asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the re- fusal of the American Government to enter into an alliance with this country arises from the refusal of this country to put in practice in Ireland its professions with reference to small nationalities?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to inform the House when it is proposed to make a statement on the result of the Government's efforts to effect an Irish settlement?

I am sorry I must again make a claim on the indulgence of the House in this matter. Owing to circumstances which could not be foreseen, the Prime Minister is obliged to go to the Continent again this week, and therefore it is impossible for him to make a statement, but I hope before the end of the week to name the date next week on which the statement will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of the United States of America has yet expressed its concurrence with the present British policy of reprisals?

The answer is in the negative. There has been no consultation with the United States Government in the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has received a letter, dated 27th March, from the hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division of Glasgow, inquiring whether the proper procedure had been adopted with regard to certain conscientious objectors arrested in Glasgow of whom the civil authorities at Barlinnie Prison had refused to accept custody, and who had thereafter been sent to Perth Prison; whether any opportunity had been given to these prisoners of engaging in work of public importance under the Committee on the Employment of Conscientious Objectors; and whether he is now in a position to answer these questions?

My inquiries into these cases are not yet completed, but I have hastened them, and I hope shortly to be in a position to give my hon. Friend a full answer.

It is more than a month ago since I raised this case. Is it the fact that the War Office officials have delayed giving information to the hon. Gentleman until these men have finished their sentence in Perth Prison? Are they back now with their regiment, and will they be tried by court-martial?

I cannot answer offhand. I will give my hon. Friend a full answer as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the importance to the men concerned from the point of view of health and to the State from the point of view of the ultimate cost in pensions, he will lay upon the Table of the House a copy of the fresh instructions issued to medical boards applicable to the men who may be recalled under the Review of Exceptions Act?

Yes; I purpose placing copies in the Library.

Will they be put in the Library soon?

I hope to-morrow.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether men certified by medical boards to be suffering from valvular disease of the heart are passed for service in medical categories B1 and C1; whether this is in accordance with War Office instructions; and whether there are any instructions dealing with the matter?

As I informed my hon. Friend last Wednesday, no instructions have been issued with regard to the classification of such cases. The matter depends upon the judgment of the medical examiners.

Is it the case that men who are suffering from valvular disease of the heart may be passed for military service in category B1?

I have written to my hon. Friend a letter about a similar case where a man with valvular disease of the heart was placed in C1.

Is it not the case that a man suffering from valvular disease of the heart may be passed by the medical board for military service in category B1?

My hon. Friend will see the instructions, which I have promised the hon. Member for East Edinburgh to place in the Library to-morrow.

Can the hon. Gentleman answer the question whether a man suffering from valvular disease of the heart may be passed by the medical board into B1?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, with regard to a number of men of the 7th Highland Light Infantry (the Bridgeton battalion), in medical category C2, who have now been transferred to Class W(T), Territorial Force Reserve, and have had their pay and their wives' separation allowances stopped, whether these men on being transferred to the Reserve were supplied with railway passes to return to Glasgow, where work of national importance awaited them?

I am sorry that I am not yet in a position to answer my hon. Friend's question. The facts of the case are still being investigated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions, as he informed my hon. Friend yesterday.

Is it the Ministry of Munitions who make the investigations, and is it the War Office who are responsible for the refusal of railway passes to men on being discharged into the Reserve?

I understand that they are investigating all the relevant facts.

Is it the Ministry of Munitions or is it the War Office who are investigating the failure of the War Office to give railway passes to men on their discharge?

The Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, in regard to an attested man who was rejected after 13th July, 1916, as unfit for any form of military service but who was refused a certificate of discharge at that time and did not receive a certificate of discharge for several months, which will be regarded as the date of his discharge for the purpose of the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act, the date of his rejection or the date when a certificate of discharge was issued to him?

If my hon. Friend would kindly furnish particulars of the attested man to whom his question refers, with the material dates, inquiries will be made into the case at once and I will let him have an answer as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the belief that an undue number of men of military age are retained in public Departments, the Government are prepared to limit the discretion of the heads of the different departments by entrusting the decision in these cases to a special tribunal, so as to ensure that personal convenience shall not be allowed to outweigh the necessities of the nation?

I have been asked to answer this question. As my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House informed the hon. Member on 19th February, the Director of National Service has taken steps to secure that all men fit for military service who can be spared from Government Departments should be made available; and I can see no advantage in setting up a special tribunal. At the present time great difficulty is being experienced in carrying on the greatly expanded Government business with the deplenished permanent staff.

Is my hon. Friend not aware there are many hundreds of men at present employed in Government offices whose work could be quite well done by women clerks?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a petition from the tailors of Llandudno and district pointing out that in Llandudno there are four tailoring establishments under the control of alien enemies, of whom two were interned after the out- break of the War, but were subsequently released; whether he is aware that several English tailors have had to close their businesses because they have joined the Colours, and that others will shortly do so; and whether the Government will take definite steps in regard to this case and others to prevent the business of honest Britons being stolen by alien enemies?

