asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether special messages have been sent to each in turn of the South American Republics which have declared themselves on the side of the Allies; and whether he will consider the advisability of sending a special Embassy to each of these Republics in order to express the appreciation of this country and to stimulate by every available means good relations, projected on a permanent basis, between the South American Republics and this country?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am in full accord with the objects which the hon. Member has in view, and I will consider whether the specific suggestion he makes is practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will order a Report to be prepared setting forth the main Features of the role of King Constantine in Greece since the beginning of the War?

No, Sir; I do not think the matter is of sufficient public interest to require separate treatment of this kind.

Will Papers be laid on this subject?

I must have notice of that question.

asked whether it is now ascertained that from the beginning of the War ex-King Constantine was influenced by his relationship with the Kaiser to thwart by every means within his power the designs of the Allies; and whether any new guarantees have been provided that will ensure that King Alexander may not be moved by the same reasons to pursue a similar line of conduct?

The policy of the ex-King of Greece was undoubtedly hostile to the Allied Powers, though whether this was due to affection for his brother-in-law is another question. In view of what has happened, I do not think any such guarantee as is suggested is necessary.

Is it not a fact that at a vital period of the War in the Balkans the whole chances of the Allies were thrown aside by the presumed necessity of supporting that hostile monarch?

No, Sir; there is no truth in that suggestion.

Is it proposed to establish a Republic in Greece by any of the Allies?

I should not like to answer that question without notice.

asked whether at any time since the beginning of the War the British Minister at Athens warned the Government that King Constantine had overstepped constitutional limits in his desire to aid Germany; and whether, in view of any such information, the Government acted on the theory that the importance of maintaining the dynasty of King Constantine outweighed all other considerations, or, if not, whether a statement will now be published giving reasons for upholding the power of this dangerous enemy?

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

asked whether any special message has been sent to the Chinese Government expressing the sentiments of welcome and of appreciation for the noble role of China on the occasion of the entry of that country into the War on the side of the Allies; and whether he has considered the advisability of sending a special Embassy to China on that account?

A message of appreciation was addressed by His Majesty the King to the President of the Republic. With regard to the second part of the question, the dispatch of a special Embassy to China is not considered necessary.

With respect to the first part of the answer, I beg the Noble Lord to consider that this question has been motived by advice from China. I do hope that it will be made perfectly clear that China has been placed in the same status as other great Powers.

asked whether, in order that Parliament may have some control over the eventual settlement to be reached at the conclusion of the War, he will undertake to give this House immediate information of the nature, terms, and conditions of any offer he may receive, directly or indirectly, from the Central Powers?

The Government have every desire to take Parliament into their confidence, but I do not think it would be in the public interest to give the pledge required.

May I ask, in view of the fact that the majority of the wars of the past have been unsatisfactorily concluded by treaties for which monarchs, ministers and diplomatists were alone responsible is it not imperative that some democratic sanction should be obtained at the concluding stages of this War in order that the settlement may rest upon the consent of the people and last?

That is a very large question to tack on to the one that has been put to me, and I am not at all clear what he means by democratic sanction. I suppose he means his own.

Will the Noble Lord be kind enough to say whether the Leader of the House has anything to say with regard to the undertakings made to lay a White Paper with the exact words of the speeches made by enemy statesmen?

Obviously that is a question which must be addressed to my right hon. Friend.

Can my right hon. Friend say definitely whether or not such treaties will be approved before the House of Commons has given its sanction?

How can I be expected to answer that question?

asked whether the present Government adheres to the policy announced by the late Prime Minister of taking Parliament into its confidence if proposals for a general peace are put forward by the enemy Governments?

I do not know to what statement by the late Prime Minister the hon. Member is referring.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has seen the answer given in this House on 8th December, 1915?

I cannot recall all the answers given to questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether any person or persons left this country with the knowledge of the Government during the months of August or September with the intention of engaging in communications on the subject of terms of peace with other persons or person of enemy association; if so, whether such person or persons did in fact enter into such communications in Switzerland or elsewhere during any period in September or October; and whether the Government has received information as to the result or course of these communications?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, the Government propose to take for the untilisation of the water power of Ireland for manufacturing purposes?

