asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Montenegro was invited to send a representative to the recent Paris Conference on Balkan problems; and, if not, why Montenegro was not invited?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent reference in the Reichstag by Herr Haase to the meeting on 5th July, 1914, apparently at Potsdam, at which there appear to have been present the Kaiser and the political, military, and naval leaders of Germany and Austria; whether the Allied Governments have any information about this or any similar meeting during that month; and, if so, whether they will consider the advisability of disclosing it?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have any official information that the German Government deny the accuracy of the disclosures to the effect that the War was virtually decided upon at a meeting at Potsdam on 4th July, 1914; and whether he is prepared to make any statement on the subject?

In reply to these questions, I have seen what has appeared in the Press on the subject. I cannot make any statement on the subject beyond that the information in the possession of His Majesty's Government indicates that the Central Empires decided in July on a policy which, in their opinion, would almost certainly lead to war against Russia, and consequently against France.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the passports for the right hon. Member for Barnard Castle and the hon. Member for Leicester were granted and for what country or countries they were available; and whether any and, if so, what steps were taken to ascertain the views of the War Cabinet upon their being granted?

The passports referred to were endorsed for travelling to France on Thursday last at the request of my right hon. Friend the Member for Barnard Castle. The War Cabinet were informed, and they decided that under the circumstances it would not be right to withhold the passports.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that a conference of French, Russian, and British delegates held in Paris on 30th July decided unanimously that an international Socialist conference at which German Socialists are to be represented shall take place at either Stockholm or Christiania between 9th and 16th September; whether the right hon. Member for Barnard Castle, being a member of the War Cabinet, was a party to this proposal; whether the Government has decided to allow British subjects to take part with German subjects in such a conference; (2) whether the recent conference at Paris of French, Russian, and British delegates, in which the right hon. Member for Barnard Castle, being a member of the War Cabinet, took part, decided to leave to a sub-committee the question as to the conditions on which Allied delegates should meet enemy delegates at Stockholm or Christiania; whether he is aware that this sub-committee consisted of the following members: M. Ehrlich, Jewish Social Democrat; M. Goldenberg, Revolutionary Socialist; M. Longuet, Pacifist; M. Renandel, Majority Socialist; and the hon. Members for Leicester and Stockport; and whether the conditions laid down by this sub-committee will be considered by the Government and made public before passports are granted to any British delegates to proceed to Stockholm or Christiania?

I cannot add anything to what was said in the Debate last night on this subject.

Will the House be given the opportunity of considering the matter before passports are granted to British subjects to attend this conference?

What was said in the Debate last night shows two things clearly—first, that no representative of the Government will in any case attend such conference; and, secondly, that it does not depend upon the Government, but upon the Labour party whether or not they approve of such conference. For my own part, I hope they will not approve of it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Barnard Castle attend that conference?

It was clearly stated yesterday by the Prime Minister that no member of the Government would attend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member who put this question is constantly meeting Germans in the persons of Lord Milner, Mr. Beit, and others?

Will a passport be granted to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Leicester to attend this conference?

I think it was stated yesterday by the Prime Minister—at all events that was the impression my right hon. Friend's speech gave me—that whether or not the Government would allow anyone to attend such conference had not been decided, and certainly will not be done without the most careful consideration—probably not at all.

Will the House of Commons be consulted in the matter?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a copy of a series of resolutions passed at a meeting of ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary in the Botanic Park, Belfast, on the 25th ult., requesting the Government to have the Constabulary Force Fund wound up and the surplus remaining invested for the benefit of those who subscribed to it, many of whom are now, owing to their small retiring pensions and the rise in prices, in want of assistance; and will he consent to receive a deputation of these ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary in order that they may place the urgency of their claim before him?

I have received many resolutions on this subject. It has been stated on several occasions in this House that the Constabulary Force Fund is in course of being wound up in the only equitable way possible. There will be no surplus available until the existing and contingent claims of widows and orphans of subscribers are discharged. Subscribers, past and present, have no legal claim on the fund, and there is no provision in the Statutes or under the rules of the fund for the return of subscriptions. If there had been such a rule gratuities to widows and orphans could not be paid at the present liberal scale. I will consider the question of receiving a deputation of Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners when a suitable opportunity occurs.

Is it possible to estimate what it will cost to pay these claims? Is it possible to calculate what the balances will be?

I am told that there is no prospect of a balance for distribution.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the amount of the Grant awarded by the Rebellion (Victims) Committee in the case of the dependants of James Finnegan, late of 27, North King Street Dublin; if a sum of £18 had only been awarded in this case; if he is aware that Finnegan, who had been earning 30s. a week, had been helping to support his father who is over eighty years of age and his mother who is over seventy; and if he will take steps to have this case reconsidered with a view of having a larger amount awarded?

The father and mother of the deceased resided at Lusk, county Dublin. Their joint dependency was assessed at £12 a year, and on this basis an award of £36, the maximum sum payable, has been made to the parents.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received information that a number of female munition workers, when proceeding through Cork from an excursion on the 8th ultimo, were set upon by a crowd, dragged from the vehicles they were in, beaten, and with difficulty rescued by some military officers; and will he say any persons convicted of being concerned in this assault?

