asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how much ore of different kinds the firm of Henry R. Merton and Company, Limited, has been permited to export to Scandinavian countries and Holland since the I outbreak of war; who the official has been who passed all these consignments in the past; and who is the person now responsible?

(on behalf of the War Trade Department): In the spring of 1915 this firm exported some consignments of ore from Sardinia. Any licence for the export of ore from this country to Scandinavia or Holland since the outbreak of the War would, in the ordinary course, have required the authorisation of the Committee on Trading with the Enemy or since the formation of the War Trade Department in March, 1915, of that Department. I understand that a licence to this firm was authorised by the Committee on the 19th January, 1915, for the export of 400 tons of ore from Swansea to Holland, and a licence for the export of 45 tons of spelter to Norway was authorised by the Department in August, 1915, upon an arrangement by the Ministry of Munitions, for the return to this country of the refined spelter. Three other licences were authorised in 1916 for the transmission of three samples of 168 lbs. each of copper pyrites by parcel post to Norway. The issue of licences by the War Trade Department would only take place under the advice of the Departments mainly concerned, namely, the Admiralty and the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many tons of castor oil are allowed to be imported into Denmark; and for what purpose this quantity can be used other than medicine or as a lubricant for aircraft?

The quantity of castor oil which it was agreed should be imported into Denmark in 1916 was 110 tons, of which only 58 tons were imported during the year. Apart from its use as a lubricant for aircraft and as a medicine it is used as a lubricant for textile machinery and can be used for a variety of other industrial purposes.

Is not that quantity very excessive to allow for medicinal purposes?

I do not think it is for all purposes. The quantity is based upon the previous imports into Denmark.

asked what were the exports of soap from this country to Holland in 1916 and from Holland to our enemies for the same year, or for a corresponding period of that year; and whether there is reason to believe that a great deal of soap has been smuggled from Holland into Germany and Belgium?

The exports of soap from this country to Holland amounted in 1916 to 2,808 tons. There are no statistics available to show the exact amount of exports of soap from Holland to the enemy. For the rest I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply returned to him on the subject on 21st November last year.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if public and representative bodies all over Ireland have passed resolutions calling on the Government to grant compulsory powers for the acquirement of land for tillage purposes, to fix a minimum price for grain for at least three years, and to reduce the standard bushel weight of Irish oats to 36 lbs. per bushel; and whether he intends taking any action in the matter?

The Department of Agriculture have received a number of resolutions of the nature mentioned, and large compulsory powers are contained in the Order relating to compulsory tillage. No larger measures of compulsion have been decided on. As to prices, I must refer my hon. Friend to the Food Controller, and to an answer I gave on the 12th instant to the hon. Member for East Limerick.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a, memorial from the occupiers of small holdings adjoining the untenanted lands, now in possession of the Congested Districts Board, on the Caulfield - French estate, situate in the parish of Ballinaheg-lish, county Roscommon, asking that these lands should be made available for grazing and meadow for their use pending its distribution amongst them, so that they could increase the tillage on their own small holdings; and, if so, whether the Congested Districts Board will favourably consider this proposal?

The Congested Districts Board have received a memorial such as is mentioned in the question. The untenanted lands referred to have been temporarily let for grazing and meadow to the small landholders in the neighbourhood. In view of the present need of increased tillage, a portion has now been set apart to meet applications which may be made from the neighbourhood. The Board cannot permanently dispose of the lands on the Caulfield-French estate as enlargements of holdings of neighbouring tenants unless and until they acquire the holdings of these tenants, which they are not at present able to do.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the fact that the untenanted lands on the Westropp estate at Mellon, Ballydoole, Kildino, county Limerick, are in the Court of Chancery, and that there are hundreds of smallholders and labourers in the locality seeking to get allotments, of these lands for cultivation under the food scheme of the Government, he will take steps to provide for an allotment scheme being formulated in accordance with the Government regulation?

The Receiver in the case of the Chancery action "Moreland v. Westropp" was discharged years ago, and the lands will be liable to the provisions of the Order as to extra tillage.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what facilities have been offered to the numerous small holders and labourers in Ballylin and Glenville, Ardagh, county Limerick, for part of the untenanted lands on the Massey estate there for tillage under the food scheme of the Government; and whether, as the landlord of these lands has been in Australia for years and knows nothing about the working of the estate, he will take steps to see that a scheme is formulated under which the small-holders and labourers in the locality get allotments of this land?

