asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information that the Italian Government has declared the whole of the provinces of Turin, Alessandria, and Genoa in the war zone and subject to military discipline; and what reasons are given for this action?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The reasons are a matter of purely internal concern to the Italian Government.

asked whether any understanding has been come to with the Japanese Government on the lines of the International Opium Convention of 1912, whereby the export of morphine manufactured in Great Britain will be restricted as regards its distribution in the Far East to use for medicinal purposes only?

Licences to export morphia or cocaine from this country to Japan are not granted unless they are accompanied by certificates obtained from the Japanese Home Office or from the Japanese authorities of the Kwantung leased territory to the effect that the morphia and cocaine is for actual consumption in Japan or in Dairen and its vicinity and is for medical purposes only. A notice to this effect was published in the Board of Trade Journal on 11th October after communication with the Japanese Government. We under stand that the Japanese Government have issued the necessary instructions for the prevention of smuggling of these drugs and for the exercise of due control in all cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a state of war exists between the United States and the dual monarchy, between the United States and Turkey, and between the United States and Bulgaria; whether diplomatic relations still exist between the United States and Bulgaria; and, if the United States are not at war with any or all of these enemy Powers, whether any understanding exists between the Allies and the United States as to the terms to be imposed on these enemy Powers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, that to the second in the affirmative, and that to the third part in the negative.

Does not the Bulgarian Minister at Washington offer a channel by which communication can be opened to the enemy?

That is a matter on which the hon. Member is as well able to judge as I am.

asked how much tea, grown in the British Empire or elsewhere, has been allowed to be imported by the Scandinavian countries, Holland, and Switzerland, respectively, in each year since the War began, compared with their importations in the year prior to the War?

The figures are so long that with my hon. Friend's permission I am having them printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT. With respect to Scandinavia and Holland they show broadly a very large increase over pre-war figures for 1915 and the first part of 1916, and a progressive diminution since that date to an amount considerably below the pre-war standard. A certain proportion was re-exported from Denmark and Sweden to Russia.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether it is contemplated to utilise certain ships now available in the East to bring over cargoes of dates; and, if so, having regard to the tea famine which exists in the United Kingdom, will he consider whether this cargo space might be made available to carry tea from Calcutta or Colombo?

It is not contemplated to make shipments of dates from the East at the expense of tea cargoes, nor have, in fact, any arrangements been made for the shipment of dates. It is quite possible, however, that favourable opportunities may occur for date shipments which will not interfere with the arrangements made to increase our stocks of tea.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the number of potatoes which will not keep owing to the wet season, he will take action to prevent waste, due to inability of farmers to sell at the fixed price of £6 a ton?

I have been asked to reply. With a view to ensuring that bad-keeping potatoes should be consumed before good-keeping potatoes, the Potatoes Order restricted the sale of certain varieties except under licence. Such licences are being granted in every case where the Food Controller is satisfied that there are good reasons for allowing the potatoes to go into consumption at an early date. By this and other means, such as preservation and utilisation for bread making, the Food Controller is taking active steps to prevent any waste of potatoes.

Will the President of the Board of Agriculture make representations to the Food Controller to remove the guarantee of £6 a ton to the producer, and——

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

Will the Government give a guaranteed price if they are not sold?

I am afraid that I cannot answer that. The hon. Member is quite aware of what the Prime Minister said in this House. After the Prime Minister's statement the Board of Agriculture fixed a date from which the guaranteed price would obtain Beyond that I cannot go. I am only replying on behalf of the Food Controller.

When will a representative of the Food Department be here, so that the matter can be discussed on the floor of the House?

I cannot say when my hon. Friend will be present, but I trust that he will be back next week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food with reference to orders making it unlawful to sell certain kinds of potatoes under £6 a ton, whether any guarantee or undertaking was given that the State would purchase at that price in the event of the producer not being able to obtain it in the ordinary way; and whether he can state where the words conditions and limitations of any such promise are to be found?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Particulars of the guarantee are contained in the Press announcements issued by Lord Devonport on the 9th and 19th January last, and in Mr. Prothero's announcement of the 2nd May. I am sending a copy of these to the hon. Member

asked the First Commissioner of Works what has been the result of the agricultural experiment in Richmond Park; what has been the yield per acre of the oats sown; what the crop cost to produce; and what it has realised?