I have seen a report of the attack on the munition workers referred to. Four persons were identified, prosecuted, and convicted. Two were sentenced to four months' hard labour and two to two months. All were ordered to enter into sureties of the peace for twelve months or undergo a further term of two months' imprisonment. An appeal is pending.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the fact that his Department has refused in many instances compensation to workers who have been seriously and permanently disabled in munition factories, on the ground of contributory negligence, whereas they are entitled to such compensation in these circumstances; and, if so, what action he proposes to take to compensate those who have been refused the award to which they were entitled?

I am advised that the Ministry of Munitions have not refused compensation in the manner suggested, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any cases he has in mind I will have inquiries made at once.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether representations have been made to him by all the unions representing women munition workers that they should share in the increases awarded by the Committee on Production; and whether it is proposed to give them a general advance in wages as from August, and, if so, of what amount?

The question of advances in the wages of women on munitions work has been considered by the Special Arbitration Tribunal, and directions will be given under Section 6 of the Munitions of War (Amendment) Act, 1916, for advances of 2s. 6d. a week in the case of women, with effect from 15th August. These advances will apply both to these working on time and to those on systems of payment by results, and will be payable over and above the weekly earnings.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has now considered the representations made to him that women munition workers who have been working at some distance from their homes should receive free railway passes to enable them to visit their homes during their holidays; and what action he proposes to take?

I regret that it has not been found possible to arrange for any free passes for munition workers. The Ministry have, however, had placed at their disposal for the August holiday period an increased number of the cheap vouchers which were originally intended for married men working away from their homes in controlled establishments. I have arranged that any surplus of these vouchers should be available for distribution among other classes of employés, including women, in controlled establishments.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many girls who are not married work in munition factories in Ireland, and after paying for their support find it impossible to save money to enable them to visit their homes, and under those circumstances will he provide facilities for them?

I know the position is exceedingly difficult. There are many difficulties, but we are controlled by the available railway facilities.

Why not at least give these women workers return tickets at single fares?

The vouchers are for return tickets at single fare, and I can assure the hon. Member more vouchers would be provided only for the great pressure on the railways.

They are only extended to married men or women, who do not represent 10 per cent. of those who work in munition factories.

I have told the hon. Member that if it is found we have a surplus of vouchers the women will be first considered.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that dissatisfaction has been caused among organised working women by the absence of any direct representation on the new Billeting Board; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

There are three women members of the Billeting Board and I have no reason to believe that the interests of women workers are not adequately represented.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether M. Evanson and thirteen other workers engaged as inspectors for the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, at the munitions factory, Aston Lane, Birmingham, were given a week's notice on 19th July, 1917, on Form C.I.W. 108, signed by A. T. Beatie for the administrative officer, Inspection Department, Woolwich; whether he is aware that these workers did not receive their clearance certificates, health insurance cards, and unemployment books on the date they ceased work; and whether it is proposed to make any compensation to the workers for the loss of time occasioned by the action of the Department?

A number of women were discharged on 26th July. They received their leaving certificates by 28th July, but owing to a miscarriage of documents their Health Insurance Cards and unemployment books were not dispatched until 1st August. If any of these persons have suffered loss as a result of the delay, they should address the Inspection Department, Woolwich Arsenal, where their claims will be considered and dealt with.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the clerical staffs of national filling factories come under the Government's war bonus scheme; and if not, will he state the reason, seeing that the clerks employed in the Army Ordnance and Munitions Inspection Departments in the same factories are being paid the bonus?

The war bonus referred to by the hon. Member is presumably that awarded by the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Government Employés under date 21st May, 1917 (Award No. 5). That award, which was the result of a claim by the Civil Service Federation, has not been regarded as applicable to the staffs of the new national factories, as salaries or wages are in general regulated by local conditions and are not based on or restricted within the limits of the definite scales obtaining in Government Departments or other permanent establishments. In such national factories claims to advance wages are considered on their merits according to the recommendation of the managers or boards of management. If the hon. Member will bring to my notice any cases in which increased remuneration appears to be called for, I shall be glad to make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Munitions if his attention has been called to the act of heroism performed by Mr. Ivor Pugh at. a Welsh munition factory in Wales, whose right eye was blown out and whose thumb and fingers were blown off by an explosion of nitroglycerine and alcohol igniting; whether he is aware that Pugh, who noticed a bucket containing the above explosives igniting, promptly seized it and carried it into an open yard before it exploded, and that by this action he undoubtedly saved many lives and many thousands of pounds in goods and property; and if he will say if his Department will suitably reward this man for his action?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the answer given by my hon. Friend on July 18th to the hon. Member for Brecknock on this subject.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that Messrs. Willey and Company, Exeter, engineers and gas meter makers, is a controlled firm; that they have not paid their workpeople the advances granted in the engineering trade by the Committee on Production; that lads of eighteen and sixteen years of age are only receiving wages varying from 16s. 8d. to 10s. 6d.; that women workers have been kept short of eight weeks' back-money at the rate of 4s. per week in respect of advances granted by Statutory Orders; and if he will take action in the matter?

Complaints on the first and third points raised by my hon. Friend have already been received and are being investigated by the Department. The second point is new to me, but I am causing inquiry to be made into it also, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result in all three cases.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, when the permit to alter and adapt the premises formerly known as Central Hall, 85, High Holborn, involving an expenditure of £10,000 and the employment of 200 men working night and day for three weeks, was granted to the syndicate now controlling this establishment, the primary object of the adaptation was for the purpose of providing accommodation for troops; whether he is aware that practically the whole of the money was expended in making these premises suitable for boxing exhibitions, there being now no accommodation for soldiers in whose interests the permit was granted; and, having regard to these circumstances, what action does he intend taking in the matter?

