asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the quantities of wheat and other cereals purchased by our Government in Roumania; the total price paid for same; when payment was made; in what form the payment was made; where the grain was stored; and what has become of these cereals?

I am not prepared, in the public interest, to make any statement on this question at the present time.

Is the Noble Lord aware that the Kaiser has proclaimed that German troops are being fed on corn paid for by England, and can (he not refute this statement?

I have already intimated to hon. Members that it is not in the public interest to make any statement on the subject, and the hon. Member is the first not to comply with that regulation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether our Roumanian Allies are being supported in their defence of their country by the financial and material aid of this country and its other Allies; and whether he can without prejudice to Allied interests make a statement concerning this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I fear it would not be in the public interest to make any further statement.

asked whether the withdrawal of the Royalist troops from Thessaly in accordance with the terms of the Note accepted by King Constantine implies that the troops and authority of M. Venizelos will now be allowed to extend to places so evacuated south of the neutral zone?

No, Sir. The object of insisting on the withdrawal of the troops from Thessaly and Epirus is to protect the rear and flank of the Allied Forces from the possibility of attack by such troops.

asked whether the decision to recognise the agents of M. Venizelos, announced by the Prime Minister, implies the full and official recognition by the Allies of the Greek provisional Government of M. Venizelos at Salonika?

I am not quite sure what is meant by the full and official recognition of the provisional Government. We recognise that it is in fact the Government where its authority is established and we agree to receive its agents and discuss with them affairs of interest to the provisional Government and our own. At the moment I do not know what more we can do.

What is the meaning of that? Is it proposed to recognise two Governments and yet to recognise only one Government—in other words to continue the policy of the Athanasian creed?

I do not see the object of this theological reference from my hon. Friend. Coming to the substance of his question I do not think that it is unusual to recognise two Governments in a country. In the American Civil War there was recognition of the North and also of the South.

Has not my Noble Friend said in answer to a question that there is only one Government in Greece?

Are we to understand now that the Government do not recognise M. Venizelos as acting on behalf of the King?

It would be rather rash to say that we now recognise M. Venizelos as acting on behalf of the King.

(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the fact that we are now in diplomatic relations with M. Venizelos it will make any material change in the situation in Greece?

I am glad my hon. Friend has asked that question, because it is one of the advantages of the new arrangement, by which we are to receive agents of a diplomatic character from M. Venizelos that we shall be able to discuss with them the exact position which M. Venizelos' Government holds.

Will the Noble Lord inform the House that the dilatory and dangerous policy which has been pursued in Greece is motived by dynastic reasons?

I have already told the hon. Member and the House several times that that insinuation, which is a very cowardly insinuation to make, is absolutely untrue.

On a point of Order. As a personal explanation, may I say I make that not as an insinuation, but as a declaration.

That is not an explanation at all, but merely a repetition of the attack. I have warned the hon. Gentleman once or twice—he is always asking the same question—that he is not entitled to make charges of that kind except upon proper motion.

On a point of Order. Am I not entitled to make an explanation to repel the charge of cowardice made?

The hon. Gentleman is not entitled to make a personal explanation which repeats the offence.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he will consider the possibility of giving leave to those men serving in the Navy, more particularly pensioners, who have been since the beginning, and in some cases previous to the commencement, of the War engaged on foreign service?

I fear I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 23rd November. I take this opportunity, however, of correcting a mistake which I made in replying to his supplementary question of Tuesday last. I said I had received from him no particulars of the cases which I invited him to bring to my notice in my reply to his question of the 23rd November. That was incor- rect. My hon. Friend had sent me some particulars on the 29th November. I apologise.

asked who is acting as senior naval officer at Wick at the present moment and what is the experience which that officer has had suiting him for the duties of the post?

The officer in question is an officer of considerable experience, and one who has held appointments fitting him for the duties of his present appointment.

What is his experience?

