asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will inform the House of the purport of any communications that have passed, during the last three months, between the American and British Governments with reference to Ireland?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether, after the accession of America, unanimity of objects in the War among the Allies is to be reached by levelling up to the American standard, including equal independence for small nations as for large, and especially for Ireland; if so, why the British Government have not made a public declaration to this effect, especially in Ireland, with the generosity and promptitude of the new Russian Government with reference to Poland; and, if the delay is caused by waiting for the approval of this House, when the draft terms will be submitted for consideration?

I can at present add nothing to the statements already made on this subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question comparing the want of action of this Government with the prompt action of the Russian Government?

I have already given all the answer within my power.

That is none at all.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any thing has been done since 3rd August, 1914, which has affected, or now affects, or may in the future affect the rights of Great Britain and Ireland within the waters or any part or parts of the waters which lie between any geographical point in the United Kingdom and any geographical point in Norway in respect to absolute or conditional contraband goods of or in respect of the Narvik or any enemy or neutral ship or ships; and, if so, what was it, when, why, and by whom was it done?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he Has any official information showing that the provisional Government in Russia is prepared to agree that the Bosphorus and Dardanelles be internationalised; and, if so, whether he will make a statement on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Russian newspapers are publishing revelations regarding the conditions which prevailed at the court of the late Czar; and can he state whether any steps have been taken, or are in contemplation, to prevent republication in this country?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of General Hiescu, former chief of the Roumanian General Staff, that the Russian Government compelled Roumania to take up arms on behalf of the Allies in July of last year for the purpose of securing her defeat by the Central Powers in order to provide a reason for Russia making peace; and can he say whether His Majesty's Government had knowledge of the intention of the Russian Government to present an ultimatum to Roumania and gave diplomatic support in the matter?

I have seen the interview to which the hon. Member refers in the first part of his question. The answer to both parts of the second half of the question is in the negative.

May I ask whether the Noble Lord has knowledge of the presentation of an ultimatum by the late Russian Government to the Roumanian Government as indicated in that general sense?

No, Sir.

What I ask is, have you any knowledge now as to the ultimatum?

No, Sir; not beyond what is stated in the interview.

Has the Noble Lord seen the statement issued by the Austro-Hungarian Government in a Blue Book stating that such an ultimatum was presented?

Well, Sir, I should not pay very much attention to that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give particulars of the French Government prohibition of import into France of British cotton goods?

I understand that full details with regard to the recent import prohibitions imposed by the French Government will be published in next week's issue of the "Board of Trade Journal." Meanwhile any information on the subject which is required can be obtained on application to the Board of Trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information showing that a German marine was arrested under suspicious circumstances on the premises of the electric works of the municipality of Shanghai; that the trial of this marine, who was acquitted, was held in secret in a private German House before the Dutch Consul-General assisted by two German Consular officials; if so, if he will say whether His Majesty's Government are content with this form of procedure; and, if not, whether they propose to take any steps in the matter?

I have seen in the Press the report referred to by the hon. Member, but I have received no official information with regard to it.

Will the Noble Lord cause inquiries to be made?

Yes, Sir; certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the Board of Trade statistics to the effect that we exported to Denmark from 1st January to 28th February in 1917 803,500 lbs. of cotton yarn, whilst in 1913 for the same dates we only exported 135,900 lbs., and of cotton manufactures we exported for the same months in 1917 11,966,200 yards, whilst for the same months in 1913 we only exported 2,983,500 yards, he can say why, after nearly three years of war, we are supplying a country adjoining Germany with such an extra amount of necessary goods for manufacturing war material; and what steps he is taking to prevent this state of affairs in the future?

The figures quoted by the hon. and gallant Member take no account of pre-war imports into Denmark from other than British sources and give no true indication of the statistical position. The figures in possession of His Majesty's Government show that for the six months ending March 31st last the total Danish imports amounted, in the-case of cotton yarn, to 2,048,200 lbs. as against 1,992,500 lbs., and in the case of cotton piece goods to 22,283,700 yards as against 23,541,100 for the corresponding period of 1912–13, the higher figure of yarn being more than counterbalanced by the lower figure of piece goods. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the confusion and inconvenience which has been caused by the application of summer time to Ireland; and what steps the Government propose to take to deal with the situation?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the protests against the renewal of the Summer Time Act in Ireland this year, superimposed on the Greenwich time, as tending to prove disastrous to the tillage and harvesting operations in the country, he will take action to have the operation of the Act suspended in Ireland from the beginning of May next?

I have seen in the Irish newspapers reports that in various parts of the country people are keeping their clocks at the old time. This is not forbidden by the Summer Time Act, but it no doubt causes some confusion. I cannot see that there is any insuperable difficulty in adjusting working arrangements so that the new time should have a fair trial. At present I have no information which seems to me to necessitate any proposal to the House for new legislation.

