asked the Chief Secretary if he can state the acreage under cultivation for food production in the grounds of Trinity College, Fitzwilliam Square, and Merrion Square, Dublin?

None.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the grounds of Trinity College are used as a training ground for military purposes, and that Merrion Square is used very much for the same purpose?

I am quite aware of that. It would be ridiculous, from my point of view, to propose to put these lands under tillage.

Is it not just as important to train potatoes?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the best way of increasing food production is to break up the grazing lands?

Does the hon. Member include the gardens of Trinity College under the term grazing lands?

I do not suggest anything so absurd, but I do object—

Order, order! There appears to be a general conversation going on.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that at the annual meeting of the Vacant Land Cultivation Society and at a meeting in St. Patrick's Division resolutions were passed requesting the immediate extension of the Allotments Act to Ireland; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am aware that such resolutions were passed, but I cannot add anything to the answers I gave to the hon. Member's questions on the 13th and 18th June.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of extending the Allotments Act to Ireland?

There is an Allotments Act in Ireland, but this question of town allotments is safeguarded by very stringent powers which have been effectively and usefully exercised.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Commissioner has issued an order permitting members of the police force to offer their services to work on the land during their weekly rest-day or on their annual leave; and. if so, whether the number of Metropolitan constables willing to spend their annual leave in this way can be ascertained; and, in cases where the cost of railway fares renders it impossible for constables to travel any distance from London to perform this service, whether some assistance will be made from public funds to enable them to assist their relatives and friends in gathering in the harvest?

The order referred to permitted constables to employ their leisure time in the manner indicated, but did not contemplate long and costly railway journeys for brief periods at a time when such journeys are of necessity being dis- couraged. The Commissioner is, how, ever, considering with the Board of Agriculture the conditions under which skilled agriculturists serving in the Metropolitan Police could with advantage be lent for employment on the land.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has ascertained the number of tons of bacon that have had to be condemned by the sanitary, inspector of the London County Council during the months of May and June to date; and whether any of this meat could have been saved if better transport facilities or cold storage accommodation had been available?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am having inquiries made into this matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I put this question down a week ago, and can he get the information for me pretty soon? The question has been postponed once already.

It only reached me this morning, and I have already told my hon. Friend that I am having inquiries made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will cause an inquiry to be made as to the quantity, both in boxes and in bales, now in cold stores and warehouses in London, ascertaining how much is being held on behalf of foreign sellers, and showing a comparison in these respects with the figures of the last fire years?

I am not clear as to what article the hon. Member has in mind or the purpose to be served by the suggested inquiry. If the hon. Member will give me further information on the point, the desirability of taking action will be considered.

Will the hon. Gentleman put it to the Food Controller that what is required is to find out who is responsible for the detention of this bacon. Is it the foreign sellers, or who is it, or is it that the price has been put up for other reasons?

I will report to the Food Controller what my hon. Friend says.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how many applications were received by the Royal Commission on Sugar for a supply for fruit growers; whether the Commission was able to allocate the full quantity asked for; if not, what proportion; whether any supply whatever was available for domestic jam making to persons who are not growers; and whether their full requirements will be available for manufacturers for sale?

Approximately 750,000 applications were received by the Royal Commission on Sugar Supplies for a supply of sugar for preserving fruit from private fruit growers. The Commission are unable to allocate the quantity asked for in full, but the grant will be substantial, although I cannot at present state the exact proportion. No special sugar is available for persons who are not growers. It is hoped ultimately to meet the demand of jam manufacturers in full.

Will any arrangements be made to control the price of jam when it is made?

I am afraid I have nothing to add.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether sugar required for jam making is now being supplied by the 100 tons to chocolate and sweet manufacturers; and on what ground of public advantage this policy is founded?

The sugar provided for jam making is being reserved for that purpose. Manufacturers of chocolate and sweets are receiving only the restricted proportion of sugar, 25 per cent, of their 1915 supplies, which they may use under the Sugar Restriction Order of 18th May.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when private persons who have applied for sugar for jam making purposes will be given that sugar?

