asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the charter recently issued to the British Trade Corporation, dealing as it does largely with affairs in foreign countries, was submitted to and approved by the Foreign Office before it was issued; if so, do the Foreign Office accept full responsibility for it as it stands; and, if not, will the Foreign Office take advantage of the promised reconsideration of the charter by the Government in order to have inserted such safeguards as may in the opinion of the Foreign Office be necessary?

The charter was submitted to the Foreign Office, who, in so far as that Department were concerned, saw no reason to suggest any substantial modification of its terms. In regard to the two last parts of the question, the Government, as a whole, is responsible for Government action, and I deprecate any attempt to set up the authority of one Department against another.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the exact relationships which will exist between the Foreign Office at home and our Diplomatic and Consular offices abroad and the British Trade Corporation, and in what respect or to what extent these will differ from the relationships with other British concerns which are interested in affairs in foreign countries, and which may be competing with the British Trade Corporation?

I propose to inform His Majesty's Diplomatic and Consular representatives in foreign countries that the British Trade Corporation is an undertaking for the benefit of British trade which enjoys the confidence of His Majesty's Government, and which should be assisted in proper cases by His Majesty's representatives. Their relationship with the corporation will not differ from that with other British concerns with regard to whose standing, objects, and methods His Majesty's Government are equally satisfied.

Does that mark a departure from the diplomatic policy of Great Britain in the past? Does my Noble Friend suggest that now at last diplomatic representatives of this country abroad are going to do something to further British trade?

I cannot admit that there is any departure. It has always been part of the instructions of British diplomatic representatives to assist British trade wherever it is possible to do so.

Is my Noble Friend really satisfied that these instructions have been carried out?

I am satisfied that they have been carried out as far as it is possible to carry them out by the representatives under existing conditions. My hon. Friend is probably aware that the whole question of the commercial side of our diplomacy is under consideration, and I hope to be able to suggest extensive changes.

Is the Noble Lord aware that in the discussion which took place in the House the other day the Government undertook to give a further discussion on the subject of the British Trade Corporation, and will he assure us that no communications with regard to that corporation will be sent abroad until that further discussion in this House has taken place?

I am afraid I am not quite familiar with what took place in the House; of course, I shall not do anything unfair to the House or to hon. Members.

Will the Noble Lord ascertain what took place?

Yes, certainly.

Do I understand that the same powers may be granted to any British concern?

Any British concern of whose standing, objects, and methods His Majesty's Government are equally well satisfied. There is no intention of giving a special monopoly or a special position to the Trade Corporation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his Department was invited to nominate a member to serve on the committee presided over by Lord Faringdon to inquire into the question of financial facilities for trade; and if the Foreign Office expressed a wish to nominate one of the members on that committee?

The Foreign Office were invited by the Board of Trade to appoint a representative to attend the committee. By a misunderstanding the invitation was, however, received only after the committee had been sitting for some time. The Foreign Office had expressed a desire to be represented on the committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Committee appointed to investigate the question of financial facilities for trade consulted the Foreign Office before issuing its Report, and in particular whether the consent of the Foreign Office was obtained in advance to the recommendation in Clause 22 of the Committee's Report that the Foreign Office should place British embassies and legations at the service of the particular institution to be formed upon the recommendation of the Committee; and if the Foreign Office has given its consent to the recommendations above referred to to the institution constituted in accordance with the Royal Charter dated 14th April, 1917?

The answer to the first and second part of this question is in the negative; but the Foreign Office have, since the issue of the Committee's Report, approved the recommendation in Clause 22, subject to certain conditions.

Will the Board of Trade in future be considered when assistance is asked of the Foreign Office by merchants abroad?

That is a question for the Board of Trade.

Will the Foreign Office consult the Board of Trade. They have no interest in commercial matters?

I am so ignorant as to suppose that the Board of Trade has always been intimately interested in commercial matters.

They are directly interested now that this Corporation has been constituted by the Board of Trade, and it will be in competition with others.

That raises the whole question which I understand to be a matter for debate in this House, and I cannot deal with it by way of question and answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the ignorance that appears to exist in some quarters in this country as to the naval assistance rendered by our Japanese Ally during the War, he is in a position to make any statement on the subject?

The activities of the Japanese Navy have not come to an end with their extensive operations undertaken in the early stage of the War in conjunction with the British Navy, which culminated in the extermination of the German naval forces in the Pacific. The special detachment of several cruisers and destroyers which was despatched to the coast of the Straits Settlement early in 1916 has ever since been, and is, assisting the British Navy in guarding the Indian Ocean east of Colombo, while in the northern Pacific detachments of Japanese cruisers have in the course of last year carried out on several occasions at the instance of the British Government extended cruises, which were of great importance to the Allied cause.