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland will be happy to place at the disposal of persons or bodies seeking to utilise water power in Ireland any information in their possession as to the amount, whether constant or intermittent, available in any particular case of which they have records. They have already done so when applied to. The Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction are doing what they can to encourage the re-working of corn mills for which water power in Ireland is specially suitable. The Department are advised that the prospects of using power generated from water in other than local industries would be comparatively small, except by long distance electric transmission, and even in this way only a very few cases could be worked to advantage. No other steps than those I have mentioned have been resolved upon.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the only place where there was a water fall and plant for the purpose of electricity they were obliged to have steam power by coal?

I was not aware of it.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will take steps to procure the same rate of wages in all its branches in Ireland as is paid for similar work in Great Britain?

Rates of wages vary as between Great Britain and Ireland as well as in different parts of Great Britain and in different parts of Ireland. I do not see any prospect of introducing general uniformity of wages.

Is he aware of the turmoil and the trouble in Ireland at the present moment amongst the workers there, and is he aware that they are fighting for existence?

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware of the difficulty experienced in Dublin by the people in their endeavours to obtain tea, sugar, and milk; if he will see that an equal portion of the tea and sugar imported will be sent to Ireland; and if he will say whether arrangements are yet made to safeguard a supply of milk for the coming winter months?

As regards tea, I am informed that retailers in Ireland have recently had considerably larger stocks of tea per head of the population than retailers in Great Britain. A maximum price for tea comes into operation to-day.

As regards sugar, I understand arrangements have been made to secure to Ireland as a whole the same proportion of that country's consumption in 1915 as has been made available for other parts of the United Kingdom.

The Irish Food Control Committee have made recommendations to the Ministry of Food with the object of increasing the supply of milk available in Ireland, and several charitable bodies in Dublin are engaged in providing depots for the supply of milk at practically cost price.

The Grant for maternity and child welfare has also been recently extended so as to defray a moiety of the cost of providing milk and dinners for expectant and nursing mothers, and children under five years of age in necessitous cases.

Arising out of that part of the reply which states that there is an excessive surplus of tea in the country, is he aware that the reason is because the people are not able to buy it at the excessive price?

I did not say there was an excessive surplus of tea. I said that the proportion in Ireland was larger than in this country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also see that the people of this country get their fair share of the surplus of bacon and butter from Ireland?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether portions of this Grant will be given to aid charitable people who have supplied milk at cost price for so many years in various parts of the country?

I am not quite sure what restrictions there are in the Act of Parliament which regulates that matter.

You know the case I mean.

If the case to which the hon. Member refers conies within the provisions of the Act, I will certainly do what I can.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what date he was first informed of the treatment of the late Thomas Ashe; whether he or the Undersecretary or Lord Lieutenant had power to get the treatment changed; and, if so, what exactly they did in the matter; whether the Prisons Board or officials received any instructions to change the treatment before Ashe died; if so, will he say on what date the instructions were issued?

The first information I had with regard to the case of Thomas Ashe individually reached me in London after his death. At the end of the previous week a statement was made to me by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and Sir John Irwin as to the conditions in Mountjoy Prison affecting the group of prisoners of whom Thomas Ashe was one. The treatment of prisoners is the subject of Regulations made under the Prisons Acts, and, so far as I am aware, there was no inter- ference by the Executive Government in Ireland, and no power to interfere, with the administration of these Regulations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question, which asks whether the Lord Lieutenant has power to get the treatment changed?

I have answered it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Lord Aberdeen in days gone by altered the treatment of prisoners who threatened to go on hunger strike? Has not the present Lord Lieutenant the same power?

I do not know what Lord Aberdeen's acts were in different circumstances. I have sufficient responsibility in answering for my own.

Is it not a fact that Lord Aberdeen had the courage to alter the treatment of prisoners and that you have not?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can define the limits of martial law in Ireland; whether he himself can exercise any executive power whatever unless with the consent, expressed or tacit, of the military authorities; and whether it was by his instructions or by the order of the military authorities that young men were arrested in Clare for marching with small bands of unarmed demonstrators?

