asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir Francis Elliot has ceased to be British Minister at Athens; if so, on what date he was withdrawn; and what reasons are given for his withdrawal?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, Sir F. Elliot left Athens on the 17th of June last. As regards, the last part of the question, Sir F. Elliot has during the past three years continuously occupied, to the complete satisfaction of His Majesty's Government, a post of the highest responsibility and of very great physical strain, and the departure of King Constantine and return of M. Venizelos to Athens afforded a suitable occasion for asking Sir F. Elliot to undertake important public work at home, but of a less arduous and exhausting nature.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made to comply with the request of the Russian Government that treaties and agreements made during the War should be reconsidered and if necessary revised; and whether it is intended at an early date to make public all war aims and undertakings which have not been publicly announced?

I have nothing to add to the reply returned to the hon. Member for the West Riding of Yorkshire on the 18th instant.

Is this matter engaging the immediate attention of the Government?

Oh, yes.

Can we expect an early reply to the question as to when and where the Conference will meet?

I do not suppose the matter will be very long delayed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended that the Allies will send a united reply to the Pope's peace proposals or whether the reply of the United States is to be taken as expressing the Allies' answer?

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government intend to make any reply to the Pope's Note?

There seems to be no reason, at present, for adding anything to the acknowledgment which has been already sent by His Majesty's Government.

Then no reasoned reply will be given, and, if so, is not that a change of policy, in view of the statement that the Allies were considering a reply jointly?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the inquest held in London on 7th September on the body of S. F. Paul; whether he signed a deportation order or threatened with deportation Mr. Paul, who in his loyalty to England preferred suicide to deportation; whether any reparation has been made to Mrs. Paul for the treatment inflicted on her husband; and what persons or officials at the Home Office or Scotland Yard were responsible for the action resulting in Mr. Paul's death?

I am aware of the facts in this case. S. F. Paul, a German, was in the first instance granted an exemption from the general policy of repatriation, and was allowed to remain in this country with his German wife and son. Subsequently he forfeited, by his own conduct, all claim to be allowed to remain here, and accordingly his exemption was withdrawn, and he was told that he must leave the country. The utmost consideration was shown to him on account of the illness of his son, and he was allowed to delay his departure until the boy was well enough to travel. When Paul showed his intention to prolong the delay beyond this point, he was told that if he did not go he would be deported. He then poisoned himself, and attempted to poison his wife and son. The consideration shown in this case has been extended to the point of allowing the widow and boy to remain for the present in this country, where friends are prepared to look after them. I see no reason for any further action on my part.

Will the last part of the question be answered, who are the persons responsible for the action in this case?

I am responsible.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he can state the approximate quantity of home-made spirits used for munition purposes during the past year and the probable or estimated requirements for next year?

My right hon. Friend has been advised that it would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for.

Is it likely that the Ministry will require the 129,000,000 gallons of whisky which are now being held up in bond or anything like that quantity?

I think, in view of the answer I have given, I had better not attempt to give further particulars.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has particulars as to the increased cost of pork since 1914; and, if so, why the same is not given in the "Labour Gazette" in similar style to the Returns published dealing with beef, mutton, and bacon?

The Department which prepares the statistics of retail prices, having been transferred from the Board of Trade to the Ministry of Labour, I have been asked to reply to this question. The retail price of pork has approximately doubled during the War. The consumption of pork is largely seasonal, in character, and the item would, therefore, not be statistically good for the purposes of a monthly comparison of prices. Moreover, the quantity of pork consumed is small as compared with beef, mutton, and bacon, the prices of which are regarded as yielding a fair indication of the movement of meat prices in the aggregate.

May I point out that these prices affect the average price, and in order to show the lower price you omit that?

It is merely on account of its not being of statistical value that it is not included.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government has been able to borrow any of the enemy steamers which were taken over by the Chinese Government when they entered into the War; and, if so, whether he can grant to British merchants who have tea on their hands in China, owing to the recent prohibition and lack of cargo space, permission to take advantage of the new cargo space which will be available to ship some of their tea home, in view of the scarcity and high price of the article at the present time?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the exact position regarding the negotiations for the import into this country of a certain amount of China tea; whether he is aware that British dealers in China have on their hands a large quantity of chests of tea which they bought in expectation of being allowed to ship to this country; and whether, in view of the shortage of tea, arrangements will be made for some of this tea to be shipped to this country in neutral vessels?

In view of the existing tonnage situation I am afraid that I cannot undertake at present to authorise the import of foreign tea. If the tonnage situation were materially relieved in the manner suggested in the question of the hon. Member for the Wirral Division of Cheshire, the question might be reconsidered. I understand that negotiations are at present proceeding in regard to the future employment for the use of the Allies of ex-enemy vessels interned in China, but that no decision has yet been reached.

As the Government have the first call on all ships, how is the difficulty of tonnage at all relieved by not allowing merchants to use what is left over by the Government?