I will put that question to my Noble Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food on what grounds persons were requested to send their preserving sugar require- ments to the Sugar Commission, seeing that all over the country the local grocers have stated they have not been given the sugar to sell for this purpose; and whether, if it be impossible to provide such sugar, he will make a plain statement to this effect so that the public may be encouraged to dry the fruit if jam making be impossible?

All grocers who have forwarded applications for sugar from those private growers of fruit who themselves wish to preserve it are now receiving or will very shortly receive a substantial proportion of their requirements.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that private persons are not receiving their quantity of sugar, and will he see that they do receive it and receive it next week?

I will communicate to the Food Controller what the hon. Member says.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in cases in which it can be shown that the forms entitling householders to sugar for making jam were applied for in good time, but were not dispatched from London by the firm acting for the Ministry of Food until too late, the Ministry of Food has refused to accept any responsibility for the failure of its agents?

The Sugar Commission, after dealing through its agents with 750,000 applications for sugar, has declined to reopen any case of alleged failure to receive application forms in good time on the ground that it is not in a position to verify the validity of such claims. This rule has been applied without exception.

Will my hon. Friend say whether in cases in which the validity of the claims can be verified the persons concerned will receive consideration?

I am unable to add anything to what I have already said, but I will put that question to the Food Controller.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) whether, seeing that the Government of Mr. Ryan in Queens-land have commandeered and placed under control for local and imperial purposes the sheep and cattle of the Colony, suppressed every kind of profiteering, and are loading 90 per cent, of the total killings for imperial purposes at about 4¾d per lb. f.o.b., he will put British farmers under equally drastic regulations, compel in each county a fixed proportion of the cattle, sheep, and pigs to be marketed, commandeer all feeding stuffs, and arrange that speculative buying shall cease in Ireland and institute a regulation that all importations of cattle and sheep from Ireland shall be on Government account; and (2) whether, seeing that the Food Prices Committee recommended the opening of municipal shops and that the Queens-land Government compel the farmers to supply a fixed tonnage of meat for the consumption of the inhabitants of the Colony at 3d. and 3½d. per lb., which is sold in State-owned butchers' shops in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Towneville, and other towns, he will consider the advisability of copying the example set by the workmen's Government in Queens-land; and whether he will fix a date at which his Department will start selling meat to the population of East London?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, owing to the price of bacon on the London market, the retailers are buying smaller quantities of bacon than usual; and, if so, whether he proposes to take steps to reduce the price of this commodity?

The Food Controller has under his immediate personal consideration the general policy to be adopted for the control of prices and profits, and will make an announcement on the Subject at the earliest possible moment. In the meantime he hopes that Members will assist him in the very difficult work which he has just undertaken by refraining from putting questions of a kind which can only be answered when this general policy is determined.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the plants for the cold storage of meat throughout the country are full; and how much is waiting in ships for discharge; whether these supplies have cost the Government on the average 5½d. per pound; and, if so, why, under the circumstances, English lamb is being retailed in parts of Surrey at over four times this price?

The cold storage accommodation is not full, and there is at present only one meat ship with a cargo of 2,000–3,000 tons awaiting discharge. The details affecting the price of Colonial lamb have already been given to the House. The price of English lamb varies according to the market price from day to day, and is not at present under control.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food who were the auditors or accountants appointed to examine the books of Bates and Bates, Hart-ridge and Bates, Bates Brothers, and Chappell and Bates respecting gambling and holding-up transactions in frozen meat between October and March last and at what rate were they remunerated for their work; whether he is Aware that members of the firm admit gambling and holding-up transactions in frozen mutton and lamb; that men can be found prepared to prove these facts; and that for some time after the original complaint the shops of these firms contained mutton and lamb which showed signs of long retention in cold store and was only disposed of when prices had reached famine figures; and whether his Department are prepared to renew this inquiry and appoint a nominee of the workers on the Committee to investigate the matter?

