asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that complete freedom to attack and criticise the Provisional Government of Russia and its supporters has been permitted; and, seeing that action was taken under the Defence of the Realm Act against critics of the war aims of the late Czar and his Ministers, can he say whether this immunity indicates a general change of policy in the matter of criticism of the Governments of the Allies or is confined to the Russian Government?

If it is intended to convey the impression that His Majesty's Government have exercised discrimination in their treatment of criticism directed against the present Government of Russia and that to which the late Russian régime was subjected, I can only say that there is no foundation whatever for the suggestion. The policy of the Government in respect of this matter is exactly what it has always been.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the assurance that the war aims of the British Government coincide with those declared by the Provisional Government of Russia, he will take steps to secure the permission desired by the latter to publish the Treaties relating to territorial changes entered into between the late Czar and the Governments of the Alliance?

His Majesty's Government have received no request from the Russian Government in regard to the publication of the Treaties referred to.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the declaration by M. Ribot that he in tended, with the approval of the Russian Government, to publish not only the Treaties and Agreements made, but all the secret documents without exception exchanged between France and Russia; and whether the British Government proposes to take a similar course?

I think that, if the hon. Member will reread M. Ribot's speech, he will see that the President of the French Council of Ministers was referring only to conventions entered into and documents exchanged before the outbreak of the present War, and that it was these Papers which His Excellency desired to publish. A similar course of action does not appear necessary in the case of His Majesty's Government, who were bound to Russia only by the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907, which was made public at the time.

asked the Under secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Council of Workmen and Soldiers' Delegates in Petrograd have protested against the arrest by the British authorities at Halifax, Nova Scotia, of Russian political refugees desiring to return to Russia; whether the Foreign Office has any information, or has made inquiries, as to these arrests; and whether communications have passed between the British and Russian Governments on this subject?

I am not aware whether the Council of Workmen and Soldiers' Delegates have made such a protest as referred to. I understand some refugees were detained under a misapprehension. They have all been now released. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been directed to a report given by Serbian deserters from the Bulgarian Army, in which they had been forced to serve, of the savagery with which a so-called insurrectionary movement in Old Serbia was crushed last winter by the Bulgarians; whether he has official information to the effect that out of 6,000 prisoners captured by the Bulgarians 2,000 were murdered in cold blood by machine-gun fire and the remainder deported to Asia Minor; that the whole rural population of the district were removed to Bulgaria, where the men were reduced to slavery and the women and children handed over to the Turks to be taken to the Turkish Asiatic provinces; and, if so, can he say whether the German officers and troops assisted the Bulgarians in perpetrating these atrocities?

His Majesty's Government continue to receive confirmation of the brutality with which the recent rising in Old Serbia was suppressed, but the details which have hitherto reached them do not show that any German officers or troops participated in these atrocities.

asked whether the correct interpretation of the Allies' Note to President Wilson is that it is not proposed to dismember the Austrian Empire into two or more independent States, provided that suitable forms of home rule are granted to the Czecho-Slovaks and the other subject races of the Empire?

The words of the Allied Note seem to me perfectly clear. It is the object of the Allies to secure the liberation of the races referred to, but they have not denned the exact method by which such liberation is to be secured.

asked whether any effort is made by the Government as part of a considered policy to ensure that in Bulgaria and Turkey there are newspaper correspondents and others belonging to neutral countries charged with the duty of correcting, as far as may be, false statements prejudicial to the Allies and of countering German propaganda designed to prevent these countries from appealing for a separate peace?

His Majesty's Government can clearly have no control over neutrals who may be in enemy countries.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the names of the representative of the United States in Bulgaria and of the representative of Bulgaria in the United States; whether the former has been asked to represent British interests; and whether any overtures have been made by Bulgaria to any of the Allies for a separate peace?

The United States representative, at Sofia is Mr. Warfield, and I understand that the name of the Bulgarian Minister at Washington is M. Panaretoff. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative; that to the last part is, as far as I know, in the negative.

asked whether His Majesty's Government have any official knowledge of a statement made on the German Chancellor's authority to the effect that Germany wishes no increase of territory nor any political or economical increase of power, that it merely wants to defend its own national territory against foreign plans of conquest, and also wants guarantees necessary for future defence and self-protection?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether United States citizens of military age in this country are under orders, are desired, or are expected to return to America to do military service there; whether British subjects in the United States are being called to register for military service there; if so, whether Irishmen in the United States are differently treated from British subjects with domicile in the United Kingdom; and whether any convention with the United States relating to the conscription or registration of men for military service has been or will be concluded?

I have no information with regard to the first part of the question As to the second part, the hon. Member is no doubt aware that the United States Congress recently passed an Act permitting the Governments of the Allies to recruit their nationals on the soil of the United States. In virtue of this Act, a British Commission is at present carrying on a voluntary recruiting campaign among British subjects in the United States. Irishmen in the United States are of course at liberty to enlist in the British Army if they wish to do so. No convention with the United States of the kind referred to in the last part of the question has yet been concluded. I cannot at present say whether one will be concluded.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the fact that the conscientious objectors working at the Mountain Ash reservoir at Penderyn are allowed to go home to Merthyr Tydvil for week-ends; that such visits are used to spread their pro-German peace views; that such visits are greatly responsible for the unrest among the miners in the district; whether he is aware that the Merthyr district of miners has become affiliated with the Union of Democratic Control; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Except that one man was allowed to attend the funeral of his father, and another to attend the funeral of his mother, no leave, whether week-end or otherwise, has since 23rd April been granted to any of the men employed under the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors at Penderyn. The remainder of the question therefore does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the option to reconsider their position and accept non-military work under the Home Office scheme is being denied to conscientious objectors who are in prison for refusing that scheme; and whether he will encourage prisoners to exercise such option by employing them on work of national importance so soon as they are willing to do it, thus relieving the public of the burden and expense of maintaining them in idleness in prison?

The Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors is empowered to deal only with those persons in whose case the Central Tribunal reports that they should be treated as conscientious objectors. Any such person, even if he at first refuses to accept the conditions of release for the purpose of performing work of national importance under the Committee, may do so at any time, and the necessary steps will be taken for his release.

Will the effect be, if the person applies for permission to carry on work of national importance, to ensure that purpose?

I cannot say in all cases, but he is at liberty to apply.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the case of John Martin, aged twenty-three and married, who for the past eighteen months has been in the service of Mr. John Prentice, farmer, Craigie, Clackmannan, as byre-or cattle-man who tills over 150 acres of arable land under crop besides 106 acres in pasture, and has a dairy stock of sixty cows, being one of the chief milk producers in the district; whether he is aware that if Mr. John Martin is called up it will be impossible for Mr. Prentice to carry on his dairy unless a skilled substitute be got, and that to procure such under existing conditions is extremely difficult because the services of an ordinary farm servant are quite inadequate for the care of dairy stock; and whether, seeing that he is engaged in work of national importance, he will use his best efforts with the War Office to get Mr. John Martin exempted from military service?

I am making inquiry of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland respecting the case mentioned, and will communicate with my right hon. Friend when I receive the Board's report.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of Irishmen have been induced to leave Ireland within the past two months to take employment in Great Britain and have since been compelled by the military authorities to become conscripts; if he will take the necessary steps to see that the Miltary Service Act will be carried out as intended by the House of Commons; and if he will order the release of those men who are only temporarily resident in Great Britain and are here at the invitation of British employers?

I have no knowledge of the matters referred to in the question, but if my hon. Friend will supply particulars of concrete cases, inquiries will be made into the matter. I must refer him to the answer which I gave to him on 7th March, 1917, with reference to the steps which have been taken for the protection of Irishmen who are temporarily resident in Great Britain.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have sent to the War Office and have received a reply signed by the hon. Gentleman himself, in which I drew attention to the case of a boy who came from Dublin to take employment on an English railway and was conscripted in three weeks, and to another case, when a boy was conscripted after five weeks in this country?

If the hon. Member can give me concrete cases I will have inquiry made. All these cases were tried by the civil courts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he has now been able to inquire into the methods of re-examining recruits at Hulme Town Hall; whether he is aware that men there are still being passed for Class A, though previously rejected once or more times, and without proper examination; whether in many cases at this station the man's previous medical history is either not available or not made use of; what steps he proposes to take; (2) with regard to the case of T. D. McKelvey, of 5, West Richmond Street, Cross Lane, Salford, whether this man was rejected at Pendleton Town Hall on 24th June, 1916; whether he was cursorily re-examined by the same board that previously rejected him at Hulme Town Hall on 9th May last, and is now passed as B 1; whether he is suffering from deafness and varicocele; (3) with regard to the case of T. Cross, of 8, Santley Street, Longsight, Manchester, whether he is aware that he was three times rejected as medically unfit, and has now been passed at Hulme Town Hall in C 1; whether his previous medical history was examined by the board when they passed him; (4) with regard to the case of William Jones, of 11, Carter Street, Salford, whether this man was discharged from the Army as medically unfit for further service in February, 1914; whether he was subsequently twice rejected for the Army, namely, at Holdsworth Town Hall, November, 1915, and Pendleton Town Hall, September, 1916; whether he suffers from double mitral murmur and severe varix in left leg and is unable to perform hard physical work of any kind; whether, in spite of all this, he was passed at Hulme Town Hall on 11th May last and classified A for service abroad; whether it is proposed to send such a man to the front in view of the waste of public money and effort involved; (5) with regard to the case of Private Edmunds, of 2, Lynton Street, Salford, whether he is aware that this man twice volunteered at the outbreak of war and was rejected as permanently medically unfit, and was given a certificate to this effect; that he was again examined under the Derby Scheme and given complete exemption; that he has now been examined a fourth time at Hulme Town Hall and passed Class A; and whether he has any official information showing that such a man is likely to be of any effective military value at the front; and (6) with regard to the case of H. J. Nicholson, of 244, Moss Lane East, Moss Side, Manchester, whether he is aware that this man received a certificate as over age in September last, but has now been re-examined at Hulme Town Hall, the certificate of over age taken from him, and he has been classified as C 1; and whether he will explain under what statutory authority this action has been taken?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he will secure a further consideration of the case of Alfred Cree, 29, Scholes Street, Higher Broughton, Salford, who was first rejected in October, 1915, then in December, 1915, under the Derby scheme, again in March, 1916, and again on 14th August, 1916, at Hulme Town Hall by Lieutenant-Colonel Collie, in spite of which he was passed B 2 by Lieutenant-Colonel Gullam at Hulme Town Hall on 15th May and commanded to join the Colours on 30th May; and whether the reasons for his rejections were not sufficiently valid as he was born with cataract of the right eye, which has proved incurable, and this has greatly impaired the sight of the left eye, and has also undergone an operation for vari-cocele, the effects of which have not disappeared; (2) whether he will secure a reconsideration of the case of Gilbody, the son of William Gilbody, 97, Fenney Street, Higher Broughton, Salford, on the ground of gravely defective health, attested by two well-known Manchester doctors, Dr. Moreland and Dr. G. Reynolds; whether Gilbody has valvular disease of the heart, vomiting attacks which require a special diet, and has lost 10 lbs. in weight since he was rejected, finally as he believed, last September; whether he is aware that Colonel Crawford told him at Pendleton that he was totally unfit for military service, and that on 22nd May he was summoned before Major Cox at Pendleton, who passed him Class B3; (3) whether he will secure a further reconsideration of the case of H. Boyes, 39, Arrow Street, Broughton Lane, Salford, who was rejected by Dr. Burgess, of the 8th Lancashire Fusiliers, on 15th October, again rejected at Broughton Town Hall on 8th December, 1915, under Lord Derby's scheme by Dr. Boddy, was re-examined at Hulme Town Hall on 21st August, 1916, and rejected by Major Reid, Royal Army Medical Corps (being told that this rejection was final), and was called up to Pendleton Town Hall on 18th May, 1917, and passed as B1; and whether he is aware that Boyes was rejected three times because he had a fractured right leg which was badly united?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) if he is aware that Mr. Sam Leigh, of Hyde, was called up under the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act for medical re-examination; that this man lost his left arm some years ago and had notified the authorities of this fact; and that nevertheless he was instructed to proceed to Chester Castle on 17th May, where he was ordered to strip in the usual way, although it was obvious that the arm was missing, and he could only do it with great difficulty; whether he is aware that no classification card was given to him and, in consequence of this, he was required to attend at Chester Castle again for still another examination; if under any Regula- tion Army medical authorities are allowed to accept for service in any category men who have lost the entire use of one limb; (2) if he is aware that early on 22nd May some twenty to thirty men residing in Hyde, all previously rejected, were sent from Hyde to Chester Castle for re-examination under the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act and that the medical board were unable to make the examinations on that day; that the men were therefore detained and placed in the married quarters of the castle with a mattress and two blankets, but that no food was given to them on either that or the next day, although they were told that food was available and would be supplied on payment; whether he is aware that many of these men, unprepared for such treatment, were penniless and unable to buy such food; and if he will ensure that men not in the Army through no fault of their own and called up for re-examination receive ordinary rations or allowance if unduly detained by the Army authorities?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that the medical board at Ulverston recently passed as fit for general service a man who is dumb and who has to wear a strait-jacket to keep him from collapsing; whether he is aware that when the Ulverston Tribunal gave this man exemption Mr. Chapman, the military representative, appealed on the ground that the local tribunal had no right to set themselves over the decision of the medical board; whether a local tribunal has the power to grant exemption when it knows that a mistake has been made; (2) whether he is aware that at the Hulme Town Hall, Manchester, a man was passed for military service who at the outbreak of war tried to enlist in the 6th Manchesters, but was refused on account of flat foot, bad eyesight, and two operations (one for appendicitis and the other for hernia); that this man on subsequently trying to join the Public Schools and also the Manchester University Officers' Training Corps, was rejected for the reasons stated above; when Lord Derby's scheme came out he again attested, but was marked medically unfit by Captain Maclure, Royal Army Medical Corps; in June, 1916, he went into Manchester Infirmary for an operation caused through stoppage of the bowels, and had a large part of his intestines taken out; after leaving the infirmary a pink form calling him up for re-examination was received, when he was again refused, the form this time being signed by Captain Hallewell; that after another week or so he had again to go into the infirmary and have the gall bladder taken out on account of gall-stones; that Dr. Platt will verify this, and that Dr. Howart Lea, Cheetham Hill, and Major Roberts can verify other particulars; and whether, seeing that a man with such a record would not be able to stand the strain of military training, he will see to it that competent men are employed to examine recruits and that each man's previous medical history shall have proper consideration?

