asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has brought, or will bring, under the notice of the United States Government the fact that William Pedlar, an American citizen, has been, with others, deported from Ireland, and is now interned at Oxford, without trial, and on no charge but an alleged suspicion of having acted, acting, or being about to act in a manner prejudicial to the public safety, and whether the American Government requires a charge to be formulated and tried in a civil Court in this case?

I have no knowledge of the case to which the hon. Member refers.

Will the Noble Lord not inquire?

No, I think not.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, since the withdrawal of the American diplomatic representative in Germany, he is still receiving reports as to the condition and treatment of the British in the various prisoners' and internment camps; and whether he can make any general statement on this treatment and condition?

No reports by the Netherland Legation at Berlin on prisoner of war camps in Germany have yet been received. The Netherland Government did not take over our interests in Germany until the 3rd February and sufficient time has not yet elapsed for any reports on camps to be received here. A special staff has been sent to the Netherland Legation at Berlin to look after our prisoners, and I have no doubt that reports will reach us ere long. The American reports, some of which reached us after the rupture of diplomatic relations, show that the conditions in the main camps are generally satisfactory. The conditions in the working camps vary considerably.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the increasing number of Turkish prisoners now in our hands, he can take any further steps to elicit from the Turkish Government the whereabouts and treatment of British and Indian prisoners who have never hitherto been traced?

We are doing all we can to trace British and Indian prisoners of war in Turkey by means of inquiries through American and other channels. I fear I have no definite information later than that contained in my answer of the 21st to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Molton.

May I ask whether, seeing that we have now a large number of Turkish prisoners in our hands, any question of exchange can be entered into?

As a matter of fact, such a question is being entered into.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state whether the results of the tightening of the British blockade are proving satisfactory; and in what direction this is especially noticeable?

For some months past no substantial quantity of goods imported overseas into Scandinavia or Holland has, I believe, gone through to Germany, nor have there been any material overseas exports from Germany through those countries. Recently, as a result of negotiation with the neutral countries named, the export of their produce to Germany has been considerably diminished. As to results, it is difficult to be certain. But I think it is safe to say that there is now a serious shortage of foodstuffs and certain other vitally important materials in enemy countries.?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that there is over 100 acres tillable land on the Griffen estate, at Lahardan, near Ballybunion, which is let for grazing; whether he is aware that there are a number of small holdings in the immediate vicinity; and whether he can say why the Congested Districts Board have not acquired this land compulsorily to relieve congestion and give more tillage for the past eight years?

I am informed that about 100 acres on the estate referred to is in the owner's hands, but I have no information as to how the land is let. There are a number of small holdings on the estate, but as the lands are held under a lease terminating in 1956, the Congested Districts Board could not acquire the lands compulsorily for the purpose of distribution.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this case, like the case of Meyvoo and Ballyconnery on the Stack estate, is before the Congested Districts Board for ten years; and is he also aware that there is no tillage on the land; and what steps are either the Congested Districts Board or the Government going to take, if they want tillage and an increased food production, to allow the people to go on the land and raise food?

I cannot add anything to the answer I have already given.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what action the Government propose to take, in connection with increased food production in Ireland, with reference to the landlords who have increased the difficulties of that problem by refusing to sell to their tenants and continuing to exact their rents, and what action with reference to the tenants thus handicapped as compared with their neighbours who have purchased; and whether he has received from the Mullingar District Council a resolution urging the Government to equalise the condition of purchased and unpurchased farmers by enforcing, as from the beginning of 1916, an automatic reduction of 6s. in the £ of all such rents?

I have received the resolution of the Mullingar Rural District Council referred to. Legislation for the purpose indicated in the question is not contemplated.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that, owing to the action of the agent of Lady Bury, an absentee landowner at present residing in Austria, Lieutenant Handy, at present serving at the front, was prevented selling his holding at Croghan, King's County, containing 477 acres, to small holders in the district and making the same available for food production; and whether, seeing that. Lieutenant Handy has been prevented from disposing of his property by a technical bar in the Land Acts availed of by this lady of pro-Austrian tendencies, he will consider the advisability of having an Order issued under the Defence of the Realm Act that, notwithstanding anything in the Land Law (Ireland) Acts to the contrary, no sales or sub-divisions of present tenancies without the consent of the landlord shall be void or voidable unless the Food Controller shall so determine?

The Defence of the Realm Acts do not give the power suggested in the question.

May I ask whether the Government are not in a position to issue a Regulation under the Acts to give them the necessary power, and whether they will do that?

No. I have tried to explain in correspondence with the hon. Member that it is the Acts which do not contain the power, and it is not a failure to make a Regulation under the Acts. The Acts do not contemplate action of this kind.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state by what means the Government propose to obtain food crops this season from grazing tracts in Ireland of which the owners are them selves unable to till any portion, but are willing to sell for distribution, and on which the neighbouring uneconomic holders and landless people will not work unless they are made purchasers on the usual terms, and have refused to take conacre even when offered to them for nothing; and whether a Regulation under the Defence of the Realm Acts will be issued forthwith enabling such owners to sell to such purchasers at such prices as the Estates Commissioners on subsequent inspection find the allotments to be worth, so that tillage may proceed without further delay?