The only exceptional powers exercised in Ireland are those contained in the Defence of the Realm Act and Regulations. Certain authority is given thereby to the military authorities, including the power to deal with offences against the Regulations which prohibit the unauthorised practice of military exercises. I assume that the arrests in question were made in pursuance of this authority. The military authorities do not, so far as I am aware, exercise any other authority, except in regard to purely military matters.

In view of the reply, and in view of the speech of the Prime Minister in the Irish Debate, will the right hon. Gentleman advise him to withdraw the speech, seeing that the facts have been proved either futile or dishonest?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any communication from any of the oversea Dominions in response to his appeal for comments on the Report of Lord Tennyson's Committee on Emigration; and whether he has taken any steps to set up the central emigration committee recommended in that Report?

The Report of Lord Tennyson's Committee was communicated to the Governments of the overseas Dominions at the end of August. No replies have yet been received. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. and gallant Member for Ludlow on 18th October.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the Government has taken over the new London County Hall buildings; and, if so, on what terms; whether the building is to be completed and the occupation by the Government permanent; what are the terms of occupation; and what rent will be paid to the owners?

Certain portions of the London County Council new County Hall buildings have been acquired under the Defence of the Realm Act and Regulations, and are being temporarily completed for occupation by the Ministry of Food. Any claim for loss which may be sustained by the London County Council in consequence of such occupation will be determined by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission. There is no intention on the part of the Government that the occupation shall be permanent.

What arrangements has the Department made for heating? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that as recently as the end of July he stated that he was not aware that there was any provision for heating this building, and that it would be a very large and complicated and costly undertaking which must be carried out before the building could be used for offices in the winter. What provision is he going to make for heating the building?

It is obvious we shall have to make some provision for heating, and temporary provision which will be quite sufficient for the purpose is going to be made.

If it can be done now, why could it not have been done six or nine months ago, when it was said to be impossible?

I never said that it was impossible. I only said that it would be very difficult.

Are we to understand that the Government are going to pay rent to the London County Council for this building?

My hon. Friends are to understand that it will be left to the Defence of the Realm (Losses) Commission to settle what shall be paid.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to an invitation for subscriptions to provide endowment for the College of Nursing and a benevolent fund for individual nurses themselves; whether he is aware that this appeal is supported by Sir Douglas Haig on the assumption that the funds so subscribed are to be used for nurses who have lost their health during the War and that Sir Douglas Haig says that this is most necessary; and whether he will state fully what the Government proposes to do for nurses in order that the nursing profession may be relieved from anxiety in the matter and in order that the subscribing public may know whether the immediate financial need is for a college for the training of women not now nurses or for the help of nurses who have served in the War and have suffered in consequence?

I have seen in the newspapers a notice of the fund to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. The provision made by the State for nurses disabled through war service is set out in the Royal Warrant of the 1st August last. This provision is on far more liberal a scale than previously and I do not doubt that the organisers of the fund will take account of the assistance provided by the State in deciding how their funds may best be applied.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is considering how to provide curative treatment on scientific lines for all sailors and soldiers suffering from rheumatism and tuberculosis; and whether he will consider the desirability of making grants, so that, in addition to their pension, they might reside in health institutions under the care of specialists until every effort toward cure is made, seeing that this would, even in the monetary sense, be cheaper than to grant them pensions whilst at the same time allowing them to lapse into chronic invalids?

Under the instructions of the Ministry, local war pension committees have full power to make arrangements with any existing institutions for the treatment of rheumatism, and those powers have been widely used. Should it be found that existing accommodation is insufficient, the Minister is ready to give assistance towards meeting the need.