The examination of the books of the firms mentioned in the question was carried out by officers of the Ministry. The Food Controller is not aware of the matters mentioned in the second part of the question which are entirely out of accord with his information. As regards the last parts of the question, which raise the issue of the general policy to be adopted by the Food Controller in regard to prices and profits, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer just given to him.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the failure of the Government to restrain profiteering during the last three years, and their refusal to accept the services and assistance of trades unionists when offered, in many cases without remuneration, he will now arrange that in all matters of food supply the workers shall be represented, and as a commencement of such a policy he will appoint a trade unionist from either Covent Garden, the Borough, or Spitalfields Market, or ask the trade unions of those markets to nominate someone who shall see that in handling of the Spanish potatoes imported by his Department the firm of W. Denniss and Sons, Limited, in no way abuse their position or exercise favouritism towards special customers?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer just given to him as to prices and profits generally. As regards the specific case referred to in the last part of the question, the danger anticipated by the hon. Member will not arise, because Messrs. Denniss have been instructed to sell the Spanish potatoes on behalf of the Government by auction only.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a resolution from a meeting of representatives of the North Stafford-shire and District Band of Hope Union, Stoke-on-Trent, representing 150 temperance societies situated in all parts of North Stafford-shire and comprising over 13,000 members, protesting against the delay of His Majesty's Government in enacting that prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors shall take effect for the further continuance of the War and for six months afterwards, and stating that this traffic has always endangered and postponed our success during the War by impairing the physical efficiency of the people by delaying the production of munitions, by squandering the national resources, and earnestly appealing to the Members of the Government to follow the example of Russia and France, and without delay introduce the prohibition of drink as referred to; and whether he can indicate the intentions of the Government respecting the same?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that farmers in Shropshire are experiencing difficulty in obtaining beer, which is essential for the men working in the harvest; and will he take immediate steps to remedy this state of things?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the discontent in all the large towns, and more especially in towns like London, Barrow-in-Furness, Sheffield, Birmingham, New- castle, Manchester, Leeds, and Nottingham because of the shortage of beer; and if he can state whether the Government will consider the advisability of increasing the barrelage from ten millions to fifteen millions?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the new Regulations as to the brewing of beer will enable farmers and small holders to purchase malt for the purpose of brewing beer for their own requirements but not for sale?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is now able to announce that steps have been taken to make available sufficient beer, of suitable quality and at a reasonable price, for agricultural labourers engaged in harvest work?

The Government are aware that there is a shortage of beer for men working at the harvest and for workers in some of the towns, and are in consultation with the Food Controller as to the means which should be taken for supplying the deficiency during the summer months. I am not able, as I hoped, to give details to-day, but I expect to be in a position to do so early next week.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, before any permanent arrangements for the future of Epirus are made, steps will be taken to ascertain the wishes of the populations concerned?

If the hon. Gentleman refers, as I presume he does, to Epirus in Greece, that will, I doubt not, remain an integral portion of the Greek kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had his attention drawn to a statement of M. Venizelos that, though a large section of the Greek people wanted a republic, the monarchy was continued in order to gratify the wishes of the Powers; and whether he can indicate the military or diplomatic reasons that prevailed with the Allies to cause them to place on the throne a nephew of the German Kaiser?

I have nothing to add to the reply returned to the hon. Member for North Somerset on the 27th instant.

Does the right hon. Gentleman believe in the divine right of the German Kaiser, seeing that he desires to maintain the Kaiser's relatives on the thrones of Europe?

The words "divine right' have been greatly abused historically, and I am not prepared to use them with regard to any institutions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if negotiations are in progress for exchange of prisoners of war, the same to be removed to neutral countries; and, if so, when is such likely to take place?

