asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the date on which the name of the steamer "Bratsberg" was placed on the British black list and the reasons for this action; on what date the name was removed from the black list and the reason for this removal; why this steamer was permitted for some seven months during this year to trade between River Plate ports and the United States carrying cargo for enemy or pro-enemy firms; and whether the principal agent of this steamer in the River Plate is a British subject resident in Buenos Ayres?

It is very undesirable that discussion should take place in this House as to the reasons for the exercise of restrictive powers in connection with any particular case, and I trust therefore my hon. Friend will not press this part of the question. The trade between the River Plate and the United States, to which the hon. Member calls attention, formed the subject of representations to the firm to which the vessel was subsequently chartered, and as a result these proceedings were stopped. The vessel is now on charter to a British firm.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that much of the resentment felt by bonâ-fide neutrals in the United States and the Argentine and the friction created in connection with British black lists is caused by British subjects domiciled in these neutral countries being permitted by our Government to carry cargo for or on account of black-listed firms or individuals in neutral vessels chartered and loaded on the berth by these British subjects; and whether he is aware of the adverse comments made and resentment expressed in these countries on the favouritism shown to these British subjects while denied to neutrals; and will he state what action he proposes to take?

From the information in the possession of His Majesty's Government, there would appear to be no foundation for the suggestions contained in the question.

I shall be very pleased to show the right hon. Gentleman some of the newspaper statements which he disputes.

I do not deny that suggestions have been made but I say there are no foundations for them.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that there is no irritation over the black list in America?

I never said anything of the kind.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the Salonika branch of the Imperial Ottoman Bank of Constantinople is still conducting business; and, if not, when and under whose authority was it closed?

The Salonika branch of the Imperial Ottoman Bank has not been closed, and according to the latest information available it is still conducting business.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why this enemy bank is allowed to go on?

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the increased imports of maize and linseed into Holland from North America, Argentina, and other countries; whether he state, the comparative quantities imported from 1st July to date as compared with a similar period in 1913; whether this surplus import goes into Germany from Holland largely in the form of beef, pork, and linseed oil; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to prevent these additional supplies reaching the enemy?

There has been, so far as His Majesty's Government are aware, no increased importation into Holland of maize or of linseed. Maize imports from 1st July to 30th November were 339,973 tons, as compared with an average import of 358,960 tons for five months during the years 1911–1913. Imports of linseed in the above-mentioned period have been 68,958 tons, as compared with a five-monthly average importation in 1911–1913 of 90,975 tons. The imports of both these commodities are limited to a fixed amount agreed upon with His Majesty's Government. The disposal of a surplus import does not, therefore, arise.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figures given are subject to any deduction; whether it is for home production only, or whether any other calculations have been made, as the figures do not agree with the figures that have been published?

I am afraid the figures we have very often do not agree with the figures that are published. I will talk over the matter with my non. Friend. It is rather difficult to deal with this subject by question and answer.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the Allies were unanimous in the decision to occupy Greek territory at Salonika uninvited; and, if not, which of them favoured that breach of neutral territory and which opposed it?

The first part of the question is based on an entirely false assumption; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

Would it not be more convincing to announce the facts?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an ultimatum has been delivered to King Constantine of Greece, or whether the communication is one of a series of Notes; and whether, if it be an ultimatum, steps will be taken on the expiry of the allotted time to recognise M. Venizelos and to extend his Government to the whole of Greece?

No ultimatum has been delivered to the Greek Government beyond that accepted by them on the 14th instant.

Has that been followed up by any definite action in accordance with the terms of the Allied Note?

So far as the Government is aware, the ultimatum is being carried out.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this proceeding is to be a measure of their capacity for handling the War?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, to promote economy during the War, the Irish Government have taken steps to reduce the number of Civil servants of military age; if so, will he say how many of these young gentlemen have been dismissed; whether the hours worked in many departments of the Civil Service are no longer than those worked before the War and in the legal departments are 10.30 and 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., except during vacations, when the offices are open for two hours on alternate days; and is he aware that many of these half-employed young men are known to have taken a part in the recent rebellion in Dublin?

Facilities for enlistment and encouragement to do so are offered in all Irish Government Departments to Civil servants of military age subject to the exigencies of the public service, and a large number of Irish Civil servants have joined the forces. The positions thus left vacant are as a rule not filled up, the work being done by the remaining members of the staffs. Steps have been taken to effect retrenchments in all the departments of the Irish Civil Service as occasion occurs, but no members of the permanent Civil Service have been dismissed with that object. Longer hours have been worked in all departments where it has been necessary in consequence of the War. It is understood that the hours in the legal offices have not altered. I am not aware that any young men still in the Government service in Ireland took part in the rebellion.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can say what efforts have been made by the Civil Service authorities to replace men eligible for military service by discharged soldiers and women; and with what success?

In cases where Irish Civil servants have joined the forces their work is, as a rule, performed by the remaining members of the staffs. Where additions to the clerical staff have been necessary women have, where suitable, been employed.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will grant a Return of all men of military age now employed in Irish Government Departments in Dublin, with hours of duty worked and particulars as to holidays?

The conditions as to hours of work and holidays in the Civil Service in Ireland are those prescribed by Order in Council, and are the same as in Great Britain. I think no useful purpose would be served by such a Return as is asked for.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that one week before the Military Service (No. 2) Bill was placed on the Statute Book the Commissioners of Inland Revenue appointed Mr. R. L. W. Pitt, an unattested man, aged twenty-six, as collector of taxes for Merton, Surrey, his duties to commence the following September; whether Mr. Pitt was called up under the Military Service Act in June, and, on appearing before the local tribunal, was refused exemption; whether he then appealed to the Appeal Tribunal, and, on producing a certificate of exemption from the Inland Revenue authorities, was granted total exemption; whether the local advisory committee drew up a petition to the Army Council praying for an inquiry into the case, who replied that they had gone into the matter with the Board of Inland Revenue and that the latter body refused to release their official; will he say if Mr. R. L. W. Pitt is still on part-time employment as a collector of taxes; and, if so, will the Board set an example of patriotism and allow Mr. Pitt to take service with the Colours?