More recently, in view of the development of the naval situation, the two allied Governments deemed it necessary that the operations of the Japanese Navy should be further extended. Accordingly the Imperial Government despatched a considerable force of light craft to the Mediterranean, where they are now cooperating with the naval forces of Great Britain and other Allies. In addition thereto, several new detachments of powerful and fast cruisers have been despatched to assist the British Navy in the protection of shipping in the Indian and South Pacific Oceans.

These services to the Allied cause, gratifying and important as they are in themselves, gain additional value as showing the spirit of everyone of our Allies, and as indicating the greatness of the assistance which we may expect from them in the future.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what avenues of communication exist be- tween Turkey and Bulgaria and the Allies through which appeal could be made for a separate peace?

The Ottoman and Bulgarian Governments could, if they so desired, make such an appeal either through the Government of any neutral country or by means of properly accredited emissaries in neutral territory.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any have been taken to prevent the depletion of Ireland of good labourers necessary for tillage and food production; and whether he will ascertain and represent to the military authorities the necessity of sending William Malone, who enlisted under age without his parents' consent, home to them at Coolcullen, near Bagnalstown, for the necessary tillage work, their other sons being already in the Army, and conscription being illegal in Ireland?

I am informed that William Malone enlisted last year, being then seventeen years four months of age, and on the application of his parents he was sent home, apparently under the condition that he would rejoin his unit when he attained military age on the 22nd March last. I am told that during March he left home and has not returned. There is, speaking generally, no lack of labour in Ireland.

Is the Chief Secretary aware that he was called up by the military authorities, and dared not refuse, and in these circumstances will he have him sent home?

My information is that which I have given to the hon. Member, namely, that Malone left his home during March, and has gone away, and his present address is not known.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that Colonial frozen meat that is being sold retail at 2s. a lb. can be purchased wholesale at 7½d. a lb.; and, if so, what is the reason for the difference in price?

The figures given by the hon. Member are incorrect. The wholesale prices of Colonial mutton is roughly 9½d. per lb., and Colonial lamb 11d. per lb. Where separate retail prices are quoted for such meat, they vary, according to cuts, from 1s. 3d. to 1s. 6d. for lamb, and from 1s. 2d. to 1s. 6d. for mutton. Returns periodically made to the Board of Trade by the largest retail distributors show that the profits which they make on the price of issue of surplus meat under Government control is 5 to 7½ per cent. It is possible that in certain West End shops the prices quoted represent a larger percentage. All retail meat prices will shortly be brought under control by a schedule which is now being worked out in consultation with experts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if the scarcity of sugar is largely due to the management of the Government authorities dealing with the same, inasmuch as certain importation of sugar was prohibited by them for some considerable time; will he explain the whole circumstances to the House; and if he will explain why sugar, which is controlled, has increased 170 per cent. since the beginning of the War, whilst tea, which is not similarly controlled, and which is a much more bulky cargo, imported from equally distant ports, has only increased 70 per cent.?

I do not understand what the hon. Member has in mind when he says that certain importation of sugar was prohibited for some considerable time. The importation of all sugars, except under licence from the Sugar Commission, has been prohibited since the 26th October, 1914. There is no ground for suggesting that the Commission have failed to obtain all the sugar for which tonnage was available. No fair comparison can be made between the respective increases in the price of sugar and of tea, as the conditions are wholly different in the two cases. Before the War more than half our supply of sugar came from enemy countries, and this has entirely ceased. The increase in its price during the last twelve months has only been 18 per cent. The sources of supply of tea have until recently been unaffected. Moreover, the duty on sugar has been in- creased by over 600 per cent., while the duty on tea has been increased by only 140 per cent.

Does not my hon. Friend think one of the factors in the situation is the moderation and loyalty of those who are concerned in the production, retailing, and distribution of tea?

I cannot apportion the merits as between the persons referred to.

Is not this a case of merit and demerit?

Is all this due to the mismanagement of Julius Rungen, the indispensable manager?

No. I have already replied to a question about that gentleman, in which I pointed out that there is no reason for the aspersions upon his character which are conveyed in the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the high price of milk and the desirability of securing ample supplies for children, he proposes to take any steps to prohibit the use of milk in the manufacture of ice-cream?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the probable shortage of milk during the summer months; and whether he proposes to issue any Orders restricting the use of milk for ice-cream and the use of cream for fruit during the coming months?

An Order is about to be issued to prohibit the sale of cream for consumption as such, save under licence for special requirements. I am not aware of the extent to which milk is used for the manufacture of ice-cream, but I am informed that the quantity is not sufficient to justify its special prohibition.

Has cream anything to do with ice-cream?

I am not quite sure to what extent cream enters into the composition of ice-cream.

My question referred to ice-cream, and the hon. and gallant Gentleman has given me an answer about cream.

The hon. Member refers to milk as a constituent of ice-cream. He may be right, but I have been unable to discover to what extent milk is used for this purpose.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman caused a serious inquiry to be made, since a question was put some weeks ago by the hon. member for Dartford; and will he make an inquiry as to the consumption of milk in London alone, and whether it goes into thousands of gallons?