An application for a licence for the work referred to was first refused, but was subsequently granted at the request of the Y.M.C.A., supported by the War Office, on the understanding that the Y.M.O.A. should have the use of the building at any time for providing sleeping accommodation for soldiers, and that the building should only be used for boxing with their consent. The expenditure approved was £4,000, not £10,000, and I am informed that no constructional steel was used. The alterations were necessary to make the building suitable for the use of soldiers. I was not aware that its use by them had been discontinued, and I am inquiring into the matter; but I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the reply given on Monday by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War to the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) whether he has received any report showing the number of rifle bullets discharged by the constabulary from the barracks at Bally-bunion on the night of Daniel Scanlon's death; if not, will he ascertain the total number of shots fired from the police barracks; (2) whether he has yet received a report of the incidents which occurred at Ballybunion recently; whether he can now state if he has seen or received a copy of the depositions sworn to at the coroner's inquiry held at Ballybunion at which a verdict of willful murder was found against Sergeant M'Cauley and Constable Lyons; and whether he can now state if the coroner's verdict has been given effect to by placing under arrest and bringing to trial Sergeant M'Cauley and Constable Lyons for the murder of Daniel Scanlon?

I have received reports of the incidents in question and of the proceedings before the coroner's jury. I am advised that the finding of the coroner's jury is invalid on the fact of it and that no warrant can lawfully be issued upon it. Proceedings are pending in which I anticipate that the facts of the case will be fully and publicly ascertained, and in the meantime I am unable to enter into discussion of the details of the occurrence, which is reported to me to have been an attack upon a police barrack in which shots were fired into the barrack and return shots were fired from the barracks.

If it is the view of the right hon. Gentleman that these policemen were innocent, why have all these policemen been removed from Ballybunion barrack?

I do not think, after the information given in the reply, that it would be proper to answer that inquiry.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has seen the sworn evidence given before the coroner's Court, and is it not a fact that the police were present at the inquest and were invited by the coroner to give evidence, and refused to do so or to render any assistance; and are we to understand that after the verdict of the coroner's jury of wilful murder against these policemen the Government are taking no action to bring these men to justice?

That is raising the whole question as to which I have given a very carefully considered answer, and I really have nothing to add to my reply.

Is there any precedent in Ireland, when a coroner's jury give a verdict of wilful murder against anyone, for not bringing him to justice?

I have told the hon. Member that the jury have returned a verdict which is entirely invalid and void on the face of it.

On what ground is the verdict invalid—it was an ordinary coroner's jury summoned by the police?

I really cannot discuss the question of law as to the form of the coroner's jury. The effect of the advice which I have had on the matter is that the verdict returned is invalid and void on the face of it.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman a lawyer himself, and ought he not be able to give a decision?

I am sorry to have to ask a further supplementary question, but this concerns the death of a man. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every respectable person living around Ballybunion entirely repudiates the statement of the police that any shot was fired at the barrack? And is he aware that no attack of any kind was made on the barrack, with the exception of one stone being thrown and one pane of glass being broken before the police fired indiscriminately all over the village?

If I departed from the conclusion of which I have informed the hon. Member—in my view it is a proper conclusion—I should have to state facts which could not have any useful effect with regard to the decision, but upon which judicial proceedings are pending; but it must not be taken that I acquiesce in any way in the statements that are being made.

Are these police quite free, and doing duty in some portions of Ireland instead of being arrested?

That is not a matter which arises out of this question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will arrange to have the additional 1s. 6d. salary, the additional 2s. 6d. lodging allowance, and the war bonus which have been sanctioned for Irish prison warders paid at once in view of the fact that the necessity for it is urgent?

The war bonus is being paid to Irish prison officers. As regards the other matters, Treasury sanction has been given to my proposals and the necessary arrangements are being made.

May it be hoped that the arrangement will actually be carried out, and that there will be no delay?

I am certain that there will be no delay that can be avoided.

asked the Vice President of the Department of Agricul- ture (Ireland) whether he will state the immediate use to which he proposes to put some 1,200 acres of land, the property of Colonel Chichester Constable, in county Roscommon, and which have been taken over because of inability to comply with tillage Regulations; and what conditions have been imposed as to the continued tenancy of these lands on the tenants at present in occupation?

The Department have taken possession of the lands in question, but have given authority to Colonel Chichester Constable which will enable him to use the lands temporarily pending action, when the present grazing season comes to an end. It will, therefore, be seen that in these circumstances the necessity of imposing conditions as to the continued tenancy of these lands on the tenants at present using them does not arise.

In regard to this question, may I ask if this officer of the Army is not a political friend of the hon. Member who puts the question, and is it not from that class you meet with opposition?

I do not know anything about that.

May I state that I was asked to put the question by the parish priest?

asked the Vice-dent of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what steps have been taken by the Department to encourage the rebuilding and equipment of Irish mills to cope with the large harvest of home-grown grain this year; whether he is aware that owners of mills complain that many weeks elapse before inspection is made and terms are offered in reply to inquiries; that the terms of repayment by five annual instalments, plus 5 per cent. interest and four personal securities for the amount borrowed, are not satisfactory to small owners, owing to the fact that they have to incur personal obligations to their neighbours to become securities; and that they think it too onerous to repay capital within five years and pay current expenses; will he say how many owners of mills have accepted these terms and how many disused mills there are in Ireland which are capable of reconstruction; and, in view of the urgent need for the provision of drying kilns in case of a wet harvest, will he state if the Department will reconsider the terms of repayment and offer an alternative acceptable to owners?