So far as I am aware there is no power under the Defence of the Realm Acts to do what is suggested by the hon. Member.

Then the Government are not serious in connection with increased tillage and food production?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. O'Brien, of Limerick, agent on the Studdert estate, situate at Ballyouneen, North Kerry, is willing to sell to the Congested Districts Board; whether he is aware that this estate is flooded, which prevents the lands from being used for tillage purposes; and whether he will ask the Congested Districts Board to again consider the advisability of purchasing this estate?

The agents for this property informed the Congested Districts Board in February, 1915, that the owner had decided to offer the estate for sale to the Board, but no maps or documents were lodged. In April, 1915, the Board informed the agents that they had been obliged to suspend negotiations for the purchase of estates and that no further action could be taken with reference to this estate. I am informed that the estate is liable to flooding, but until the Congested Districts Board are in a position to resume negotiations for the purchase of estates they cannot take any action with a view to acquiring this property.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large portion of this estate is subject to flooding, and that the land cannot be used for tillage purposes, and that therefore you cannot get an increased production of food; is he aware also that owing to the non-purchase of the estate the tenants are subject to judicial rent, while all the neighbours have the advantage of land purchase?

There is an advantage in the position of tenants whose estates have been made the subject of purchase.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman deal with the whole question in Ireland, and see that there is equality of treatment amongst the tenants on the question of purchase?

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

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will state the quantity of potatoes shipped from Ireland by each person or firm to whom a licence has been granted since the Order came into force?

I think no useful purpose would be served by publishing the particulars asked for.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked this question so far back as the 12th of last month, and I have never yet succeeded in obtaining a reply to it?

The reply I have given is that after taking advice on the matter no useful purpose would be served by publishing this list.

Might it not be very awkward to publish it?

If that contains any suggestion that there has been any sort of indirect process in the issue of these licences, I am bound to say, so far as I know—and I have kept myself fully acquainted with the facts—it is a totally unfounded suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of making some return of the amount shipped, in view of the fact that the state- ment appeared in the "Times" this morning that the Food Controller has been informed that there are 50,000 tons of potatoes in Ireland which could be shipped to England, whereas the opinion in Ireland is quite the contrary?

That statement was published on the authority of a Member of this House. I confess, so far as my information goes, I could not make such a statement, and I have done my best to ascertain the conditions, but the hon. Member who is responsible for the statement is engaged in the trade, and no doubt has access to information in the trade which may supply particulars which are not given upon the census to those who collect for the census.

Is it not a fact that the hon. Member of this House, on whose authority that statement is made, is not only connected with the trade, but also holds a Government appointment in connection with potatoes; and can the right hon. Gentleman say on what ground he makes a statement which is entirely contrary to the opinion in Ireland?

It is quite true that the hon. Member who is connected with the trade is a member of the Committee which has been assisting the Government Department dealing with this very difficult matter——

The only Irishman on the Committee!

If he had not been a member of the trade he would have been quite useless for the purpose for which that assistance is required.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the reason which actuated the Local Government Board in fixing on Up-to-Date seed as the best potato for use in sowing this year's crop; whether he is aware that nearly all the public Boards in Ireland regard this seed as valueless for producing a good table or a keeping potato; and will he direct that Champion or Arran Chief seed be substituted?

Arrangements for supplies of seed to district councils are made by the Department of Agriculture, and the reason why "Up-to-Date" was selected for the purpose of the scheme is stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Connemara on the 21st ultimo.

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct the Local Government Board to allow the local rural district council to purchase seeds locally if they find suitable ones?

Well, Sir, that matter has been the subject of consideration owing to the question raised by the lion. Gentleman the Member for North Kerry. In any case where it is possible to give these facilities without disturbing the general operation of the tillage scheme it is desirable to give them.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) the extent of the shortage of the present supply of potatoes in Ireland as compared with the supply at this period last year?

The estimated production of potatoes in Ireland in 1916 was 1,276,717 tons less than in 1915. As no complete figures are available showing the consumption of potatoes, the Department of Agriculture are not in a position to state the extent of the shortage.

asked the quantity of potatoes exported from Ireland for the use of the military forces of the Crown since the Order was made prohibiting the shipment of potatoes from Ireland except under licence?

Licences are not issued by the Department of Agriculture in connection with the export of potatoes for the use of the military authorities, and they are not in a position to give the information desired.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how this information can be ascertained?

I will inquire.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, in view of the fact that he has fixed an artificial price for potatoes irrespective of the ordinary operation of supply and demand, and that consumption is no longer regulated automatically by price, whether he has considered the possibility of the stock of potatoes being exhausted before the new crop is ready; and whether he proposes to establish a system of potato rations?

