asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the entry of America into the War and the change of Government in Russia from Imperialism to Republicanism, the Entente Powers will now place obstacles in the way of M. Venizelos when he proceeds to give effect to the resolutions adopted by mass meetings of Greeks in France and in America urging him to proclaim the Republic of Greece?

The hon. Member's question appears to contain implications which are unjustified. I cannot, of course, commit the Allied Governments to any line of conduct based upon hypothetical action of the nature indicated.

Will the Noble Lord kindly point out what implications there are which are unjustified?

I think all implications are unjustifiable.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that the export of sheep and lamb skins and other hides from Ireland is prohibited, he will see that facilities are given to enable the dressing and manufacture of these hides to be carried out in Ireland; and whether he is in a position to make any statement as to what effect the Order prohibiting export has had on the skin trade in Ireland?

I shall be glad to consider any particulars which may be furnished me of lack of facilities for the dressing and manufacture of hides in Ireland. I am told in various quarters that the prohibition of export has been advantageous to fellmongers in Ireland.

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people formerly engaged in the export of hides are willing to undertake the manufacture, but were refused a licence by the Treasury Committee?

I am not answerable for the decisions of the Committee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with them in order to get consent to this manufacture?

I do not know that I have any.

asked the Chief Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the rates of wages paid to chemists' assistants in Ireland; if he is aware that these men work from 8.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. for 25s. to 30s. per week in shops which hold Government contracts; and if he will recommend to the Government the advisability of forming a wages board to deal with this and other cases of underpaid workers?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The question of extending the scope of the Trade Boards Act is engaging the attention of the Ministry of Labour, and inquiries are being made into the conditions prevailing in a number of trades to which the application of the Act has been sug- gested. In this connection the case mentioned in the question will receive consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to the number of strikes, lock-outs, and disputes in Ireland; if he is aware that all are in reference to inadequate wages; if he will see that a committee of investigation shall be appointed to inquire into the merits of the disputes, and that they be empowered to recommend a suitable wage; if he is aware that a dispute provoked by the Dublin Port and Docks Board with their employés has spread to other engineering firms; and if, to prevent further disputes, he will see that a wages board be immediately appointed for Ireland?

I am aware that there have been a number of difficulties arising in Ireland in connection with applications for increased wages, and that these have in some instances resulted in stoppage of work. In a number of cases the Chief Industrial Commissioner has appointed an arbitrator to inquire into and to determine the difference, and the services of the Chief Industrial Commissioner's Department are at the disposal of the parties in the case of such disputes should they desire to avail themselves of them. Information which I have received from Dublin to-day, leads me to hope that the strike of transport workers which involves about 400 shipping employés will be amicably settled.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether Senmas Doherty, Padraic O'Maille, Sian Murthuile, Dr. M'Cartan, and Darrel Figgis, interned at Fairford, who recently gave themselves leave of absence to attend to matters of political importance in Ireland, have now returned to this country.

The police are not aware of the present whereabouts of the men named.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will ascertain what publicity was given to the Royal Proclamation enjoining economy in foodstuffs in Ireland; is he aware that the Proclamation was not read, as directed, in the places of worship of all religious denominations; and if he will say what measures he proposes to take to make known in Ireland the pressing need for economy in bread and other foodstuffs?

Copies of the Proclamation were posted up at police barracks, courthouses, and other public places, and copies were sent to Ministers of religion throughout Ireland. I am informed that the Proclamation was not read in all places of worship, but the other means of publication adopted appear to be sufficient.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was extensively read, and that last Sunday it was read in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, when I was there?

I am aware the Proclamation has been very extensively read, and I am sure it is fully known.

Likewise in reference to this Proclamation, is the right hon. Gentleman engaged in endeavouring to find food for people in Ireland who are suffering from shortage of food?

The fact that you must not waste food is brought home very vividly to the minds of many people in Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now in a position to state whether the Railway Executive has decided to withdraw the discrimination made against consignors of fresh fish from Caherciveen; and whether the consignors will have the same facilities as formerly in view of the necessity of procuring all the available supplies of fish to make up for the shortage in cereals and potatoes?

Some delay in communicating the decision of the President of the Board of Trade in this matter appears to have occurred, but as I stated on Monday my right hon. Friend has directed the withdrawal of the regulations requiring prepayment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that has actually come into operation, and that at the present moment fish can be sent from Caherciveen and other districts from the West of Ireland without the previous objection?

I am not sure what steps are necessary for the withdrawal of a prohibition of this kind, but the President of the Board of Trade directed the withdrawal of it. I have been in communication with the Department, and I have no doubt dispatch is being used to secure the withdrawal coming into operation.

May I take it, if a railway company refuses to accept consignments from the date of the answer which the right hon. Gentleman gave the other day, that the railway will compensate traders whom they refuse to oblige?

That is too large an assumption.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that five labourers from Mooreville, Rathdowney, Queen's County, occupying cottages with ½-acre allotments attached, sent a memorial to the Abbeyleix District Council last January, which was forwarded to the Local Government Board, asking that they should be granted the extra ½acre allotments which the district council intended they should receive but which was subsequently taken from them by order of the County Court judge on appeal by the owner, Miss Wilson, who holds about 30 acres of land at Mooreville, which is let on the eleven months' grazing system; and what action the Local Government Board intend taking to provide these labourers with the additional ½-acre allotments?

