asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Bill for the purpose of depriving traitorous persons in the line of succession to the Throne in arms against the Sovereign and peoples of these countries of peerages, titles, ranks, and dignities held by them, which was to have been introduced in another place in the week beginning the 25th February, has not been so introduced; and whether, in view of the repeated Ministerial promises in relation to this matter, he will say if there is any and, if so, what explanation of the delay in the introduction of this legislation?

It was the intention of the Government to introduce this Bill in another place on Thursday last. As, however, there was no sitting on that day its introduction will take place on either Tuesday or Thursday of this week.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if some alleviation of the complete prohibition to import coffee from India and East Africa can be considered, the coffee being produced by British planters and already financed by merchants and bankers in this country?

This question is receiving careful consideration, but I am afraid that in present circumstances I am not in a position to make any special concession in the matter.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the application of the restrictions governing the withdrawal of spirits from bond is resulting in hardship in the case of hospitals, both military and civil, on account of the inability of retailers to supply the small quantities of brandy necessary for their consumption due to their inability to show an average owing to their varying needs, which are dependent on the nature of the cases under treatment, and that representations made on behalf of the Great Northern Central Hospital to the Customs authorities pointing out that their consumption was two gallons every ten days, that they were now using their last two gallons, and that their suppliers were unable to draw a further quantity from bond only resulted in a promise to place the subject before the Board with a view to an inquiry being held and a statement that some weeks might elapse before a decision was arrived at; and, in view of the fact that the application of the restrictions in such cases cannot be in the public interest, and having regard to the necessity for the maintenance of an adequate supply of brandy for use in the treatment of wounded soldiers, will he take such steps as will procure a modification of the Regulations in so far as they govern the supply of brandy to hospitals?

The Board of Customs and Excise inform me that while they can identify the case referred to they had no knowledge that the situation was as described in the question. No representations have been made to them by the hospitals as to the effect upon them of the present restrictions, but they are inquiring further into the case of this hospital.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Greenwich Time Act imposes on the public expense in the procuring of fuel and light which under former conditions was not required, and inflicts hardships on young children who have to leave their beds at early hours in order to attend school, thereby preventing their physical development, and leading to ill-health; and will he say what action he proposes to take?

There have no doubt been some differences of opinion as to the effects of this Act of Parliament in Ireland, but I am not aware of any general agreement with the views expressed in the question, and no representations have been made which seemed to me to call for action by the Government.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) if he can specify any-illegal conduct for which, on the alleged suspicion of some unknown person, Mr. J. J. O'Kelly has been banished from Ireland without charge or trial and of which his character, business, and literary and philanthropic engagements make the alleged suspicion reasonable; whether he is aware that this gentleman is an author and translator of numerous books, mostly historical and religious; vice-president of the Gaelic League for the revival of the Irish language; secretary of the Society for the Preservation of the Irish Language; an active member of and constant attendant on numerous language committees, mostly conducted in Irish, all held under the rule adopted in August, 1914, strictly excluding politics; treasurer of the Irish National Aid and Volunteer Dependants' Fund; editor of the "Catholic Bulletin"; and engaged in the publishing firm of Messrs. M. H. Gill and Son; and whether, having regard to the impossibility of one so fully occupied, and respected and trusted in all these capacities, being at the same time a danger to the public safety, he will at once test by a trial the secret Report, or, in default, leave the public to believe that these very activities constitute the offence for which Mr. O'Kelly is suffering; (2) if he will give the House the name of the author of the statement typed in advance on the form which the men banished from Ireland without trial were asked to sign, that they selected certain places in England as places of residence; whether he concurred in asking the men to sign it; whether some of the men refused to take the document; whether some of them declared that they would infinitely prefer being in gaol in Ireland to residing anywhere in England; and whether these will be given the advantage of a trial, with the risk of going to goal if they can be convicted of any illegality; and (3) whether he can specify any ground for the arrest and banishment of Irishmen without charge or trial other than the two grounds disclosed by the activity of the men so treated, namely, hostility to the movement for the representation of Ireland as a distinct nation in the forthcoming international peace conference and hostility to the Gaelic League, a strictly non-political organisation for the revival of the Gaelic language; whether all the men prominent in both these movements have been or are to be banished; whether now, on the eve of the Gaelic League issuing its annual appeal for support, the following leading officers of it are under restraint in England: Eoin MacNeill, president; J. J. O'Kelly, vice-president; Sean T. Kelly, general secretary; Peadar O'Hourichan, chief organiser for Munster; Padraig O'Maille, chief organiser for Connaught; and Sean O'Murthille, a leading organiser; and whether it is calculated that these deportations at this particular juncture will bring the language movement to an end?

