the necessaries of life?

I believe the assumption in the first part of the question is true. No ground appears to exist at present for advising the Government to undertake on public account the liabilities of the linen trade.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a quantity of female labour is employed in Dublin at a weekly wage of less than 7s. 6d. a week; and, as such wage is admitted to be considerably less than a living wage, whether he will consider it advisable to recommend the Board of Trade to apply the provisions of the Trade Boards Act to the industries in which these workers are engaged?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The advisability of extending the scope of the Trade Boards Act is at present under consideration, and in this connection specific information regarding low rates of wages in Dublin industries will receive careful attention. As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, any extension of the Trade Boards Act would require legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether, in view of the statement that the owners of the linen mills and factories in Belfast were faced with the problem of either closing down their mills or running short time, owing to the condition of the linen industry, he will advise the Ministry of Munitions to take over complete control of these mills and factories for the period of the War?

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the statement that the owners of the mills and factories connected with the linen industry in Belfast were faced with the problem of either closing down their mills or running short time owing to the precarious condition of the linen industry; and whether, in view of the amount of female labour at present unemployed, or only partly employed, in this industry in Belfast, he will consider the advisability of taking over complete control of these mills and factories for Government purposes for the period of the War?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. The War Department has recently placed in Ireland contracts for 5,000,000 yards of dowlas for bedding, and the bulk of this order has gone to Belfast manufacturers. The Department has also under consideration tenders from Belfast firms in respect of a large requirement for linen tent duck. I do not think it is necessary to take over complete control of the Belfast mills and factories as suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, with regard to old age pensions in Ireland, he will take into account that 7s. 6d. nowadays represents less purchasing power than 5s. formerly, and will advise that the old age pensions be automatically increased, except in exceptional cases where the pension officer can give good reason for advising otherwise; and whether the Local Government Board will take the onus of the proof?

This question relates to matters over which I have no control, and should be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether twenty aged men employed in the Registrar-General's Office, Dublin, at recruiting work at 30s. a week were locked out for eight days, 25th April to 4th May, 1916; whether the Recruiting Department refused to pay the men for the time they were locked out; and, having regard to the fact that every employer in Dublin paid his employés for the week absent under similar circumstances, he will now direct that these men be paid what is due to them; also whether these men are entitled to the war bonus paid to other men in the various recruiting offices employed at similar work?

I am informed that these men were employed by the hour and not by the week, and that any of them who attended at the office on any day during the period mentioned received a full day's pay. The men were not en titled to the payment of a war bonus, which did not come into operation until the following July.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will reconsider the decision to deprive the soldier of his week-end leave in view of the fact that the sacrifice is a very unequal one, in that the soldier has to undergo his training separated from his wife and family and is only able to see them at his week-end leave, which comes to him once in twenty weeks, whereas the general public and munition workers are only called upon to remain at home with their wives and families and to forego the week-end holiday?

As has already been announced, a modification has been made of the previous decision in regard to Christmas leave, but I am unable to announce a modification in regard to weekend leave.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it was with his sanction that a former political agent with no agricultural knowledge has been appointed assistant substitution officer in the York district after acting as military representative before the tribunals in that area; whether he is aware that this gentleman openly states that whenever a substitute for a farm worker is refused, however unsuitable he may be, he will ask the tribunal to cancel the certificate of exemption held by such farm worker, irrespective of the scale of labour agreed upon between the War Office and the Board of Agriculture; and whether, in order to prevent the further reduction of the output of home-grown food, he will see that all substitution officers have practical agricultural experience, and that all committees for examining labour census forms contain at least one practical farmer?