I am informed that the facts are as stated in the question. The Local Government Board have no power to interfere with the decision of the County Court reducing the areas of the proposed cottage allotments in these cases, and any further steps towards providing the labourers with additional ½ acres must be taken by the rural district council in the first instance. Early this year the council endeavoured to obtain the additional land for the purposes of conacre by agreement with the owner, but they offered only 17s. 4d. per annum for each plot and made it a condition that the owner should fence off the plots from the remaining land and the negotiations failed.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consent to the Council having compulsory powers?

The hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.

asked the Chief Secretary whether in view of the necessity of providing beyond possibility of fatal risks an adequate supply of food for this country and Ireland during the whole of 1918 and succeeding years, he will at once take steps to put into active operation the provisions of the Land Act of 1909, and strike out all the big estates, beginning with county Clare?

All practicable steps are being taken under the Act in question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman these two important facts in his mind: First of all, that there is a real possibility of famine in Ireland; and secondly, that he can obviate that danger by throwing open the large estates to the tenants?

All relevant facts are considered.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that spraying material cannot be obtained by merchants in Ireland at the price stated by the Department of Agriculture; and whether, under these circumstances, he will cause a revised statement as to price to be issued, regard being had to the cost of transport?

As I stated in reply to the hon. Member on 7th March, the price fixed for copper sulphate for the present season is £50 per ton, free on rail at the makers' works, which is less than the prices previously ruling. The Department of Agriculture are not aware that merchants in Ireland experience difficulty in procuring supplies at the price mentioned. The price fixed for the sale of this article by retail to farmers is 6½d. per lb., which leaves an ample margin of profit to merchants, after defraying cost of transport. Sufficient supplies of spraying material to meet the requirements of Irish farmers for the coming season can at present be secured if orders are placed at once and immediate delivery taken.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that the profits in each case vary according to the distance of the place? That is eminently unfair to the traders and discourages them; and will he take steps in the matter?

If the hon. Gentleman will give me definite facts which would alter the general rules laid down in this case, I will see that they are considered at the Department of Agriculture.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price quoted—50 per ton—works out at such a rate that it does not at all encourage the retail dealer?

I am not sure about the calculation of my hon. Friend. But the system has now been in operation for ten or eleven weeks, and up to the present I have heard of no complaints. On the contrary, I have been assured that the Department of Agriculture in Ireland have dealt with a very difficult position in a satisfactory way.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House of the important fact that the Government have taken steps to have a sufficient supply, whatever the price may be, of this spraying material?

I can assure the hon. Member that the very greatest care has been taken for the purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on two dates recently no trucks were available at Evesham and Pershore for the carriage of vegetable produce; that goods loaded at Pershore on the 1st March did not arrive at Cardiff till the 5th March; that two trucks loaded on the 1st May did not arrive in London till late in the day on the 3rd instant, so that the goods were too late for the market and realised a loss of 50 per cent.; that a truck of vegetables loaded at Pershore on Thursday, 8thMarch, did not arrive at Nantymoel until Monday, 12th March, so that the produce was wasted; and whether he can undertake that steps will be taken to prevent these losses in future?

My right hon. Friend has forwarded me a communication he has received in regard to these and other matters, which I will bring to the notice of the Railway Executive Committee.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that within the last two weeks a train-load of green bacon had to be transferred from the Great Eastern Railway goods depot to Messrs. Cook's soap works at Bow to be made into soap on account of its having been allowed to go bad owing to the absence of facilities for handling goods for transport on the railway; and whether the Board of Trade intend to take any steps to ensure goods at the ports, railway termini, and other stations being handled in a more efficient manner, so that this waste may be avoided in future?

I will have inquiry made into this case, which had not previously been brought to my notice, and inform the hon. Gentleman of the result.

Is the hon. Gentleman quite satisfied with the present method of handling goods, or does he intend to have an investigation to see whether a better method can be adopted?

I am one of those who is never perfectly satisfied, but I believe that everything possible under the conditions is being done.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he has made any arrangements for a supply of sugar for the Dublin cooked food depots; if he is aware that for want of sugar the progress of this movement is seriously hampered; and if he will see that a sufficient supply will be sent to the depots immediately?

The Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply is making arrangements for supplying sugar through the National War Savings Committee, if and when it is available, to communal kitchens, of which these depots appear to be a type. The Committee is now engaged in investigating the various applications.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the difficulty experienced by small traders in Ireland in getting anything like an adequate supply of sugar for their customers, he will consider the advisability of opening provin- cial depots in that country, so as to ensure fairer distribution of the article than that obtaining at present?

The difficulties referred to in the question are not peculiar to Ireland, but it is hoped that these will be lessened, when, in due course, as is anticipated, supplies of sugar become more plentiful than they are at present. It is not thought necessary to open provincial depots in Ireland for the purpose of ensuring equitable distribution.

Will the hon. Gentleman say how much reserve sugar the Sugar Commission have under their control at the present moment in this country?

No, Sir; I think it would be most undesirable to make any statement on such a subject.

Is it not a shortage of shipping rather than of sugar which is creating the difficulty in Ireland?

I think it is common knowledge that there is a shortage of both.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in certain parts of Ireland, especially the West, people cannot get sugar at any price, and will some steps be taken to remedy that state of things?