Under the tillage regulations, cultivation of the prescribed proportion of the arable land is a matter for the occupiers of the property.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1), whether Arthur White, land agent, Limerick, has applied for exemption from the tillage scheme on behalf of the owners of the Smith grazing ranch at Ballynanty, Bruff, county Limerick; if so, will care be taken that such a claim is not acceded to, as all the lands are admirably suited to tillage purposes and will be so used if the owner is willing to let the land by conacre; (2) whether application for exemption from the tillage Order has been received from those who lease the lands of Mr. Courtney Croker, at Ballinagarde, Ballynecky, Limerick, on the grounds that it is something in the nature of a stud farm; what number of acres is in the Courtney Croker ranch; whether it is suitable in every respect for tillage purposes; will he see that by no side issues can these lands be exempt from the Government scheme; (3) how many hundred acres of land is in the possession of Colonel O'Grady, at Kilballyowen, Bruff, county Limerick; is all the lands in his possession adapted in every way for tillage purposes; has he applied for exemption in any shape; if so, will care be taken that it is not granted to him, as the labourers and landless people in the town of Bruff have offered to take portions of the lands by conacre, but, so far, have been refused; (4) whether Abel Buckley, of Gallie Castle, Mitchelstown, county Cork, has refused to let any of his land by conacre to the landless people in and around Kilbeheny; will steps to taken to compel this gentleman to till the full percentage imposed by the Government or otherwise let the lands to those who are willing to till it; has he applied for exemption; if so, upon what grounds; (5) whether Nigel Baring, of, Rockbarton, Bruff, county Limerick, who is now in occupation of some hundreds of acres of grazing lands, formerly the property of Lord Fermoy, has stated in a letter that his lands are only fit for fattening purposes, and that he will till but one field; is he aware that this gentleman would not let a single perch of his estate by conacre; and, in view of the fact that he holds, without any doubt, some of the best tillage land in Ireland, will ample steps be taken to compel him to till the full percentage of his ranch or otherwise have it let by conacre to the landless people in his locality; and (6) whether the representatives of the late Miss Weldon, rear Kilmallock, have applied for exemption from the tillage scheme; if so, on what grounds; if these lands are let by conacre to the landless people in and around Kilmallock town the necessary 10 per cent, can be easily dealt with; will the Department ask the owners of such large estates to let their lands by conacre to poor people; and, in case they refuse, will adequate steps be taken to enforce the full maximum fixed by the Government?

I think it is not in the public interest that I should discuss, in answer to questions, the attitude of individuals towards the tillage Order while such persons are not in default. I am told that none of the occupiers named have applied for exemption. I am bound to assume at present that they will not be in default.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Gentleman referred to in Question No. 19, Arthur White, read his application for exemption to a deputation which waited upon the Limerick County Council and boasted that he would get exemption.

He expressed an undue confidence if he did so.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will, if supplied with a list of those holding grazing tracts in county Limerick, and many of whom have openly boasted that they will pay the fine rather than comply with the Government Order as to tillage, cause an inspector to visit these lands at once, so that by 21st February it will be possible for those in authority to enter into these lands and cultivate them, or otherwise let them by conacre to the small farmers, labourers, and landless people in the localities where the lands are situated?

The Department of Agriculture are not empowered to enter upon the lands of persons who fail to comply with the provisions as to compulsory tillage until after the 28th instant. Visits by inspectors will be arranged in all cases in which it appears to the Department to be necessary.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many inspectors have recently been appointed in connection with the food production scheme; will their names, addresses, and qualifications be published; for what term have they been appointed; and the amount of their salaries and emoluments?

Twenty-two temporary inspectors have been appointed in connection with the food production scheme. It is not proposed to publish their names, etc. The appointments are purely temporary and will terminate as soon as the special duties for which these officers are required are completed. The rate of remuneration is two guineas for each day actually spent upon inspection work.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what objection there is to the publication of these names?

I am advised by the Department of Agriculture that in their judgment it is not a judicious thing to do. If the hon. Member presses me about it, I will find out what the reason is.

Have these men a practical knowledge of farming?

I am satisfied that they have. I inquired about them many weeks ago. Many of them are inspectors very well known in connection with other Departments, the Estates Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture, and so on, and I have every reason to believe that every care has been taken in their selection.