I think the hon. Member is under some misapprehension. The substitution officer does the office work in connection with substitution, and it is not claimed that he has agricultural knowledge. He was not a military representative. The suggestion in the second part of the question is, I am informed, not accurate. Whenever an employer refuses a suitable substitute the farm worker's certificate will be reviewed, in consultation with the agricultural representative. Every employer has a trial of a substitute, and wages, etc., are fixed before the engagement is completed. The committees, which are appointed locally, contain, as far as is known, at least one practical farmer, and in some cases more than one.

asked whether an application has recently been made to the City Tribunal for the exemption from military service of four employés of the Dresdner Bank; if so, who authorised the application; whether Sir William Plender, the controller, was made aware of the application before it was made; whether he sanctioned it; and why there was any necessity to ask for the exemption of these clerks if the premises of the said bank are to be sold shortly, as promised by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

I am informed that with the controller's knowledge an application for the further temporary exemption of the four employés named was made to the City Tribunal in order that the work still outstanding may be completed without delay, and that exemption has been granted until the 8th March next.

Considering that British banks are practically stripped, and rightly stripped, of all men of military age who are fit for service, why should a German bank be granted this kind of indulgence?

My hon. Friend knows that that was a decision of the tribunal and not of the Government, and as I have pointed out the exemption is only until 8th March.

In view of the tenderness shown to the German banks in the past, will some really strenuous and manly policy now be adopted?

I can only say that there will be no undue tenderness. If there has been tenderness in the past towards German banks, I am not aware of it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take no action unless he gets a letter from Cord Northcliffe?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the principle guiding appointments of women clerks (temporary) in the office of National Education; whether vacancies for such positions are open to competition; whether they are publicly advertised; whether a candidate has to be nominated before being permitted to sit for examination; if so, in whose hands rests the power of nomination; whether, if a candidate has not sufficient influence to secure nomination, she cannot compete for the examination; who prepares the examination papers; who awards judgment on the merits of the examination, and whether the most successful candidates are always appointed; and whether an examination was recently held; if so, how many candidates competed and how many were refused permission to sit for examination on the plea of not having been nominated?

The Commissioners appoint temporary women clerks upon satisfactory proof of fitness for the duties to be performed. They receive applications from persons desirous of employment, without nomination. For eleven vacancies which are about to be filled 114 applicants sat for examination upon examination papers prepared by the Board's inspectors. The result has just been ascertained, and the eleven candidates in order of merit as shown by the results of the examination will be appointed on probation for one month and subject to the production of satisfactory evidence as to age and health.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of those who sent in applications were told that, in consequence of not having secured nominations, they could not be permitted to sit for the examination?

I was not aware of that, but if the hon. Member wishes it I will inquire into it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue an order, with regard to the filling up of all these temporary vacancies, that an advertisement should be put in the papers, so as to give everyone a chance?

I will consider that, if it is thought at all necessary or fair.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the London and North-Western Railway Company and other English railway companies under the control of the Railway Executive Committee have intimated to the Irish railway companies that after the 11th instant no parcel of poultry or rabbits exceeding one hundredweight will be accepted by the English companies for carriage by passenger train; if he is aware that the Irish poultry exporters hitherto sent their poultry in hampers of three hundredweights and that it is impossible for them to procure sufficient hampers of smaller dimensions in time for the Christmas markets; and, seeing that this Regulation will affect the exportation of fowl and rabbits from Ire land for the Christmas markets, whether he will take any action in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am in communication with the railway companies with regard to this matter, and will let the hon. Gentleman know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps must be taken by petrol users in Ireland in order to comply with the new Order placing the distribution of petrol under the control of the military authorities?

County and district inspectors, Royal Irish Constabulary, and superintendents, Dublin Metropolitan Police, are being authorised to issue permits for purchase of petrol to holders of licences under the Petrol Control Committee.

In order to make it quite clear to petrol users in Ireland, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is necessary in all cases to obtain permits from the constabulary before petrol can be purchased, notwithstanding the licences issued by the Petrol Committee?

I think that is so, but if my hon. Friend wishes I will make further inquiries.

Could the hon. Gentleman say why there is this difference made between England and Ireland?