In view of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question, which is extremely urgent, and causes the greatest possible discontent in Ireland, on the Adjournment to-night.

asked the amount of the proposed increase of expenditure on education in Ireland corresponding to the increased expenditure on that service in this country; and if he will outline the manner in which the increase is to be administered in Ireland?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as an equivalent to the Supplementary Vote for Education in England and Wales, it is intended to propose an additional grant for Irish education; and if he can state the amount of such grant?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply to the question of the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh. I am communicating with various educational authorities in Ireland in order to formulate proposals for securing, in connection with Irish education, advantages equivalent to any which may be granted for this country under the scheme about to be explained by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication of the increased amount for Ireland?

It is not a very thrifty thing to allot an amount first and then find out what is necessary afterwards.

Has the right hon. Gentleman arrived at an estimate of what will be required?

The hon. Member must be content for the time being with the answers I have given.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the public announcement that MacInerney's fish stores in Limerick have had to be closed up and the business brought to an end, in consequence of the banishment of Mr. James MacInerney from Ireland on political grounds without charge or trial; whether he is aware of the public inconvenience thus caused at a time of food scarcity; if it be not the policy of the Government to destroy the business of individuals on political grounds or on the secret information of competitors, whether Mr. Maclnerney will be given the advantage of a trial; and how, and to what extent, the Government intend to compensate him for the loss of his business?

I have not seen any such announcement as that mentioned in the question. I am informed, in answer to inquiries I have made, that the fish store in question has recently been carried on by a brother and sister of James Maclnerney, and that it was closed ten days ago. No question of compensation arises in respect of the deportation of James Maclnerney under the Defence of the Realm Regulations which authorised his deportation.

In this case in which the business has been closed up as the result of the deportation of the head of it, will the Chief Secretary make no inquiries as to what could be done afterwards?

I have made inquiries, with the result which appears in the answer I have given

asked what steps have been taken for the establishment of wages boards in Ireland; and whether, where the representatives of the employers and employés have agreed upon a minimum wage, machinery will be established to ratify it and make it mandatory upon any section that might seek to evade it?

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the Government's proposals with reference to the establishment of a wages board in Ireland"

The Corn Production Bill, which is now before the House, contains provisions for the establishment of wages boards in Ireland. In the hope that this measure will become law steps have been taken provisionally for bringing the boards into operation as soon as possible after the statutory powers are obtained. I am aware that in the meantime farmers and labourers in many of the Irish counties have made satisfactory temporary arrangements, and I anticipate that where a minimum wage has been ascer- tained in this way, the proposed wages board will have power to establish it as a legal minimum wage.

If there is any undue delay in the passing of the Wages Board Bill will this be done by an Order in Council?

I have been giving attention to the matter in case the necessity arises, but I hope it will not be necessary. I think the hon. Member will see that it will be much better to have one permanent scheme than a temporary one in the first instance. Farmers and labourers in various parts of Ireland have been dealing with this matter in a perfectly practical and friendly way, and this has had good effect in removing the difficulties in the matter of ascertaining the minimum wage.

As there is bound to be some considerable delay in any event, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps by forwarding this Bill or otherwise to make its operation retrospective?

That question no doubt will arise when the Clause relating to the Irish Wages Board is considered, and if it appears to be necessary no doubt it will be done. Of course, that will depend upon the judgment of the House in the matter, and that is one of the reasons why I do not want to anticipate the decision of the House with regard to a new departure of this kind by any sectional action.

asked whether, in view of the increase of tillage throughout Ireland, any steps are being taken for the purpose of setting up corn mills so as to meet adequately the necessities of the coming harvest?

The Department of Agriculture have been giving assistance by means of loans and expert advice for the equipment of mills in Ireland, and are continuing to do so.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what is his estimate of the increase in the area cropped or about to be cropped for the present season in Ireland for oats, potatoes, wheat, and barley, respectively, as compared with last season?

The Department of Agriculture are not yet in a position to furnish estimates of the increased crops due to new tillage, but I am able to say that the regulations for compulsory tillage have been cheerfully responded to throughout Ireland, with occasional exceptions which in no way affect the general good result, and that the small percentage of defaulters are being systematically dealt with.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any rough estimate of the total increase under tillage in Ireland this year?

It would be misleading.

Is it not the fact that the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture said that about 1,000,000 acres would represent the amount?

I would rather not commit myself to any figure. My own view is that when I am in a position to give it definitely to the House it will be regarded as very satisfactory and creditable.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) why Mr. H. Thompson, Castlefarm, Borris-in-Ossory, Queen's County, who holds 500 acres of arable land, has been exempted from tilling the 10 per cent. of such land under the increased tillage scheme?

