asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the restriction of the size of posters to 600 square inches, and that printers, advertisers, and billposters regard a poster of this size as useless on street hoardings or open positions generally; whether he is aware that a full page of a leading newspaper containing 450 square inches can be and is, without restriction, solely utilised daily for the advertisement of a type of ladies' waterproof coat, female underwear, or similar business advertisements; whether the Paper Restriction Committee have recognised the hardships imposed on printers by their recent Orders relative to the printing of advertisements and catalogues; and will he, bearing in mind the importance of the advertising industry to both printers and newspaper proprietors as well as of economy in the use of the paper available, endeavour to bring together the Committee and representatives both of the printing and newspaper industries in order that a solution fair to both sides may be arrived at?

The Board of Trade, who are responsible for the Paper Restriction Order, have had before them a deputation fully representative of the various interests affected by the Order, and are now giving careful consideration to the views put forward by that deputation as to its effects.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now heard from the Railway Executive Committee as to whether they intend to insist on the prepayment of fish by passenger train; and what action he proposes to take in this matter?

After very careful consideration of this matter in consultation with the Railway Executive Committee, the Board of Trade have come to the conclusion that in present circumstances it is desirable that the liability should be on the sender to pay the charges on the carriage of goods sent by passenger train, as this will reduce considerably the clerical work of the railway companies. I understand, however, that there may be special difficulties with the fish traffic at some of the Scottish ports if this requirement is applied generally, and in the circumstances it is not proposed to alter the existing practice at Scottish ports as regards fish.

So far as Scotland is concerned it will be entirely exempted from the new Regulation?

That is so.

Will this apply to fishing ports like Grimsby and Shields, where very great difficulty would be caused by the new Regulation?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will favourably consider the suspension of the 50 per cent. increase in train fares during the months of July, August, and September, as this increase is particularly hard on the middle and working classes, many of whom may thereby be prevented from taking a holiday at the seaside?

I can only refer the hon and gallant Gentleman to the announcement made by the Board of Trade in Friday's newspapers that in view of the heavy and urgent demands made upon the railways in connection with the War there is no prospect that the concession desired can be given.

Is the 50 per cent. increase in fares also charged in Ireland?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether until the War unemployed Indian Army officers residing in England were allowed to draw full furlough pay whether they were given work by the Home Government or not whether a new Regulation has recently been made by which these officers so employed by the Home Government have to refund to the Indian Government part of their furlough pay; and whether he has sanctioned this particular way of relieving the Indian Exchequer at the expense of the British taxpayer?

I am not aware that before the present War the question of employing Indian Army officers of this particular class under the Home Government has ever arisen. The circumstances in which the Regulation regarding the amount of unemployed Indian pay to be received by this class of officer when em- ployed by the War Office were explained by me in my answer to the question of my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Melton on the 29th November last.

asked whether opportunity will be given to the House to discuss the Report of the Commission on the Indian Public Services before orders are passed thereupon; and whether the opportunity will be before or after the discussion of the Indian Budget?

I do not propose to put down any Motion on the subject, but I shall be glad to discuss the suggestion with my hon. Friend if he so desires.

asked the Secretary for State for Foreign Affairs whether the new Government of Russia has published a manifesto completely restoring the Constitution of Finland and annuling the edicts issued during the last eighteen years contrary to Finnish law?

Yes, Sir. The Russian Government published on 20th March a proclamation repealing the principal enactments by which the freedom of Finland had been curtailed, and instructing the Senate of Finland to submit proposals to amend other enactments passed of late years against Finnish laws. The proclamation also grants complete political amnesty, and, besides promising to submit to the Diet of Finland suggestions for a new form of administration and, if necessary, a new Constitution, confirms the rights of the Finns under their present Constitution.

I understand that the people of Finland regard the proclamation as fulfilling all their wishes, and that the Finnish Diet will meet on 4th April. I know how highly the House will appreciate the action of the Russian Government in this matter.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any particular information regarding a somewhat similar proclamation in respect of Polish liberty?

I should rather like to have notice of that question.

Will the British Govern-men follow, with regard to Ireland, the example of the Russian Government?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the fall of the Russian despotism will have any effect in modifying the policy of the Allies towards Greece; whether he is aware that King Constantine is in constant communication with the Kaiser; and whether, in view of the new political situation, a more energetic programme will be adopted in the Balkans?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative, and I am unable for obvious reasons to make any statement in regard to the last part.

Is it not a fact that the condition of Greece represents on a small scale the condition in Russia before the fall of the Czar, and that by your policy you are supporting those parties in Greece who are favourable to the German Emperor?

Historical parallels are treacherous and dangerous grounds which I could not venture to traverse by way of question and answer in this House.

Is there not something more dangerous and treacherous—that is, a weak and cowardly foreign policy?