The Department have, under one of their loan schemes, offered loans, not exceeding four-fifths of the cost involved, to persons who desire to erect, repair, and equip meal mills in Ireland. No avoidable delay has occurred in sending an inspector to examine each case in which application for a loan is made. The terms of repayment by five annual instalments with interest at the rate of 5 per cent. are not unreasonable, and have not, in the Department's experience, proved any bar to applicants accepting loans. Loans of this kind have already been offered to 115 applicants in Ireland, but it is not at present possible to state how many of these will actually proceed with the reconstruction and equipment of their mills. The same loan system will be available for the erection and purchase of drying kilns, but the Department are not prepared to extend the period for repayment of these loans beyond five years.

Is it not the fact that several banks in Ireland have offered very much better terms to milling companies than those offered by the Department of Agriculture, and, under those circumstances, cannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to approach the Treasury to improve the conditions under which they are giving advances for mills which are necessary for the food supply?

Of course, if the owners of mills can get money on better terms elsewhere they will not ask it from the Department of Agriculture.

I did not say the owners of mills, but those who are now starting to provide mills.

The whole matter is now being carefully considered, and the best terms that can possibly be given have been offered.

The right hon. Gentleman has carefully avoided stating how many applicants have accepted the terms, and in view of the absence of that information what steps is he taking to provide the necessary mills to deal with the harvest?

One hundred and fifteen applications have been granted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that meetings for the purpose of rabbit coursing take place weekly in Newcastle and in almost every colliery village in Northumberland and the county of Durham; whether he is aware that the rabbits for these meetings have to be captured by means of ferrets, nets, and other appliances, and that many thousands of such rabbits, a number of them being does heavy with young, are required to supply the demand; that these animals, having been so captured, are closely packed in boxes and sent long distances by train, and that, by reason of the heat and impaired train service, many of them are found to be dead when unpacked, and that numbers when liberated cannot run and are seized by the dogs before they have been able to move more than a few yards from the starting point; whether he is aware that these animals, after being coursed, are quite unfit for human food; and whether, having regard to the loss of food so caused, as well as to the demands made upon the railways by the constant transit of these living animals, and the cruelty involved, he will take steps to put an end to these meetings, either by forbidding rabbits to be sold off the land for such purposes or otherwise?

It is very doubtful whether the stopping of rabbit coursing would increase in any way the food supply of the country. In the circumstances it does not fall within the scope of the Food Controller to take action.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will issue an Order to the public specifying the best way of storing main-crop potatoes so as to prevent, as far as possible, the loss and deterioration in the crop that will otherwise take place?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state which are the best methods of safeguarding potatoes after they are taken from the ground, especially with regard to those deposited in pits and those placed under cover in buildings, and any precautions to be taken in either case?

Full information as to the proper storing of potatoes is contained in the Board's Leaflet No. 299, a revised edition of which is being issued. This leaflet will be widely circulated, and I will send copies to my hon. Friends. In the meantime, I will send them copies of a pamphlet issued by the Royal Horticultural Society, which also deals with the subject and which the Board are also issuing to inquirers.

Would it not be desirable to send a copy of this pamphlet to everybody in the House, so that they could make use of it?

I think that is a good suggestion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been directed to the report which the medical officer of health for Stepney has submitted to his committee; whether he is aware that the medical officer states that nearly 700 tons of rotten potatoes and unsound margarine were brought by rail from Harwich to London; whether the potatoes, 13,000 bags, must have been rotten when they left Holland; and if he will explain why the inspectors at Harwich did not condemn them on the spot?

The Food Controller has made personal inquiry into the matters referred to in the report of the medical officer of health for Stepney. He is not responsible for the action of the inspectors at Harwich, but he is informed that the Local Government Board are in communication with the local authority on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in the recommendations made regarding the setting up of local food committees, there is included one that a Labour representative should be added; and whether, in view of the proportion of the population concerned with the work of these committees being working class, the Ministry will recommend a greater share of representation of working-class interests?

It will be provided that every local food control committee must include at least one representative of Labour. Subject to a provision that the membership of the committee shall not exceed twelve, it will be left to local authorities to use their discretion to appoint as many other representatives of Labour as they think fit.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that cattle-feeding food has more than doubled in price; and will he say what steps he has taken to ensure that feeding-stuffs are reduced in price so as to enable the farmer to produce beef at 60s. per cwt. in and after January next, the most expensive time for meat production?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given last Tuesday to the hon. Member for Shrewsbury.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us definitely what steps have been taken by the Food Controller to lower the price of cattle-feeding stuffs?

I am not able at present to add to the answers that so far have been given on the subject.

But have any steps been taken?

Certainly!

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will reconsider his proposal to fix the maximum live-weight price for fat bullocks in January next at £3 per cwt.; and if he is aware that, in consequence of the high price of feeding stuffs, it will be impossible for farmers to produce bullocks in that month at the price of £3 per cwt. except at considerable loss, resulting in scarcity of meat?

I have nothing to add to the answers already given on this subject except to express the hope that the price of feeding stuffs will be reduced.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if, having regard to the decline in the number of poultry kept and eggs produced, resulting in high prices for these articles of food in this country, he will, in view of an abundant harvest, modify the Order prohibiting the purchase of grain for poultry?