Mr. J. J. O'Kelly did, I believe, hold the position named in the first question. The persons recently deported from Ireland were not asked to sign any form whatever. Before serving them with the Order prohibiting them from residing in Ireland each person was given the choice of various localities in England in which he might reside, and the selection thus made was acceded to in all cases where choice was exercised. Nine men refused to accept the Order made against them on the grounds that their names were spelt in English and not in Irish, and one man stated that he would sooner be in gaol in Ireland than reside in England. It is not proposed to place these men on trial. I am informed that Messrs. MacNeill, O'Kelly, Kelly, O'Hourichan, O'Malley, and O'Hurley, who are mentioned in the third question, were officers of the Gaelic League. It is not calculated that the deportations will bring the language movement to an end. As to the inquiries in the hon. Member's questions, which are not covered by this answer, I would refer them to the general statement I made on Monday last.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether wages boards for agricultural labour are to be established in Ireland; and, if so, when?

Wages boards for agricultural labour are about to be established in Ireland. I hope to be in a position to make a statement as to the necessary arrangements in the course of a few days.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the amount of compensation awarded to the families of Messrs. Dickson and Mac-Intyre, shot with Mr. Skeffington in April last by Captain Coulthurst in Portobello Barracks?

This matter was referred to the Rebellion (Victims) Committee. The Committee inform me that they are about to report

asked through what agency it is proposed to work the National Service Act in Ireland?

I have had several consultations on this subject with the Director-General of National Service. As the result it is proposed to appoint a Director of National Service for Ireland who may be put in a position to act with the advice of a consultative board drawn from the four provinces and through the agency of county and district committees, and in cooperation with the various existing central and local authorities in Ireland. By this means it is hoped to safeguard the immediate interests of local industry and to make the best use of any labour which may be found available for special work in Great Britain.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the number of cases of old age pensions in which the additional 2s. 6d. has been sanctioned by the pension committee but disallowed by the pension officer; the names of the districts, and the number of cases in each district; whether he can state the number of applications for the additional 2s. 6d. refused in Ulster, whether by the pension committee, the pension officer, or both, with the names of the districts and the number of refusals in each district; and whether, since there is no appeal from the decision of the pension officer, he will state what end is served by the bringing of applications before the pension committee?

I am unable to understand the hon. Member's question, as the responsibility for granting additional allowances to old age pensioners who are within the Government's scheme rests, not with the officers, but with the local pension committee, subject in certain cases to appeal to the Local Government Board. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any actual cases that he has in mind, I will have inquiry made. I have no statistics of the number of applications for additional allowances that have been refused by the pension committees in Ulster.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that in a recent case held in Cahirciveen on 2nd February, the defendant, Mr. John O'Sullivan, wished to be defended by his solicitor, and that application was made for an adjournment, on the ground that his solicitor had to attend an equity case in Tralee on that day; whether he will inquire why the adjournment was refused and the defendant was unable, through no fault of his own, to be legally represented; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am informed that the facts are as stated in the question. The defendant was summoned to show cause why he should not find sureties for the peace and was bound over. The magistrates refused the application for an adjournment in the exercise of their discretion, as no question of law arose.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the number of acres in West Clare, additional to those of last year, which will be brought under tillage in accordance with the scheme of the Government; and the total acreage of grass lands in West Clare which comes within the scope of the Land Act of 1909?