With regard to the present King Constantine is there not—

There are 195 questions on the Paper, and there are many hon. Members who wish to ask questions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been directed to a recent interview given by M. Venizelos to the Agence Havas, in which the Greek statesman said that the Allies, in promising him support, made the express stipulation that his movement must not be anti-dynastic, and that the imposition of such a condition deprived his movement of much of its effective value, even in regard to aiding the cause of the Allies; and whether, in view of the change of regime in Russia, the Allies will still maintain the policy indicated?

I have seen the interview referred to, but cannot accept the hon. Member's account of it as accurate or complete. With regard to the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to previous declarations of the policy by His Majesty's Government.

Is not this interview in complete accord with the statements in the Italian Chamber by Signor Boselli, the Prime Minister of Italy, that the movement of M. Venizelos must not be anti-dynastic, otherwise it would not receive the favour of the Allies?

I have heard of the statement of the Italian Prime Minister, but if the hon. Gentleman wishes an answer he must give me notice of the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman refer—

I have called the next question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now give the House full information upon the deliberations and decisions of the Rome Conference and upon the position in Greece?

I am not in a position to make any statement.

Should not we have the light on these important questions? Why should the House of Commons not be informed on a question connected with a policy which has been adopted?

This is one of the questions which in time of war it is necessary to keep secret.

Shall we have an opportunity of discussing this in Secret Session?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether a resolution has been received from county war committees that no more men, even general service men, should be taken from the land for the next two months; and whether it is proposed to act in the spirit of these resolutions?

The Board have received the resolution. My right hon. Friend has been assured by the Under-Secretary of State for War that the War Office is doing everything possible to leave as many men as can be left for agriculture.

Will no more men be taken from the land for the next two months?

That is a question for the War Office.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been directed to a recent statement of the Director-General of National Service to the effect that there is no farmer in Scotland to-day who stands in need of a ploughman; and if he will say what special arrangements have been made in Scotland with the military authorities that have resulted in the retention on the land in Scotland of the requisite number of ploughmen?

The reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. The Director-General informs me that every farmer in Scotland who has applied to his Department for a ploughman has been offered one; and it is believed that the present requirements of Scottish farmers have been fully met by the officers of the National Service Department. This situation results partly from my arrangement with the Army Council to the effect that in taking men for military service the supply of labour necessary for food production shall be safeguarded so far as practicable, and partly from the arrangements made by the National Service Department in co-operation with my Department for the supply of additional ploughmen, including men from the Home Defence Forces, to meet the farmers' requirements. I may add that the National Service Department has, during the present spring, distributed over 2,000 agricultural workers among the farms in Scotland, and it has promises at the present time of a further number of about 250 employés skilled in agriculture who are to be lent by local authorities in Scotland later in the season.

asked the Home Secretary whether be is aware that R. Purser, aged thirty-eight, with three children, carrying on a hairdresser's business in St. George's Road, S.E., is shortly being called up for service; whether the nearest hairdressers who will compete for his business are an Italian at 36, St. George's Road, a Belgian at 8, St. George's Road, a German at 91. London Road, an Italian at 3, Earl Street, a a German-Swiss at 49, Newington Butts, and a German widow, with a Russian Pole as manager, at 138a, Newington Causeway; whether five of these are of Army age; and what steps the Government is taking to render impossible the continuance of such injustice to English tradesmen?

It is the fact that Mr. R. Purser, who is a hairdresser, has been called up for military service. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the hon. Member's information is inaccurate. The persons whom he describes as a German, a German-Swiss, a German widow, and a Russian Pole, are respectively a Russian, the British-born wife of an Austrian, the British-born widow of a naturalised British subject, and a Dutchman. Of the men mentioned in the question three only and not five are of military age, and of these three, one, a Russian, has attested; the other two are an Italian and a Dutchman. I cannot compel these persons to abandon their businesses; but I am confident that the patriotic citizens of Walworth will see to it that Mr. Purser's business shall not suffer because he is serving his country.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can explain the circumstances under which the Swift Beef Company of Chicago have been able to offer hundreds of young Scotch calves for sale at their premises in the Annexe, Smithfield Market, during the last two weeks; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent alien companies controlling British produce in this manner?

The calves in question appear to have been offered by the Swift Beef Company on commission from Scottish dealers. This firm is only one of many stall-holders in Smithfield Market between whom it is not proposed to make any discrimination.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can now say if the minimum guarantee of £6 per ton for potatoes grown in 3917 will apply to earlies and second earlies; and whether, seeing that this class of potato is perishable, is unsuitable for keeping, and must be marketed day by day as raised, the farmer will, in the event of the price on rail falling below the guaranteed minimum, be entitled to claim the difference?