I think a moment's reflection will furnish my hon. Friend with the information which he asks from me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has read the letter written by C. L. Tranchell, police superintendent, Kandy, Ceylon, on the 19th June, 1915, to an employer applying for a permit to transfer labourers from one district to another; and on what law, if any, that police officer based the threat in his letter that if his order was disregarded the coolies were liable to be shot at sight?

I have read what purports to be a copy of this letter, but I cannot vouch for its accuracy. Since martial law was at the time in force a police officer would be justified in explaining to any person the punishment to which he or others would render themselves liable by a breach of the Regulations issued by the authorities charged with the suppression of disorder.

May I ask whether this police officer really has authority to shoot any civilian at sight?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now in a position to explain on whose instructions the police in Kandy, Ceylon, when on 28th May, 1915, they removed the wounded Sinhalese youth to hospital, where he died from his wound, omitted to arrest the Moorish trader who had shot him and whose identity the polce knew; and, seeing that this was the first shot fired' and one of the causes of the subsequent riot, will he explain why the Moor has never been arrested and tried?

The official reports which I have received do not support the account of the matter given by the hon. Member; also serious rioting had already taken place and was in progress when this man is alleged to have been shot. While I understand that the police were unable to effect any arrest, there is no foundation for the suggestion that they refrained from action under instructions from any authority.

Is a general re-inquiry going on as regards the proceedings of Governor Anderson of eighteen months ago; and will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of reopening the question of the conduct of Governor Eyre?

Both those questions require notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will say what steps have been taken by the Government, in concert with the Governments of the self-governing Dominions, to provide homesteads for our disabled sailors and soldiers and their dependants upon the land in this country where practicable, but more especially in the vast uncultivated spaces of fertile land in the British Dominions overseas?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on behalf of my predecessor on 12th October.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a similar answer was given some time ago; and may I now ask whether it is not time that steps should be taken in order to provide for soldiers and sailors in the manner indicated in the question?

Steps are being taken. Obviously it is not an easy matter to arrange in such a form that you can make any statement about it here. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that no time is being lost, and, so far as the Dominion Governments are concerned, they are as anxious that a definite arrangement should be made as we are. We are doing our best to see that adequate preparations are made for these men.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has received any communications with regard to this question from people in this country?

I have been in office only for some days, so that I have not received: any communications.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will make inquiries in the Colonial Office as to the scheme which was put forward by the Government of British East Africa for this purpose, and find out how it is going on?

Certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what concssions of public lands in Canada were made to Sir William Johnson and other United Empire loyalists who faithfully served the Crown during the revolutionary war in the American colonies from 1775 to 1783, and who after the war emigrated to and settled in Canada?

I am unable to give the total area of public lands granted in Canada to United Empire loyalists and their children, but it is stated in Lord Durham's Report that, up to the date of the Report, 3,200,000 acres had been so granted in Upper Canada.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain the facts with regard to what number of acres were allocated to officers, sergeants and men in these regiments, in order that we may be enabled to consider what would be an appropriate distribution after the present War?

The best suggestion I can make to my hon. and learned Friend, is that he should come to the Colonial Office, where we will place at his disposal all our information. He will find there is a great deal there. I could not undertake to ask my officials, who are very heavily worked at present, to embark upon an examination which, I am afraid, would be a prolonged one.

I shall be delighted to accept the invitation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the result of the voting of the Australian soldiers in France in reference to the compulsory military service in Australia?

I have no information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that official intimation was given that the result of this ballot would be declared on 11th November, and is it not the fact that the reason why that has not been done is that the Australian soldiers voted seven to one against conscription?

No, Sir; I am not aware of either of the statements made by the hon. Gentleman, but his latter statement I can say is incorrect. It is quite obvious that the publication of this information is entirely a matter for the Commonwealth Government, and not a matter for the Government here.

May I ask how, if he has no information, as he told me, the right hon. Gentleman is able to contradict another hon. Member who has information?