I am inquiring into these cases, and will write to my hon. Friends as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is grave dissatisfaction in regard to a very large number of these cases, and will he undertake promptly to have them dealt with, and to send an inspector down and inquire into these particular recruiting stations?

We are sending inspectors over the country now.

Is my hon. Friend aware that his attention was called to this matter before the Recess? Has he had any inquiries made in the interval, and cannot he tell us the result of his investigations?

In view of the large number of cases that my hon. Friend has to inquire into, would he like the assistance of hon. Members of this House, who might place some of their time and ability at his disposal?

Can we have a day to discuss it?

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private A. C. Downes, No. 101613, D Squadron, Mounted Gun Corps, Cavalry Training Centre, Maresfield Park, Uckfield, is the only son of a farmer who cultivates 1,149 acres in East Kent and is employing a number of women and soldiers on the land who require constant supervision; that he has no bailiff; and that he would be in a position to plough some 200 additional acres if he had the assistance of his son, who is a skilled agriculturist; whether he is aware that, in view of the value to agriculture of securing A. C. Downes for the land, the Board of Agriculture, after inquiries through the Kent Agricultural Executive Committee, made application to the War Office for this man's release; if he will say why this application was refused; and if he will give immediate instructions for the release of A. C. Downes from the Army in order to increase food production?

The Board of Agriculture applied to the War Office on 21st February, 1917, for the release of Private A. C. Downes. His release was refused, as the Board of Agriculture has been informed that no applications for the release of a particular soldier can be sanctioned except in very special circumstances where the soldier applied for is required to manage his farm. In this case Mr. Downes (senior) was the manager of the farm, and it was open to him to apply for the services of a soldier or soldiers from an agricultural company to meet his requirements for reinforcement of labour. The Army Council is not prepared to make an exception in this case, nor to sanction Private Downes' release.

Does my hon. Friend not realise that this man is as indispensable to Agriculture as any man could possibly be; is he also aware that the War Office has been requested by the Board of Agriculture to release him after a full inquiry by the local committee, and can he give any reason why this man has not been released?

I cannot at the present moment add anything to the answer which I have already given, but I will make further inquiries.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he is aware that hundreds of thousands of young, strong, and willing coloured members of our Empire are ready to go to the front to fight for this country; whether, seeing that such men are better fitted physically and temperamentally adapted for such a campaign than many of those now being called up, he will explain why these men are not used; and whether his Department will consider this question?

The means of utilising to the best advantage the services which the coloured peoples of the Empire are capable of rendering have already been thoroughly investigated and are continually under consideration. Contingents of these peoples are already rendering useful service in several theatres of war, in the capacities for which they are best suited, and arrangements are in hand both for reinforcing existing contingents and for forming new ones.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men who passed fit for general service several months ago, but who are now certified by their doctors to be unfit, are being called up and consequently compelled to give up their situations or close their businesses without further medical examination; and will he give instructions that in such cases medical re-examination shall take place before the men have to give up their situations or close their businesses in order to join their units?