I am prepared to place it before my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Patrick and George King, who were arrested in Easter week in Dublin and subsequently interned at Frongoch for the public safety and the defence of the realm, as being reasonably suspected of having favoured, promoted, or assisted an armed insurrection against His Majesty, were brought before the stipendiary magistrate at Liverpool on 2nd November, 1916, and by him handed over to a military escort as absentees from military service; whether they were then attached to the 5th Reserve Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, at Oswestry, in Wales; whether they have refused to obey orders given to them as privates in that regiment; whether they have been punished for disobediece; if so, what punishment has been awarded to them; whether they have been court-martialled, and, if so, when and by what officers, and with what result; and whether the Government will consider the propriety of prohibiting the conscipting of men whom the Army does not want and directing that the persecution of interned Irish prisoners who may be technically liable to military service shall forthwith cease in the interests of harmony and of the better prosecution of the War?

Reference has been made to Ireland on this matter. I will communicate with my hon. Friend by letter as soon as I receive the necessary information.

Having regard to the motives which prompted the Government to release the Irish prisoners, I would ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will consider favourably the release of those two men who were implicated in the riots in Dublin?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the period which elapses between the date when a man who gets his commission from the ranks takes up his duties as an officer and the date on which his name appears in the "Gazette"; whether he is aware that for an interval of several months such men are unable to draw pay from the regimental paymaster; that, until their names appear in the "Gazette," the Army agents will give them neither pay nor credit, and that the £100 outfit allowance is not credited although in the meantime they have to provide themselves with uniform; and whether measures will be taken to mitigate these hardships, and to ensure to the families of these men the continuance of the Government allotment during the period when they are debarred from drawing pay from any source whatever?

Difficulties should not occur, and I am not aware of any complaints. If the hon. Member can give me particulars of any specific case, I will have inquiry made.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a number of young officers just appointed are really placed in a position of great difficulty, and probably every Member of the House has had application for loans. I certainly have.

I am not aware of that, but I have asked my hon. Friend to give me any specific facts, and I will endeavour to trace out where the difficulty arises.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the case of Private J. Holmes, No. 37745, B Company, Durham Light Infantry, now in the guard-room at Seaham Harbour, who enlisted as a non-combatant and is now being forced to accept combatant service?

This man was called up on 9th August and was posted on 10th August not to the Non-Combatant Corps but to the 4th Durham Light Infantry, and according to his attestation paper he has not been exempted from combatant service. His commanding officer reports that this man is fit and has gone through his training and that he displayed no conscientious objection until warned for drafting overseas. If this is so, it illustrates the results which follow from the efforts of those who try to develop so-called conscientious scruples where no such scruples genuinely exist.

asked why Isaac Britton, a conscientious objector detained at Maidstone, has been detained for seven weeks under orders of court-martial without any decision having been come to in his case?

If my hon. Friend will give me this man's unit and regiment, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Trooper W. Gynn, 2nd/lst R. D. Yeomanry, C Squadron, stationed at Thorndon Park, Brentford, is the eldest son of fourteen children of the late Mr. Gynn, a farmer, who had farmed Tredidon Farm, near Launceston, for very many years, who died in October last, leaving his widow with her large family, the eldest boy at home being thirteen years of age, and the farm consisting of 265 acres, of which 70 acres will be cropped of oats, 12 acres of wheat, 8 acres of barley, and 10 acres of roots, and upon which there are 8 cows, 31 cattle, 180 sheep, and 31 pigs, with only one aged man available, and that unless the son can be released the farm must be given up and the stock sold, owing to the total inability of the widow to carry on such a farm; and whether, notwithstanding that the Board of Agriculture on the 18th December gave an intimation that the War Office had decided that they do not see their way to intervene, in view of the shortage of food and the possibility of the family becoming a burden upon the country, he can see his way to enable Trooper Gynn to be released forthwith for service upon this farm, in consequence of the demand that is being made that each man's services should be exercised to the greatest national advantage?

