asked the Prime Minister whether this House is to understand that the decision not to restrict the advertisement of luxuries may be taken as an indication that the Government approve of the manufacture and the sale of luxuries during this War; whether it is due to political representations; and, in this case, whether the Government will make a patriotic appeal to refrain from encouraging the production of these luxuries and non-essentials by refraining from enticing the public to purchase them?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to introduce some legislative measure to prevent Members of this House from taking part in Votes of Supply the passing of which may result either directly or indirectly to their personal financial gain?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the whole of the representatives for Lancashire have been compelled to submit to the Indian Cotton Duties in order to enlist the good will, the sympathy, the zeal, and enthusiasm of India, and to enrol all its resources and utilise them for the purposes of the War, he proposes to adopt a similar course with one half of the representatives for the province of Ulster to submit to Home Rule in Ireland in order to enlist the good will, the sympathy, the zeal, and enthusiasm of Ireland, and to enrol all its resources and utilise them for the purposes of the War?

I have nothing to add to what has been said by the Prime Minister on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the estimated net profits for British shipping for 1913 were £20,000,000, which was 10.½ per cent. on capital investment; if he is aware that the net profits for 1916 were £135,000,000 and 67½ per cent. on invested capital, which is an increase over and above 1913 of 543 per cent.; and if he will, when preparing his next Budget statement, consider the advisability of taking all the excess profits earned over and above the 1914–15 profits earned?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland on the 16th March.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that an application has been made to the Admiralty for an increase in the wages of pensioner messengers, and that the Admiralty have replied stating that as the wages of these messengers are based on the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service the question is now one for the consideration of the Treasury; whether he is aware that since the War the only increase these men have had in pay amounts to 3s. per week, whilst the Committee on Production have given awards, based on the increased cost of living only, amounting to 12s. per week; and whether he will make inquiry into this matter, with a view to taking such action as will enable these men to receive an advance in wages equivalent to that given to other industrial workers throughout the country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The pensioner messengers have, since the War, received not only the increase of 3s. a week referred to by the hon. Member but a war bonus of 4s. a week, which was granted to the Civil Service generally. I am not prepared to admit that the wages of these messengers should be fixed solely by reference to those paid to industrial workers, but I understand that the Conciliation and Arbitration Board has before it a general application for an increase in the Civil Service war bonus and the claims of the pensioner messengers will, no doubt, be considered by the Board along with those of other classes.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds the English Government in Ireland, discriminate between individuals in carrying on the lawful industry by which they live; why, for example, has Mr. Maurice O'Connell, Renard Road, Cahirciveen, been refused a permit to carry on his industry of fishing in his boat "St. Fiacri," in which his money is invested, while permits have been given to other boat owners in the same district; and whether a permit will now be given or compensation paid for the loss occasioned by refusal of it?

The issue of permits for fishing vessels is regulated by the Admiralty. I am informed that the Vice-Admiral Commanding (Coast of Ireland) is unable to countersign a Permit for Mr. Maurice O'Connell's fishing vessel.

asked whether the arrest and deportation of Mr. J. J. O'Kelly, without charge or trial, was because he is a member of the supreme council and of the executive of the Irish Nation League, which was founded to prevent the partition of Ireland, which reserves to itself power to withdraw Irish representation from Westminster, and which insists upon Ireland's right to representation as a distinct nation in the forthcoming International Peace Conference; and are all these objects held to be illegal?

I must refer the hon. Member to my answers to his previous questions on this subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of hay in Dublin markets for some time past; and if, to prevent a shortage of milk in Dublin city, he will press upon the military authorities the necessity of releasing all hay in Dublin and the surrounding counties not immediately required for military purposes?

This matter was fully dealt with on Tuesday last in an answer to the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin.

asked what steps have been taken to appoint a Committee for the purpose of fixing a minimum wage for agricultural labourers in Queen's County?

Steps are being taken for the appointment of a central wages board of five members to direct the necessary measures in the several counties of Ireland for constituting district wages committees, and fixing the minimum wage for agricultural labour in the districts.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the necessity of providing fuel for the coming winter and the urgency of making early preparation, he will have a survey made of all the bogs capable of producing fuel in county Meath with the view of distributing them between the local poor people?