Treatment for tuberculosis is provided by the National Health Insurance Commissioners in conjunction with the local health authorities. In order that the disabled man may obtain the fullest advantage of their arrangements, grants have been made to assist the funds of Insurance Committees, and, in addition, the Minister has undertaken to provide the whole cost of treatment for advanced cases of this disease. Moreover, the Ministry are at present considering the question of providing after-care colonies where treatment and training may be given in cases of this disease in its early stages. The hon. Member may rest assured that every means possible will be adopted to bring about an effective cure wherever cure is possible.

asked the Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury what degree of compensation will be given for material damage arising from enemy bombs and British shells, respectively, during air raids; and whether any difference will be made if the sufferer is insured?

There will be an announcement made almost immediately of the full terms of the new Government scheme of air raid compensation and I would ask the hon. Member to await its issue.

Is it conceded as a matter of principle that the subject is entitled to compensation for damages from the War?

That concession, if any, will be found in the terms that will be announced.

Will so serious a matter be announced as a settled matter, or will this House have any opportunity of expressing an opinion upon it?

As a settled matter.

asked whether persons who have experienced personal injury or damage to property by antiaircraft fire are entitled to the same compensation as those injured by enemy bombs; and whether the dependants of persons killed from shock, whether same is caused by explosive warnings, or our own defences, or enemy bombs, are entitled to compensation?

Damage to property or personal injury is treated in the same way whether caused by enemy attack or our defence.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when we may expect a clear statement from the Government as to the position of the people injured in air raids?

A very clear statement was given by me in answer to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh some time ago.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in that respect the Government has yet made up its mind that when separate allowance is paid it will not be less than the amount paid in pension to the soldiers?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Home Secretary why such an insufficient number of metal helmets have been issued to the members of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary, who are on duty in the open during hostile air-raids; and if he will take immediate steps to make good this deficiency?

I have no reason to think there is any insufficiency of metal helmets. The metal helmets are intended for the use of the constabulary employed on any duty necessitating their presence in the streets at a time when the guns are firing or may be expected to fire, and not as part of the general equipment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the occasion of a recent raid 300 special constables of the detachment of which I am the head, paraded for outdoor duty, and there were only 100 metal helmets available?

I will inquire into it. A very large number of helmets have been provided.

asked whether it is intended to leave the air defences of London in the same hands as heretofore?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to give to the House as to the defence of London last night, and whether any enemy machines were brought down?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the day on which it is proposed to introduce a Bill for the creation of an Air Ministry?

I cannot add anything to what I said upon this subject yesterday.

Do not these nightly air raids point to a flagrant lack of cohesion between the coast and land air defences?

If the hon. Member thinks so I fancy he is the only Member of the House who thinks so.

If I am the only Member of the House who thinks so—which I very much doubt—is it not a fact that millions of people in the country think so? Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is proposed that the new Air Ministry Bill should be read for the first time and then disposed of, or are the stages to be taken with all dispatch?

Taken with all the dispatch that the extent of time required for other business makes possible.

In view of that fact, will the right hon. Gentleman refrain from adjourning the House at eight o'clock on moonlight nights, such as Monday and Tuesday?

It is not I who adjourns the House, but the absence of speakers who wish to take part in the Debate.

asked the Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury, with reference to the importation of liquid gold for the pottery trade from America, whether he informed the hon. Member for Newcastle that such importation would now be permitted; whether he now finds that he made a mistake; and what is the explanation of the exceptional delay that has obstructed the consideration of this matter?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Arrangements are in progress for admitting a limited quantity of liquid gold. I regret the delay in making the necessary arrangements, which was due to a misunderstanding.

Is it not a fact that the delay in making these arrangements was solely due to the fact that the representative of Johnson, Matthey and Co. was on this Committee, appointed by the Board of Trade, and might wish to make it a monopoly of this firm?

I cannot say that.

Will those manufacturers who require liquid gold be able to obtain it from the same sources from which they were accustomed to obtain it?

I cannot answer that.

Why is the first part of the question not answered? I addressed it to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury because he told me that the matter was settled as the pottery trade desired.

The matter has been referred to the Board of Trade, because they are making arrangements for the liquid gold.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Mr. Albert Taylor, a conscientious objector, now in Shrewsbury Gaol, has persistently refused to do prison tasks; whether, as a consequence, he has been punished by being put on bread and water for nine days and then the ordinary diet for nine days, and so on alternately; and will he say whether this punishment is in accordance with prison regulations and what the present state of Taylor's health is?