I am informed that the transfer of the eldest son to the Reserve W was not recommended, as there is a second son, employed as a clerk in civil life, who might fulfil the duties which my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War m he is aware that a case was decided at the South western Police Court on Monday, the 18th instant, where the magistrate laid it down that an attested man who had been medically rejected, and who had not received a notice to submit to medical re-examination before 1st September, was exempt from military service; and if it is now proposed to release from Army service all the men in a similar position who have recently been called to the Colours?

I have nothing to add to what I said yesterday in reply to the hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division of Glasgow.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if members of the 5th Northern Company, Non-Combatant Corps, Newhaven, have been ordered to do work in connection with the handling of munitions; if on the 30th November seventeen men refused to do this work and were placed under arrest; and, in view of the promise made that men attached to the Non-Combatant Corps would not be called upon to do this kind of work, if instructions will be given immediately to that effect in this particular case?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 18th to the hon. Member for West Leeds.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will make inquiry into the allegations of serious illness among the members of the 2nd Northern Company, Non-Combatant Corps, France, due to the men having been taken out of huts and put under canvas; and if he will see if something can-be done to improve the conditions under which they are serving?

I assume that these men are the same as those referred to in the question put by the hon. Member for North-West Lanark on 29th November. These men are living in tents with boarded floors, and I may remind the hon. Member that there are many thousands of men on the lines of communication who have been similarly accommodated for the last two years, summer and winter, and that the men in the trenches have neither huts nor canvas. I would also add that illness amongst those under canvas is not greater than in the case of those in billets.

Is it not the case that these men were removed from huts in order to make room for coloured men?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if in June and July last, at Avancourt and Fricourt, 200 conscientious objectors in the Non-Combatant Corps were sent to work between the British and German lines; if forty of them were killed; if the remainder were then asked to volunteer for combatant service and all agreed; if 200 more conscientious objectors were brought up to do the same work; if these refused to do combatant work but volunteered for hospital work; if they were sent to the Canadian hospital at Etaples; and, if so, what action is to be taken in regard to these violations of the conditions of the non-combatant service?

So far only three deaths have been reported in the Non-Combatant Corps, only one of which occurred abroad, and that not in the fighting line. I cannot help thinking my hon. Friend has been the victim of false information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if Army Council Instruction No. 1,90.}. of 1916, entirely supersedes Army Instruction No. 1,186, of 1916, and if soldiers under seventeen and eighteen years of age are no longer entitled to be treated under the conditions laid down in the earlier instruction; and will he say what is the meaning of the posting of soldiers under eighteen and a half years of age to particular divisions, and if soldiers under this age are now retained in the Army?

Army Council Instruction 1,905 supersedes 1,186 from the date on which it came into force. Underage soldiers who have been transferred to the Reserve under Instruction 1,186 are called up under its provisions and then come under the provisions of Instruction 1,905. The posting of men to particular divisions is designed to secure that a man shall serve with those of his own nationality, as far as possible. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative, but soldiers under seventeen are given the option of enrolling as Army Reserve munition workers.

asked if any orders have yet been issued for the release of the Irish prisoners at Frongoch; and if any recommendations have been sent from the Irish Office on their behalf?

I beg to refer to the statement made yesterday in this House by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary.

Will the two ladies interned at Aylesbury be released now?

Yes, I think that the statement applies to them.

Does it apply to those sentenced by courts-martial?

Only to those who are interned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, having regard to Rule 119 (c), of the Rules of Procedure in Field General Courts-martial, on page 634 of the Manual of Military Law, issued by the War Office, that the proceedings shall be held in open Court, and to the successive questions on the Paper since last July, calling attention to the fact that the Field General Courts-martial in Dublin last May were held in camera, the Irish Law Officers expressly refusing to accept responsibility for this, whether General Sir John Maxwell has been asked to specify the law under which he supposed he was acting; and whether any competent Court, judge or Law Officer declares the proceedings in question to be legal?

I think the hon. Member will see that this question ought to be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General.

Is the War Office now, after more than seven months, unable to tell the House under what law, if any, these courts-martial were held in Dublin last May?

asked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, if, in view of their food value, it is proposed to interfere with the necessary feeding in winter of deer in a deer park?