Are some of them Scotsmen?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether small holders whose holdings are over £10 valuation will get any assistance from the Department of Agriculture to obtain seeds and fertilisers for the purpose of increasing the area of their land under tillage?

The occupiers referred to axe not entitled under the food production scheme to loans for the purchase of seeds and manure. Such occupiers, however, are being assisted in procuring seed potatoes and oats by their respective county organisations, and the staffs of the county committees of agriculture have been strengthened in order to ensure that the requirements of all such applicants may be satisfactorily dealt with.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that these small holdings under £10 valuation will get seeds from the county committee of agriculture?

I understand that the county committee of agriculture has taken up the question of facilitating the getting of the seeds by that class of occupier?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, under the food scheme of the Government, district councils when they acquire land for allotments can give portion of it to small holders and labourers who do not hold cottages and plots from them as tenants; or whether they are confined to giving the land in allotments to the labourers who are their tenants of union cottages and plots?

It is not necessary that the labourers should be tenants of labourers' cottages in order that they may be given allotments by the rural district councils.

Do small holders come under the regulation?

I think so. I think there is no exclusion of small holders. If I find any reason to doubt it, I will let the hon. Member know.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the Estates Commissioners have not yet finally completed the purchase of William D. Curtain's farm at Caherlevoy, Mountcollins, county Limerick, for the purpose of enlarging the uneconomic holdings on the Mahoney congested estate which adjoins it at Mountcollins, although they promised the tenants to put them in possession of it in time for the spring work; whether proceedings for the sale of this small estate and farm have been going on since the year 1908; and, having regard to this fact and to the necessity that exists for increasing the amount of land under tillage, will he take steps to see that the sale of this grass farm is completed without further delay, so that the tenants may be able to till it this year?

The rearrangement and allotment of these lands could not be completed in time for tillage this year, but will be put into operation as soon as possible without interfering with the tillage operations of tenants for the present season. The Commissioners will raise no objection to an arrangement being made by the tenants with Mr. Curtain to cultivate in conacre during the coming season the lands or part of the lands to which the hon. Member refers.

Having regard to the fact that the negotiations with the owners for the sale of this farm of 50 acres has been going on for the last eight years, how it is that it cannot be taken over this year and the uneconomic holders given their proportionate quantity in order that they may cultivate it?

I cannot speak as to the last seven years and nine months, but as to the last three months I can say that it has not been practicable to complete the operation with which the hon. Member is familiar in time for tillage this year.

Does the right hon. Gentleman forget his promise to me last October that this land would be divided this spring in time for tillage work?

I have no recollection of any promise of the kind.

It was on 26th October that you promised me.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the number of acres of land in West Clare hitherto unfilled, which, under the scheme for encouraging the production of food, have been definitely made over to tenants, and on which work has begun?

There is no information as to the amount of land on which tillage has begun, but I am told that the recent severe weather has postponed tillage operations in many districts.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the gravity of the food problem in Ireland, he can state that all the available grass lands in West Clare will be striped out to tenants according to the provisions of the Land Act of 1909, and that these tenants will have complete guarantees as to the permanency of their occupation of these lands?

Nearly all the untenanted land which the Congested Districts Board agreed to purchase in West Clare has been disposed of to tenants either under purchase agreements or by permanent let-tings prior to the execution of purchase agreements. 'The untenanted lands remaining in the Board's hands will be disposed of as rapidly as their available resources permit, and so much of it as is arable land suitable for tillage has been made available for conacre lettings. Estates in county Clare pending for sale to the Estates Commissioners are being dealt with as rapidly as possible.

May I ask, as this is a very important question, the right hon. Gentleman to take into account that if local opinions were consulted in matters of practical detail a much greater area of land would be under cultivation?

I have seen the great care which the representatives of the Congested Districts Board take in dealing with the administration of these matters, and I am quite sure if there is any practical step which the hon. Member can point out, they are quite willing to deal with his recommendation.

Has the opinion of the farmers in West Clare, that "Up-to-Date" potatoes are not suitable for laud in West Clare, been considered, and on small points of that kind will concessions be made to the opinion of practical farmers?