The prisoner in question has been punished for refusal to work. His punishment has been in accordance with the prison regulations, which prescribe that no prisoner who has been upon punishment diet shall be again placed upon it until an interval has elapsed equal to his last period of dietary punishment. He is reported by the medical officer to be mentally and physically fit.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he will give the reasons that led the Ministry of Munitions to override the decision of the Appeal Tribunal at Westminster on 2nd April, 1917, in the case of E. W. Tedder, age thirty-three, Class A, general manager of Elliott-Fisher, an American company carrying on the business of business organisers and manufacturing parts of book-keeping machines in America, at a salary of £1,200 a year; and will he say whether the Appeal Tribunal was informed, and on what date, that the Ministry of Munitions intended to override its decision, and did it acquiesce in the course taken?

The application made to the Ministry of Munitions on 12th April, 1917, for the exemption of Mr. Tedder contained a statement that the tribunal offered no objection to the application. The Ministry had then, and have now, no doubt as to the good faith of this statement, and in recommending the War Office to give temporary exemption to Mr. Tedder had no reason to believe that they were overriding the tribunal. From subsequent correspondence which has passed between the tribunal and the Department it is clear that there was a misunderstanding. In view of this misunderstanding, the Department have informed the National Service Department that they are prepared to withdraw the request for the retention of Mr. Tedder in civil employment.

asked the Home Secretary whether a number of goats have been and now are from time to time being experimented upon with poisonous gases and liquids at the Stock Farm, Porton; how many of such goats have been used for these experiments up to the present time, and whether such experiments generally result in the death of the animals subjected to them either immediately or after a prolonged period of suffering; how long it is intended that such experiments should be continued; and whether they have received his sanction?

Goats have been used under my sanction for these experiments, which are essential for preserving the lives of our soldiers exposed to the enemy's gas attacks. I do not think it desirable to give further details.

Am I right in thinking that it is impossible to make use of anæsthetics in these experiments?

I am quite sure that every possible step is taken to avoid inflicting unnecessary pain.

I only ask whether, as a fact, anæsthetics are used for these animals?

I have no doubt that they are, but I will make inquiry.

When the poisonous nature of the gas has been demonstrated by this process, are the same experiments repeated?

I should certainly think not.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any information to show that Mr. Laszlo at or about the time of his naturalisation or thereafter made any statements, oral or in writing, to indicate the real reason why he was seeking to get or had got naturalised in this country; and whether such statements indicated a desire on his part to abandon his allegiance to Hungary, the country of his origin, and to become a loyal subject of the British Crown?

Mr. Laszlo, when applying for naturalisation, stated that he did so from a desire to continue and improve his business as an artist. At a later date he stated that his desire was that his son should become a British subject, and avoid liability to military service under Hungarian law. He added that he was much attached to this country, and was anxious to become a subject of the country to which his wife belonged, and in which he had made his home. On the grant of the certificate of naturalisation he took the oath of allegiance to the British Crown.

Are we to understand that the then Home Secretary was satisfied from the statements of Mr. Laszlo that he desired and intended to become a loyal subject of the British Crown?

No doubt from his statements and the other information obtained. If the hon. and learned Gentleman will ask his next question, I will answer it.

Is it the case in Hungary, as in Germany, that a subject cannot abandon his allegiance?

That is the next question.

Is there any renunciation of foreign allegiance?

asked the Home Secretary what independent inquiries were made, and of whom, by the Secretary of State for Home Affairs between the date of the application for naturalization by Mr. Laszlo on 28th July, 1914, and the granting of his certificate of naturalization on 29th August, 1914, as to the loyalty of Mr. Laszlo to the British Crown; and whether Mr. Laszlo has before or since his naturalisation obtained or taken any steps to obtain denaturalisation in Hungary?