The possibility that the stock of potatoes would be exhausted before the 1917 supplies are available has been taken into account, and an increased price was allowed for potatoes delivered after 31st March with the object of giving an inducement to growers not to throw the whole of their supplies upon the market at once. There is no present intention of establishing a system of compulsory rations in the case of potatoes.

How does the hon. Gentleman differentiate between holding up stocks for inducement of prices and holding up stocks against giving supplies to the public?

The supplies in the hands of the farmers are known to the Department, and are being carefully watched.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether a number of retailers are refusing to supply potatoes at the stipulated price of 1½d. per lb. unless other vegetables are purchased at the same time; and, seeing that this practice entails hardship on the poor, whether immediate steps will be taken to render it illegal?

As I stated in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for South West Ham yesterday, the practice described in the question is prohibited by the Potatoes 1916 Main Crop (Prices) Order, No. 2, which came into force last Saturday. I might perhaps add that several cases of alleged overcharging are being investigated and if substantiated proceedings will be at once taken.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a deputation representative of people living in Listowel recently waited on Lord Listowel requesting him to give land in his possession for tillage which is now let for grazing; whether he can say how much land Lord Listowel owns and is in possession of in and around Listowel; and whether he can also state how much of this land which is in his possession he has offered to the local committee for the growing of food and employing the poor of the district?

I am told that the Chairman of the Listowel Uuban District Council recently waited on Lord Listowel to ask him to give some land for the purpose of tillage plots for the poor. Lord Listowel owns about 144 acres near Listowel, of which about 18 acres are under tillage. He offered 9 acres to the deputation for tillage purposes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Lord Listowel has sold his estate and has received about a quarter of a million of money as a result of the sale? Is he also aware that the only land offered to the local council is land in occupation for the accommodation and purposes of the people of the town in the quarter where milk is being produced for their families?

The only information I asked for was for the purpose of answering this question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries? Will he also inquire how much land is in the possession of Mr. Marshall Hill, Lord Listowel's under-agent, and what amount of tillage is now being carried out by Mr. Hill?

If the hon. Member puts a question down I will endeavour to answer it.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Listowel Rural District Council prepared a scheme for the cultivation and letting in conacre the vacant and derelict land at Doon, near Ballybunion; whether he is aware that the Listowel Rural District Council have been in communication with the Department of Agriculture, Dublin, for over a month; and whether he will ask the Department to give an immediate and favourable reply to the council, so that this land can be ploughed for increased food production this spring?

The matter is under discussion between the Department of Agriculture and the council.

Will the right hon. Gentle, man facilitate a quick decision in order that this land may be acquired by the Listowel Rural District Council for the increased production of food this spring?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps he proposes to take to compel the owners of the grazing ranches of Toneymore, Coolcraff, Asthna, Ardagullion, and the Manor to comply with the Tillage Order; and will he, in respect of their failure, enter into possession of these lands and offer them to the adjoining tenants for the sowing of crops before 25th March?

In an answer to the hon. Member for North Westmeath on Monday, and an answer to the hon. Member for West Donegal yesterday, I made a full statement as to the duties and intended procedure of the Department of Agriculture in cases of the kind which are dealt with in their questions.

asked how much land the Congested Districts Board and the Estates Commissioners have let by conacre; and what is the average price per statute acre charged?

The Congested Districts Board are setting land in conacre at low prices from 15s. to £2 10s. per acre. Lettings are going on from day to day, and the total cannot at present be given, but it is not likely to be as large as I had hoped would be the case unless local cultivators show greater eagerness to avail themselves of the Board's offers. I have asked for a return from the Estates Commissioners. They are to a great extent tilling their own farms.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will now publish a full list, county by county, of all people who have applied for exemption from, the tillage scheme, together with a statement as to whether such exemptions have or have not been granted, so that landless men and labourers may know what people they may approach successfully with a view to getting land under the conacre system?

No, Sir.

asked if the Irish Food Committee will in the first instance deal with people who refuse to give land for conacre to the poor in the cases of exemptions?

The Department of Agriculture will be advised by its Advisory Committee, and will decide whether to enter for tillage or to select some person or authority to till land as to which there is default.

asked if the Irish Food Production Committee will publish weekly lists of those who may be granted exemption from the tillage scheme, and the reasons for such exemption?

I will ascertain whether any good purpose is likely to be served by such a publication.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been directed to a resolution passed by the county Dublin Advisory Committee on Food Production to the effect that the restrictions on the output of the by-products of brewing and distilling was likely to cause a serious shortage in the food for milking stock; and whether this circum stance will be taken into account with a view to modifying the restrictions to which reference is made?

The Department of Agriculture have received a copy of the resolution mentioned. The restrictions referred to will probably cause a shortage in the by-products of breweries and distilleries which are used as food for milking stock, but other supplies of cereal food will be released, and I am told that concentrated foods can be used as substitutes.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received any representations as to the scarcity of the milk supply, not merely in urban districts, but in many of the rural districts of that country; and, if so, whether he has considered, or will consider, as an essential part of the problem of the food supply of the people in this time of crisis, the advisability of the application of the power of compulsory acquisition of land for the purpose of pasturage for milch cows?