I am not in a position to give the information the hon. Member desires. The necessary statistics are not in existence.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether the export of oats from Ireland has been prohibited; and, if so, by whose order, and when the Order was made, and where a copy of it can be obtained; whether the Order was published in the "Dublin Gazette," or advertised in any Irish paper, and, if so, when; and, if not, how the Order was promulgated amongst the Irish trade; and whether, in the case of similar Orders affecting important Irish interests, care will be taken to promulgate them in Ireland in a formal way, so that all interests concerned may know exactly how they are affected?

The export of oats from Ireland is prohibited by an Order dated the 11th January, made by the Food Controller under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The Order was not published in the "Dublin Gazette," but a statement of its effect appeared in the Press. Copies of the Order may be obtained from the Stationery Office. Steps will be taken to ensure that interests affected by any Order shall receive due intimation of its issue. I am inquiring whether it would probably be useful to arrange for publication in the "Dublin Gazette."

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will take steps to prevent speculative buying and selling in tea by fixing a price which will prevent exploitation and profiteering at the expense of the people's daily wants?

The Food Controller has this matter under his personal consideration, and is conferring with importers, merchants, and brokers on the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will at once inquire into the meat gambling operations in Smithfield Market of a firm named Bates and Bates and of another firm named Hartridge and Bates; whether he is aware that these firms have acquired several new premises and bought out several old firms in the market since the War; whether he is aware that almost every morning these firms buy up the Scottish and other consignments and hold the same for a rise; and whether he will at once hold an inquiry into the matter with a view to undertaking a prosecution?

Inquiries have been made into the points raised by the hon. Member. I am informed that the firms in question have acquired several additional stalls at Smithfield Market since the outbreak of the War. I have not been able to obtain any confirmation of the allegation made in the third part of the question. If the hon. Member will give me further information, inquiry will be continued. In the meantime, the Food Controller is requiring the firms to produce for inspection their books and details of purchases.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that Mr. P. Griffin, provision merchant in Caherciveen, has applied for sugar and has not yet been allotted any; and whether, seeing that he opened business in February, 1916, some modification in the rules will be made so that new traders may be enabled to obtain same sugar?

As I have explained in answer to a previous question, the arrangements made by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply do not admit of sugar being allotted to persons who did not begin to trade until after 1915. The Food Controller is considering, in consultation with the Royal Commission, whether any steps could be taken to meet the cases of hardship arising under this ruling.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can grant the application which has been made for the release of Trooper Fletcher, of the Royal Gloucestershire Hussar Yeomanry, to enable him to return to his farm of 300 acres, which, without his supervision, must pass out of cultivation and the stock have to be abandoned?

This man is a category A man. Careful inquiries have been made and there does not seem to be any reason for apprehending that the farm will go out of cultivation. It is not intended therefore to release him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a farmer of forty years of age, who is the sole male worker on a farm of 40 acres with a large stock and substantial amount of tillage, who has been called up for military service, with the result of being obliged to dispose of his stock and allow his land to go out of cultivation; if so, whether this farmer will be exempted; and if he can undertake that no further male labour shall be called up from farms which will involve the land becoming derelict?