A further inquiry is being made into the matter, but as at present advised the proportion of the home milk supply devoted to this purpose appears to be infinitesimal.

Is there a probability of a shortage of milk during the summer months?

I do not like to prophesy upon this point, but in view of the extremely satisfactory weather during the last fortnight I think I can confidently say the prospects are very hopeful.

asked whether any person directly or indirectly connected, paid or unpaid, with the Ministry of Food has any interest, directly or through the medium of nominees, in any trading concern, company, or undertaking, British or foreign, which may be directly or indirectly affected by market fluctuations occasioned by food regulations or any other cause attributable to the action of the Ministry of Food?

The Food Controller, in the public interest, is constantly availing himself of the services and advice of experts in all trades connected with the supply of food. If the hon. Member intends to suggest that any person directly or indirectly connected with the Ministry of Food is endeavouring to use his position for the purpose of furthering his own private financial interests, I can only say that it is a libellous innuendo, and I challenge him to make a statement to this effect outside the protection of this House.

Is the hon. Member aware that by the last published report the present Food Controller is the owner of 275,000 shares in the International Tea Stores, and if this is not the case, will the hon. Gentleman please state by what contract and by what method the Food Controller got rid of his interest, and who are his nominees, or who are the purchasers?

I can only repeat that the hon. Member has no right whatever to make such an accusation or innuendo within the walls of this House, where he knows that he is protected from legal proceedings. If he thinks that he has any basis for such allegations, let him make them freely outside this House, and they will be dealt with as they deserve.

Is the hon. Member aware that throughout this country there is a feeling that the market fluctuations are governed by regulations issued by the Food Controller. This feeling is very strong, and is there any reason why I may not ask the question which I put down whether any person directly or indirectly connected with the Food Controller is the holder of any shares in any company likely to be affected by these regulations? Have I not a perfect right to rise in my place and ask that?

I wish to ask your ruling, Mr. Speaker, on this point. It has become a practice of the Front Bench in replying to a question, instead of giving a reply to the question on the Paper, to add to it some menace or insult. I ask you whether the Member who puts the question has a right to reply in such terms, or if not, will you do your best to prevent that habit growing on the Front Bench?

It depends very much upon the question asked. If hon. Members would exercise a little more caution and a little more consideration for those who are attacked, they would not get the answers they do.

Am I not in order in rising from my seat in this House to exercise caution for the protection of the public, as the public, just as much as I, have to exercise caution in regard to an individual?

Certainly. But the hon. Member must also remember that under the protection of this House he has the opportunity of making charges against perfectly innocent people which may turn out to be quite unfounded. He should be very cautious not to do that.

I beg to point out that it was not a charge I made, but a question I asked.

If it were a direct charge it would be better. To make indirect charges by way of question is even worse.

May I directly charge the Department with the fact that the present Food Controller was holding 275,000 shares in the International Tea Stores?

The hon. Member has already made that charge, and he can now make it outside.

asked what measures are being taken, so far as regards the West Coast of Ireland, to prevent loss of fish owing to occasional large catches, inadequate rapid transit for fresh fish, and unwillingness of curers to invest in fish under restrictions as to export?

The Food Controller has appointed a Committee to deal with stocks of cured fish. The work of the Committee will extend to the West Coast of Ireland.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed at the labour meetings at Cardiff and Hull on the 12th May calling on the Government to control the price of all food essentials; whether it is the intention of the Government to take this course; and, if not, for what reason they refrain from doing so?

I have been asked to reply. The attention of the Ministry of Food has been called to the resolution referred to. The Government do not at present intend to adopt the course suggested. As I have already indicated, the fixing of maximum prices requires great caution and is apt to produce economic effects which are not in the interests of the consumer.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, when I ask him a question on a point of policy, he would pay this House, if not myself, the courtesy of replying, so that I may put a supplementary on it?

I can assure the hon. Member there is no want of courtesy. The universal practice has been that when questions are put to the Leader of the House, for which he has to take the answer from a Department, the Department is asked to answer.

This is a question where I ask him to bring pressure, not to consult a Department, and to insist that they shall control the food prices of this country at the present moment.

I should like to have this point cleared up, as I had the same experience yesterday in regard to the Leader of the House. I asked the Leader of the House a question yesterday about policy, which was answered by another Minister. It was not an administrative question at all, and only the Cabinet, with the consent of the House, could carry out the policy. I do not complain if it is for the convenience of the right hon. Gentleman, but I do think that on questions of policy the Leader of the House, in the absence of the Prime Minister, should answer or notify the Member.

The point put by my hon. Friend is a reasonable one. I remember the question. It was about increased payment to soldiers, and that seemed to me a question primarily for the War Office.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to announce what practical steps the Government intend to take to provide the additional labour staff necessary to carry out the programme announced for the arable cultivation of an additional 3,000,000 acres now under grass as well as to put the existing arable area in such a state of cultivation as will render it capable of producing at least normal crops?