Inquiries are being made into this case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if, at Aberavon, South Wales, last week, 200 German prisoners were received; if the Government at once commandeered all the potato stocks locally for the use of these German prisoners; if he is aware that the Aberavon people are of the opinion that they deserve greater consideration from the Government than German prisoners; and if he will see that British citizens whose sons are fighting at the front shall not fare worse than our imprisoned German enemies?

My hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. There is no information in the War Office that local stocks of potatoes were commandeered, but I will make inquiries if my hon. Friend desires. Instructions have now been issued stopping all issues of potatoes to prisoners of war in the United Kingdom.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will forthwith institute a system of compulsory rationing of all un-interned enemy aliens in the United Kingdom?

The possible results obtainable from the adoption of the hon. Baronet's suggestion could not justify the creation of the elaborate machinery required for the purpose

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken to reduce the number of superfluous dogs of all sorts in this country with a view to saving the incidental waste of food?

As I informed the hon. Member for West Waterford on the 3rd April, it is not at present proposed to place any statutory restriction on the keeping of dogs Those who keep dogs should, however, realise that the giving to dogs of food fit for human consumption is not in the national interest.

Will the hon. Gentleman issue a voluntary ration for the 2,700,000 dogs in this country?

Will the hon. Gentleman take no steps to effect a reduction in the number of dogs'?

That matter does not come directly within the province of the Department which I represent, but representations are being made to other Departments on the matter.

What does "ornamental dog" mean?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in Ireland the raw fat of beef cattle is being sold by butchers at 4d. per lb.; and whether, having regard to the prices of margarine and butter, the Food Controller will consider the desirability of buying this fat and utilising it for food by converting it into margarine in a Government factory?

I am not aware that in Ireland the raw fat of beef cattle is being sold at so low a price as 4d. per pound. The price in England is considerably higher, and no doubt a ready market would be obtained if the raw fat from Ireland were sent to England. The suggestion made in the last part of the question will be brought to the notice of the Food Controller.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Food Controller in fixing the price of Irish bacon considered the effects of the same as compared with the price fixed for English bacon; is he aware that the price of Irish pigs has already fallen 3s. per cwt., thus causing a loss of £1,500,000 sterling in a year to farmers and others in Ireland; that English buyers are buying Irish pigs at the lesser price, importing them to England, and selling them in England as English bacon at the higher price; and whether the Minister will find some means of coming to a more equitable arrangement whereby what seems to be an injustice may be removed?

I have already informed the House that the price of provisions, including bacon, is periodically revised by the Home and Foreign Produce Exchange. The most recent revision took place on Friday last, when the price of Irish bacon was advanced 3s. per cwt., no change being made in the price of English bacon.

In revising the price will the hon. Gentleman keep before his mind the grave danger of the total destruction of the pig-rearing industry by the enormous increase in the price of food and the difficulty, almost amounting to impossibility, of obtaining food for pigs?

That is being constantly borne in mind, but it must be re-membered that there is a great deal of food now given to pigs which would be more economically utilised if it were given direct to human beings.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that within the last four weeks the number of pigs killed in Ireland has been reduced by over 25 per cent., thereby lessening the quantity of food for the use of people, and is he further aware that the feeling amongst the Irish farmers is that they are going to oease rearing and fattening pigs for market owing to the actual loss in the market value of them?

The hon. Member had better put that question down.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, under the Board of Trade Returns, tea is classed as a food or a drink, and if the latter, whether he has power to deal with it; whether the Order he has issued with regard to packing by net- weight applies to teas packed for export; and, if not, whether he will issue an Amendment making it clear that teas may be packed and sold under bond in any weight or form necessary for the maintenance of export trade?

The Board of Trade classification does not affect the Food Controller's powers, which clearly extend to tea. Under the fourth article of the Tea (Net Weight) Order, 1917, if the exporter or packer desires to place any statement as to weight on the package it must be a true statement as to the net weight of the tea. The rest of the Order applies only to retail sales.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the enforced reduction in the price of home-grown wheat will result in a corresponding reduction in the price of bread; and, if so, will he further reduce the price of home-grown wheat and so reduce the price of bread, which is inflicting suffering among those classes who are not participating in war prosperity?

The price of the loaf is mainly dependent upon the current value of imported wheat, so that alter- ations in the price of home-grown wheat cannot be expected to reduce to a corresponding extent the price of bread.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of reducing the price of bread?

Yes; it is being continuously considered as being, apart from its availability, the most important factor which we have to consider. May I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the Order relating to cakes and pastry issued this morning, which may, and we hope will, have the effect of rendering a great deal more flour available for bread?