The bogs of county Meath have been surveyed, and the attention of those concerned will be called to the facts mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, have been taken to comply with the increased tillage scheme on the Killeany estate, Queen's County, containing 865 acres, the property of Major Marsh; if he is aware that an offer was made for the purchase of part of this estate by the Estates Commissioners three years ago; that the owner has since notified the Estates Commissioners that he is unwilling to sell at present; and, as several -uneconomic holders in this district have applied to the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture for allotments on this estate under the food-production scheme, what action the Department intend taking should the owner fail to carry out the increased tillage scheme?

Shortly before the outbreak of war, the owner of the Marsh estate expressed his willingness to sell the property under the Land Purchase Acts and was furnished with an estimate of the price, but as the purchase money would be payable in 3 per cent. stock, the owner informed the Estates Commissioners he could not proceed with the sale. Formal proceedings have not been instituted. As to the question of tillage, the inquiries of the Department of Agriculture are proceeding.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that several smallholders and labourers applied for allotments under the Government food-production scheme on Lord Castletown's Granstown grazing ranch which contains about 300 acres; that his agent, Major Hamilton, refused to let any of this land, stating that he had made arrangements for the present year; and, as the land has been let to two large graziers in this dis- trict, what steps the Department of Agriculture intend taking in this case to have the Government increased tillage scheme carried out?

The Department of Agriculture are making inquiries as to the estate referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how much of the Wade estate, Clonabraney, county Meath, has been let for grazing this year on the eleven months' system, to whom it has been let, and upon what rent per acre; having regard to the fact that there were numerous local applicants prepared to cultivate it, why it was not permanently divided or, failing that, let in conacre for tillage purposes; and whether, as in response to the charge made by the hon. Member for North Meath that the Commissioners were frustrating the intentions of Parliament in withholding this land acquired for the purpose of permanent distribution he stated that he would inquire into the facts, he is now prepared to state the result of his investigations?

The Estates Commissioners are cultivating about 300 acres on this estate, and they have set about 260 acres in temporary grazing lettings. The greater portion of the land let for grazing is unsuitable for cultivation. Lettings have been made to W. J. Wilson, of Kells, and to Daniel Neill, caretaker on the property, and the average rent is approximately £2 an acre. There were no local applications for conacre lettings, and the local labourers are being employed on the lands which the Commissioners are cultivating.

asked whether the Department of Agriculture really intends to carry out the powers vested in them under the tillage scheme against landholders who will not comply with the orders issued; and upon what date the Department propose to enter into such lands?

The Department of Agriculture are carrying out their powers. The date of entry on the lands of occupiers who have not complied with the Tillage Regulations will depend upon the circumstances of each case. In cases where the Department have so far considered it necessary to enter upon lands the occupiers have given way and have undertaken to comply with the Tillage Regulations. Other cases are pending and will be dealt with during the week.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been called to the resolution of the Lough Erne Drainage Board to the effect that, in view of the floods along the course of rivers emptying into Upper Lough Erne and along its banks, which prevailed on the 21st ultimo, application be made to the Department of Agriculture and Commissioners of Public Works to seek authority from Parliament to lower the statutory levels of the upper and lower lakes by at least two feet in order that the farmers, if compelled to till any of the land in the Lough Erne drainage area may have some security for their crops; and what steps the Department, the Commissioners, and the Executive have taken or propose to take in the matter?

The resolution of the Drainage Board has been received by the Commissioners of Public Works. Land liable to flooding cannot, in the opinion of the Commissioners, be described as arable, and occupiers cannot be called upon to till such land.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the fact that very many landholders in Ireland experience difficulty in tilling their lands owing to the want of suitable machinery; whether he is aware that the Munitions Department has prevented Irish agents from securing such machinery for large numbers who are willing to help in increasing the production of food; and whether some practical and definite steps will be taken by the Irish Government to secure the agricultural machinery so urgently needed to meet the requirements of the situation.

I am informed by the Ministry of Munitions that the statements in the question are contrary to fact; that Ireland has been given preference both in regard to tractors and material; and that the difficulty of obtaining supplies is due to causes which affect the United Kingdom generally. Any individual case of delay which may be reported to the Ministry of Munitions will, I am assured, be dealt with as quickly as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, to diminish wastefulness of food and other necessary products, he will take means to institute an advertising campaign with the object of preventing such waste; and in this connection will he bear in mind the advertising campaign so successfully carried out in respect to the recent issue of War Loans, and consider whether at a comparatively small expense millions of pounds of valuable products might be saved, especially were such campaign to receive voluntary support from the Press?