The food value of deer will, of course, be borne in mind in any action which may be taken in this matter.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, if, in view of the powers to stop game preserving which are being obtained and will be exercised by his Department, his Department will give immediate attention to the position of landlords who are under legal obligation by agreement or lease to rear game for their tenants, and the case of tenants who are similarly bound to keep up the stock of game, especially in view of the fact that about this period more than any other of the year landlords and tenants have often power to terminate their sporting agreement?

I am advised that where the fulfilment by any person of a contract is rendered impossible or illegal by the necessity of complying with any requirement or Order under the Defence of the Realm Act or any Regulations made thereunder, such necessity would be a good defence to any action or proceedings taken against that person in respect of the non-fulfilment of the contract. The point will, however, be considered further.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if steps will be taken to alter railway regulations which compel certain classes of goods to be conveyed in the railway's own wagons and thus enabling consignors of certain of these goods to make use of and convey them in their own private wagons?

I do not think that any increased use of private wagons for traffic usually conveyed in railway companies' wagons is likely at the present time to be to the public advantage.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the shortage of wagons on the railways, permission can now be given, as a war measure, for the use, subject to specification, of many hundreds of wagons without spring buffers, whose use was prohibited on the railways shortly before the War and which, since the commencement of railways until then had been in constant use on the railways without any large percentage of accidents?

I understand that the point raised by the hon. and gallant Gentleman has already received consideration, but that it is not considered desirable to allow the use of dead-buffered wagons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a quantity of granite from Norway was within recent months permitted to be imported into Aberdeen by the Imports Committee and a much smaller quantity refused a licence for Glasgow; if so, will he say why this preference is given to one town over another; and is it left entirely in the option of the Controller and his subordinates to permit importations or otherwise as they choose?

I am informed that one consignment of granite was admitted several months ago, since when no further imports have been licensed. There is no question of preference as between one town and another. The granting of licences is at the discretion of the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that silver war badges are being granted to those who have served in His Majesty's naval forces since 4th August, 1914, and whose service has been terminated on account of wounds or on account of physical infirmity for winch they are hot themselves directly responsible, and that there is no provision at present for the granting of special war badges for officers and men of the merchant service who may be permanently incapacitated from following their employment owing to wounds or other injury arising out of the War, whether steps will now be taken to issue a silver or other badge in cases of this kind?

I am afraid that I cannot say more than that the matter is still under consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor at the Board of Trade stated, in answer to questions two months ago, that the matter would be considered at once.

I have looked through the papers, and I am aware of that fact.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to allow the railway companies to raise their passenger fares in the immediate future; if so, will he say whether legislation is necessary before third-class fares can be raised, in view of the statutes which insist on a certain number of trains being run at the fare of a penny a mile?

As regards the first part of this question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on Wednesday to a question asked by the hon. Member for Mile End. As regards the second part, the Board of Trade are already empowered by a Regulation under the Defence of the Realm Acts to modify any statutory requirements with regard to the maximum amount of passenger fares.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the raising of the fare is not in the nature of an obstacle to those people who find it necessary to travel; is it not the case that the raising of fares is to prevent unnecessary travelling and could not the Board of Trade arrange that those who find it necessary to travel can do so at the usual fare?

The hon. Gentleman has correctly stated the purpose we have in view, that is to restrict travelling. I am aware that there are a number of people who must travel for the purpose of business, and that is a point which is receiving consideration.

Has the Government taken advice as to whether this particular Regulation is ultra vires?

I have given a statement, and I am advised that the Regulation is well founded.

What will become of the money made out of these additional fares?

It is not expected that there will be any additional money raised out of these fares. We contemplate a loss.

Is it a fact that you are to make the increase beyond the forty-mile radius?

If a Scottish Member takes a return ticket to-day for Scotland, will he have to pay the extra return fare back?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade is not a booking clerk.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to evasions by property owners of the Increase of Rent Act, 1915, whether he proposes to issue any circular giving information in simple terms regarding the Act to tenants and others; and, if not, whether he has sanctioned the action of certain local authorities which have issued such a circular and will recommend the general adoption of the practice?