The Local Government Board has had one or two applications for facilities such as are mentioned in the question. I have received representations from several hon. Members as to the utility of the provision of cow pasturage and am in communication with various Departments in Ireland upon the subject. As at present advised, I doubt whether what is sought could be obtained without legislation.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he received an application from the Killeshandra Co-operative Agricultural and Dairy Society, Limited, on the 23rd January last for a loan of £l,000 under the scheme which the Department have inaugurated for the purchase of agricultural machinery in Ireland; whether he is aware that no definite reply has yet been made to this application; and, if so, how the Department hopes to secure an increased area of tillage if proposals duly presented are not promptly dealt with now when undue delays in these matters may jeopardise the food production scheme, with consequent loss and danger to the nation?

The Department of Agriculture received the application referred to and have informed the society as to the conditions attached to the scheme of loans for the purchase of agricultural implements and machinery. Any member of the society complying with the conditions of the scheme may obtain a loan for the purpose. The society's letter of 23rd January was duly replied to by the Department, who asked for further details in regard to the application in order to place them in a position to deal with the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total quantity of Government sheep and lambs sold to the firms of Bates and Bates, Hartridge and Bates, and Bates and Chappell during the year 1916; whether he is aware that allegations as to gambling in meat are being made in Smithfield against these firms; whether since the War they have acquired several new premises in the market; and whether, in view of the undertaking previously given by his Department to promptly inquire into any case of meat-cornering, he will at once institute an inquiry, compel these firms to produce their books, and also take evidence from the persons who have sold them the goods?

These allegations were inquired into more than six months ago, when the matter was fully dealt with. There have been no subsequent complaints, and it does not appear necessary to re-open the question.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that very many farmers will be unable to increase the amount of arable land on their holdings, and in many cases will have to reduce the amount at present under plough owing to indispensable horsemen, etc., having been called up; and whether, as it is vitally important to increase the supply of home-grown food, he will issue instructions that men who, in the opinion of the Board of Agriculture, after consultation with the local war agricultural committees, are absolutely indispensable shall receive exemption, until at any rate the necessary ploughing and sowing have been completed?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. In reply to the first part of it I may say that the Board are well aware of the position and are doing their best to meet it. In reply to the latter part I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given by me on Tuesday last to questions by the hon. Member for the Leigh Division of Lancaster.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to establish a minimum wage for women employed on the land; and, if so, what minimum?

This matter is receiving the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government, but a decision has not yet been reached.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a large amount of fruit is grown in small cottage gardens all over the country, and that a large proportion of this food will be completely wasted unless sugar is available for preserving; and whether he can arrange that at the proper season supplies of sugar will be available for preserving fruit at home?

I am aware of the importance of this matter, and can assure the hon. Member that the desirability of allotting supplies of sugar for this purpose is not being overlooked. Having regard, however, to all the conditions affecting supplies of sugar, the Food Controller does not feel justified at present in giving any undertaking that supplies will be available for this purpose other than those which householders can render available by savings from their ordinary domestic consumption.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) whether he will request each of the 400 firms in Smithfield Meat Market to prepare a return from their books showing the total number of beef-quarters, mutton carcases, lambs, and boxes of offal consigned to, bought, or otherwise acquired for sale, from 1st January to 24th February; whether he will further request them to show what proportion of the beef-quarters, sheep, lambs, and complete boxes of offal were sold to butchers and what proportion to market jobbers having premises either inside the market or in Long Lane and Charterhouse Street, and specifying in each case, where the goods were disposed of to a jobber, the quantity and the name of the purchasing firm; in cases where it is shown that the actual purchases of any one firm, or any specified set of firms, were such as to influence a rise of prices, will he inquire into the case so as to decide what action to take; and (2) whether from the 1st of March onwards he will prohibit, in all cases of home-killed meat, the sale in Smithfield Market of goods consigned from the provinces to others than genuine bonâ-fide retailing butchers or persons who are buying on commission for genuine bonâ-fide retailing butchers and can produce the order of such to purchase on their behalf; and that, in the case of all importers of foreign or Colonial meat, he will instruct the respective importing firms to make a daily return of all sales and quantities made by them to any firm of market jobbers and a further return of the dates on which such goods are withdrawn from the refrigerators in which they are stored?

The object which the hon. Member evidently has in view of checking undue speculation is one with which the Food Controller fully sympathises. He has already made certain inquiries into the points raised in these questions and is making further inquiries. It is not clear, however, that the steps suggested by the hon. Member are the best method of dealing with the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Home and Colonial Stores at Exeter have increased the price of tea within the past month from 2s. per lb. to 2s. 2d., and again to 2s. 4d. per lb.; whether he is aware that this tea has been in stock by the Home and Colonial people for a considerable time and that, in addition to the increase of 4d. in the lb. that has been put on, the consumer is also compelled to pay the price of tea for the paper wrapper which is weighed in with the tea; and what action he proposes to take to protect purchasers?