My contradiction was not as to the facts of the case, but as to the reasons for my action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is the intention of the Government to reduce the number of dogs in the country; and, if so, will a full inquiry be made before any drastic Order is issued?

I am not aware of any such intention.

asked the Home Secretary if any new conditions have been agreed on as regards the treatment of the Irish prisoners of war; if they have been now eight months imprisoned; whether he proposes to release them at an early date; and, if so, when?

I am not in a position to add anything to the answers given by my predecessor and by the Chief Secretary for Ireland on this subject.

Having regard to the fact that the blundering and stupidity of his predecessor in the past have been the means of the right hon. Gentleman occupying his present position, will he not say whether the blundering and stupidity will now cease?

I should like to see that question on the Paper.

asked the Home Secretary if he will make arrangements to have an improved dietary scale for the Irish prisoners on their transfer to Lewes prison; if he will allow extra facilities to hem for Christmas; if they will be allowed to receive parcels of foodstuffs from their friends; and if Countess Markiewiez will be removed from Aylesbury to Lewes and be treated the same as male prisoners?

The dietary of convict prisons is regulated by statutory rule and depends on the nature of the industrial employment. Special facilities at Christmas cannot be allowed, but prison diet on Christmas Day includes beef and plum pudding. The prisoner named in the last part of the question will not be moved, but she will be given, as far as possible, the same privileges as the male prisoners at Lewes.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the time has come for the release of all prisoners?

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the admissions of Sergeant-Major Newstead, when under cross-examination at the court-martial of the fifteen Irish prisoners at Frongoch; if Sergeant-Major Newstead admitted that the commandant stated that he would have discipline if he had nothing but dead bodies in the camp; if these statements are deeply resented in Ireland and are likely to cause further trouble in the camp; and whether the commandant has yet been proved to be perfectly sane by a doctor?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question may I ask him whether it is not a fact that the commandant of this camp has supported and requested an inquiry into the whole of this matter?

The answer I shall give to the hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Byrne) I think answers that question. I have asked to see the evidence taken by the Military Court, and am making special inquiries as to the conditions at Frongoch, and I hope that the hon. Member and others who have put questions as to the conditions at that camp will permit me to postpone my replies until the completion of my inquiries. I regret the last sentence in the hon. Member's question, which contains an unfounded reflection upon the commandant.

Having regard to the right hon. Gentleman's reply, if the same question had been put about Captain Colthurst, what would he have replied?

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State few the Home Department whether he has yet come to a decision with reference to release or amelioration of the condition of all or any of the 500 untried Irish prisoners now being starved at Frongoch; and especially whether the 350 of them now in special punishment in the insanitary south camp, and denied visits, letters, and comforts sent to them by friends, will be returned to the north camp for Christmas, and allowed to receive parcels from friends outside?

It is not true that anyone has been starved, and the reply I have given the hon. Gentleman will cover the remainder of the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman announce this week whether these 350 men will be allowed to receive parcels next week?

I can add nothing to my answer.

Can there not be a general amnesty of these prisoners, and could not that have been undertaken months ago?

The hon. Gentleman must give notice.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a telephonic report of the murders of Mr. Sheehy-Skeffington and two others in Portobello Barracks on the 26th April was sent by the adjutant, acting under orders from Major Rosborough, to garrison headquarters and to the headquarters of the Irish Command in Dublin about 11 a.m. on the same day; that at about one o'clock men under the command of Captain Bowen-Colthurst shot two other unarmed men in Harcourt Place in the presence of a number of witnesses; that at 7 a.m. on the 28th April a body of troops under the command of Captain Bowen - Colthurst and Colonel Allett raided Mrs. Sheehy-Skeffington's house, into which they fired a volley before effecting an entrance; whether, in spite of these occurrences, Captain Colthurst was retained in the command of troops until the 6th May; and will he say by whose instructions this was done?