My Noble Friend the President of the Local Government Board has considered this matter and proposes to issue again a notice calling attention to the provisions of the Act. Some notices have been issued by individual local authorities, but the Act is not one with the administration of which local authorities are concerned, and the practice has not been widely followed.

May I ask whether it is competent for a local authority to expend money in the issue of such a circular?

I must have notice of that question.

It has been done.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether anything is being done by the Government to get possession of the land in Scotland for the use of returned sailors and soldiers and for the production of food for the people; and whether he is aware of the feeling that exists in Scotland with regard to the settlement of the land question?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 20th instant on the same subject to my hon. Friend the Member for the College Division of Glasgow. I am, of course, aware of the interest taken in the Land question in Scotland, and I fully appreciate the benefits which would accrue if agreement could be reached.

Arising out of that reply, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has received a copy of the resolution passed by the Sutherland County Council on the 19th December with regard to the deer forests and small holdings?

Yes, Sir; I received it this morning.

Will my right hon. Friend take some action in this matter?

The right hon. Gentleman has only received it this morning. I think the hon. Member might give a longer interval before asking for action.

May I suggest that this should apply to everybody; and that you should not bother about agreements, but go and take the land.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the dismissal of an assistant master in Billhead High School by the Govan School Board solely on the ground that the teacher in question could not conscientiously take part during school hours in promoting the sale of War Savings Certificates; and whether he proposes to take any action to secure an appeal for the teacher against the decision of the school board?

I have seen a statement in the Press relating to this case, from which it appears that the teacher in question has not been dismissed from the service of the school board. In the circumstances, the second part of the question does not arise.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will see that all women teachers, including lay assistants in convent schools, shall receive an equivalent to the bonus granted to male teachers; and, as the proposed Capitation Grant of 4s. per unit of average attendance is not, in all cases, sufficient to pay recognised convent school assistants this equivalent, will the Treasury increase, where necessary, this Grant in order to make up the deficit?

Equal terms have been provided for all the teachers concerned. I cannot hold out hope of any further concession.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account that a very small sum of money, relatively small, will suffice for this purpose, and that these teachers feel the pinch of high prices just as do others.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if any change is contemplated consequent on the Government taking over charge of the Irish railways; and, if so, what steps will be taken to safeguard the interests of those at present engaged in the Irish Railway Clearinghouse and the other Departments concerned?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question, but I am not in a position at the moment to make a complete statement on this subject. There will presumably be changes in the working of the Irish railways which may in time affect the work of the Irish Clearing-house, but I hope it will be found possible to meet any difficulties that may arise in finding employment for those clerks whose services may be no longer required at the Clearing house.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether there are in this country hospital units who have undergone a long period of training and yet are not utilised when there is a demand from France and other fronts for men so qualified; and will he say why volunteers are asked for in the various military hospitals, when there are completely trained units quite ready for sending abroad, in view of the fact that such volunteers are got only with the greatest difficulty?

As all the Forces overseas have been fully supplied with medical units, there is at the moment only occasion to send individuals as reinforcements.

asked the Prime Minister how many members of his Government have now been appointed and how many more he intends to appoint?

All the appointments have been announced except the Under-Secretaries for Pensions, Shipping and Blockade, which I hope will be communicated to the Press to-night. I am not yet in a position, however, to give the name of the new President of the Air Board, but I hope that this appointment will be made early next week. It is not yet decided whether or not it will be necessary to appoint an additional Under-Secretary to the Board of Trade.

Does the right hon. Gentleman notice that this makes another Sanhedrim?

Will my right hon. Friend consider the desirability of appointing someone in the Hoard of Trade who will be able to give his entire time to the winding-up of enemy firms?

I do not think, if an additional Under-Secretary is required for Parliamentary purposes, it will be possible to use him for that purpose, but I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that that subject has not been overlooked.

asked the Prime Minister whether the new Director of National Resources is to be included in the Government or whether it is an outside post; whether it is a salaried post or not; whether the intention is to organise Derby industrial groups; what is to be the age limits; and whether his work will be confined to men or extended to women?