The Food Controller recognises the importance of making all classes of the community realise the urgent necessity of avoiding waste of food in every form. He is glad to have been able to secure the co-operation of the National War Savings Committee, whose services in connection with the recent War Loan are well known. The details of a campaign for promoting food economy, with the aid of their organisation, are now being arranged. The Food Controller also, while acknowledging the valuable assistance which has been received from the Press, is confident that he can rely upon a continuance of its support in promoting the success of this movement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain tea magnates are raising the price of tea in defiance of the Food Controller; is he aware that about 100,000,000 pounds of tea owned by planters and bonded tea merchants have been kept in bond for the past two months waiting for a rise; and will the Government consider the advisability of commandeering all the tea in order to protect the poor?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the announcement made on Saturday last of arrangements between the Food Controller and the representatives of the importers and other persons interested in the tea trade, which will ensure that 40 per cent. of the total shipments of tea from India and Ceylon shall, on and after the 1st May, be sold retail at from 2s. 2d. to 2s. 4d. per pound.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture, in view of the Government proposals to guarantee minimum prices for wheat and oats with a view to increasing the acreage under these crops, if he will state, as regards the United Kingdom for each year since 1870, what were the average prices per imperial quarter of wheat, barley, and oats, respectively; and what were the acreages under wheat, barley, and oats respectively?

No average prices for wheat, barley, and oats are available for the United Kingdom. For England find Wales the average prices for the forty-five years from 1870 to 1914 are given on page 211 of Part III. of Agricultural Statistics, 1914 [Cd. 8112]. The areas of the three crops in the United Kingdom for the thirty years from 1885 to 1914 are given on page 98 of Part I. of the same volume [Cd. 7926], The areas for years before 885, no far as figures are available, are to be found in the earlier volumes of Agricultural Statistics. Corresponding particulars for the years 1915 and 1915 are:

1915—			s.	d.
Wheat	2,335,091	acres, average price	52	10
Barley	1,524,316	acres, average price	37	4
Oats	4,182,296	acres, average price	30	2
1916—
Wheat	2,053,568	acres, average price	58	5
Barley	1,653,376	acres, average price	53	6
Oats	4,171,353	acres, average price	33	5

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty after what period of service are men belonging to the Royal Naval Reserve and the Naval Volunteer Reserve granted a long-service medal; and whether the Board will consider the advisability of granting a long-service medal to men of the Royal Navy who subsequently joined the Royal Fleet Reserve, and who have spent a stated number of years of combined service in the Royal Navy or Royal Fleet Reserve?

Royal Naval Reserve men may be granted a long-service medal after fifteen years' service, and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve men after twelve years' service; it is not, however, considered necessary to establish such an award for combined service in the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a number of girls employed at an aircraft factory have been dismissed for attending a trade union meeting; whether he is aware that a number of other girls have been taken in couples into the lady supervisor's office, asked if they had attended a trade union meeting, and informed that if they had they would be dismissed; whether he is aware that Commander Dyett has definitely refused to meet the representatives of the girls, whose sole object was to allay friction; whether he is aware that unrest is rampant throughout the works owing to the treatment, and especially' of the grounds of such treatment, meted out to these girl workers; and whether steps will be taken promptly to remedy this grievance?

My hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am aware that five women have recently been dismissed from the aircraft factory to which the hon. Member refers, and that a number of women employés have been questioned by a forewoman as to whether they are members of a trade union. The manager of the firm emphatically denies that the five women in question were dismissed because they were members of a trade union, or that he has ever raised any objection to the employment of persons on the ground that they were trade unionists. The manager also states that he has always been willing to meet representatives of the women. If the girls are dissatisfied, adequate remedies are provided under the Munitions Acts.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why Mrs. Mary Gill, Templemore, is only in receipt of 3s. 6d. per week separation allowance from her son, Private Charles Gill, No. 120044. No. 3 Section, 69 D., A.C., Albert Road School, Darlington, Durham?

Inquiry will be made and the hon. Member will be informed of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the military and police made a raid upon a meeting of wholesale drapery employés held upon the private premises of the Shop Assistants' Union in Glasgow on 9th February, 1917, and that the business of the meeting was made abortive in consequence; and are these proceedings sanctioned by him?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 28th February to the hon. Member for the Attercliffe Division of Sheffield.

asked whether it is customary in the Army to record a debt against a soldier without informing him of the reasons for that step; whether the soldier is liable to punishment if he attempts to explain his case to any outside authority; and whether some more reasonable procedure will be adopted?