The restriction on the feeding of grain to poultry applies only to wheat and rye, to kiln-dried barley, and to maize which has been released solely for human consumption. Tailings and screenings and wheat or rye which has been so damaged as to be unsaleable for milling may be used for poultry food. The Food Controller hopes to be able to regulate the admixture of grain sold for poultry food and to reduce its price.

Do I take it from that answer that maize cannot be used for the feeding of poultry?

Only within the qualification stated in the answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the House an early date for discussing profiteering and the price of the prime necessities of living?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many towns in Yorkshire seething with discontent at the present time?

Was not the hon. Gentleman present when the subject was discussed the other day: there was opportunity then for full discussion?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large part of this discontent is due to his own unhappy disclosures of his shipping profits?

I hope not. At all events, it is not always easy to conceal the truth when it is essential.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has now received any information showing that farmers are buying fewer store cattle; will he say what incentive remains to the farmer to get his cattle into good marketable condition, seeing that in the absence of competition he will obtain for his beasts the same price whether they are fat or lean; and whether he is aware that unless some further steps are taken there is a probability of a meat famine in the near future?

I have no information as to the point raised in the first part of the question, but there are indications that the price of stores will, as the Food Controller hoped, be considerably reduced. So far as sales of cattle for civil consumption are concerned, it is proposed to fix the maximum wholesale price of meat so that the price the farmer gets for his cattle will depend on their probable yield in meat. The number of cattle now berg grazed in the United Kingdom is a sufficient guarantee against any chance of a meat famine in the near future.

Has the hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that farmers will continue to breed and rear cattle when the price is going to be lowered, while the price of feeding stuffs continues to increase?

That belief is embodied in the answer I have given.

Is it to be understood that these prices suggested for the coming months will not apply to what is generally known in the trade as prime beef, but will apply to the class of cattle which formerly was known as Army contract beef?

That question covers technical points on which I would require notice.

Does the hon. Gentleman mean that the limit issued last week has been altered?

No; the answer is that it has not been.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Food Controller has appointed an agent to control and consign the Scottish raspberry crop; who the agent is; whether he is to receive a commission of £1 a ton or what other amount on the quantity obtained; and whether the Government alone have commandeered more than 3,000 tons of this crop?

The Food Controller has appointed Mr. T. M. Hodge, of Blairgowrie, to receive delivery of the raspberries grown in Scotland. His maximum rate of commission is £1 a ton, but on all raspberries delivered through associations commission will be a matter of arrangement. Mr. Hodge was informed that in the view of the Food Controller the reasonable commission, on such consignments would be 5s. a ton. The Government have requisitioned the whole crop of raspberries, which is expected to amount to 3,000 tons.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why the commission is put as high as £1 per ton, and what price is being paid for the raspberries per ton?

As to the question of price, I have as yet no figures. With regard to the other question, as the answer states, £1 is the maximum and there are two other conditions also stated in the answer.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether those raspberries have been commandeered for Army purposes; whether the whole of them will be required for Army purposes, and what will become of those which are not required for Army purposes?

That is a question of which I shall require notice.

I will give notice.

Will all contracts previously made between retailers and growers be cancelled?

I cannot answer that point either without notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that unrest prevails among small licensed traders in Ireland who got their supply of beer and stout from local agents and not from the brewers direct; and whether he will arrange that all traders be supplied direct from the brewers a fixed quantity per week, so that the small trader will get the same advantages as the large trader?

Agents not recognised as brewers' agents have hitherto had a free hand in the disposal of the beer supplied to them by brewers, and this system has in some cases caused difficulties to small licensed traders in Ireland who bought their beer from such agents in 1915. The Food Controller is consulting the Irish brewers for the purpose of ascertaining whether any modification of the existing system can be usefully adopted, with a view to remedying this grievance.

When may we expect to know what it is intended to do?

Soon, I hope.

Could not a Regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act be issued, as in the case of the Sugar Commission, making it compulsory on the wholesale houses to distribute a percentage of beer to the small traders?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will wait until the further steps announced in the reply are taken.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present Regulations give a complete monopoly to two or three wholesale houses in large towns?

My first reply indicated an admission that the grievance exists.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the composition of the Commission on Native Reserves in Rhodesia; and how many of its members either are or were servants of the company in the administrative or commercial departments or in companies in which the British South Africa Company holds material interests?

The Commissioners appointed by Lord Gladstone were as follows: Mr. Coryndon, who is Resident Commissioner of Basutoland, chairman; Mr. Newton, treasurer of Southern Rhodesia; and Major Garraway, Resident Commissioner of the Bechuanaland Protectorate. As Mr. Newton was unable to attend throughout, Mr. W. J. Atherstone, the Surveyor-General of Southern Rhodesia, acted as alternate. Mr. Newton and Mr. Atherstone are in the administrative service of the British South Africa Company. Mr. Coryndon, who used to be in the administrative service in Northern Rhodesia, left it to serve under the High Commission ten years ago. I am not aware that any of them has ever served in the company's commercial department or was concerned with commercial affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that during the investigation of a Land Commission in Rhodesia the Commissioners were accompanied throughout by the surveyor-general of the company; whether he is aware that for some years this official has been advocating a policy of cutting down the reserves; and whether, in examining the Report of this Commission, His Majesty's Government will take these facts into consideration?