The arrangements for the constitution of this post have not been completed, so that I cannot now answer my hon. Friend's question further than to say that the new Director will not be a member of the Government.

Will it be a salaried post?

I really have not considered it, but I think it is only right that a salary should be paid.

Will he be represented in this House?

I have already said we have not completed the arrangements. I cannot say anything more.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the deputation of Members of Parliament, representative of all parties, that waited upon the Treasury on 5th December last, thanking the Government for their concessions to old age pensioners in allowing them to earn wages up to a certain amount or to receive allowances as dependants of soldiers, without reduction of pension, and urging that the grant of the additional 2s. 6d. should be paid to all old age pensioners who are unable to avail themselves of such concessions, having regard to the fact that all existing old age pensioners have satisfied the conditions imposed by the Old Age Pensions Acts, and that the additional grant was intended to alleviate hardships arising from the increased cost of living, which applies to all pensioners alike; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for West Clare on the 20th instant.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will renew the assurance, given by the previous Government and when he was Secretary of State for War, that no Russian Jew shall be deported to Russia because of refusal to join the British Army until Parliament has been able to consider the policy therein involved?

Communications with the Russian Government are in progress as to the position of Russian subjects of military age resident in the United Kingdom. In the meantime, no Russian subject is being deported from this country on account of his refusal to join the British Army.

Does that mean that the pledge given by the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor in this respect still holds good about Parliamentary approval being given before deportation is decided upon?

I cannot go beyond the statement I have made.

Then does it really mean that the pledge given by a Cabinet Minister, presumably with the approval of the Cabinet and the whole Government, is now absolutely thrown to the winds?

Nothing of the kind.

That is a matter of argument.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many temporary captains of the Royal Army Medical Corps on active service are receiving higher pay than Regular captains who are their superior officers and who in some cases are in command of the units to which such temporary officers are attached; and whether he will consider the advisability of rectifying this apparent inconsistency?

The difference in total emoluments is almost negligible and after full consideration it is not considered necessary to disturb the existing arrangements.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Government has not had time to deal with the Royal Warrants before the Recess, he can see his way to do something temporarily for the 50,000 odd men who have so far been refused any pension on account of their disability not being considered due to service, although accepted as medically fit?

It is hoped that the Royal Warrants will be dealt with very shortly.

Are you doing anything to deal with the case in the meanwhile?

I told the hon. Member the Royal Warrant would be dealt with very shortly. I may add that the Pension Minister is seeking daily to make an arrangement to renew the Royal Warrants.

Does my hon. Friend hope that the matter will be dealt with, say, before the last day of the year?

We are doing our best.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the resolutions which were passed at a special meeting, held for the purpose of considering the questions respecting the nation's food supplies, of the council of the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent, namely, that the council viewed with alarm the constantly increasing prices of food and other necessaries of life, believing that many of such increases are unnecessary and unjustifiable, and called upon the Government to take definite steps to control and regulate the supply of food and its prices, to prevent the holding up of stocks of commodities, and so compel a more equitable and reasonable distribution of the nation's food supplies; that the council viewed with much concern the delay of the Government in taking any steps to increase the food production of Great Britain and Ireland, and called upon the Government to immediately issue such instructions to the agriculturists of this country and, if necessary, give such guarantees as will result in a large increase in the acreage of corn for next harvest; that the council also urged the Government still further to restrict the manufacture of all alcoholic drinks during the period of the War, so as to release necessary foodstuffs for the more urgent needs of the people; that the Government be urged to order that no bread shall be offered for sale less than twelve hours after baking; and if he will inform the House whether and what steps the Government intend to take to give effect to the same?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question for him. I do not appear to have received a copy of this resolution, but I note its terms as conveyed in the question. The hon. Member will recognise that it is not possible within the limits of an answer to make a statement of the kind for which he asks. I may, however, refer him to various statements made in this House on behalf of the Government during the last few days in regard to some of the many points covered by the question.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is in a position to make any statement with regard to the publication of the Report of the Committee of Inquiry which was set up under the Army Act Amendment Act?