On a point of Order. This question raises a question of policy. Is it possible that an Under-Secretary of the Board of Agriculture can be any guide whatever on this matter?

I am not the authority on these matters, but I should have thought that the person to whom the ques- tion should be addressed would be the representative of the Department in charge of the matter.

May I direct your attention to the fact that the President of the Board of Agriculture is not even a Member of the Cabinet, and therefore this answer is being given by the deputy of a deputy?

These constant interruptions delay the progress of the business of the House.

That may be, but they are due to the unconstitutional action of the Government.

The realisation of the plough programme for 1918 must depend upon the extent to which the Government can supply additional men and horses for agricultural service. It is also conditioned by the supply of additional labour-saving machinery according to the plans prepared by the Food Production Department of the Board of Agriculture, and lastly on the degree to which the farmers of the country co-operate in the movement by making the best use of the comparatively unskilled labour placed at their disposal.

Admitting that it is partly a question of machinery, has there been any addition made to the agricultural labour of the country since the Prime Minister's statement in the Guildhall on the question of increased supply?

Yes, in the shape of machinery, certainly.

In the shape of labour? Is it not a fact that there are 20,000 fewer men than when the Prime Minister spoke?

The answer which I gave yesterday showed that of the 40,000 soldiers placed on the land 16,000 had been recalled to the Colours.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the average increase in prices in the large towns in this country over the pre-war prices of the following articles, namely, eggs, cheese, butter, milk, and the commoner varieties of fruit and vegetables; and whether, in view of the high prices and scarcity of these articles, he will, on behalf of the Ministry of Food, represent to the War Office the desira- bility of forbidding the supply of these articles to German prisoners in this country?

I will circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.—[ See Written, Answers. ]

Will my hon. Friend answer the latter part of the question, whether in view of the high prices and scarcity of these articles, he will, on behalf of the Ministry of Food, represent to the War Office the desirability of forbidding the supply of these articles to German prisoners in this country?

The dietary of German prisoners was recently revised by the Army Council with the approval of the Food Controller, and it is not proposed to interfere with it. Potatoes are excluded from the dietary. In the case of all the articles specified except cheese and potatoes the increase of price is less than the average for foodstuffs as a whole. I think that if the hon. and learned Member were to see the present dietary of these prisoners he would be quite satisfied.

Is there enough milk, eggs, butter, and cheese for our own people in the first instance, before supplying the German prisoners?

I have no reason to doubt that there is not in any case a large proportion of these commodities being furnished to German prisoners, and the other persons the hon. Member has mentioned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what he considers a fair and just ration for a man engaged in manual labour or for a clerical or sedentary worker; and how this scale compares with that for German prisoners of war, interned aliens, and conscientious objectors?

The ration for a man doing an average day's manual work should provide 3,400 calories or units of energy per day. This can be secured in a variety of ways by combining different kinds of food. As a general rule, bread and meat together provide about 60 per cent. of the required amount. The remaining 40 per cent. is provided by other foods, such as vegetables, dairy products, and sugar. A man engaged on heavy manual work may require food yielding 4,000 to 4,500 calories per day. For a man doing clerical or seden- tary work a ration providing 2,700 calories is usually sufficient. The rations of German prisoners of war, interned aliens, and conscientious objectors are not controlled by the Ministry of Food, but are adjusted according to the character of the work performed.

asked whether poultry may at present be fed upon maize?

Yes, Sir; but, as under the directions of the Wheat Commission all future supplies of maize will be ear-marked for conversion into flour for human consumption, and, in exceptional cases, for horses, it is unlikely that it will be available for this purpose.

As to the conviction the other day, was the magistrate correctly reported as having said—

The hon. Gentleman cannot carry all convictions in his head.

With respect, Sir, the hon. Gentleman is very likely to know whether the conviction was based upon wheat and not upon maize.

I can only reply that the conviction was based upon wheat and not upon maize.

Let me point out—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—I hope the hon. Gentleman will not forget—

The hon. Member is not entitled to speak on the question. He can make his speech at another time.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Local Government Board for Ireland have adopted the policy of refusing old age pensions in all cases in which legal evidence of age cannot be given; on what grounds they refuse the pension voted by the Gurteen Pension Sub-Committee, county Sligo, to Mary O'Grady, certified by the parish priest to have been married in February, 1868, certified by Bartley Carr, witness of the marriage, to have been then twenty-four years of age, and known to be older than her husband, who is getting an old age pension; whether the Board are aware that the eviction of her parents in her childhood accounts for the absence of her name from Census returns; and whether an inspector will be sent to interview her and the case reconsidered?

If by "legal" evidence the hon. Member means documentary evience from official records, the reply is in the negative. The Local Government Board accept any evidence which, in their opinion, is sufficient to prove that a claimant is seventy years of age. The case of Mary O'Grady has not been before the Board since the 21st September last, on which date there was no evidence that she was seventy years of age. The marriage register records that she was of "full age," and there is no evidence in support of the statement that she was then twenty-four years old. As, according to the record of her age at marriage, the claimant is now seventy, it is open to her to make another claim if she has not already done so.