As the Commission had to be absent in remote districts for long periods, the Administrator suggested the appointment of Mr. Atherstone, the surveyor-general, to replace Mr. Newton, the treasurer, who was the company's original representative. Mr. Atherstone was recommended as having a valuable knowledge of the land question, especially the reserves. Lord Gladstone proposed, therefore, to approve his appointment as alternate to Mr. Newton, and Lord Harcourt approved. I have no knowledge of Mr. Atherstone's personal views, and am content to accept the judgment of the High Commissioner and Secretary of State of the day, but I may add that if the hon. Member will read the Report when it comes out he will find that there was plenty of scope for the assistance of a surveyor-general.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the promised Report will come out?

As soon as conveniently possible, but the pressure is very great at the moment.

Has he any idea of the anticipated day?

I can promise that it will not be indefinitely delayed.

Will there be any reduction of these Reserves before the Report is issued and the whole matter comes up for discussion?

I think there is general approval of the principle, and there is no question, so far as I know, of the area being sold or going into the commercial assets of the company. If that is what the hon. Member is thinking of, that must entirely depend upon the result of the reference to the Privy Council.

Is the object of the reduction of these reserves to deprive the natives of the land and to provide cheap labour to the Rhodesian and other companies, and will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Colonial Office offers no support to anything of that kind?

I must entirely demur to the assumption of the hon. Gentleman. There is absolutely no foundation to it whatsoever.

Will the hon. Gentleman explain when he says that the principle is approved that he has not withdrawn what he has already told us that the Government has not given its sanction to the proposals in this form?

I hope I have not misled the hon. Member. If he will put down a precise question I will give him the precise facts with regard to it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has granted any permits or given permission for Vitali Menasche and Gaston Menasche, or either of them, to travel and do business in Ceylon; whether he is aware that these men, who trade as Leon Menascho and Company, are alien enemies, being subjects of Turkey, and not refugee Spanish Jews, as they would have it believed; and whether he is aware that they have abused the privilege granted to them by belittling the influence of the Government, deriding British rule, and generally acting to the prejudice of British interests with the native population?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by the Secretary of State for India on the 20th December last. I have had no communication from the Ceylon Government on the subject, but I will ask for their observations.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has now been able to ascertain the number of men of military age, irrespective of their category, who are at present in the employment on the various contracts that are being executed by the firm of Alban, Richards and Company, Albemarle Street, W.; has an independent official of his Board gone into and satisfied himself as to the necessity for the exemptions claimed for and obtained by the firm; and is he satisfied that none of the employés exempted from military service are only required to work part-time with the firm and are able to carry on their own business as well?

The number of men of military age, irrespective of medical category, who are at present in the employ of Messrs. Alban, Richards and Company, Coventry Street, W., on the headquarters staff and at the eight provincial works which are within the cognisance of the Ministry of Munitions is 785. Of this number, the names of all those from eighteen to thirty-two years of age who are not in scheduled occupations have been submitted to the recruiting authorities, in order that they may be called up for medical examination. They will receive no protection from military service if they are found to be in category A. In reply to the second part of the question, an independent official of the Ministry has personally supervised all cases in which protection from recruitment has been claimed for and obtained by the firm. As to the third part of the question, I have no reason to believe that any of the employés who have been granted protection from recruitment on the ground of their employment under this firm are only required to work part-time.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that there are large numbers of Russian subjects in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Glasgow; what provisions are being made for special tribunals in these cities for cases arising under the Military Service (Conventons with Allied States) Act; and at what date will the tribunals, as newly set up or specially altered, be able to hear appeals?

Special provision will be made for dealing with the applications of Russian subjects in the towns mentioned, and will be announced in due course. An Order in Council cannot be made until the expiration of thirty days from the date upon which the Convention was laid before Parliament. What I have said applies primarily to the English towns mentioned, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland informs me that similar arrangements will apply to Glasgow.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many applications have been made for exemption to the Whitechapel Tribunal and how many have been granted; and what proportion the exemptions in this tribunal bear to those throughout the country generally?

There is no "Whitechapel Tribunal" as such; I presume that the hon. Member refers to the Stepney Tribunals. I have not information at hand of the total number of applications and exemptions; but, judging from a recent return, the number of exemptions in force in Stepney compared with that of the whole country represents a ratio of less than 0.5 per cent.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if it was the Herts Tribunal who decided what work of national importance the sons of Dunn, the hatter, should undertake; and, if so, will he say whether, in view of the public feeling against these men being employed in these comfortable circumstances, he can see his way to obtain from the Herts Tribunal their reason for exercising such leniency?

My right hon. Friend is communicating with the Herts Appeal Tribunal with a view to obtaining the information desired by my hon. Friend.

Has my hon. Friend noticed that the men concerned in this question refuse even to destroy insects, and as they are all concerned in agricultural pursuits will he see that they are all sprayed?

Would these sons be called mad hatters?

Is it not somewhat extraordinary to find five sons in one family being given work in the country of national importance?