The oats in Richmond Park have been stacked, but as they have not yet been threshed it is not possible to state the yield, which will not, of course, be as heavy as had been hoped owing to the exceptionally bad weather at harvest time. The cost of cultivation has been £630, to which must eventually be added a proportion of the cost of fencing, which amounted to £343. I may add that, as soon as I am in a position to do so, I shall circulate with the Votes the full financial results of the cultivation at Richmond and Bushey Parks.

Was a profit expected by the Board of Agriculture, and did it not compare very unfavourably with the crops raised by the ordinary farmers?

I have seen crops raised by ordinary farmers quite as bad as that at Richmond.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to imply that this food does not cost a great deal more money than is necessary?

When you are short of food it is not a question of cost; it is a question of food.

Is this not unsuitable land for growing crops?

I took the advice of one of the greatest agricultural authorities in this country, and certainly this land is not unsuitable for growing oats, but, in view of the fact that we had a dry spring and a very wet harvest, the oat crop through the whole country was extremely bad.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what arrangements can be made for a supply of sugar for the holidays for parents who have children at boarding schools or institutions; and whether they should register their children on their own sugar card?

Instructions have been issued that householders may include in their applications for sugar registration cards children belonging to their households who are at boarding school. The allowance granted in respect of such children should, of course, only be drawn when the children are at home.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information as to the harvest of the sugar-beet industry in France; whether there are ample supplies of sugar in France; and, if so, whether arrangements will be made for a supply of sugar from France in return for the coal sent from this country?

The sugar crop in France has only just commenced, and will not be completed until December or later, and it is not possible to estimate with accuracy at this stage what the production will prove to be. France requires to import considerable quantities of sugar supplementary to her own production, in order to provide for her requirements, notwithstanding that the existing ration in that country is ¼ lb. per head per week. It is, therefore, impossible to make the arrangement suggested in the question.

Is it not true that the stock of sugar in this country is almost as great as at this time a year or two ago?

The right hon. Gentleman must give notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution carried by the Nottingham Wholesale Grocery and Provision Dealers' Association that they are unable to buy either hams, bacon, or lard, that their warehouses are empty, and that they respectfully urge the Food Controller to release stocks of the above for the consumption of the civil population; and what steps does he intend to take in the matter?

My attention has been called to the resolution referred to in the question; but I am unable to add anything to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for East Nottingham on this subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by many farmers in obtaining cartridges for the protection of their crops and by others for the killing of game and rabbits for food purposes; and whether he will approach the Ministry of Munitions with a view to the release of a sufficient but limited amount of lead for the manufacture of cartridges to meet these demands?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Food Controller will consider whether a satisfactory scheme can be devised for meeting this want; but it must be remembered that any release of lead for the manufacture of cartridges involves a direct inroad on the supply available for munition purposes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the decision of the United Dairies, Limited, to sanction the increase of the capital of the company to £4,000,000; whether he is aware that this step has been taken in order to amalgamate all the interests in the London dairy trade and to establish monopolistic control over the milk industry; and whether, in view of this combine, he is taking action to safeguard public interests in regard to the supplies of milk?

The hon. Member may rest assured that before recommending the Treasury to sanction any such proposed increase of capital the Food Controller will take all possible steps to safeguard public interests in regard to the supplies and prices of milk.

Does that mean that the people interested will be considered poor people?

I do not know exactly who may be the people interested, but I take it that the Food Controller, before allowing this increased capital, will consult the proper tribunal in regard to the question of prices in the case of the poorer people.

It is the poor people who are the purchasers, and they have no means in their hands to resist any corner.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any agricultural work has been undertaken by the military authorities in Mesopotamia; and, if so, whether he can state the amount of agricultural produce which has already been raised?

I have telegraphed for definite information on the points raised by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, as regards the troops at all the stations on the Shatt-el-Arab, the Tigris, and Euphrates, he is in a position to assure the House that sufficient provision has been made for medical and surgical treatment, including medicines and appliances, and for the supply of fresh vegetables; and if he can say whether, and what, provision has been made of fruits?