I understand that the facts are as stated in the first part of the question. I have no information as to the length of time during which this tea has been in the possession of the Home and Colonial Stores. It has, I understand, long been a practice of this and other firms to include the weight of the wrapper in that of a packet of tea, and to state this on the wrapper. As I have already informed the House, the whole question of tea prices is under consideration by the Food Controller, particularly in connection with the restriction of imports. In this particular case it appears that the rise of price preceded any announcement of the restriction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the copy of the wrapper which I gave him weighs almost half an ounce, and represents a penny extra put on the consumer?

I have already asked the hon. Gentleman if he will be good enough to furnish me with any proof to show that the weight of the wrapper now exceeds that of previous months. I have reason to believe that in some cases wrappers are being increased in weight, and I should like any such cases to be brought to my notice.

Will the hon. Gentleman inquire how much tea, this multiple combine have taken out of bond during the last month, and whether it is not also a fact that this multiple company have during the last year's trading made a clear profit of a quarter of a million out of the excess charge they have put on tea; and will he say what action the Food Controller is going to take in the matter?

I will have inquiries made on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why his statement that all tenants were to be given power to shoot game on their holdings without any time limit if the game was damaging the crops has not been carried out by Order as promised by him; whether the Order just issued permits no tenant to shoot game except after inquiry by the war agricultural committee of each county as to whether the landlord has cleared the game, and then only until 31st March if the committee gives consent; how such consent can be obtained by many thousands of tenants without delay which will be disastrous to the crops; and who is responsible for the Order issued and what is its use?

This matter is now being dealt with by the Board of Agriculture. The statement made by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food indicated the proposals under consideration at that time. The whole matter was, however, further considered, and the Order now issued by the Board contains the provisions which, in the opinion of the Government, are best calculated to deal with excessive stocks of pheasants. The extension of the killing season is provisionally limited to 31st March, so as to secure prompt action, but, if necessary, the period will be further extended. It is not anticipated that the war agricultural committees will fail to deal promptly with all applications.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer that part of my question which asks how the tenants in this country are to obtain permission from the county agricultural committees in time to make any use of this so-called privilege?

It is only a question of a day or two.

Would the agricultural committees meet every day?

The executive of the county agricultural committee meets two or three times each week.

What crops are game now destroying other than the cabbage stalks which the wood-pigeons have rejected?

The sanfoin crops is Norfolk have been very much devastated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider the issue of a statement showing what ordinary articles-of food mostly come from abroad, and therefore have to be imported, and what ordinary articles of food are for the most part of home production?

Ordinary articles of food which are entirely imported are rice, tapioca, sago, sugar, bananas, oranges, cocoa, coffee, and tea. Those of which practically the whole supply is produced at homo are milk, potatoes, fresh fish, and fresh vegetables. Other articles of which the greater part is imported are wheat, bacon, hams, cheese, lard, and nuts, while about half our supplies of butter and margarine are imported. Other articles of which the greater part is home produced are beef, mutton, pork, poultry, eggs, and game

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board what steps have been taken to make the food allowances to the inmates of the workhouses and lunatic asylums conform to the rationing allowances recently laid down by the Food Controller?

Instructions have been issued which will bring the dietaries for inmates of workhouses into conformity with the allowances laid down by the Food Controller. Questions relating to the food allowances for inmates of lunatic asylums should be addressed to the Home Office.

Does that mean that the Government have adopted a system of rations for these institutions which are under their control, whilst they refuse to adopt it for the country as a whole?

The Government have issued instructions so that the dietaries for inmates in workhouses may have complete relation to the regulations laid down by the Food Controller.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that it was the intention of the Treasury in April, 1916, to place existing Irish prison warders on identical pay, as well as all the other conditions of service, with the English warders; whether he has been informed that the pay is now identical, as given in his answer to the hon. Member for Queen's County in December last; will he say why the Treasury Order has not been complied with; whether he is aware that, whilst all other conditions of service have been made identical, the pay and lodging allowances have not; and will he now endeavour to bring about a contented Irish prison service by taking immediate steps to have the pay and lodging allowances made identical for the existing Irish prison warders?

So far as I am aware, the intention of the Treasury in this case has been fully carried out. I dealt fully with this matter in answer to a question by the hon. Member on the 19th instant, and to another question by the hon. Member for College Green on the 14th instant.

What are the reasons that these warders in Ireland should not be placed on the same terms as the warders in Great Britain?

The prison warders in Ireland were dealt with under a separate scheme arranged between the Treasury and the Prisons Board. So far as I know the provisions of that separate scheme have been fairly carried into effect. I told the hon. Member so quite recently that if, after watching the operation of the scheme, there seemed a necessity for making further reports I should make them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to see one or two Members on the question and investigate it?

If the hon. Member fixes a convenient time I will see them.

asked what provision has been made for the maintenance of the Irishmen deported to this country and for the maintenance of their dependant families in Ireland now deprived of their breadwinners?