The details of the guarantee have not yet been settled, but the matter to which the hon. Member refers will not be overlooked.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the county of Fife has been depleted of stocks of potatoes for seed purposes, no town in Fife is receiving any benefit from the supply that is being distributed in the large towns; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs?

Owing to the limited amount of potatoes at my disposal I regret that it is not possible for me to so arrange that a share shall be given to every burgh and populous district throughout Scotland. I have been obliged to confine the distribution to certain specified areas. It is hoped that the towns in which my right hon. Friend is interested may, in common with other towns, derive indirect benefit from the fact that the larger towns are receiving supplies from the special source referred to.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) in what respects the Regulations for the killing of rabbits have altered the existing law; if tenants have for many years had the unrestricted right of killing ground game on arable lands; and (2) if tenants of arable land have had the unrestricted right for many years of killing rabbits on arable land; if he can state what were the representations made to him by a deputation who waited on him with reference to the subject; and what action he has taken?

I propose to reply to this question and the following question together. With respect to the rights of tenants to kill ground game, I would refer my hon. Friend to the terms of the Ground Game Acts. Representations have been made to me by the deputation to which he refers and from other quarters to the effect that further powers of killing down rabbits are required under existing conditions, and a Defence of the Realm Regulation was accordingly passed on the 30th March enabling the necessary action to be taken. An Order will be made at once, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a week's time rabbits will be unfit for human food?

That will be borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the numerous directions given by Lord Devonport, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, and the hon. Member for Hornsey as to what the public should eat, drink, and avoid, some definite statement by a single authority could be issued on the subject?

I have been asked to reply. I am not aware that there has been any discrepancy between the directions given by the Food Controller and their interpretation by the hon. Member for Hornsey and myself. The Food Controller is the sole authority for giving directions, which are always as definite as possible. I endeavour faithfully to reflect the Food Controller's views in this House.

May I ask if the hon. Gentleman's rr cathedra statements are to be taken as the last word, and what articles he recommends the public to save most?

That is a large question, but at any rate, when I speak on food questions in this House I do so with the authority of the Food Controller. If the hon. Gentleman wants to press me on the latter part of the question, it might-involve considerable discussion.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Food Controller has absolutely lost the confidence of the people of this country with this shilly-shally business?

asked the First Commissioner of Works what amount of money has been paid for the trees commandeered from Esher Common; and if he can state who received the money, if any was paid for the trees?

Timber on Esher Common has been requisitioned under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and the question of compensation is at present before the Defence of the Realm Losses Royal Commission. No payment has yet been made.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his Department has in its employment in the West of Scotland many inspectors of munitions who cannot accurately be described as skilled men seeing that many of them had been employed before engagement by the Department in trades other than the metal trade; whether several of these men have been declared by the War Office fit for general service but are being kept back by his Department; and whether, in view of the fact that so many ex-soldiers are capable of doing this inspection work, he will review his decision?

There are a certain number of inspectors (called "examiners") who were engaged for inspection work during the War, who have now become skilled in the work of the department, though not "skilled" in the sense that they were mechanics in the metal trades. A considerable number of examiners have already been released for military service on replacement by men without military obligations or by women, and it is hoped in due course to release practically all who have been declared fit for general service. Any application from suitable ex-soldiers for employment in this way will be willingly considered.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he proposes to give the volunteer munition workers who have come to this country from the Colonies a medal or badge as a recognition of their services and loyalty?

The question of the issue of a medal to munition workers as a mark of recognition of their services to the country is still under consideration. When a decision is arrived at my hon. Friend may rest assurred that the claims of the voluntary workers who have come from the Colonies to assist in the common cause will not be overlooked.

asked the Minister of Munitions what steps are being taken to secure that in those cases in which permanent dwellings are erected for the housing of munition workers good town-planning standards are adhered to, more especially in regard to the giving of ample frontages to secure air and light and the provision of garden space around the dwellings, so that the members of the families of munition workers may be enabled to cultivate food for their own consumption?

It is impossible within the limits of an answer to a question to give the particulars for which my hon. Friend asks, but I can assure him that due regard is paid, in connection with the Ministry's permanent housing schemes, to the considerations he raises, so far as they are consistent with the necessity for economy and for rapid construction.

Are these town-planning schemes submitted to the Local Government Board?

They are recommended to the Local Government Board in the first place, and they are inspected.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware of the delay in issuing permits to build the necessary mess-room and cloak-room accommodation in factories; and whether, seeing that these delays tend not only to reduce out put, but are injurious to the health and comfort of the workers, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am not aware that any unreasonable delay has occurred in issuing the permits referred to by the Noble Lord. In deciding whether such permission can be given important questions affecting finance, building labour and material have to be considered. Subject to their consideration, the matter is expedited as much as possible. If any specific complaint is brought to my notice, I will have inquiries made.