As regards the telephonic report, I have seen the statement in paragraph 38 of the Report of the Royal Commission. The statement in the second part of the question is, I am informed, not correct, and the third part is also, as regards the time of day referred to, not in agreement with what is stated in the Report of the Royal Commission. As regards the last part of the question, the facts are as follow: Captain Bowen-Colthurst was ordered on 26th April by Major Rosborough not to leave the barracks, and when Lieut.-Colonel McCammond resumed command after return from sick absence he confirmed the order, the effect of which was to retain Captain Bowen-Colthurst under his personal supervision. The, actual date on which Captain Bowen-Colthurst was placed under arrest was 5th May, and not 6th May, as erroneously stated in the Report of the Royal Commission.

Was the arrest of Captain Colthurst owing to a telegram sent by Lord Kitchener from the War Office in presence of the private secretary of the late Prime Minister?

I have made considerable inquiries with regard to that. It has not been possible to ascertain the circumstances in which the telegram was sent, but I am informed that no such telegram was ever received in Ireland.

If Captain Colthurst was placed under the personal supervision of the officer commanding on 26th April, how was it that two days later he was able to go out into the street in Dublin and take part in an attack on the house of Mrs. Sheehy-Skeffington?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the Royal Commissioners appointed to inquire into the murder of Mr. Sheehy Skeffington and two others reported that, as the result of a communication of the military authorities in London made by Major Sir Francis Vane, Captain Bowen-Colthurst was placed under open arrest on the 6th May; that the Prime Minister has intimated to Sir Francis Vane his appreciation of the service rendered in letting him know the state of affairs in Dublin; whether Colonel McConchey, C.B., commanding the 178th Brigade, General Friend, late Commanding-in-Chief the Forces in Ireland, and Major Rosborough, commanding the troops in Portobello Barracks, have all testified to the value of the assistance given by this officer in the defence of Portobello Barracks during the late rebellion; and whether he can say why Sir Francis Vane has since been relegated to unemployment?

I have seen the statement in paragraph 53 of the Report of the Royal Commission. I have no information as to what passed between the late Prime Minister and Sir Francis Vane. In reply to the third part of the question, I understand that Colonel McConchey expressed an opinion that Sir Francis Vane's services had been of value. I have no information as regards the other two officers mentioned. The answer to the fourth part of the question was given in a reply to a question put by the hon. Member for West Clare on the 3rd August.

asked the Home Secretary whether the speech delivered by the German Chancellor in the Reichstag on 12th December has been subjected to censorship; and whether any restrictions of delay or revision has beer^* imposed in publishing translations of this speech?

The answer to both parts of this question is "No."

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the French Chamber has held sittings in Secret Session, during which the whole field of affairs, home and foreign, military and civil, has been thoroughly revealed and frankly discussed; and whether he will now comply with the desire of many Members of this House for a Secret Session of Parliament?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I think it will be better to wait till after the discussion on Tuesday before considering the last part of the question.

Can we have some intimation of the object with which this change is to be introduced? Is it to give more information to the House or is it to withhold it, as is the case in some countries, especially Germany?

There is no intention to withhold information from the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether the War Council will consider the desirability of the Allies issuing an emphatic warning that transfers during the War of enemy property to neutrals, whether in bulk or in blocks of shares, especially in shipping, will not be recognised in any arrangements that the Allies may find it necessary to make in the peace terms?

His Majesty's Government recognise the importance and value of the suggestions in the question, but do not think it desirable to lay down in public conditions of peace of this nature at present.

asked the Prime Minister, whether a new Ministry of Labour is to be established forthwith; whether duties hitherto performed by the Home Office and the Board of Trade will be transferred to the Ministry of Labour; and whether, in view of the importance of preserving the health, harmony, and the maximum efficiency of our industrial forces, it is intended to increase the personnel and powers of the factory inspectorate?