I am quite conscious that there is, temporarily at any rate, a shortage of sugar throughout the United Kingdom, but I think there must be some sense of proportion in this matter; and it is well to remind the House that in the days of Crecy and Agincourt there was no sugar in this country at all, and we can only suppose that our ancestors got on perfectly well without it.

How much beer was there in this country in those days?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the waters of the Hamoaze and the adjacent waters are abundantly supplied with fish which, if caught, would increase the supply of food for the nation, and that there are a number of men, pensioners and others, ineligible for the Army, who would be grateful for a licence to fish in these waters, but, although fully licensed to use their boats, yet are denied a licence to fish unless they are able to show that they were professional fishermen in pre-war times; and whether, in view of the importance of increasing the supply of food, he will take steps to induce the port authorities or others concerned to modify their restrictions and to issue licences to fish where such can be done without detriment to the national service?

The area in question is part of an important naval base and is subject to local Naval Regulations affecting small craft. I am in communication with the Admiralty on the general question of relaxation in the interest of fishing for food of Naval Regulations affecting fishing by persons other than professional fishermen.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether horses used by farmers and the managers of estates in supervision on the land and in personal conveyance to market towns will be treated under Schedule I., Section 2, of the Regulations for feeding horses, as horses maintained and used exclusively for agricultural purposes?

The question in which category any particular horse or class of horses falls for the purposes of the Horses (Rationing) Order is a question of fact in each case. Horses such as those specified by the hon. Member could not, as a rule, be regarded as maintained and used exclusively for agricultural purposes. They would, however, probably fall within Schedule II. (c) if answering to the description of light horses used solely or mainly for business purposes.

Then I understand from that answer that a farmer using a horse for the purpose of supervising his land could not treat that horse the same as he would a horse actually engaged in ploughing?

No, Sir; there is a distinct difference between the two horses and the classes of work in which they are engaged. It is desirable to use such concentrated food as may be avail- able for horses engaged in hard physical work on a farm. That would not apply to such horses as my hon. Friend mentions.

Is it not hard physical work carrying a farmer round his farm?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether 10,000 tons of potatoes which had been commandeered for the Army were transferred by the order of the War Cabinet to Scotland; and at what prices were these potatoes bought by the Army and sold by the Scottish Departments, respectively, who were the ultimate buyers, what profit was realised, and how it was disposed of?

It is the case that potatoes within the limit of 10,000 tons were transferred from the control of the Army Canteen Committee, as suggested in the question. About a third of that quantity has been delivered in Scotland. It is understood that the potatoes were bought for the Army at the current requisition prices. They have been made available in Scotland (along with supplies at different prices from other sources) at a flat wholesale rate of £13 per ton, which includes cost of transport and other necessary charges. The ultimate buyers are the consumers, who pay the ordinary maximum price sanctioned by the Food Controller. The Food Controller's special authority was obtained for any variation in the dealers' prices. It is not at present possible to estimate what profit, if any, will accrue. The object of the Government has been to avoid a loss rather than to realise a profit. The transaction was sanctioned in view of the very exceptional conditions of the Scottish potato market, which made it impossible to rely on the ordinary channels of supply and distribution

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state the cause of the delay in granting compensation to Mrs. Bridget Bealin, mother of Patrick Bealin, who was deliberately shot by the military authorities at 177, North King Street, Dublin, during the Easterweek rebellion; if he is aware that the late Government were convinced by the evidence given at the inquest that Bealin had no connection whatever with those concerned in the rebellion; if he is aware that Bealin's father died from the effects of shock caused by the murder of his son; that his son was the chief means of support of his parents, who were both old age pensioners, and that his mother has no other means of support than 5s. a week; and if he will see that ample compensation is granted to her without further delay?

The report of the Rebellion (Victims) Committee on this case is at present under consideration, and no avoidable delay wil occur in coming to a decision in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary (1) if the Dublin Rebellion (Victims) Committee has recomended to the Treasury that a larger sum than £10 should be paid to Michael Moran, of 2, Hamilton Row, Dublin, for the loss of his wife, who was shot dead by the military in her own home during the rebellion; if the Committee did not recommend a larger sum than will he take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that Michael Moran is given an adequate sum of money for the loss of his wife, who was aged thirty-four and left four young children ranging from nine years to thirteen months old; (2) if the Rebellion (Victims) Committee recommended to the Treasury that a larger sum than £10 should be paid to Robert Condron, of 31, Upper Rutland Street, Dublin, for the loss of his wife, Margaret Condron, who was shot dead by the military in her home during the rebellion; if the Committee did not recommend a larger sum than £10, will he take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that Robert Condron is given an adequate sum of money for the loss of his wife, who was aged forty-four and who left two young children aged eight years and six years, respectively; (3) if the Rebellion (Victims) Committee recommended to the Treasury that a larger sum than £10 should be paid to Catherine Foster, of 18, Manor Place, Dublin, for the loss of her son, John Foster, aged three years, who was shot dead in his perambulator by the military in his mother's presence during the rebellion; if the Committee did not recommend a larger sum than £10, will he take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that Catherine Foster is given an adequate sum of money for the loss of her son; is he aware that the father of the child made the supreme sacrifice in France in defence of the Empire; is he aware that Mrs. Catherine Foster was in receipt of a pension of 18s. for herself and her two children, and that when her child was shot by the military the War Office reduced the pension to 15s.; and if he will say what steps he intends to take in the matter?