If she makes another claim, will an inspector be sent to form an opinion as to her age?

I would not like to ask the Local Government Board inspector to be so ungallant as that. I gather from the answer which the Local Government Board have supplied me that apparently there is evidence upon the record of her marriage which tends to support the suggestion that she is now seventy years old.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the reason why Catherine Connolly, of Carrickmaquirk, Moyne, county Longford, was refused the old age pension granted to her by the Barlahy Pension Sub-Committee; whether this is a widow woman whose sole support is a few hens and a goat; whether the evidence of Mrs. Mary Morris, of Camma, aged eighty years, who knew this woman all her life, will be accepted, as her age cannot be traced in the parish register; and will he undertake to ask the Local Government Board to send one of their inspectors specially to inquire into and report on this case?

This claim was disallowed on the 2nd November last, on the ground that the claimant failed to show that she was seventy years of age. The Local Government Board have no information as to her means, investigation on this point being unnecessary in view of the failure to fulfil the statutory condition as to age. The Board having given their decision cannot take any further action.

As there is no register to depend upon to provide the statutory grounds for granting a pension, will the evidence of the elder woman be allowed at an inquiry by the Local Government Board.

I cannot say what evidence the Local Government Board will accept. They are dealing with these cases, as the hon. Member knows, practically every week, and they try to arrive at a correct decision as to whether the age of seventy has been reached.

Will the Local Government Board send an inspector to inquire into this matter?

I cannot promise that an inspector will be sent to investigate every one of these claims where the claimant to a pension fails to establish that he or she is seventy years of age.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the increased old age pension of 2s. 6d. per week was not granted to Margaret Farrell, of Brocklagh, Drumlish, now nearly eighty years of age; whether this woman has neither friend nor relative to aid her, and depends on the kindness of some neighbours to help her to live on the 5s. a week old age pension she has since the Pensions Act came into operation; and whether, as the price of all foodstuffs has increased so much, he will see that this woman is now given the additional 2s. 6d.?

This application was disallowed on the ground that the applicant's means exceeded 12s. 6d. a week. I am informed that the statement contained in the second part of the question is not correct. The Local Government Board cannot reconsider the case unless a fresh application is made, and there appears to be no ground for such an application.

If a fresh application is made, I gather from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that it will be considered?

I gather that that is so.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will now specify the conduct for which the English Government in Ireland have deprived Mr. Philip Baxter, of Ballinagh, county Cavan, of the office of justice of the peace, to which he had been duly elected by his neighbours who know him best; and whether the conduct was any other than the promotion of a patriotic purpose with which those neighbours fully concur?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave on the 17th. instant.

The right hon. Gentleman then refused to specify the conduct for which Mr. Baxter had been so treated. Will he be good enough to specify the conduct as requested in the question on the Paper?

The answer I gave stated that his conduct was inconsistent with the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath.

May I ask whether his conduct is anything but the promotion of a patriotic purpose with which all his neighbours agree?

I do not know what the views of his neighbours are, but I am quite sure that the Lord Chancellor did not remove this man on the ground of patriotism.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he will grant a Return of the number of conscientious objectors who have been granted absolute exemption, exemption conditional on doing work of national importance to the satisfaction of the local tribunal, and exemption conditional on doing work of national importance to the satisfaction of the Pelham Committee, respectively; and, if he has not sufficient material available for making such a Return, whether he will request the local tribunals to furnish him with the necessary material?

I do not think a return is necessary, but I may inform the hon. Member that from statistics which have been received from over three-fourths of the tribunals it is estimated that in England and Wales some 400 men have been given absolute exemption on conscientious grounds by the whole of the tribunals, and that 4,200 have been given other exemption from military service, in nearly all cases on the condition that they undertake work of national importance. It lies with the tribunal to decide, in cases in which they are prepared to give exemption from military service on condition that the man takes up work of national importance, whether the case shall be referred to the Committee on Work of National Importance for this purpose. I am informed that 1,714 men who have been referred by tribunals to the Committee are now engaged on work of national importance in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee. These men are included in the total of 4,200 exemptions already mentioned.

Does the number of absolute exemptions include those which have been subsequently reviewed and varied at the request of the military representative?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a number of drillers employed on urgent work at Rosyth have been served with notices and taken into the Army; and whether, in view of the fact that drilling is included in the schedule of protected occupations and that there is at present a dearth of this class of skilled workmen, he will take action to secure the return to their work of the men conscripted and prevent the conscription of any more?