The whole question of tonnage, in fact, is a very difficult one. It is impossible at present for the Government to admit any importation of foreign tea.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) why the only tea on sale at the present time is priced at about 4s. a pound, seeing that there is an abundance of good tea in India at from 8d. to 1s. a pound; and will he say why these cheaper teas are not brought over by the Government and retailed at a moderate price instead of the dearer qualities of tea; (2) what steps are being taken to bring the supplies of tea which are available in India to this country?

Under a scheme of control approved by the Food Controller for the sale of all tea imported into the United Kingdom from July last 30 per cent. of the tea sold at every weekly auction must be sold by retail at 2s. 4d. a lb., 35 per cent. at 2s. 8d. to 3s. a lb., and 25 per cent. at 3s. to 3s. 4d. a lb. Owing to difficulties in providing tonnage, the imports have been less than the consumption, and the balance has been drawn from stocks accumulated before this control scheme came into force. The prices of such tea are now subject to a maximum of 4s. a lb. Arrangements are approaching completion under which all tea shipped from India and Ceylon for the United Kingdom will be bought in the country of origin by the Food Controller, and sold here at prices fixed by him. Arrangements have further been made in conjunction with the Ministry of Shipping for the future import of an adequate supply of tea for civilian consumption, but there will be an interval of stringency, and it is, therefore, essential that strict economy should be exercised in the use of tea.

Why was not a larger amount of cheaper and sound tea imported instead of the 30 per cent. only, which I think was mentioned, so that tea might be available for the public at something like 2s. or 2s. 6d. a lb.?

I cannot answer my hon. Friend's question, but I will bring it before the attention of the Food Control Department.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that transport contractors in London are unable to obtain the necessary hay for the feeding of horses; and, seeing that certain firms have during the last week been compelled to feed entirely on oats and bran owing to the instructions recently issued to railway companies, which prevents the use of railway trucks for the cartage of hay, will he say what action he proposes to take?

If my hon. Friend will give me further particulars of the cases to which he refers, the Board will investigate them. Any instructions to railway companies controlling the use of railway trucks would be issued by the Railway Executive Committee, and I understand from inquiry of that body that no instruction of the nature referred to in the question has been issued.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the present scarcity of hams, bacon, and lard, and of the fears of wholesale food distributors that serious consequences will arise if a certain proportion of these products is not released for consumption by the civil population?

The question of the equitable distribution of bacon and hams available for civilian consumption is engaging the earnest consideration of the Food Controller. Owing to a world shortage the amount available for civilian consumption must be smaller than in ordinary circumstances, but the Food Controller is confident that the civilian population will cheerfully make any sacrifice which may be necessary in order to provide an adequate ration of bacon for the Allied troops.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the price of offals is now higher than the fixed price of wheat and that their value as feeding stuffs is lowered owing to the admixtures used; and if he will take steps to fix the price of offals with relation to the price of wheat so as to diminish the risk of the use by farmers of wheat for feeding stock?

The average price for offals at the mill door is slightly below the fixed price for home-grown wheat, but in order to provide against the contingency referred to by the hon. Member the Central Feeding Stuffs Advisory Committee is at present considering the advisability of fixing a maximum price for millers' offals.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that £20 a ton and more is now being asked for Scottish seed potatoes; and if he will take steps to control the price of seed potatoes?

The Food Controller proposes shortly to issue an Order regulating the price of potatoes sold for seed. At present no potatoes of ware size—i.e., over a 1⅝-inch riddle—can be sold for seed by the grower at a higher price than £6 10g. per ton.

Will the Food Controller take steps to see that the potatoes will be sold at a reasonable price?

I do not think that arises out of the question.

Will he in future refrain from saying what the Food Controller proposes to do, because it only causes gambling throughout the country?

This is not the hon. Member's Department. He is only answering on behalf of a colleague.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the delay in issuing permits for the sale of potatoes; whether this is accidental or intentional; and whether the large stocks of potatoes now being withheld from the market by the want of permits to sell will shortly be released?

I am not aware of any delay in the issuing of permits for the sale of potatoes of the varieties specified in Clause 10 of the Potatoes Order, and I may say that all applications which were received in the Ministry of Food up to and including last Friday have been dealt with. Some delay is unfortunately caused owing to the fact that applications have been addressed to the wrong quarter or insufficient particulars given. The object of Clause 10 of the Order is to get the poorer keeping varieties of potato into consumption before the better keeping varieties are allowed into the market. Licences are being granted freely where the Department is advised that they can be issued without defeating this object.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has seen the appeal of Sir Arthur Yapp to the public to make as much use of potatoes as possible; whether he is aware that the Food Controller has fixed a price for potatoes which puts them beyond the means of the poor in Dublin, many of whom cannot afford to have them more than twice or thrice a week; whether the Department of Agriculture in Ireland has received reports from various districts of Ireland to the effect that the potatoes are turning black and going bad; what is the latest information on this point; whether he is aware that the supply of potatoes in Ireland at present is in excess of the demand at present prices, and that the probable result will be that quantities of potatoes will go bad in the pits and valuable food will be wasted, whilst the poor are suffering from hunger; and what action the Department propose to take in the matter?