The payment which was authorised by the Treasury in these cases was that of a sum for funeral expenses. No other award was possible under the terms of reference to the Committee. I am not able to publish confidential communications made by the Committee to the Government.

May I take it that is the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman, and not that of the Committee, as to the value of the loss sustained—£10?

The hon. Member need not assume anything of the kind, unless he wishes to make a gross mistake.

What is going to happen? What is this man to receive, who has two children left to mourn the loss of their mother, as a result of the military operations?

How did the Committee ascertain the grant of £10 to be the amount that this man should get?

The answer I have given dealt with that.

asked the Chief Secretary (1) if he is aware that on the 25th April, 1916, a number of persons charged with looting were taken to Store Street Station; that these persons were allowed to go free when the looted property was taken from them; if he will state what number of gold chains and other articles of jewellery were found on the prisoners; if he is aware that a side of bacon taken from one of the prisoners was cooked and eaten in the station; if he will state what inspector was in charge of the station at the time; if he saw that the property was properly accounted for; (2) whether he is aware that, during the disturbances in Dublin in Easter week, 1916, a considerable quantity of whisky and other intoxicating liquor, as well as tea, which had been looted, was brought into Store Street Station; if he will say what quantity of liquor and tea were surrendered by each constable, and how it was afterwards disposed of; and if any of the liquor was drunk in the station?

I have no information which supports the suggestions in the question; but if the hon. Member finds himself able to furnish me with definite particulars of the alleged misconduct, they will be investigated.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman even now consent to an inquiry into this matter in order not to cloak the officers responsible?

I do not know that there is any ground for suggesting that there is anything to be cloaked; certainly there is no ground for suggesting any desire to cloak. I have told the hon. Gentleman in the most definite way that if he will furnish particulars of any charges he desires to make, I will have them investigated.

Have not I repeatedly given him these statements, and am prepared to submit evidence of them if the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to hold an inquiry?

When evidence is produced it shall be considered.

But will you hold an inquiry?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, seeing the financial losses entailed on summer resorts in the South of Ireland by the discontinuance of the usual railway excursions, which has resulted in no material aid in the prosecution of the War, he will advise the Railway Executive Committee to grant reasonable railway excursion facilities from 1st June to 30th September on the Irish railways?

The Irish Railway Executive Committee has at my request considered the possibility of granting excursion facilities such as are mentioned in the questions, and they inform me that in their opinion it would be imprudent to institute, or restore, any reduced fares which would have the effect of increasing the train mileage of the Irish railways. The companies are experiencing an increasing difficulty in obtaining a sufficient quantity of coal for their requirements and of the necessary material for the repair of their engines, and in view of the anticipated expansion of traffic in the coming autumn owing to the increased tillage throughout the country, the Executive Committee feels that every effort should be made to conserve both the coal supply and the locomotives of the companies.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman say that this applies to all places in Ireland?

It is not a Regulation that applies to any particular place. The object is economy of food, of materials, and of train mileage.

Will the decision be left with the Committees in charge of the various railways where there is sufficient coal to do the work?

The railways in Ireland, with, I think, the general approval of the people of Ireland, have been put under the control of the Railway Executive Committee, and it is left to the individual managers to take the proper course.

The right hon. and learned Gentleman has misunderstood my question. If the Committee in charge of the local railway, while carrying out the desires of the Executive for economy, feel that they can do this thing without injury in any way, will the Executive Committee consent to it?

The hon. Member had better communicate with the Railway Executive on the subject. I cannot pledge the Executive to any particular course of action.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, on an estate on which an established usage existed that the tenants were not allowed to cut turf, the fixing of fair rents under the Irish Land Acts has been held not to authorise the tenant to depart from the established usage; whether, in many such cases, landlords have brought proceedings to restrain waste by such tenants who cut turf on their holdings for their own consumption; and, if so, whether, in these and in similar cases, he will endeavour to obtain the necessary legislation to enable such tenants during the War to cut turf on their holdings in all cases where, in the absence of such legislation, the cutting of turf by the tenant would be illegal?

The fixing of a fair rent does not alter the right of the tenant as to cutting turf within the ambit of his holding for use on the holding. The Land Commission have no information as to the number of cases in which landlords have brought proceedings to restrain waste by turf cutting, but they inform me they have no reason for believing that such proceedings are numerous or general. Only a clear general necessity would warrant resort to legislative action in such a matter.

If figures are brought to the notice of the right hon. and learned Gentleman that there are a great number of such cases as I have suggested, will he take steps to get the necessary legislation?

I cannot promise in advance.

Then is the turf to remain in this country and the people to go without fires?

asked the Chief Secretary if he has completed the inquiries promised by him to the deputation of Irish Members of Parliament relative to the paying allowance of existing Irish warders; and, if so, will he now state whether he is prepared to have these existing officers placed on the same pay and allowance as English warders, or what other action he is taking to improve their present miserable condition, especially the married warders, brought about by their present rate of pay and allowances?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for the Leix Division of Queen's County.

asked the Chief Secretary what measures have been taken by the Censor in Ireland to prevent the result of the South Longford election becoming known in America, Canada, and Australia, or to misrepresent it in those countries; and, if a falsified Report has been prepared and issued, as was done in the case of the letter of the Bishop of Limerick, whether that Report will be presented to this House or made available to the public?