The supply of public funds for "Up-to-Date" potatoes is in addition to the available local supply, and there is no reason why persons who desire to purchase "Champion" and other potatoes should not do so.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether any applications for exemption from 10 per cent. tillage have been received from county Meath; if so, how many; and whether, in selecting land for oats this season, care will be taken to select a soil suitable for the growing of winter wheat next autumn?

The Department of Agriculture have received applications for exemptions from extra tillage in respect of land in county Meath, as from other counties. The selection of the particular portion of a holding to be cultivated, and of the crops to be sown is, under the regulations, left to the discretion of the occupier, unless he is in default. In that event the Department will have the same discretion, and will endeavour to exercise it for the public advantage. I cannot forecast the decision of the Department on a technical question.

(by Private notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the Order in Council, dated 5th December, 1916, and the Regulation there under made in regard to Ireland in respect of the tillage of land by the occupiers thereof, he can state what steps the Irish Government propose to take in order to enter upon the lands of such occupiers as have not by 28th February, 1917, complied with the Regulation imposing 10 per cent, of tillage of all arable land and pasture?

By a Defence of the Realm Regulation, made on the 6th instant, the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) are empowered, on any case where, after 28th instant they are satisfied the occupier of a holding does not intend to fulfil the requirements of the Tillage Regulation, to enter on the holding and cultivate it, or to arrange for its cultivation by any person in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as the Department may direct. In cases where occupiers, through obstinacy or selfishness, make default in compliance with the Regulation, it will be the duty of the Department to exercise this power in such a way as will in their judgment best serve to increase the food supply in the coming season.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there is a considerable scarcity of milk in many districts in Ireland, and that the children of the poorer classes and workers are practically deprived of their essential food; and whether he will take any steps to have carried out the recommendation of the Committee of the Irish party on Food Production that public bodies in Ireland should be empowered to purchase milch cows, acquire or rent sufficient land for the pasturage of the same, and open milk depots to ensure a proper distribution of milk at a reasonable price?

The Department of Agriculture inform me they have no knowledge that the supply of milk in Ireland at present is less than is usual at this period of the year.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will consider the advisability of having a list published, weekly, by the Department of Agriculture in Ireland, giving the names of those applying for export licences for grain and potatoes, the amount applied to be exported, the amount allowed to be exported, and the destination thereof?

In respect of oats the Department of Agriculture are at present issuing no licences for export. I expect to be in a position to deal with the question of lists of exporters of potatoes by Monday next.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton whether he is aware that the selling price of tea has been advanced 1d. per lb., and in consequence of all grocers refusing to sell sugar without tea it is equivalent to evading the selling price of sugar fixed by the Sugar Commissioners; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The Food Controller is aware that the selling price of tea has in a number of cases been advanced 1d. per 1b. This increase is, no doubt, connected with the increase of wholesale prices, which, as I recently informed the House, is now the subject of investigation. The Food Controller does not consider that the sale of sugar should be made conditional on the purchase of any particular article, and if the hon. Member will give me details of any case in which such a condition is being imposed, it will at once be inquired into.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that it is quite im- possible at any grocers in this country to get sugar without tea? It is a common practice all over the country.

I am certainly not aware that this practice is as extensive as the hon. Member suggests. If he will bring actual, verifiable instances to my notice they shall be inquired into.

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will try to buy a pound of sugar himself he will find that he has to buy something else.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are many shops in London where it has not been possible to obtain sugar at all during the last fortnight, and that in consequence people have been driven to buying unnecessary provisions in other establishments, thus causing waste?

I am fully aware that such a condition of purchase unfortunately exists in the case of many establishments. It is very regrettable, but it is very difficult to see how it is going to be remedied in every case without a system of compulsory rationing.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give us any reasons for the jump in the price of tea, when there has been no taxation put on?

Seeing that the Food Controller has stated that round about ¾ lb. of sugar is what people are entitled to, why does he not take steps to see that everyone gets his fair share, and no more?

