asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government is now in a position to make any statement in regard to Poland?

As the House is aware, one of the first acts of the Provisional Russian Government was to issue a Proclamation to the Poles, recognising their right to decide their own destiny, and stating that the creation of an independent Polish State would be a sure guarantee of durable peace in Europe. I am confident that I rightly interpret the feeling of this House when I say that we welcome that declaration and look forward to the time when, thanks to the liberal and statesmanlike action of the Provisional Russian Government, Poland will appear again in international life and take her share with other nations, in working together for the common good of civilisation. Our efforts in the War will be directed towards helping Poland to realise her unity on the lines described in the Russian Proclamation, that is to say, under conditions which will make her strong and independent. We hope that after the War Great Britain will remain united to Poland in bonds of close friendship. [See OFFICIATE REPORT, 2nd May, 1917, col. 342, Vol. XCIII.]

May I ask whether the Provisional Government in Russia, in issuing that Proclamation, and the British Government, in giving their assent to it, have inserted in that Proclamation any provision giving a veto on the independence of Poland to the large number of German residents in that country?

I do not know that there is any such condition, but there is certainly no part of Poland where the conditions are the same as in the district of Ireland to which the hon. Member refers.

How far is Poland from London?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information from Russia as to the wishes or intentions of the Provisional Government as to including in the conditions of peace the reuniting of Poland, including the territories of Posen and Cracow, in the free Poland of the future?

I have no information beyond the Proclamation issued by the Provisional Russian Government to the Poles.

Has the Noble Lord no information as to the attitude of the Workmen's and Soldiers' Union on this point?

I have no reason whatever to think that there is any difference of opinion among those in power in Russia on the subject.

Or the question of reuniting Poland?

I have no reason to suppose so.

Has the Foreign Office entered into communication with any organisation in Russia besides the Provisional Government?

No, of course not; but a question is to be answered later in the day by the Leader of the House.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the number of Tillage Exemption Orders granted to landowners in the Ossory Division of Queen's County?

The Department of Agriculture are of opinion that it would be undesirable at the present stage to publish the detailed information asked for.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Mr. J. Perry Good-body, Clara, King's County, who owns about six square miles of land, has refused all requests to rent any portion of the land by conacre or otherwise for tillage purposes to any of the occupiers of the small, congested, and uneconomic holdings which surround his property on all sides; and whether the Government proposes to take any action to remedy this state of affairs?

I am informed that Mr. Goodbody declined to let the Tully Farm for conacre, but that he was willing to sell it for cash. He offered 12 acres of land elsewhere, but the offer was refused. As Mr. Goodbody is tilling more land than is required by the Compulsory Tillage Regulations, no case arises for action by the Government in that respect.

How many acres of the six square miles of the land is Mr. Good-body tilling?

If the hon. Member will put that down I will try to get an answer.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a quantity of fresh fish consigned to the English markets from Baltimore, Allihies, and other fishing centres in West Cork was held up in Cork in course of transit within the past week for want of adequate railway and tonnage facilities; whether he can state the number of boxes of fish so held up and whether, having regard to the scarcity of food and the discouragement which such a condition of affairs is likely to have on the fishing industry, he will take the necessary steps to prevent this state of things arising again?

Considerable quantities of fish were offered in the South of Ireland for transit to English markets during the past week, and in the case of part of these consignments delays occurred. The Railway Executive Committee will do everything possible to prevent any avoidable delay.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on Saturday last a large quantity of fish had to be destroyed?

It is quite possible that in the event of an exceptionally large catch of mackerel or any other seasonable fish the arrangements which have been made in ordinary circumstances for forwarding are not sufficient.

Why are there not sufficient railway and shipping facilities for the forwarding of food?

Anyone who is familiar with the circumstances of the fishing industry know that occasionally there are cases where you get a very great take of fish, and it is impossible to foresee a case of that sort and ensure that none of it is lost.

Will the right hon. Gentleman put before the Congested Districts Board the necessity of establishing ice depots in some of the larger fishing centres in the South and West of Ireland, so as to conserve the fish?

That suggestion shall be considered.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman's notice been called to the frequent complaints of delay in the carriage of goods by rail in Ireland?

That is so wide a question that I would rather not answer it until I have time to look into the allegation.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether any definite steps have been taken to secure for Ireland an increased quantity of artificial manures; and, if not, whether every effort is being made to ensure that the increase of tillage now being undertaken is not wasted by the impossibility of securing the necessary manures?

The general position in regard to the supply of artificial manures was intimated in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member on the 23rd instant. I am, however, glad to state that since that date the position has improved somewhat, and increased quantities have been coming into Ireland. The Department of Agriculture fully recognise the importance of the matter, and will continue to make every effort to secure adequate supplies for the country's needs.

Is it not a fact that chemical manufacturers are at a considerable loss in supplying these artificial fertilisers to the farmers, rather than exporting them?

asked whether arrangements have been made to secure the necessary amount of spraying material in view of the increased area of tillage which is being planted with potatoes?