A number of workmen have been released from Rosyth Dockyard, in order that they may be available for military service, on suitable substitutes being provided, in accordance with general arrangements made by the War Office in December last. Amongst the men so released there are some who have been previously employed as drillers. Representations in the matter have already been received from my hon. Friend, and, in consequence, steps have been taken to have the cases reviewed with a view to securing strict compliance with the general arrangement now made by the Government for protecting shipyard workmen from recruitment for military service.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the time these drillers were being released for the Army the Admiralty was asking our office for drillers for Chatham Dockyard?

I am afraid the hon. Member is not quite seized of my answer. We want these men. It may very well be that we have asked him to assist us in getting them. In this case, on his representation, the question of their release is now under review so that the arrangement now made may be strictly complied with.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will postpone the recall of all men under the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act until they have been refused work of national importance as fit men; and whether he will consider the advisability of this work being undertaken by Mr. Neville Chamberlain?

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

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has received protests from Belfast about the arrest of Cathal O'Shannon and others and their detention in prison without trial; and what action he has taken in the matter?

The persons other than Cathal Shannon, to whom I suppose the question to refer, were arrested under Defence of the Realm Regulations, but, upon further investigation, were released. Cathal Shannon was brought to trial upon a charge under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and acquitted.

asked (1) the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been directed to the growing number of athletic and Gaelic meetings which are being held on Sundays in many parts of Ulster; if numbers of young men proceed to these meetings by motor conveyances; that they frequently travel through districts thickly inhabited by Protestants; and that going through these districts they display on their motors the flag of the Irish republic and cheer and shout in a menacing manner, in many cases to the disquiet of people engaged in divine worship; in view of the peace of the localities in question, will he take steps to have this conduct, especially on the Sabbath day, to cease; (2) asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware, in view of the shortage of petrol, that hundreds of motor cars are being used over Ireland each Sunday for the conveyance of thousands of young men of military age who indulge in joy rides to attend athletic and Gaelic sports; that these sports are largely organised for the purpose of spreading seditious teaching, and are a menace and source of disquiet to the peaceful inhabitants; and will he see that this use of petrol is stopped and the supply diverted to purposes of national importance?

I will answer these questions together. The Regulations on the supply of petrol are being revised by the Petrol Supply Committee. As to the questions of police which are involved, no complaints have reached the Inspector-General, Royal Irish Constabulary. Any which are forwarded to him will be dealt with.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these meetings are being held in increasing numbers, and that they are published in the Press, and are well known to the police, and does he think this is the proper way to use petrol in the present circumstances?

The attention of the Petrol Supply Committee has been called to this matter, and they are revising their Regulations. There are no local regulations peculiar to Ireland with regard to the use of petrol, which is controlled by one special committee for the whole of the United Kingdom.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how much out of the £3,000 from the Development Fund granted towards the promotion of the fishing industry was given to the Aran Isles Co-operative Fishing Society; how much of the £3,818 lent to that society for motor boats was really for fishing gear, nets, etc.; and how much of this loan has been repaid, with the date and amount of the last instalment in repayment?

As I have already informed the hon. Member, the question of assisting the fisheries of the Aran Islands is a matter coming within the province of the Congested Districts Board, who have lent £3,818 to fishermen resident on the Aran Isles for the purchase and equipment of motor boats. Of this sum £1,129 was applied to the purchase of nets and other fishing gear for motor boats; £1,027 has been repaid; and the last instalment, which was received on the 23rd instant, was £38 11s. 5d.

asked the Minister of Munitions on what data and on whose report the maximum barrelage of 10,000,000 barrels of beer was fixed; whether the Central Control Board reported on the matter and in favour of the reduction; and whether the leading brewers and the Army canteen authorities were consulted?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is dealing with this question in reply to another question which the hon. Member has on the Order Paper.

asked the Minister of Munitions if the firm of Beardmore's, of Dalmuir, have recently discharged a number of carpenters, a number of whom are over military age; that their places were filled by munition volunteer workers sent from distant towns, many of them being of military age; that this practice obtains in many controlled establishments; and whether, in view of the waste of public money caused thereby, he will put a stop to this practice?

Since 8th May a certain number of joiners and shipwrights have been discharged by this firm owing to completion of contracts. No other joiners or shipwrights have been engaged by the firm since that date. If the hon. Member will give me specific details of any cases of the kind referred to in the third part of the question, I shall be glad to have careful inquiries made.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this very firm is asking permission for the same class of labour to be diluted and yet is discharging men?

I shall be glad to make inquiries if my hon. Friend will give me particulars.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the present labour troubles are due to any disagreement between employers and their work-people or to disagreement between the workers and the Government?

The recent labour troubles were attributed by the strike leaders to the abolition by the Government of the trade card scheme of exemption from military service, and to the Clause of the Munitions of War (Amendment) Bill dealing with dilution of labour on private work. The restraints imposed on labour by the Munitions of War Acts were to some extent contributing factors. The whole problem has been receiving my right hon. Friend's most serious consideration, and he will be glad to consider any suggestions for securing a just settlement of these difficulties.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the Federation of British Industries or the Employers' Advisory Committee have been consulted in connection with the existing strikes and labour unrest; and, if not, will they be consulted with a view to a satisfactory solution?