The Department of Agriculture have seen the appeal referred to The greater portion of the Irish potato crop has not yet been raised. The returns received indicate that where the potatoes have been raised the percentage of diseased tubers this season is comparatively small, and that only a small proportion of potatoes are going bad. So far as the Department can determine, there is no indication that potatoes are likely to go bad in the pits. The yield promises to be exceedingly good, and a much larger quantity will probably be available for sale than in previous years. The question of the price for potatoes is a matter for the Ministry of Food.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one particular class of potatoes is going to the bad completely in the pits, and you have the position in Ireland that the people are not able to pay the price fixed by the Food Controller for the potatoes, and there is no market for them, with the result that there is a large waste of potatoes in Ireland, and people are recommended to use potatoes instead of bread and cannot buy them?

Is it an offence to sell potatoes at less than the price fixed by the Food Controller under the Defence of the Realm Act?

That is not a matter with which I have to deal in the Irish office, and I can assure the hon. Member that there are matters enough which are my proper business to keep me from trespassing on the provinces of other Ministers.

As the right hon. Gentleman is responsible for the Government of Ireland and naturally for the food of the people, will he make representations in the proper quarters that the Government should buy at their own fixed price the extra supply of potatoes in Ireland and have them when required?

That is a pretty large proposition. I do not think that I can discuss it by question and answer.

I only asked you to consider it.

asked whether any steps are being taken to limit the prices of Irish store cattle; and, if not, why this particular case of profiteering is not dealt with by his Department?

The possibility of fixing a maximum price for store cattle has been fully discussed by the Food Controller with representative deputations of agriculturists. Lord Rhondda is advised that it is not practicable to do this, having regard to the difficulty of grading. By fixing maximum prices for fat cattle and meat for fourteen months to come, he has given farmers and graziers the opportunity of regulating their purchase of store cattle with a view to the prices to be obtained later for the fattened beasts.

If the maximum price is charged for beef which is being fattened why on earth cannot it be charged earlier when it is lean beef?

The hon. Member is only answering for a colleague who is ill.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if since the establishment of the 9d. loaf the consumption of bread has increased or decreased; and, if so, by what percentage in Great Britain?

The figures relating to the retail consumption of bread and flour for the four weeks ending 13th October are not yet available. So soon as they are received I will inform the hon. Member what the percentage of increase or decrease actually is. I may point out that the consumpton of bread varies with the season of the year, and is also affected by the available supply and price of other foodstuffs.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he is aware that fruit traders have been informed by transatlantic shipping companies that space is frequently available in their cargo boats sailing from Canada and the United States which they would, if allowed, willingly fill with apples; and whether permission will be given, in view of the prospective loss to greengrocers and privation to the public resulting from, the non-importation of this fruit?

I can assure the hon. Member that it is not the case that ships are permitted to cross the Atlantic otherwise than fully laden with essential supplies. If in some instances they have space unfilled it is because they are laden down to their marks with heavy cargo. The hon. Member will see, therefore, that apples could only be carried as the result of a deliberate decision to exclude other classes of cargo which are at present held to be more urgently required.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as the exportation of corn and forage to France is withdrawing necessary fodder for feeding animals needed for human food and for essential purposes of industry in this country, the War Cabinet will reduce the Cavalry establishments in France, a terrain where the aeroplane only is used for reconnaisance, and where Artillery and machine-gun fire renders the Cavalry arm of very doubtful utility?

I think that my right hon. Friend will agree that the composition of the armies in the field raises a great many difficult problems and cannot, therefore, usefully be discussed by way of question and answer. But I may add that the matter referred to in the question has received, and is receiving, consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that every ounce of fodder is urgently required in this country?

I cannot add anything to the answer I have given.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that aeroplanes are taking the place of Cavalry?

That is an exceedingly difficult question, and one that should be discussed by my hon. Friend in Debate.

asked the Chief Secretary to state what powers, if any, the director of cross-Channel transportation is endowed with, as thousands of live stock are held unshipped at the port of Dublin, although during the last week several ships are stated to have been lying idle at the wharves; has the director of cross-Channel transportation power to compel these ships to be used; and is he aware that many animals have died in the yards and that the loss of food value has run into many thousands of pounds?

Mr. Burgess, the director of transportation for cross-Channel traffic, acting in concert with the Controller of Shipping has adequate powers to deal with congestion arising on the sea routes between Ireland and Great Britain by securing the use of all available tonnage. Congestion recently occurred in the carriage of live stock from Dublin and steps were taken to deal with the matter which I hope have been effectual. I understand that vessels which were not being employed were requisitioned in order to minimise the inconveniences to which the hon. Member refers. It has been stated to me that several cattle died as a result of the delay, and that there was considerable loss by deterioration in the condition of cattle; but the delay was unavoidable and was dealt with as promptly and fully as possible by Mr. Burgess.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Waterford, Cork, and other ports in Ireland have the same complaint, and will he use his influence with the Admiralty to secure that no more ships will be taken, except those which are absolutely necessary, from the service of Irish ports?

As my hon. Friend is aware, this is a complex question. I may say with regard to the remedy which was applied in Dublin, if there is found to be readiness on the part of the owners who own shipping for public service, the remedy which was applied in the case of Dublin will be extended, as I understand it, in any other case.

