asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether investors who have already changed from A to B schemes for mobilising securities will have the same rights as regards power of sale and in all other respects as those attaching to holders who make the change now or later?

Yes, Sir. The right of sale applies to all dollar securities under Scheme B whether originally deposited under that scheme or transferred from Scheme A.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many Irish national teachers of both sexes for two years prior to the beginning of the War were deprived of increments of salary and promotion in grade solely on account of insufficient average attendances of pupils in their schools; how many teachers, since the War began, have similarly suffered, giving the numbers separately for each grade; and will he consider the desirability and the justice of abolishing the necessity of normal average attendances of pupils as a condition of promotion of Irish national teachers during the period of the War?

I am unable to give the Return asked for, on account of the time and labour which would be involved in its preparation. As regards the latter portion of the question, a rule has been in force since the 15th April, 1915, whereby the teachers of national schools, in which the attendance of the pupils has declined owing to shortage of agricultural labour arising out of the circumstances of the present War, are allowed to substitute for the actual average daily attendance at their schools an estimated average attendance calculated on the basis of the attendance at the schools prior to the commencement of the War when putting forward their claims for increments and grade promotions. As regards the matter generally, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on Thursday last to the hon. Member for Kerry (West) and Belfast (West).

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will ascertain from the duty book at Store Street Police Station, Dublin, and say how many men were on duty, where, and at what hours from the proclamation of the Irish republic at noon on 24th April last until the police were withdrawn on the 25th April; and whether any of the police were shot by insurgents in that time?

I replied to this question on the 15th instant.

asked what arrangements, if any, the Local Government Board for Ireland has made for the discharge of the duties of their clerk who has been appointed official shorthand writer to the Irish Rebellion (Victims) Committee, to the detriment of Irish journalists by whom important work of this character has always been done and whose applications in this instance were refused; what deductions, if any, will be made from this clerk's salary while he is engaged on outside work; whether his appointment as shorthand writer for an outside body shows that the clerical staff of the Local Government Board is too large for the demands made on it; and whether it is the intention of the Irish Government, in view of the departure they have now sanctioned in regard to official shorthand writing, to employ in future Government clerks in preference to competent journalists whose competency and impartiality have never been questioned?

The Local Government Board have not made any arrangements for the discharge of the duties of the clerk who has been asked by the Rebellion (Victims) Committee to take such shorthand notes as may be required by the Committee as the time spent by the clerk in taking such notes will be counted against his leave. For the same reason the question of deductions from his salary does not arise. As previously pointed out the decision as to who will take the shorthand notes is a matter for the Committee, and not for the Local Government Board. The Irish Government are not in a position to state what their action in the future in regard to such matters will be, but it can be explained as occasion arises.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Local Government Board will consider the desirability of having the Seed Potatoes Acts revised and amended, with a view to enabling boards of guardians to supply seed at cheaper rates next spring to labourers and small holders who are affected by the present prices?

Yes, Sir.

asked (1) in what proportion the Irish potato crop is short for this year as compared with last year, and also the amount of potatoes exported from Ireland of this year's crop; whether potatoes are still being exported from Ireland; whether the Government are giving any consideration to the needs of Ireland and to the possible sufferings of the poor through the continued exportation of potatoes from Ireland under present circumstances; and (2) whether any and, if so, what steps the Irish Office, the Department of Agriculture, and the Board of Trade have taken to secure that the poor of Ireland will not be reduced to famine conditions by the continued shipment and exportation of potatoes from Ireland?

asked what steps have been taken by the Department of Agriculture to ensure a supply of potatoes at prices within the power of the poorer classes in the urban districts in Ireland?