In view of the fact that having control of shipping has compelled the Australian farmer to sell at 40s. a quarter, why cannot the hon. Gentleman take similar steps to get a cheap rate for British supplies?

That question does not arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the increasing shortage of foodstuffs for cattle owing to lack of tonnage and the consequent necessity for reducing the head of stock, the Government is taking into consideration the need of developing and using to the full the cold storage system throughout the country?

The question of the adequacy of cold storage is receiving attention. I believe, however, that the accommodation is fully equal to existing requirements, and will prove equal to any demands which are likely to arise in the future.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that some of the large millers in Ireland have issued a notice to their customers that no more Indian meal can be had for the present; if he is aware that the effect of this Order will be to put an end to the keeping of pigs and poultry; if it was on the instructions of the Food Controller that the Order was issued; and, if so, why it was issued?

It is impossible to answer this question unless more par- ticulars are furnished, but I may say that no special instructions have been issued as regards the use of maize in Ireland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what quantities, in tons, of Indian meal was imported into Great Britain during the year 1916, as well as the quantities imported monthly since the 1st of January, 1917?

The quantity of Indian meal imported into the United Kingdom during the year 1916 was 20,932 tons. It is not in the public interest to furnish the further information asked for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the recent Order for the curtailment of food in hotels and restaurants in Ireland is causing inconvenience to travellers and others engaged in commercial pursuits, whose time for meals is uncertain and often takes place at intervals of many hours by reason of their duties; and is any reconsideration of the Order for such cases contemplated?

No, Sir. The reconsideration of the Order is not at present contemplated.

asked if Irish fishermen will be exempted, like the Scotch, from the Order securing the prepayment of carriage on goods sent by passenger trains?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the hardship and inconvenience inflicted on fishermen and fish-buyers in Baltimore and other fishing centres in West Cork by requiring them to pay carriage to the railway companies when booking fish for conveyance to market; whether this requirement applies to Scottish fishermen; and whether, seeing the handicap that such a requirement necessarily means to the fishing industry and consequently the provision of cheap food for the English people, he will see that the old arrangement, by which carriage on fish was paid when the consignee took delivery thereof is again restored?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the new arrangement requiring fish booked from Ireland to England to be paid for at the time of booking has caused inconvenience to Irish fishermen, and that these men, many of them poor, often land their supplies at ports where they are unknown and find it in many cases impossible to find the money necessary to pay the carriage; and, seeing that these regulations do not apply to Scotland, will he, under the circumstances, take steps to have these regulations withdrawn in Ireland?

The recent requirement as to the prepayment of passenger train traffic has not been applied to fish landed in Scotland, as it appeared that its application might have involved special difficulties at certain Scottish ports. No representations as to similar difficulties in Ireland have hitherto been received by the Board of Trade, but inquiries will be made, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Gentlemen.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the same treatment will be given in Ireland as in Scotland?

I shall be glad to receive any representations on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that railway companies refuse to accept empty fish boxes for conveyance to fish buyers in Baltimore and other fishing centres in West Cork; and whether, having regard to the scarcity and cost of timber and the difficulty of providing an adequate supply of boxes for the conveyance of fish to the markets, he will see that the railway companies make provision for the conveyance of those empty boxes, to fish buyers without unnecessary delay in transit?

I am afraid that in present circumstances difficulties in connection with the rail and sea transit of empty boxes cannot altogether be avoided, but I will make inquiry in the matter.

asked the total quantities of wheat, meat, and sugar per month taken out of the United Kingdom by merchant vessels in the form of ships' stores; whether the condition of affairs relating to ships' stores is in accord with the statement by the chairman of Messrs. Houlder Brothers and Company, Limited; and whether the Government will take steps to remove the obstacles placed in the way of shipowners who are endeavouring to assist in conserving the food supplies of the country?

I regret that it is not possible to give the figures asked for in the first part of the question. It is the wish of the Government to encourage the purchase of ships' stores at ports abroad instead of in the United Kingdom, and I understand that the somewhat special case to which the hon. Member refers has now been satisfactorily met.

asked if the Local Government Board has any power to interfere with the authority of a pension officer so far as the application for the additional 2s. 6d. is concerned; and, if so, to what extent?