The hon. Member will find the information he requires in Article 977 of the Royal Warrant and Section 46 of the Army Act. In regard to the second and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given on 20th December to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight and on 9th November to the hon. and learned Member for Ealing.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what provision the Government is making for soldiers who have been rendered incurable whilst on active service and as the result of such service?

A sailor or soldier discharged from service suffering from a disease which renders him incapable of earning, and is found to be incurable, will be entitled, under the provisions of the draft Royal Warrant now before Parliament, to a minimum pension corresponding to the highest degree of disablement, or, if more favourable to the man, to an alternative pension based on the man's pre-war earnings. If the case is one that calls for special treatment or for constant personal attention, this will be provided, either in the man's home or in an institution if that will ensure his better care.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is within the power of a military tribunal to attach a certificate of exemption granted to a man who has been classified as B 3 a condition that he shall join the Volunteer Force?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Under - Secretary of State for War whether, in defiance of the instructions of the War Office, that, in view of a case being taken to the High Court, legal proceedings to enforce liability to military service are not to be taken against attested men who have been medically rejected, legal proceedings have nevertheless been taken against Mr. Bert Freedman by the military authorities at Swansea; and whether the release of Mr. Freedman, pending the decision of the High Court, will be ordered?

Inquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what inquiries were instituted into the antecedents of James Bray, an Irish carpenter, who has worked on military buildings since the outbreak of War and is now, as No. 8384, Reserve Battalion, 18th County of London Regiment, being punished for refusing to become a soldier; whether his account of himself, that he has worked as a carpenter on military buildings at Athlone, Arklow, Queenstown, Dublin, Ripon, Richmond, Sheffield, Coventry, Birmingham, Anston. and Regent's Park, in immediate succession, has been found untrue in any particular; and, he having come to this country solely for this skilled war work and therefore not being ordinarily resident here, where he now is, whether he is still being punished illegally and when be will be released?

Inquiries have been made into the facts of this case, and as it appears that James Bray has been employed on work in connection with Government contracts almost continuously since his arrival in Great Britain, it has been decided as an act of grace to discharge him from military service. I would remind the hon. Member that Bray was arrested by the civil police on their own initiative, and was properly handed over to the military authorities by a stipendiary magistrate who had heard the necessary evidence and decided that Bray was liable for military service, and in these circumstances there is no question of his having been punished illegally.

asked the Home Secretary what has happened to the 317 conscientious objectors, the difference between the total (3,025) reported to the Central Tribunal as alleging that their offences were prompted by a conscientious objection to military service, and those already reported on (2,369) and those awaiting examination (339) by the Central Tribunal?

I am informed by the Central Tribunal that the difference includes men who were given an opportunity of having their cases dealt with by the tribunal under the scheme, but declined to avail themselves of it, and also men who with their consent were recommended for non-combatant service in the Army or were dealt with in some other special way.

asked if Ronald Smith, a conscientious objector recently attached to the works centre, Warwick, has been arrested by the military authorities and taken to the 5th Royal Warwick Regiment, Catterick, Yorkshire; if he has since been released; if his arrest was due to a mistake made by the military authorities; and, if so, what it is proposed to do by way of compensation to this man for his arrest?

Inquiry is being made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can give the percentages of those employed on all fronts of non-commissioned officers and men in the categories of killed and severely wounded, and the same of all commissioned officers, or will he say whether there is a larger percentage of the former class killed and severely wounded than of the latter class; and, if so, to what extent?

I am afraid that no answer can be given to this question without disclosing information of value to the enemy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of issuing silver badges to men who have been on active service abroad and have returned to this country wounded, and have been transferred to the W Reserve?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply given on 1st November to the hon. Member for the College Division of Glasgow. The badge is only awarded to those who are permanently unfit for any further military service, and its issue cannot therefore be extended to Class W Reservists, who are liable to be recalled to the Colours at any time.

asked whether the privilege of one month's furlough to time-expired soldiers is still in existence if they elect to continue to serve for the duration of the War and if a man who, having completed thirteen years in the Army, elects to continue to serve either for the duration of the War or to complete twenty-one years' service will be on the footing of a conscript although he has never left the Army at all?

Yes, Sir. The privilege is still in existence, provided that the exigencies of the service permit, and that accommodation in leave boats or transports is available in the case of men overseas If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of the case which he has in mind in the last part of the question I will let him know how the matter stands.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the customary forty-eight hours' leave granted to all men who are warned for Foreign service, especially Egypt and Mesopotamia, still obtains; and, if this custom has been stopped, can he give any reason for the same?