Is there not sometimes a delay of five or six months before an answer can be extracted from the Ministry?

No, Sir. I should be glad if the Noble Lord can supply me with an instance?

I shall be glad to do so.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the fact that in some Government T. N. T. factories there are many breaches in the regulations designed to safeguard the health of the workers; is he aware that the exhaust ventilation provided is imperfect and inadequate; that the mess-room, cloak-room, and washing accommodation is also inadequate; and that the distinction between the clean and dirty side of factories has been abandoned, so that the garments of those engaged on poisonous and non-poisonous processes mingle together; and will he say what action he proposes to take to improve the conditions?

A set of rules for observance in T.N.T. factories has recently been issued by the Ministry. These embody the practice which has proved most successful in T.N.T. factories, and it is my intention to ensure that the rules as published are complied with in all T.N.T. factories. I shall be glad if the Noble Lord will supply me with the names of the factories to which he refers.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether ho is aware that the system of alternation of work is necessary in all T.N.T. factories if grave injury to health and risk of death is to be avoided; and will he say why no such system has been arranged for in a Government T.N.T. factory in the North-Western district, employing over 2,000 men, where the great majority work continuously, and in how many T.N.T. factories is the system of alternation of work not yet arranged?

Alternation of work has been practised wherever possible. In the case of the factory referred to there have up to the present moment been insuperable difficulties in the way of introducing this system since there is no work available to substitute for the filling of shells. The general question, however, and the particular position of the factory referred to are being constantly watched. Recent returns from this factory are not disquieting. I should add that scientific opinion as to the value of alternation of work is not absolutely decided. It is still a question whether it is not better to trust to the principle of eliminating the sick at an early stage and to remove preventable causes rather than to attempt to avoid disease by the process of alternation of work.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the sickness percentage runs from 5 to 10 per cent., and that at this factory the rate is as high as 10 per cent., whereas in other shell factories it is only about 2 per cent?

I do not think that is the case. I know that the rate at this factory is high, but we are doing our best to deal with it. We cannot provide alternative employment, because we have no other employment to offer.

Is there not a factory three miles away where they could be employed?

We cannot, where they are working fortnightly shifts, send the workers from one factory to another.

You have alternative employment in other factories?

In this particular case it is not possible to offer other work, because we have no other work to offer.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that at the Wartnaby and district pits there is a shortage of trucks for conveying ironstone from the pits to the furnaces; that in consequence the workmen only worked three and three-quarter days during last week"; and if he will endeavour to arrange for an adequate supply of railway trucks in order that the output can be maintained?

I am aware that time has been lost at pits in this district as in others owing to shortage of wagons, but I cannot trace the particular instance to which my hon. Friend refers. The matter has been taken up with the Railway Executive Committee, and active steps are being taken to increase the number and to improve the use of railway wagons.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, as the cost of feeding-cake is seriously hampering milk production, steps will be taken to reduce the price to stockbreeders and cowkeepers?

I regret to say that the position with regard to tonnage makes it impossible to reduce the price of feeding-cake at present.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that farmers in Devon are unable to obtain super-phosphate, dissolved bone compound, and potato and mangold manure, owing to the makers being short of acid; and whether measures will be taken to ensure a supply of those fertilisers which are vital for food production?

I am aware that, in order to provide sufficient acid for the manufacture of explosives, it has been necessary to curtail the supplies of acid normally used for making super-phosphate. In view, however, of the urgent needs of agriculture, steps have recently been taken by the Ministry of Munitions to release for the production of fertilisers an increased, indeed the largest possible, quantity of acid, consistent with the essential requirements of munitions. Every effort will be made by the Ministry of Munitions to maintain the largest possible production of fertilisers. The control of their distribution amongst fanners in the various localities is, however, in the hands of the Board of Agriculture.

As there is a great shortage of artificial manures in Ireland, will the decision apply to that country in order to increase the production of food?

The Department is not responsible for distribution.

We have railway facilities. What we complain of is the shortage of the acid for making artificial manures.

We produce the acid, but its distribution is not our business.

I am not asking about distribution. We want the acid.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that discontent exists in the Arsenal owing to the fact that foremen and principal fore men who have no claim as regards permanency are paid at a lower rate than their subordinates; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter with a view to providing that the rate of men in charge of other men shall approximate more to the rate of their subordinates?

A deputation of temporary foremen and assistant foremen was received by the Department on 2nd March, when this question was raised. The matter is now under discussion between the Treasury and the Ministry, and a decision will be given shortly.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that at the Edinburgh local munitions tribunal recently it was reported that a girl of eighteen years of age, in the employment of the North British Rubber Company, was receiving 12s. for a fifty-four-hour week with, in addition, a war bonus of 2s. 9d., which is forfeited if a morning is lost; that the firm in question informed the Court that these wages were in accordance with an agreement made with the Ministry of Munitions; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The report has been brought to ray notice, and I have caused inquiry to be made and the result of it I will communicate to my hon. Friend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 80,000 women for whom the Ministry have done nothing with regard to wages?