I am not aware of this being the case, but if my hon. Friend will give me some specific instances I will cause inquiries to be made.

asked whether Ernest Parker, of Springwood Cottage, Esholt, near Bradford, who was discharged from the Army medically unfit on 19th April, 1904, and was arrested as a deserter at 5 p.m. on 29th March last, and was handed over the following morning to the military authorities, was at the date of his arrest an excepted person under the Military Service Act, 1916, and the Military Service Act, 1916 (Session 2); and, if so, what action he has taken against the person or persons responsible for his arrest?

I made inquiries in this case, and communicated the result to the hon. Member in a letter which I wrote to him on the 16th May. I pointed out that the recruiting officer at Keighley on four occasions sent notice to Parker that he must produce evidence in support of his claim to be exempted from military service. That evidence he did not produce, and he was accordingly brought before the magistrates as an absentee a fortnight after the date on which he should have reported for service. The Military Service Act, 1916, provides that if a question is raised whether a man is an exception to the Act or not, such question is to be decided on proceedings before a civil Court. The magistrates accordingly held that Parker was not an exception, to the Acts, and they handed him over as an absentee to await military escort. In these circumstances, no action has been taken against the persons responsible for Parker's having been brought before the magistrates for his case to be decided in the manner required under the Acts.

Is it the case or is it not that this man was illegally arrested; and is it not also the fact that he repeatedly went to the recruiting office and reported the circumstances of the case?

I cannot add anything to the very lengthy answer I have given to-day and the letter that I have written.

In view of the large number of cases which I have submitted of illegal acts on the part of recruiting officers, will the hon. Gentleman have a special inquiry made into the way the Act is being carried out?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to the wages paid to and hours worked by Irish chemists' assistants; if he will see that these men, especially those in houses holding Government contracts, will be paid a decent wage; and if he will see that Government contracts are not placed in houses where there is sweated labour?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to his question of the 17th May. The question of the rates of wages paid by Government contractors is one that falls within the province of the contracting Departments concerned.

asked what are the Government's proposals with reference to Countess Marckievicz and the Irish prisoners in Lewes?

This matter is not under the control of the Irish Office.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter to-night. It has been, going on too long.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government have yet decided to release the Irish prisoners?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Government are satisfied that when the approaching International Peace Congress comes to deal with the treatment of political prisoners the fact must be disclosed that it is only in this country they are treated worse than prisoners for ordinary crimes; that while some ordinary criminals are given 392 oz. of bread per week and others are given, in accordance with the statutory rules now in force, 196 oz. of bread per week, the Irish political prisoners now at Lewes and Aylesbury are, in violation of the statutory rules, given only 119 oz. of bread per week, and that, like the other articles, of inferior quality; if it be undesirable to have this fact disclosed at the Peace Congress, whether this allowance will be immediately increased; (2) whether he is aware of the effect of the want of uniformity in the treatment of political opponents of the Government under the Defence of the Realm Act, so that, while little used for that purpose in this country, policemen and Government officials canvassed for the Government candidates in North Roscommon and South Longford, and punished persons for celebrating the victories over the Government; whether he is aware that at present young men of high character are in prison or under sentence of imprisonment in the counties of Cork, Tipperary, Meath, and Galway for having celebrated in an orderly manner the South Longford victory, no violence being alleged against any of them; that the evidence of the police, the sole witnesses against the accused, was not corroborated in any particular; that they identified the accused only by the light of torches; that Gerald Bartley, a boy of eighteeen, is now in prison garb, undergoing prison treatment among criminals in Galway goal, for having celebrated the Longford victory by lighting a bonfire; and that food sent him by friends is prevented by the prison authorities from reaching him; and, having regard to the considerate treatment of political opponents by civilised Governments, whether all prisoners for this cause will be released forthwith and all further proceedings quashed?

I can add nothing to previous statements on this subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the present moment Irish prisoners are in solitary confinement, and were refused permission to attend church last Sunday? Will he say when this Hunnish treatment is to cease?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to deny any of the allegation in Question 61?

Yes, Sir; they have been dealt with to some extent, but I cannot refer to them.

Then the hon. Gentleman is not in a position to deny a single one of these statements?

The hon. Member must not infer that from my answer.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the claims of the Kings town Board of Works employés for an in creased war wage has been considered; and, if so, with what result?

The employés of the Board of Works at Kingstown will receive the appropriate war bonus under the awards of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made last week by the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) that a serious shortage of milk would occur in a few months' time in that country; whether he has received a resolution passed by the North Dublin Board of Guardians suggesting that for the purpose of securing a sufficient supply of pure new milk for the poor in the large towns of Ireland, the creameries should be taken over by the Food Controller; whether there is even at present a serious scarcity of fresh milk, not only in the towns of Ireland, but in many rural districts; and whether, before a milk famine actually occurs, some steps will be taken by the Government at once to avert such a calamity, especially by providing land or enabling rural districts to provide land for grazing by milch cows owned by labourers?

I have been in communication with the Department of Agriculture on this subject, and have no reason to suppose that there is the risk of a milk famine which is suggested in the question.

The suggestion has not been made by me, but by the right hon. Gentleman's colleague, the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture.

This is a matter about which I have had a great deal of discussion and inquiry. The fact is, I believe, that there is no shortage.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Irish Department of Agriculture has more than once earnestly impressed on the Irish farmers the advisability, and even necessity, of spraying in the case of growing crops of potatoes; whether, in view of this advice, the rural district council of Balrothery, county Dublin, which has borrowed a considerable sum of money to provide the necessary seed for the tenants of their cottages and other small landholders, proposed to expend the balance of the loan, amounting to about £50, on the purchase of spraying machines and materials, but were informed that they could not legally do so without the consent of the Treasury; and whether he will see that that consent will be obtained, and so help in saving the expected crop from the danger of destruction?