I will answer these questions together. The estimated total production of potatoes in Ireland for 1916 was 2,433,000 tons, as compared with 3,710,000 tons for 1015, a decrease of 34.4 per cent. Last year's crop was, however, an exceptional one, and the decrease as compared with the average annual production for the ten years ending 1915 is only 22.3 per cent. The total quantity of potatoes exported from Ireland in October and November of this year was 29,808 tons, as compared with 32,817 tons in the corresponding months of last year. Potatoes are still being exported from Ireland; but the Board of Trade have issued an Order, which comes into operation to-morrow, prohibiting the export of potatoes from Ireland save under licence. Potatoes will thus be kept in the country and this will presumably tend to keep down prices.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the hon. Member for North Derry has been appointed to a position as adviser to the Government on the subject of the exportation of potatoes from Ireland; when and by whom he was appointed; and whether he is aware of the fact that the hon Member for North Derry is himself a potato merchant largely interested in the exportation of potatoes from Ireland?

The hon. Member for North Derry was appointed a member of a Potato Advisory Committee which was called together by the Board of Trade early this month. His presence on the Committee, in my opinion, serves a very useful public purpose because of his knowledge of the potato export trade.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, if his attention has been called to the fact that the announcement that restrictions upon the shipment of tea to this country would shortly take place was directly the cause of an immediate considerable rise in the wholesale price of tea; if he will state whether those statements were published with the knowledge and consent of the Food Controller; and whether such restrictions are to be imposed?

The statements referred to were published without the knowledge or consent of the Food Controller, and he has no information as to any intention of imposing fresh restrictions.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, whether it is proposed to take steps to prevent the use of grain, sugar, and other valuable food materials for the manu-fecture of beverages; and whether regulations will be issued at an early date dealing with this matter?

This and many other important questions affecting food supply and control are under consideration, but the Food Controller wishes me to point out that careful thought and a reasonable time are required before a final decision can be reached.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that the prison warders in England have been granted their war bonuses without stoppage of special allowances, he will take steps to secure that the Irish warders who are getting an increase of pay or war bonus under the new scheme will not be deprived of the allowances they are at present receiving?

Irish prison warders have been granted this year both a war bonus and increased rates of pay. There are no stoppages from the war bonus, and in cases where allowances have been withdrawn under the new scales of pay, the fact was taken into consideration in fixing the new rates.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that on the passage of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, a sum of money was allotted for the payment of educational and other expenses, including the whole of the workhouse teachers' salaries; that the standard set up for arriving at that amount was the salaries of those teachers for the preceding year; that from this fund the whole of the salaries of workhouse teachers are refunded to their respective boards of guardians through the local accounts grant; and will he take steps to prevent the workhouse teachers from being excluded from the proposed war bonus to national teachers as they are subject to the same conditions of service?

The payment for workhouse teachers' salaries is by virtue of the Local Government Act, 1902, Section 6 (2), limited to the amount which was paid for that purpose in each ease in the year ended 31st March, 1902. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on the 26th October last by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will consider the possibility of permitting conscientious objectors brought before the Central Tribunal and refusing to accept the Home Office scheme to communicate the decision to their friends?

This question, which amounts to a request for the relaxation of prison rules, should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs.

asked whether Reginald Voysey, a conscientious objector to military service, is confined in Wandsworth military prison; whether he is being starved in his cell and otherwise ill-treated to force him to go on parade and accept military control; whether inquiries will be made into the allegations of ill-treatment; and whether Voysey can be handed over to the civil authorities in accordance with Government pledges?

Private Voysey is at the present moment undergoing a sentence of detention in Wandsworth Prison. The suggestions of the hon. Member that he is being starved and otherwise ill-treated are wholly without foundation, and I invite him to substantiate them. If the hon. Member will refer to previous answers given in this House on many occasions he will realise that it is not possible to transfer this man to a civil prison.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any and, if so, what precautions are being taken to prevent the granting of passports for Switzerland and other neutral countries to British subjects of military age who are not exempt from military service?

All applications for passports from British subjects liable for military service are submitted to the military authorities before being issued.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office where John O'Dwyer, an ex-soldier, who was in military custody in Limerick on 14th November, now is and in what condition, his friends not knowing why he was arrested and not having heard from him since?