Arrangements have been made (as intimated on 7th ultimo. in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for North Monaghan) by the Department of Agriculture whereby sufficient supplies of spraying material will be available to meet the requirements of farmers in Ireland this season, provided the materials are ordered without further delay and that delivery is taken at once. This course has been urged upon both farmers and merchants by means of Press notices, circulars to traders, and the issue of special leaflets.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he proposes to take with a view to ensuring that this spraying material shall be of the proper quality?

The material will be tested before it goes to Ireland. The great point is that farmers and merchants shall place their orders at once, because French and Italian purchasers are in the market.

Will the spraying material be supplied even if the spraying machine is not available?

I am not quite sure, but I do not think that spraying material would toe much use without the spraying machine. The Department has provided for 5,000 spraying machines to reach Ireland in good time.

Is there a fixed price in Ireland for soda and sulphate of copper for spraying, and, if so, is it from the right hon. Gentleman's Department or from some other Department that Irish merchants must apply for this material?

There is a fixed price, and the merchants are quite aware as to the source to which they ought to apply.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any analysis will be guaranteed?

I think that is further than I should like to go, but we shall take every precaution to see that the material is of the proper quality.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, as the result of his inquiry, Irish fishermen will be exempted, like the Scottish, from the Order securing the prepayment of carriage on goods sent by passenger trains?

The inquiries now being made on this subject are not yet complete, but I will communicate with the hon. Baronet as soon as any decision has been reached.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the great possible inconvenience and loss has been caused to fishermen in the South and West of Ireland owing to this Regulation?

If they are dissatisfied, the matter can be taken into consideration, and I will do all I can to expedite a decision.

asked the total quantities of bread, meat, and other provisions used per annum by the British mercantile marine; whether the whole of these provisions are obtained in this country, or whether any part of them is required under the Defence of the Realm Act to be obtained by each ship during her stay in ports abroad, especially in those countries from which food is imported; and whether steps will be taken to ascertain the facts fully with a view to framing such Regulations as will economise the supply of all ship's food available for consumption in this country?

I regret that it is not possible to give the statistics asked for in the first part of this 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 communications have been addressed to representative shipowners' associations in this sense. The question of further action in the matter is receiving careful consideration by the Board of Trade and by the Ministry of Food.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if barley and other grain is being used in the manufacture of beers or spirits that are exported to countries other than Allied countries; and whether, if so, he will consider the importance of disallowing such manufacture and export forthwith?

A proclamation prohibiting the exportation of all beer except under licence will be issued next week. I am obtaining from the Customs and Excise Department precise information in reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question, which I will furnish to him as soon as I receive it. As regards potable spirits, exports in most cases are made not from spirits now manufactured, but from stocks. The only exception was gin, in which case until recently licences were being granted on a restricted scale for its manufacture for export purposes. It has now been decided to stop entirely the issue of these licences.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, looking to the fact that bread and sugar consumers are now rationed, he will consider the advisability of placing consumers of beverages manufactured from grain and sugar on exactly the same footing by rationing them on the basis of the amount of grain and sugar required to produce their favourite beverages instead of allowing them, as at present, to consume double rations?

I understand the hon. Member to suggest that a person who takes beverages requiring grain and sugar for their production should reduce their ration of actual bread and sugar proportionately. The proposed rations are so far voluntary only, but this ingenious suggestion is well worthy of the patriotic consideration of consumers of those beverages.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state what quantity of grain is being used weekly for the production of coloured malt with which to brew stout and black beer; what is the urgent reason for the continued production of those liquors at the expense of the food of the country; to what extent licences for the continued production of coloured malt are current; and whether it is intended to issue further licences for that purpose?

The quantity of grain so used is about 250 tons per week. The output of these beverages is limited to the same extent as that of beer. Licences are granted down to the 30th June next, and their continuance will depend upon the continued production of beer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the 40,000 quarters of malt used weekly for brewing other than brew- ing for the Army, together with the other cereals used for the production of distilled and fermented drinks, would suffice to provide bread rations for about four and a-half million persons at the rate of three and a-half pounds of bread per person each week; and, if not, can he say for how many persons?

Practically all the grain now being used for the purposes described in the question has already been malted. The extent to which malt can be used in the bulk for human food is uncertain, so that any calculation such as that suggested by the hon. Member is somewhat hypothetical.

Can it not be used to dilute the other grain which is now used in making flour?

I believe that that is possible up to a certain proportion, and that matter is being very closely investigated at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that sugar importers, on sending to the London docks to fetch their sugar, have received a note from the Port of London Authority saying that delivery of their sugar was stopped by the Food Controller unless for brewers; whether a similar course has been taken at Other ports; what is the quantity of sugar in respect of which such notes have been sent, and what is the quantity that has passed for brewers during the present year; and whether steps will be taken to reverse the policy indicated by the note?