I am in communication with the Local Government Board in regard to the matter.

asked on what basis the Advisory Committee have fixed the amount that is allowed to be cleared during the half-year ending 30th September, 1917, and how are the authorities under both heads (wines and spirits) issued as instalments of what traders are entitled to; and when traders may expect that their applications will be fully dealt with and authorities finally issued by the Advisory Committee for the quantities that they are entitled to in lieu of the present instalment system, which leaves wholesale dealers at a standstill and threatens their complete extinction under the restrictions on clearances of spirits and -wines from bond which came into operation on 2nd April, 1917?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The basis on which clearances during the half-year ending 30th September, 1917, are being allowed, namely, 25 per cent, of the clearances in the year 1916, is fixed by a rule made by the Treasury under Subsection (2) of Section 4 of No. 270 Statutory Rules and Orders, 1917. The applications for the grant of authorities necessitate inquiry in the majority of cases, and, in order to facilitate the transaction, of business, provisional authorities sufficient, so far as can be seen, to meet current needs are in such cases being issued;. they will be dealt with fully as soon as practicable. If, in any case, the provisional authority is insufficient, it is, of course, open to the person concerned to-make application for an extension.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these restrictions-strike Ireland much more severely than any other part of the United Kingdom, as 95 per cent. of Irish houses are free houses owned, occupied and stocked by the tenants, whereas in this country the majority of the houses are tied, and therefore the people have not the same interest as in Ireland?

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he is aware that there is a fodder famine in many of the more mountainous districts of county Donegal, that several horses and cattle have perished through hunger, and that the growth in these districts will be at least a fortnight behind that of the low-lying lands; and if he will approach the military authorities with a view to inducing them to release a portion of the fodder which they have stored with the larger farmers in the county so as to enable the smaller farmers-to feed their horses and cattle for the next six weeks?

Steps have been taken by the Department of Agriculture, with the co-operation of the military authorities, to deal with a shortage of cattle fodder in Donegal which has arisen from, among other causes, the severity of the season, and considerable supplies have been made available, and I am assured that the arrangements now made will be sufficient to deal with the emergency.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate more fully for the benefit of the people concerned to whom they should apply for immediate relief?

The method adopted, to the best of my recollection, is that supplies of fodder have been made available for sale at reasonable prices in the quarters in which fodder is usually sold. If the hon. Member will communicate with me either today or to-morrow, I will give him more particular information.

Is it a fact, as stated in the question, that horses and cattle have actually perished from hunger while there is plenty of fodder stored under contract and sold for military requirements?

I did not need to wait to ascertain whether cattle had died before asking for, action to be taken. As a matter of fact, the matter was reported to me, and I have taken steps to deal with it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of prohibiting the export of fodder except for military Requirements from the port of Derry?

Before the hon. Member asks me to do that he had better consult those of his constituents who grind hay and other things for sale as to what their view would be about it.

asked the Prime Minister what steps are to be taken to give effect to the threat of reprisals against Germany for torpedoing hospital ships?

Action has already been taken, of which the particulars have been made public, in consequence of the dastardly attacks on hospital ships.

May I ask whether these proceedings will be renewed as soon as possible at another place?

I do not think it is desirable to give any information further than is contained in my answer.

Has there been any recent loss of hospital ships?

Yes, Sir, and they will be made public in due course.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the House any information as to the present situation in Athens and Northern Greece?

The situation in Greece is now under discussion by the Allied Governments, and any Statement in regard to it at the present moment would be premature.

May I ask, as there is great public anxiety on this question, whether some statement will be given as to the situation in Greece and what policy the Allied Governments are intending to pursue there?

I think it, would be very desirable, if it were possible, to have a discussion on this subject: and I may say now that the Government has decided that it would be desirable to have a private Session of this House, and I hope next week to be able to state when that will take place.

May I ask whether the Allied Governments engaged in the discussion of this matter include the United States of America?

Up to the present, the United States of America have not taken any part in it, but I have no doubt as soon as arrangements are concluded they will be consulted in every matter in which they are interested.

Then they are not included in the present case?

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether the private Session will be confined to one sitting only?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will wait until I make the next statement about it.

Would it not be advisable to consult the United States of America before these arrangements are made?

It may be desirable, but it is not very practicable.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the House any information as to the intentions of the Government with regard to the Salonika Expedition; is it proposed to keep a large army in the neighborhood of Salonika during the coming summer; and, if so, what precautions have been taken against a recurrence of the diseases which were so disastrous to the Allied armies last summer; whether the army at Salonika has been put into condition to advance; whether it is proposed that it should advance against Bulgaria; and, if not, for what purpose so large a body of troops is to be kept at Salonika?

As this question deals directly with military plans, it is impossible for me to give any answer to it.

Might I draw the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to that part of the question which does not deal with military plans, but which asks what precautions have been taken against a recurrence of the diseases which were so disastrous to the Allied armies last summer? If an army is to be kept there, surely we are entitled to know whether anything can be done to protect it against those diseases which invalided 60,000 of our men last year?

I can assure the House that the Government are fully alive to the difficulties and dangers in connection with this matter, and are taking all possible steps.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that of 242 men of the Cameron Highlanders who are prisoners of war in Germany only two had, up to 27th March, acknowledged receipt of bread from Copenhagen; whether he has satisfied himself that the arrangements for the supply of bread to prisoners from Copenhagen are satisfactory; who is in charge of the depot there, and what is its cost; and whether he has evidence that other prisoners are receiving their supplies of bread?