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief is responsible that sufficient provision is made for the medical and surgical treatment, including medicines and appliances, for the troops at all stations in any particular theatre of war, and I have no reason to suppose that provision in Mesopotamia is not merely sufficient, but ample in every respect. All demands for medical stores are promptly met, and in addition to the medical stores depots in Mesopotamia a special depot has been established at Bombay to facilitate supply. The supply of fresh vegetables is good and amounts to 67 per cent. of the total vegetable ration. Fruit and dates are also available locally and issued to the troops.

asked whether, in view of the fact that British military missions have been attached to the French, Russian, Belgian, Portuguese, and American Armies, it is proposed to attach a British Military Mission to the Serbian Army at Salonika; and whether steps have been taken to ascertain the views of the Serbian Higher Command with reference to all military operations on that front?

A British Mission is attached to the Serbian Army at Salonika. The Serbian Army, like the French forces at Salonika, is under the supreme command of the French Commander-in-Chief. The views of the Serbian Higher Command are, therefore, addressed to the latter, but the British authorities are kept informed.

asked how many Welshmen hold Staff appointments or command battalions in the 38th Welsh Division?

Officers are appointed to commands and to the Staff in accordance with the best interests of the Service as a whole, but judging by the names it appears that at least four Staff officers and two out of the three brigade commanders are Welshmen.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he will see that agreements made with Irish soldiers are respected by the Government; if he is aware that in answer to recruiting posters a number of Irish tradesmen were induced to join the Mechanical Transport and Engineers, and are now being transferred to Line regiments, with reduction in pay; and if he will see that this practice is stopped?

I have nothing to add to the long answer which I gave on 25th July on this subject. I asked then for specific instances, but my hon. Friend has not yet brought any to my notice.

Is the hon. Gentleman not Aware that I sent several cases?

The cases to which my hon. Friend has called attention have been cases of transfer from the Army Service Corps to the fighting lines.

asked whether suggestions for making a visible distinction between medals and decorations awarded for gallantry in action and those awarded for distinguished service have been considered; and whether he can make any announcement on the subject?

This matter is under consideration, but I am afraid that I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

asked whether the Army Council, in framing regulations for the issue of the recently announced war service chevrons, will endeavour to make them genuine badges for active service by excluding service at bases or on the lines of communication or allowing such service to count half-time only?

Such a distinction has been the subject of careful consideration but has been found to be impracticable.

asked when the medal for the original Expeditionary Force will be issued; and when the ribbon will be allowed to be worn?

Action in connection with the issue of the decoration in question is being expedited as much as possible. An Army Order on the subject will be published shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the services and past records of the two officers who were relieved of their commands in July last in consequence of irregularities for which they were held responsible in the treatment of James Brightmore at Cleethorpes camp and the publicity which has been given by the action of the War Office to its condemnation of all such irregularities, steps will now be taken to reinstate these officers?

As the example which was made in this and similar cases has been sufficient to demonstrate that the Secretary of State in no circumstances will tolerate a soldier being dealt with except in strict accordance with the law, he has decided that the re-employment and reinstatement of the officers concerned in the case of Private Brightmore and Private Gray shall be considered as opportunity offers.

As some of these officers are poor men and have not been able to support their families on their half-pay will the hon. Gentleman use his influence to get them re-employment?

I have stated that when the opportunity does arise their cases will be considered.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he is aware that men who voluntarily joined the Home Hospital Reserve in the early stage of the War have been ordered to accept service abroad and told that if they refuse to do this they will be discharged from the Army forthwith and called to the Colours again at the end of thirty days and drafted into Infantry regiments; and, seeing that this is a breach of the terms under which they enlisted, he will cancel the instruction ordering these men abroad?

My hon. Friend's representation of the matter is hardly correct. Men of the Home Hospitals Reserve who are under forty-one years of age are now discharged, unless they are willing to accept liability for service overseas. It is pointed out to them that by such discharge they become liable under the Military Service Acts.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of these men, if they had remained in civil occupations, would have been exempt from service in the Army? Is a fair game being played with them in discharging them from the R.A.M.C.?

asked how many general officers commanding divisions at home have been displaced to make room for tired generals sent back from France; and how many of these displaced major-generals have now been given re-employment?