Arrangements have been made whereby the Department of Agriculture, with the co-operation of the Local Government Board, will sanction necessary means of help in cases such as that mentioned in the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the board of guardians of Balrothery Union, county Dublin, some weeks ago complained to the proper authority of the lack of a proper supply of sugar for the inmates of their workhouse, and received for answer a recommendation to make a second application; that they did apply a second time, but have again been informed by their contractor that the sugar asked for is not available; and what he proposes to do to secure a proper supply to this public institution?

A letter was received by the Ministry of Food from the clerk to the Balrothery Union on the 25th May, and was referred to the Sugar Commission, who on the 1st June wrote to the union asking from whom the latter purchased their sugar in 1915, how much they then obtained from all sources, and how much they had obtained this year. No answer has yet been received to these questions, and pending its receipt no action is possible. I have not been able to trace any letter from the clerk of the Balrothery Union prior to 25th May last.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received a letter from me: I wrote to him, and he advised me to apply again?

I have received an enormous number of letters on the subject of the sugar supply. If the hon. Gentleman did, as he states, I would send on the letter immediately to the Sugar Commission, and it must have miscarried. I will pursue the matter further.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when a representative on the Sugar Commission will be appointed for Ireland: he has made a promise to that effect about ten times within the last four months, and we have heard nothing more about it?

I have already stated, in reply to a similar statement by the hon. Member, that I have made no promise whatever in the matter: it was not in my power to do so. I have made representations to the Food Controller, but, in the present state of suspended animation of the office of which I am representative here, it is wholly impossible to commit some future Minister to a policy of which he might not approve.

Are the Irish people to suffer from the animated suspension of the Government?

The "Do-it-now Government"!

Wait and see!

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Clydebank Co-operative Society, owing to shortage of supplies, have had to reduce the supply of sugar to their members to 4 ozs. per head per week; and if he will take steps at once to increase the amount available for the society?

I have received from the hon. Member a letter to the effect stated in the first part of the question. There was a shortage in the issues of sugar from the Sugar Commission during April, and the Clydebank Co-operative Society, presumably, suffered in common with other retailers. For the past few weeks, however, the issues have been restored to about their previous level, and the Clydebank Society should henceforth be able to obtain from its wholesaler supplies at the rate of 50 per cent, of their 1915 allowance. The Sugar Commission are making immediate inquiries into this case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will say for what reason the price of sugar was advanced after promising the fruit growers that they would have some for jam making; and whether the Sugar Commission shows a big profit on its purchases?

The price of sugar has been advanced to meet the increased cost at which the Sugar Commission have recently had to purchase sugar, including that intended to be sold to fruit growers for jam making. The Commission make no profit upon their transactions taken as a whole.

Is the retail price of sugar the price fixed by the Ministry of Food?

No, Sir, no; the retail price of sugar is not fixed, but, so far as I am aware, there has been no increase in the retail price of sugar that is out of proportion to the increase in the wholesale price of sugar which the Commission has had to pay.

Was it not until recently the policy of the Ministry to suggest the price at which sugar should be sold retail?

Are not these matters for the Sugar Commission?

These matters are matters entirely for the Sugar Commission. I am not myself prepared, under existing circumstances, to go further than I have already gone.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if his Department will now agree to the establishment of local fair-price food tribunals; if he is aware that much of the profiteering and exploiting of the public could be prevented by such tribunals; and that a dangerous condition of unrest prevails at the inactivity of his Department in dealing with this matter of the people's food?

I am aware of the feeling aroused in certain quarters by the rising price of meat and some other foods; but it is clearly impossible for me to announce any decision on the important question of policy raised in this question pending the appointment of a new Food Controller.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists among the British-born population of the East End of London with regard to the equitable distribution for sale of the food supplies available; and will he ensure that no unfair preference from any quarter is allowed to be shown to the shops and other sources of supply used by the alien population?

I have received a report indicating the existence of the feeling referred to in the first part of the question. I am not aware of any substantial grounds for this feeling, but am making inquiries in the district referred to, and if it appears that there is any unfair preference in the distribution of any supplies now under the control of the Ministry of Food, action will be taken in the matter.

( by Private Notice ) asked if the President of the Board of Trade could state what arrangements he-has made for the release of cheese for sale to the public?

The Board of Trade have now completed arrangements for making cheese available to the public at 1s. 4d. per lb. retail, and issues of such cheese will begin at the end of next week. It will take a week or ten days to get the distribution organised throughout the Kingdom. It must, of course, be understood that although the quantity of cheese released will be very considerable, it will still be limited by the necessary provision for Army requirements.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can explain the grounds upon which Mrs. Mary Lang, of Knocknagee, Ballinakill, Riverstown, county Sligo, at present in receipt of a pension of 3s., was refused the 5s. per week awarded her by the local pension committee; whether he is aware that this woman is wholly destitute, having nothing to live upon; and, if so, whether her case- will be inquired into?

The case is being investigated.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the representations made as to the proposed closing of the Victoria and Albert Museum by the transfer of the Board of Education to these buildings, the Government will reconsider their decision in this matter?

It is regretted that it is not possible to have this decision reconsidered, but I have every reason to believe that a substantial portion of the Victoria and Albert Museum will still be available for use by the general public.

asked the Parliamentary Representative of the Air Board (1) whether there is any constant air patrol along the East coast; if so, whether there is any explanation as to why the recent raid which took place in full daylight was not dealt with before reaching Folkestone; (2) why, although many seaplanes lay ready for instant service in Dover Harbour, no orders were given to the pilots until twenty minutes after the hostile machines employed in the recent German air raid had gone over?