Inquiries are being made and a reply will be sent to the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been called to the case of Rifleman Alexander Boyd, late of the Royal Irish Rifles, who was discharged from the Army owing to serious wounds in 1915; if he is aware that for a long time the question of his pension was in abeyance and eventually he was awarded the sum of 1s. 3d. per day; if he is aware that the man in question is totally disabled and that he is quite unable to earn any money; is he aware that Rifle-man Boyd Was re-examined by the medical board and the result of this examination was embodied in a letter from the Chelsea Commissioners, dated 1st November, 1916; if he is aware that the letter states that the Commissioners have given the case further consideration and have decided, however, after a careful review of the circumstances of the case, that there is no ground for any increase in the pension already awarded him; if he is aware that the Commissioners have stated that the man in question is of drunken habits and that they are of the opinion that it would probably be to his disadvantage to award him any increase of his pension, as it seems probable that he would only spend it on drink; and if he intends taking any action in the matter in consequence of such a statement being sent out from the office of the Chelsea Commissioners?

I am having inquiries made into this case, and will inform the hon. Member of the result in due course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will explain, in the case of Sapper Peter Larkin, No. 197754, No. 4 Section, 170th Company, Royal Engineers, now serving in France, who before enlistment was the main support of his father by giving him all his wages while in England, and by doing home work after their return to Ireland a short time before enlistment since which he sends his father 3s. 6d. a week out of his military pay, why no additional allowance is being made to the father in accordance with the rules in such cases; and whether what those rules entitle the elder Larkin to receive will now be paid as from the date of the son's enlistment?

Inquiries are being made and the hon. Member will be informed of the result in due course.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether in agreeing to the increase of wages asked for by the Welsh miners it was stipulated that full time should be worked; and whether in all cases of conditional exemption from service with the Colours it is understood that such exemption can only be allowed so long as full time is being worked?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part should be addressed to the Home Secretary.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any licence has been granted to Leon Menasche, Vitali Menasche, and Gaston Menasche, trading as Leon Menasche and Company, who are alien enemies of Turkish nationality, or any person in the name of or for the benefit of such persons or firm, to trade in India and, in particular, to sell diamonds procured in the London market to purchasers in India; whether he is aware that sales amounting to between £350,000 and £400,000 have been effected by these persons recently; was permission given by the Government of India for the partners of this firm in Bombay or their agents to travel in India and also to Ceylon; what was the reason for releasing these persons from the condition imposed restricting their movements to an area of five miles from Bombay and allowing them to have unrestricted competition with British traders; and have any steps been taken to supervise the business done by these enemy aliens and to secure the payment of Income Tax on their profits?

A licence to import diamonds into India from this country was granted by the Government of India to Messrs. Leon Menasche and Company. I have no information as to their sales. Permission for restricted movements in India and to leave India to visit Ceylon was granted to two members of the firm. This was within the discretion of the Government of India, and I am not in a position to state definitely the reason for their decision. But I understand that members of the firm, though Turkish subjects, are Jews of Spanish origin and refugees from Antwerp. I am informed that their sympathies are entirely with the Allies. Apart from their nationality, I gather that nothing was known to their disadvantage in India, where, though restricted as to their place of residence, they were allowed to remain at large on parole. Their business is subject to the restrictions at present imposed in the case of dealings in diamonds. As regards the payment of Income Tax, the inquiry should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Leon Menasche, Vitali Menasche, and Gaston Menasche, carrying on business as Leon Menasche and Company, are alien enemies, being Turkish subjects; whether two of the partners, namely, Gaston and Vitali, were interned at Harrogate in August, 1915, for three or four months, but were subsequently released; what was the ground for such release; has any permission been given by the Department for these persons to continue trading, and, if so, under what conditions; and will he take steps to ensure that this trading shall not be permitted in competition with British firms whose business is being restricted by reason of their employés' enlistment for service with His Majesty's Forces?