No, Sir; Mr. Pitt was appointed by the General Commissioners of Taxes for the District. The case has been the subject of communication between those Commissioners, the Man-Power Distribution Board, and the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, and it has been decided that the temporary certificate held by Mr. Pitt shall be withdrawn.

asked on what special grounds Lieutenant Bertie Black, of Dublin, a highly qualified dentist, has been repeatedly refused an appointment as Army dentist, sometimes for the reason of the list of candidates awaiting their turn for appointment; if this is so, will he explain why advertisements are kept in the Press in Ireland and England calling for dentists to serve in the Army; and if Lieutenant Black will not be appointed in Ireland, will the War Office grant him exemption from the Army Act to enable him to practise in Great Britain?

Mr. Black was not selected for a commission. As there is a large field of selection. it does not follow that, when an individual applies for a commission, he will be selected. I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that advertisements for dentists have been inserted by the War Office in the Press. As regards the last part of the question, if the reference is to the Military Service Acts, the; answer is in the negative.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if anyone has authority to insert these advertisements except the War Office, and, if not, by whose authority are advertisements now appearing?

The War Office gave no instructions whatever for the issue of these advertisements in papers for dentists.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that Mr. Patrick O'Daly, a conscientious objector to military service and formerly employed as a labourer in Kew Gardens, has been informed that, owing to his refusal to comply with the orders of the military authorities, he is to consider himself as discharged from the service of the Board; whether this treatment is in keeping with that meted out to other and higher-paid servants of the State; and whether, seeing that the man possesses agricultural knowledge and is used to working on the land, he will now be employed on agriculture instead of being detained in prison?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is "Yes." As to the last part, the Board are not empowered to anticipate the finding of the proper tribunal or committee which will decide upon the merits of the case.

But is it not within the province of the Board to make representations as to a man so highly skilled in agriculture being sent to prison, when his services are so urgently needed?

The Board is doing that.

asked whether he is aware that Sidney Cooper, of 34, Waterloo Road, Leeds, a conscientious objector to military service, has suffered so severely at the hands of the military that he has now become wholly mentally deranged, and that he was removed on the 9th instant from his home to Beckett's Park Hospital, Leeds, and the following day sent to Lord Derby's military hospital at Warrington, Lancashire; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, the Secretary of State for War will order inquiries to be made, and, in view of the fact that a medical practitioner on the 24th instant certified Cooper to be suffering from acute insanity and had to give him sedatives, steps will be taken to give him a complete discharge from the Army?

If this man is suffering from acute insanity his discharge from the Army would follow as a matter of course. Details of this man's number and unit are not given, and I cannot, therefore, make any inquiry, but I must not in any sense be taken as accepting the suggestion of ill-treatment at the hands of the military.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he is aware that the military representative in the Liverpool district is calling up at very short notice, in many cases less than twenty-four hours, workmen engaged on ship-repairing work; and whether, in view of the urgent nature of this class of work and the shortage of workmen in this industry, he will instruct that officer to cease calling these men up until he is satisfied that their services are not necessary?

I am sorry that I am not yet in a position to answer this question, but I will send an answer to my hon. Friend as soon as I have the necessary information.

Is it not an illegal thing to call up these men at less than fourteen days' notice?

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a great shortage of men engaged on ship-repairing work?

asked whether, when a wounded soldier in hospital receives notice of discharge from the Army owing to incapacity as the result of his wounds, he is to remain under the control of the War Office until he recovers; if so, whether the separation allowance to his dependants is to continue and, if so, for what length of time; and do the War Office contemplate retaining him under their control until he has learned a trade or profession which his condition permits him to learn?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which was given on this subject by my right hon. Friend on the 23rd November last, to which there is nothing to add at present.

asked whether time-expired soldiers who have completed their extra year will be allowed the privilege of doing munition work if they prefer it to going back to the trenches; and, if BO, will he see that this advantage will be given to Irish soldiers, and that they will receive the same benefits as those in other regiments?

If men, who would have been time-expired but for the passing of the Military Service Acts, are fit for general service, they cannot be enrolled as Army Reserve munition workers. No distinction is drawn between Irish and other soldiers.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a paragraph in the "Sunday Chronicle" some three weeks ago, with the name of the Prime Minister attached, to the effect that all time-expired soldiers would be offered munition work?

The hon. Gentleman must give notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that numbers of men are still retained with the Colours who are of no military value or of only slight military value; and whether he will take steps to see that only men of definite military value are retained with the Colours?

Yes, Sir; it is the fact that a certain number of men, who are in low medical categories and are surplus to military requirements, have accumulated. Instructions have recently been issued on this matter, and these men are being enrolled as Army Reserve Munition workers or registered for employment under the substitution scheme or discharged.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the decision of the magistrate at the South-Western Police Court on Monday that where a man's attestation card was endorsed with the words "Not accepted, medically unfit," he was not finally enlisted and therefore did not come into the Reserve; whether numbers of attested men who have been medically rejected are being called up contrary to this decision; and whether it is proposed to take any action?

Inquiries are being made into this case, which presents some unusual features.

asked at what precise age a boy of eighteen, under the Military Service Acts and the Regulations made thereunder must leave his employment for military service?