Yes, Sir; in April, my right hon. Friend asked the Advisory Committee representing certain employers' organisations, including the Federation of British Industries, to consider the question of industrial unrest, and their report was sent to him on the 21st May. My right hon. Friend also proposes to consult the Advisory Committee on the subject of the Munitions of War Bill.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the factory at Henbury is being shut down; whether this is due to an arrangement made whereby America is supplying certain goods; whether many men, including silver badge men, have already received notices of dismissal; and whether preference could be given to all such men instead of to men employed who are fit and who have not so far served in the Army?

The building of the Henbury factory is being discontinued as not absolutely necessary now that supplies from the United States are assured.

It was decided in October of last year to construct a building with the object of securing a large home output of a certain powder for which we had previously been dependent on overseas supplies, and it was ultimately decided to erect it at Henbury. In view, however, of the altered circumstances, and of the large saving in tonnage obtained by importing the finished product instead of the raw materials, as well as by the saving of the use of material and labour, it was decided by the War Cabinet, after careful consideration, that its continuance was inadvisable.

Very few notices of dismissals have yet been served, and due precautions are being taken to obviate the hardships that might result in the discharge of large numbers of men. It is understood that all fit men who are not required elsewhere, and who are liable for military service, have received calling-up notices. Preference is being given to discharged soldiers to continue in work as long as possible, and every effort is being made to find suitable alternative employment for them as soon as possible.

Does my hon. Friend say our suplies from the United States are assured, bearing in mind the operations of German submarines?

There is an actual saving in tonnage by the alteration which has been proposed.

What steps have been taken to restore that large area of land to its former owners?

Of course, the stoppage of work is only just commencing. All those matters will be taken into consideration.

Can the hon. Baronet say how much money has been spent on the land?

No, I cannot.

How are the munitions to be got across from America except by shipping?

I have already said the raw material and the finished product have to be brought from abroad, and the finished product is less in amount than the raw material, so we have reduced the risk.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether any use is made of water transport between Birmingham and Woolwich for transporting munitions of any kind; and whether he will have inquiry made with a view to the greater utilisation of the canal facilities which exist?

The canals between Birmingham and the Thames are being used for the transport of munitions, and the question of the greater utilisation of canal facilities which exist is already the subject of inquiry by the Canal Control Committee.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that permission has been granted to hold the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Agricultural Show, but has been refused in the case of the Penistone Agricultural Show; and whether he will state the precise grounds for this differential treatment?

Permission was granted on 10th January, 1917, to hold the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Agricultural Show in June next before the new Regulation under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, affecting these shows, was made. In view of the new Regulation, and after consultation with the Board of Agriculture, sanction has now been withdrawn.

asked the Prime Minister who is director of the trades disputes section of the Ministry of Munitions; and what his qualifications are for this post?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I assume that my hon. Friend intends to refer to Mr. Wolff, the assistant general secretary in charge of the Labour Regulations Department of the Ministry. Mr. Wolff entered the Board of Trade in 1908 by open competition, and is a principal officer in the Labour Exchanges and Unemployment Insurance Department. He was a member of Sir Edward Ward's Committee on the Employment of Discharged Soldiers and Sailors, and acted as a member or as secretary of a number of other committees of inquiry. In April, 1915, he was seconded for service as secretary to the Munitions of War Committee. From the date of the establishment of the Ministry of Munitions he has been engaged upon the work relating to trade disputes and the other regulative provisions of the Munitions of War Acts.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that the Director of the Trades Dispute Section should be some man who is not a Civil servant with that kind of training, but someone who understands trades and disputes.

I know no other man with a closer experience of conditions of employment and industry in this country such as are directly connected with the work he has to do than this particular gentleman.

I will introduce you to one.

In view of the serious position the country was placed in at the end of last week, will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing a small Committee of Members of this House to consider the men's grievances and the difficulties that arise in connection with the Ministry of Munitions?

The hon. Member must give notice of that.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any trade unions or their representatives who have been brought into contact with Mr. Wolff have ever made any complaint, or had cause to complain, or have not been treated with the greatest civility and good service?

I have repeatedly had expressions of opinion from leaders of trade unions of their appreciation of Mr. Wolff's knowledge, sympathy, and common sense.

Are we to understand that the recent disputes are in no way due to this gentleman's qualifications?

They had not the slightest relation, and the influence exerted by Mr. Wolff did a good deal to reduce the gravity of those disturbances.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the pay of the officers and crew of the troopship "Ballarat," which was torpedoed on 25th April, was stopped as from that date until such time as they get another ship; if he is aware that some of these men lost money and property in excess of the amount covered by insurance; and whether he proposes to make good these losses?

It is not correct, I am advised, to say that the pay of officers and crew was stopped as from the date of torpedoing. I understand the crew were paid off on their arrival in London. That is, of course, precisely what would have happened if the ship had not been torpedoed.