The facts are substantially as stated in the first part of the question. The men were released from internment in the year 1915, on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee. As regards the remainder of the question, no permission to them to continue trading has been given by my Department. The point raised in the last paragraph of the question appears to fall within the province of the Board of Trade under the Trading With the Enemy (Amendment) Act, 1916.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the question of hardship arising out of the state of war in connection with building contracts entered into before the War had been brought to the notice of the late Prime Minister and a draft Bill submitted, and that consideration had been promised; and whether he will undertake that this matter, in view of its importance to one of the largest industries of the country, shall not be overlooked, and, considering its daily increasing urgency, will receive consideration at an early date?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to reply to this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the matter shall receive consideration at an early date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department what further steps have been taken during the past six months to increase the production of coal in the United Kingdom, and to provide railway wagons for the transport of coal from the collieries?

I would refer the hon. Member to the detailed information contained in the further Report which was issued by the Coal Mining Organisation Committee in September last. I may add, however, to what is stated in the Report, that the arrangements made with the War Office for the release of miners unfit for general service have resulted in the return of over 12,000 men to the mines, and that special measures has been taken to deal with the question of absenteeism. The last part of the hon. Member's question is a matter for the Board of Trade.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether any and, if so, how many councils of counties and county boroughs have not yet submitted to the Board any schemes for providing that diagnosis and treatment of venereal diseases based on the recommendations of the Royal Commission in their Report dated 11th February, 1916?

Schemes have been formally submitted by thirty-four of the 146 councils, and in practically every other case the Board have information that schemes are in preparation. In a large proportion of these cases the negotiations with hospitals and other bodies, which are an essential preliminary to the framing of a schme, are nearing completion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the duties of the office of censor of diamonds for exports is exercised by Mr. La Breitmayer, a German subject naturalised as recently as October, 1914; Mr. Leon Rozelaar, who though born here is of alien enemy parentage; and V. A. Lilkie, a Russian subject; whether any effort was made to get these duties performed by merchants of undoubted British birth and descent; and will he consider the desirability of controlling British traders in diamonds by censors of their own nationality, and not subjecting them and the industry to the control of foreign or naturalised dealers who are competitors in trade; and whether any inquiry was made or any guarantee obtained as to the expert qualifications of these gentlemen to judge polished diamonds?

The Diamond Exports Committee consists of Mr. A. Mosely, C.M.G., Mr. L. Breitmeyer, and Mr. V. A. Litkie. Mr. Mosely, the chairman, is of British birth and descent. Mr. Breitmeyer was naturalised at the date mentioned; I understand that he is of German birth, but he has lived in this country for many years. Mr. Litkie is, I believe, a natural-born British subject of Polish descent. Mr. Leon Rozelaar is not a member of the Committee, but he has been authorised to act on it during the visits of Mr. Mosely to foreign countries on the business of the Committee. All these appointments were made after careful consideration and inquiry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the 12,000 shares in Minimax, Limited, held by enemies, which are to be sold by a receiver appointed by the Court, include the whole or part of some 6,000 shares in that company, which, according to the register at Somerset House, were held by Minimax Consolidated, Limited, in June, 1914; if not, if he could say who were the present holders, and since what date the ownership had been changed; whether he would similarly state if the 12,000 shares-included the whole or part of some 7,000 shares held in June, 1914, by a certain C. Benning, being the remainder of a large parcel of shares held by him as a nominee for various parties, including enemy subjects, and, if not, who were the present holders; whether he could state since what date the Public Trustee had control of the 12,000 shares in question; whether, having regard to the Government orders placed with Minimax, Limited, during the War, and the apparent uncertainty of the indirect destination of any profits accruing therefrom, he would cause careful inquiry to be made as to the extent to which shareholders in Minimax, Limited, were acting knowingly or unwittingly as nominees of enemy interests; and whether the total number of shares that should be under the control of the Public Trustee was considerably greater than 12,000?

The shares in Minimax, Limited, which were to be sold by the receiver for debenture-holders of Minimax Consolidated appointed by the Court, who has now been discharged, were originally held by Minimax Consolidated, or by nominees for that company. The inspector of Minimax Consolidated reported in November, 1914, that the shares belonging to that company had been disposed of since the outbreak of war, in order to discharge certain London liabilities. The vesting of the 12,000 shares registered in the names of enemies is waiting the result of an application to the Court with regard to 4,500 of these shares, and I will have further inquiry made by an inspector appointed under the Trading With the Enemy Acts as to the ownership of other shares.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the prices of all classes of coal in the South Wales coal district will be fixed by the Government; if so, will any increase in the amounts received owing to an increase in the market prices be paid to the Exchequer; and whether the rates of wages and the profits of the mine owners will be settled during the War by the adoption of such fixed prices?