Eighteen years and seven months is the age at which men are called up at present, where the precise age is known.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is now in a position to announce the intentions of the Government with reference to the necessary increase of food production in Ireland in the coming year, especially releasing for tillage the grass ranches seriously deteriorated from want of cultivation, the supply of agricultural machinery to working farmers, and the supply of good seeds to small farmers and labourers; and, if legislation is essential for any of those purposes, whether it will be introduced without further delay?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the urgency of the problem of food supply he will ascertain the number of acres in West Clare of good agricultural land now in the hands of landlords and lying untilled, but which, if made over to tenants, would soon become valuable as productive areas; and whether the Congested Districts Board will immediately take steps to make the transfer indicated with regard to all such estates or, if their mode of action be too dilatory, whether he will take other steps to meet the situation by which the tenants may enter into possession as soon as possible?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will consider the advisability of steps being taken for breaking up the grass lands of Ireland for the purpose of food production; if so, will he see that the evicted tenants who are not yet reinstated in their holdings will get preference in any distribution of land; and if the Government will guarantee a supply of seeds for food production?

As I have stated on several occasions during the past few days, the question of food supply is being dealt with by the Irish Departments in consultation with the Board of Trade and the Food Controller. Such further action, including legislation, as may be considered necessary, will be taken with as little delay as possible.

Would the right hon. Gentleman define the term "dealt with?" Is it not a fact that there are thousands of acres of available land which might be employed immediately for the production of food?

The matter is not one which the Chief Secretary can settle by waving a wand. It has to be done through consultation with practical people to give effect to what has been decided upon by those who understand the matter.

Will the Chief Secretary give a strong lead in the matter, or is it a case of "Dukus" a non ducendo?

If the hon. Member knew anything about the internal administration of Ireland I am sure his sense of fair-play would prevent his asking such a question.

Is Yiddish forbidden in this House?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give figures that would indicate how far the recent rise in the price of food has been due to increased consumption and how far to the decreased production and importation of food materials?

I regret that such figures as are desired by my hon. friend are not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Sugar Commission can make some arrangement whereby the Blind Tea Agency, whose business is entirely with blind persons who sell tea for a livelihood, can have a share of sugar, as their inability to obtain sugar in any quantity handicaps the blind seller of tea?

In order to retain the trade in its usual channels the Sugar Commission has provided that the restricted supplies of sugar now available shall be divided amongst those traders who dealt in the article in 1915. I am informed that the agency referred to in the question has not in the past sold sugar, and I regret that I cannot hold out hopes of their being granted supplies.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the position of so many blind men making a respectable living; would it not be wise to make at least some effort or devise some means whereby they can get as fair a share as their competitors?

I have every sympathy with this particular enterprise and similar enterprises, but it is quite impossible to discriminate between one sort of enterprise and another; and there would be simply no limit to the exceptions made if such a course were adopted.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, whether, to effect economy in food, light, and labour, it is the intention of the Food Controller to direct that, except to boná-fide travellers, no meal shall be served in clubs, restaurants, or hotels after 10 p.m.?

No decision to this effect has been reached by the Food Controller.

Is it being considered?

I should like to tell the hon. Member that as the Ministry of Food has yet neither staff nor offices decisions on such questions as these cannot very rapidly be arrived at.

Is it not the fact that all these regulations about production, and the quantity taken at meals, are a legacy from the late Government?

I am not responsible for stating that the present Government are prepared to take over all the legacies of the past.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, if his Department will have control of the licences issued to export food from this country to neutral States; and, if so, if these licences for the shipment of such necessary articles of food as rice will be withdrawn and all supplies which reach this country retained for our own consumption?

Licences to export foodstuffs are only granted after careful consideration of each application, and the extent of the trade has been greatly restricted. I understand that the War Trade Department, which is at present responsible for the issue of these licences, will act in close consultation with the Food Controller, and restriction of the export of rice is in contemplation.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the present high price of food is inflicting hardship on a large part of the population; whether farms are sufficiently equipped with labour to produce the maximum of home-grown foodstuffs; whether, if not, he will take steps to supply farmers with a sufficiency of labour on condition that the produce is sold not at excessive, but at fairly remunerative, rates; and, whether inquiry has shown that small pigs have been slaughtered because it will not pay to rear them on account of the high price of feeding stuffs?

My right hon. Friend will, I hope, find sufficient answer to his question in the speech delivered by the President of the Board yesterday. With regard to the slaughter of young pigs on account of the high price of feeding stuffs, I will refer to the answer given by me on the 19th in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Devonport.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us what is the date when the proposed minimum price of 60s. per quarter for wheat will commence?

I am afraid I must have notice of that.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that young pigs are being sold in Norfolk at 61s., whereas a few weeks ago they fetched £l to £l 5s.?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he can, before the House is prorogued, make any statement to relieve the present uncertainty as to the recruitment of agricultural labour; and whether the policy announced by the late Prime Minister as to irreplaceable agricultural labour still holds?

I have at the moment nothing to add to the statement which was made on this subject by the President yesterday. A further statement will be made when the War Office have considered the analysis of the agricultural census which they have been taking.

Could the hon. Gentleman give us any idea when that further announcement will be made—it is most important?

We are doing our best.

In dealing with this question, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that large numbers of highly-skilled agricultural workers have only limited exemptions until the end of January, and in many cases substitutes have been asked for them? Will the hon. Gentleman consider the great loss of competent agricultural labourers?

These men are not going to be taken in January.

At the end of January!

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the anxiety felt by the farming community as to the depletion of labour from the land, he can now state what action is to be taken with reference to the number of men engaged in agricultural employment whose period of exemption from military service expires on 2nd January, 1917?