I cannot yet give an answer definitely defining the details of the new arrangement. The point raised in the third part of the question will no doubt be considered by the Minister of Labour.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the general public make sacrifices with regard to travelling for pleasure commensurate with the sacrifices which soldiers are ordered to make by foregoing their week-end and Christmas leave and possibly even their draft leave; and whether he will take into consideration the fact that if civilians only are allowed to travel the greatest sacrifice will be made by the poorer classes of civilians who cannot themselves afford to travel at full fares to visit their soldier relatives?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman has no doubt seen in the Press, the War Office have now decided to grant Christmas leave to the same proportion of the troops in this county as last year.

Has not an Order been issued that troops are not to travel from the 23rd to the 26th inclusive?

I think the reply I have just made will show that if any such Order was made it is now countermanded.

May I ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will inquire to-day whether it is not a fact that an Army Council Instruction. No. 2312, has been issued, and was printed last night in all the command orders stopping all soldiers from travelling at Christmas time? Will he remember that at the last public holiday he gave an undertaking that soldiers would be allowed to travel, and that undertaking was not carried out in the command?

It is quite true that an Order has been issued preventing travelling by soldiers from the 22nd to the 25th December inclusive, As far as I remember, those are the same dates on which soldiers were prevented from travelling last Christmas.

Does not that stop all Christmas leave to soldiers?

Certainly not. They proceed on leave before the 22nd.

Does my hon. Friend's last reply equally apply to men on leave from the Expeditionary Force?

No; men on leave from the front travel freely the whole time.

Is it the fact that soldiers and officers employed in the Ministry of Munitions received the same order, while civilians employed in the Ministry of Munitions may travel as much as they like?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will address his question to the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the disappointment and irritation caused by the recently-issued War Office orders relating to Christmas leave for soldiers and sailors in training; and, where it is not possible to grant leave to such men during Christmas to visit their friends, will he provide that opportunity be given early in the New Year for the purpose of doing so?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Christmas leave will be granted to the wounded soldiers in Ireland who are able to travel, since the number of them is small as compared with the number of wounded in Great Britain and the granting of leave would not involve any considerable inconvenience on the Irish railways?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the public feeling on the subject and the disappointment which would be felt by the men, he will reconsider the proposal to restrict the Christmas leave of soldiers?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can make any further statement as to Christmas leave for soldiers?

It has already been announced that arrangements will be made to enable the same proportion of the troops in the United Kingdom to spend Christmas at home, as last year?

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, as to whether those who are unable to have Christmas leave can have leave early in the New Year?

I will consider that, but I cannot make any promise.

Will arrangements be made for free travelling?

The arrangements for the issue of free travelling warrants will be the same as those that are in force now.

Having regard to the unsatisfactory nature of the answers of the hon. Gentleman, I beg to give notice that I will call attention to the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he wilt consider the possibility of granting to all soldiers and sailors serving at home who obtain Christmas leave a prior right of travel over civilians in such railway facilities as are available?

This has been transferred to the War Office.

I asked at the Table for advice, and I was told to put the question to the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a Decree was promulgated in Rome during August, 1916, whereby the Italian Government exempts all profits on cargo vessels bought abroad and registered under the national flag from fiscal dues or taxation during the first three years of their effective service; that all cargo vessels built in Italy registered under the national flag are exempted from any fiscal dues or taxation during the first five years of their effective service, providing the service begins prior to 31st December, 1918; that for steamers which are built after the publication of this Decree and during the period of the War all necessary foreign-made material for the construction of these vessels shall be imported free from any Customs dues; that a premium of 85 lire for each gross registered ton of the vessel shall be paid to the owners by the Government; that all steamers mentioned in the paragraphs will be free from any requisition for one year beginning from the date they are placed upon the national register; whether these inducements are offered by the Italian Government with a view to increase the Italian mercantile marine; and whether he will explain how the present taxation imposed by the British Government upon British shipowners will encourage an increase in British shipping?