Is it not the fact that the present position in Ireland is due to this that Irish shipping is requisitioned by the Shipping Controller without the knowledge of Mr. Burgess, the director of cross-Channel transportation, who has no say as to how much shipping is got in Ireland?

That is not quite correct. I think I know the facts with regard to this matter. Obviously, when the country is at war, operations which tend immediately to the necessities of the War must be the final decision in matters of this kind. In the particular instance to which the hon. Gentleman refers I know that there was notice of the intention to requisition certain vessels for service peremptorily if necessary. Although inconvenience was likely to be caused I do not see myself, assuming the peremptory necessity for the service, it was possible to refuse the service in question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer my question whether Mr. Burgess, who is supposed to control Irish shipping, has any say whatever in the amount of shipping that is requisitioned by the Shipping Controller in London?

I believe that at the present time Mr. Burgess is kept informed, but if he is not kept informed of those proposals I should represent strongly that it is most desirable both for Ireland and Great Britain that he should be kept informed, in order that the best arrangements all round may be made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the same unfortunate result took place, not only in Dublin but also in Belfast last week, with the result that prices of beef were increased in the Liverpool market, thereby affecting consumers in this country?

I could not be expected to be aware of those matters.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last month the Shipping Controller in London took away from one port in Ireland two cargo boats for carrying coal to the City of Dublin and without the knowledge of the Controller in Dublin?

I do not know about carrying coal; but I can conceive some carriage of coal which might be of the greatest consequence in the prosecution of the War.

My point is that it was done without any reference to the gentleman supposed to be Controller of Shipping. He has no control?

I think that is not a fact.

It is a fact!

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the amount of premiums received by the Government for insurance against damage to property by air raids and the amount against damage by bombardment from the sea?

I do not think it would be desirable in the public interest to publish the figures relating to any of the Government insurance schemes at present.

With an insurance scheme like this, should the figures be kept secret? Would it not reassure the people if they knew there was a big sum of £8,000,000 available for their losses?

It is not considered desirable in the public interest at present.

asked the Additional Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade and the Foreign Office, whether preparations are now being made for the reorganisation of the Consular Service after the end of the War; and when he will be able to announce the names of the members of the Advisory Committee of business men who are to assist the new Department with their advice?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and it is hoped that it will not be necessary to wait until the end of the War to proceed with the work of reorganisation. As regards the second part, the question of the composition of the Advisory Committee to the new Department is under consideration, and an announcement will be made as soon as practicable.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the general feeling of resentment at the attitude of the conscientious objectors at Dartmoor and at the treatment meted out to them, he will have these men put to work of national importance in France and dealt with in the same manner as conscientious objectors are being dealt with in America?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to a similar question asked by him on the 25th April last. The presence in France of men who refuse to do work in connection with the War would not commend itself to our Allies.

asked what arrangement is now in force for the payment of insurance contributions by conscientious objectors at Dartmoor; and what amount is levied from each man per week under this head?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the written reply given to the hon. Member for Devonport on the 27th June last.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if fourteen New Zealand conscientious objectors were taken out of prison in New Zealand and forcibly put upon a transport and brought to England; whether they are deemed to be attached to the 28th New Zealand reinforcements; if they are now, or were recently, in irons in the guardroom at Sling Camp, Salisbury; under what military authority these men are now placed; what is proposed to be done with them; and if they will be treated similarly to conscientious objectors belonging to Great Britain?

I am inquiring about this matter from the New Zealand military authorities, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked what number of people of foreign nationality were allowed to come into this country during the first eight months of this year; how many were Russians or Russian Jews; and what precautions are taken to prevent the immigration of undesirable aliens pretending to be Belgians or French?

Careful and detailed records are kept with regard to every alien entering the country, but I regret that it would not be possible to compile the figures which the hon. and gallant Member desires without an unjustifiable expenditure of time and labour

Under the restrictions which have been in force since the outbreak of war, an alien seeking admission to this country has to prove that he is coming here on urgent and necessary business, or for temporary purposes of legitimate trade, or other adequate reasons. He must, further, have a valid passport or other document satisfactorily establishing his nationality and identity, which is carefully examined both by a British Consul abroad and by the Aliens Officer on arrival in this country; and it is difficult, if not impossible, for an alien pretending to be other than he is to gain admission.

asked whether the Advisory Committee on the internment of persons under the Defence of the Realm Act conducts its proceedings in public; if the accused persons are allowed legal representation; if legal representatives are allowed to be present during the whole hearing of the case before the Advisory Committee; whether the accused persons are permitted to be present during such hearing; whether the accused persons or their solicitors are permitted to see the evidence put before the Advisory Committee; whether, in the case of Mr. George Tchitcherine, whose case was recently considered by the Advisory Committee, his own evidence was taken down by a public official but the document was not shown to him for revision; whether, in the more recent case of Mr. Philip Laszlo, counsel was permitted to appear before the Advisory Committee; and, if so, why was this allowed in this case and similar concessions denied to other persons similarly accused?