The arrangements referred to were made by the Board of Customs and Excise and the Port of London Authority for securing the observance of the Brewers' Sugar Order, 1917. Similar arrangements exist at other ports. The object of this Order was to prevent impure sugar from finding its way into retail shops; and the restriction of the use of the sugar to brewing made it possible at once to stop further imports of brewing sugar. This restriction, however, has now been abandoned, and manufacturers are allowed to remove brewers' sugar from warehouses under licence on condition of reckoning it at 80 per cent. of its full weight as part of their sugar supplies for the year. The notes to which the hon. Member refers were sent only to persons who neglected to obtain the Food Controller's licence. I am unable to state what is the quantity of sugar that has been passed for the use of brewers during the present year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if food products, manufactured or otherwise, are still being exported from the United Kingdom to countries other than Allied countries; and whether, if so, he will consider the importance of disallowing all such exports forthwith?

I have already informed the House that in some cases raw foodstuffs are exported, for return to this country, in manufactured form. A limited number of other articles which are classed in the Customs Returns under the heading of "Food and Drink," but which have little or no food value, and of which there is no shortage, are occasionally still licensed for export to neutral countries. Subject to the above explanations, the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I should add that goods which merely come to this country for transhipment on through bills of lading have hitherto not come under the export restrictions, although they appear in the Customs Returns as exports, and have consequently not required licences for export. Steps are being taken to bring all such transhipment goods under the same conditions as goods for export.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state what restrictions are imposed upon the milling of flour and the baking of bread in Ireland; and if it is intended to take control of the flour mills in Ireland, as has been done in Great Britain?

Unless otherwise specified, the Orders issued from the Ministry of Food apply to Ireland as equally with other parts of the United Kingdom. The answer to the second part of the question is accordingly in the affirmative.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the Ministry of Food have consulted the Irish Millers' Association upon this subject?

I cannot at present say that, but in this matter there is no reason to discriminate between different parts of the United Kingdom. The Food Controller does not propose to do so.

Has he not consulted the millers in this country, and will he consult the Irish Millers' Association upon this subject?

No, Sir; there is no reason to give special attention to the millers in any part of the United Kingdom.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there are families in Glasgow who have been unable to purchase any sugar for several consecutive weeks; and what measures the Ministry of Food proposes to take to secure that families obtain the ration of sugar to which they are entitled?

As a result of inspection by the Ministry of Food additional supplies of sugar at the rate of seven tons a week have lately been sent to Glasgow. If the hon. Member will inform me of the district in which a shortage is still being experienced, further inquiries will be made into the matter.

Does the hon. Gentleman intend to wait until there is no sugar at all to regulate before he introduces some scheme of compulsory rationing?

No, Sir. I am afraid the hon. Gentleman is not fully informed as to the case about which he has raised an inquiry. As a matter of fact, the municipal authorities estimated the additional population of Glasgow, and on their own figures their requirements have been met.

What is a family to do if the grocer with whom they are customers refuses to supply any sugar at all?

I doubt if that supplementary question arises out of the main question; but in any case, if that has occurred, if the hon. Member will only let me know the facts, I will do my best to get a remedy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the quantity of ice cream which is made; and, as sugar, milk, corn flour, etc., are used in its production, he will consider the advisability of prohibiting the sale of it, so that the ingredients used in its manufacture may be used for food?

I have not been able to ascertain the quantity of ice cream Which is made; but the suggestion made by the hon. Member as to the advisability of prohibiting its sale will be borne in mind.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at this time of the year there is a great deal of ice cream about the streets wherever there is a gathering of children, and would not the same materials be better utilised in the form of food?

The matter shall be borne in mind, but it represents a very small quantity of essential food.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the attention of the Food Controller has been called to the discontent existing and arising among tea-growers who have patriotically contributed 40. per cent. of their incoming Indian and Ceylon tea-crops to provide a 2s. 4d. tea to the public owing to permission having been given by the Food Controller to blenders, dealers, and distributors to substitute other than Indian and Ceylon tea in the 2s. 4d. controlled tea; whether he is aware that, owing to this permission, commonest low-grade China teas have during the past fortnight risen 2d. per pound on the wholesale market; and will immediate steps be taken to prevent this fraud upon growers and the public generally taking place?

There is no evidence of any considerable discontent on the part of the tea-growers with the arrangements which have been made far ensuring a supply of tea to the public at a reasonable price. The market price of all teas has recently advanced, and the tendency is for this movement to be more emphasised in the case of lower than of higher qualities. I am not aware that such advance is entirely due to the cause suggested.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state what are the reasons which have induced his Department to issue licences for the use of grain in the manufacture of non-alcoholic beer; whether beer, whether alcoholic or non alcoholic, has a greater or less food value than the materials of which it is made; and what quantity of grain is used for this purpose weekly?