Yes, Sir. The customary leave still obtains for men warned for service overseas, subject to the exigencies of the service. No exception is made in the case of those proceeding to Egypt and Mesopotamia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a meeting was arranged by the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society at Buchlyvie for 8th March, but, on Colonel Crawford's intimation that there must be no propaganda speeches on behalf of co-operation, the meeting was abandoned; and will he say under what Order in Council, or Section of the Defence of the Realm Act, or other statute, the military have authority to forbid propaganda of the principles of co-operation?

Inquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that at the Army Pay Office, Shrewsbury, an Order has been issued that the soldiers performing clerical duties are to leave their desks and salute on each occasion that an officer enters the room in which they are employed; and if this is sanctioned by the War Office?

No, Sir; no such Order has been issued.

asked what are the terms on which hospital-trained nurses are em- ployed in the Army; and what pensions the Government will give such nurses who are invalided whilst in the Service?

issued the following information:

—	Pay.
	Initial Rate.	Annual Increment.		Maximum Rate.
	£	£	s.	£
Matron	76	10	0	150
Sister	50	5	0	65
Staff Nurse	40	2	10	45

In addition, a matron-in-charge of the nursing arrangements in a hospital is entitled to charge-pay up to £30 per annum. Nurses below rank of matron temporarily employed who sign an agreement to serve for so long as required during the present emergency receive additional pay at the rate of £20 per annum.

asked the President of the Board of Education when the Report of the Departmental Committee which is dealing with the findings of the Royal Commission on University Education in London will be published; and what were the date of appointment, the terms of reference, and the composition of that Committee?

The meetings of the Committee in question have been suspended since the outbreak of the War, and I am unable to say when it will be in a position to report. The Committee was appointed on 14th August, 1913, and the terms of reference and names of the members were published. The reference was "to inquire and report, after consultation with the bodies and persons concerned, as to the steps by which effect shall be given to the scheme of the Report of the Royal Commission on University Education in London, and to recommend specific arrangements and provisions which may be immediately adopted for that purpose and as to the basis of the necessary legislation." The Committee was composed as follows:

The Right Hon. Sir G. H. Murray, G.C.B. (Chairman);

Sir L. A. Selby-Bigge, K.C.B.;

Sir J. R. Bradford, K.C.M.G., M.D.;

Sir W. S. McCormick, LL.D.;

Sir G. Franklin, Litt.D., J.P., who has since died;

A. Keith, Esq., M.D., F.R.C.S., LL.D., F.R.S.;

J. Kemp, Esq.;

Mrs. H. Sidgwick;with

H. F. Heath, Esq., C.B., as Secretary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the possibility of the introduction of a practically non-controversial Bill to remove some of the anomalies which have arisen in the administration of the Workmen's Compensation Act, and containing particularly a provision whereby the maximum weekly payment possible shall be more commensurate with the present cost of living than the present maximum of £l?

This question has been under consideration, and inquiries have been made. The matter is not free from difficulties, but if the Government could be assured that a measure of the nature described would, as suggested, be practically non-controversial, they would be glad to find time for it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has been able to take to facilitate the distribution of coal in the Metropolis; and whether he is aware that private indviduals still experience difficulties in getting supplies?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave to questions asked by the hon. Members for the Attercliffe and Chertsey Divisions on the 14th February, of which I am sending him copies. I may add that, with a view to freeing larger quantities for consumers who can only purchase in small quantities, the Controller of Coal Mines has requested the London Merchants' Committee to arrange that for the present no quantity exceeding one ton should be delivered at one time to any single householder.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the international considerations referred to in his statement relating to the unrestricted import of rubber tyres into this country refers to an arrangement made by the Government with American rubber manufacturers and importers, whereby the latter agree, in consideration of being permitted to obtain supplies of rubber from British possessions, not to export manufactured rubber good's or raw rubber direct to neutral European markets, but to supply the requirements of such neutral markets from the stocks to be maintained in the United Kingdom; whether the purpose of the said arrangement is to enable His Majesty's Government so to control exports of rubber and goods manufactured of rubber to neutral European markets as to prevent supplies of such material from reaching enemy countries; and, seeing that the agreement in question has reference purely to trade with neutral European markets, imposes no obligation on His Majesty's Government to permit the unrestricted import of foreign tyres for sale in the United Kingdom, and in view of the fact that only 30,000 tons of rubber were now exported out of the 73,900 imported in 1916, will he give directions that consignments of rubber manufactured goods imported into this country shall be limited strictly to the necessities of the said neutral European markets, and that all such goods shall, upon arrival in this country, be placed in bond and not issued therefrom unless upon permit for export to neutral European markets?