If my right. hon. Friend will furnish particulars inquiries will be made. It is open to tribunals to exempt any man, whose calling up would inevitably involve food-producing land becoming derelict.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that numbers of sheep with lamb have been obliged to be killed because the shepherds have been called up for military service; and whether, in view of the national food crisis, he can undertake that no further shepherds will be called to the Colours?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the statement which my Noble Friend the Secretary of State made on this subject generally in another place on the 28th February. My Noble Friend is aware of the necessities of farm labour, and the instructions now in force with regard to the calling up of men employed on farms have received the concurrence of the Board of Agriculture.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that John Robinson, a young man residing at South Shields, was called up for military service on the 1st January last; that he has since been sentenced by district court-martial to imprisonment as a conscientious objector; and that he is now in Wormwood Scrubbs; whether is aware that this young man was a smallholder; can he say if the land he cultivated is now lying derelict and l½ acres of foodstuffs are being destroyed through lack of labour; and, if so, whether, in the interests of the national food supply, this man will be returned to work his holding?

Inquiries have been made into this case which had not previously been brought to my notice. John Robinson registered under the National Registration Act as an assistant grocer, not as a smallholder. He only took the small holding in the year 1916. His application to the local tribunal for exemption from military service was dismissed. On appeal the Appeal Tribunal granted him exemption till 25th November, 1916. His application for renewal of this exemption was dismissed by the tribunal as he had no practical agricultural knowledge. His holding was not then in crop nor in preparation for the coming season. The agricultural representative at the tribunal did not consider him essential as the holding could easily be worked by his father, who is of middle age, leaving his mother and sister to look after the grocer's shop. As Robinson, having ceased to hold any exemption, failed to report to several calling up notices, he was eventually handed over by the Civil Court as an absentee. In these circumstances no exceptional action will be taken in his case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private J. B. Saunders, No. 315090, lst/6th Royal West Sussex, M.F.F., Egypt, a conscientious objector to military service, was sentenced at Portobello by court-martial to one year's imprisonment for refusing military service; that Saunders suffered ill-treatment at the hands of the military while in confinement, including solitary confinement and semi-starvation; and that applications on behalf of chaplains to be allowed to visit the man were refused; whether he has been sent to Egypt; and whether he will say why this man was not handed over to the civil prison authorities in common with other conscientious objectors?

I have found considerable difficulty in identifying the soldier named by my hon. Friend's question, but I have ascertained that a Lance-Corporal James Bauldry Saunders, of the 103rd Training Reserve Battalion, was tried at Portobello Barracks on the 10th November last for "desertion" and "while in arrest escaping." He was sentenced to undergo one year's detention. I cannot admit that Saunders has suffered ill-treatment whilst undergoing his punishment. Such treatment as he has been receiving has been in accordance with the Rules for Detention Barracks and Military Prisons. He has not been sent to Egypt, as is stated in the question. My hon. Friend will recognise that Private Saunders became Lance-Corporal. Saunders in a fighting unit, and his conscientious objections were first brought to-the notice of the War Office through reading this question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the names of persons called up in certain centres are being made known to certain individuals who are sending offers to purchase their pianos; whether this is done with the sanction of the War Office; or, if not, whether he will issue instruc- tions to all officers engaged in calling up men to discontinue this practice, and thus save recruits from a form of touting?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for bringing to my notice this practice, which is totally unauthorised. General inquiries are being made, which we hope will elucidate the facts, and special inquiries will be made into the cases which my hon. Friend has brought to my notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of Arthur L. Tooze, of Paddington, who is being called up as a conscript for the Army under the Military Service Act, although he enlisted in September, 1914, as a private and eventually was promoted to the rank of captain; whether he was relieved from his commission under circumstances which reflect gravely on the system in operation in the Army and has been denied all opportunity or right of redress; and whether, under these circumstances, he will order a full inquiry to be made with a view to reinstatement?