This question is one of those which are being discussed by the British and German delegates at The Hague.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the instructions given to Lord Newton and others who are meeting the German officers at The Hague on the subject of the treatment of prisoners; whether they have any power to arrange terms as to release or treatment; and whether any agreement arrived at by them will be subject to the approval of the War Cabinet?

asked the Prime Minister whether Lord Newton, General Sir Henry Belfield, and Sir Robert Younger have gone to The Hague as representing the British Government for the purpose of conducting negotiations with General Friedrich, Major Draugt, and Dr. Eckhardt as representing the German Government; whether these six delegates will meet in one room; and if he will define the scope of the matters to be discussed?

The answer to the first and second parts of question No. 57 is in the affirmative. The British delegates are only empowered to discuss questions relating to prisoners of war. These include

• The resumption of the repatriation of combatant and civilian prisoners under existing agreements.
• The extension of the existing agreements for the repatriation of combatant and civilian prisoners.
• The transfer of combatant prisoners of war to other neutral countries in addition to Switzerland.
• The internment of civilian prisoners of war in neutral countries.
• The more expeditious and satisfactory delivery of parcels to prisoners.
• The punishment of prisoners.
• Reprisals on prisoners.
• The delay in reporting and failure to report the capture of prisoners.
• The removal of British merchant officers from combatant officers' camps.

They are not debarred from discussing other questions relative to prisoners of war, which may be raised by the German delegates, but in any case such conclusions as may be arrived at will be subject to ratification by His Majesty's Government.

Is it the first example since the outbreak of the War of a direct Conference between representatives of the two Governments?

It is the first example of a direct meeting between representatives, not of the Government, but of our official staff and representatives of Germany.

Before these English gentlemen went to this Conference were they given detailed instructions as to how they should treat them or what the civil relations should be?

No; no such instructions were given, nor, in my opinion, were they necessary.

Were they to kiss them on both cheeks?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there was published in the press of 6th March, 1917, a letter purporting to have been written, on 21st July, 1916, by Lord Hardinge, permanent secretary to the Foreign Office, to Sir George Buchanan, British Ambassador in Petrograd; whether Lord Hardinge admits the authorship of this letter; if so, whether he has been asked for an explanation of its references to the right hon. Member for North Mon-mouth and to the Prime Minister of Rou-mania; what is the nature of Lord Hardinge's explanation; and what action he proposes to take?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third in the negative. The fourth part does not, therefore, arise. I do not propose to take any action.

In view of this letter, is it really proposed to maintain Lord Hardinge in his present position without any apology being either offered to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for North Monmouth or to the Roumanian Prime Minister?

The letter to which the hon. Gentleman's question refers was in the nature of a private communication, as has already been stated in the House. Unless the hon. Gentleman's correspondence is of a peculiarly dull character, he must know that everything contained in it would not bear publication even if he desired that it should be published. I do not propose under these circumstances to carry out the suggestion which he has made. May I remind him that this letter was obtained by the illegal action of a German submarine, and the reason the German Government published it was to make mischief. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will not abet the German Government in that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the information which he has just given to the House has never been given before, and is quite news to us?

I am very glad.

I will call attention to this matter further on an early occasion.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the men classed as conscientious objectors and stationed at Prince-town use the Toggintor Wesleyan chapel for what they call propaganda work; that here they foregather for the purpose of preaching class hatred and discussing what they regard as the coming revolution; and will he consider the advisability of confining the men, the majority of whom have been temporarily released from serving sentences of imprisonment, within the precincts of the prison grounds?

The Committee have made inquiries, but have not been furnished with any evidence confirming the statements contained in the question, which are denied by the minister of the chapel. This being so, I do not see my way to taking any action at the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Committee made inquiries on the spot?

They made inquiries of persons on the spot.

asked the Home Secretary under what authority the Committee of Employment of Conscientious Objectors are paying the contributions, less 1d., of men engaged at Prince-town and similar centres, insured under the provisions of Part I. of the National Insurance Act; whether, in the case of sailors and soldiers similarly insured, 1½d. is deducted; and why this invidious distinction is made?