The nature and object of the agreement referred to in the earlier chapters of this question appear to be stated with substantial accuracy. The suggestion in the latter part of the question will be carefully considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the price of lead would have risen from £12 7s. 6d. per ton in 1908 to probably £60 per ton at present had it not been for the interference of the Government, who fixed the price at £30 per ton, and seeing that the quantity of lead imported in 1916 was 157,985 tons, and the needs of the Government for lead for war purposes and the needs of industries which must have lead for special purposes, the Government will consider the advisability of promptly exploiting a mine at Barrys-town, South Wexford, said to be rich in both lead and silver?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Government is anxious to do everything possible to encourage and assist the output of metals in the United Kingdom. I will consider whether steps can be taken to assist the development of this mine, and will be glad if the hon. Member will supply any information regarding it in his possession.

asked the President of the Board of Trade in what boats and belonging to what firm 12,00'0 carcases of lambs, 2,000 quarters of beef, and 2,000 sheep were shipped from Buenos Ayres to the United States of America in the week ending 17th November last; and in what boats, owned by what firm, were 24,000 quarters of beef and 5,000 sheep consigned on a similar voyage during 30th November last?

From the particulars it seems probable that the former cargo was conveyed on an American vessel and that the latter was a consignment brought to this country viâ New York in a British ship.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that three Government Departments now exist each dealing with shipping, namely, the Ministry of Shipping, the Marine Department of the Board of Trade, and the General Register and Record Office of Shipping and Seamen; what are the functions of each Department; whether any steps have been taken to prevent overlapping and duplication of duties; and whether, in the interest of greater efficiency and economy, he will consider the desirability of these three Departments being combined and placed under the control of one Minister?

I am afraid it would not be possible to state in detail in answer to a question the functions of all the Departments which are concerned in shipping questions. The Registry of Shipping and Seamen is not a separate Department, but a branch of the Board of Trade, and there is very close co-operation between the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Shipping, which does in fact prevent overlapping and duplication of duties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any more restrictions will be placed on the supply of petrol; and, if so, to what extent?

I am afraid I cannot give the information asked for. The question whether further restrictions will be placed on the use of petrol depends upon the amount of petrol imported and upon; military requirements.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Allies have a common policy for dealing with German subjects in their respective countries; and if he will state what differences in treatment exist.

So far as I am aware, no common policy has been concerted between the Allied Governments for the purpose mentioned. To answer the second part of the question adequately it would be necessary to make an exhaustive examination and comparison of the numerous regulations and judicial decisions affecting enemy aliens resident in the different Allied countries, which would impose an undue strain upon the officials involved.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that in the district of Arigna, in the West of Ireland, there is an undeveloped region, rich in coal and iron ore, which extends into the counties of Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon; whether the President of the Local Government Board and the Vice-President of the Board of Agriculture in Ireland visited the place with a view to its development; and, if so, what encouragement or support will be given to any project put forward for the opening up of these mines, which would be a boon to the West of Ireland?

Coal is being mined at Arigna. The Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture visited the district some years ago, and subsequently gave evidence before a Select Committee of the House of Lords on the Arigna Valley Railway Bill. I am informed that a company has been recently formed for the further development of the resources of the area.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that on Wednesday morning, 14th March, the sheriff, with a force of 100 police, took possession of the premises of Thomas Cun-niffe, of Corry, Killimore, county Galway, broke open a box, and took possession of a sum of money contained in the box; whether he is aware that, because of the refusal of the tenants on the Hearns-brook estate, Killimore, to pay rent pending the sale of the lands for grazing and the lodging by the tenants of the rent in the bank meanwhile, the owner issued writs against them and the theft of the money alluded to was committed in the execution of the writ against Cunniffe; and what action, if any, the Irish Executive propose to take in the matter?