The Food Controller is taking such steps as are at present in his power to take.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in order to get sugar some people are buying large quantities of tinned fruits and tinned meats, and, having got the sugar, are selling the fruits and meat by auction?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the practice generally prevails that a certain amount of sugar is sold with goods other than tea, which makes sugar scarce in the market, and therefore people who have to get sugar with tea cannot get it?

asked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, if he is aware that the London master bakers have decided to increase the selling price of bread by another halfpenny per loaf which will then make it 11d. per 4 lbs. in many parts of London; if he is aware that at a conference held on Thursday, 7th December, at the Wesleyan Hall, Westminster, a unanimous resolution was passed asking the Government to supply flour to the various municipalities with a view to supplying the bakers with flour at a cost which would enable them to sell bread at not more than 6d. per loaf; if he can state how much per week it would cost the country if such a proposition is carried out in accordance with the amount of bread and flour per head per week suggested by the Food Controller; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The resolution referred to in the second part has not been brought specifically to the attention of the Food Controller. The estimated cost of the proposal in the first instance would be about £800,000 or £900,000 a week, but in any case the Food Controller cannot regard it as practicable.

Is it not a fact that shipowners have been subsidised in days gone by? If it was necessary to subsidise shipowners in days gone by, why, in the name of common sense, cannot we do something in the way suggested in the question?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many members of the Government thought these steps were practicable while the last Government was in power, and can he say why these steps have become impracticable because they have become members of the Government?

Are the investigations to which the hon. Gentleman refers being made with a view to fixing maximum prices in respect of commodities named in this question?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton if he is aware that the Stratford (East) Co-operative Society has had their sugar supply cut down to 16 tons per week; if he is aware that they have 41,000 members, and that amount of sugar will only allow them to sell 14 ozs. of sugar per member per week, which is much less than the minimum amount suggested by the Food Controller; if he is aware that there are many complaints from the various co-operative societies in the different parts of the country on account of them not getting their proper share of sugar; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The Food Controller has inquired into this case, and is informed that the society in question has received since 1st January within a very small amount of the supplies of sugar to which they are entitled under the present scheme of sugar distribution. He is not aware of any general failure on the part of co-operative societies to obtain their due proportion of the supplies which they received in 1915. As explained already, he has taken steps to provide additional supplies of sugar for districts in which the population has been materially increased since 1915.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton whether he has received representations and complaints as to the hardships and inequalities involved in the present method of sugar distribution; whether he is aware that towns whose population has recently been increased by an influx of war workers are not receiving their due proportion of supplies; whether such representations have come from Sheffield; and what action he proposes to take?

The Food Controller has received numerous communications on this subject, and he is aware, as I have stated in answer to previous questions, that districts whose population has increased during the War are in some cases experiencing a shortage of sugar supplies. He has received representations from Sheffield on this point, and, as the result of a recent visit of an inspector to the town, has arranged with the Sugar Commission for an addition to the Sheffield sugar supply proportionate to the estimated increase in the population of the town.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that they are not receiving this proportionate increase?

asked the hon. Member for Wilton what action he proposes to take to obtain fair distribution of the available supplies of sugar; whether he is aware that the monetary test operates inequitably between rich and poor and even between one class of shopkeeper and another; and whether he proposes to set up such a system of sugar rationing as will ensure to every family their share of the available supplies?

The Food Controller realises that the conditions imposed by retailers as to the purchase of other articles when selling sugar may cause hardship in particular cases. He is advised, however, that the mere prohibition of this practice, which has been adopted by retailers with a view to checking the purchase of supplies by individuals from a number of shops, would probably aggravate the present inequalities of distribution. The Food Controller is not proposing immediately to set up a system of compulsory rationing of sugar in view of the obvious administrative difficulties involved, but he is taking steps which it is hoped will remedy the inequalities referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton if he is aware that since the Food Controller suggested the maximum amount of bread, sugar, and meat that should be allowed for each person to consume in their households there has been a bigger demand made by the moneyed classes in the West End shops; and if he intends taking any action in the matter with a view to: preventing the rich people obtaining more than the amount recommended by the Food Controller?

Unpatriotic action such as that described in the question may have been taken by certain individuals, but I have no evidence to show that it has been at all common, and I should be sorry to believe that it is. The suggestion made in the last part of the question involves the introduction of a compulsory rationing scheme, which it is hoped that it may prove possible to avoid by reliance upon the honour of people of all classes in the country.

Will the hon. Gentleman appeal to some of these very large societies, such as the Civil Service Stores and the Army and Navy Stores, not to supply these particular persons with more than they have been in the habit of purchasing?

The hon. Member's suggestions will certainly be borne in mind. I may say that appeals of that character have already been made in certain cases.

Is there any evidence that one class of society can get sugar and not the members of another class of society?