Yes, Sir. The petition referred to has been received, and inquiries have been made which show that it is not the case that there are at the present time four tailoring establishments in Llandudno under the control of alien enemies. The only tailors of enemy nationality now in Llandudno are two Bohemian Czechs, who have been in this country for twenty-one and fifteen years, respectively, are married to British subjects, have a number of British-born children, and, though technically of enemy nationality, are pro-Ally in their sympathies. They were interned for a short period at the commencement of the War, but were exempted from internment on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee. They are both anxious to enlist in the British Army, and with this object in view have been before medical boards. If they are not accepted for the Army they will be required to undertake work of national importance.

asked, with reference to the conscription of doctors, on what date the War Office discovered that they stand in need of further medical assistance?

The need of assistance from the medical profession has, of course, been continuous. If my hon. Friend refers to the recent call, I think he is aware that this is consequent on the decision to establish more hospitals overseas.

Does my hon. Friend remember that less than two months ago he said, in reply to a question in this House, that the War Office had all the medical assistance they required?

At that moment.

Then what change has taken place since?

If the hon. Gentleman will read my answer to his question to-day he will see what change has taken place.

I beg to give notice to my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary for War that on Thursday, on the Adjournment I will raise various matters arising out of answers which he gave me to-day, namely, firstly, the passing for military service in categories B1 and C1 of men who have been certified by military doctors to be suffering from valvular disease of the heart; secondly, the failure of the War Office to supply railway passes to return to Glasgow to men of the 7th Highland Light Infantry on their discharge in Morecambe to Class W (T) T.F. Reserve; and thirdly, the question of what is the date of a man's discharge for the purpose of the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act, the date of his rejection or the date when a certificate of discharge was issued to him, and the refusal of the War Office to indicate which date it is?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that field allowance is granted to staff officers on consolidated pay on active service in France and is denied to staff officers serving under canvas at home; and whether he will take steps to adjust this difference of treatment by granting the allowance to staff officers on consolidated pay at home?

No, Sir. The allowance granted to officers on active service is a special allowance instituted at the beginning of the War for officers engaged in active operations overseas. It does not apply to officers in this country.

When they are under canvas do they not get this allowance?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman knows perfectly well that the consolidated pay is intended to include all allowances, and this is a special allowance instituted for officers serving overseas.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, when a claim for separation allowance is rejected by the Appeals Committee, any information as to the reason for the rejection is refused; and, if not, to whom should a request for information be addressed?

I am informed that it is not the practice of the Appeals Committee—of which my right hon. Friend the Member for North St. Pancras is chairman—to refuse information as to the reason for the rejection of a claim for dependant's separation allowance. Any inquiry for information should be ad-addressed to the Secretary, Appeals Committee, 119, Victoria Street, S.W. 1.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the cases of men discharged from the Army as medically unfit and refused pensions under the Regulations hitherto in force are being reconsidered; and, if so, whether he can furnish particulars of the number, or percentage, of such cases in which pensions have been granted undr the new Royal Warrant which became operative on the 4th instant?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Nineteen hundred applications have been received mainly in the last two weeks from men who have been discharged from the Army, and refused pensions under the Regulations hitherto in force. Up to the end of last week 200 pensions and 300 gratuities had been awarded in these cases and the remainder are in hand at various stages of consideration.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the cases of widows of sailors and soldiers who had previously been refused pensions or gratuities, and of those who had previously received gratuities only, are being re-considered; and, if so, whether he can state the number of such cases dealt with up to date, and in how many of them pensions have now been granted?

The number of widows' claims rejected for pension or gratuity under the old Regula- tions was 1,229, and the number rejected for pension, but admitted for gratuity, was 475, making a total of 1,704. Of this number, 1,013 have been re-considered, 983 have been admitted to pension, and thirty have been finally rejected. The re-consideration of the remaining cases will be completed in the course of a fortnight.

asked the Pensions Minister how many different central committees representing the various local statutory sub-committees have now been set up in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, respectively, in-connection with the treatment of disabled soldiers; and how many schemes have now been approved by the Ministry of Pensions and by the central committees in each portion of the United Kingdom?

The committees referred to in the hon. Member's question are Joint Advisory Committees to assist local committees in dealing with the treatment and training of disabled soldiers and sailors. Fourteen of these committees are contemplated for England, one or two for Wales, four for Scotland, and three for Ireland. Eight covering seventeen geographical counties in England have been agreed to at meetings of local committees representatives, and the four covering Scotland have been similarly agreed to in that country. A scheme for one or two committees for Wales is under discussion, and some preliminary inquiries have been made with regard to the three proposed for Ireland. I am communicating with the various local committees concerned with a view to expediting the formal constitution of the Joint Committees, so that these may proceed at once with their work of making available within their large areas the schemes for treatment and training which local committees have framed and are framing.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now considered the establishment of an appeal Court to which discharged men could appeal before their disabilities are met by the payment of a gratuity; and whether he can say what the Government propose to do in the matter?