I am quite sure that statement is entirely inaccurate.

How many are there then?

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Munitions, as representing the Liquor Control Board, whether, in view of the promise made that no spirits should be sold in Gracie's Banking Tavern, at Annan, he will undertake that this existing restriction shall not be overturned without the consent of the Annan local advisory committee?

The facts are that on the 3rd August last the local advisory committee recommended that for the present no spirits should be sold in Gracie's Banking Tavern, and that the Board have acted since the opening of the tavern on this recommendation. The matter is now again under consideration by the local committee, and the Board will give full weight to any recommendation which they may make.

Will the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that this will not be done without the consent of the local committee?

No; I could not give that guarantee. We shall pay the greatest possible attention to their recommendation, of course.

Was not this tavern agreed to by the local committee on the distinct understanding that spirits would not be sold there?

All those understandings will be taken into account.

Will they be adhered to?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no attention is given to those understandings?

I will be glad if the hon. Gentleman gives me a case where no attention has been paid to an understanding.

Plenty of them.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to pay compensation to the relatives or dependants of any munition worker who may be killed by explosion in a munitions factory which can be attributed to the acts of the enemy?

So far as concerns munition workers in the employment of the Government, compensation would be paid, in the circumstances referred to in the question, as under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906. With regard to munition workers not in the employment of the Government who may be killed or injured by hostile aircraft, or by measures taken to combat them, whilst upon the premises of the factory in which they are employed, a pledge has already been given publicly that, if the injured worker or his dependants on proceeding against the employer under the Act of 1906 fail to recover compensation, His Majesty's Government will pay compensation on the scale of the Act. The same procedure would be followed in the case of death or injury resulting from an explosion caused by an act of the enemy other than that specifically covered by the pledge to which I have referred.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that an alteration was made during his predecessor's time in the manner of dealing with the work of the Scottish Board of Agriculture with the effect that all the work of that Board has to be sent, in a way not in vogue previously to that alteration, to the Scottish Office for his consideration and approval; if he is aware that this change is working detrimentally to the interests of the fanning community by the delays thus occurring; and will he see that the system is altered so that the Board are given some power of initiation and decision?

My hon. and learned Friend is under a misapprehension in supposing that the Board's powers have been at all affected by any recent action. Accordingly, the latter parts of his question do not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether a Bill has passed through the French Chamber and Senate authorising the Government to cancel the naturalisation papers of persons who before French naturalisation were subjects of enemy Powers; and whether it is proposed to introduce similar legislation in this country?

I understand that the Bill which my hon. Friend probably has in mind has not yet passed into law. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer him to the reply I gave to the hon. and learned Member for York on the 5th March.

asked the Prime Minister if, having regard to the importance of the question of primary and secondary education in Ireland and the necessity of improving the status of the schools and the emoluments and position of the teachers, a day will be given for the discussion of the subject on the Irish Estimates?

An opportunity will doubtless arise for the discussion of the subject on the Irish Estimates.

Will more than one day-be given to the Estimates?

I hope one day will be sufficient.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that Australia is not at present represented at the Imperial Conference, he will bear in mind the fact that opinion in Australia is almost unanimously opposed to Imperial Federation, and that the adoption by the Government of any attitude tending to force the Dominions to accept such a form of federation under the existing conditions would be dangerous; and whether such proposals will for the present be withdrawn from the ambit of discussion of the Conference?

There is no possibility of this or I think of any British Government adopting any attitude tending to force the Dominions to accept any form of federation.

In place of Imperial Federation would the Conference take into consideration my own plan for a ring of republics?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Imperial Cabinet, in its executive capacity, is responsible to the Parliament of the United Kingdom or to the Parliaments of the Dominions, or whether the Government does not propose to accept the doctrine of Parliamentary responsibility?

I cannot usefully add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 28th March and to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Burnley arising out of my reply.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the kind of closer relations between all parts of the Empire referred to in the Gracious Speech from the Throne?

I cannot give the definition asked for, but in my opinion a great advance towards these closer relations has already been made in the meetings of the Imperial War Cabinet.

asked the Prime Minister whether the representatives of the Dominions and of the Indian Empire are now considering with His Majesty's Ministers in secret the question of the closer relations referred to in the Gracious Speech from the Throne; and whether the people of the Dominions will be bound by what is done by their representatives in this Conference?

The subject has not yet been discussed at the Imperial Conference. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister how much longer the representatives of Canada at the Imperial Conference will be kept away from home, where they are much needed at the present time in connection with the prosecution of the War and other important business?