I have already stated that I have no evidence that the practice has been at all common.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton whether his attention has been called to the announcement of the Duke of Richmond giving permission to farmers to kill pheasants found in their hedges; whether he is aware that this concession is rendered nugatory by the law of close time; and whether he will take steps to impress upon the Government the necessity in the public interest for the dilution of the Game Laws during the period of the War, and for the suspension or abolition of all customs and practices that tend to restrict the fullest output in the supplies of food?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 13th February to the right hon. Member for the South Molton Division.

Is it or is it not proposed to extend the date of the game-shooting licences?

Certainly. It is intended to permit that those who have licences expiring at the end of the shooting season shall continue to derive the benefit of such licences.

Has the Food Controller made such an Order?

No. The Order has not yet been made, owing to the fact that, unfortunately, the Food Controller is ill and unable to attend to business.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether he has taken any legal advice as to the validity of the Order which the Food Controller proposes to issue, because I understand that in as similar case which the Attorney-General took to the House of Lords he was overruled?

In consequence of the representations made by the right hon. Baronet the other day, legal advice is being sought in the matter.

Will this Order apply to owners of land as well as occupiers?

Yes. As I pointed out, and for some reason or other it was not reported, it is a concurrent right enjoyed both by the owner, the occupier, or the lessee.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the advice of the legal adviser has been obtained yet, or is he merely seeking it as to the validity of the Order?

As I explained the other day, the advice of the legal adviser of the Department was obtained, and it is sought to strengthen that advice by appeal to further legal authority.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he expects the Order to be issued?

It will be issued at the earliest possible moment.

Will the police at once be instructed?

If the legal advice should be that the Order is ultra vires, will the Government take steps by legislation to deal with the matter?

I am not in a position to answer for the War Cabinet, but I have no doubt that the proper steps will be taken. In the case of all these Orders, of course the police take the necessary action.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in consequence of the temporary closing of Box Tunnel for repairs and the consequent diversion of the traffic between Chippenham, Corsham, and Bath by another route, the Great Western Railway Company has increased the return fare between Chippenham and Bath from 2s. 2d. to 4s. 7d., and Corsham and Bath from 1s. 3d. to 4s. 7d.; whether he has received representations from the local authorities on the subject; whether he is aware that this increase in fares inflicts a hardship on the poorer classes who have to attend the hospitals and institutions in Bath and also on children attending schools in the area affected by the closing of Box Tunnel; and whether, in the circumstances, he will take steps to obtain a reduction from the railway company in the fares from Chippenham and Corsham to Bath to the rates charged prior to the closing of the Box Tunnel?

I am in communication with the Great Western Railway Company on this matter, and will inform the hon. Gentleman of the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the 50 per cent, increase in railway fares and the withdrawal of facilities hitherto granted to commercial travellers not only bears heavily on that class, but is a handicap to the trade of this country; and whether he is yet in a position to state what concessions will be granted to meet these difficulties?

I am afraid I cannot add to the reply given on Monday last to questions by the hon. Members for the Houghton-le-Spring and Harborough Divisions, of which I am sending the Noble Lord a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction amongst many of the provincial newspaper proprietors at the treatment which they are receiving from the Paper Commission; and whether he will see that all parties desiring to do so be given the opportunity of attending before the Commission and being personally heard on the question of restricted allowance and price to be paid before a decision is arrived at?

I was not previously aware of the dissatisfaction referred to, but if the hon. and learned Member will let me have particulars, I will consult the Paper Commission on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether Lord Balfour of Burleigh's Committee have now reported as to the course to be taken to give effect to the resolutions of the Paris Economic Conference; and whether he is now in a position to publish the Report?

A letter has been received by the Prime Minister from Lord Balfour of Burleigh's Committee convoying some, resolutions which have been adopted by that Committee. This communication will be laid upon the Table of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men of military age are employed in the Criminal Investigation Department at Scotland Yard?

The answer is 124. The Department is largely occupied in work directly connected with the War.

Will there be any attempt to comb out these 124 men, so that they may go into the Army?