There is no foundation in fact for any of the suggestions in the question.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will say under what Statute, or in pursuance of what precedent, the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, at the instance of the English Government, has called upon Mr. Philip Baxter, J.P., of Ballinagh, county Cavan, to apologise for promoting a patriotic purpose with which the Lord Chancellor and the English Government disagree; what consequences follow Mr. Baxter's refusal to apologise; and whether the English Government expect to promote international affection by depriving a man of a position to which he has been duly elected by the people who, know him best?

Mr. Philip Baxter has been discharged from the office of a justice of the peace on account of conduct inconsistent with the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath under which the office of a justice is held. He was removed under the authority of the Local Government Act, 1898, Section 95.

The right hon. and learned Gentleman has not informed the House what the conduct was. Will it bear the light of day?

I do not see any inquiry in the question on that subject. I suspect the hon. Member knows.

asked the Chief Secretary by whose order and for what reason a number of Dublin citizens, returning last Sunday from a religious service for the repose of the souls of James Connolly, Michael Mallin, and Sean Henston, shot by the military after having surrendered and laid down their arms, were attacked by the police; whether religious services for the intention mentioned are now illegal; whether the English Government think interference with them conducive to peace and international affection; whether any disturbance occurred last Sunday but that caused by the police; and whether the police authorities will be required to apologise for the unprovoked attack?

The facts in this case are that a superintendent and inspector of police, both elderly men and unarmed, were violently assaulted by members of a disorderly procession which it was their duty to disperse. The occurrence had no relation to any religious service.

Has the right hon. Gentleman got that information direct from the guilty police?

There were no guilty police in this case. They are the police who were knocked down with weapons and injured. They are the police to whom I have referred.

From whom has the information come?

It did not come from the people who assaulted them, or some other steps would have been taken.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will consider the desirability of bringing into operation the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the King's Bench Division, 1914, with respect to the compulsory retirement of judges at the age of seventy-two or after more than six months' absence from the sittings of the Court, unless requested to continue in office, and also the further recommendation as to a scale of pensions to be allowed according to the periods of service?

Even on the Bench there would not appear to be unanimity in favour of this proposal, and I am, on the whole, of opinion that the moment is not opportune for dealing with the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the best Lord Chancellors who ever existed, Lord Campbell, was appointed after he was eighty years of age?

If the right hon. Gentleman had an assurance that a Bill giving sanction to this would meet with the practically unanimous approval of the House, would he take action?

If my hon. Friend satisfies me that this proposal can be brought forward now with the unanimous support of the House, I will very carefully consider the suggestion he has made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that the Great Western Railway Company announced in its time-table for February that the holders of season tickets on the London and South-Western Railway between points also served by the Great Western Railway would be allowed to travel on the Great Western Railway; that during February such ticket holders were so permitted to travel in accordance with this announcement; that since then such permission has been withdrawn; that, as a result, traders and others living in Plymouth, Exeter, Yeovil, Weymouth, etc., are compelled to use one railway only, losing much time as a consequence; and, seeing that all railway companies have their dividends guaranteed during the War, will he approach these two companies and ask them to allow the season-ticket holders of either company to use both companies' reduced services?

The Railway Executive Committee found it necessary in March last to give public notice that applications by season-ticket holders wishing to use alternative routes could only be considered when the service by the route shown upon the ticket had been so reduced as to cause serious inconvenience to the holder. I am informed that the reduction in the train service with the places to which the hon. Gentleman refers has not been serious, and that under an arrangement of long standing inter-available season tickets can be obtained upon payment of an extra charge. In the circumstances it is not proposed to alter this arrangement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the rule of the Petrol Committee to grant no licence for petrol to any new applicant after the 24th January, 1917; and, if so, is it to be understood that this rule precludes any trader of the country from taking to motors instead of horses, especially in view of the fact that the Government are at present commandeering horses from traders?

In view of the necessity for restricting the consumption of petrol, the Petrol Control Committee announced in January last that they would not, except in special circumstances, be able to entertain applications for licences from new applicants. I am afraid that in present circumstances there is still greater necessity for maintaining this rule.

What course does the hon. Gentleman suggest that traders, who have been deprived of their horses, and who are desirous of taking to motors, are to adopt in order to get petrol?

I do not think it is competent for me to solve that problem.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been come to as to the pooling of wagons in Ireland on the same basis that has been adopted in England; and, if not, whether he will state when this matter was first brought under the notice of the executive committee of the Irish railways?

The Irish Railway Executive Committee have for some time been closely considering the whole question of wagon supply in Ireland, but the precise nature of the steps to be taken in connection with this matter has not yet been finally settled.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me when this question was first brought under the notice of the Irish Railway Executive Committee?

I cannot say the date off-hand.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that for months back ports in Ireland have been absolutely choked with stuff because railways are not ready to take it away in wagons, and people in the North of Ireland are suffering from food shortage as a result of the disorganisation and dislocation that has taken place?

I can only assure my hon. Friend that the matter is being considered.

As the matter is of great urgency, could it not be dealt with in a few weeks instead of months?

asked the hon. Member for Worcestershire (Bewdley Division) whether as far back as December claims were lodged by licence-holders in the North of Scotland with the Defence of the Realm (Licensed Trade Claims) Royal Commission, in respect of loss sustained by them; whether he is aware that these licence-holders are now in serious financial straits, bordering on bankruptcy, through no award having been issued by the Commissioners; and if he will state the reason of the delay in issuing the Commissioners' awards?