I am not at present in a position to make a statement with regard to the financial arrangements in connection with the Government control of the South Wales coalfield.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government will now consider the propriety of taxing German lace and embroidery imported into this country from Switzerland, the value of which this year is nearly a million sterling and 30 per cent. in excess of the import of last year?

I am not aware that German lace and embroidery are being imported into this country, and shall be glad to receive any information which the hon. Member may be able to give me. The whole question of the imports of Swiss lace and embroidery which contain a certain element of Austrian origin is now under consideration.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will give instructions to deliver letters to callers at Grantown-on-Spey Post Office between 5 and 6 p.m. without charge, seeing that many letters from soldiers in the South and at the front arrive by the afternoon mail, and that no search fee is charged at Elgin, Forres, Lossiemouth, Nairn, Rothes, or Aberlour?

I am making inquiry into the matter and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he proposes to adopt any change of policy as to small holdings in Scotland, especially for ex-soldiers after the War, in view of the failure of the Smallholders Act in so far as it was intended to create new holdings?

I am considering what measures may be necessary, by amendment of the Act, or otherwise, to meet the situation with regard to small holdings which is likely to be created by the return of soldiers after the War.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether the Central Prisoners of War Committee insist on the sum of 6s. being paid for each parcel (weighing about 5½ lbs.) sent to prisoners of war; if he is aware that some of the relatives of prisoners have been in the habit of sending parcels which, whilst only costing about 2s. each, weighed 11 lbs., and contained food known to be desired by the prisoners to whom they were sent; if he is aware that a number of those who had previously sent two parcels a week to a prisoner relative cannot afford to send parcels frequently at 6s. each; and if he will make some arrangement whereby parcels of food can be sent by relatives and friends to prisoners of war subject to the parcels being securely packed?

The attention of the Central Prisoners of War Committee has been called to this matter. They inform me that a system is in force (as to which detailed information can be obtained from the Committee) by which persons unable to bear the whole cost of sending parcels can obtain the assistance of others. The weight of the 6s. parcel is 10 lbs. I am afraid that the necessary control could not be exercised if the suggestion at the end of the question were adopted.

asked whether the relatives and friends of commissioned officers who are prisoners of war are allowed to send them parcels of food and are not obliged to send money for the purchase of food by the Central Prisoners of War Committee?

Yes, Sir, that is so. The reason is that the relatively small number of parcels for officers makes it possible for the authorities to deal with them separately. In the case of other ranks, the number of parcels is so great as to render it necessary that they should be dealt with through one channel.

asked whether an agreement has yet been reached with the German Government as to the repatriation of civilian prisoners of war over forty-five years of age, and when it is likely to become operative; and what reply has been given to the proposals for repatriating or interning in a neutral country those civilian prisoners who are under the age of forty-five?

The agreement is not yet concluded, but we have just given a final answer which we trust will be accepted on the one outstanding point of difficulty. In case of acceptance by the German Government the agreement will come into force at once; and in anticipation of a conclusion arrangements are being made for repatriation as early as is practicable. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the White Papers Nos. 25 and 35 Miscellaneous (1916).

asked the hon. Member for Central Sheffield whether his attention has been called to Bishop Bury's favourable account of his recent visit to British prisoners of war at Ruhleben; and whether the previous information at the disposal of His Majesty's Government goes to confirm or modify that report?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; with regard to the second part of the question, conditions at Ruhleben appear to be now as favourable as circumstances permit.

asked the hon. Member for Central Sheffield whether he is aware that the heating apparatus was removed from some of the barracks at Ruhleben and had not been replaced in November; and whether he will invite the attention of the American Embassy to this hardship to prisoners of war interned at that camp?