The answer to the first part of the question is three. So far, none of those displaced have been given re-employment.

Is there any chance of any of these officers being given re-employment?

Everything is being done to give them re-employment, and when opportunity does arise their case will be most carefully considered.

Thank you!

asked the Undersecretary for War if the dental service of the Army is in charge of a special director-general or of any recognised head of the dental service; what number of dentists are attached to each division; and, if less than one to each division, will he have arrangements made to complete to that strength?

The Director-General, Army Medical Service, is the recognised chief of the dental officers employed with the Army. There are no dentists in the war establishment of divisions, such officers being allotted to duties in the field at the discretion of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, and it is not proposed to interfere with the discretion of these officers in this matter.

Will not the hon. Member take into consideration the desirability of appointing a recognised head to the dental service in the Army and of placing the allocation of the various dental officers under his direction.

I am informed on the best available authority that the present mode is as successful as any.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether he was aware of the fact that many of the private soldiers and non-commissioned officers on the Headquarters Staff of the Royal Engineers at Cairo have not been granted leave for some two and a half years; having regard to the fact that most, if not nearly all, of these soldiers are of Territorial regiments, and whose parents at home are desirous of their sons coming back home for a short leave, at least once within a period of two years, if there are any military reasons why such leave should not be granted to troops who have experienced three summers in Egypt; and, if there are no special military reasons why these men should not be granted such leave, will arrangements be made so that men who have served two years or more in Egypt shall be granted leave in accordance with military exigencies?

The granting of leave to the troops in Egypt depends in a peculiar degree on transport facilities. At the moment I am afraid the difficulties are very great, and I cannot at present hold out any hope of amelioration in this direction.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the request of the National Farriers' Association against the training of unskilled men in the Army in farriers' schools whilst there are a number of qualified farriers occupying other posts in the Army; and whether he will consider the advisability of drafting such men from their units in order to undertake this work?

Yes, attention has been called to the matter in question. The policy of the Army Council is to employ all farriers at their trade or on allied trades in the Army.

Is it not a fact that there is the greatest difficulty in obtaining farriers for the Army, and that every available man who has any qualifications is being obtained?

I believe that is so.

asked whether the bann on the foreign circulation of the. "Nation" newspaper is still in force; and, if it is, what are the grounds for maintaining it?

The prohibition is no longer in force.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the employés under the Army Ordnance Department at Carrickfergus have not received an increase in wages or bonus in proportion to the increases granted to other workers in that neighbourhood during the War; whether he is aware that these men receive for their responsible work 2s. a week less than the local street-sweepers; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The wages of War Department employés at Carrickfergus are governed by the Fair Wages Resolution. I am informed that the weekly earnings of the unskilled labourers are somewhat higher than those of similar employés of the urban district council for the same number of hours per week.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Army pay clerks and other ranks of the Army who are billeted on private houses at various camps are allowed the rate of 17s. 6d. per week billeting money; whether for this amount they have to obtain lodging and three meals a day; whether he is aware that at the present prices of food and household necessities it is quite impossible for the men to obtain billets at this price, and the men have to pay supplemental charges from their own pay; and will he consider at once the urgency of at once increasing the billeting allowance of men who are billeted outside camps?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 19th April to the hon. Member for Bradford West, to which I can add nothing.

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to consider the matter, as the reply in question was given more than six months ago.

I have looked into it recently, and I am afraid that I cannot see my way to do what the hon. Gentleman desires.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is quite impossible for these men to obtain billets at 17s. 6d. a week, which is what they are now paid by the Army?

There are the messing allowances which the men receive which must be considered.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to the public meeting at Bowhill, Scotland, protesting against the way in which the business of the local war pensions committee in the district is being carried out; whether the majority of its members have resigned; and whether he proposes to make any inquiry?