I understand that the Defence of the Realm (Licensed Trade) Losses Commission, Northern Division, will shortly deliver their decision on the applications referred to in the question. In the consideration of these applications, various questions of much complexity were involved, and it was necessary for the Northern Division of the Commission to consult with their colleagues of the Southern Division. Hence there has been unavoidable delay.

May we take it, then, that it takes six months between the initiation of a case and the award in this particular Division?

asked the hon. Member for Worcestershire (Bewdley Division) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Income Tax assessors and collectors when released to join His Majesty's Forces, contrary to the practice followed in the case of all Civil servants, are not allowed the difference between the amount of their Army pay and that of their civil remuneration; whether he is aware that, in the case of men similarly employed by local authorities, rate collectors, the difference between the military and civil pay is made by the local authorities; and whether he will consider the case of the tax collectors and assessors with a view of treating those who are serving in the Army on the same footing as all other Inland Revenue officers?

As I have already informed the hon. Member this matter is under inquiry. A decision will be reached as soon as practicable.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when a decision will be reached?

I am afraid I cannot say that.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he will ascertain why E. J. Lacey, who served in South Africa and is now unfit for military service, and J. B. Birch, who served in South Africa and for two years in France, and is now unfit for military service, and who until recently were employed by Messrs. Alban Richards, Government contractors, of 16, Albemarle Street, W., the former as traffic manager and the latter as accountant, have been dismissed; why has exemption been claimed by the firm and granted in the case of Stone, aged twenty-eight, by trade a ladies' tailor, and now employed as organiser, and Blaiberg, aged twenty-seven, employed as secretary at the firm's works at Swindon; and will he ascertain the nationality of the latter gentleman?

I am informed by the firm that the two men referred to in the first part of the question were recently discharged in the course of a reduction of the firm's staff. I am asking the Employment Exchanges to make a special effort to find other work for these two men if they are now unemployed. Stone was given exemption for three months from 21st March, 1917, in the capacity of clerk at the firm's head office; his medical category is C 1. The firm state that a man of the name of Blaiberg is employed by them as a cashier; they state that his age is thirty-six, his medical category B 3, and that he is of British origin; he is not protected by any exemption granted by the Ministry of Munitions.

asked whether, under the provisions of the Billeting of Civilians Bill, it will be possible to compel persons without their consent to have billeted on them conscientious objectors; and, if so, will he take the necessary steps to amend the Bill, so that patriotic persons may not suffer the degradation which such legislation must necessarily involve?

The Billeting of Civilians Bill expressly provides that the local committee shall, in the first instance, allocate billets only to such persons as are willing to provide them, and the compulsory powers would only be used where voluntary effort had failed. It is also provided that any occupier of premises who feels aggrieved by a proposal to billet persons on him may complain to the local committee. A further appeal may also be made to the Central Billeting Board. There would, therefore, appear to be no necessity for the Amendment suggested by the hon. Member.

Does the hon. Member's answer imply that compulsory efforts will be made if necessary?

If any question of dispute arises there is an appeal to more than one tribunal.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he will so amend the rules governing the conduct of the conscientious objectors at Princetown as to make it an offence to collect together and hold meetings in rooms or in chapels in and about the town and neighbourhood; (2) whether he will consider the possibility of requiring the conscientious objectors at Princetown and elsewhere to wear a distinguishing badge, as is done in the case of munition workers and for men of military age who are exempted, either temporarily or wholly, from military service; (3) whether the conscientious objectors at Princetown are allowed to purchase provisions in the town, and that in some cases their relatives lodge in the town and here the men spend their evenings, obtaining extra food; and will he take such steps as will put an end to a condition of affairs which is entirely opposed to the wishes of the nation?

I am now considering an amendment of these rules, and will bear my hon. Friend's suggestions in mind.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the full note of Norman's speech in which he represented himself as the most remarkable branch of the Independent Labour Party, namely, the Dartmoor Branch. sent from Leeds on the day the speech was delivered to the "Western Evening Herald" and appearing in that paper on the following day; whether he has seen the official report of the conference stating that Norman said he represented not only the City of London Branch but that he was also connected with perhaps the most remarkable branch of the Independent Labour Party, namely, the Dartmoor Prison Branch, and that that branch had requested him, etc.; whether, in view of the similarity between the note taken by the "Western Evening Herald" reporter and the official report of Norman's speech, he has sufficient evidence to show that Norman has committed an offence under Section 16 of the rules drawn up by the Committee of Employment for Conscientious Objectors, which states that public propaganda or otherwise is forbidden; and will he say what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

The report published in the "Western Morning News" of 10th April, which I have seen, does not add anything to the information already before the Committee on this subject. My attention has, however, been called to the report of the conference published by the Independent Labour Party, which I understand was only issued two or three days ago. This contains a report of a speech by Norman which has not hitherto been referred to in the Press or elsewhere. I will consider the matter further.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is entirely misinformed on this subject, and that I did not mention the "Western Morning News," but that my question was with regard to the "Western Evening Herald"? I have a copy of that containing the report of Norman's speech.

I am sorry. My answer referred to the "Western Evening Herald." By mistake I mentioned the "Western Morning News," a name with which I am familiar.

May I give the right hon. Gentleman the report in that paper?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a crowd of these people in South Wales, at Penderyn, and that they hold meetings at Hirwaun, in Aberdare, and help to poison the minds of the young people working on munitions there?