The Advisory Committee settled its own procedure. I understand that the proceedings are strictly private, no person whatsoever, other than the members of the Committee and their officers, being present. As the evidence given is often of an extremely confidential character, applicants are not present when it is taken, and are not supplied with copies, but care is taken to put to them in examination all points requiring explanation from them. Every applicant is entitled to have legal advice, but it is not the practice of the Committee to hear either counsel or solicitor as an advocate, although they allow any legal adviser an opportunity of tendering himself as a witness if he so desires. Mr. Tchitcherine's evidence was not taken down by a public official, nor by anyone, but members of the Committee, following their usual practice, took notes of his evidence for their own information. Mr. Tchitcherine had the assistance of a solicitor, who was asked by the Committee whether he desired to give evidence before them. He said that he did not. In the same way counsel were not permitted to appear in Mr. Laszlo's case. Mr. Laszlo's solicitor was asked whether he desired to tender himself as a witness. He said that he did not.

Are persons charged before this Committee given an opportunity of knowing the case against them, so that they are able to look up any statements?

Yes; they have a written statement of the case against them.

Is not that statement in the most general terms, and is it not a fact that they have no particular instances of misconduct set forth in that statement?

It depends upon the case. Some statements contain full details of their conduct.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say now whether it is true that a member of the War Cabinet gave evidence in favour of Mr. Laszlo, and who it was?

I do not know. I never interfere with the proceedings of the Committee.

asked the Home Secretary if he will take steps to see that the men employed at the timber camp, North Molton, North Devon, are provided with clothes for working purposes; and why the application for clothes by these men made through the agent has not been complied with?

I am informed by the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors that there was some unavoidable delay in supplying the working clothes required for this camp, but all applications received by them from their agent have now been complied with.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that on Friday, 19th October, and on some previous days a procession of sandwich men and women was parading Whitehall and in part of the Palace Yard bearing inscriptions such as "War is murder" and "Our soldiers in the trenches are longing for peace," and other legends, calculated to bring discredit on our soldiers and the nation and to hamper the successul prosecution of the War; whether he has any information to show that the funds for such propaganda come from German sources or merely from pro-German sympathisers in this country; and whether he will consider the propriety of prosecuting the persons responsible for these proceedings?

My attention has been called to the matter. The Commissioner of Police reports that he has no information to show from what source the funds come. He has given instructions to the police not to allow a repetition of the exhibition.

Will not proceedings be taken against these people for their disgraceful exhibition?

I do not know whether it is worth while.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state the number of cattle taken for the Army in England and Wales, and Scotland and Ireland, respectively, during the month of September?

The numbers are 12,091 for England and Wales, 1,205 for Scotland, and 4,422 for Ireland.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to the fact that the exportation of horses, save pit ponies, has been prohibited from Ireland for some months; whether he can state why such prohibition was passed as Irish horses have a clean bill of health and are required in Great Britain; and whether he will consider the advisability of allowing exportation as heretofore?

I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The Horses (Prohibition of Exportation from Ireland) Order, 1917, made under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, has no relation to disease in animals, but, as I stated in reply to the hon. Member for South Down on 16th August, was issued with a view to maintaining a stock of horses in Ireland sufficient for the increased cultivation of the land and for general purposes. The statement that pit ponies are the only exception permitted is not accurate, as licences are freely granted for thoroughbred stock and for all classes of small horses not suitable for agricultural work. The Department of Agriculture are of opinion that, having regard to the extent of the anticipated need for horse labour in connection with the increased tillage scheme for 1918, it would be inadvisable at present to modify the Order.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all over Ireland there is an enormous supply of horses, that there is a big demand for them here, that cereals are being practically wasted through being used by these horses, and that all the horse dealers in the country can tabulate the supplies of horses which are available?

If it is shown that the facts are anything like what the hon. Member has said, I will certainly direct the attention of the Minister in charge of the matter to them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the supply which is almost worthless in Ireland would be very valuable in England?

I can only repeat what I have said to the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that horse dealers generally have made this complaint all over the country, notwithstanding the statement which he has made?

No, Sir.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, if he is aware that the panel doctors in many parts of the country, especially in rural districts, have only received from 25 to 50 per cent. of the sums due to them for their services for the year 1916; and if steps will be taken at once to pay up these outstanding arrears and thereby remove a sense of grievance under which these men are suffering?

In the great majority of cases the final payments to the doctors have been completed for the year 1916. In those areas where some balance of the year's remuneration, is outstanding the amount can only be small, as the sums which have been advanced monthly or quarterly during the year will have approximated closely to the total sums which will be found to be due on the final settlement. I think, therefore, the hon. Member must have been misinformed, but if he will furnish me with particulars of any cases which he has in mind, I will at once cause enquiries to be made.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that an invitation to visit London has been given by certain high personages to the brother of the ex-Tsar of Russia; and whether he will give an assurance that no member of the Romanoff family will be allowed to visit British territory unless with the express approval of the Russian Government or under conditions of strict surveillance?