I have given full consideration to the matter referred to in the hon. Member's question, and propose that a tribunal should be set up to which disabled men who have been awarded a gratuity on account of disablement neither attributable to nor aggravated by military service can appeal if they consider that a pension should be granted to them under the recently enacted Royal Warrant and Order in Council.

Can my hon. Friend say when this Court will be set up, and how soon men can appeal to it?

Steps are already being taken to secure the requisite personnel, and I hope the Court will be set up very shortly.

asked whether any steps have now been taken to notify to the railway companies conducted under War Office control that a Cabinet Instruction has been issued as to the necessity of avoiding the use of timber wherever possible; and whether any steps have been taken to point out the advantages of using concrete in lieu of timber for railway sleepers (on sidings), signal and telegraph posts, gate posts, and fence posts, as successfully applied on several of the railway companies in the United Kingdom, in the United States, and in certain Continental countries?

The necessity of exercising economy in the use of imported soft wood for railway purposes has been impressed upon the Railway Executive Committee, and the committee has lately pointed out to the various railway companies the desirability of substituting concrete for timber wherever possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a Cabinet instruction has been issued as to the necessity of avoiding the use of timber wherever possible; whether any steps have been taken to advise the railway companies of this instruction and the advantages of substituting concrete for timber for railway sleepers on sidings, signal and telegraph posts, gate posts, and fence posts; and whether other corporations coming within the purview of his Board during the War have received recommendations on this point??

I understand that the Rail- way Executive Committee and other bodies have been approached on behalf of the War Office with a view to secure that substitutes shall be used for timber when-ever possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a Cabinet Instruction has been issued as to the necessity of avoiding the use of timber wherever possible; whether he is aware that concrete poles are now cheaper than timber poles; whether any steps have been taken to utilise concrete in lieu of timber for the large numbers of telegraph poles annually erected or re-erected in the United Kingdom by his Department; and whether he is aware that such telegraph poles are largely used in France, Switzer-land, Italy, and in the United States?

I am aware of the Cabinet Instruction to which the hon. Member refers. The use of concrete or ferro-concrete poles in place of wood poles has been considered several times, but hitherto it has been found that the cost is prohibitive. It has not been necessary to reopen the question since the outbreak of war, because the construction of pole lines has been so limited that the existing stocks of poles have been generally sufficient to meet Post Office requirements. I do not expect to make further purchases for some time to come, but I will not fail to keep in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a Cabinet Instruction has been issued as to the necessity of avoiding the use of timber wherever possible; and whether any steps have been taken to encourage mine owners to use concrete pit-props, etc., in lieu of timber, as largely used in the United States?

Yes, Sir; the question of economy in the use of timber in mines has been receiving attention for some time. Owners have been urged to use substitutes, such as concrete, as far as possible, and I understand this is being done to a considerable extent.

asked if arrangements for working the new grants to officers' families in the hands of the Civil Liabilities Committee are not yet com- pleted and still further instructions have to be received from the War Office as to procedure; if, in view of the fact that about two months ago a promise was made that there should be no delay in carrying out the scheme, the War Office will take steps to accelerate the necessary arrangements; and if the grants, when issued, will date from the time of application?

My hon. and gallant Friend has been misinformed. The conditions under which the grants would be made were published in Special Army Order of the 14th March; the forms of application have been available since the 15th March, and a number of grants have already been made. The grants will, in the absence of special circumstances, run from the date of application.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to how a case in which the person who called and applied for the grant was told by the officials that arrangements have not yet been made by the War Office; and can anything be done?

I shall be pleased to make inquiries if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of the case.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will add to the new Scottish Fisheries Committee representatives of the trawling and fishing industries?

The Committee includes two members directly connected with the fishing industry, and I am not prepared to enlarge its size. All sections of the industry will, however, have an opportunity of placing their views before the Committee if they wish to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in the exercise of the powers given to the Agricultural Wages Board in the Corn Production Bill to set up district wages boards, regard will be paid to the special conditions of agriculture in Wales; and whether Welsh opinion will be consulted before the Regulations governing the constitution of district wages boards in Wales are framed, and as to the areas for which they should be established?

I should prefer to await the further progress of the Bill before answering questions as to its administration, but I may say that I am in general sympathy with the views indicated in the hon. Baronet's question.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will grant the Return, standing in the name of the hon. Member for the Tradeston Division of Glasgow (Mr. White) of the area under and the estimated production of wheat, barley, and oats in the United Kingdom during the year 1913, by counties?—[Return showing for the year 1913 the acreage under, and the estimated production of, wheat, barley, and oats, respectively, in each county of England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland, with the totals for each of these countries, and the aggregate total.]