I have already said that I am aware that the whole matter wants consideration.

Yes, thank God!

I am engaged in revising the rules which apply to such persons.

Will the House have an opportunity of considering the revised rules before they are published?

No, Sir! They will be made on my responsibility.

asked the Home Secretary whether the conscientious objectors resident at Princetown Prison are given greater postal facilities than are given in many villages in various parts of the country, and that two collections a day are made in the prison on weekdays and one on Sundays; and will he take the necessary steps to prevent this priority of treatment being meted out to men who have failed in their duty both as soldiers and citizens.

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am having inquiry made and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether, in view of the fact that persons suspected of disloyalty and of giving information to the enemy are not allowed to reside in and about seaside towns and villages, he will reconsider the advisability of allowing men who have been released from prison after being condemned to long sentences of imprisonment for disloyal conduct and offences against military law to have free access to the coast-line of the British Channel and to roam at will during certain specific hours of work about the neighbourhood of Minehead; (2) whether a number of conscientious objectors travelled to Minehead from Princetown on Monday by the 12.30 train from Plymouth; whether these men were allowed to travel with ordinary passengers; whether they took with them bicycles; whether free tickets were given for the bicycles; whether the porters on the railway stations were required to wheel the bicycles; what work these persons are going to do at Minehead; where they are to be billeted; and what discipline will they be under during their stay at Minehead?

Ten of the men detained as conscientious objectors are employed on an estate near Minehead in cutting and preparing timber for pit-props. I do not think there is any reason for anticipating any danger to the realm from their employment in this locality. Eight of the ten men in question travelled from Princetown to Minehead on Monday. They travelled by the ordinary train. I understand that four of them took their own bicycles with them and paid for the carriage of the bicycles. The men are lodged in a wooden hut on the estate on which they are employed. They are subject to the rules applicable to all conscientious objectors working under the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what the bicycles are for?

For the purpose of conveying the men from the station to their work and back again.

I understood the right hon. Gentleman to say they were located in a hut. Does he mean that it is necessary for them to have four bicycles to go from the hut to their work?

They use bicycles at their own expense.

Why should they have bicycles at all?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the war bonuses which are being sought and obtained by so many different classes of workpeople at home, it is proposed to increase the pay of the private soldier; and, if so, by how much?

The war bonuses referred to are designed to meet the increased cost of living due to the War. The soldier, being fed, clothed, and housed free of cost to himself, stands in a different category, and I am afraid I can add nothing to the negative answers I have given to previous questions. Of course, the soldiers' family is subject to the increased cost of living, but this has been met by a substantial increase in the separation allowances for children.

Seeing that the substantial increase in the separation allowance does not raise the soldier's wife and family above the poverty line, cannot the soldiers have some share of the money which is being divided among people here at home in war bonuses?

I have already pointed out that the case of the soldier is different from that of the civilian.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that it is the Infantry soldier who gets the increase of pay?

That would be a subject to be very carefully considered if the general questions were brought up for consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the War Office had the full concurrence of his Department in calling up for the 1st June next David Sands, of Middle Rottearns, Braco, Perthshire, in view of the fact that he is the only man on that farm able to do any farm work; and will he say how the food of the people is to be grown in this country if the men on the land are thus taken to the Colours with the consent of the Board of Agriculture of Scotland?

I am making inquiry regarding this case of which I have not at present got full particulars, and I will inform my hon. and learned Friend of the result as soon as I am in a position to do so.

(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of War what will be the position of men in the Volunteer Force between forty-one and fifty; whether they are expected to offer themselves for enlistment in the Regular Army, and, if so, whether such enlistment will not dislocate the establishment of the force and deplete its ranks?

I hope to make a statement on Monday.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Service whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in Wales arising from the appointment of substitution officers by the War Office; and whether, in view of the advantage of making full use of civilian experience and knowledge of the existing conditions, he can give any assurance as to a modification of the present arrangement?

The appointments of area substitution officers in Wales, as well as in England and Scotland, have been made by the National Service Department, on the recommendation of the War Office. The selection of these officers has been made with a view to enabling the National Service Department to avail itself of the knowledge possessed by men who have already served as substitution officers under War Office control, and who are familiar with the working of the Military Service Acts. Several of these officers (who are at present loaned by the War Office to the National Service Department) were civilians experienced in trade who have received commissions to comply with War Office Regulations. The assistant and sub-area substitution officers are now being appointed, and they will be civilians selected from the best men available with suitable qualifications for their duties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of deciding and letting it be widely known that any man of military age who strikes work before the cause of the strike has been adjudicated on by the Board of Trade will be liable to be taken at once for the Army?

I have been asked to answer this question. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions is not prepared to take the course suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will consider the advisability of granting badges for efficient service and good workmanship to all grades of munition workers who deserve them, in view of the incentive of such a badge to such workers and the promotion of better results to the nation in all departments of War work.

The question of the issue of medals to munition workers as a mark of recognition of their services to the country is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that an active demand exists for electrically-propelled industrial vehicles deriving motor force from existing power stations using Home-produced fuel, whereby the need for the import of fuel and fodder is diminished; whether the Edison Accumulators Company, having taken works for the manufacture of such vehicles in this country, was licensed to produce only a very small number; whether it has been refused certificates to obtain the material necessary to complete even the licensed number; and whether he will now grant priority certificates for such material?