No, Sir; no such invitation has been given, so far as I know, by any person in this country. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether Swedish cipher messages are now permitted to pass over British-controlled cables?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give an opportunity for the discussion of the Resolution respecting the prosecution of Mr. E. D. Morel standing in the name of the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme? ["That, in the opinion of this House, the prosecution by the Government of Mr. E. D. Morel for attempting to get a book through to M. Romain Roland in Switzerland and the support of the prosecution by the opening of private letters in the post was undignified and opposed to British traditions."]

The answer is in the negative.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Vote of Credit.

asked the Prime Minister whether the War Cabinet will consider the limited application to the captain's list of the British Navy of a system of promotion by selection for merit to run side by side with the present seniority system; and whether this method has been applied with marked advantage in bringing the best officers to the command in the British and Allied Armies?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Admiralty are satisfied that their present powers enable them to utilise the services of senior officers of the Royal Navy to the best advantage.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why a system of promotion which is applied to all other professions is bad for the British Navy?

Has not the present system given complete satisfaction for the last 200 years?

The effort is made to utilise the services of every officer to the best advantage.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Admiral Sims, of the United States, was promoted through two grades on taking command of the American flotilla in British waters; whether he is aware that Commodore Sir Reginald Tyrwhitt has for the period of the War commanded, with uniformly successful fighting, an even larger force; and whether it is proposed to delay the promotion of Sir Reginald Tyrwhitt until over fifty captains senior to him have been promoted to rear-admiral?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Admiral Sims' promotion to the rank of rear-admiral was not exceptional. He was promoted together with several other officers. He was, however, specially promoted to vice-admiral on taking command of the United States naval forces in British waters. The Admiralty are satisfied, as I have just stated, that their present powers enable them to utilise the services of senior officers of the Royal Navy to the best advantage. It must further be realised that the non-substantive rank of commodore, 1st class, as in the case of Sir Reginald Tyrwhitt, gives the officer holding it the relative status of rear-admiral, and the granting of this rank is freely made use of by the Admiralty to give a higher status to captains placed in command of light squadrons or on detached service, where this higher rank is desirable.

I will call attention to this matter on the Vote of Credit.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that for many months dissatisfaction has been expressed as to the misleading character of the weekly return of shipping losses due to submarines and mines; and whether the Government is now in a position to issue an accurate Tonnage Return of the damage done to British, Allied, and neutral shipping through submarines, mines, and other causes?

I have been asked to answer this question. My right hon. Friend, the First Lord, will deal with this subject in the course of the statement which he hopes to make to the House in the near future.

When will the statement of naval policy be made? Will it be on the Vote of Credit or will there be a special day set apart from that Vote, in view of the large number of questions which will then have to be dealt with?

That is not a matter for me, but the Leader of the House, who the other day, in answer to a question, indicated that probably the most convenient occasion would be the Vote of Credit.

If and when the First Lord deals with this, will he tell the House what is the accurate tonnage?

I cannot answer for that.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the announcement that a medal will be given to the Army for services rendered in France in 1914, it is proposed to issue a similar decoration to the Navy for services rendered in the early part of the War; and, if so, will he state under what conditions the issue will be made?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question.

It is understood that this decoration is being issued with the object of commemorating the gallant part played by the original British Expeditionary Force in arresting the German advance at that most critical phase of the War. This must necessarily be regarded as the last of the glorious deeds in the annals of the old Army as it was then constituted and as we may never again know it.

The services of the Navy afloat during the same period, although of supreme value, can hardly, in the opinion of the Admiralty, be regarded as forming a similarly distinctive chapter in history.

There are certain naval and marine units which landed in France and Belgium, and the question of their inclusion is now being considered between the War Office and the Admiralty.

The services of all branches of the Navy, equally with those of the Army generally, will be duly recognised at a later date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, and do the Government recognise the fact, that there would have been no expeditionary force in France at all but for the Navy, and in view of that fact, does not the Government think that a distinction should be made between the two Services, and will they re-open the question and give it consideration?

I have stated, without any disparagement to the work performed by the Navy, the difference which seems to exist between these two particular cases.

Have the Government come to the conclusion to give no special recognition whatever in respect of the services rendered by the Navy in 1914?

It would be unfortunate that such a suggestion should get about, and the answer I have given states that the services of the Navy, equally with the Army, will be duly recognised later.

Will the men of the Royal Naval Air Service, who landed with the Expeditionary Force in France, receive the medal?

That is one of the questions which will receive recognition.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has reconsidered the question of the pay of the able seamen, stokers, privates of Marines, and privates in the Army; and, if so, whether he can announce the decisions arrived at?

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to be in a position to report the result of the reference back to the War Cabinet Sub-Committee of the request made by the Joint Committee of the House of Lords, the House of Commons, and the General Federation of Trade Unions, for increases in the pay of the sailor and the soldier, particularly in respect of the able seaman, the stoker in the Navy, the private in the Marines, and the private in the Army?

The Government hope to be able to announce a decision shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether, for the convenience of the House and the country, he will consider the possibility of issuing, in the form of a White Paper, a document giving the exact words used by members of enemy Governments with reference to Belgium, Alsace-Lorraine, and other questions to which he has replied?