I am desired by my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for War in the first place to express his regret for the delay in making an announcement on this subject to the House. The matter in question was one which the present Prime Minister had kept in his own hands when Secretary of State for War, and it was essential that my Noble Friend should consult him as to any decision which had to be taken. I am sure the House will acquit both present and past Secretaries of State from any desire to unduly retard that decision.

As I stated yesterday, the findings of both Courts of Inquiry will be published forthwith. It may be necessary, in order to make them thoroughly intelligible, to add a short synopsis of events which led up to the Inquiry and also to publish in extenso letters to which reference is made in the findings. The findings will be published in their entirety. My Noble Friend thinks the House would like to know what action he proposes to take in the matter of those concerned.

With reference to Second-Lieutenant Barrett, he congratulates that officer on his complete vindication, and he deplores the illness to which his mental anxiety has contributed so much, and hopes that he may be speedily restored to health and have a long and useful career as a soldier in front of him.

With regard to General Owen Thomas, with whom my Noble Friend had most pleasant co-operation in the days of voluntary recruiting, he would express to that officer his hope that he will recognise that the action that was taken in his case was due entirely to military requirements, and not to any undue influence, and he would take this opportunity of thanking the gallant officer for the great services he rendered in recruiting for Welsh regiments.

With regard to the lady implicated in the case, she is outside the jurisdiction of military control, and he feels he cannot do better than leave the verdict of the Court of Inquiry to stand for itself.

Sir Henry Mackinnon, an old and distinguished soldier, has now retired under the age clause, and no action, even if it were asked for, in his case is either possible or desirable. The Court, however, explicitly say that he was actuated by good intentions. My Noble Friend feels that Sir Henry's long and honourable association with the Western Command would naturally prompt him to a continued interest in a matter of this kind.

Colonel Delme Radcliffe, whose conduct is very seriously impugned, has been removed from command of his battalion.

Lastly, there is the case of Sir John Cowans. Sir John Cowans has served for many years at the War Office and during the present War has rendered most distinguished service. He made frequent application to Lord Kitchener for employment on active service, but in Lord Kitchener's opinion it was impossible to accede to his request, as his services were invaluable at home. Sir John Cowans has placed himself unreservedly in the Secretary of State's hands. My Noble Friend does not wish to protect any officer from the consequence of any action simply because of his high position, but he feels that this is not the moment, after he himself has just taken office, when the best interests of the country would be served by not continuing to avail himself of his services. The feeding of both men and horses, and the equipment of our now vast armies, have been in Sir John Cowans' hands from the commencement of the War, and nobody will deny that the vast responsibility placed on his shoulders has been met with a courage that merits our utmost approbation and with a success that has been unparalleled even in our far smaller campaigns.

Since July, Sir John Cowans has had the full responsibility of supplies for Mesopotamia, and it may not be inappropriate at this moment to quote a telegram from Lieutenant-Colonel Godfrey Collins, the well-known Member of this House, as to how that new duty has been met:

"December 3rd. Have visited all centres. Material -well-being force depends on river transport, and up the river traffic shows decided and continued progress. Taking average of four weeks in each month in ton mileage of all kinds of stores from Basra by steam craft to Amara and up to and including Arab village, including native craft to Amara, the November figures shows a 78 percentage increase over October, while the October figures showed 28 per centage increase over September. Facilities maintained and repairing ships show great improvement. British troops are receiving full winter ration, with potatoes, as supply is available. Stocks now coming in Temporary shortage recently at Basra of few groceries due to military necessity, but to-day this shortage no longer exists. Full winter scale clothing for all the troops has been sent up the river, except gun boats awaiting transport. Leaving fair stock at the base. Ample supplies of medical comforts various centres. Full three months canteen stocks now at the base and gradually being distributed to all centres. Much Arab labour ashore and many boats employed on piece work. Whatever may hare happened in the past, all that human foresight, money, and work can do is being done to-day for welfare of these troops."