The information named is contained in Part II. of the Agricultural Statistics for 1913, in Part II. of the Agricultural Statistics of Scotland for 1913, and in the Agricultural Statistics for Ireland for 1913. It is hoped that in view of the scarcity of labour and the expense of paper and printing, the hon. Member will not press his request for a specially printed Return.

Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that it would only take a single sheet and would be very useful in this House?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has received resolutions from local authorities and societies of allotment holders that legislation should be initiated to prevent present tenancies being disturbed after the War, except when the local authority, or upon appeal to the Board of Agriculture, are satisfied that there is a bonâ fide intention on the part of the owner immediately to use the land for building, and further to prevent the rents of such allotments from being increased, subject to the right of owners in urban areas to receive a minimum rent; and will the Government consider the possibility of Clauses to effect these purposes being embodied in the Corn Production Bill?

An amendment has already been made in the Regulation and Order dealing with this matter, which provides for payment of compensation to holders of allotments under the Order if disturbed before 1st January, 1919. In view of the provisions of the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Act, 1916, it is not proposed to deal with the matter under the Corn Production Bill.

What is to happen to the allotment holders at the end of 1919? That is what we want to know.

If the War continues we hope to extend that Order.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he can state how much land in England was used for growing peas for human food during the years 1913 and 1914 and 1915 and 1916, respectively; and how much land is sown with peas at the present time?

The area of land on holdings of 1 acre and upwards devoted to peas was as follows in the years 1913-16: 1913, 163,437 acres; 1914, 168,233 acres; 1915, 128,886 acres; 1916, 112,068 acres. Of these areas, 36,070 acres, 39,117 acres, 30,957 acres and 27,221 acres, respectively, were estimated to have been picked green. While it may be assumed that the areas "picked green" were grown for human food it is not known what proportion of the peas harvested dry is used for human food. No estimate can be formed of the area sown with peas under garden or allotment cultivation. No information is as yet available as to the areas that will be sown in 1917.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has any information as to the stock of potatoes in Ireland; whether the stock per head in Ireland is greatly in excess of the stock per head in the United Kingdom; and whether he has made any representations to the Irish authorities with a view to the removal of the restrictions against the export of potatoes from Ireland to the United Kingdom?

I have no exact particulars as to the stock of potatoes per head in Ireland, but I understand that a census is now being taken by the Irish Department of Agriculture to ascertain what the available supplies are. There is no reason to doubt that the stock per head in Ireland is in excess of that in Great Britain. This, however, is a normal state of affairs, as the ordinary consumption per head in Ireland is more than five times that in Great Britain. The question of the removal of the export restrictions has been fully discussed with the Irish Office.

May I ask whether those restrictions are likely to be removed?

On so delicate a matter I shall not venture to be prophetic.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, if he is aware that the bread supply of the country is dangerously low and that compulsory rationing is imminent; and if, in view of the fact that tons of bread could be saved weekly by restricting the hours when bread can be sold, he will take steps to adopt the suggestion laid before him?

The points raised in the first part of the question have been fully dealt with by the Food Controller within the past week, and I have nothing to add to the statement. I do not understand on what grounds the hon. Member believes that restriction of the hours of sale for bread would materially reduce the consumption.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can state the cost involved in a system of compulsory rationing or the adoption of bread tickets; if he is aware that persons could easily provide themselves with what they might require at afternoon hours, and that the compulsory restriction of the sale between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. would entail very little hardship; and if he will make further inquiries?

The information asked for in the first part of the question cannot at present be given, but it is certain that the cost involved would be very large. As regards the second part of this question, as I have already stated, there is no reason to believe that compulsory restriction of sale between certain hours would materially affect consumption. On the other hand, it might involve distinct hardship in a large number of cases and interfere considerably with the war work of some sections of the population.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, under a recent Order of his Department it is illegal to use malt for human food or other purpose other than the brewing of beer for sale?

The effect of the Malt (Restriction) No. 2 Order, combined with the Brewers (Malt Purchases) Order is substantially as stated in the question, subject, however, to the power of the Food Controller to issue licences of exemption from the terms of the Orders. Practically no brewers' malt is available, but diastatic malt is still being made for the purpose of using in human foods, bread, medicines, malt extracts, biscuits, Horlick's milk, etc. Licences are constantly granted for the use of malt for human food, especially for infants and invalids.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the flour now being produced for bread making would be rendered more nutritious and digestible by the addition of 10 per cent. of malt flour, and by how much such addition would increase the cost of the 4-lb. loaf?

When this question was first raised the only information available was obtained from a few bakers who manufactured a special kind of bread with a substantial amount of malt flour mixed in with the ordinary flour. These bakers stated that they were selling the 2 lb. loaf at 9d. and ls., which was three to four times the price of ordinary bread. The question has now been more thoroughly investigated, and calculations show that if all malt flour was used, there would be an increase of 5d. in the price over the price of the 2 lb. loaf, or 10d. on the 4 lb. loaf, or nearly three times the price of ordinary bread. I would point out here that I suggested it would be more than three times the other day. A slight admixture of malt would probably render bread more nutritious; but so large an admixture as 10 per cent. would be inadvisable, because it would make the. bread sticky and unpalatable. The increased cost would probably be about 1d. per 4 lb. loaf.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the malt still being manufactured for beverages, together with the stocks of malt, would, if converted into flour and used as a 10 per cent addition to the present standard flour, last for nearly six months; and whether such use would in effect give the country about eighteen days' additional safety in the matter of bread supplies?