Inquiry was made of the Police, as is usual before an application for a certificate of naturalisation is granted. As regards the second part of the question, though I cannot speak with certainty as to Hungarian law, it appears probable that Mr. Laszlo, by his naturalisation in this country, has lost his Hungarian nationality.

Has Lord Milner gone through this formula?

Has the attention of my right hon. Friend been called to the instructions issued by the Home Office in relation to naturalisation, which require that independent inquiries as to the loyalty of the applicant should be made, and is he satisfied that adequate inquiries were made in this case for that purpose?

I was not Home Secretary at the time, as my hon. Friend knows. I am very familiar with the instructions given, and I assume that they were followed in this case.

Was the only guarantee of Mr. Laszlo's loyalty the perfunctory guarantee of the four sponsors referred to the other day, aided by such information as the police had?

In substance, that was so. The statements of the four sponsors, who were very well known, together with the information given by the police, were accepted as sufficient.

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman stated in almost so many words the other day, in answer to a question put by me, that these sponsors were merely formal?

Have these particular gentlemen become sponsors for any other Germans, and, if so, will their cases be inquired into?

I do not know, but I think it highly improbable. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] Because only a very few Germans have been naturalised at all during the War, and those only during the first few weeks.

Have these gentlemen been sponsors for any Germans who have not been naturalised?

We are getting a very long way from the question on the Paper.

In asking the first question of the Minister of National Service, may I say I am most glad to welcome him?

This is not the occasion for complimentary statements.

I have great pleasure in asking the Minister of National Service whether he will publish the names of the newspapers, with amounts given to each, to which was paid £54,041 9s. in connection with the Publicity Campaign?

The following sums were paid to the principal newspapers:

Did the papers fix their own prices or were these settled by the advertising experts?

I shall require notice of that question.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he will give the names of the experts on advertising on whose advice £33,838 14s. 7d. was spent on printing, posters, leaflets, etc.?

The printing and distribution of National Service posters was carried out by the Publicity Controller employed by the National Service Department, Mr. Paul E. Derrick, and the quantities ordered were largely governed by the demands of the local committees. The sum mentioned includes the cost of all leaflets, etc., issued by the National Service Department, consequently the responsibility of the Publicity Controller for these was limited to the actual production. The styles and quantities were fixed by the heads of the various branches of the Department.

Why was this expert chosen for this work, seeing that his work consisted principally in advertising whisky and that he was an American, while there were plenty of British experts whose services were tendered but were never asked?

asked the Minister of National Service whether Mr. Harling Turner advised that 40,000 volunteers could be obtained for agriculture; how many of these volunteers are now engaged in agriculture; and whether Mr. Harling Turner remains in the service of the Ministry of National Service?

In reply to the first part of the question, it was estimated that from 25,000 to 40,000 persons would volunteer for service on the land. To the second, no information is available except in regard to those in receipt of subsistence allowance, of whom there are still remaining, approximately, 330. In reply to the last part of the question, Mr. Harling Turner ceased to be a salaried official of the Department on the 9th September. Mr. Harling Turner did, however, most excellent work in connection with food production.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the fact that organised bands of independent labour persons, syndicalists, pro-Hun, and anti-British peace advocates, make it a point to invade and disturb the meetings of loyalist speakers who endeavour to support the Government and war aims; and if he will see that loyal British speakers have the same protection in their public meetings as is given to those whose disloyal vapourings are poisoning the minds of the workers and seriously retarding the successful progress of the War?

May I ask whether the policy of excluding unnecessary adjectives in questions is abandoned in this case in order to allow the introduction of the offensive terms "pro-Huns" and "anti-British," and whether it is extended to the hon. Member because of his success in breaking up meetings of persons with whom he disagrees?

You must call things by their names.

Will a similar licence be extended to persons who have not the same distinction as the hon. Member who happen not to agree?

I will try to hold the balance as equally as I can.

No complaints of this nature have reached me, and I have no reason to think that loyal speakers stand in need of police protection in any part of the country. If protection were required, I am certain that it would be readily given.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently in Wales every loyal speaker who has been there has been hustled and shouted down by organised bands of these hooligans?