Under the circumstances, my Noble Friend feels that the best interests of the Army and of the nation will be served by informing Sir John Cowans of the displeasure of the Government at his action, while at the same time retaining him for the present in the position of Quartermaster-General.

The Secretary of State trusts that the country will recognise, when they study the findings of the Report, that justice has been meted out to all concerned.

I do not know, Sir, whether you will permit me, with the indulgence of the House, to make an observation?

If I allow the hon. Gentleman to do that I must allow a Debate. The hon. Member must put what he has to say in an interrogative form.

Then may I say this to my hon. Friend: In the first place, is he aware of the conversation he had with me last night—that before I knew the nature of the statement he was about to make, I proposed, if I got the leave of Mr. Speaker and the House, to make a request to him that the country should not be deprived of the services of Sir John Cowans; and, secondly, may I ask him whether his attention has been called to an answer given by the Prime Minister to me on the 21st November, in which he said that, before publishing the Report, he was going to call for explanations from any officers who were involved, and whether, in fairness to the officers involved, and to Sir John Cowans, he will publish those explanations along with the Report?

I will convey my hon. Friend's remarks to my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for War.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether his Department has considered the question of any compensation to Lieutenant Barrett for the unjust treatment he has received, or whether the Department is still open to consider that?

I will certainly convey that to my Noble Friend.

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether the arrangement for payment of a war bonus of 7s. per week to the employés on the Irish railways is applicable to the clerical staff, or if some other arrangement less favourable to that section of the establishment will be made; and whether he is in a position to give a promise that, in connection with the State control of Irish railways, similar provision will be made for the staff employed in the Irish Railway Clearing House and the headquarters offices of the companies as was made in the case of Great Britain?

The Irish railway clerks were not included in the recent settlement, but I have no reason to doubt that their case will be favourably considered. I have already dealt with the position of the clerks employed in the Railway Clearing House in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Harbour Division of Dublin. My hon. Friend will recollect that when possession was taken of the British railways he was informed that there was then no intention of dispensing with anyone in the Clearing House for the present, but that should the War continue for any lengthy period the matter might have to be reconsidered.

May I be allowed to ask the Leader of the House whether, in view of the Adjournment for a considerable period, he can make any statement to us about the reported Note from the President of the United States in regard to the Peace overtures of the enemy?

I think it must be obvious to my hon. Friend and to the House that this is a question which cannot be dealt with except in communication with our Allies and that it is absolutely impossible to make any statement now.

(by Private. Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of War whether the present policy of attempting to force into the British Army men who have borne arms against this country, and never renounced their principles, and punishing them in military detentions on a dietary of bread and water for disobedience to orders which they never undertook to obey, has the approval of the Government; whether John Nunan, now being subjected to this treatment, has been tried twice by court-martial, and now awaits a third such trial for disobedience to orders which the military authorities know in advance he will never obey; and if it has not been determined to enforce the death penalty by starvation on this young man for his principles? Will the Under-Secretary say how long the policy of successive courts-martial and continuous bread and water is to be continued in this case?

I have had no notice of this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received a letter from Mr. Scott, of the Dublin Port and Docks Board, controverting the accuracy of the information sent by that Board to the Board of Trade as to the financial condition of the Dublin Port and Docks Board being due to the Dublin strike and the War; and whether, in view of this statement of a responsible member of the Board, he will hold an inquiry into the condition and management of the said Board?

I have received two letters from Mr. Scott from which it appears that he is not in accord with the views of the majority of his colleagues on the Dublin Port and Docks Board regarding the financial condition of that Board. I have no power to order an inquiry into the condition and management of the Board.

Having regard to the hon. Gentleman's reply, may I ask if he has received the Report of the Local Government Board officer, in which he states that the finances of the Board continues to be in an unsatisfactory condition? Does not that call for inquiry?

The Board has to make their inquiry direct. I have no power to order one.