These Questions deal with matters within the purview of the Admiralty. I have therefore been asked to take them. If my hon. and gallant Friend will place himself in communication with either the Fifth Sea Lord or myself, we shall be glad to give him all the detailed information upon the points which he raises.

asked the Parliamentary Representative of the Air Board whether the watching of the Kent coast is largely vested in men drawn from Infantry battalions quartered in the several districts; whether these men have the slightest knowledge of detail distinctions between British and hostile air craft; and what provision is given them to spot aircraft passing over at heights up to 20,000 feet?

The information asked for in all three parts of the question cannot be given publicly.

asked whether the hostile aircraft employed during the recent raid were observed passing over certain parts of Essex; and, if so, why, in the circumstances, no warning what ever was sent out to Dover and Folkestone when it must have been known that these, amongst other towns, were their objective?

It would not be in the public interest to discuss the system of warning; but my hon. and gallant Friend must not assume that Dover and Folkestone were the actual objectives of the raid.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will say by what method it is proposed to afford the oppor- tunity, which he has stated will be given, to voters in constituencies which will lose their separate representation under the Instructions to the Boundary Commissioners to lay before the Commissioners their views as to the future boundaries of their constituencies; whether the same opportunity will be given to voters in constituencies which, without losing their separate representation, may have alterations made in their boundaries; whether he will give an assurance that no constituency shall have its boundaries altered without an opportunity being first given to the voters therein to lay their views on the proposed alteration before the Commissioners; (2) whether it has yet been decided by the Boundary Commissioners to hold public inquiries at which representative bodies may state their views regarding the proposed alterations in the constituencies; whether any such inquiries have yet been held; if he will say what representative bodies are to have a locus standi to appear at such inquiries; and in what manner is notice to be given that an inquiry will be held in any particular locality?

I understand that in every case the boundaries of the proposed Parliamentary constituencies will be advertised locally, so as to enable persons interested to make representations to the Boundary Commissioners, and that, speaking generally, wherever the boundaries of existing divisions are proposed to be altered, an Assistant Commissioner will hold a local inquiry. No such inquiries have yet been held.

Will counsel be able to appear?

That, I should think, will be a matter for the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated loss of representation of rural voters under the Instructions to the Boundary Commissioners; and whether, having regard to the increased importance of the agricultural industry in view of the lessons of the War, he will add an Instruction directing the Boundary Commissioners to redistribute the county and borough seats, respectively, in such a manner as not to diminish the existing representation of rural voters?

It would be extremely difficult to make a reliable estimate of the loss of representation of rural voters under the scheme, and it must be remembered that voters in rural areas are not necessarily agricultural voters. Some of the areas classed for local government purposes as rural districts are, in fact, densely populated mining areas, and there are many rural districts which are partly agricultural and partly industrial or residential. The subject-matter of the latter part of the question will no doubt be discussed in the coming Debate on the Instructions.

asked the hon. Member for Worcestershire (Bewdley Division) when the schedule of charges to be allowed to the returning officers, under the Representation of the People Bill, will be circulated to Members?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. These charges will require careful consideration by the Treasury, and it is not proposed to circulate a schedule at present.

Is the House to have an opportunity of considering the scale of charges and comparing it with the Act of 1875?

If the House desires it, certainly; but I am not aware that there is a desire.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a respectable qualified and registered medical practitioner in the North-Western district of London has been warned that unless he leaves this country at once he will be deported; that this gentleman, who has been in his present practice five years, has no idea of any reason to warrant his deportation, and on requesting the grounds for this threat has only been abused by an official at Scotland Yard; whether he has personally considered the allegations against this doctor; whether he will allow him to know his accusers and the grounds of his threatened deportation; and whether he will allow some appeal, in this and similar cases, to the Advisory Committee over which Mr. Justice Younger presides?

I fear that the hon. Member is not fully informed as to the character of the person to whom he refers. I am satisfied that the action which has been taken in his case is justified, that no reliance can be placed on his statements, and that he is well aware of the grounds on which his presence in this country is considered undesirable. I see no reason to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the question.

In view of the interests of his patients, will some warning be given to this person so that he may make arrangements that his patients may have proper attention when he is deported, or is it the intention to deport him suddenly and without warning?

No; I think the interests of this country are paramount over the interests of his patients.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the revised rules of the Police Union, which have been submitted to the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis, guard against any possibility of members withholding their services as a means of obtaining redress and that the object of the union is to have all differences between the authorities and members arranged or decided by amicable and conciliatory means he will now reconsider his decision as to permitting members of the force to make a collective representation of their grievances to the Commissioner; and, if he still feels unable to recognise the Police Union as the channel for representing the views of the entire Force, will he give instructions that facilities shall be given for the men to consult together as to their conditions of service so that the views of the police as a body may be always available, and thus relieve much of the prevailing discontent?

I regret that there is nothing which I can usefully add to what has been said by my predecessors in office and by me in reply to the numerous questions addressed to us on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether any steps had been taken to ascertain the views of the members of the Metropolitan police themselves when it was decided not to pay them for the seventeen days' leave they forfeited in 1914 on the outbreak of the War and before the order was given allowing weekly leave to be resumed; whether he is aware that the police resent the action of the then Home Secretary in informing the House that the police were willing to give up some portion of their leisure as their share of the national sacrifice, without giving the men an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the subject; and whether, in the interests of discipline, he will consider the advisability of giving the police as a body facilities to make known their own views to the authorities when questions affecting their conditions of employment have to be decided?