Licences have been issued for the use of grain in the manufacture of non-alcoholic beer, because it was thought unfair to stop the trade altogether. Non-alcoholic beer has a smaller food value than other beer, and the materials of which beer is made have a. greater food-value than their liquid product. The licences issued for the production of non-alcoholic beer since the restrictive Order came into force on the 20th February, 1917, cover only 62 quarters of malt.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state what investigations have been made by his Department into the methods of leavening bread without bread yeast; whether any such methods are more economical of flour than the use of bread yeast; and whether any investigations have also been made into the possibility of making bread yeast otherwise than as a by-product of processes which consume foodstuffs in the manufacture of alcohol?

Investigations are being conducted as to the best method of economising yeast in the making of bread and also into the possibility of obtaining effective substitutes for yeast. I am not yet in a position to state the result of these investigations. The possibility of making yeast otherwise than as a by-product of processes which consume foodstuffs in the manufacture of alcohol forms part of this investigation. These problems are by no means free from difficulty.

asked the Chief Secretary (1) whether it has been brought to his notice that expulsion orders have been issued against Sean O'Murthville, Gaelic League organiser for county Clare, and Eamon Waldron, who succeeded him as organiser; whether the intention is to destroy the Gaelic League by such means; whether the Gaelic League is constituted as a lawful association; whether, if these proceedings are not aimed directly at the Gaelic League, he will advise the release of these gentlemen or at last formulate charges against them; (2) whether he can state the reasons that have led to the order excluding Eamon Waldron, Gaelic League organiser for Clare, from all parts of Ireland except Waterford; whether any charge has been formulated against Eamon Waldron or whether any kind of trial has taken place; and why he is restricted in particular to Waterford?

As to Sean O'Murthville, whom I suppose to be John O'Hurley, of Limerick, his case cannot be distinguished from those of the other deported men. As to Eamon Waldron, I must refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Westmeath on Monday last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman prevent a report of these proceedings reaching Russia?

I shall not take any special action in that respect.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has made any proposal to the Provisional Government of Russia regarding the future domicile of the late Czar?

His Majesty's Government have taken no initiative in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress, if any, has been made during the last fortnight as to the enlistment of friendly aliens of military age; and is he aware of the feeling growing up against the Government owing to its seeming inaction in this matter?

I hope that a Bill dealing with this subject will be introduced very shortly. The delay has been due to the necessary negotiations with our Allies.

Will these men be called before the discharged and wounded men who are to be called up?

I think the hon. Member had better wait for the Bill.

Will it apply to American subjects of military age as well as to Russian?

I think it will be better to wait for the Bill, rather than that I should give a preliminary account of it which might not be accurate.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he is aware that a sum of £22,000,000 has been set aside for settling ex-soldiers on the land in Australia and that it is the intention of the Commonwealth to advance up to £500 to each ex-soldier for the purpose of improvements; and if he can say whether these privileges will be available for ex-sailors and soldiers migrating from this country to Australia after the War?

I am aware that it is contemplated to set aside a considerable sum for settling ex-soldiers on the land in Australia, and I understand that, as stated in the question, it is proposed to advance £500 to each man for the purposes of improvements. I am not in a position to give a definite reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies how many meetings have been held by the Committee appointed by himself to consider the question of Empire land settlement for ex-sailors and soldiers, and when it is expected that the Committee will issue its Report; whether that Report will be laid before the Imperial War Conference; and, if that is not possible, will he say whether the views of the Prime Ministers attending the conference have been ascertained?

I understand that the Committee deferred meeting until the representation of Canada was completed. Since then a meeting has been held, and Sub-Committees appointed. I cannot say when the Report of the Committee will be ready, but it cannot possibly be completed in time to be laid before the Imperial War Conference. No statement can be made at present in reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

Does the hon. Gentleman accept the implication in these two questions that there will be a surplus of man-power in this country to be exported either to our Dominions or to any other part of the world?

It would be very undesirable to start a debate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the privileges to be conferred upon the new-company to be formed, the British Trade Corporation; what are the obligations to be imposed upon the new British Trade Corporation for the protection and assistance of British manufacturers and of merchants in different parts of the world; and what are the guarantees to be imposed for the due performance of those obligations?

His Majesty's Government have promised the British Trade Corporation their sympathy and support. The Corporation has received a Royal Charter establishing it for a term of 60 years, and Clause 4 of the Charter confers on it the right in certain circumstances to act as the agent of Government, subject to Government being entitled to appoint other agents in any special case in which such a course may appear necessary or expedient. The Corporation has been brought into being with the object of assisting the development of British trade and industries, and failure on the part of the Corporation substantially to give effect to that object would expose it to the liability of proceedings being taken to annul the Charter. The Corporation are also under terms to remain British in character and free from foreign control.

Will the hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of discussing this very important subject?

I have no objection, but the hon. Member's question will have to be addressed to the Leader of the House.

Will the terms of the charter be laid before the House in any way, and will the House have an opportunity of saying whether this Corporation will be afforded preferential treatment over any existing banking institution?