The Committee are authorised by their terms of reference to make such arrangements in matters of this nature as may appear to them to be proper, subject to the consent of the Treasury, which has been duly obtained. The pay of a conscientious objector is loss by one-third than the pay of a private soldier, i.e., 8d. instead of 1s. a day, and the deduction made from his pay in respect of insurance has therefore been fixed at two-thirds of the deduction made from the soldier's pay.

Is the basis considered a fair one when it is reckoned as wages, in view of the fact that one man risks his life for the country and the other man shirks his duty?

I do not compare the two kinds of employment at all.

It is a question of the basis of payment.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the various unofficial arrangements for giving public warning on the occasion of an air raid in London; whether these are permitted; whether in that case there will be any control by the authorities; and whether the Government has as yet arrived at any decision on the subject of an official warning?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave on Tuesday to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland, and yesterday to the hon. Member for East Herts. The Government has decided that no public warnings are to be given in London.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the desire that elementary and other schools should be given warning of attacks by enemy aircraft; and will he take, or arrange with the necessary authority to take, the necessary measures to ensure that such warning is given?

I have no reason to think that such a desire is general, and after consultation with the Board of Education and the Commissioner of Police I am satisfied that it is neither practicable nor desirable to give warnings to elementary schools of possible air raids which many never materialise. The London County Council have already sent out excellent instructions to their schools for use in the event of air raids, and the Board of Education, after consultation with experts, are about to issue general suggestions to education authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received representations as to the necessity of a special constable being detailed to each elementary or other school to prevent panic and supervise the carrying out of the necessary precautions for the safety of the pupils and staff in the event of a raid by hostile aircraft; and is he in communication with the police authorities on the subject?

I had not received representations to this effect, but I have communicated with the Commissioner of Police since the question was put down. As there are 2,400 schools in the Metropolitan Police district it would not be practicable to detail a special constable for duty at each in anticipation of a possible air raid, and I have no reason to think that the schools are in need of such assistance.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to an act of bravery and self-sacrifice on the part of Police-Constable Alfred Smith, of Fins-bury, performed during the air raid on London on the 13th instant, by which he lost his own life in his successful endeavour to get a large number of factory workers, mostly female, who had come into the street, which was being bombed, back into the building, thus in the per- formance of his duty saving many lives while losing his own; and has any special provision been made for the widow and child of the deceased constable?

The Commissioner of Police has already brought to my notice the circumstances in which this brave officer was killed, and I have granted to his widow and child the highest pension which the Police Act provides in the case of constables killed in the execution of their duty.

Is it not a fact that had he lived one more year he would have had a larger pension? Would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the larger pension might be granted?

I was not aware of that fact, but I shall certainly go to the utmost limits in my power.

asked the. Prime Minister whether the Government have considered any scheme for dealing with those who have been disabled as a result of injuries arising out of air raids and the dependants who have been left helpless as a result of the death of the breadwinner; and when a statement of policy may be expected?

I have made careful inquiry into this question, and find that in connection with air raids temporary assistance of a generous kind is forthcoming from the National Relief Fund and certain local funds, including the Mansion House Fund in the case of the recent raid on London. By this means it is possible to grant temporary maintenance allowances, to replace essential articles of furniture, to defray funeral expenses, and to secure the provision of medical or surgical treatment or appliances.

The Government has also decided to make ex gratia awards from public funds of a more permanent character in cases where personal injury has resulted in death or permanent disablement, and where the injured person or his dependants, as the case may be, are otherwise un-provided for. Claims for such assistance will be investigated by the local representative committees set up at the beginning of the War under the Government Committee for the Prevention and Relief of Distress. The reports of the committees will be forwarded to the Treasury, who will make the awards according to the circumstances of the various cases, and follow generally the principles of the Workmen's Compensation Acts.

Is that decision retrospective? Does it apply to injuries suffered since the begining of the War?

I have considered that, and I think it is only right that the terms of my answer should apply to such cases.