I am aware of the Italian Decree of 10th August last, the provisions of which are correctly described in the question. The inquiry as to the effect of British taxation should, I think, be addressed to the Treasury. The object of such taxation is, of course, to meet part of the expense of the War out of excess war profits'?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on a certain day during the last month about 24 vessels were lying in a certain Channel port, most of them waiting for orders to proceed to other ports, and that about 42 vessels were lying in an adjacent port, most of them waiting for discharging berths; whether the Member for the West Toxteth Division of Liverpool has privately given him the names of these ports and the dates; whether he can state how many of these vessels were British, and their total gross register tonnage, and approximately their total deadweight carrying capacity, including; bunkers, and approximately their total measurement capacity for cargo; whether he can state how many of these vessels were under requisition and how many were receiving Blue Book rates of hire; and whether, in view of the shortage of shipping and the high prices of food in this country, he will enter his protest to the responsible Government Department or authority against this waste and misuse of British shipping with a view to more intelligent and economical management and control?

My predecessor received a communication from the hon. Gentleman as to the number of ships waiting in certain French ports last month, and though the official figures do not in all respects agree with his, there is no doubt that there was very serious congestion. The French authorities are doing all in their power to overcome the serious difficulties with which they are faced, and we are doing what we can to assist them. I am not in a position to give in a complete form the particulars for which the hon. Gentleman asks as to the ships concerned, but if he wishes it I will show him privately the information we have received.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the state of affairs described in my question is the usual state which has been existing for many months past, and will he tell me through what channel he got his information which did not confirm my figures?

I think I am entitled to ask forbearance from the hon. Member. I only entered office yesterday. I can assure him I will make further enquiries.

How many of those ships are still there?

I must ask for notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the explanation of the rise in freight of coffee from Liverpool to Africa between July and August last was furnished by the shipping companies; and whether he has power under the Defence of the Realm Acts to prevent this increase of freight being maintained; and, if so, whether he will exercise such power?

The explanation of the rise in freight on coffee, which was communicated to my right hon. Friend, was furnished by the shipping companies. I have some doubt whether the Defence of the Realm Acts could be used to regulate freights on coffee.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement concerning recent operations in Mesopotamia, and the position and prospects of our forces in that region?

I think it would be better that my hon. Friend should await the general statements to be made by the Prime Minister next week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the employés of the Great Southern and Western Railway Company of Ireland have handed in notices to cease work this week if their demands to be treated the same as employés on English railways are not conceded; if he will say what steps the Government propose to take to meet the men's demands for a war bonus the same as is paid by the Government to all English railway employés; and if he is aware that all the employés on Irish railways are contemplating a stoppage of work if their demand is not granted?

The President of the Board of Trade wrote to the hon. Gentleman on this matter on the 12th instant, and I am afraid that for the present I cannot add to his letter.

Will the hon. Gentleman give an answer to the question before the men cease work? They cease work next Monday, and this is the last sitting of the House before then.

To-morrow!

I think, having regard to the fact that negotiations are at a very important stage at the moment, it would be undesirable to make any statement.

I understand that this matter is being investigated at the present moment, and that negotiations are now going on. In those circumstances I would not like to ask this question unless the right hon. Gentleman thinks that there is something which he can safely say.

No. As has been stated, negotiations are now going on, and I think that it might do harm to say anything at present.

Private Notice of the following question had been given by Mr. MAURICE HEALY: To ask the Under-Secretary for the Board of Trade what steps the Board of Trade have taken or propose to take to avert the strike on the Great Southern Railway of Ireland, the locomotive men on that railway having handed in strike notices to take effect on Monday next?

Having regard to the attitude which has already been taken by the Board of Trade on the question of the threatened strike on the Great Southern and Western Railway, I do not ask the question of which I have given private notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the largely increased imports of Egyptian cotton into America last year have given rise to a suspicion that large stocks have been accumulated for transshipment to Germany; and if he can state the result of the Board of Trade investigation into this matter?