The available stocks of malt, if converted into flour and used as a 10 per cent. addition to the present standard flour, would last for nearly eleven weeks; such use would be the equivalent of, approximately, one additional week's supply of flour for all purposes.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the working classes in the North are able to reduce the rations and take their food all the easier if they are able to wash it down with the usual glass of beer?

Will the hon. Gentleman answer that part of my question referring not only to the stocks but to the manufacture of beverages, and is it not a fact that the malt and grains so used would keep the country going on short rations for an additional month?

No, Sir; the estimate carefully made by experts in order to provide an answer to the question shows that the period would probably be no more than eleven or twelve weeks if 10 per cent. were used, and no more than a week if the product were made entirely of this constituent.

Does not the hon. Gentleman's answer only refer to the stocks and not to the other grain that is being used at the present time?

I am not quite sure what the hon. Member desires, but if he will put down another question I will endeavour to answer it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Director of Food Economy suggests that if this saving could be made there would be no, question of a shortage, and may I ask whether, by saving one piece of bread per day, this system would not be better?

I think the matter well worthy of further investigation, but I think hon. Members are rather inclined to exaggerate the possible result of taking this course.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will specify the quarter from which he apprehends opposition to legislation for the purpose of providing the people of Irish towns and villages with land for the upkeep of cows, for the supply of milk, especially for children, a provision of which he admits the necessity; whether he is aware that sympathy with this purpose is so general as to ensure that such legislation would be non-contentious; and whether he will, by introducing a Bill dealing justly with individual opponents, leave them to submit or accept the odium of opposing?

There are existing statutory provisions for assistance in securing milk for young children. I should be glad, however, if the land available for cow pasture were increased. I doubt whether the ratepayers would be ready to accept the responsibility of the cost. If there were such readiness generally evidenced, I would have a Bill drafted for the purpose.

Will the right hon. Gentleman present a Bill so that we may see it?

If the hon. Member will read the answer I have given he will see that that is what is suggested.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland under what statute, and in accordance with what principle, the English Government in Ireland now discriminates among individuals by preventing in some cases and allowing in others the possession and use of shot-guns for farm purposes, and confiscating the guns of which they prevent the use; and whether, in view of the present importance of protecting crops, uniformity of practice will be immediately introduced?

I am not aware of any such discrimination, and am informed that all reasonable facilities are given to farmers to have guns and ammunition for the destruction of vermin and the preservation of crops.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will say what notice has been taken of the conduct of Mr. Hellings, Special Commissioner at Galle, Ceylon, in issuing a Proclamation there on 18th June, 1915, that persons not obeying orders or carrying firearms will be liable to be shot at sight; how many persons were shot without trial under this Proclamation; and what official position this Mr. Hellings now occupies?

I would invite reference to the answer given to a similar question on the 23rd April. Mr. Hellings is a member of the Ceylon Civil Service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will explain why the nine Moors who were exposed as perjurers aiming at the life of Mr. D. J. Amaratunga, in Ceylon, in June, 1915, have never been tried for their crime; how many Sinhalese had previously been executed on the evidence of these witnesses; how many were imprisoned and how many are still in prison on the evidence of these witnesses; whether he is aware of the refusal of the special commissioner to supply Mr. Amaratunga with a copy of the proceedings in his own case, on the ground that several men had been convicted and punished on the evidence of the same witnesses; what law authorises that as a ground for refusal; and what action he proposes to take with reference to those perjurers and with reference to their victims?

I have no information on these matters, and I am not prepared to ask the Governor for particulars in face of the fact that as I have frequently stated to the House I have absolute confidence in Sir J. Anderson, and am satisfied that he is doing everything that justice demands in dealing with all these cases.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny the sworn statement of the gentleman mentioned in the question, and if he does why has not this gentleman been tried for perjury?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action it is proposed to take respecting the co-ordination of the harbours of the Empire in accordance with the recommendations of the Dominions Royal Commission?

The recommendations referred to are under consideration, but it seems most unlikely that any action will be possible during the continuance of the War.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether any arrangements have been come to with the tenants and landlords at Salterforth, Yorks, with regard to compensation for the land taken over in order to erect munition sheds; and, if so, when will compensation be paid?

The claims have been investigated locally and are now under consideration by the Ministry. In the ordinary course the claims would then have to be passed to the Defence of the Realm (Losses) Commission for settlement, but it is hoped, by certain arrangements now under discussion, to shorten the procedure, so that the matter may be settled more quickly.

asked the Minister of Munitions if the Board of Control (Liquor Traffic) have received any memorials or resolutions in favour of State purchase from labour and other organisations in Scotland?