No, Sir; the suspension of leave was on the ground of national necessity, and the grant of leave was resumed at the earliest possible moment. If the hon. Member will refer to the answer given in this House on 22nd February, 1915, he will find that my predecessor's statement was that he ventured to think that "the majority of the force will willingly give up some portion of their leisure as their share of the sacrifice which all classes have to make during this national emergency." I have no doubt that my predecessor correctly voiced the patriotic sentiments of the majority of the metropolitan police. As regards the third part of the question, I have nothing to add to what has already been said on the point.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the absence of Sunday morning trains, inconvenience and loss of time are being caused to many munition workers, who are expected to start work not later than 7.45 a.m. on Sundays and who require to travel from Bangor, Comber, Holywood, and Carrick-fergus into Belfast; whether he is aware that at present no train reaches Belfast on the County Down line until 9.30 a.m. and on the Midland line until 9 a.m. on Sundays; and, in these circumstances, will he arrange with the Irish Railway Executive to provide the necessary early trains so long as the present necessity for Sunday working continues?

I am asking the Irish Railway Executive Committee for their observations on this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Gentleman on receipt of their reply.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that in connection with the East End explosion a number of claims for compensation were made and amounts in settlement agreed to by the Ministry; that delay takes place in paying over the money to the claimants; that the representative of the Ministry has caused irritation by informing Mr. Parnell that he intends to review his claim and make him wait some weeks for a settlement; and if he will take action in the matter?

The Ministry has instructed assessors to assess damage caused by the East London explosion for which claims have been made, and their recommendations are examined by the Ministry. It is only in very exceptional circumstances that after an assessor has made a recommendation it has been found necessary to make special inquiries, thus causing delay. Over 11,000 claims have been lodged. Of this number 5,650 have been approved, and 5,586 actually paid. Nearly all the claims for personal injury and furniture have been met. Several claims have been made in the name of Parnell. So far as can be ascertained at present in none of them has it been suggested that it is intended to review the claim and delay settlement. If the hon. Member will state the full name of the claimant, inquiry shall be made into the particular case.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in connection with the abandonment of the erection of the works at Hallen and Henbury, he will state the measures being taken either to transfer the workmen to other work or to their homes; and whether, in the latter event, any compensation is being paid?

Immediately upon the decision of His Majesty's Government to discontinue constructional work at Henbury, a special branch of the Employment Exchanges was opened in the factory in order that workmen on the receipt of notice might be informed as to existing vacancies on war work and facilities given them to take up such work. All workmen on receiving notice are offered other work of national importance, and it is therefore not thought that any case for compensation will arise.

asked the Minister of Munitions how many men of the Scottish Rifles and Highland Light Infantry have been transferred to the Reserve and are now employed on un skilled labour by the Ministry of Munitions at Morecambe; whether he is aware that these men find it impossible to maintain their wives and families at Glasgow and themselves in Morecambe on the wages paid them, even with the addition of the subsistence allowance; whether he is aware that the employment of men on unskilled labour at such a distance from their homes involves heavy losses to the State; and whether any efforts have been made to secure un skilled labour for Morecambe in Lancashire or from Class W Reserve men belonging to Lancashire?

Twenty-eight men, formerly of the Highland Light Infantry, and one hundred men, formerly of the Scottish Rifles, but now enrolled as A.R.M.W.'s, are employed at Morecambe. There seems no reason to believe that these men do not earn sufficient wages to support themselves and their families. Each man is paid at least the full civil rates for the work upon which he is employed, and receives, in addition, where eligible, subsistence allowance and children's allowance. The average earnings at Morecambe are about £2 2s. a week, and, in addition, a bonus system is in operation whereby 80 per cent, of the workmen receive a bonus which works out, on an average, to more than 10s. a week. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer to a similar question which he asked on this subject on 21st May. Endeavour is continually being made by the Ministry to replace imported labour by local labour wherever possible. Every effort has been made to obtain the labour needed at Morecambe from local sources, but without success.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that a representative of the Ministry of Munitions explained the National Service scheme to the men of the 5th Scottish Rifles and informed them that if they signed the form volunteering for National Service they would get twenty-one days' furlough, with Army pay and allowances, during which they could obtain work of national importance at Glasgow, where their homes were, and, if they failed to find such work themselves, they could apply to the nearest labour exchange, which would find work for them as near home as possible; whether he is aware that these men on signing were returned to Hipswell Camp, Catterick, for civilian clothes, kept working there for three weeks, then transferred to W Reserve, and sent to work at unskilled labour under the Ministry of Munitions at Morecambe, where some' fifty of them are now so employed; whether he is aware that discontent prevails among the men, who believe that they were induced to sign the form on false pretences; and whether he proposes to take any action?

The conditions of the Army Reserve munition workers' scheme were fully explained to the men of the Scottish Rifles previous to their enrolment, in the first place by their commanding officer and later by an officer of the Employment Department of the Ministry of Labour. I am assured that there are no grounds whatsoever for the suggestion that any misrepresentations were made in the matter. The hon. Member's reference to the National Service Department's scheme in this connection appears to be due to a misapprehension. Information in the possession of this Department shows that there is no general discontent amongst the men.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to take steps to prevent trade after the War falling into the hands of foreign countries; and if he will take steps to see that foreign countries will not be allowed to dump into Ireland goods which can be manufactured by Irish tradesmen?

It is impossible at present to make any specific statement on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister who was responsible, and what were the reasons, for forbidding publication of the names of the towns recently attacked by hostile aircraft; and, in view of the subsequent change of policy, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has requested me to answer this question. For various reasons the name of the town was withheld until the publication of the enemy's communiqué showed that there was no longer any necessity for secrecy.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the number of small traders, more especially those residing in the coast towns of the West country, who find their takings so reduced owing to early closing that many of them fear they will be reduced to the Bankruptcy Court, he will consider the possible amending of the early closing Order, making nine o'clock the hour for closing on ordinary days and ten o'clock on Saturdays?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The question of extending the closing hours was very carefully considered at the time the Order was renewed, and the representations received from retail trade associations, local authorities, and individual shopkeepers, including many small shopkeepers, showed an overwhelming body of opinion in favour of retaining the existing hours. I regret, therefore, that I do not see my way to reopen this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of local option?