It would be difficult to make a satisfactory collection of the kind suggested, as only incomplete reports are available in many cases, but I will inquire into the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is customary for the First Commissioner of Works to grant a site for the erection of a statue in London in a public place without having obtained or having had any opportunity of obtaining any expert report on the artistic merit of the statue; and, if such practice is or has been in existence, whether he will take steps to bring it to an end at once, and to ensure that before a site is granted for the erection of any statue in London the question of the artistic merit of the statue shall be referred to some competent expert body?

It has not been the custom in the past for the First Commissioner to enter into formal consultation with any body of experts as to the artistic merits of any one statue to be erected on Crown property, nor do I know how any such body would be effective, considering the wide divergence of views in all matters of art.

In view of the fact that, the First Commissioner of Works has not consulted outside bodies, will he reconsider his decision?

I cannot accept that statement.

Is it not that intention to ship the statue from New York during the War, and could not the tonnage be better used?

I doubt whether tonnage will be available for this purpose during the War.

Is it not desirable that the First Commissioner of Works, who is not necessarily an expert in art, should consult some experts in art before pledging the Government to the erection of a hideous statue?

It is a difficult thing to generally distinguish anybody who would be regarded as an expert in art.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the case of the proposed erection of a statue of President Lincoln in London, the late First Commissioner of Works granted or promised to grant a site for the erection of such statue without having obtained any expert report on the artistic or other merits of the statue; and whether His Majesty's Government are bound to give effect to a promise of this character if on proper consideration the erection of such a statue is considered undesirable?

My predecessor, Lord Beauchamp, offered a site in the Canning enclosure for a replica of the St. Gauden's statue to President Lincoln on a request from the hon. Member for Plymouth in this House on the 9th March, 1914. The statue by St. Gauden is well known and generally considered to be of high artistic merit. I now understand that the American Committee for the celebration of 100 years of peace are anxious to send a replica of the statue of President Lincoln recently erected at Cincinatti and executed by Mr. George Gray Barnard, a sculptor of the highest standing, which they consider to be a superior monument, and I do not consider that I should interfere with the selection made by the donors, who I understand comprise men of well-known artistic standing.

Had the hon. Gentleman not an opportunity of seeing either of these statues, or of getting any report upon their artistic or other merits?

I have seen reproductions of the statues, but I have not had an opportunity of seeing the statues themselves. I have had various accounts of their merits, and opinions differ, some preferring one and some the other, and I do not think it my business to give my judgment on an acute domestic question as to which statue best represents President Lincoln.

asked the Prime Minister when the Second Reading of the Education Bill will be taken?

I have nothing to add to what I told the hon. Member for North Somerset on the 19th October.

Is it definitely decided by the Cabinet that the Second Reading will not be taken this Session?

I understand so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the divergence of practice amongst banks, mining companies, and trading concerns affected by Section 43 of the Finance Act, 1916; and whether he can now say what steps have been taken by the Inland Revenue authorities to eliminate the confusion arising there from?

I understand that my hon. Friend's question relates to the dividends of Colonial companies paid to residents in the United Kingdom. The original circular issued by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue dealing with this matter appears to have given rise to misapprehension in some few cases, and it has accordingly been revised so as to prevent the possibility of misconception in future.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulty of interpreting the clauses in The Finance Act, 1916, which deal with double Income Tax within the Empire; whether the Board of Inland Revenue is to be a party to a test case in the High Court in order to secure a judicial interpretation of the same; and what course in the meantime claimants entitled to relief should follow?

My hon. Friend is doubtless referring to Section 43 of the Finance Act, 1916. This Section was intended to provide a temporary measure of relief in cases in which the same profits are subject both to United Kingdom Income Tax and to a Dominion Income Tax, without prejudice to any final settlement which may be eventually effected consistent with the equitable claims of the respective exchequers concerned. The intention and the effect of the Section are perfectly clear, namely, that every £1 of such profits shall be relieved from United Kingdom Income Tax to an extent not exceeding 1s. 6d. The Commissioners of Inland Revenue have of course given effect to the Section. Where the relief attaches to a company I understand that its distribution by the company amongst the various classes of shareholders who participate in the profits has, in some instances, given rise to a difference of opinion. This, however, is a matter for the parties interested; whether or no the issue is to be tested in the Courts, the Commissioners of Inland Revenue have no information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in connection with the Bill which the Government propose to bring in to consolidate the Income Tax law, it is proposed to incorporate in such new Bill the modifications of the existing law which have been created by Treasury Regulation or Minute?

The Bill is a consolidation Bill dealing with the existing Statute law. It does not, therefore, include Regulations which, by various Sections scattered through the old Acts, the Commissioners of Inland Revenue are empowered to make in pursuance of the subject-matter of those Sections, but, of course, such Regulations would continue to have effect in relation to the respective Clauses of the new Bill.

Will my hon. Friend consider whether it is possible to consolidate all those Regulations, which are scattered over a wide area, in the form more or less of one document?

I will bear the hon. Member's recommendation in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the reason why 129,000,000 gallons of proof home-made spirits are being held up by the Government in bond; and whether he has considered the effect of such holding up upon the prices at present being charged for whisky?