No, I am not aware of that, but I am aware that a loyal welcome was extended to General Smuts, and they heard every word he said.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether orders signed by him authorising the breaking of inland correspondence are made for letters and postcards only or also affect newspapers, circulars, parcels, telegrams, telephone messages, and all matters carried or transmitted by the Post Office; whether letters so opened are subject to delay or to the risk of non-delivery; (2) whether warrants signed by him for the opening of inland correspondence are made for definite periods in each individual case or are of permanent effect; and, if made for indefinite periods, whether these warrants are periodically reconsidered with a view to their possible withdrawal?

The extent of these warrants depends on circumstances. In most cases they apply to "all postal packets and telegrams." Every effort is made to avoid any serious delay in delivery, and only in very special cases—for instance, when stoppage is necessary in order to stop the commission of some serious crime—would delivery be stopped. The warrants are reconsidered at frequent intervals and withdrawn, if they are no longer required.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty from what date the increased pay for men in the Navy comes, into force, also when the first payment of the same will be made to the Navy; and if any back amounts due to the men will be paid with the first payment?

The increased pay recently granted to certain classes of seamen and Marines comes into force as from the 1st October, 1917. Orders to this effect were issued to the Fleet on the 5th October, and payment should in ordinary course be made as from the earlier date at the monthly or weekly issue of pay next following the receipt of the Admiralty Order. Effect will be given to the other concessions to the men of the Navy and Marines in respect of relief from allotment, hospital stoppages, etc., as from the same date. Of course, any arrears to which a man may be entitled under the conditions attaching to the concessions will be paid, though it may very well be that this will not be possible with the first payment.

Have any of the men yet received the increased rate?

If the Order of 5th October has already reached the depot or the ship they have got the money. If it has not, they will get it, and they will be paid as from 1st October in every case.

asked the Minister for National Service whether he will give the salaries of the Director-General of Recruiting and of the Deputy-Director-General; and will he say whether the latter is a whole-time official or not?

The salary of the Director-General of Recruiting is £1,200 per annum. This is the same amount as has been paid in the past by the War Office to their Military Director of Recruiting. The salary of the Deputy-Director-General has been fixed at £1,000 per annum, and he will be a whole time official. As compared with the old organisation this official replaces in part the Inspector of Registration and Recruiting and the Deputy-Inspector of Registration and Recruiting as well as the Deputy-Director of Recruiting.

Does that salary of £1,000 a year include his pay as a minister or clergyman?

There is nothing else paid out of public funds.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether these gentlemen have simply been transferred from the War Office into civilian clothes?

The Director-General of Recruiting is Mr. Seymour Lloyd, who was employed under the War Office for some time as the legal adviser of the Recruiting Department. He is a member of the Parliamentary bar. The Deputy-Director-General of Recruiting is the Rev. J. R. McLean, who has been working with the Recruiting Department for some time.

Is it the case that the men are the same, only they are differently dressed?

asked the Prime Minister whether a Bill will shortly be introduced to give effect to the recent Report of the Committee on the Blind?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for York on Tuesday last.

asked the Government's intentions as to the Petroleum (Production) Bill; and whether the provision to create a petroleum royalties fund will be dropped?

In consequence of the pressure of more urgent questions arising out of the War, the Government have not yet had time to give consideration to this subject. I hope to be able to give a reply before the end of next week.

Before a decision is arrived at will the right hon. Gentleman consult what the Prime Minister said about the royalties at Limehouse on the 30th July, 1909?

I have had an opportunity of reading it and I have no need to consult it.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Government is pledged to give immediate legislative effect to any recommendations arrived at by a substantial majority of the selected Irishmen now sitting in Convention in Dublin; or whether the electorate of the United Kingdom will be first consulted with regard to Constitutional changes in the relations between Ireland and Great Britain; (2) whether he is aware that a substantial majority of the Members supporting the Government were returned to this House with a mandate to maintain the legislative union between Great Britain and Ireland; and does the Government intend to break the union between the two countries without directly obtaining an authority from the electorates returning these Members?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for St. Augustine's on the 24th May last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me when the pledge was given?