I am informed that the number of prisoners of the Cameron Highlanders at present on the records of the Central Prisoners of War Committee is 227. I am afraid it is not possible to state how many of these particular prisoners have acknowledged receipt of bread from Copenhagen up to-27th March, but the latest information shows that acknowledgments have been sent for 60 per cent. of all the bread sent. The acknowledgment cards are sent direct to Copenhagen, whence they are forwarded to London in parcels, according as shipping facilities permit. I understand that the arrangements for the supply of bread from Copenhagen are now satisfactory, except for the inevitable uncertainty as to the arrival of the flour and other necessary ingredients, owing to shipping difficulties. The Bureau at Copenhagen is supervised by a-Committee, with Lady Paget as president, and Mr. Marcus Slade as director, and its working cost up to 23rd March has been £21,261 16s. Id. I am informed that 73,502 loaves weighing 3¼lbs. were sent from Copenhagen to our prisoners-in Germany during the month of March.

In the case of a prisoner who has stated that he has received no parcels for three months, is the system such that proof can toe provided of the dispatch of parcels to the prisoners and of the dispatch of them from Copenhagen?

Yes, I understand that is-the intention of the Central Prisoners of War Committee. My hon. Friend knows that an inquiry is proceeding on all these points at the present moment.

In the case of particular prisoners who allege that they have received no parcels for periods like that, will proof of dispatch be submitted?

Submitted to the Committee?

Will the Committee obtain proof of the dispatch of food and parcels in these individual cases?

It is perfectly free for them to ask for it and to supply it; but I do-not control their proceedings.

Will the Committee which is in charge of this matter and responsible for it, submit proof of dispatch?

I understand that they will. All that they can do is to guarantee that the parcels go. A hundred and one things-may happen to them afterwards.

May I ask whether the figure given as to the cost of the bureau includes the cost of the bread?

Yes; having regard to the amount, I have no doubt that it does.

Having regard to the alarm and anxiety felt in this matter, could the hon. Gentleman in some way or other inform the House or the public how it stands?

I thought that was the purpose of my answer. I do not know what more I can say.

asked the Prime Minister if he is yet in a position to state the name of the Irish representative whom it is proposed to appoint on the Reconstruction Committee?

The Prime Minister has appointed the hon. Member for North Galway (Mr. Hazleton) to be a member of the Reconstruction Committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether the abandonment by the new Russian Government of the purposes of conquest, which the late Russian Government stated had the approval of its Allies, makes any difference in the purposes of conquest of those Allies, especially in the purposes of the British and Italian Governments; and whether the Government of the United States of America has been informed of the present purposes of territorial conquest of all the Allies?

His Majesty's Government are of opinion that a public discussion of the topics referred to in this question is not in the public interest at present.

asked the Prime Minister if he will arrange a Secret Session to enable him to give the Members of the House of Commons the facts which were supplied to General Smuts and Sir Robert Borden, and which enabled them to make such assurances as to the condition of the Air Service?

It is proposed to take the Estimates of the Air Board on Thursday next. The Government have decided that a Private Sitting of the House is desirable, and I hope to be able to say next week what arrangements will be made for it.

Is it understood that this House will have the information which was supplied to General Smuts and Sir Robert Borden, which enabled them to make these statements?

In the opinion of the Government it is desirable that there should be a public discussion of the Air Board upon the Estimates in the ordinary way. After that there will be nothing to prevent its being discussed in the Private Session to which I have referred.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Air Board Vote will come on?

asked the Prime Minister if he will request the Chairman of the Air Board to meet the Members of the House of Commons in secret conference before the Air Vote comes before the House?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The Air Board Vote will be taken at an early date, and my Noble Friend considers it preferable that the public discussion of matters concerning the Air Services, for which the Vote will provide an opportunity, should precede any such conference as is suggested by the hon. Member.

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it would be better that the Chairman of the Air Board should have an opportunity of making any statement he may wish to make to Members of the House before this discussion takes place, so that it might be found unnecessary to raise points which otherwise might be raised?