As regards the second part of the question, I understand that the officers and crew have been granted Admiralty certificates which enable them to claim for the loss of their effects up to the maximum allowed for their rating, irrespective of whether personal policies had been taken out.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received the Report of the Mesopotamia Commission; and whether he will have it presented in dummy before the rising of the House for the Whitsuntide recess, so that it can be printed during the succeeding fortnight?

The Report has been received, and is at present receiving careful consideration. I do not think it will be possible to have it presented before the Whitsuntide recess.

In view of the fact that it will take a fortnight to print the Report, could not we have it presented in dummy before the Recess, so that the printing can be proceeded with?

I really think that it would be better that some opportunity should be given for the Government, which is responsible for the conduct of the War, to consider this Report before it is published,

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government, which is responsible for the War, will not also consider whether any advantage results to this country, or its officers, civil or military, by the publication of this Report in any manner whatever?

It is an Act of Parliament.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the basis of representation for the proposed Convention of Irishmen to arrange a settlement of the future relations of their country with Great Britain; and whether he will arrange facilities for its discussion on the Motion for Adjournment on Friday next?

asked the Prime Minister (1) if he will say, in view of the fact that the Southern Unionists of Ireland are wholly unrepresented in Parliament, are widely scattered through three provinces, and are of unascertained numbers, by what method it is proposed to determine the proportion of representation they should have in the Convention and how their representatives are to be chosen; and if he will say how the proportionate strength in Ireland of the Nationalist and Sinn Fein parties, respectively, is to be determined, with a view to their fair representation in the Convention and by what method is the election of their respective representatives to be conducted; (2) whether the non-Episcopal churches in Ireland other than the Presbyterian churches are to be represented in the Convention; if he will say in what proportion to the total number of members in the Convention will be the representatives of the local governing bodies, the churches, the trade unions, the commercial interests, and the educational interests, respectively; and, in view of the importance of giving the Convention an accurately representative character and of avoiding entrusting a great constitutional work to a mob of individuals charged with no precise relative authority one to the other, if he will say how it is proposed to determine the amount of representation to which each of these interests is entitled and by what method their representatives are to be selected?

It is not possible today to give any details as to the composition of the Convention.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House when information will be available?

The House will understand that it is not very easy to compose a Convention of this kind. The Government have been engaged on it constantly, and we have a hope—I cannot say more than that—that it may be possible to give some details to-morrow.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that many Members are anxious that the Government should have ample time to consider this most important question?

asked whether the new constituencies in Great Britain to be formed under the Representation of the People Bill will be given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on any scheme of Irish government that may be produced by the Convention before legislation is finally passed to give effect to it, having regard to the fact that the Government of Ireland is a matter of Imperial as well as of Irish concern?

If the Convention should arrive at substantial agreement the Government would not think it right to delay action until there had been a General Election.

Can the Government say approximately what they mean by substantial agreement?

That would be rather difficult to define. It must be left to the common sense of the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether his statement that, in the event of the intended Irish Convention arriving at substantial agreement as to the character and scope of an Irish Constitution, the Government will introduce legislation to give effect to such substantial agreement, is to be taken as in any degree affecting his previous pledge that under no circumstances shall Ulster be coerced into submitting to the jurisdiction of an Irish Parliament?

There could not be substantial agreement in the circumstances suggested by my hon. Friend's question.

asked whether the terms of the proposed reference to the Irish Convention will admit of schemes for the self-government of Ireland without any limitation or only schemes for the self-government of Ireland within the Empire?

There can be no question of self-government except within the Empire.

Will any proposal to establish a republic be ruled out?

The Prime Minister mentioned that it must be a question of self-government within the Empire.

asked whether the hon. Member for South Longford is one of those to whom he has issued invitations to attend the Irish Partition Convention; and, if so, whether the invitation has been accepted?

The answer is in the negative.

May I put Question No. 49, which is addressed to the Prime Minister, who referred me to the Irish Office? Whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware the majority of the Irish race at home and abroad considered that the state of their Motherland since its occupation by the English always justified resistance to that rule; and whether, as they only differed with their kinsmen at home who fought in Easter week, 1916, as to the opportune moment of attempting to throw it off, he will, as a condition precedent to the summoning of a Peace Conference between the two nations styled a Convention of Irishmen, hand over to the charge of their own countrymen or treat as prisoners of war those men and women now in English prisons and forced to herd with moral and other criminals because of their action in Easter week of last year? I want an answer, so that I may raise the subject on the Motion for Adjournment should the reply not prove to be satisfactory.

This question was bracketed with another question which was not asked. I will now answer the hon. Gentleman. I am not able at present to add anything to the answer I have already given.

As the matter referred to in the question is of vital importance, I shall take the opportunity of calling attention to the subject on the Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government is prepared to loan or sell to the American Government one or more of the latest types of our aeroplanes for the purpose of facilitating and speeding up the production of a great fleet by our American Allies?