The sheriff executed a writ for non-payment of rent against Patrick Cunniffe, Lisdilying, Killimore, a tenant on the Hearnsbrook estate, and seized ten head of cattle, the property of Cunniffe. He also entered Cunniffe's house and took possession of a £5 note which was found there, but I have no information that he broke open a box in doing so. The sheriff acted on a writ of fi. fa., and the seizure was made owing to non-payment of rent by Cunniffe and other tenants on the estate who are anxious to buy the lands. Some of the tenants, I am informed, have lodged the amount of rent due in the bank. A force of sixty police protected the bailiff in carrying out the seizure, and there was no disturbance.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (l) whether he has made any representations to the Commissioners of National Education as regards their attitude towards the discharge of magisterial duties by teachers, and with what result; whether the rules of the Board have to be sanctioned by the Lord Lieutenant; and whether he can veto rules of which he disapproves or considers not in accordance with the wishes of the House of Commons; and (2) whether he has power to remove the Commissioners of Education in Ireland, including the resident Commissioner, in the event of their disregarding the wishes of the House of Commons?

The Commissioners of National Education have certain powers under their charter of incorporation in regard to this matter. They inform me that they are unable to depart from the decision they have announced, that the exercise of magisterial functions is inconsistent with the due discharge of the duties of an elementary teacher in Ireland. I am informed that no power is vested in the Lord Lieutenant to control this decision. The Commissioners hold office during the pleasure of the Lord Lieutenant.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will give the total amount of money lent from Imperial resources; under the various Land Pur- chase (Ireland) Acts to enable occupiers to become owners of their holdings, together with the rates of interest and sinking fund on these loans to 31st December, 1916, or any other convenient date?

The advances for land purchase to the 31st December, 1916, are as follows:

	Cash.	Stock.
	£	£
Under the Act of 1870	514,536	—
Under the Acts of 1881–85	10,273,280	—
Under the Acts of 1891–96	—	13,649,690
Under the Acts of 1903–9	58,614,195	15,891,326
	£69,401,961	£29,541,016
Total	£98,942,977

The rates of interest and sinking fund are:

	Interest.			Sinking Fund,
	Per cent.			Per cent.
	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
Under the Acts of 1870, 1881–85	3	2	6	0	17	6
Under the Acts of 1891–96	2	15	0	1	5	0
Under the Act of 1903	2	15	0	0	10	0
Under the Act of 1909.	3	0	0	0	10	0

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will give the total amount of cash, or stock in lieu of cash, that has been paid or issued from the Imperial Exchequer to enable Irish occupiers to become owners of their holdings since the outbreak of war to the latest convenient date, and the interest and sinking fund payable on the money so advanced?

The advances for land purchase since the outbreak of war to 31st December, 1916, are:

		Total
Under the Act of 1903—	£	£
Cash	3,490,023
Stock	668,051
		4,158,074
Under the Act of 1909—
Cash	840,500
Stock	1,585,954
		2,426,454
		£6,584,528

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the tenants on the estate of the representatives of Hubert Dolphin, Turoe, Loughrea, purchased their holdings six years ago; whether the purchase money has been paid over to the trustees of the estate for a number of years back; will he explain how it is that some of the holdings are vested in the tenants while some of the tenants are still paying interest on the purchase money; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this state of things?

This estate was purchased by the Estates Commissioners under Section 6 of the Irish Land Act. 1903, and the purchase money was lodged on the 20th March, 1913. A scheme has been prepared for the improvement of the holdings by rearrangement and enlargement, and the improved holdings will be vested in the purchasers as soon as practicable.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can give the names and previous occupations of the resident magistrates in Ireland, of the sufficiency of whose legal knowledge the Lord Lieutenant is satisfied under Section 11 of the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887; whether he can say what steps his Excellency takes to ascertain the legal attainments of these gentlemen; whether there is an examination; and, if so, by whom and where conducted?

I will circulate a Schedule showing the names, legal qualifications, experience in the resident magistracy, and previous service in the Royal Irish Constabulary, of those gentlemen of the sufficiency of whose legal knowledge the Lord Lieutenant has declared himself satisfied under Section 11 of the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887. Fourteen out of seventeen are members of the legal profession. The others have long experience as constabulary officers and resident magistrates. The Lord Lieutenant has at his command full information as to the qualifications, experience and official records of resident magistrates, and it was not necessary to require any of the gentlemen mentioned to submit themselves for examination.