I have already given the hon. Member the opinion of the Chairman of the Air Board, which is contrary to the view taken by himself.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will undertake to circulate with the copies of the Electoral Reform Bill a Return showing the boroughs and counties of Great Britain which will lose their separate representation under the proposals of Mr. Speaker's Conference; the boroughs and counties of Great Britain whose representation in the House of Commons will be reduced, and to what extent; and the constituencies in Great Britain, other than those whose representation will cease, whose boundaries will be altered under the proposals?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I am afraid it would not be possible to supply all the information my hon. and gallant Friend requires, but his suggestion will be borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister how many conscientious objectors engaged in reclamation work at Princetown were given leave for Easter; what was the extent of the leave and whether free railway warrants were given; is he aware that there are men now fighting at the front who have had no leave for two years, and that thousands of men in the Royal Navy have not had leave since the mobilisation in 1914, and in some cases not for five years; and how he reconciles the giving of leave, if such leave were given, to these conscientious objectors after a few weeks' residence at Prince-town in face of the long and continued service of our sailors and soldiers?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Of the 856 conscientious objectors then employed at the Princetown Work Centre, 274 were allowed to go on leave at Easter, and of these 166 had their fares paid. The amount of leave given varied according to the time the men had been employed. The regulations formerly provided for one working day's leave per month; but they now allow four days' leave after three months, and another six days after twelve months, in addition to the usual public holidays. The men are not allowed to travel by rail oftener than once in three months, and their fares are paid only twice in the year. Leave is dependent in every case on good conduct and industry and the exigencies of the work. It is no doubt the case that many soldiers and sailors have less leave, but, as the men under the Committee were specially released from prison after accepting alternative service, the Committee have not considered it right to deprive them of all liberty.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these cowards and shirkers attended divine service at Princetown and walked out when the National Anthem was sung?

I am not aware of that. I have heard that it was so, but I have no evidence of the fact.

It is so.

Why was Easter selected for this privileged leave in this case, when the rest of the public were specially warned not to travel at that time?

These men, under the Regulations, are entitled to a certain amount of leave, and it was thought that Easter was quite as convenient as some other time. If the House gives authority that these men are not to have any leave at all, that is a matter entirely for the House of Commons.

Does this arise at all?

In the Regulations under which the Committee works; we feel that these men are entitled to at least ten days' leave a year, and as they only get 8d. a day—[An HON. MEMBER: "A great deal too much!"]—it is not an improper thing to give them free railway passes.

Did the Home Office grant leave at Easter because the Home Office were not aware that the Board of Trade had advised the public not to travel?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a lieutenant in the Royal Indian Marine who has been six years in Mesopotamia and unable to get a day's leave?

How can I be aware of that?

By whose orders are privileges given to these shirkers which cannot be accorded to our soldiers fighting at the front?

It is not a privilege. It is one of a series of Regulations under which the conduct of these people is controlled. If the Regulations are not correct, I shall be prepared to answer any question that may be put.

asked the Prime Minister whether conscientious objectors have been sent from Wakefield Gaol to a parish in Norfolk and put to cut pit-props; that on arrival they refused to sleep in the barn prepared for them; that, in addition to receiving 8d. a day, they are lodged rent free, given 1s. 9d. a day for food, free coals, and 7d. a week for washing; whether these men were given holidays at Easter and in some cases free passes as far as the north of Yorkshire were allowed; and, if so, why these men who refuse to serve their country in the Army are given better conditions than men fighting at the front?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Conscientious objectors have been sent to Norfolk by the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors to work at cutting pit-props, and the firm employing them reports that they are working satisfactorily. The Committee know nothing of any refusal to sleep in the barn. They received a report from their agent that the barn was not suitable for prolonged occupation, and they sanctioned his renting another building. The men are not required to pay rent; fuel is supplied; and food and washing are provided for as indicated in the question. The men could not meet the expense of living out of their daily allowance of 8d., less deductions up to 6d. As regards their leave, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given to the previous question.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that they refused to sleep in the barn for one night?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his questioner would probably, in the recent weather, also have refused to sleep in a barn?

I would not mind sleeping in a barn.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the recent announcement by the Minister of Labour that when the troops are disbanded they are to get a month's holiday with Army pay and separation allowances for the wives and children; and whether, in view of this decision, it is intended to grant similar recognition to all officers who have served at the front?

These questions are still only under consideration, but the hon. Member may rest assured that both officers and men will receive appropriate though not necessarily the same form of recognition.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that many of the officers in the new Territorial Army are in a financial position not different from that of the troops?

That certainly will be taken into account.

Are we to understand—

The hon. Member is not entitled to so large a share of the time of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether the defeat of Von Hindenburg by the British and French on the Western Front in Easter week, with the huge capture of prisoners and guns, is regarded by the Government as a decisive military victory for which they have been waiting to propose negotiations for peace; whether the recent domestic revolution in Russia has converted the whole population of that vast empire into a stern, unbending, and loyal Ally; whether the partnership of the great Republic of the West in the European struggle; for democracy against autocracy completes a series of changes in the position of the War and its respective combatant nations; whether His Majesty's Ministers will reconsider their decision not to approach peace by way of negotiation; and whether he will now advise His Majesty to enter a confer ence of belligerents and seek a settlement, as we have been twice invited to do by the Central Powers?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that ques- tion, may I ask him whether it is not time enough to consider proposals for peace when the Germans have ceased to blow up hospital ships?