They have already been combed out. Their services are required in connection with the War.

asked the Home Secretary under what powers two conscientious objectors, named Clay and Leathley, who have been found genuine by the Central Tribunal and have been engaged on work of alleged national importance at the Warwick Settlement, were arrested at Warwick on Friday, 9th February: whether the only offence alleged against these men is that of travelling on a railway; whether, on 10th February, these two men were taken before a number of magistrates sitting in camera in the Chief Constable's office at Warwick, though the military and police authorities had been fully informed of the intention of the friends of these men to retain counsel and solicitors to defend them; and whether he will state the names of the magistrates who acted in this manner, and the statute, Order in Council, or Regulation under which a conscientious objector of civilian status may become liable to arrest for travelling on the railway, and the date when such statute, Order in Council, or Regulation, if in existence, was first promulgated?

One of the conditions on which men who have been sentenced by court-martial to imprisonment, and who subsequently satisfy the Central Tribunal that they are conscientious objectors are released from prison, is that they shall conform to such regulations with regard to conduct as may be made by the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors, and on the copy of these conditions which is given to each man on release from prison it is expressely stated that if he fails to carry out any of them he will be liable to be recalled to military service. On 5th December, in view of the railway situation and the restrictions on railway travelling imposed on soldiers, the Committee issued a rule prohibiting any of the conscientious objectors employed by them from travelling by rail without the special permission of the Committee. Both these men applied to the Committee's agent at Warwick for four days' leave at Christmas. The attention of both of them was called to the rule, and both voluntarily signed an undertaking not to travel by rail if they were given leave. Leave was accordingly given to them, and both of them, in breach of their undertaking, travelled home by rail and returned to Warwick by rail. In these circumstances the Committee requested the Army Council to recall both men to military service. I have no information as to what happened to them after they thus passed out of the control of the Committee.

asked the Home Secretary whether lie can inform the House of the state of health of G. C. Williams, a conscientious objector, whoso last known whereabouts was Wormwood Scrubbs Prison; whether this man has been forcibly fed; whether he has been fed on bread and water for 25 days between the 25th November and the 23rd December; and, if so, whether he will undertake that this sort of treatment of conscientious objectors in the secrecy of civil prisons will be put an end to?

The prisoner referred to has refused to undertake under civil control work which is unconnected with the War and is accordingly serving his sentence of imprisonment. He does not suffer from any illness, but at one time he refused all food and had to be forcibly fed four times, after which he consented to take his food in the natural way. He has refused to work in prison and has been punished by the Visiting Committee in the same way as other prisoners who refuse to work. There is no more secrecy in his case than in the case of any other prisoner.

Why should not this man be allowed to starve?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the case of two engine-cleaners named Morris and Woods, both of military age, who were provided with employment by the Great Northern Railway Company during 1915 and dismissed from their employment in December, 1916, with the result that both men were out of work for a period until required by the military authorities; and will he take such steps as will prevent this loss of labour to the nation by instructing the railway companies to retain men in their employ until such time as they are called up for service by the military authorities?

I am not aware of the particular circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the scarcity of petrol, he will prohibit the present wasteful use of petrol whereby taxi-cab drivers, in order to record the fare to be paid by the hirer, keep the engine continuously running while the cab is stationary?

The fare-recording meter is governed when the car is in motion by the revolution of the wheels, and when it is at a standstill by time. The meter is in no way affected by the running of the engine. As a driver has to pay at a fixed rate for the petrol which he uses he has the strongest inducement to be economical in its use.

Seeing that the excuse suggested in my question does not exist, is there any excuse whatever for this reckless waste of petrol?

I am afraid I know of none.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) under what powers the Great Central Railway Company refused a leaving certificate to a platelayer named Hallam in August last, and objected to him working for the Leicester Tramways Company, whereby Hallam was two weeks and three days out of employment; and what steps he proposes to take in order to avoid waste of labour owing to the misapplication of the Munitions Act; and (2) if a platelayer named Hallam, employed by the Great Central Railway Company, obtained work with the Leicester Tramways Company at 5s. per week more wages, but was not allowed to commence work with the latter company in consequence of the interference of the railway company; that Hallam then applied for a leaving certificate to the local munitions tribunal, which body decided that he did not come within the Munitions Act; that pending the decision of the munitions tribunal Hallam suffered a loss of £3 19s. 7d. in wages through being out of work; and will he say who should pay that sum to Hallam?

I am not sure that the case to which reference is made is one in which the Board of Trade can properly intervene, but I will make further inquiries, and let my hon. Friend know the result.