I am aware of the demand for vehicles of this character, and it was in view of that demand that the Edison Accumulators Company were given a licence to manufacture a limited number of chassis in this country. No promise was, or could be, given that all materials required for such manufacture would be forthcoming; but the necessary priority certificates will be issued in respect of any vehicles ordered from the company in connection with work of national importance.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether any steps have been taken to ascertain approximately what extra profits were made by the Rochdale firm who were prosecuted, found guilty, and fined £50 under the Munitions Act; whether this firm have been requested to reimburse such gains either to the work-people or to the Government; and whether the Government will rest content with 80 per cent. of them in the name of tax?

I have no reason to suppose that any extra profits were earned by the firm in consequence of their irregular action.

asked whether, in view of the urgent necessity of increased production of iron and steel in this country, he is aware that the developments and working of ironstone is unduly hampered by the price charged for wayleaves; and whether he will forthwith promote legislation providing that only fair and just compensation shall be paid, the amount in each case in default of agreement to be determined by arbitration under the Lands Clauses Acts?

I am not aware that the development and working of ironstone has been unduly hampered by the price charged for wayleaves. Speaking generally, the request for wayleaves has been met in a generous spirit, and no required large field of ironstone has been held up for this cause. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case he has in mind I will have investigation made.

Are there any powers to restrict blackmailing in these cases?

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has refused to meet a deputation of the workpeople now on strike, who proposed to lay their grievances before him, with a view to possible settlement; and whether he will state to the House the grounds upon which such refusal was made?

In reply to the hon. Member's question, I received yesterday a letter directed from the Fellowship Hall, York Street, Walworth, S.E., the signatories to which stated that they were "appointed by a national conference representing the districts where there is a cessation of work in the engineering industry," and saying that they were the "duly accredited representatives of the men directly affected" and "the most competent body to deal with the matters in dispute." To this letter I sent the following reply:

"I am in receipt of your letter which has been sent to me this morning, and, in reply, I have to say that the Ministry of Munitions has always welcomed opportunities of meeting the authorised representatives of Trades Union organisations. It is our duty, having regard both to the comprehensive and effective consideration of questions involved and to our repeated undertakings to the great Trade Unions that we should consistently maintain this policy.

We shall be glad, if asked to do so by your Executives, to meet them accompanied by yourselves or by any other body your Executives may desire to bring with them, but we cannot receive you under other circumstances.—Yours faithfully, (Sgd.) C. ADDISON."

The following telegram has been received by the Government from one of the signatories to the letter in question, and it sufficiently illustrates the ground for my refusal:

"Joint Engineering Shop Stewards Committee repudiates any interference by the official executives of the workers in the present dispute."

The House will be aware that the men who are on strike are, in the main, trade unionists who, in a constitutional manner, have appointed executive councils and delegates to represent their interests, and it would be nothing short of a betrayal of the trades union movement to extend recognition to a group of men who are actuated by such motives as are indicated in the telegram which I have just read to the House. The Government is determined to adhere to its policy of negotiating on labour matters only with and through the duly accredited representatives of labour. The Government has been supported throughout in pursuit of this policy by the trades unions and to depart from it would, we are convinced, be contrary to the best interests of labour and of the State.

Has the Minister of Munitions ascertained whether the executive of the Engineers would be willing to accompany this proposed deputation, or, alternatively, has he laid proposals before the executive of the Engineers' Society for the settlement of this most important dispute?

I sent a copy of my letter in reply to these gentlemen to the executive of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers last night, and they are fully acquainted with what I did.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that legislation passed, during the War—the Munitions Act—has seriously weakened the power and pres- tige of the executives of trade unions and has created a situation in which, in view of the stoppage of work, the executive cannot even exercise a moderating influence, and settlement becomes increasingly difficult because of that fact?

I am not aware that the Munitions Act has in any way diminished the authority of the executives of the trade unions. The Ministry of Munitions has conspicuously given attention to and consulted freely with the executive of all the principal unions throughout.

I ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the failure of the Ministry of Munitions to negotiate in the present dispute in the engineering trades, and the consequence of such failure on the prolongation of the strike."

The pleasure of the House having been signified the Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a Quarter past Eight this evening.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Court of Appeal has just held that the attorney of a German who was allowed to leave England for Germany on the outbreak of war can give a good title to the purchaser of property left by such German in his (the attorney's) hands, and that such a transaction is not trading with the enemy; and whether the Government intends to propose such amendments to our war legislation as will bring the Law into accord with the requirements of the situation?

My attention has been directed to the decision in question. I am ascertaining whether an appeal is contemplated. The matter is under observation.

In view of the great importance of this subject, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if there is no appeal will he consider the propriety of introducing legislation?

Certainly I will consider it.

How long would an appeal in such a case take? Might it not take six months?

It is an important matter, and there are means of obtaining acceleration of appeals, as was done in the case of the Continental Tyres Company.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a hundred members of the Royal Naval Division, prisoners of war in Germany, are now in a reprisals laager near Ekav, some twenty-six kilometres south of Riga; whether all of them are compelled to work in the German trenches, either day or night shifts lasting twelve hours; whether they are allowed to receive any letters or parcels; whether 450 soldiers and fifty sailors are in a similar predicament near Mitau; and whether he will consider the possibility of transferring 100 German officers from Donington Hall to the front trenches in France until these Englishmen are brought back?