The Army Council propose shortly to issue a notice to the effect that men employed in agriculture who were to be called up on 1st January next and subsequent dates shall not now be called up until a complete review of the situation can be made in the light of the information disclosed by the analysis of the agricultural census. Such men will, therefore, subject to the conditions set out in the notice, be allowed to remain in their civil occupations until further instructions are issued.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether steps will be taken immediately to secure for next season an adequate supply of potato-spraying mixture; and whether, with a view to an increase of production of potatoes in Ireland, an adequate supply of spraying mixture will be reserved for Ireland and guarantees given to that effect?

The Board hope to be able to arrange for an adequate supply of copper sulphate for the spraying of next year's potato crop in Ireland as well as in Great Britain, and they are now in communication with the other Departments which can help them to secure this object. When they know definitely what the position with regard to supply will be, they will consider what steps they need take to ensure that that supply will be used to the best advantage. It is estimated that the amount required to spray the entire potato crop of the United Kingdom twice is roughly 13,000 tons. When the position is more definitely ascertained, further information will be supplied to the hon. Member.

(by private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, having regard to the decision of the Government to fix the price of wheat at 60s. per quarter and the fact that this price is 20s. under the existing world prices in Great Britain, he will consider giving an undertaking that the Government will fix a fair minimum price for a period of years and thus give the only possible security to these farmers who are asked to break up new land in the national interest?

The contract price for the cereal year 1916–17 is 60s. a quarter for wheat, and is for this period only. The future policy with regard to guarantees is under consideration, and it is hoped that an announcement may be made shortly.

Will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to publish as soon as possible when the guaranteed price of 60s. per quarter commences?

I will convey that request to the President of the Board.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether for the past two years Irish national school teachers who have been appointed to the commission of the peace have sat on the bench and adjudicated without protest, let, or hindrance by the Irish Education Commis- sioners; what reason is given for the Commissioners' order of 10th October last prohibiting such teachers from performing the duties of magistrates; in what way the performance of such duties outside school hours is construed into a business or occupation inconsistent with Rule 88 (a); whether the order is really directed against a teacher recently appointed to the commission of the peace and whose championship of the teachers' claims made him obnoxious to the Commissioners; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, he will use his influence to obtain the withdrawal of the order?

The Commissioners of National Education made no formal order with reference to teachers acting as magistrates until 10th October, 1916, but I am informed that they declared their disapproval of such action as early as August, 1915. The Commissioners have to administer the rules, and they have decided for reasons which I stated on the 14th instant, in answer to the hon. Member for Kerry (West), that performance by a teacher of the duties of a magistrate is, even outside school hours, a contravention of Rule 88 (a) of the Code, inasmuch as, in their judgment, it tends to impair the usefulness of a teacher by placing him in a position which may bring him into conflict with local parties and cause friction likely to injure the interests of his school. I have brought to the notice of the Commissioners the recent discussion in the House on this subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the hardships to Irish national teachers entailed upon the reduction of their salaries; due to the falling off in the attendance, he can make arrangements so that, pending the consideration by the Treasury of the proposals of the Commissioners of National Education, these teachers may receive their pre-war salaries?

I have no power to make such an arrangement as is suggested in the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices in any way?

I have so many serious duties that if I were to go about endeavouring to use my good offices, I would generally find that I was wasting my time

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a war bonus will be allotted in the case of Irish national teachers whose salaries exceed £3 a week; and, if not, whether, as some of these teachers suffer to the same degree as others on account of the general rise in prices, he will reconsider the matter?

I am not aware of any grant of war bonus in other quarters which would warrant the adoption of the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether, in view of the closing of imports of Russian flax into Ireland and of the successful efforts of a ring of flax buyers in Belfast to cut down the price paid to Irish flax farmers to 21s. 10½d. a stone, as compared with 37s. 6d. paid for Dutch flax, and in view of the Irish Government's recommmendation to Irish farmers to grow flax, he will take steps to fix a minimum price for Irish-grown flax, so that the Irish flax growers may be safe guarded against the operations of the Belfast ring and be assured of the legitimate profits of their industry?

The Department of Agriculture have no information to show that flax buyers are keeping the price of flax down to the amount stated in the question. Prices up to 29s. per stone are being paid, and the price appears to be still rising. In the circumstances there does not appear to be a present necessity for the fixing of a minimum price as suggested.

If the right hon. Gentleman finds that in practice the operations of the Belfast ring do cut down prices, will he consider further the suggestion of a minimum price?

The closest possible attention is being paid to this subject from day to day.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state when it is proposed to print and circulate the evidence taken at the courts-martial of the Irish prisoners?

This is not a matter for the Irish Office.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the name, position in the Local Government Board for Ireland, and salary received by the person who has been appointed contrary to all precedent in Dublin as official shorthand writer to the Irish Rebellion (Victims) Committee; if he will explain how this shorthand writer will be able to discharge his present duties at the Customs House while he is acting as shorthand writer to the Committee mentioned; whether it is proposed to give him facilities for doing other work for outside bodies while in the employment of the Local Government Board; and, if so, whether his services to the Local Government Board are absolutely essential?

The Irish Rebellion (Victims) Committee have appointed, with the approval of the Local Government Board, Mr. R. J. Purcell, one of the shorthand writers of the Board, to take such notes as may be required. His salary from the Board is £3 per week. The time he may spend taking such notes will be counted against his leave. As his annual leave is twenty-one days in all, this employment is necessrily of a very limited character.

Has it not always been the custom to employ journalists to do this kind of work?