This gentleman was reported by his superior officers in France to be unfit to retain his commission in that country, and on his return home he was gazetted out. Two appeals have been considered by the Army Council, who see no reason to reverse the decision. There is no occasion for any special inquiry, and I think that my hon. Friend's suggestion that the circumstances of this case reflect gravely on the system in the Army is without foundation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Russian subjects who joined the British Army under the agreement between the Russian and British Governments are to receive the full pay, separation allowances, and rights to pensions as are accorded to British subjects serving as soldiers; and whether, in case they serve in the British Army and are disabled in its service, they will retain their rights even if after the War they return to Russia?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the answer just given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. A statement on these points will be made when the Bill is before the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the 30th Middlesex Regiment is an Infantry works battalion used for Home labour and is composed solely of men of enemy alien origin and naturalised enemy aliens; if these men were promised by the tribunals and the military authorities that they would be used for Home labour only; if, in spite of these promises, these men have now been warned that they are to be sent for labour service in France; and, if so, will this instruction be revoked?

This battalion is composed of men of enemy alien origin and of naturalised British subjects of enemy alien parentage and is employed on labour at home. Nothing is known of a promise that it should not be employed for labour in France.

asked whether Corporal A. B., who was lamed at the front, and, after many months' treatment in military hospitals, was finally examined by a board of seven doctors, received his discharge from the Army as unfit for further military service, and was granted a pension, subsequently being treated by Mr. Barker's manipulative method and completely restored to activity and strength, is now liable to be called up to serve in the Army again?

In the absence of particulars as to this man's name and unit, I am unable to inquire into the circumstances of the case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the conditions under which an officer is appointed to a temporary commission; is an officer holding a temporary commission subject to the same regulations and does he enjoy the same privileges with regard to appeal to his superior officers as does an officer holding a commission in the Regular Forces and whose first appointment was made under paragraphs 25–35 of the Royal Warrant?

Candidates for temporary commissions are recommended from N. C. O's and men serving in the ranks or in Officers' Training Corps. After a course of instruction in an Officer Cadet Unit those who qualify receive temporary commissions; a limited number of direct temporary commissions are given in the transportation service to individuals with special technical qualifications. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked at what time of day the last meal is given to soldiers at present at Knightsbridge Barracks?

The last daily meal served to the troops in Knightsbridge Barracks is at 6.45 p.m., this being the most convenient hour for the men.

asked the Under Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the case of soldiers who have completed their full term of engagement, twelve years, before the outbreak of war and have voluntarily re-enlisted after the outbreak of war for the duration of the War; and whether such men can be given the option of remaining in the Service after the termination of the War, so as to complete their term of twenty-one years' service, including their twelve years' service before the War, and so qualifying for a pension?

All such service will count as qualifying service for pension, but no decision as to such men being given the option of remaining in the Service to complete twenty-one years can be given until the conclusion of the War.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Morris Beef Company, of Smith-field and Chicago, are at present employing a young man twenty-five years of age as a buyer of frozen meat who was formerly employed by the firm of Hart-ridge and Swain and obtained exemption from military service on the grounds that he was indispensable to this particular firm; and whether he will ask the Morris Beef Company, the Swift Beef Company, the Armour Beef Company, and Archer and Sulzberger to give a full account of the number of persons of military age who are in their employ?

Inquiries are being made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any British prisoners in the hands of the Turks have been released by the capture of Kut and the operations connected therewith; and whether he has made inquiry on this subject?

I have not received any information to this effect; and as the General Officer Commanding would not have failed to Report the circumstance, I do not think that special inquiry is necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at a general court-martial held at the Victoria Barracks, Cork, on the 25th and 26th January last, upon Peter O'Keeffe for an offence under the Defence of the Realm Act, counsel for the accused had several times complained of the attitude and demeanour of Captain Atkinson, the judge advocate; whether the judge advocate had used several expressions of an insulting character towards the accused's counsel, a gentleman of experience at the Irish Bar; whether the judge advocate illegally objected to accused's counsel cross-examining the principal witness for the prosecution as to his character and as to convictions against him on the ground that accused's solicitor had not served notice to produce the witness's record; whether accused's counsel appealed to the members of the court-martial to express an opinion upon the conduct of Captain Atkinson; whether one member of the Court stated that he considered the judge advocate had not treated counsel fairly; whether another member stated that sufficient latitude was not being accorded by the judge advocate to the counsel for the defence; whether these views were adopted by other members of the Court; whether the General Officer Commanding the Forces in Ireland has received a complaint in reference to the matter; and whether, in view of the Rules of Procedure, Nos. 60, 89, 91, and 102 (H), which provide that proper latitude is to be allowed to accused and his counsel, and that the judge advocate should maintain an entirely impartial position, the sentence upon Peter O'Keeffe will be quashed?