The hon. Member is apparently referring to the District Committee of Auchterderran, a sub-committee of the Local Committee for Fifeshire. A report was received on the 18th instant stating that owing to dissension in the Committee the majority of the members resigned, and new ones had to be appointed in their places. The Fife Local Committee inform me that the claims coining before the Auchterderran District Committee have been satisfactorily dealt with and that the interests of sailors and soldiers have received every consideration. I am, however, making further inquiries in the matter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that ten out of fifteen members of the Committee have resigned because they are so dissatisfied, and how can a minority of five say that things were all right?

The information came not from the Sub-Committee but from the Fifeshire Local Committee; but, as I have told my hon. Friend, we are making further inquiries.

asked why, when the ring paper is in possession of a soldier's wife entitled to separation allowance and the draft book has failed to arrive at the post office, the wife by the Regulations cannot receive any payment for seven days from the Pension Committee, although ample provision is made for the recovery of that money?

Local committees have to exercise care in the matter referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, as it may well happen that the non-arrival of the book is due to the suspension of separation allowance and the advance is asked for with a knowledge of this. Where a local committee is fully satisfied that the case is not one of this nature, they would be justified in giving the advance within the seven days referred to in the Instruction, which shall be modified so as to make it clear that it does not bar this.

Do I understand that the Regulation which says that payment cannot be given will now be modified, so that payment may be given?

Yes. It was always intended that it should be given in the circumstances mentioned, but it is not quite clear, and it will now be made quite clear.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what they will accept as evidence that it is not a suspended separation allowance?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what is the reason of the increase of freight to the Dominion of New Zealand to £10 per ton measurement; what price the Government pay the shipping companies for the use of the steamers; and if they are chartered by the Government at Blue-Book rates?

The increase in freight referred to has been caused by the increases in war risk insurance and running expenses. The shipping companies receive hire for their vessels at Blue Book rates, which have not been increased. Blue Book rates do not include war risk insurance, cost of coal, increase of wages above prewar rates, etc., and the large increases under these headings are charges upon the Government.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the rate before the War was 40s. a ton, that the rate before the Government took over the ships was £6 a ton., and that it has now increased to £10 a ton, and is not part of the increase accounted for by profit made by the Government?

No; the increase is accounted for entirely in the way I have referred to, and there is no margin of profit taken into account.

Would it not have been described as profiteering on the part of the shipowners, and, if so, why is it not profiteering on the part of the Government?

No. The rates which are being charged merely cover the cost.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that as a result of these high freights the export to the Dominions is largely stopped, and ships to the Dominions are in great part empty?

These freights are arrived at on a cost basis.

What is the difference in the war risk rate?

The war risk rate is now £9 10s. per cent.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can give any figures as to the area of agricultural land sold since 1st January, 1916; and whether, in view of the growing insecurity felt by farmers owing to the extensive sales of agricultural land now going on, he can give the farmers some assurance that they will be protected against dispossession by the new owners?

No figures are available showing the area of agricultural land sold since the date mentioned. The Board of Agriculture, I fear, possess no powers that would enable me to give any such assurance as my hon. Friend suggests, though he may depend upon it that the Department and the Agricultural Executive Committees will, if the facts are brought to their notice, endeavour to urge new owners not to disturb good farmers, when it is clear that the production of food would be affected by a change in tenancy.

asked the number of motor ploughs sent to Devonshire, the number of acres ploughed, and the cost per acre; and whether the reports of work done by them are satisfactory?

The number of tractors working in Devonshire on October 12th was fifty-one. Of these, thirty-five have been supplied since the beginning of September. The number of acres reported as having been ploughed and cultivated by the Departments' tractors up to 12th October was 2,400. The average cost per acre in September was £2 8s. 9d. This figure, which covers all charges, including loss on tractors standing idle and cost of repairs, compares unfavourably with the corresponding figures in other counties. The excessive cost in Devonshire is mainly due to the rough and hilly nature of the land, which is largely unsuitable for tractor ploughing. Speaking generally, the work of the tractors in Devonshire has not been satisfactory, but, as the result of a special investigation just concluded, changes have been made which it is anticipated will ensure better and more economical results in the immediate future.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied with these motors?

It depends upon the nature of the land.

May I ask whether in future the motors used in Devonshire will be left more in the control of the War Agricultural Committees in the county than in the Central Office?

I think the War Agricultural Committees have complete powers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there have been numerous complaints in Devonshire about the use of these motor tractors, and until now they have had no redress?