This does not seem to me a proper question to be addressed to a member of the British Government, on whose invitation the Prime Minister of Canada is now in London in order to attend the Imperial War Cabinet.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Premier and other members of the Canadian Government are not here because the Canadian people want them to be, but because they were asked to come?

I am not aware of that fact. I think there is plenty of scope for criticism of their own Government by Members of this House, and that they might leave the Governments of the Dominions to themselves.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the imminent lack of cereals in this country, he proposes to allow the continued waste of foodstuffs in the manufacture of intoxicating drinks?

I can add nothing to previous answers on this subject except to point out that no barley is now being used for malting, but that the beer is being brewed from existing stocks of malt.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that malted barley is perfectly good food, especially for animals, and, if necessary, for human beings also?

This question has been put to me in many forms recently. I can add nothing to the answers I have given. I may remind the hon. Gentleman that the restriction is only now coming into force.

In the event of this country falling short of food, who is going to be hanged for it?

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that under the system adopted for appointing an informal Joint Committee of Inquiry into the sending of parcels to prisoners in Germany no expense for secretarial or other assistance incurred by the Committee can be discharged from public funds, he will consider the desirability of giving the House an opportunity of moving the appointment of additional members of the Committee or considering the suitability of those members selected to form it and its constitution?

I do not think it would be advisable to interfere with the working of the Committee referred to. It is essential in the interest of the prisoners that it should get to work and report as soon as possible. In connection with this subject, I would refer my right hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Southampton on Thursday last.

:. Can the right hon. Gentlemen say, in reference to expense, how the Committee can get to work without any provision being made?

As I have already stated, if we find there is any difficulty in its doing the work, we shall reconsider it, but I do not anticipate any such thing.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether some 2,000 British soldiers are interned in reprisal camps in Poland and Courland; whether the American authorities or anyone else have been allowed permission to inspect these camps; whether the men are allowed to write home or to receive parcels; and whether the Government is taking any steps, by way of reprisal or otherwise, as the French have done, to insist on an evacuation of these camps?

Some 2,000 British prisoners of war are interned in various camps in Courland; none, it is believed, in Poland. One of the Courland camps was inspected by a representative of the American Embassy in Berlin, who reported favourably upon it. There is no special restriction on the correspondence of prisoners in these camps, and parcels are received by them. The Dutch Legation at Berlin have been asked to send a representative to visit all these camps if possible. I am informed that the French authorities, so far as is known, have taken no reprisals in consequence of French prisoners of War being sent to the Courland camps, and it is thougfit that for our Government to embark on such a policy would be against the interest of our own prisoners.

As a matter of fact, are not these camps much worse than the camps in Germany?

I cannot say that.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether the Government has now completed its information in regard to the statements by the International Red Cross Society that large numbers of prisoners have been transferred by the Germans to the Army zones; and whether he can now make a statement as to the action the Government intend to take?

There seems little doubt that British prisoners of war are now employed in occupied territories behind the Western front by the Germans, but no sufficient evidence has as yet been received as to their being set to work in proximity to the firing line. The whole question is being closely watched.

Will the hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement on this very important question before the House adjourns on Wednesday?

I do not think so, unless further information comes to hand in the meantime.

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake during the Adjournment of the House to get all possible information, so as to be able to make a statement when the House meets?

It is hardly for me to make a statement on a matter which, obviously, is a Cabinet question.

Will the hon. Gentleman communicate with the Red Cross at Geneva, who are responsible for the statement, and get the evidence upon which they make this statement?

All that is being done.

asked the Prime Minister (1) why the Government have adopted the course of placing further large restrictions on the output of beer by an Order of the Food Controller; whether he will give an early opportunity for discussion of the matter; (2) whether the Government, in framing and enforcing further restrictions on the output of beer, will take into their consideration the fact that beer is recognised by medical authorities as a food as well as a drink, and that the moderate use of it has proved to be most beneficial to soldiers, sailors, munition workers, and other manual labourers; and (3) whether, with a view to avoiding political controversy and extravagant expenditure in war- time, he will consider the possibility of taking measures to suppress the persistent agitations for State purchase or prohibition of the liquor trade, upon which so much money, paper, ink, and labour are now being expended?

I have been asked to reply, and will deal with this and the two following questions together. In placing restrictions upon the output of beer by an Order of the Food Controller, the Government have followed the same procedure as in the case of several other trades, especially those using sugar. The food value of beer is not disputed, but that of the barley grits and sugar employed in its manufacture is substantially greater. Restrictions upon the output of beer are based upon the necessity of rendering such foods available for direct human consumption. It is not desirable to attempt to suppress the public expression of divergent opinions upon so important a problem. If there is a general desire on the part of the House to discuss these restrictions, I will bring this before my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, with a view to the granting of the time for discussion. I may, however, remind the hon. Member that quite recently there was a lengthy Debate upon this subject.