I do not know that there is anything which can properly be called a custom. I am quite sure that those who have the distribution of such work in Dublin are very anxious that it should be fairly distributed. Those who were responsible for this appointment to do this work, arising out of the rebellion, took the course indicated, and I am not going to intervene.

Has it not been the custom to employ journalists, and could they not leave these employés where they are?

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any official in Government service under the control of the commandant at Frongoch camp has committed suicide within the past ten days; if he will say when the present conditions at Frongoch Camp will cease; and if any of the Irish prisoners will be released before Christmas?

The first part of the question apparently refers to the suicide, which I mentioned yesterday, of the senior medical officer at Frongoch Camp, whose mind appears to have been unhinged by the false charges made against him and his staff. As to the second part of the question, I have already stated that I am inquiring into the conditions at Frongoch Camp. As to the third part of the question, I refer to the statement made yesterday on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland.

As regards this charge, has the right hon. Gentleman's Department received a letter from the prisoners asking for an inquiry? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the prisoners are prepared to prove that the doctor's death was caused owing to the conditions laid down by the commandant?

No, Sir. I certainly have heard nothing of the sort; but the commandant has asked for an inquiry.

Have not the prisoners asked for an inquiry?

I do not think so, so far as I have heard.

I am informed that they wrote asking for an inquiry, and I ask that the communication should be read.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this case is precisely identical with that which occurred at Tullamore a few years ago, when the prison doctor was forced to an act of cruelty towards a prisoner which resulted in the prisoner's death, and the doctor thereupon committed suicide? Is not that exactly what has been repeated at Frongoch?

No.

asked the Prime Minister why the Reports of the proceedings of the courts-martial held in Dublin last May have not yet been presented to this House; and, if the Government have not determined to defeat by delay any rights that may exist in connection with those proceedings, whether he will accelerate the presentation of those Reports and say when they will be presented?

asked the Home (Secretary when the Reports of the courts-martial in Ireland promised by the late Government will be published?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is dealing with this matter. It involves a question of policy, and will have to be considered by the new Government.

I understood the Chancellor of the Exchequer to say he could not give any answer on this subject for publication.

I said I could not give any answer now—before the House rises.

asked the Attorney-General, whether his attention has been called to the admission of the Judge-Ad vocate at a recent court-martial on untried Irish prisoners at Frongoch, in the case of Thomas Synnott, that the Royal Warrant under which the defendant was charged would have been illegal in time of peace, but is legal in time of war though the war is not in this country; and, if that ruling was correct, can he give a reference to any statutory authority for it?

This question was put down, I think on the 12th inst., for written answers, and was duly answered in writing on the 14th. I have nothing to add.

The answer sent to me through the post did not appear in the papers so far as I saw. I would ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman, Was not this court-martial held as an open Court to which the Press were admitted, and does the answer mean that the Press in this case issued a false report? That report had the special attention of the Censor: why did he not censor it originally?

The hon. Member is asking me a series of fresh questions. His original question was as to whether my attention had been called to the admission alleged to have been made by the Judge-Advocate at the recent court-martial? My information is that no such admission was made by the Judge-Advocate at that court-martial, and I am not called upon to make any observations upon it.

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman explain to the House the inconsistency of the quotation in the question having appeared in the "Irish Independent" and other. Irish newspapers after examination by the Censor—is it false?

asked the Prime Minister whether, as a first measure of reconciliation of the new Government towards Ireland, all those in prison on account of their connection with the Dublin rising will be restored to their homes under a general amnesty?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on the adjournment of the House last night.

As the right hon. Gentleman must inevitably release these prisoners soon had it not better be done when it can be done with suavity and grace?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of the prisoners will be released before Christmas, and, if so, will an announcement to that effect be made public on Saturday.

My right hon. Friend gave a promise yesterday that a statement would be made before the House rises. I hope it will be made this evening.

asked whether the officer in command of the military and police who raided and looted Kent's house, Bawnard Castlelyons, on 2nd May last have furnished him with a list of the valuable articles taken by them, including gold and silver prize medals won at athletic sports by the late Richard Kent, and also his gold watch and chain; whether he is aware of the restitution of the latter article through a solicitor by a Catholic police constable, the other articles having been taken by the military and not yet returned; whether he will have them returned forthwith; and, if not, what steps he will take to have them traced?

The following articles were taken from the Kents' house by a search party consisting of military and police: one silver watch with gold chain, to which were attached a gold ring and a religious medal; three silver Gaelic medals. All these articles were handed over to the police by the officer in charge of the military and restored by them to Mr. Sheehan, Mr. William Kent's representative. I have no information as to the religious denomination of the police officer who handed over these articles.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the articles mentioned in the question were handed over not in the manner he describes, but stealthily?

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that in consequence of the circumstances connected with the deaths of Lieutenants Lucas and Worswick, of the 2nd King Edward's Horse, during the recent rising in Dublin and the fact that evidence on behalf of these officers was not called at the court-martial held on Company Quartermaster-Sergeant Flood, an impression exists in the public mind that these officers of this overseas regiment were connected with or concerned in the Sinn Fein movement; and whether, having been urged thereto by the Member for the West Toxteth Division of Liverpool, he is now prepared to do justice to the memory of these gallant gentlemen and thereby relieve the anxiety and grief of their relatives and remove a stigma from their regiment?