I certainly hope that the charter will be generally agreed to.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this Corporation is receiving any subsidy or guarantee from the Government?

No subsidy or guarantee.

Will it have a monopoly in any form?

No, Sir.

Will a Parliamentary Paper be issued containing this charter?

Any further questions must be put down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Commercial Commissioners who are going to China and other places are to be paid out of moneys voted by the House of Commons; whether the Reports of these Commissioners and information given by them of new business proposals and contracts, as suggested in Clause 10 of the Report of Lord Faringdon's Committee, are to be communicated to the new British Trade Corporation in the first instance, or, seeing that they are paid out of the taxpayers' money, are all merchants to have the same information at the same time as the British Trade Corporation; and, if not, will he say what services have the British Trade Corporation rendered to the nation to entitle them to exclusive preference against merchant firms who have been established twenty, thirty, forty, and fifty years in different parts of the world?

The Board of Trade dispatched a special Commissioner to China three years ago, and do not contemplate arranging for another commercial mission to that country at present. Commercial missions are dispatched from time to time to various parts of the world, and the cost is met out of the public funds. It is not proposed that the British Trade Corporation should have an exclusive preference in respect of the reports resulting from such missions. Such reports will continue as at present to be available for British merchant firms who deal in British manufactures.

Will the Government undertake that the Reports are not handed to the British Trade Corporation before they are handed to all the merchants who have been established in China or other parts of the world, some of them as long ago as fifty years, or will they have the same advantage in knowing what is going on as this Corporation, or has this Corporation the monopoly of the Government?

I think that I have repeatedly stated that this Corporation possesses no monopoly, and certainly no discrimination would be made in favour of it.

Will they get the information only at the same time as the others?

That is implied in the answer.

Who are the directors of this Corporation?

I have not the names in my memory, but I am quite prepared to give them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will at an early date introduce legislation for amending the Trading With the Enemy Act, 1916, and removing the defects in that Act which experience has proved to exist, and for more effectively eliminating enemy influence from our trades and businesses?

The matter is under consideration, and I hope that a definite decision will be arrived at shortly.

Has the President of the Board of Trade received a report signed by certain Members of this House pointing out the deficiencies of the first Act, and suggesting how they could be remedied?

Both the President and myself have received copies of that report and have noted it.

Will the Board of Trade consider the advisability of dealing with those firms who have black lists in the Colonies?

If representations are made we will consider them.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade (1) whether he has seen a communication addressed to the Board by the chairman of the committee on the release of railwaymen for military service, calling attention to the fact that two men had been ordered to join the Army by recruiting officers, although it was reported to the officers concerned that these men had lodged appeals in accordance with the rules laid down by the Railway Executive Committee; whether an official reply has yet been sent to the communication; what action he proposes to take to secure the jurisdiction of a committee which was constituted by the Board of Trade; (2) whether he is aware that the recruiting officer at Exeter recently refused to defer the (ailing up of a railwayman for a period of time sufficient to allow of the hearing of an appeal before the committee on the release of railwaymen for military service on the ground that the War Office did not recognise the authority of the committee; and what action, if any, the Board of Trade has taken to inform the competent military authority that they have constituted the committee to hear appeals from railwaymen?

A communication dealing with the cases referred to has been received from the committee on the release of railwaymen for military service, and a reply to it will be sent as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he can state the number of civilian clerks out of Government offices who have ben enlisted since the beginning of the year and are now employed as clerks in naval offices; and if he will explain why these clerks are compulsorily enlisted and removed from work the details of which they are thoroughly conversant with and placed to perform entirely new office work in the Navy about which they know nothing?

I have no information as to how many men, entered since the beginning of the year, and now employed in naval offices, were, prior to enlistment, serving in Government offices. The total number of writers enlisted since the beginning of the year is very small—between seventy and eighty As regards the second part of the question, the Admiralty share my hon. and gallant Friend's view that it is generally a wasteful process to remove trained Civil servants from the Government Departments merely in order to employ them on clerical work, either in naval or military offices. In releasing members of their own staff under the Military Service Acts the Admiralty have done everything in their power to ensure that these shall be employed on bonâ-fide combatant duties.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a Committee of the late Government has been engaged in getting conscientious objectors into Government offices; and whether, in view of the numbers of wounded soldiers requiring employment, he can see his way to prevent any men of military age who refuse to fight for their country or their womenkind from being employed in Government offices and put in their places men who have done their duty in the War?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am not aware that any Committee has been engaged in the manner described in the question. The Government are in accord with the principle that conscientious objectors should not be admitted to work in Government Departments, but it has been found desirable in one special instance to utilise the services of a few of them with special qualifications in connection with work under the National Health Insurance Acts.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the passive resisters refuse to do a fair day's work and cannot at present be compelled to do so, he can say what steps he proposes to take to compel them to do their fair share of work during the War?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Any conscientious objector employed under the Committee on the Employment of Conscientious Objectors who refuses to do a fair day's work can be arrested and returned to prison, or, if his sentence has expired, can be recalled to the Army. This power has been exercised in a good many cases.