What are the various tractors in use in Devonshire which are not satisfactory?

I think the Whiting-Bull is one of the tractors.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has information of Indians being transported to Canada for the purposes of agriculture; and under what conditions and with what rights are the immigrants entering Canada?

I have no information on the subject.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will state the progress made with the roof of Westminster Hall; whether he has used spraying for the eradication of insects attacking the timbers; and whether the work of restoration is to be continued or temporarily suspended?

Two trusses and two bays have been completely finished, two further trusses and two additional bays are nearly completed, and a further four trusses and three bays are about to be commenced. Spraying has been adopted in dealing with the eradication of the Xestobium tessellatum; and the work of restoration will be proceeded with slowly during the War.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether any sites have been granted for places of worship in munition areas other than Gretna; and, if so, whether he will give full particulars of all such grants?

No grant of land has in any case been made for the erection of places of worship, except in the case of Gretna. Permission has, however, been given in two cases (the King's Norton Settlement at Abbey Wood and the Barras Heath Settlement at Coventry) for Church of England bodies to erect temporary buildings on Government land within the limits of the Settlements. Church of England bodies have paid for these buildings, and will have first call on them, but other denominations will be at liberty to use them. No grants of money have been made in these cases.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware of the number of evictions of munition workers in Birmingham and district; and whether he will consider the advisability of specifying the district as a special area for the purposes of the new Defence of the Realm Regulations relating to the ejectment of munition workers?

Representations have been received on the subject of evictions of munition workers in the Birmingham district, and an inquiry on the spot into, the question is now in progress. The advisability of specifying the district as a special area for the purpose of Regulation 2A. of the Defence of the Realm Regulations will receive full consideration, when the inquiry has been completed.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have taken any steps to apply in the postal service the system of joint committees of representatives of the employers and employed recommended in the Whitley Report; and whether any future action in, this direction is proposed?

I understand that my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General is considering whether the appointment of any advisory committees in the Post Office will be of advantage to the public service.

asked the Prime Minister whether the evidence of Colonel Sir Thomas Myles and Colonel Sir Arthur Chance at the inquest on the late Thomas Ashe has been considered by the Government; if he is aware that these medical experts stated that forcible feeding was dangerous to life even in the most skilled hands; and if, having regard to their qualifications to speak on behalf of the medical profession, the Government will remove for all time the practice of forcible feeding?

I have been asked to reply. The evidence given by these two distinguished surgeons is before the Government and will receive due consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, after Thomas Ashe was murdered, the Government then stopped forcible feeding?

I have already called the hon. Member's attention to the fact that he is not entitled to use that expression, and I would like to see his question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether the knowledge of the War Cabinet that distinguished foreigners had arranged to proceed to Dublin to view the public funeral of the late Mr. Thomas Ashe on Sunday, 7th instant, in Dublin had any connection with the meeting of the Irish Privy Council summoned on the previous evening for the purpose of fundamentally altering the treatment of prisoners under the Defence of the Realm Act; and whether he is aware that in the absence of that alteration there was imminent danger of the Irish people clashing with the military in the streets of Dublin on the day of the public funeral in question?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I know nothing of the distinguished foreigners mentioned in the question. I have no particular qualification for answering the hypothetical inquiry in the second part of it.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the recommendation made on page 45 of the First Report of the Public Records Commission that, when the office of the Master of Rolls next falls vacant and a new appointment is made, the Master of the Rolls be relieved of his titular connection with the Public Record Office and that he be replaced by a permanent Commission of nine persons to be called Commissioners of Public Records, who should be appointed by the Crown and should be unpaid; and whether in appointing a successor to Lord Cozens-Hardy he is prepared to carry out the recommendation of the Public Records Commission?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but the change would involve legislation to amend the Public Records Act, 1838, which I am unable to promise at the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider not filling this appointment during the War?

I have no reason to believe that it is not necessary to fill it during the War.

What is the reason why unemployed judges in the King's Bench Division should not be transferred to the Court of Appeal to do its work?

I know nothing of any unemployed judges.

asked the Prime Minister why a large amount of wines and spirits are not released from bond; and whether he will state the reason for their retention in bond?