The United States Charge d'Affaires at Berlin informed us on 2nd November that the heating of the wooden barracks, with the possible exception of Nos. 12 and 13, as to which improvements would be urged, was not unsatisfactory. On the other hand, the boilers intended to heat the thirteen stone barracks and the Young Men's Christian Association building had not as yet been installed for the winter. The Camp Commander had assured the Embassy that he was doing all in his power to enable the boilers to be erected promptly.

asked the hon. Member for Central Sheffield whether civilian prisoners of war in Austria who are interned, but not in detention camps, are not allowed to receive parcels of food under the new regulations; and can he state the reason for this deprivation?

Parcels may be sent from this country to prisoners of war and interned civilians only and not to British subjects who are still at liberty. In the case of Austria there are, in addition to interned persons, several classes of "confinees." It is a matter of some difficulty to decide whether persons coming within these categories are entitled to be treated as prisoners of war or not. It is open to persons wishing to send parcels to a British subject in Austria whose status is doubtful to apply to the War Trade Department for a licence.

asked whether prisoners of war undergoing sentences of imprisonment in Germany and England are now allowed to receive food parcels during the period of their incarceration?

The negotiations with Germany in regard to this matter are not yet concluded.

asked whether His Majesty's Government has yet received any answer to their proposals, addressed through the American Embassy at Vienna to the Austrian Government, as to the exchange of civilian prisoners of war interned in Austria; and, if not, what reason is assigned for the refusal to reply to a communication made three months ago?

The United States Ambassador was requested on the 24th November to ask the United States Ambassador at Vienna to remind the Austro-Hungarian Government of this matter; sufficient time has not yet elapsed for a reply to this last communication to be received.

asked why the differences which exist between the military codes of Great Britain and other countries prevent His Majesty's Government from negotiating with Germany for the postponement of the execution of grave sentences of imprisonment, inflicted upon prisoners of war, until the conclusion of hostilities?

All disciplinary punishments, by which is meant such as can be inflicted by an individual, as distinguished from those which can be awarded by a court-martial, are exempted from the agreement which has been concluded between France and Germany. This exemption is made to enable effective control to be maintained over prisoners of war. By the English military code, however, disciplinary powers are far less than those sanctioned in France and Germany, and it would be impossible to maintain discipline with such powers as we now possess. The question, which is a complicated one, is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state the extent of the food famine in Russia; the estimated number of people who have died of famine; the number of places in which food riots have occurred; and whether his official information shows that Russia is in a condition to prevent the spread and continuance of famine by placing foodstuffs in towns and districts stripped of foodstuffs for the War?

The hon. Gentleman's question is based upon erroneous assumptions.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether J. W. Langley has refused the offer of the Estates Commissioners to purchase his untenanted lands at Knockanure, Record No. E. C. 9,907, Section K; whether the owner is at present engaged negotiating the sale of the lands by private sale for grazing purposes; whether such sale is in accordance with the Irish land laws giving the purchaser the right to have a fair rent fixed by the Irish Land Commission, as well as the right to purchase the fee simple under the Land Purchase Acts, 1903 and 1909; and whether, in view of the congested state of the district, together with the necessity for a larger area under crops in order to increase the food supply of the district, he will direct the Estates Commissioners to acquire this estate under the congested Clauses of the Land Act, 1909, so that the land may be acquired by the uneconomic landholders and used by them for the purpose of producing a greater supply of food?