Is my hon. Friend aware, with regard to the third question, that there is a great feeling of irritation amongst members of the trade, against whom this agitation has been directed, that the War should be exploited in this way, especially as they are far too patriotic themselves to take retaliatory measures?

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the greatest scientists and doctors of the day say that beer is not a food?

We have no time to digest that matter now.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any organisation in connection with the House of Commons called a Commercial Committee; and, if so, how has it been formed, and whether a Mr. Louis Sinclair, formerly a Member of this House, acted as secretary of the organisation; and whether he thinks that it would be desirable that no such Committee should be formed without communicating with all Members, in order to ascertain those who may desire to join it and in some way regulating its constitution and proceedings so as to prevent abuses?

The Commercial Committee is one of the oldest and largest unofficial Committees of Members of the House, and is representative of all parties of the House. Any Member of Parliament can be a member of it, and is always welcome to attend its meetings. The late honorary secretary (Mr. L. Sinclair) has resigned owing to litigations, and is at present defending an action in the Law Courts.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that numbers of bookmakers and the betting profession might be much better employed either in the Army or on the land; and if he will during the War take steps to prohibit betting either on racecourses or elsewhere?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I agree that all members of the betting profession who are fit for work would be better employed in the Army or on the land. AS to the last part of the question, racing is now much restricted, and I do not see my way to introduce legislation at the present moment on the subject of betting.

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard betting as a profession?

Certainly. I took the expression in the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at a race meeting one day last week there were 1,500 motor cars and taxis attended?

I do not know.

I do.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in the Official List of the Government the name of Lord Emmott appears as Director of the War Trade Department; whether he is aware that Lord Emmott has described himself as a kind of superior Civil servant for the nonce; and will he say what is Lord Emmott's exact position, under what Act of Parliament has he been appointed, and does he receive any salary?

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. Lord Emmott is the Director of the War Trade Department, but is not a Minister. He was appointed in January, 1915, to this post when he was also serving as a Cabinet Minister, and upon the subsequent reconstructions of the Ministry he has, at the request of the Prime Minister, continued to hold it. The appointment was made by the Prime Minister—not under any Act of Parliament—and Lord Emmott does not receive any salary.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the personal opinion of the Colonial Secretary, as expressed by him in this House, that a similiar policy to that taken with regard to the electoral position should be extended to the consideration of the constitution and powers of the Second Chamber; and whether the Government is prepared to accept that view and to act upon it?

The Government recognise the urgency of this subject and are sympathetically considering the suggestion in my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will see that the Fran chise Bill to be formulated on the basis of Mr. Speaker's Conference Report is presented in such a form that the House will have the fullest freedom to deal with the position of the conscientious objector?

The Bill must of necessity be in a form to permit the discussion of such subjects if the House desires it.

Shall we also be able to discuss the question of the dispatch of men over military age who have not taken part in the War?

I am informed that the nature of the Bill will make it possible for the House to discuss these subjects.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of the House going into Secret Session at the earliest possible opportunity?

The Government will consider this proposal after the House reassembles.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether we shall be able to discuss all questions in a Secret Session, or shall we be limited to any particular questions?

I rather think that in a Secret Session anyone called upon by the Speaker can discuss pretty much what the Speaker allows him.

I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is generally considered that the last Secret Session in this House was a success or otherwise?

I cannot answer that question.

asked the Prime Minister if he will say whether the, Resolutions of the Paris Conference and the Report of Lord Balfour of Burleigh's Committee thereon were considered by the War Cabinet, and whether they have been referred to the Imperial War Cabinet now sitting; whether these Resolutions and the said Report have been referred to the Conference sitting at the Colonial Office under the presidency of the Secretary of State for the Colonies for their consideration; and, if the said Resolutions and the said Report have not been referred as aforesaid, will His Majesty's Government take prompt steps to see that they are so referred for consideration forthwith?

The subject is already on the Agenda of the Imperial War Cabinet.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to close the banks on Easter Saturday; and whether, if no representations to this effect have been made to him by the banks on behalf of their staffs, he will approach the banks himself in the interests of those employed in banks, who have been hard worked for a long time and have been deprived of several of their statutory holidays?

As I have already stated, Saturday, 7th April, will be a Bank Holiday, though not a general holiday.

asked the Home Secretary whether the body of persons which has assumed the title of the Cinema Commission has any official recognition or is able to use any official authority; and whether official inquiry into the moral and physical effects of these shows is being delayed on account of the proceedings of this body?

The body referred to has no official recognition or authority, and its proceedings do not interfere with any official inquiry. The matter is being dealt with by the local licensing authorities under their existing powers?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this Commission is largely organised by persons interested in the trade, and does he not think that a more formal official inquiry on behalf of the nation generally would be very useful in connection with it?