The answer which I gave on the 24th ult. may be regarded as a pledge. It was that if the Convention were substantially agreed the Government would carry their decision into effect.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has fixed the day on which the House will be asked, owing to the continuance of the War, to set aside the Septennial Act; and is it the intention of the Government to confine itself strictly during the remainder of the life of Parliament to placing on the Statute Book measures that have already been introduced or which deal directly with the carrying on of the War?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, we shall certainly avoid any controversial legislation which is not necessitated by war conditions.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the contemplated additional release of spirit from bond over the 50 per cent. allowance, he will give an assurance that the present age limit of spirits will be maintained, so that immature spirit may not be put on the market for consumption?

I have been asked to reply. No decision has at present been reached in respect of th proposed additional release of spirit from bond. In any case there is an adequate supply of mature spirit in bond on which to draw, and no immature spirit will be put on the market for consumption.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now establish a central alien office to co-ordinate the work of the various Intelligence Departments attached to the Home Office, the War Office, the Admiralty, and the Ministry of Munitions, respectively?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this. The hon. Member's proposal is not a practicable one. The four Departments he mentions are working in close co-operation, and if a new Department such as he suggests were created it would inevitably produce overlapping and dislocation.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed, in the event of enemy aliens using their freedom for purposes detrimental to the cause of the Allies, to take action against their guarantor under the Defence of the Realm Act?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this. The meaning of the question is not clear. Every alien enemy applying for exemption from internment or repatriation is asked to produce references from British subjects who can speak as to his character and loyalty. These references are taken into consideration along with the other facts of the case, but they are not in the nature of guarantees and no action can be taken upon them if the statements are made in good faith. In certain cases, however, it has been the practice, by way of extra precaution, to require that a bond or bonds for the alien's good behaviour should be entered into by responsible British subjects, and in the event of the alien failing to comply with the conditions of such a bond the amount of it would be forfeited. In neither case does the Defence of the Realm Act apply.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take this opportunity of placing upon the Table of the House a list of Germans and naturalised Germans, and their guarantors in this country?

As the question is asked, I will look into the matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any bonds were given for the good behaviour of Mr. Laszlo, and, if so, have they been forfeited?

I believe they were not given.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the conflicting official statement with regard to the naval and military situation of the Allies recently and simultaneously made by members of the War Cabinet; and whether, with a view to retaining the confidence and respect of the people of this country, he will from time to time issue authoritative statements from the War Council?

The answer is in the negative.

In view of the fact that General Smuts is regarded as the gramophone of the Government, will they be more careful what records they put on?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the people of Scotland and Wales are making equal sacrifices for the State with the peoples of England, the Government will take such measures not further to offend the feelings of these Celtic peoples by constant references to the sacrifices of the English people and the English troops, but that an order shall be issued compelling newspapers, public speakers, Government Departments, etc., to substitute the names "Britain" and "British" for "England" and "English" when circumstances warrant it henceforth?

I do not think that the course suggested by the hon. Member is necessary.

Is it not the case that these regiments are described as English when they are very successful and as Scottish if they are unfortunate?

As my hon. Friend knows, I have a prejudice in the case of Scotland; but in my view it is not Scotland or any other nationality which has suffered most in this respect during the War.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there has been a contraction of orders sent to Canada for shells and other munitions; whether this is in consequence of the difficulties in the matter of exchange; and whether any attempt is being made to put the exchange between the two countries on a better footing?

It would not be m the public interest to discuss this matter.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the fact that, owing to the want of a hot coke conveyor the Peterborough Gas Company is unable to supply the munition factories in that city with the gas they require to carry on their operations, and seeing that such coke conveyor has been on order since June, 1916, he will now give permission to the engineers with whom the order has been placed, and who have already received payment for the same, to supply this necessary conveyor without further delay?

Permission to supply the hot coke conveyor to the Peterborough Gas Company was not refused by the Ministry, but owing to more urgent war orders the firm concerned was, for some time, unable to give delivery. I understand that delivery of the various parts will now be completed very shortly.