The Estates Commissioners have been informed by the owner's solicitor that his client could not accept the proposal of the Commissioners for the purchase of lands comprised in this estate, as the price offered in Guaranteed 3 per Cent. Stock was, in his opinion, too low and would not pay off the incumbrances. The solicitor asked at the same time whether the Commissioners would be prepared to make an offer for, say, 200 acres of the lands, and stated that in the event of the Commissioners not purchasing, his client would endeavour to sell by private contract. The Commissioners have asked him to furnish them with particulars of the 200 acres to which he refers. There is nothing in the Land Law Acts preventing an owner from creating tenancies, and under those Acts the tenants so created can have judicial rents fixed, but such tenants can not purchase their holdings under the Land Purchase Acts, having regard to Section 16 of the Irish Land Act, 1909, which provides that no advance shall be made under the Land Purchase Acts in respect of the purchase of a holding where the tenancy has been created after 15th September, 1909. In present financial conditions the Commissioners have deferred exercising their limited powers for the compulsory acquisition of lands under the Irish Land Act, 1909.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that five men from the South Riding, county Tipperary, were indicted for arson and conspiracy at the late Munster Assizes held in Cork, on a charge arising out of the sale of a portion of the evicted lands of Cloneyross, Rossmore, county Tipperary; whether he can state the terms and conditions upon which these lands were disposed of by the late owner-in-fee to the present occupiers whose names were mentioned in connection with the offence committed by the defendants; whether the sale of this and other estates about to be sold on similar terms in county Tipperary tend to create a new system of landlordism; what percentage of the land is to be used for food production; and if he will direct the Estates Commissioners to acquire all such lands for the purpose of increasing the food supply at least during the War?

The facts are as stated in the first part of the question. I am informed that the owner divided the lands in question, which are mainly used for grazing, into plots and offered them for sale during the past twelve months. So far, he is stated to have disposed of three plots, the price in one case being £300 and a rental of £8 per annum. The terms in the other cases are not known. The steps which should be taken to increase food supply are engaging the attention of various departments of the Government.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether he can state the number and cost to the Exchequer of the extra police required to protect the persons who have purchased portion of the evicted lands of Cloneyross; and whether, in order to restore peace in the district, he will direct the Estates Commissioners to acquire the lands in dispute in order to avert further trouble in this district?

One head constable and twelve men are employed in protecting persons who have purchased the lands referred to. Their pay and allowances amount to about £609 per annum. Peace will best be restored by obedience to the law on the part of all persons concerned.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether James O'Connor, of Cloncrippa, Feenagh, Charleville, county Limerick, an old man over seventy years, is entitled to an old age pension, having regard to the fact that he has an annuity of £25 out of which he has to pay £6 per annum for the use of a room and to maintain his wife, who is not of pensionable age; and, if so, will he direct the Local Government Board who rejected his application to reconsider their decision in the matter?

The Local Government Board have no power to reconsider a decision once it has been given, but it is open to the claimant to make a fresh application, James O'Connor assigned a farm of thirty-one acres, with fourteen cows and other stock, to a nephew, and, having regard to Section 4 (3) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, the annuity reserved cannot be taken as adequately representing his means.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether James Morgan, senior, Drumavaddy, county Cavan, an old age pensioner, drawing 3s. per week, has applied for the full pension; whether this application has been granted; and, if not, will he state fully why the application is refused?

The Local Government Board state that they have had no application for an increase referred to them in this case. The original claim allowing a pension of 3s. a week was only passed in August last.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Patrick Delany, of Pollabane, county Cavan, appeal No. WB 4,202, has been refused a pension; and will he state in detail what this man's means are?

Patrick Delany has had three claims disallowed by the Local Government Board. He had two farms, one containing about 16| acres, the other 11 acres, the combined rents being £8 8s. He disposed of these farms to two unmarried sons in June, 1914, apparently to qualify himself for a pension, and accordingly under Section 4 (3) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, they are still regarded as forming part of his means. His first claim was made soon after the assignment.

asked on what Section of the Old Age Pensions Act the Local Government Board for Ireland rely in attributing property in land and stock to old persons who in fact have none; how long after the loss of effective ownership and of legal ownership of property, respectively, does the fact of having formerly owned property debar persons otherwise entitled from getting old age pensions; and, seeing that James and Anne Reilly, now lodgers at Kilmore, Streete, and certified by the Coole Pension Sub-Committee to have ceased to be effective owners some years before a legal assignment of land became necessary, and are found by the inspector to have no property, whether a fresh claim by them will be considered?