I am more than surprised to learn that such an impression exists, and I only hope that it may not be widespread, as there is no justification whatever for it. I have read the proceedings of the court-martial, and I cannot see under what circumstances evidence on behalf of these gallant officers, then deceased, could have been properly admitted. There is nothing whatever in the proceedings to cause anyone to come to the conclusion that they were connected with or concerned in the Sinn Fein movement, and the general impression which a perusal of the proceedings leaves is that these two officers met their deaths under the most deplorable circumstances, due to the misunderstandings and the confusion which inevitably arose during the fighting in Dublin, and whilst gallantly and fearlessly carrying out their orders in a manner which redounds to their credit and to that of the gallant regiment which honours their memory.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the great interest, not only outside but inside this House, which is taken in this subject, and will he give me an assurance that the War Office will officially write to the wife of Lieutenant Lucas and to the mother of Lieutenant Worswick, to assure them that these gallant and honourable gentlemen died in the performance of their duty to their King and country, and so help to assuage the mental anguish of these ladies?

I am well aware of the interest taken in this question in this House, and more particularly by my hon. Friend, who has made this subject his own. I hope we shall be able to write to these relatives.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, having regard to his predecessor's undertaking that no public money should be spent on the founding or maintaining of a Government newspaper in Dublin, if he will explain the payment, in priority to duly vouched claims, of over £63,000 of public money to the "Freeman's Journal" Company for alleged destruction of property not valued or verified by any competent and independent person, including consequential losses disallowed to other claimants, such as £600 for rent ana £3,700 for loss of revenue; whether he will allow the particulars of the "Freeman's" claim to be examined; how is the "Freeman's" undertaking given for this special treatment affected by the change of Ministry; and whether, in addition to the £63,000, the "Freeman's" staff will continue, under the new Government as under the old, to be made recipients of positions of emolument at the public expense?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The premises of the "Freeman's Journal," Limited, and all their contents were completely destroyed during the late disturbances in Dublin. A claim for the loss sustained was duly lodge with the Property Losses Committee and was reported on to the Government in the usual course after a valuation of the loss had been furnished by a competent and independent firm of assessor Applications for payments on account were received from many of the suffering, including the "Freeman's Journal," limited, and in each instance such a sum was recommended by the Committee as the valuation of the loss previously obtained from their assessors justified. In the case of the "Freeman's Journal," the payment on account so recommended was £20,000. As regards claims for rent and loss of revenue, no distinction was made by the Committee between the treatment accorded to the "Freeman's Journal," Limited, and that accorded to other claimants.

The right hon. and learned Gentleman has not answered that part of the question asking him to allow an independent examination of the claim in this case?

The proper means promised for an examination of these claims has been used. I know no distinction between this case and a multitude of other cases, and I do not propose to be a party to setting up a separate examination as to either or all of these cases.

Did not what the right hon. and learned Gentleman calls the proper means amount to means for hushing?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War by whose order Sir Francis Vane, having reported to the commanding officer in Dublin on 26th April last the shooting at Portobello Barracks and advised that Captain Bowen-Colthurst should be placed under arrest, was himself on 1st May ordered to hand over his own command to the said Captain Bowen-Colthurst; whether the officer who ordered this has been subjected to any form of trial; and where is he now serving?

I am not aware that Sir F. Vane acted as stated in the early part of the question. On 1st May Sir F. Vane, who did not belong to the battalion in Portobello Barracks, was sent back to other duties by the officer commanding the battalion. Captain Bowen-Colthurst was ordered by the latter not to leave barracks, and was given charge of the barracks defences, in order that he might be^* retained under the personal observation of his commanding officer, pending instructions from higher authority. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the part of the question of which he says he is not aware, has been repeatedly admitted by Ministers?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the North British Railway Company's trains leaving Edinburgh for Aberdeen frequently fail to catch their Great North of Scotland connection at Aberdeen, and that passengers although booked through to destinations beyond Aberdeen are often stranded there for nights; that such occurred on Saturday, 18th November last, to the 3.10 train leaving Edinburgh; that in that case the passenger authorities at Aberdeen of the Great North of Scotland Railway Company were advised by telegram from Dundee that this train would be three-quarters of an hour late; that they declined to keep back their train although it was the last one on that night; that thirty passengers were in the Edinburgh train booked through to stations north of Aberdeen. a large proportion of them being soldiers and sailors on brief furloughs who had travelled continuously from Friday morning; and that these passengers were forced to spend Sunday in Aberdeen; and whether he will bring pressure to bear on this railway company to prevent men on short furlough being so treated in future?

I have communicated with the railway companies concerned and have received a reply, from which it appears that the occurrence of 18th November, to which the hon. Gentleman particularly refers, was the first of the kind for many months, and was due to a combination of circumstances, including exceptionally bad weather, which delayed the 3.10 express from Edinburgh on its journey to Aberdeen by fifty-eight minutes. A rearrangement by which the train now leaves Edinburgh at 3 p.m., instead of 3.10 p.m., has been made, which should ensure the maintenance of the connection, except under abnormal conditions.

Will the hon. Gentleman impress upon the railway companies the importance of avoiding delay in reaching home, in view of the very short time which these soldiers have? Does the hon. Gentleman know what a punishment it is to spend a week-end at Aberdeen?