The only thing asked in the question is whether the President "can see I is way to obtain from the Herts Tribunal their reason for exercising such clemency?" I have told the hon. Member that we are in communication with that tribunal now with the object of obtaining the information desired, and I can say no more.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why so many clerks of military age in the offices of electric lighting and gas companies are allowed to be badged and classified by the companies themselves as skilled workers; whether these men, many of whom are Class A men, are engaged on clerical work which women could do; and whether, in view of the pressing demand for men by the military authorities, he will take the necessary steps to have all men of military age employed by electric lighting and gas companies as clerks debadged?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. All war service badge certificates were withdrawn on 7th May, 1917. The protection from recruitment of the clerical staff of electric lighting and gas companies is dealt with in some cases under the Schedule of Protected Occupations; in other cases by local tribunals. The Schedule provides that in electrical and gas undertakings certified by the Ministry of Munitions under the Munitions of War Act, technical staff and clerks possessing high technical knowledge shall be protected from the age of twenty-five upwards, and other clerical staff from the age of thirty-two or below that age if they are not fit for general military service, category A. I was not aware that any category A clerks below those age limits were being protected in undertakings dealt with under the Schedule. If the hon. Member will give me the names of any undertakings as to which he has definite information, I shall be glad to make inquiry into the position.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Departmental Committee which has been appointed by the Lord President of the Council, acting on behalf of the Government, to consider the expediency of legislation prohibiting unqualified practice in dentistry contains a large representation of medical men and registered dentists, but no representative of the unregistered dental practitioners, who will be so vitally affected by the proposed legislation; and whether he will take steps to appoint representatives of the unregistered dental practitioners upon the Committee?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Departmental Committee appointed by the Home Office to consider the use of cocaine in dentistry included three Members of Parliament and only two other members, but that the Departmental Committee which has now been appointed by the Lord President of the Council to consider dental legislation includes only one Member of Parliament and seven other members; and whether, as legislation is involved, he will strengthen the Committee by adding Members of Parliament representing all sections of opinion in the House of Commons?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Lord President of the Council, acting on behalf of the Government, has appointed a Departmental Committee to consider the expediency of legislation prohibiting the practice of dentistry and dental surgery by unqualified persons, and that the membership of the Committee is confined mainly to medical men and registered dentists, whose opinions are well known and have been frequently expressed; and whether, with a view to securing impartiality, he will consider the desirability of appointing a Parliamentary Committee, drawn from all sections of the House, and in which the public could have confidence?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Lord President of the Council, acting on behalf of the Government, has appointed a Departmental Committee to consider the expediency of legislation prohibiting the practice of dentistry and dental surgery by unqualified persons; whether there is any demand for such legislation from any section of the community except those professionally interested; whether the matter is urgent; and, if not, whether action will be deferred until after the War, in view of the desirability of avoiding the discussion of controversial topics in the House of Commons at the present time?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction with the composition of the Departmental Committee which has been appointed by the Lord President of the Council, acting on behalf of the Government, to consider the expediency of legislation prohibiting unqualified practice in dentisty; and whether the Committee will be strengthened by the addition of representatives of the unregistered practitioners in dentistry, and also by the addition of Members of Parliament representing all sections of opinion in the House of Commons?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction with the appointment and composition of the Departmental Committee which has been set up by the Lord President of the Council, acting on behalf of the Government, to consider the expediency of legislation prohibiting unqualified practice in dentistry; and whether an opportunity will be given for the discussion of the matter in the House of Commons before the Committee proceeds to hear evidence or take any other action under the powers conferred upon them by their appointment?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a communication from the Incorporated Dental Society protesting against the appointment and composition of the Departmental Committee which has been set up by the Lord President of the Council to consider the expediency of legislation prohibiting unqualified practice in dentistry; whether the Incorporated Dental Society has asked that representation should be given on the Committee to members of the society and other unregistered practitioners in dentistry; and, if so, whether it is proposed to accede to this request?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Departmental Committee appointed by the Lord President of the Council to consider the expediency of legislation prohibiting unqualified practice in dentistry has been set up with the authority or at the request of the Government; if so, will he say why the matter is considered urgent at the present time; and is he aware that a Parliamentary Committee would command greater public con- fidence than a Departmental Committee consisting almost exclusively of medical men and registered dentists, whose opinions on the matter are well known and have been frequently expressed

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the number of registered dentists in this country is insufficient to meet the dental needs of the community; whether he is aware that especially in industrial and agricultural areas, these needs are largely met by unregistered practitioners in dentistry; whether he will explain why, under these circumstances, the present time has been chosen for the appointment of a Departmental Committee by the Lord President of the Council to consider the expediency of legislation prohibiting unqualified practices in dentistry; and whether, if the Committee is to proceed to take action under its terms of reference, it will be strengthened by the addition of representatives of the unregistered practitioners in dentistry whose interests are affected by this investigation?

asked the Prime Minister whether there are any representatives of unregistered practitioners in dentistry on the Departmental Committee which has been appointed by the Lord President of the Council, acting on behalf of the Government, to consider the expediency of legislation prohibiting unqualified practice in dentistry; whether he is aware that the medical profession and the registered dentists are fully represented on the Committee; and whether, if the unregistered practitioners are not already represented on the Committee, adequate representation will be given to them before any sittings are held or other action taken?

It is not the case that the Committee referred to is confined mainly to medical men and qualified dentists: there are only four such persons out of the eight composing the Committee and of these only one is in practice. No legislation is proposed, but the Committee which contains a Member of each House of Parliament is asked to consider the propriety of proposing it. The greatest care will be taken to obtain the evidence of unqualified dentists through such recognised channels as are available. The War has brought the scarcity of qualified dentists into prominence and the object of the appointment of the Committee at the present time is to prepare the way for legislation, if desirable, on the return of peace. I will circulate the terms of reference of the Committee.