I have very little knowledge as to the composition of the Commission. I have no authority whatever.

I asked the right hon. Gentleman whether this is really a trade organisation. Could he not establish a Commission under the authority of his own Department to make an inquiry into a matter which is of very great interest for the nation?

I do not think the moment has come for that, but I will take note of my hon. Friend's observations.

Is it not the case that a great deal of harm is being done?

The hon. Member had better put a question down.

Rut I have asked it?

An important question as to whether or not a Commission should be appointed ought to be put down.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet put in force in any factory the provisions in Clause 7 of the Police (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act authorising the Home Office to secure special provisions for the welfare of the workers?

No Order has yet been made under the Section referred to, but the inspectors of the Department have been making careful inquiries in the several industries as to the provision made for the welfare of the workers. In very many cases they have found the employers ready to adopt their suggestions without resort being had to the compulsory powers given by the Section. The question of making general orders is under consideration, and a decision will be taken as soon as possible.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the number of uninterned aliens, Allied, neutral, or enemy, between the ages of eighteen and forty-one, now residing in the United Kingdom; and whether he proposes to take any immediate action, with a view to making these men subject to military service either in this country or their own, so as to remove the feeling of injustice which has been aroused amongst our own people by the existing state of affairs?

I cannot give the hon. and gallant Member the number of aliens between the ages mentioned, but I would refer him as regards alien enemies to the reply which I gave to his question on the 14th March and to the statement I made in the Debate on the 14th February, and, as regards alien friends, to the statement by the Leader of the House on the 27th February. I would add that Allies and neutrals residing here cannot properly be classified with enemies as "uninterned aliens," and that military service in this country or their own is not a choice that can be offered to enemies or neutrals.

asked the Home Secretary how many Germans are now, and were six months ago, employed by Lawrance, Jacob, and Company, of 80, Golden Lane, George Rice, Limited, of 65, Queen Street, and 0. W. Martin and Son, Limited, of 68, Upper Thames Street and 61, Grange Road, Bermondsey; why they are not interned; and whether it is in the interest of the country to continue businesses which employ alien enemies?

The firms named were six months ago and are now employing respectively nine, ten, and twenty-one enemy aliens at their works, which are not, however, in the City of London. The aliens are all above military age, and no question of interning them has arisen. As regards the last paragraph of the question, I can only say that in my view it is in the national interest that so far as possible every man in the country, of whatever nationality, should be employed on work of national importance, and I am taking steps to see that uninterned enemy aliens shall be so employed.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the time has arrived when all enemy aliens should be interned?

No, Sir; I think that would be quite impossible. Many of them are infirm, very much above the military age, and unable to do any harm whatever to this country. But I say that all of them who are fit for work should do work of national importance.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remove the notices in the railway carriages, which might be now waste paper, advising people not to speak for fear of giving enemy aliens information?

asked the Home Secretary whether A. Fischer, of 10, Selborne Road, Southgate, an uninterned alien, is doing printing work for the British Government; and why is he not interned?

The man to whom I think the hon. Member refers is Emil Paul Fischer, of Selborne Road, Southgate, a lithographic artist. He is a German, aged fifty-two, who has been thirty years in this country, and has a British-born wife. He was exempted from internment on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee, and no reason for cancelling his exemption has been brought to my notice. I am informed that he is not doing printing work of any description for the British Government.

asked the Home Secretary whether Joseph Tabbush, of 49, Princess Street, Manchester, is an unnaturalised Turk; whether he, S. P. Leibman, now known as S. P. Lee, a naturalised German previous to the War, agent for the Upper Rhine Insurance Company, and Martin Hirschberg, 27, Oxford Street, Manchester, naturalised shortly before the War and agent for the Baden Marine Insurance Company, of Mannheim, are all three trading as marine insurance agents, even doing business with the Government, obtaining information of the sailings and arrivals of steamers; and whether he will consider the desirability of not allowing persons of enemy association to continue in business of this character having regard to the action of the Germans on the high seas?

The facts with regard to the nationality and occupation of these three persons appears to be as stated by the hon. Member, except that Lee or Leibman, who has resided in Manchester for thirty-six years and was naturalised twenty years ago, is of Austrian and not of German origin. The latter part of the question deals with matters which are for the Board of Trade rather than for my Department, and I will consult with my right hon. Friend about them.

asked the hon. Member for Worcestershire (ewdley Division) whether he is aware that the clerks of pension sub-committees in county Galway have not received the fees due to them in respect to additional allowances to old age pensioners for the quarter ending December, 1916; what is the cause; and will the matter have his attention?

I am informed that a cheque in payment of the amount due has already been forwarded to the clerk of the committee. The payment was authorised as soon as the accounts, which were not forwarded by the clerk until a somewhat late date, had been checked.