asked the names and qualifications of the members of the Belfast Trade Board; when were they appointed, and by whom; how many meetings they have held, and the dates of those meetings; what action they have taken with regard to the sweated workers in the mills and factories in Belfast; whether any correspondence has passed between them and the Board of Trade; and, if so, whether such correspondence will be published?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the Linen and Cotton Embroidery Trade Board (Ireland). The Trade Board, which was established on 8th May last, consists of seven representatives of employers other than sub-contractors, five representatives of sub-contractors, and twelve representatives of workers, together with three appointed members, who are impartial persons unconnected with the trade and appointed by the Board of Trade. The representative members were selected by the Board of Trade after considering names supplied by employers and workers respectively. The employers' representatives are all employers in the trade; of the workers' representatives ten are actual workers; one is the secretary of the Women Textile Operatives' Union, and one is president of the Lurgan Hemmers' and Veiners' Union. I am sending a list of the members to my hon. Friend. I am informed by the chairman that the Trade Board and its consultative committee have held seven meetings, the dates of which I will communicate to my hon. Friend. A formal proposal to fix minimum time-rates ranging from 2½d. to3¼d. per hour and also minimum piece-rates for certain operations will be issued by the Trade Board on 8th January. The majority of the workpeople affected are home-workers, of whom a very considerable number belong to county Down and county Donegal. There has been no correspondence between the Board of Trade and the Trade Board with regard to the work of the latter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the suggested increase in railway fares of 50 per cent. will impose an undue handicap upon commercial travellers doing business for firms that are controlled, and who have to sell the surplus of their productions, not required by the Government, to their ordinary customers; and, having regard to the fact that such controlled firms, under the circumstances, are not in the favourable position of those not controlled, will they be scheduled for special treatment so that their travellers can journey at fares now the rule?

I experience some difficulty in appreciating the distinction which the hon. Member draws between controlled and uncontrolled firms in this matter. However, the differential treatment of commercial travellers representing controlled and non-controlled firms is not regarded as either desirable or practicable.

By what right can the railway companies raise the fares on Parliamentary trains?

I think that that is a question which ought to be addressed to the President.

Cannot the Board of Trade see that the controlled firms' are in the hands of the Government, and that they can sell to their customers only the overplus produced, whereas the uncontrolled firms go on in the ordinary way, and is not that a reason why these firms' travellers should get special treatment?

I have given some consideration to the question, and I have a note here which I would like to show my hon. Friend, which appears to remove that objection.

Will this increase apply to cross-Channel traffic?

I must have notice of that.

Has the hon. Gentleman received a petition from the Commercial Travellers' Association?

The whole question is receiving very careful attention of the Board of Trade to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he considers it either necessary or expedient that the Customs and Excise, acting on behalf of the War Trade Department, should seize goods exported from this country under a duly granted permit when sent abroad under a contract of sale or return, and when, in pursuance of such option, the purchasers elect to return the goods to the vendors; upon what grounds are the Customs entitled to seize and claim to forfeit such goods which in law have never ceased to be the property of the exporters when the same are so returned; and whether he will give directions for a discontinuance of the practice referred to?

If the goods in question fall under the Prohibitions of Import, the Customs have no power to admit them to this country without a licence issued by the Board of Trade, whatever the circumstances of their previous exportation or their ownership. Such licence would ordinarily be granted by the Board on proof of circumstances such as those described in the question.

Will the hon. Gentleman ascertain whether or not the persons were returning these diamonds, which were obtained on sale or return, to the vendors, and whether they had a licence to import the goods into this country?

I cannot state anything beyond what I have said. If the circumstances are as described by the hon. Gentleman, I think a licence would be issued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what changes in partnership were made in Austrian and German financial houses doing business in London during the period from January to August, 1914; and are any such established by Germans since 1899 now owned and conducted by British men?

I regret that I am unable to furnish the hon. and gallant Member with this information.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can make any arrangement with the owners of the vessel carrying the mails between Glasgow and the island of Islay whereby intimation is given to the traders and others in Islay when the weather is considered by the captain of that vessel too rough for the passage, so that these traders may then conduct their business with Glasgow by telegraph and so that commercial travellers and others in the island may be prevented at great inconvenience gathering to the port of embarkation only to return considerable distances?

I will inquire whether it is possible to have a notice exhibited at the local post office on occasions when the steamer is prevented from sailing.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a parcel of logbooks and abstracts of logs addressed to the captain or a steamer, the name of which has been supplied to him by the Member for the West Toxteth Division of Liverpool, at La Rochelle-Pallice, France, was posted at the General Post Office, Liverpool, on 28th September last and was not delivered to the steamer before she sailed from La Pallice on 14th October; that complaints of non-delivery were made by the owners of the steamer to the Post Office on and after 4th October, but the same were not acknowledged until 10th November; that, although postage was paid on the parcel in the first instance, further postage was demanded from the owners for the return of the parcel; that the Postmaster-General was requested by the owners to forward the parcel to another French port to await the arrival of the steamer there on her return voyage; that on 2nd December the owners were informed that the parcel was still lying at La Pallice; that the Postmaster-General was again repeatedly urged by the owners to forward the parcel to the steamer to this other French port; whether he is aware that the steamer has again recently sailed from this other French port without the logbooks and abstracts, although the same are required for Admiralty purposes; that since 4th October numerous communications have been made by the owners to the Postmaster-General; that the replies from his Department are that the matter is receiving consideration, accompanied with requests to fill up offi- cial forms; whether he is aware that this is not an exceptional case; and whether he will take prompt steps to remedy this state of affairs?

I am having inquiry made into the particular case cited by the hon. Member and will acquaint him with the result in due course. I may say at once, however, that the parcel post with other countries is governed by international agreements embodying precise detailed regulations for the conduct of the service which do not admit of exceptional treatment in individual cases. In view of the unavoidable congestion in the railway and Customs services the foreign parcel post is not a suitable medium for the transmission of important and urgently-needed documents, and I would recommend the hon. Member to send such articles by registered letter post in future.

Will my hon. Friend make arrangements with the Admiralty that such documents as are required for seamen in the Admiralty Service shall be forwarded direct, and that we shall not have such an example of delay as this?

I will consider the point.

asked the Home Secretary what are the qualifications required for special inspectors of horses and other animals in mines under Section 109 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911; whether they inspected the horses in each mine in their respective districts during the course of the last year for which Returns have been made;; how many mines in England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively, were left without any such inspection during that period; whether notice is given on each occasion of the intended inspection or do they make surprise visits; and whether any inspections were made of mines in Ireland?