No facts have come to my knowledge which suggest the necessity of such a provision.

Has the right hon. Gentleman investigated these questions: Are there not amongst the cases families deprived of their breadwinners; will he take no action either in Ireland or here?

The answer to that question is that which I have given. I have no knowledge of any such facts.

Will the Chief Secretary seek the knowledge necessary in this case to deal with it?

When the occasion arises I shall deal with any of the facts that come to my knowledge.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman himself created the occasion by deporting these men?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the proposed further restrictions on paper will lead to the closing down of many newspaper offices in Ireland and throwing employés in these offices out of employment; and whether he will represent to the President of the Board of Trade that restrictions should be modified for Ireland in order to enable these offices to continue their trade?

The Royal Commission on Paper is, I am told, putting into effect stringent limitations upon the importation of paper. As these restrictions are of general application throughout the United Kingdom, I would suggest to the hon. Member that the newspaper proprietors in Ireland whose interests are affected should put themselves into communication with the Commission.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the manner in which the import restrictions section of his Department grant licences for the importa- tion of articles; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among traders with the methods of this Department, as they find that one of their number gets licences while others do not for the same class of stuff, without any explanation of the different treatment being vouchsafed; and will he see that in future some system is adopted in that Department?

Considering the difficulties both of administration and of interpretation under which the Department of Import Restrictions has been working under great pressure during a period of nearly a year, I am glad to say that there has been a remarkable absence of complaint of the work done by that Department. If the hon. Gentleman will furnish me with specific examples of inequality of treatment as between one manufacturer and another I shall be happy to look into the matter.

Would the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing committees of the various trades affected —Committees appointed by his Department and not by the Controller—to consider the questions arising out of the import restrictions?

I will consider the suggestion.

Would the hon. Gentleman like to consider that the remarkable absence of complaints is due to the general feeling that there is no use complaining?

asked whether, having consideration of the amount of printing paper consumed in advertising luxuries and non-essentials, he will institute a bureau for the censoring of advertisements which are not essential to the needs of the nation and the conduct of the War?

Steps are already being taken for the restriction of the use of paper in certain forms of advertising, and the whole question of wasteful use of paper will continue to be carefully watched. As at present advised, however, I am not disposed to proceed on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

Is this not another example of the "Wait-and-See" attitude?

Does the Government approve of the advertising of luxuries and non-essentials?

I am hardly competent to answer that question on behalf of the Government. With regard to the question put by the hon. Member for North-West Lanarkshire (Mr. Pringle), I do not think he will have long to wait before the Order is issued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered in his scheme for economising in the use of paper the amount daily consumed in the issuing of contents bills advertising daily and evening newspapers; and whether he will consider, now that it is found necessary to reduce the size of newspapers, the advisability of prohibiting during the War the publication of such contents bills?

An Order will shortly be made under the Defence of the Realm Regulations severely restricting the use of contents bills and other similar means of advertisement.

Will the Board of Trade take into consideration when making the Order the desirability of stopping the use of paper for the purposes of trade advertisements in newspapers?

All relevant points are being taken into consideration.

Does that apply to all newspaper contents bills?

Certainly that is my understanding.

Then they are abolished entirely?

Are any steps being taken to prevent the enlargement of newspapers?

Very drastic steps will shortly be taken to restrict the use of papers?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one newspaper is enlarging and adding to the number of pages being published?

I think my hon. Friend will see when he goes through the Order that the restrictions are sufficiently drastic to obviate any enlargement of size.

Will the hon. Member send somebody round to see the stocks they have in hand?

I have already taken action in order to ascertain what stocks are held.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in the event of his desiring to put martial law into force again in Ireland, a Proclamation of the Lord Lieutenant would be required; and, if so, whether he will advise a return to the condition of government that existed before the last Proclamation?

No new Proclamation is contemplated, but I do not anticipate that the provisions of the Regulations which are in force under the Defence of the Realm Acts can be relaxed.

If a Proclamation is not necessary, does not that in itself prove that martial law is still in existence?

That is a matter of argument. I tried to demonstrate by argument quite recently that that view is mistaken, but I appear not to have convinced the hon. Member.

Is not this a sort of experiment?

As a matter of fact is it open to argument?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has asked for, or will ask for, an expression of opinion of local authorities in urban and rural districts in Ireland on the policy of the Summer Time Act; and whether he will make public in some form such expressions of opinion on the subject as he has received or may receive before any proposal is made to re-enact the Statute in question, especially in view of the fact that, if the same statutory provisions are applied to England and Ireland, the departure from solar time in every part of Ireland will be much greater than in any part of England?

The opinions of the local authorities in Ireland as to the operation of the Summer Time Act were obtained and forwarded to the Committee appointed by the Home Secretary to consider the question of renewing the operation of the Act during the present year. The Committee also had Irish witnesses before them. I am informed that the Report and recommendations of the Committee are likely to be published shortly, and these will no doubt give such information as the hon. Member desires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that German firms are placing upon the market colonial produce lying to their account at the various docks and warehouses; and, if so, whether he will order the money obtained to be held until after the War?