SCHEDULE.
Names.	Legal qualifications.	Service as R.M.	Service in R.I.C. prior to appointment as R.M.
		Years.	Years.
Byrne, J. P.	Barrister	13	20
Dickson, J. M.	Barrister	22	—
Gerrard, J. D.	Barrister	5	—
Griffin, G.	Barrister	22	—
Hardy, W. J. McK.	Barrister	5	21
Jones, H. R.	Barrister	2	23
Kelly, P. J.	Barrister	21	—
Kilbride, J.	Barrister	22	—
McElroy, G.	Solicitor	6	—
Murphy, W. Q.	Barrister	6	—
O'Connor, G. R.	Barrister	8	—
Ryan, J. C.	Solicitor	9	—
Shannon, G. H.	Barrister	28	8
Starkie, E. P.	—	21	16
Toppin, H	—	4	21
White, J. T.	Barrister	13	—
Wynne, E. M. P.	—	13	20

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the officials of the National Union of General Workers have been in communication with the managers of the Woollen Mills, Athlone, Ireland, with a view to securing higher wages and improving working conditions on account of the low rate paid; if he is aware that the management is refusing to submit a case to arbitration; if he is aware also that about 500 people are affected; and if he will use his good offices to induce the firm to accept arbitration with a view to preventing a stoppage of work?

A claim for higher wages such as is mentioned in the letter has been made. I believe that the material facts are being laid before Sir George Askwith. The Irish Executive has not received any communication from either of the parties. I hope a stoppage of work may be avoided.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a resolution passed by the executive of the Association of Municipal Authorities in Ireland, repeating their request for a public inquiry into the charges made by the Tipperary Urban Council as to the alleged misapplication of loans under the Land Improvement Acts; and, as the town clerk and members of the Tipperary Urban Council dispute the accuracy of the statements contained in his letter of the 3rd November, 1916, to the secretaries of the Association of Municipal Authorities in Ireland and are prepared to substantiate the charges made, he will now grant the public inquiry asked for?

If detailed particulars are given of the alleged inaccuracies in the statements in the letter in question, I will inquire further.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds the application of James Maher, of Clonlish, Shinrone, to reinstatement has been refused; and whether this decision will be reconsidered?

The Estates Commissioners inquired into the application of James Maher for reinstatement in a holding formerly held by him as bog ranger, and they decided that it was not a case in which they should take action.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can indicate the special reason for the instalment of the Bundy time-recording clock for the messenger staff alone; whether he is aware that resentment is felt at such distinction being made; is he aware that the messengers strongly resent being singled out from the staff of 5,000 without sufficient reason having been shown; and whether steps will be taken to consult the representatives of the messengers on this matter?

The reasons for the introduction of the time-recording clock were given in the reply to my hon. Friend on the 5th instant. No representations have been received from the messengers expressing resentment, and it is not considered that any ground exists for resentment being felt, as it is well known that the use of time-recording clocks for similar purposes is quite common. Representatives of the messengers will be seen on this or on any other matter, should a request be received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a memorial from the Sinhalese protesting against the procedure adopted by the Commissioners appointed to inquire into certain cases of shooting without trial in connection with the Ceylon riots of 1915, after the riots had ceased, on the following, among other, grounds: that sufficient notice was not given to the parties concerned, that the inquiry was held in camera, that the counsel retained by the widows were not permitted either to lead evidence or cross-examine the witnesses called, while the counsel for the officials complained against were given full right of examination and cross-examination, a procedure which resulted in the withdrawal under protest of the counsel for the relatives at the end of the first day's proceedings, and that the scope of the inquiry was unnecessarily narrowed and important evidence tendered by the aggrieved parties was excluded by the Attorney-General, who presented the case both for the relatives and the accused who were not present in person; and whether he will reconsider the desirability of causing an inquiry to be made under conditions which will enable the full facts to be elicited?

The memorial has not yet been received. When I receive it, together with the Governor's observations on it, I will give it careful consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he will consider the possibility of making an arrangement, as at Moate on the Athlone line, to stop the limited mail morning and evening at Edge-worthstown; whether under present conditions the first train from Dublin does not arrive till 12.8 p.m. and the last up-train is at 3 p.m.; whether this arrangement would give a first down-train at 9.18 a.m. and a last up-train at 5.45 p.m.; and will he look into and grant this change if the inhabitants desire it; and (2) if he will state the new hours for posting letters at Edgeworthstown, county Longford, for cross-channel and Irish towns from Dublin to the West; whether he is aware that under the old arrangement these letters could be posted up to 10.30 p.m., whilst under the new they must be posted before 8 p.m., thus curtailing the postal facilities by two hours each day; will the limited mail take letters to and from Edgeworthstown; and whether any modification of the night posting is possible?

In regard to this and the following question my right hon. Friend is having inquiry made and will write to the hon. Member.