I have been asked to reply. I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Chippenham on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed at a cooperative conference held in London protesting against his refusal to receive a deputation representing between three and four million co-operators who desired to lay certain grievances before him; whether he will state why he declined for over two months to receive this deputation; and what action he now proposes to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the statement that the Prime Minister refused to receive the deputation is untrue. When the first request to receive a deputation was made, the Prime Minister thought it advisable that they should in the first instance meet the Food Controller, but they were informed at the same time that, should they desire to meet the Prime Minister subsequently, he would be very happy to arrange for them to do so. Subsequently the Prime Minister was so hard pressed with work of great urgency that he was not able to receive the deputation at the time desired by them. It has, however, since been arranged that he should meet the deputation some time next week. May I add from my own knowledge that it is impossible that any Prime Minister could ever have received a larger, or indeed so large, a number of deputations from Labour organisations of all kinds as have been received by my right bon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether any additional Grant is made to the Junior Lord of the Treasury, the hon. Member for Linlithgowshire, in order to meet the expenses of the journalistic articles officially issued from his Department?

The answer is in the negative.

May I ask whether those articles, officially issued by a Government Department, formed part of the expenses of that Department, and, if so, whether articles that represent the right hon. Gentleman the Member for East Fife (Mr. Asquith) as a broken man, who can never by any chance come back into power again, represent the view of what is considered to be a non-party Government?

I really know nothing whatever about the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the writing of such articles by a Government official helps to get on with the War?

I have already said I know nothing about it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not taken the trouble to inquire as to the writings for the Treasury relating to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for East Fife?

No, I have not.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the trouble to do so?

I will consider it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the official communiqués issued by the Junior Lord of the Treasury (the hon. Member for Linlithgowshire) to the Scottish Press are passed by the Censor?

I have no information on this subject.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it tends to encourage the enemy to have it published that both the ex-Prime Minister and the hon. Gentleman the Member for Linlithgowshire are unwell?

asked the Patronage Secretary to the Treasury whether the notes sent each week to certain Scottish newspapers and issued from the office of the Junior Lords of the Treasury are sent at public expense; and, if so, under which class and head they appear in the Estimates?

The answer is in the negative.

As the communications are sent post free, is not there some expense falling on the public?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Has not the hon. Gentleman inquired whether or not they were franked?

I am afraid I have not. The hon. Member can give notice.

Were these articles either written by, supervised, or corrected by the Patronage Secretary himself?

That does not arise out of this question. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh!"]

Who is the real "Bolo" that writes these articles?

asked the Prime Minister whether Lord Northcliffe's mission in the United States has now been concluded; and whether Lord Northcliffe is still acting as agent or representative of the Government in any capacity?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second in the affirmative.

Does Lord Northcliffe's mission take in all over Canada as well as the United States?

The extent of Lord Northcliffe's mission was fully defined in an answer I gave some time ago. I have nothing to add to that reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in many centres, notably Birmingham and district, the protection afforded to tenants by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1917, is being nullified by certain practices adopted by house owners to secure ejectment orders against tenants who refuse to pay more than the legal rent; and whether he will consider the advisability of introducing an amending Bill to strengthen the present law?

I am not aware of the circumstances to which the right hon. Member refers, but if he will furnish me with particulars of any specific cases, I shall have inquiries made.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to or if he has received a Resolution passed by the Parliamentary Labour party protesting against the policy now being pursued by the authorities in Ireland; if the protest also includes a request for the reconsideration of the decision to remove to England some of the political prisoners now in Irish prisons; if he will state whether the protest is founded on a mistaken assumption of fact; and if he will state the Government's reply to the Resolution?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the Resolution of the Parliamentary Labour party and to the request as regards the Irish prisoners. As to the latter, I can add nothing to the answer I gave the hon. Member last Thursday. The subject of the policy of the Irish Executive will, I expect, be considered in Debate to-day.

Am I to understand that the Labour party have passed their Resolution on a mistaken assumption of the facts?

The hon. Member must draw his own inferences to the answers I have given.