I replied to this question of the hon. Member on the 15th instant.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether in the case of old age pensioners who have become inmates of unions in Ireland solely by reason of senile debility their pensions are cancelled; and, if so, will he state what authority there is for withdrawing these pensions; and on what evidence and by what body the decision to cancel the pension is made?

Under Section 3 (1) (a) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, the receipt of Poor Law relief (other than relief excepted under that Section) involves disqualification for old age pension purposes. The question whether in any particular ease the relief received is of a disqualifying nature, or whether it comes within one of the exceptions, is a matter for determination by the local pension committee or sub-committee, subject to the usual right of appeal to the Local Government Board.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish the Report of the Interdepartmental Committee on the Blind which was instituted in 1914?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by me to the hon. Member for Blackburn in reply to a question on the same subject on the 17th October.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received a representation from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council regarding the protraction of Indian litigation; and, if so, whether action will be taken in view of the necessity which exists for reducing the length of time allowed for appeals?

Yes, Sir. The Judicial Committee made very important suggestions, which are before the Government of India. I am fully alive to the need for a reformed procedure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the names of the underwriters at Lloyd's who are entitled to transact employers' liability insurance by depositing securities with the committee of Lloyd's in compliance with the requirements of the Board of Trade under the Eighth Schedule (D) of the Assurance Companies Act, 1909?

I am sending the hon. Gentleman a list of the underwriters referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say what is the amount of the deposits, if any, furnished in accordance with the Eighth Schedule (B) and (C), 2 (3), of the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, by Lloyd's underwriters as security for the due fulfilment of their fire and accident insurance contracts; the amount of the security furnished in the form of guarantees; whether any of the guarantees which may be furnished as an alternative to a deposit are given by persons who are not member of Lloyd's Underwriters' Association; and, if so, to what extent?

The amount of the deposits furnished in accordance with Schedule 8 (B) and (C) 2 (b) of the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, by Lloyd's underwriters as security for claims in connection with fire, accident and other non-marine business is £324,200. The amount of the security furnished in accordance with the provisions referred to in the form of guarantees is £4,528,500, none of which has been furnished by guarantors who are not members of Lloyd's.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Lloyd's underwriters have complied with the requirements laid down in Schedule 8, paragraphs (B) and (C) (1) (b) of the Assurance Companies Act as regards the furnishing to the Board of Trade of a statement showing the extent and character of the business effected by them; and how many Lloyd's underwriters, in lieu of complying with paragraph (D) (1) (a) and (b), have elected to comply with paragraphs (B) and (C) (2) of the Schedule and supply to the Board of Trade an auditor's certificate in lieu of a full statement showing the extent and character of the business transacted?

No Lloyd's underwriters have furnished the Board of Trade with a statement showing the extent and character of the business effected by them in accordance with Schedule 8 (B) and (C) 1 (b) of the Assurance Companies Act, 1909. Five hundred and seventy-five Lloyd's underwriters elected to comply with the alternatve requirements contained in Schedule 8 (B) and (C) 2, and furnished the Board with auditors' certificates.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the complaints being made by the female prison staffs as to the low temperature in the buildings and the general want of fires; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter and give instructions that economy is not to be carried to the extent of imposing personal discomfort on the women?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given in this House on the same subject by my predecessor in office, as Secretary for Scotland, on the 24th October and 14th November of this year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain tenants on the Nannan estate, county of Merioneth, have been requested, under threat of notice to quit, to sign new agreements of tenancy, undertaking in case the house and buildings are condemned by the sanitary authority under the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1909, to put the house and buildings in repair at their own expense or in default to quit the holding within six months; and whether, in view of the fact that the liability under the said Act is that of the landlord and that there is need to increase the food supply of the country, he will cause steps to be taken to prevent the disturbance of the tenants?

The Board have seen the new clauses in the agreements of tenancy to which my hon. Friend refers. They are unusual and seem likely to cause unrest among the tenants. This is particularly to be deprecated at the present time when farmers should be able to concentrate their whole energy upon food production. I hope that the publicity given to the matter may lead to immediate adjustment, but should it not the Board will have inquiry made with a view to action being taken.