Is it not very well known that these men will not do a fair day's work, and will not the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of offering them to the Germans in return for British wounded soldiers?

The only power I have to deal with men who refuse to do work is to recall them to the Army or to return them to prison, and that we are doing.

Could not these men be sent to France to make roads?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will issue an Order forbidding the tradesmen in Princetown to supply the so-called conscientious objectors with articles of food, including chocolate and sweets, except by special permit?

The custody and control of the conscientious objectors at Princetown are matters for the Home Secretary. I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend upon this point.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will say how it happened that when it was decided to introduce dilution of labour into the Royal Dockyards women were entered from the Labour Exchanges without any regard as to whether they were the dependants of men previously employed in the Royal Navy or in the Royal Dockyards; whether it is a recognised rule that all female labour, except in the case of women clerks, preference is to be given to the dependants of men who have served their country in the Royal Navy or in the Royal Dockyards; and will he say why this rule was set aside and female labour of a general kind introduced, seeing that there is, and has always been, a very large list of women dependants of ex-sailors and ex-dockyards men awaiting employment in the dockyards?

There have for many years been standing instructions to the effect that in engaging women for employment in the Royal Dockyards preference is to be given to the widows of men who have belonged to the naval and dockyard services. When in the process of applying dilution it was desired to enter women in much larger numbers, the preference for relatives of deceased men of these services was maintained, and I am satisfied that the instructions in this respect have been faithfully carried out. My hon. Friend will be interested to know that at most of the dockyards the list of available candidates for whom preference was authorised, being the widows of men originally in the naval and dockyard services, has on several occasions been exhausted, leaving the superintendents at times no alternative but to obtain other women. He will be further interested to know that, whereas before the War there were in all our home establishments, including the Central Offices in London, about 650 women employed, there are now over 9,000.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that with regard to the Royal Dockyard at Devonport he is misinformed?

No. If my hon. Friend says that that is the case there I will look into it.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether any announcement has been made regarding the temporary war adjustments in the remuneration of inspectors and corresponding classes and first-class draughtsmen, who are not included in the workman class; and, if not, can he say when an announcement will be made?

Yes, Sir. Instructions were issued on the 24th April.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether the National Register still exists; whether it is kept up to date; when it was revised last; and what uses it is now put; and when it was last used?

It is the duty of every local registration authority under the National Registration Act, 1015, to maintain the register so far as it relates to their area. The process of revision which is carried out under the instructions of the Local Government Board and the Registrar-General is a continuous one. The Register is still used by the military recruiting authorities, and recently it has been made available for purposes of the National Service recruiting scheme.

If the National Register is kept up in this way what is the necessity for all this expense, in all these Departments, in getting this information?

It is being dealt with by the National Service Department.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board (1) the number of men that were housed and employed in the Hollesley Bay labour colony at one time or another during the last financial year; the average number of weeks' work performed by each colonist; the average net cost of maintenance per head per week; the total cost of running the colony for that year; (2) whether he can state the net annual loss on the Hollesley Bay labour colony, and the amount of the contributions from local rates received by the Central (Unemployed) Body for London from the Metropolitan borough councils and the City Corporation during each of the last five financial years; and what purpose that body is now serving, having regard to the absence of unemployment throughout the country?

The Hollesley Bay Farm Colony has during the last financial year been in partial occupation by the military authorities. No unemployed persons have been given assistance at the colony during that period. The farm and garden have been maintained by the Central (Unemployed) Body, but no Government Grant for this purpose has been necessary. I will send my hon. Friend a statement of the contributions from the Government Grant and from local rates received by the Central (Unemployed) Body in the last five years. As regards the last part of the question, I may point out that the Central (Unemployed) Body is a statutory body, although at the present time its functions in the relief of unemployment are practically in abeyance.

asked the Prime Minister whether any application has been received from the Kaiser or the German Government through any neutral Power that the body of Prince Frederick Carl of Prussia, who died from his wounds while a prisoner in the hands of the British, should be handed over for internment in Germany; and whether, if such application has been made, or is made, the British Government will insist, as a condition for granting the same, that the body of Nurse Cavell and Captain Fryatt be handed over for fitting burial in this country?

No official application has been received, but a verbal and private inquiry was recently made by the Sovereign of a neutral country, through the diplomatic representatives in this country, as to whether the body of the late Prince Friedrich Carl of Prussia could be sent to Germany. The reply given was to the effect that it was impossible at present, but that, so far as we are concerned, there would be no objection to this being done on the conclusion of hostilities.

asked whether the Government contemplate continuing the Civil Liabilities Committee after the War, to assist in rehabilitating returned soldiers in businesses which they have been compelled to scrap and in taking up their trades and professions?

This question is under consideration.

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by being "under consideration"? I am a member of that Committee, and we have never discussed it.