I have been asked to reply. The Intoxicating Liquor (Output and Delivery) Order, 1917, restricted the issue of wines and spirits from bond to 50 per cent. of the quantities so issued in 1916. The object of this restriction was to avoid favouring wines and spirits at the expense of beer, the output of which was restricted in order to secure the more economic use of grain. In view of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Industrial Unrest, the Government have provisionally sanctioned an increase in the output of beer. They are, therefore, prepared to consider the advisability of sanctioning a corresponding increase in the issue of wines and spirits from bond. The effect of restrictions of this nature necessarily tends to increased prices.

Are the Government going to regulate the price of spirits or to allow the present exorbitant prices to be continued?

Before the hon. Gentleman answers that question, can he say whether grain is still being used for the production of spirits?

I cannot answer either of the questions, but I will bring them to the notice of the Department.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the German Government has stopped traffic between Germany and Scandinavia by way of Sassnitz, Gjedser, and Vamdrup in order to support the German export lines by sea from Lubeck and Bremen in addition to the existing Hamburg line trading with Western Norway; and, if so, whether such trading is permitted by our Navy at the present time?

So far as is known, the traffic in the Baltic has not been restricted in order to support the trade to Western Norway. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the salvage money earned by the officers and men at the time serving on H.M.S. "Jupiter" for the salvaging of the Cunard liner ss. "Thracia" in the White Sea between February and April, 1915, is likely to be paid; and, if no salvage money is to be paid, will he give the reason for withholding the same?

No application for permission to claim for salvage has been received from His Majesty's ship "Jupiter." In fact, it would appear that the incident has never been reported to the Admiralty by the vessel in question.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of the discontent among the men serving on the mine-sweepers owing to the increased cost of living; and will he recommend an immediate increase in their victualling allowance, which is now only 1s. 5d. per day?

The matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the position of Singalese who are imprisoned as a result of the riots in May, 1915; how many are still in prison; how many are in prison as a result of courts-martial; how many are serving sentences of over three years; and whether he will announce a political amnesty?

I have received from the Governor detailed lists of the prisoners whose sentences he has, after examination, reduced or annulled; but I am not in a position to give the exact figures desired by the hon. Member. Sir John Anderson has already exercised clemency in a large number of cases; thus he released in June, 1916, on the occasion of His Majesty's birthday, 616 prisoners sentenced to terms of one year or less, and in January last thirty-three who at the time of conviction were under twenty years of age. He has also on special grounds released a number of other prisoners. I have full confidence that he will continue to exercise clemency in all proper cases, and I see no reason for suggesting that a general amnesty should be granted to prisoners who in his opinion were properly convicted of serious crimes of violence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware that by a Royal Proclamation dated?3th April, 1891, His Majesty's Government recognised the existence of the just rights of native chieftains and tribes there already in possession; whether this included native rights to land both in Mashonaland and Matabeleland; and whether it is held by the Law Officers of the Crown that by virtue of Orders in Council alone such just rights to property can in fact be alienated in the protectorates; and (2) whether a part of the native reserves, which it is proposed shall revert to the British South Africa Company, are situated in Mashonaland at a point beyond a sixty-mile radius from Buluwayo; and if he will state by virtue of what legal instrument, apart from Orders in Council, the natives of Mashonaland have either lost or alienated their personal or tribal rights to the lands they have occupied from time immemorial?

It will be seen on reference to the Blue Book just published that the different reserves affected by the Commission's Report lie scattered over Southern Rhodesia. With regard to the last part of this question and the right hon. Member's other question about native rights, I would remind him that the land question is now before the Privy Council, and pending a decision on the Reference I cannot undertake to discuss any of the legal questions involved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Commission on the Rhodesian Reserves during its investigation worked upon the basis of a reliable survey; if so, when the survey of the reserves was made; and whether the cost of such survey was debited against the commercial or the administrative department of the British South Africa Company or against the Imperial Government?

No special survey was made for the purpose of the Commission. The Commissioners deal with the position as regards survey in paragraphs 39 and following of their Report, which has just been published as Command Paper 8,674, and to which I would refer the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of Departmental officers of the Royal Engineers, the Army Ordnance, and the Army Service Corps, have been serving at Cape Town ever since the outbreak of War; and whether he will consider the advisability of drafting some of these officers to units on one of the fronts and replacing them by officers who have already seen strenuous active service?

There are seven officers who have been employed in Cape Town since the beginning of the War. It is necessary to have experienced officers at Cape Town, and their work is heavy. The officers in question would probably go for the most part to posts on the lines of communication if they were transferred, and it is not thought that any advantage would be gained by substitution at the present time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Canadian Government contracts with pilots in the Royal Flying Corps for a definite period at the end of which they are given a first-class fare to Canada; whether it is open to them to enter into a fresh contract with the United States Government, which offers a very high rate of pay for fully qualified pilots; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter in the interest of the British services?

I am informed that no contracts of the kind alluded to have been made by the Canadian Government with pilots in the Royal Flying Corps. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if arrangements will be made whereby soldiers on furlough from France could leave their rifles, helmets, and other heavy baggage at or near the port of departure, and thus greatly add to the comfort of the men when on holiday?