The following are the terms of reference to the Departmental Committee:

The Lord President of the Council has appointed a Departmental Committee to investigate the extent and gravity of the evils connected with the practice of dentistry and dental surgery by persona not qualified under the Dentists' Act; and to consider and report upon

1. The causes of the present inadequate supply of qualified dentists and dental surgeons;

2. The expediency of legislation prohibiting in the United Kingdom the practice of dentistry and dental surgery by unqualified persons; and in the event of such legislation being deemed expedient, the conditions, under which certain classes of unqualified persons at present engaged in the practice of dentistry might be permitted to continue in practice, by the institution of a special roll for the purpose.

3. The practicability, without impairing the existing guarantees for the efficient practice of dentistry of (a) modifying the course of study and examination prescribed for dental qualifications; (b) reducing the time-occupied; (c) diminishing the cost of training dental students.

The chairman of the Committee is the right hon. Francis Acland, M.P., and the members are the Viscount Knutsford, Sir Almeric FitzRoy, K.C.B., K.C.V.O., clerk of the council; Sir Arthur Newsholme, K.C.B., M.D., F.R.O.P., medical officer of the Local Government Board; Sir George Newman, M.D., chief medical officer of the Board of Education; Charles Sissmore Tomes, Esq., F.R.S., F.R.C.S.; William Henry Dolamore, Esq., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., L.D.S.; and George P. Blizard, Esq.

F. H. O. Jerram, Esq., staff clerk in the Local Government Board, will act as secretary.

If the Committee contains two medical men and two registered dentists, would it not be reasonable that at least there should be two unregistered representatives?

Perhaps it would be better for my hon. Friend to read the terms of reference, and a list of the members of the Committee.

Does not my right hon. Friend recollect that this Committee has been set up as a result of the agitation against the use of cocaine, and that the House of Commons has succeeded in retaining these unregistered dentists, and would my right hon. Friend like to be tried on a Committee on which he was not represented?

Yes, if I am ever tried; but I do not expect to be tried. Still I would suggest that the hon. Member had better read the terms of reference.

I have read them.

Is it not reasonable that unregistered dental practitioners who are so vitally affected should be represented as well as the medical men and registered dentists?

I can add nothing to the answer I have already given. There is only one medical man who, by any possibility, could be supposed to be personally influenced in the matter. I am sure the Lord President of the Council has appointed a Committee which he thinks will be fair and just. I would suggest that hon. Members should look over the names of that Committee.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-night, or, if not then, at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the shortage of doctors to meet the civil requirements of the nation, he will institute an inquiry into the administration and organisation of the Royal Army Medical Corps in order to ascertain whether the services of medical officers who have joined the Army are utilised to the fullest extent?

The Army Council are fully alive to the shortage of medical officers and are watchful that the fullest use is made of all medical officers employed by the Army, but it is not pro- posed to institute at the moment any inquiry while active operations are in progress, which might dislocate and militate against the effective administration of the forces in the field.

Does the War Office intend to do anything?

Well, the business of the War Office is to consider the demand made by the Higher Command.

Has a Departmental Committee considered the extent to which the services of medical practitioners now in the Army are being utilised?

No; but my information is that the officers of the Higher Command are satisfied that there are none of the medical practitioners who are not being used in the best way.

The question really is as to whether all of them are being utilised in the best way.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that civilian medical practitioners who joined the Army twelve or eighteen months ago, and have been abroad, have only done real medical work for a few hours during the whole of that long period?

I do not know where my hon. Friend gets his facts—

They are true.

But I am glad, in a way, that doctors are largely unemployed at the front; it shows that the casualties are few. At the same time at any given moment the casualties may be very severe and very numerous.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that a large part of the time of these medical men is taken up with work which is not medical, and which could be done by laymen who have had no medical experience?

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the necessity of food economy and the rapid increase in the number of German prisoners in Great Britain and France, whether the Government will take into consideration the fact that steamers return to the United States and Canada very largely in ballast and arrange with the Governments of the United States and Canada for the prisoners to be sent to those countries, where there is plenty of wheat?

As employment can be found for all combatant prisoners of war in this country and in France who are available for the purpose of labour, the adoption of this proposal is not considered to be advisable.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of separating the positions of Leader of the House and that of Chancellor of the Exchequer, so that the holder of the latter position will be able to devote the whole of his attention to the complex subject of the control of national finance and expenditure; and, seeing that even in peace time it has been found almost impossible for any one man to hold these two positions, he will consider the advisability of reverting to the almost invariable custom of recent years and arrange for the First Lord of the Treasury to act as Leader of the House?

The suggestions made in the question have been considered by the Government, but we do not propose at present to make any change in the existing arrangements.

Are there not Ministers without portfolios?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the reason for the suggested Treasury loan to the registrars; and if they will be expected to give bonuses there from to their staffs?

The expediency of granting a loan to County Court registrars to tide them over a difficult period is under the consideration of the Treasury, but no decision has yet been arrived at. If a loan is granted, the registrars will have complete discretion as to how they use it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has seen the comparative statement sent to the superintendent of the County Courts Department of the Treasury by the Registrars' Association, giving the remuneration received by registrars before and after the War, showing decreases varying from 40 per cent. to 60 per cent.; and, if so, whether he will say if it is expected that registrars can pay bonuses when in many cases the salaries they now receive from the Treasury do not amount to what they pay their staffs?