Candidates for the post of horse inspector must be thoroughly experienced in the care and treatment of horses and other animals in mines, and must have had practical acquaintance with the conditions under which work is carried on underground. They are also required to show that they have a sufficient general education. In the year 1915 the horse in- spectors in England and North Wales inspected 916 mines, leaving 96 unvisited. The corresponding figures for South Wales were 288 and 287. I am making inquiry as to the figures for Scotland. As regards South Wales, in view of the heavy nature of the work there, a second horse inspector was appointed in October, 1915, so that the figures for 1915 do not represent the present position. Only one mine in Ireland employs horses. This was visited by one of the ordinary inspectors. The Instructions direct that, as a general rule, inspections shall be made without notice. The only exception allowed to this rule is in cases where the presence of the manager or some other official of the mine may be essential for the purpose of the inspector's inquiry. In such cases short notice may be given.

Are there seven or eight horse inspectors now inspecting mines?

I think there are seven special inspectors, but the ordinary inspectors also make inspections of mines.

Is it not an obligation on every inspector to visit every mine?

Yes; certainly he ought to do so, and he does do so, if possible.

How often?

The hon. Member will notice that there were 916 inspections.

Will the right hon. Gentleman satisfy himself by examination that the number of inspectors is sufficient?

I will make it. my business to do so at the earliest opportunity.

When are the figures for 1915 to be published?

I cannot answer as to the exact date, but I have no doubt it will be soon.

How often are the mines supposed to be inspected in one year—two or three times each?

Some of them are inspected several times, and I think the figures I have read show that practically every mine is visited at least once a year.

asked the Home Secretary whether the two alien enemies whose names appear in the Annual Returns for 1915 as holding licences to per form experiments upon living animals have now been interned; and, if so, at what date; and, if not, whether they still hold such licences?

One of the two persons mentioned left the country in April, 1915, and his licence was revoked. The other, who is of Polish birth, was exempted from internment on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee and still holds a licence under the Act.

asked whether the Germans, said to have been naturalized in this country, whose names appear in the Annual Returns for 1915 as holding licences to perform experiments upon living animals still hold such licences; and, if so, what certificates, if any, do they respectively hold?

Two licences are now held by persons of German origin naturalised in this country. One of them has an Certificate and the other two A certificates and an E.

asked whether the sixteen Japanese nationals whose names appear in the Annual Returns for 1915 as holding licences to perform experiments upon living animals, or any of them, still hold such licences; if so, what certificates, if any, do they respectively hold; and whether he will consider the desirability of confining such licences to British citizens?

Of the sixteen Japanese subjects mentioned thirteen have given up their licences, having completed their experiments. Of the remaining three, one holds no certificates, one holds certificate A only, and the third (a staff-surgeon of the Japanese Navy) holds two A certificates, two B certificates, one E, and one EE. I am not aware of any grounds for altering the established practice with regard to the grant of licences to other than British subjects on special conditions. I may point out that this matter was considered by the Royal Commission, who expressed approval of the arrangements adopted by the Home Office in regard to it (Section 121 of Report).

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not advisable to withhold from alien enemies these licences?

None of them are held by enemies.

asked the Home Secretary whether the officers of the Criminal Investigation Department are authorized by him to act, without specific instructions from the Home Office, upon the directions of the Foreign Trade Department; and whether, before proceedings by way of domiciliary search and seizure of property can take place or a search warrant applied for, there is any investigation by a duly-qualified legal official to ensure that there shall be no abuse of the extraordinary powers entrusted to the Executive Government by reason of the present state of war?

It is the duty of the police upon receiving information of any breach or suspected breach of the law to take the proper steps at once, and without obtaining specific instructions from the Home Office in every case. I am not aware that there has been any abuse by the police of their powers.

May I point out that in the latter part of the question I ask in regard to the necessity of a search warrant, that some legal proceeding or some legal steps should be taken before this domiciliary search is undertaken?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Superintendent M'Carthy, of the Criminal Investigation Department, acted on the instructions of the Foreign Trade Department, or upon what other instructions, when he made entry without any search warrant or other apparent legal authority on the premises of Messrs. Mirner Brothers, Russian subjects, at 2, Charles Street, Hatton Garden, E.C., on 11th November last, and seized and removed twenty-one parcels of diamonds of the value of £4,500, and all papers and vouchers found on the premises; whether he is aware that no information was given as to the reasons for the seizure or of any kind for three weeks, and then only an allegation that the goods were alleged to be of enemy origin; and what justification is suggested for handing over executive powers from the Minister responsible to Parliament for the due execution of process in due form of law to a Trade Department over whose actions Parliament has no effective control?

Superintendent M'Carthy acted on the instructions of his official superior, having received information that diamonds which had been illegally imported were on certain premises over a restaurant in Hatton Garden. This action was taken under the Diamonds (Prohibition of Import) Proclamation, 1915, and the Customs (War Powers) Act, 1915. Messrs. Mirner were informed of the reasons at the time. The diamonds which were found to be of enemy origin have since been formally seized by the Board of Customs and Messrs. Mirner have been so informed. The action of the police was not taken upon instructions from any Trade Department and the latter part of the question does not arise.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman why it is that six weeks except two days have elapsed and no prosecution has taken place or been threatened, and whether or not he will say who the chief officer to Superintendent M 'Carthy is in connection with this matter?

I do not propose to give the name of the chief officer. It has been found the diamonds were in fact of enemy origin, and no doubt any proceedings would be taken as soon as possible