I am not aware of the circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers, but if he will let me have particulars of the cases he has in mind I will cause inquiries to be made in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the claim for an advance of 2d. per hour to the present rate of 7¾d. per hour has been rejected by the War Office when applied for on behalf of the employés working for the Army Ordnance Department at Gloucester; whether the request of the workpeople for their claim to be submitted to arbitration has also been rejected; and, if so, will he give instructions for the matter to be referred to arbitration in accordance with the Munitions of War Acts?

Yes, Sir. According to my information the rate paid is consonant with the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House. I understand that an arbitration is about to take place as to the wages of men employed by the Munitions Department in the same locality, and I am awaiting the result before taking further steps.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the resolutions passed by all sorts of public bodies in Scotland as to the advisability of suspending the sale of intoxicating liquor there during the War period; if so, in view of these resolutions, would he consider the wisdom of suspending the sale of ardent spirits in Scotland during the War period, and giving to the liquor trade as compensation for this suspension of spirits-selling an extension of time beyond the year 1920 of the Temperance (Scotland) Act, 1913, equal to the time of suspension?

The attention of the Prime Minister has been drawn to the resolution in question. I have nothing to add to what the Prime Minister said with regard to beer and spirits in his speech in the House last Friday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trade would not accept that?

It is not a question between the trade and the Government only. The question is how it would be regarded by those affected by it.

Has any special means been taken to ascertain what is the feeling of all classes in Scotland?

It is not very easy to find out the information to answer that question. The Government have carefully considered it, and we are not prepared to take any steps.

asked the Prime Minister what causes the delay in carrying out the promise of his predecessor in office to publish full Reports of the proceedings in the secret courts-martial held in Ireland last May; and when those Reports will be available?

A similar question in the name of the hon. Member for East Mayo was postponed at my request till Monday, when an answer will be given to it.

asked the Prime Minister if he will give a day for the discussion of the Dominions Royal Commission Report; and could the day be given before the assembling of the Imperial War Conference?

I think if there should be a desire in the House for the discussion of this Report it would be more useful after the assembling of the Imperial War Conference.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent criticisms on the Members of this House in connection with Government contracts, he will introduce a measure making it obligatory upon all Members of this House to make a statutory declaration as to the shareholdings of themselves or their nominees in all British and foreign private and public companies deriving direct profits from the perpetuation of this War and lay the same upon the Table of this House?

I do not think there is any necessity to adopt the course suggested by the hon. Member.

Is he aware that it has been decided to introduce a special Clause in the Bill dealing with this subject?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the sums that are now being expended on the production of variety entertainments and revues exceed in many instances the prewar expenditure on similar objects; and whether he will take steps to limit such expenditure of national labour and capital for the duration of the War?

Producers of entertainments of the nature referred to by the hon. Member are liable to the same restrictions with regard to the supply of labour and materials as other classes of the community.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it would be better at the present time to stop this wasteful extravagance on the production of variety entertainments and revues?

That deals with the general question as to what are necessaries and luxuries. There may be a great deal to be said for the hon. Member's suggestion, but I am not prepared to say that theatres should be closed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Public Trustee refuses to claim as belonging to an enemy the balance of £754,982 or thereabouts paid by Sir William Plender to the Bank of England, being part of the surplus assets of the London agency of the Deutsche Bank, and, if so, upon what grounds; whether the Government will now consent to this balance being used to pay the British creditors of the Deutsche Bank, whose claims are urgent; and, if not, can he say for what reason?

The question whether the surplus assets of the London Agency of the Deutsche Bank are available for the satisfaction of British creditors of the head office is, as stated in my reply to the hon. Member for East Nottingham, one for the Courts to decide, and is now before them. Until that is decided the second part of the question does not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will consider the advisability of instituting a tax on all printed forms of public announcements made in the interests of private gain; (2) whether he is aware that, despite the restriction of imports of printing paper, an increasing number of works of fiction continue to be issued; whether, under these circumstances, he will consider instituting a tax on every copy of such works issued during the remaining period of the War; and (3) whether, as a means of taxing the floating population, he will consider the desirability of revising the receipt tax on hotel and restaurant bills by reducing the minimum amount necessitating the affixing of a re- ceipt stamp from £2 to 5s., and at the same time increasing the rate of the tax to 1d. in the 1s.

I will give due consideration to these, as to other suggestions which reach me for raising the revenue required for the public service in the coming financial year.

asked whether, with a view to assisting the reconstruction of British commerce after the War, he will appoint a Select Committee to consider and report how the metric system can best be applied within the Empire?

In view of the fact that, as stated by the late Prime Minister on the 26th October last, the Committee on Commercial and Industrial Policy after the War is already considering the proposals which have been made for the adoption of the metric system in this country, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a Select Committee on the subject at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the complaints as to coal dealers not selling at the prices issued by the Board of Trade, and the impossibility of dealing with the same under the present law, he will consider the issue of Regulations with penalties under the Defence of the Realm Act to prevent this overcharging, mainly of small buyers of coal?