The supplementary question is a better answer than my own. The answer to the first, fourth, and fifth parts of the question is in the negative. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative, and the third part I do not understand.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the difficulty which Members of this House and the public experience in obtaining accurate information in regard to the various Committees which have been appointed by the Government during the War, he will cause a Return to be prepared as soon as possible giving in relation to every such Committee the following information: By whom it was appointed; its terms of reference or other short particulars in relation to the scope and nature of its duties; its composition and the names of its executive officials; its official address; and particulars as to the Reports, if any, which may have been published in reference to its work?

Steps are now being taken to prepare a list of Commissions and Committees set up to dealwith public questions arising out of the War, in continuation of Command Papers 7855 and 8256. The inclusion of particulars such as my hon. Friend desires will form the subject of consideration when the Return is being compiled.

asked the Pensions Minister whether it is proposed to issue a new Royal Warrant dealing with pensions for officers and their dependants; whether it is proposed to give effect to the Report of the Select Committee on Naval and Military Services (Pensions and Grants), which reported that the grant of pensions to officers' relatives are too rigid and ought to be revised with reference to the principles on which pensions, etc., are granted to the dependants of men serving in the ranks; and whether he can say within what period he hopes to make new proposals?

I propose to issue shortly a new Warrant dealing with pensions for officers and their dependants, and I think that the hon. Member will find that the Report of the Select Committee has not been disregarded. I am unable to state the precise date when the Warrant will be ready, but good progress is being made.

asked the Pensions Minister whether any provision is made for the illegitimate child of an officer who has been killed in action, the child having been maintained by him in his own house previous to his death; whether provision is made for the illegitimate child of a private soldier in similar circumstances; and whether, if the soldier happens to have been promoted to the rank of officer for distinguished service before his death, the child loses all right to pension or allowance?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second part in the affirmative. The position of unmarried wives and illegitimate children of officers is being considered in connection with the proposed new Warrant for officers' pensions, but I am not in a position to anticipate the decision which will be reached.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as regards officers of merchant ships holding second or first mates' certificates who have been interned for over two years, they will on release be given permission to present themselves for provisional masters' certificates of competency, full masters' certificates to be granted when they have put in the requisite qualifying service at sea?

Provisional certificates of competency are issued solely for the purpose of appointment to, or promotion in, the Royal Naval Reserve, and do not entitle the holder to act in the capacity shown on the certificate. It is not proposed to lay down a hard and fast rule as to the conditions on which interned officers of the mercantile-marine holding certificates of competency as second or first mate may be examined, on their release, for certificates of higher grade. Every case will be considered sympathetically on its merits.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give facilities for discussing the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for West Belfast with reference to the recent retrictions imposed upon the liquor trade in Ireland?

I fear that in the pressure of public business it will not be practicable to grant facilities for this Motion, but this subject can be raised on the Irish Estimates.

When will the Irish Estimates be put down?

I will do my best to arrange to suit the convenience of the Irish Members of the House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and names of the present Trade Commissioners, with their respective headquarters; and if he will state how many of them have paid official visits to Ireland, and when and to what districts such visits were paid?

There are four Trade Commissioners at present: Mr. Hamilton Wickes, in Canada and Newfoundland, at Montreal; Mr. Milne, in Australia, at Melbourne; Mr. Dalton, in New Zealand, at Wellington; and Mr. Wickham, in South Africa, at Cape Town. The following official visits to Ireland have been paid by the Trade Commissioners: In 1911 Mr. Hamilton Wickes, who was then Trade Commissioner in Australia, visited Dublin and Belfast. In 1912, Sir Southern Holland, who was then Trade Commissioner in South Africa, visited Belfast. In 1914, Mr. Wickham, who was then Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, visited Dublin and Belfast. In 1915, Mr. Hamilton Wickes, who had by then been transferred to Canada, visited Dublin. In 1916, Mr. Milne, Trade Commissioner in Australia, visited Dublin. I may add that Belfast, Dublin, and Londonderry are included in the tour which Mr. Hamilton Wickes is at the present moment undertaking. None of the Trade Commissioners visited the United Kingdom in 1913.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Trade Commissioners have been increased from four to sixteen?

That is in contemplation.

Will the hon. Gentleman say why those Trade Commissioners have only visited Dublin and Belfast? Why not visit the South and West of Ireland?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board has yet taken over the control of any Irish canal; and, if not, whether it proposes to do so?

One canal in Ireland, the Royal, is the property of a railway company, and possession has been taken of it, together with the rest of the company's undertaking. Possession has not been taken of any other canals in Ireland, and I do not know of any present intention to do so.