Including resolutions from local branches, the Board have received over sixty resolutions and memorials in favour of State purchase from labour organisations in Scotland, and it has been frequently advocated to the Board at deputations and conferences, particularly by the representatives of such organisations.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any information as to the resolutions representing the other view?

I should have to have notice of that.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the resolution passed by the Scottish Trades Council, representing the bulk of the working men in Scotland, by an overwhelming majority in favour of State purchase?

My attention has not been particularly directed to that resolution.

Do not the petitions for prohibition amount to hundreds?

I must have notice of that.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will state the number of convictions for drunkenness in the London area of the Central Control Board for the first quarter of the present year compared with the corresponding period of the years 1913, 1914, 1915, and 1916?

The figures asked for were given on 17th April, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Bury, to which I would refer my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether any arrangement has yet been arrived at for making use of the existing stocks of bonded spirits for the manufacture of explosives, so as to release for the food of the people the grain and other food materials at present employed for such purposes; and whether any estimate has been made of the quantity of foodstuffs which could thus be saved for the nation?

The whole question is being carefully considered. I may say, however, that none of the patent still distilleries, except the yeast distilleries and those using molasses, are now being employed, and that the use of the yeast distilleries cannot be discontinued until a satisfactory solution of the problem of yeast production has been arrived at. This question is now being closely investigated.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman when it is expected that the Government will come to a decision on this important matter, which has been under consideration now for a considerable period?

I can only say that the importance is such that it will still have to remain under consideration for some little time longer.

Is it not a fact that yeast was a German product, and that this process is capturing a German trade?

I believe the English manufacturers, or the Scottish manufacturers, would not agree with my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will grant to British merchant firms established abroad the privilege of nominating their employés for the Government grant of capital to start them in business as proposed in Lord Faringdon's Report, clauses 14 and 15, in recognition of the services they have rendered to the nation in coming home and joining the Forces and fighting for the country, instead of waiting for the nominees of the Board of Trade to the British Trade Corporation to grow up and be trained in business; is he aware that many of these men have wide business experience; and (2) whether the chairman and the three managing directors for the new British Trade Corporation are to be Government employés and by whom are they to be appointed; will he state by whom the employés of the new British Trade Corporation are to be nominated, for which the Government is to find the capital to start them in business in different parts of the world; and what qualifications, if any, are they to have to receive the appointments as recommended by Lord Faringdon's Committee in clause 15?

The hon. Member seems to be under a misapprehension as to paragraph 15 of the Financial Facilities Committee's Report. The Committee suggested in that paragraph that the new institution might act as an agent for His Majesty's Government should the Government desire to assist, by means of advances, educated young men who, after the War, may wish to go into business abroad. His Majesty's Government have come to no decision on this suggestion. The chairman and managing directors of the British Trade Corporation will not be appointed by Government but in the manner provided for in the Deed of Settlement.

Is the hon. Member aware that some of the directors have already been appointed by the Board of Trade presumably; if not, by whom? And will the hon. Gentleman say, in the event of His Majesty's Government deciding to give funds to set up these young men, the employés of this Corporation, whether they will give pro rata to all the existing British merchants and not any preference to this Corporation?

I said in my reply that the Government have not come to a decision on that point.

Will they undertake that every British subject shall have equal rights and privileges?

I think I can give my hon. Friend the assurance that the Government will not discriminate between one person and another.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that these traders abroad are generally agents of insurance companies at home, and will he take care that there is no idea of monopoly or of Government preference given to these new young men as against established firms representing British insurance companies?

I will take note of that, and I am sure my hon. Friend will further direct my attention to it.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer give the House an undertaking that before this Corporation is proceeded with the House will have an opportunity of discussing it?

I am afraid I cannot now give an undertaking of that kind, but I will look into it and see how it stands.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade say who has nominated the directors of this British Trade Corporation?

I can only say, as I have said, that they are nominated under the Deed of Settlement.

Well, who is it?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the importance of the issues involved in the establishment and working of the British Trade Corporation and the interest taken therein by the whole commercial community, he will give a day for the discussion of the subject before sanctioning the details of the operations of the corporation?

I regret that it will not be possible to give a day for the discussion of this subject, but I understand that it can be raised when the Treasury Vote is taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will cause to be issued immediately a Parliamentary Paper containing the text of the Royal charter granted to the British Trade Corporation, together with an explanatory memorandum; and whether he can say what direct supervision the Government will be enabled to exercise over the actual working of the corporation?

I propose to issue the text of the charter at an early date as a Parliamentary Paper. Speaking generally, it is not proposed that the Government should exercise direct supervision over the actual working of the corporation, but in carrying on its business in any part of the world the corporation must exercise its powers with due regard to the interests of His Majesty's Government, and where the corporation acts as agent for the Government it will, of course, be strictly accountable to the Government as such.