I understand that the Controller of Coal Mines discussed the question of small dealers' charges with the London Coal Merchants Committee on Saturday last, and that the Committee promised to make a full report on the subject. In the mean tine I am unable to add anything to the reply which I gave to the question asked by the hon. Member on the 22nd February.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state, approximately, the number of tons of mer- chandise conveyed by rail and otherwise to and from the British Industries Fair now being held by the Department, the number of persons engaged as attendants by the Department, and the exhibitors at the exhibition?

Out of 440 exhibitors, 208 received their samples by rail. The total weight of these samples may be estimated at approximately 40 tons. The remaining exhibitors sent their samples by carrier or in their own vans, or, in many instances, brought them in cabs. Some 600 persons are employed looking after the stands at the Fair, but practically all of these are either the principals of the exhibiting firms or members of their permanent staffs. As regards the number of persons employed by the Board of Trade at the Fair, eleven officers, three women typists, and three messengers are drawn from the staff of the Department of Commercial Intelligence. In addition to these there are two interpreters and a further temporary staff of eighteen persons, including commissionaires, women typists, etc. The cleaners employed in connection with the Fair belong to the ordinary staff of the Victoria and Albert Museum and of the Imperial Institute.

asked why, notwithstanding his decision to reduce the amount of railway travelling by the increase of fares, the exhibition branch of his Department have issued 100,000 invitations to people to come to the exhibition of toys and crockery now being held under his direction at the Victoria and Albert Museum?

The British Industries Fair, to which my hon. Friend presumably refers, is being held partly in the Victoria and Albert Museum and partly in the building of the Imperial Institute, and comprises stationery and printing and fancy goods, as well as glass, china, and earthenware and toys. The invitations to attend the Fair were issued to trade buyers, who are able at the Fair to inspect the goods of some 440 manufacturers. The manufacturers in question are by these means enabled greatly to reduce the amount of travelling which their representatives would ordinarily have to undertake in order to reach trade buyers in different parts of the United Kingdom, and I see good reason to think that the Fair in this way tends to reduce rather than to increase the total amount of travelling in the year. I would add that I attach the greatest importance to the maintenance of the continuity of these fairs, which have proved of especial value to British trade. My hon. Friend is perhaps not aware that similar fairs are to be held shortly at Lyons and Paris under the auspices of the French Government, and that the German authorities have maintained the fairs at Leipzig throughout the War.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of their services, members of the Volunteer Force have, so far as the special constabulary are concerned, the right of choosing whether to remain with the volunteers or in the special constabulary, should the joint duties become too obvious?

A special constable may resign his office with the consent of the chief officer of police. I have no doubt that by arrangement between the military and police authorities consent would be given in proper cases.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will reduce the minimum age limit for promotion to the rank of warrant writer in the Royal Navy from thirty-five to thirty; and will he consider whether he can increase the opportunities of promotion for the writers in the Navy?

It is not intended to reduce the minimum age limit at present in the manner suggested, but the question will be considered with other questions relating to the Accountant Branch at the end of the War. As regards the second part, the question of adding to the number of warrant writers is under consideration.

Why should not these people have some attention paid to them on the question of promotion?

I have said that the question of adding to the number of writers is now under consideration.

I am referring to the question of promotion.

I have said that several questions relating to the Accountant Branch will be considered at the end of the War.

Is it not the fact that all the promotions are given to people outside?

We have certainly taken in for the period of the War many Assistant-Paymasters R.N.V.R., and were glad to get them.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether it is proposed to grant through the Civil Liabilities Committee a maintenance allowance to the wives of married junior officers although these officers are already eligible for assistance in regard to obligations such as rent, rates, etc.; and on what grounds it has been decided not to grant a maintenance allowance to the dependent parents of unmarried junior officers?

It is proposed that the new maintenance allowance should be given only in cases where there are children in the family. This particular allowance therefore will not be available either for parents or for wives unless there are children to be supported. Grants may, however, as I have previously explained, be given wherever there is serious hardship in respect of the other obligations to which the scheme applies, whether the officer is married or unmarried, and whether it is for a wife or for a dependent parent that the home is being kept up.

May I ask if that answer means that no allowance whatever is to be given to the invalid wife of an officer who is incapable of supporting herself?

No proposal of that kind is at present made.

Is it being considered?

We are ready to consider any suggestion that may be made for improving the general conditions with regard to pensions and allowances both of our Army and Navy?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if a date has been fixed for making application with regard to these allowances to officers; has it been fixed by the Treasury?

Tie proposals are still with the Treasury.

Who is opposing this grant to the wives of junior officers?

I do not think anybody is opposing it. After all, the Treasury is very hard worked, and we are expecting every day to receive a reply.

Is the Army Council supporting or opposing it?