When I say that it is under consideration, I mean that it is being considered.

By whom?

It is a very well-known phrase.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the suggestion that republican centres should be established in this country in order to promulgate and encourage republican ideas; and whether, in view of the fact that three of the most powerful Allies are republican States and that opinion is still hesitating in the great republics of South America, he will consider some form of machinery that may be set up to give the utmost importance obtainable and the earliest effect to these suggestions?

The answer is in the negative.

Even in this particular matter has the majority in this country the right to oppress a minority of sincere and more intelligent people?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that at a convention of farmers recently held at Toronto, attended by 400 delegates from the province of Ontario, a resolution was passed protesting against the distribution of titles in Canada; and whether this indication of public opinion will have any effect on Imperial policy?

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

Is the hon. Gentle-aware that every Member of the House has received a book on this subject?

asked the Prime Minister whether it can now be stated that British aircraft dropped bombs on open German towns, killing women and children; whether, if this is to be continued as a policy designed to deter the German high command from ordering the sinking of hospital ships, he will, before any other raid is ordered, consider that the peculiar quality of German morality gives our enemies resources in brutality beyond our reach and makes the military cast oblivious to any kind of reprisal which leaves them personally unhurt, so that the end desired is therefore not likely to be attained; that it would be more consistent with British tradition and more likely to appeal to German military rulers if the Government were to adopt the alternative policy of a joint announcement by the Allies (including, if possible, America) to the effect that, without prejudice to the present position, a special inquiry, with a view to fixing responsibility, will be held into all attacks on hospital ships, and that those in whatever rank or station found to be in any degree responsible, either because they ordered or carried out such attacks, or because, having had the power to prevent them they failed to do so, will be dealt with personally at the Allies' discretion?

It is not possible for me to add anything to the statements that I have made on this subject, but I may add that I do not think that the suggestion of the hon. Member is practicable.

asked the Prime Minister whether the lettter from Headquarters in France making representations with regard to the effect of the circulation of the "Nation" newspaper among the soldiers was from the Commander-in-Chief personally or from some of the Department at headquarters; whether the Commander-in-Chief had personal cognisance of it; and what was its date?

It was not signed by the Commander-in-Chief personally, but emanated from the branch of his Staff charged with conveying his views on such subjects. It was dated 12th of March. It is not known whether the Commander-in-Chief had personal cognisance of it.

May I ask whether in this letter reference is made to any other newspaper, and whether any action was taken by the Government with regard to other newspapers mentioned in that letter?

I think my hon. Friend must give me notice of that.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this letter, which is not signed by Sir Douglas Haig, called for the prohibition of the foreign circulation of the "Nation"?

I do not think I had better quote it.

Will my hon. Friend correct the answer he has already given, and make it in accordance with the facts?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the message of the "Times" correspondent in Washington, dated 22nd April, published in the "Times" of 24th instant; and whether, in view of his statement regarding American opinion the suppression of the foreign circulation of the "Nation" will now cease?

My attention has not been called specially to these statements by the New York correspondent of the "Times," but I would refer the hon. Member to the decision announced on the subject by my Noble Friend the Secretary of State in another place, on the 24th April.

May I say that I put this question down to the Prime Minister, because I regarded it not as a Departmental matter, but as a question concerning the foreign relations of this country, which are so far above the knowledge of the War Office, that the Leader of the House might have considered the question of sufficient importance to reply?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the "Nation" newspaper is the most prominent exponent in this country of the same views that are expounded by President Wilson and his Government?

Will my hon. Friend consider whether it could not be arranged that the "Nation" newspaper should be put in the same position as any newspaper circulating abroad, provided that articles on military operations are submitted to the Censor'!

I think my Noble Friend the Secretary of State would be prepared to withdraw the embargo, provided that the editor of the "Nation" submitted any article on the conduct of the War to the censorship before publication.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the "Nation" has been invited to submit all its articles to the Censor?

I was not aware of that.

Because it is a Liberal paper.

I beg to postpone this question until Tuesday.

I should like to know on what ground, Sir, the right hon. Gentleman has asked to postpone this question?

Any hon. Member is entitled to postpone a question, and I have had notice of several questions that have been postponed by the hon. Member's friends.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the Notice of Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Greenock and 161 hon. Members, including members of all parties; and whether the Government will give a day for the discussion of the Motion, or, if that is considered unnecessary, whether they will take steps to set up the Committee?—["That this House is of opinion, in view of the continued growth of Expenditure, Taxation and Debt, that a Committee be appointed, consisting of Members of this House, with power to review all National Expenditure, examine Ministers and officials, and report to the House."]

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The introduction of the Budget will afford an opportunity for the discussion of this subject, and I think its consideration might be deferred till then.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that according to the ruling of the Chair last year, the question of controlling expenditure, and questions of expenditure generally, were ruled out of order on that occasion; and in view of that ruling, and having regard to the largely expressed wish of this House, will he set aside an early day for the discussion of this vital matter?