No such expressions of opinion by individual members of the Court with regard to the judge advocate as are suggested by my hon. Friend appear on the face of the record. In one place the president states with regard to a question that had arisen that the majority of the Court were entirely in favour of the judge advocate. Counsel for the defence also stated that he had every latitude, courtesy and fair play from the members of the Court. Some altercation appears to have arisen between the judge advocate and counsel for the defence, but it does not appear on the record that the judge advocate used insulting expressions towards the accused's counsel, or that he prevented the cross-examination of the principal witness for the prosecution as to his character. The first witness for the prosecution appears, in fact, to have been fully cross-examined as to character. Reports are being obtained from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Ireland, and the president of the Court to enable me to deal with the remaining points raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will specify the charges upon which Mr. John MacNeill was arrested, accused, and convicted, respectively, in Dublin last May?

I would refer the hon. Member to the oral reply given today by my light hon. Friend in answer to a question by the hon. Member for East Mayo.

asked what was the name of the British officer who appeared as a witness against Dermod (Jeremiah) Lynch, an American citizen, before a secret court-martial in Dublin last May; what is this officer's present rank; and where is he now-serving?

I would refer the hon. Member to the oral reply given to-day by my right hon. Friend in answer to a question by the hon. Member for East Mayo.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the road from Dublin to the Curragh Camp is extensively used for the transport of military stores and equipments, the heavy wagons required for which traffic do damage to the road and thereby add to the cost of maintaining it; whether any contribution to the cost of such maintenance is made by the War Office or has ever been made; and, if not, whether an adequate contribution will now be made?

I would refer the hon. Member to the written answer which was circulated with the OFFICIAL REPORT of the 1st instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the hardship of cases where relatives desire to visit wounded in hospitals but are precluded from so doing owing to the high railway fares; and whether he will consider the possibility of issuing warrants so that relatives can in these cases travel at the fares previously charged?

The medical authorities have discretion to issue concession vouchers to relatives whose home are thirty or more miles distant from the hospital. These vouchers provide for the return journey at single fare, and I understand that the 50 per cent. increase is not charged on them. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Limehouse I am inquiring whether any relaxation of the thirty-mile rule could properly be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in consequence of the temporary closing of Box Tunnel for repairs, the Great Western Railway Company are justified in charging an increase in the return fare between Chippenham and Bath from 2s. 2d. to 4s. 7d.; and whether, in the circumstances, he will take steps to obtain a reduction from the railway company in the fare charged from Chippenham to Bath to the rate charged prior to the closing of the Box Tunnel?

I have already furnished the hon. Gentleman with a copy of a letter from the Great Western Railway Company explaining the circumstances under which the increase referred to has been made. That letter referred, however, more particularly to the fare between Corsham and Bath, and I have asked the company for their further observations, and will communicate with the hon. Gentleman on receipt of their reply.

asked what is the total amount of meat placed in store on Government account in London and Liverpool during the last six months which, either from defective storage arrangements, bad condition, or other causes, has had to be condemned?

As far as the Army is concerned I am informed that the amount of meat condemned is negligible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the father of Private Philip O'Doherty, No. 28,516, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was granted only 3s. 6d. per week separation allowance in respect of his son; whether, as a result of correspondence with the War Office, the allowance was increased to 9s. 2d. per week, dating from the 4th October, 1916; and whether he will see that the arrears due from the date of enlistment, 15th January, 1916, up to the 4th October, 1916, be paid to the father of this soldier?