No, Sir; not during the War.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the number of Members who have lost their lives or been wounded during the War, he will consider a suitable design for a Roll of Honour to honour their memory?

The hon. Member's suggestion will be sympathetically considered by the Government.

As to the proposed Roll of Honour, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that St. Margaret's Church is the parish church of this House, and could it not be placed there?

I will convey the suggestion to the Leader of the House, and I have no doubt he will bear it in mind.

Will the Government appoint a small Committee to deal with this matter, and ascertain the feeling of the House as to whether Members' sons, who lost their lives in the War, should be included in the memorial put up by this House?

I will communicate the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the Leader of the House, and I have no doubt he will bear it in mind.

asked the Prime Minister if Lord Northcliffe has been sent by the Government on a foreign mission and, if so, what is the nature of the mission; whether Lord Northcliffe has been appointed a member of the Government or the Diplomatic service; and, if not, why he has been selected to carry out an official mission?

I cannot add anything to the statement which was published in the Press this morning.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not Lord Northcliffe will report to the Prime Minister direct or the War Cabinet, or will he be under the auspices of the Foreign Office and come under its orders?

I must have notice of the question.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman can answer.

The right hon. Gentleman is answering only for the Leader of the House.

In view of the importance of the question, why is the Minister not present who can reply to it?

Are we to understand now that Lord Northcliffe is a representative of the Government, that the papers which he controls will be the official organs of the Government?

The hon. Member (Mr. Snowden) does not know that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House is indisposed.

In view of the attitude taken by Lord Northcliffe recently towards the Foreign Secretary, Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to answer a question by Private Notice to-morrow?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the War Agricultural Committee passed a resolution protesting against the total prohibition of racing, he can say what steps the Government intend to take for providing entire horses suitable for breeding horses for the Army and national purposes?

The temporary suspension of racing is not likely to affect seriously the provision of thoroughbred stallions suitable for mating with half-bred mares. If, however, racing is prohibited for any length of time the steps necessary to provide the stallions will require further consideration.

How is it possible to select good sires for breeding purposes unless they are tested by racing?

The suspension is only temporary.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why racing is allowed in Ireland and not in England?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that our sailors and soldiers have been told that they are fighting for the very existence of the Empire, and that resolutions have been passed in various parts of the Empire that the Governments of the Empire should accept the sole responsibility of the settlement and future welfare of the Empire's sailors and soldiers, together with their near depend ants, he will inform the House whether the British Government is prepared to accept this responsibility?

I cannot say more at present than that the Government is giving the most careful consideration to this subject, of the importance of which they are fully aware.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Dominions are already waiting for a lead from this country, and that the Prime Minister said that the matter was urgent; and can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Committee is likely to report?

I know that the matter is urgent, but I cannot fix a date.

Does the right hon. Gentleman take the responsibility of not answering that question?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Nitrate Producers' Steamship Company, with an issued capital of £266,265, has made, a profit for last year of £369,804; whether he is further aware that such profits help to inflate the rising cost of living and cause dissatisfaction; and what steps the Government intend to take in this matter?

The attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer had not been previously drawn to this case. He has already fully explained to the House the steps taken by the Government to restrict shipping profits.

Are those steps going to be really in the nature of business and not just window-dressing as was the case of National Service and Food Control?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the share capital very inadequately represents the value of the steamers even at pre-war prices?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the disappointment caused to the British-born population of London by the failure of the Government to immediately pass into law the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Bill; and when is it intended to proceed with this measure?

As was announced yesterday, this Bill will be proceeded with to-morrow.

Will it be proceeded with to-morrow energetically and pressed forward?

Certainly.

Will it be considered in Committee of the Whole House, or sent to Grand Committee?

No doubt it will be considered in Committee of the Whole House.

asked the Prime Minister when the Corn Production Bill is to be taken?

The Financial Resolution will be taken on Wednesday, and the Bill will be proceeded with as soon as possible thereafter.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to a Vote of the French Chamber of Deputies on the 5th June which, by an overwhelming majority, reasserted the war aims of France, which include the restoration of Alsace-Lorraine, reparation for the atrocities committed by Germany on French soil, the crushing of Prussian militarism, and guarantees for the independence of great and small nations; and whether he will propose a resolution which would give the House of Commons an opportunity of expressing its sympathy with and concurrence in the aims of France as formulated by the Chamber of Deputies?

This subject has been so recently discussed in the House that no further opportunity seems necessary at present. The Government, the House, and the country are, as is well known, in thorough and complete accord with the Chamber of Deputies on all points referred to in the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think, having regard to the very peculiar circumstances of the recent vote in France, it would be gratifying to our Allies that there should be an opportunity for this House to show itself entirely in line with them?

I will convey the suggestion to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House.

Are we to understand from what the right hon. Gentleman has said that the Allies are prepared to go on fighting, regardless of other considerations, until this object is achieved—the restoration of Alsace-Lorraine?

The hon. Gentleman must take the answer given as absolute.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the accounts of the British and Australian soldiers as to the cruel treatment and starvattion, in some cases resulting in death, and including physical punishment, inflicted on soldiers of the British Empire by the Germans; and whether he will have the evidence collected and verified and widely distributed in the United Kingdom and in our overseas Empire and in the countries of our Allies and neutrals?

A careful record of all cases of ill-treatment of British prisoners of war has been kept with a view to suitable action. What form this action will take is a matter for Cabinet decision.

Would not the publication of these facts about the cruelty of the Germans be the best way of stopping the agitation of pro-Germans and peace-at-any-price people in this country and abroad?

Nobody can answer that question until he tries the effect.

asked the Prime Minister if he will, with a view to the Irish Convention, now inform the House of the terms arranged in September, 1914, between the Government and the leaders of Irish parties with reference to the partition of Ireland as a condition of placing the Government of Ireland Bill, then awaiting the Royal Assent, on the Statute Book?

I am not aware to what the hon. Member refers.