I quite agree that it is quite necessary that it should be discussed, but I am not aware that it could not be discussed on the Budget; but I presume it could be discussed in connection with the Vote of Credit, which probably will be introduced in the following week.

Would it not be better to have one concentrated discussion?

An opportunity will be afforded for discussion in the natural course, but if there is still a desire for further discussion, I am quite ready to consider the matter.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a most earnest desire throughout the whole country, and not only in this House, that this question should be discussed in a concentrated form?

I think the answer I have given shows that I am quite ready to meet the wishes of the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in framing his forthcoming Budget, he will have due regard to the fact that while the taxation of Ireland has increased since the beginning, and as a consequence, of the present War the taxable capacity of that country has, for various reasons, including the restrictions imposed on the trading community, seriously diminished; and whether he will be prepared to make such remissions of taxation as Ireland is entitled to under the circumstances mentioned in accordance with the terms of the Act of Union?

I cannot anticipate my Budget statement. But I must not be taken as accepting the implications in the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state definitely if the Budget will be taken on Monday next, as there are rumours to the contrary?

As I intended to state in reply to a question, I hope to take the Budget on Wednesday next.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now inform the House of the total amount outstanding of the recent Five per Cent. War Loan and of the total amount of floating debt; and whether he is in a position to furnish any information with regard to any new loans or credits which may have been arranged with the United States of America?

The Government of the United States has already placed a considerable sum to our credit in America. As regards the first part of the question, perhaps the hon. Member will await my financial statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Government of the Union of South Africa has announced its intention of imposing an Excess Profits Tax of 25 per cent. for war purposes; whether he is aware that such a tax, if imposed, will affect a number of companies which now pay Excess Profits Duty in the United Kingdom; and whether he will consider the justice and expediency in such cases of allowing such companies to deduct from the amount due for Excess Profits Duty in the United Kingdom any amount which they may have to pay as Excess Profits Tax in the Union?

I am aware of this proposal, but, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, I cannot anticipate my impending Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the appointment of a Surveyor-General of Supplies in the War Office is the result of suggestions from the War Office or from the War Cabinet; whether he can state what necessity arose for such an appointment; whether the Director of Contracts will be under the jurisdiction of the Surveyor-General; if so, how either of them can be made directly responsible to Parliament; and what special qualifications or experience in finance are possessed by the Surveyor-General which justify his superseding the Financial Secretary to the War Office?

A post of this kind was discussed by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister when he was Secretary of State for War and my Noble Friend the present Secretary of State; and when my Noble Friend became Secretary of State the discussions continued and a decision -arrived at. The appointment arises from the necessity of creating a new authority to enable pace to be kept with the increasing volume and complexity of the commercial side of the work of supplying the military forces. The Surveyor-General has taken over control of the Contract Department, with a view to securing close cooperation between this Department and the other supply branches. My Noble Friend the Secretary of State for War is satisfied that Mr. Andrew Weir, who has been appointed to be Surveyor-General, has acquired during a successful business career of many years the necessary experience to enable him to cope adequately with the duties and responsibilities of the position. He is responsible to the Secretary of State, who is represented in this House, in this as in other Departments of War Office administration by myself and my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary.

May I ask the Leader of the House, as this is a Government question, whether this decision to appoint a civilian to supersede the Financial Secretary to the War Office is a decision of the War Cabinet or is it the decision of the War Office only. In either case, is there any reason for the appointment of a Gentleman who is not responsible to this House, and who will supersede a Gentleman who is responsible to this House for his Department; and whether there is any reason for superseding the Financial Secretary to the War Office in view of the fact that he is one of the most courteous members of the Government?

The decision was taken by the Secretary of State for War, but with the knowledge of the Cabinet. I do not at all assent to the hon. Member's statement that this is meant in any way to supersede the Financial Secretary to the War Office, who is not only one of the most courteous, but in my opinion one of the most able members of the Government. It simply means that the work was of a kind which had to be dealt with, and in the opinion of the War Secretary and of the Cabinet, this Gentleman is well qualified for that position.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to tell the House—have the Government by this action taken away jurisdiction which has hitherto been exercised by the Financial Secretary to the War Office, and how is the House going to exercise authority over the Gentleman who is now appointed to discharge duties formerly discharged by the Financial Secretary?

It must be obvious to the House that the nature of the business which has to be done in the way of contracts is so different from anything that happened before the new measures had to be taken. It is not a question of a change of authority. Everyone is under the Secretary of State for War, and he is represented by Gentlemen here who speak for him.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether this new Gentleman to be brought here from Scotland will be subject to the Financial Secretary and the Financial Secretary of the Department?

I really do not know—

You do not know?

They are all subject to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State for War, who is responsible in all these matters.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the case that Mr. Weir has already saved the country over a million per week?

I cannot name any figure, but I am satisfied that an arrangement of that kind is the best that can be made in the direction of saving public money.