I have investigated this case, and find that a claim for dependant's allowance was not made until 4th October, 1916, and no arrears of payment are therefore due.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that at a meeting on Saturday last the cutters in the London tailoring trade decided to ballot on the question of discontinuing work in sympathy with the employés of the firm of Messrs. Burberry, at Beading, whom they understand to be locked out by that firm because of their refusal to surrender their membership of the Garment Workers' Union; whether the cessation of work in the London tailoring factories would jeopardise the supply of military clothing; and whether in this case it is proposed to apply the provisions of the Munitions Act to the tailoring trade or in some other appropriate way to deal with the situation created by the recalcitrance of Messrs. Burberry?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to the question. My attention has been called to the dispute in question, and I have done my best to bring about a settlement. I regret that Messrs. Burberry's have not seen their way to accept the Chief Industrial Commissioner's offer of mediation, but I have no power to compel them to do so unless the firm are held to be engaged in the manufacture, transport, or supply of munitions of war within the meaning of Section 3 of the Munitions of War Act, 1915. This is a legal question which is under consideration, and I will inform my hon. Friend of my decision. I have, however, felt it my duty to warn the union representing the workers that any stoppage of work on Government contracts in sympathy with the employés of Messrs. Burberry's would necessarily be very seriously regarded by the Government. If the facts are as stated, I cannot help feeling that the action of the firm shows a deplorable want of that conciliatory spirit which in the general interest is so necessary in the relations between Capital and Labour, both now and after the War.

asked the Minister of Munitions what arrangements are being made to compensate persons for damage done to property by the recent explosion in Yorkshire and to whom claims should be sent; and what steps are being taken to remove the production and storage of explosives from the midst of districts where there is a considerable residential population?

I have been in communication with the occupiers of the works, and, without admitting that His Majesty's Government are liable, I am prepared to deal with and pay all reasonable claims by the public for damage caused outside the factory. Claims should be sent to the Ministry, at Broadway House, Tothill Street, Westminster. I may add that a scheme is being prepared under the Munitions (Liability for Explosions) Act, 1916, under which Government indemnities will be given on the terms arranged to all manufacturers of explosives against similar claims. With regard to storage in the cases referred to by the right hon. Gentleman, instructions have been given to limit the amount of explosives to the lowest possible working stock. The large new explosives factories which have been built are placed away from populous areas, but the demand for explosives is so enormous that even such factories, great as they are, are quite unable to produce all that is required.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the increase of 4 per cent. on the duty on cotton goods imported into India is to be accompanied by a corresponding, or any, increase in the Excise Duty at present levied on cotton goods manufactured in India?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet received a Report from the Committee appointed to consider the question of the sale of cocaine?

I have received this Report, which has been presented to Parliament and will be printed for circulation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, if a further restriction in the output of beer is contemplated, it is to be effected by Bill or by Order under the Defence of the Realm Acts?

This question is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government are providing facilities for the transport of wool in excess of that needed for the manufacture of clothing for military requirements and for the more immediately urgent needs of the civilian population; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of diminishing these facilities in order to prefer the conveyance of such imports as form valuable elements in the dietary of the working population?

The allocation of shipping for various national purposes is being considered by the Shipping Controller, in consultation with the other Departments concerned. It is at present proposed to give facilities for the shipment of wool in view of its importance for military purposes, and for the export trade; but it is not proposed to provide tonnage for wool for manufacture into goods not absolutely essential for home consumption at the expense of the tonnage available for shipping foodstuffs. It is contemplated that the need of tonnage for the transport of food from Australasian and other ports may appreciably reduce the quantity of wool which might otherwise be shipped. In this connection I may, perhaps, point out that the needs of the situation have already required a very heavy reduction in the import of other raw materials, such as timber and jute.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received and considered a resolution originating with the Down County Council, endorsed by most of the county and borough councils in Ireland, requesting a revision of the law relating to compensation for malicious injuries in Ireland; and, in view of the unanimity of this demand, whether an agreed Bill will be introduced at an early date?