That was exactly the answer the right hon. Gentleman gave last week, so that it must be the same in this case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the national expenditure for the current year is largely in excess of his estimate, it is intended to introduce an interim Budget in order to impose further taxation?

I have carefully considered the subject raised in this question in connection with the probable expenditure of the year and of the Revenue receipts, and have come to the conclusion that it is neither necessary nor desirable to introduce a Supplementary Budget.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would help to further economy if additional taxation were imposed?

No.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has taken sufficiently into account that the delay in dealing with this matter will still further increase the great disparity between the amount raised by taxation and the amount raised by loan to defray the cost of the War?

The subject, as my hon. Friend knows, was fully discussed in connection with the last Budget and decided after full consideration of all the circumstances

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that W. Hohnrodt, a man of sixty-three years of age, has resided forty years in this country, that one of his sons was killed in the South African War and another is fighting now in France; that W. Hohnrodt was arrested for harbouring another son who is a conscientious objector, but was discharged by the magistrate, who said that W. Hohnrodt had acted throughout in an honourable way, and that immediately on his discharge he was arrested again and interned or imprisoned under the Defence of the Realm Act; what is the reason for this treatment of this man; and whether it is intended in future that when the police or Crown auhorities fail to procure a conviction in Court the defendant will be immediately arrested under the Defence of the Realm powers of the Secretary of State?

The decision to intern this man was reached on information in the possession of the Home Office some time before the criminal charge was brought against him. I am informed that the magistrates did not say that he acted throughout in an honourable way. There is no record, so far as I am aware, that one of his sons was killed in the South African War, but he has a son in a Labour Battalion in France. There is no foundation for the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

If the decision to intern this man was taken some time previously why was it only put into operation immediately after he had been discharged by the magistrates?

It was put into operation according to the discretion of the authorities who decided to intern him.

asked the Home Secretary whether Mr. John W. Graham, of the Nook, Crosby, Maryport, who describes himself as the Quaker chaplain of Strangeways Gaol, Manchester, is officially appointed by the Government to visit prisoners and in that capacity to make reports on their physical condition to the Prison Commissioners?

Mr. John Graham has been permitted by the Commissioners to visit Quaker prisoners in Manchester Prison for the purposes of spiritual ministration. It is not part of his duty as a visiting minister to report to the Prison Commissioners on the physical condition of the prisoners.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that a sanitary inspector visited the Home Office Camp at Ditton Priors, Bridgnorth, on the 21st June last and condemned the camp as being overcrowded, with the result that a number of conscientious objectors were transferred to Wakefield work centre; whether he is aware that they were subsequently informed that they had been reported for unsatisfactory work and conduct; and, seeing that no charges had been brought against the men, and that to the best of their knowledge their work had given every satisfaction, whether inquiries will be made with a view to righting the mistake?

A sanitary inspector visited the camp referred to in June last and reported that he found the accommodation suitable and satisfactory. He says, "there was nothing either inside or outside the buildings to warrant condemnation, and any assertion to the contrary is incorrect." Prior to the inspector's visit the agent had reported certain men to the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors as being idle; and after careful inquiry by the Committee, in the course of which an opportunity was afforded to the men concerned to make any representations in the matter which they desired to make, the men were removed and punished. The suggestion that a mistake has occurred is without any foundation.

asked the Home Secretary whether the agent at the Home Office Camp, Ditton Priors, is or was the military representative from the district; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of these two offices not being combined in one person?

I am informed that the agent in question is military representative for the Cleobury Mortimer district, which adjoins the district in which the men are employed. The duties of the two appointments cannot come in conflict in any way, and I can see nothing undesirable in his holding both

Did the right hon. Gentleman not promise that those men would not be put under military control, and are they not under the military representative?

It is not at all correct to think that the military representative is a military man.

asked the Home Secretary whether there are a number of conscientious objectors at present in Wormwood Scrubs Prison who have appeared before the Central Tribunal and have been passed for the Home Office scheme; and whether it can be stated for what reason there is delay in allowing these men out of prison to undertake work under the direction of the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. The delay is due to the difficulty of finding work and accommodation for conscientious objectors; but some of them were sent out last week, and it is hoped that the arrangements for sending all these men out to work may be completed very shortly.