Will that also relate to injuries to property? The southeast has suffered heavily.

No. I cannot say anything in regard to property.

Does this apply only to air raids or will it apply also to bombardments?

This answer applies only to air raids. I believe something special was done in regard to bombardments, apart from what has been done in regard to air raids.

asked the Prime Minister whether Circular No. M.M. 139, recently issued by the Ministry of Munitions in batches of thousands, has received the sanction of the War Cabinet; and whether, having regard to the nature of the questions asked and answers given in the circular and their effect on recruiting, he will consider the advisability of ordering its immediate withdrawal?

Circular No. M.M. 139 sets out in popular form the conditions governing the Schedule of Protected Occupations M.M. 130. In view of the fact that this Schedule and subsequent modifications were approved by the War Cabinet, the express sanction of the War Cabinet was not required before its issue. It is not proposed to withdraw the circular.

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to the matter on the Vote later in the day.

asked the Minister of Munitions how many scrap-metal merchants in Glasgow have received exemption cards for their staffs, and of how many do their exempted staffs consist, and how many are of military age; are these cards given to the staff over and above exemptions given to partners; are the cards given to them as departmental managers; and will he say what is the annual turnover of his Department with the scrap-metal merchants of that city?

Nineteen scrap-metal merchants in Glasgow have received protection certificates for certain of their employés of military age. Inquiry is being made into the numbers of the staffs of the firms in question and the proportions of military age as compared to the numbers of exemptions given. No exemption is given to departmental managers unless they are over the age of twenty-five, and have already had ten years' experience of the trade. It does not necessarily follow that protection is given to partners as the hon. Member appears to suggest. It is not possible to give the precise total of the turnover of scrap metal with the department, but I may say the, turnover has been very large, especially with regard to steel from ships.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that the boiler-men's case at the Clayton Aniline Company was heard on 10th and 17th May before Mr. A. S. Ashton, K.C.; if he is aware that the award was given three days after and was sent on to the Minister of Munitions for endorsement; if he is aware that up to the present time no endorsement has been received; if he is aware that these delays are causing unrest in different parts of the country; and if he can give reasons why this question has not been settled?

My hon. Friend has been misinformed. No copy of the award referred to has, so far as I know, been received by the Ministry of Munitions for endorsement, nor is endorsement by the Minister required in the case of an award in respect of a difference reported in accordance with the provisions of Part I. of the Muntions of War Act, 1915.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that although this award has been given in accordance with the statements made in the question it has not been paid up to the present; that we were led to understand by the arbitrator that it was sent to the Minister of Munitions for endorsement, and that is why the case has been held up?

I should be surprised that that is so, because the Minister has no power to endorse it, and if he did endorse it it would have no effect.

asked how many substitutes for munition workers of military age have been found and placed for him by the National Service Department?

A written answer to the hon. Member's question was circulated with the OFFICIAL REPORT for 27th June (see column 406). The answer was to the following effect. The National Service Department have not as yet been called on to furnish substitutes for munition workers of military age. The Employment Exchange Department of the Ministry of Labour have supplied substitutes required to fill vacancies occasioned by release to the Colours.

What does the National Service Department do?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the facts with regard to the danger of a shortage of cotton; whether he can state how far this is attributable to shortage in the supply of raw material, to shortage of shipping, and to labour difficulties due to recruitment; and if he can state what proposals or recommendations are made by his Department with a view to meeting the emergency?

The output of the Lancashire mills has been affected by labour difficulties due to recruitment and other war needs. In recent weeks the imports of cotton have fallen below the point necessary to meet the full demands of all the mills, and stocks are consequently being depleted. Steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to increase the import of cotton so far as possible. In these circumstances I have thought it advisable to set up a Control Board consisting of representatives of the various interests affected, including both employers and operatives. To this Board will be delegated certain powers to be taken by the Board of Trade by an Order which will be made under the Defence of the Realm Regulations and which will give that body control over the distribution and use of raw cotton.