Is this corporation to be financed by the Government?

I have previously replied that it is not.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that one of the first things the emissaries of this corporation will say to the natives and other people is that they are in a special position in relation to the British Government, and it is better to trade with them?

The hon. Gentleman cannot possibly tell what will be said by someone else.

asked the Prime Minister who are the directors of the "Nation" newspaper whose articles have been picked up in the German trenches and circulated for the encouragement of their soldiers; and where were the articles originally published?

The Gentleman referred to by my right hon. Friend was the hon. Member for Stirling Burghs, who is, as my right hon. Friend is informed, associated with the direction of the Trust fund created for subsidising the "Nation" and other papers.

On whose information does the hon. Gentleman say that I am a director or am associated with the "Nation"? Is he further aware that no article over my signature has appeared in the "Nation" since the beginning of the War?

I understand that the article referred to was not published in the "Nation," but in the "New York Times," and that it was quoted in the paper found in the possession of a German prisoner. In regard to the last part of the question, I can only refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I have given.

Are we to understand that the Prime Minister's statement was made with his usual inaccuracy?

May we get a definite statement on that point? Is the statement that we have had in reply to this question the only foundation for the statement made by the Prime Minister at that box the other day?

The only foundation!

I, of course, do not know what was my hon. Friend's information. I have seen the paper referred to on the German prisoner, and I have seen the extract from the "New York Times."

We will raise this question on the Adjournment this afternoon.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a university graduate with three degrees, who has been pronounced unfit by one medical board and subsequently C2 by another, and who has been given exemption for one month to secure work of national importance, has sent in a form to the Director of National Service, a letter to the Director of the same, and had two interviews with the Sub-Commissioner without result, has paid five visits to the substitution office where he was declared unfit for heavy labour, has paid four visits to Labour Exchanges with no success for employment as a munition worker, has been sent to the Great Western Railway locomotive sheds but refused by the manager as unfit and unskilled, has been informed by the Board of Agriculture that there are no vacancies, by the. Board of Education that it is not a scholastic agency, by Professor Schlick that forestry is not of national importance, by the Board of Trade that they cannot help, and by himself that attention is being given to his request; and whether he can state if he has given attention to it, or if there is any agency controlled by the Government where this man may find something to do to satisfy a tribunal which ought not to take him?

I have been asked to answer this question. If the time within which the employment imposed by the tribunal, as I understand, has elapsed and this gentleman has not secured work, it is open to him to lay his case again before the tribunal showing what efforts he has made and to ask them to reconsider their decision or to grant further time. He might also ask the tribunal to refer his case to the Committee on Work of National Importance, who would be willing, I understand, to try and place him in work of national importance.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have already sent the name of this lecturer at Oxford University to the Prime Minister? He was given a month to find work of national importance. He applied to all the organisations mentioned in my question, and he has been unable to find that work. What is the use of my hon. Friend referring him again to the Committee for Providing Work of National Importance if, after exerting himself for a month, he cannot get work?

Are we to understand that this is a sample of the methods of scientific organisation?

I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the machinery of the Volunteer Munitions' Brigade, situated at 54, New Broad Street, E.C., is being utilised to recruit men for postal work; whether men of military age who have been given certificates of exemption are being engaged on post office work as work of national importance; and, if so, whether, in the interests of efficiency and economy, he will consider the desirability of continuing in employment competent and established officers already in the service, and in cases where work of national importance is given by tribunals to Post Office servants to allow such men to continue on their own work?

I understand that a few men have been engaged through the Volunteer Munitions' Brigade for collecting heavy postings in the City on three or more evenings a week. I understand that some of them hold certificates or exemption, but these certificates were not issued by or under the authority of the Post Office, and I should not regard their employment in the Post Office as a ground for exempting them from military service. Post Office servants who are granted exemption by tribunals are usually allowed to remain in the Post Office service where this course is agreed to by the tribunal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Service whether the revised scheme of Substitution Volunteers in the place of National Service Volunteers is now complete; and, if so, Would he give its main outlines to the House?

The hon. and gallant Member will no doubt realise the difficulty of giving even the main outlines of this scheme within the limits of question and answer. The principles on which the new scheme is based may, however, be summarised as follows:

May I take it then that if a man is already enrolled as a National Service Volunteer he need not worry to be exchanged into a Substitution Volunteer?

Yes, of course. That is to say, a person who is on the roll at the present time may be taken and placed as a substitute when a proper vacancy occurs.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the new Surveyor-General of Supplies to the War Office has already been enabled to save over £1,000,000 a week to the nation; if so, will he say how this sum is made up; and whether he can state who was responsible for the misfeasance in previous months?

It is not possible at present to fix definitely the share of the economies being effected which is assignable to the work of the new Surveyor-General.

Is it or is it not the fact that he has saved over a million pounds a week?

I cannot add anything to my answer.