I have seen the resolution referred to, but I am not aware of any general demand for the revision of the law as to compensation for malicious injuries in Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government have yet settled a scheme for cow pastures for the supply of milk to the poor in towns and villages in Ireland; and whether he will give a preliminary outline of the scheme to help useful discussion?

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 pastures 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 Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Treasury propose to insist on the immediate repayment of £5,500 for the revaluation expenses incurred re Dublin City; and whether he will arrange that this amount shall be payable by instalments spread over a reasonable period in view of the fact that the work took eight years to accomplish?

The proportion of the total net cost of the revaluation of Dublin payable by the corporation is £5,532 12s. This liability was voluntarily incurred by the corporation under Section 60 of the Dublin Corporation Act, 1900. The work of revaluation extended over several years. In 1906 the corporation were asked to undertake to repay their moiety of the cost by instalments as the work proceeded, but they declined to do this, and the whole amount therefore fell due on completion of the work. Upon representations made to the Irish Office by the corporation and duly discussed by the Irish Office with the Treasury, it has been decided to accept repayment of the debt in two years. A portion amounting to £3,000 has been paid by deduction from the share of moneys payable to the corporation out of the local taxation account, and the balance will be paid during the next financial year.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that William M'Ellwee, of Fortstewart, county Donegal, is the son of a deceased tenant on the estate of Sir Harry Stewart, county Donegal, and in all respects qualified to receive an allotment of land on this estate: that he duly applied for an allotment, was advised by the Commissioners' inspector that it was necessary for him to take out administration to his deceased father without delay, and was encouraged in the belief that his application would be granted, so that he incurred unnecessary expense in taking out the grant, which was duly submitted to the Commissioners; and if he will explain on what ground his application has now been refused, in view of the fact that the land on this estate has been given to persons who had not the statutory qualifications, to individuals who have since let their holdings to adjoining farmers for grazing, and to persons who are not tenants on the estate at all?

I am making inquiries with regard to this matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the family of Constable Goldrich, accidentally shot at Craughwell in January, 1909, were given any compensation; if so, how much, and from what source; and, having regard to the use of his carbine by Constable Rennick in 1915, to the caution given to him by a fellow constable, to his threat to-shoot the eye out of Patrick Johnston's head, and to his immediately shooting that boy dead through the eye, whether he will reconsider the case, and have some compensation made to the boy's parents from public funds, from police funds, or from Rennick?

Constable Goldrich was murdered by an armed gang whilst engaged in the discharge of his police duties, and a £100 compassionate gratuity was paid to his father under the Constabulary Vote. The lad Johnston was accidentally shot by the constable who is named in the question. As to the suggested payment out of public funds, I can add nothing to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 14th December. I am told that there is no ground for the personal charges against the constable which appear in the question.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board what is the immediate cause of the circular sent out by the Board recently making regulations for medical officers of health to vaccinate-small-pox contacts; what fee is payable to medical officers for this work; whether the council employing the medical officer or the board of guardians entrusted by law with the carrying out of the vaccination system will pay the cost of such vaccinations; and what section of what Act empowers the Board to allow anybody other than a board of guardians to pay for vaccination out of the rates?

The reason for making the regulations was that the Local Government Board were advised that it was desirable that further facilities should be provided for securing on the occurrence of any case of small-pox the prompt vacci- nation and re-vaccination of persons who have come in contact with the infection. Cases of small-pox are now reported from different parts of Europe, and it is of special importance at the present time to diminish the risk of an outbreak of this disease in this country. The Board stated in the circular sent out with the regulations that in their view a fee of 2s. 6d. should be paid for each vaccination. This fee will be paid by the local authority employing the Medical Officer of Health who performs the vaccination. The Order is made under Section 130 of the Public Health Act, 1875.