I can answer it for myself.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the occupant of the newly-created office of Surveyor-General of Supplies to the War Office is a member of the Government; whether he will go out of office with the Government; if not, whether he is a Civil servant or what is his exact status; whether the powers he will exercise are delegated by or whether they are transferred from the Financial Secretary; if the latter, whether he can state any constitutional authority for the Government doing so without Parliamentary sanction; (2) whether he can now state if the Surveyor-General of Supplies will be subject to the authority of the Financial Secretary to the War Office; if not, whether the powers to be exercised by him will involve the withdrawal from the Financial Secretary of powers hitherto exercised by the latter; and, if so, whether it is proposed to take this step without Parliamentary sanction?

No, Sir; the Surveyor-General of Supply is not a member of the Government nor is he an established Civil servant. He has been appointed by the Secretary of State for War and performs gratuitously the functions assigned to his office by the Order in Council of the 20th ultimo. This Order in Council has been laid before Parliament in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of the War Office Act of 1870.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the doubt in the minds of many people as to the desire of the civilian German prisoners interned here to return to their native land, he will direct an inquiry to be made at the internment camps as to the number of inmates who would now wish to be repatriated if arrangements were made with the German Government for an exchange?

The course suggested by my hon. Friend would, in the opinion of the Home Office, involve great labour on the part of the staffs of the respective camps; and it would seem premature to adopt it until it has been found possible to carry out existing agreements to their full extent.

Having regard to the fact that the Department over which the hon. Gentleman presides is using this statement of the wishes of German pri- soners to prevent an exchange, will he not, in common fairness and honesty, ask the German prisoners and the interned men whether or not they wish to go back?

In the first place, I preside over no Department; and, in the second place, I am not prepared to ask German prisoners this question at present. It would only create false expectations, and by the time it was found possible to effect the exchange—even if we could arrange to effect anything like a large further exchange—very possibly those concerned would have changed their minds. I cannot say that the matter is entirely ruled out, but it would be quite premature to debate it at present.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the very course which has been adopted by the German Government in regard to our men who were returned from Ruhleben?

That is possibly so; but they had only 3,000 or 4,000 to deal with. Throughout the British Empire we have nearly ten times as many.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date he received from the hon. and gallant Member for South Edinburgh his application for the Chiltern Hundreds; on what date Colonel Sir George M'Crae, resigned from the Scottish Local Government Board and from the Army; and on what date he was appointed Chief Whip?

I have not received an application from the hon. and gallant Member for South Edinburgh for the Chiltern Hundreds. Sir George M'Crae has not resigned from the Vice-Presidency of the Local Government Board of Scotland nor, as I have already stated, has he been appointed Chief Whip.

Does the position now amount to this that neither of these gentlemen has resigned anything; if that is so, could the right hon. Gentleman give me any hint as to the nationality of these two cautious gentlemen?

The hon. Gentleman has repeated my answer. In so far as the men are concerned, it is true they have resigned nothing. In regard to their nationality I do not know, but I do not think it is Irish.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes in the forthcoming Budget to restore the right of the Super-taxpayer to recover the amount of the tax on his insurance policy premiums on policies taken out previous to last year's Finance Act; and whether regard will be had to the fact that these policies were taken out on the assurance of the Government that this allowance would be made, but that the Act was, notwithstanding, made retrospective?

I may remind the hon. Member that the allowance of life assurance premiums as a deduction for the purposes of Super-tax was deliberately withdrawn as recently as last year by Section 36 of the Finance Act, 1916, after full consideration and discussion in this House.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now arrange for the use of reversible cable addresses with the United States of America, as was customary in pre-war days?

Since the outbreak of War the same privileges in respect of the use of registered abbreviated addresses have been accorded to the United States of America as to the United Kingdom and her Allies. No change is contemplated, therefore, in the existing Regulations, which the censorship authorities consider it necessary to maintain in the interests of the public safety.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give any further information to the House in respect to the recent naval attack on Ramsgate; and can he explain why so many enemy attacks are possible on the Kent coast, whilst British naval attacks are apparently impossible on Zeebrugge?

All the information in my possession has already been made public. Although the loss of life occasioned by these raids is most regrettable, it must be remembered that they possess no military value. I can assure my hon. Friend that the First Sea Lord and myself, and the Vice-Admiral at Dover, have been giving continuous attention to the dispositions in this area, in order as far as possible to meet these attacks.

Is it the view of my right hon. Friend that these German officers, who have been continually killing women and children for the last year, are entitled to be described, as they have been by the Vice-Admiral at Dover, as "a brave and gallant enemy"?

With reference to the description of men who are dead, I would rather leave it to the feeling of the House.

Can my right hon. Friend explain how it is that enemy destroyers pass through our defensive mine-field with immunity?

I am afraid I cannot explain that.

Is all my right hon. Friend's information the information that has been made public? Will he get some more which is of some use?

Is it not a fact that a third German destroyer was attacked and bombed by one of the Royal Naval Air Service aeroplanes?