asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir Francis Oppenheimer, the British commercial attaché at The Hague, recommended, at the end of June last, the delivery of a quantity of tanning material to the Nederlansche Stoomlederfabrick at Reijen, in Holland; whether His British Majesty's Consul-General at Rotterdam disapproved in his reports to His Majesty's Government of such delivery; whether several members of the firm in question are recently-naturalised Belgian subjects of German origin; whether the works manager of the firm, named Thoman, is an unnaturalised German; whether His Majesty's Government are aware that the firm's interests in England are represented by Messrs. Oppenheimer, Blandford, and Company, of 10, Copthall Avenue; whether His Majesty's Government is aware of the close relationship existing between the commercial attaché at The Hague and Mr. Albert M. Oppenheimer, of Oppenheimer, Blandford, and Company; and whether His Majesty's Government will take steps in the national interests to prevent advice concerning deliveries to a neutral firm largely of enemy origin being made by one whose near relative represents the interests of such firm in England?

This question makes a number of insinuations under cover of Parliamentary privilege against a public official who has served this country during the War with the greatest efficiency and public spirit. Before replying to the question I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to state plainly whether he desire to make any charge against Sir Francis Oppenheimer, and, if so, what it is?

May I ask whether, in view of the fact that the Foreign Office made such a hideous mistake about King Constantine, is it not possible they have made a mistake in this case?

The Foreign Office, like every human institution, is liable to error, and if my hon. and gallant Friend desires to make any definite charge against any official working under the Foreign Office I shall always be ready to investigate it; but I do protest against questions being put on the Paper which, without making a definite charge, make insinuations which are very unfair to the person concerned.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any elections, municipal or otherwise, will be held in Ireland under the provisions of the Local Government Act (Ireland) of 1908 during the coming year (1918), as, owing to the postponement of those elections during this year, there is a doubt in the minds of many people as to whether those elections will be held or not during next year; and if he will make it clear as to what course the Government intend to pursue in this matter?

An announcement on this subject will be made in the course of the coming week.

Will the announcement be made in this House?

Certainly.

If I put down a question for next week will the right hon. Gentleman then make an announcement?

Certainly.

I will put it down for Thursday next.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to a letter regarding the war bonus for their staff received by the county Dublin committees of agriculture and technical instruction from the Agricultural Department (Ireland), intimating that the Treasury have refused the Department's application for a Grant to meet such war bonus; whether a similar letter has been addressed to the other agricultural and technical instruction committees in Ireland; whether he is aware that the Department has been compelled to sell a portion of the invested capital of its endowment fund at a loss, and that this means a reduction in the help which this Department has been giving to various local schemes hitherto deemed necessary objects of financial assistance; if so, will he say who is responsible for the action of the Treasury; and why the Treasury refused to provide the war bonus for the persons employed under the Government Department in question for whom it has admitted that such a bonus ought to be provided?

My attention has been called by the hon. Member's question to the issue of the letter referred to, which I learn has been sent to agricultural and technical instruction committees generally. The action in question is that of His Majesty's Government, who are, of course, responsible to Parliament in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he was in a position to say what steps are being taken to ensure that Ireland shall receive a full equivalent for any additional public money expended on primary education in Great Britain?

asked whether the new Grant for Irish primary education has been fixed at £384,000 for this year only; and will it be increased next year, or later, in proportion to any increases that may be made in Grants for English primary education?

In the event of future increased Grants for primary education, I have no doubt the claims of Ireland will be fully considered. It is impossible to say what action will be taken until the contingent event occurs. The present new Grant is in the same position as other annual Parliamentary Grants from the Exchequer, except that there has been, as I stated to the House some time since, a promise that any Grant unspent in this year shall be available to meet the growing demands of the scheme of progressive increases of salaries by reason of the nature of the Irish educational system, which I explained to the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state definitely, therefore, that the equivalent Grant, as we understand it in Ireland, given in consequence of the Grant for education in England is going to be given immediately?

The scheme, as I explained to the House, was based upon it, the Grant has been sanctioned by the House, and the only reservation is that which I mentioned, which secured for Irish education, owing to the characteristics of the system, the retention of provision for increments which could not otherwise be provided for.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a copy of the resolution calling on the Government to provide additional funds for technical education in Ireland which was passed at a public meeting held in the City Hall, Cork, on 31st October; and if he will state when effect will be given to the claims therein made?

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to. As I stated on the 25th October, in reply to questions by the hon. Members for South Kerry, St. Stephen's Green and South County Dublin, proposals for the further development of technical education in Ireland are at present being considered..

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the statement of Dr. Starkie, Resident Commissioner of National Education, referring to the recent Grant voted for Irish primary education, that all the £384,000 could not be expended this year as that would not allow for the increments accruing next year to be met, and that some of it has to be kept back each year to meet the increased amount each following year according as the increments increase; whether he is aware that the amount proposed to be so withheld is £150,000; whether Dr. Starkie had the authority of the Treasury or the Irish Government for making this statement; if so, is there any precedent for holding over a considerable sum of money voted in one financial year in order that the necessities of a future financial year may thus be met; whether any of the money now voted for primary education in England and Scotland is to be similarly held over in order to meet increasing expenditure within the next few years, or whether it is proposed to meet this increased expenditure by increased Grants; whether it is the intention of the Irish Government or the Treasury to make use of any portion of the Grant of £384,000 in order to pay teachers a share of the Birrell Grant before 1st April, 1918; and, if not, will he say how he proposes to incorporate in the new salaries to be paid to teachers as from 1st April, 1917, their share of the Birrell Grant, seeing that this Grant will not ordinarily be available until the next financial year?

I cannot discuss the operations of the intended new schemes of teachers' salaries by way of question and answer, and, as I have informed the House, some minor questions involved in it are still the subject of inter-Departmental discussion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when we shall have an opportunity of discussing it otherwise than by question and answer?

The matter has been delayed only by some minor questions. The Paper will be put upon the Table and hon. Members can consider it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Paper will be laid on the Table next week, or will notice be given to hon. Members when it will be laid?

It will be laid in the ordinary way as soon as possible.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Local Government Board have yet made, a grant for the immediate feeding of school children in Dublin; and if he will request them to release their hold on the funds which he states they have for this purpose?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state what arrangements have been made or are in progress to meet the demands of the necessitous school children in danger of starvation by the provision of meals for them pending legislation; whether any measures are being devised to enable the coal fund to be carried oil as usual; and whether the Local Government Board will endeavour to secure funds to relieve exceptional distress in Dublin city?

The arrangements for the feeding of necessitous school children are being continued and their continuance is provided for. There is no need for such a request as the hon. member for the Harbour Division suggests. In further answer to the hon. Member for St. Patrick's Division I may say that as to possible legislative action I am ready to deal with the Bill which I am told his colleague the hon. Member for the St. Stephen's Green Division' has undertaken to prepare as soon as I receive it. The coal fund and other funds for relief of distress are necessarily funds for the provision of voluntary help. It is the business of the Local Government Board to deal with any representations which may be made to it as to danger of exceptional distress and conditions affecting public health, and the Board is devoting constant attention to these subjects.

Will Ireland be treated in the same way as England: that is, will the Treasury pay any of the funds, or will they pay 50 per cent., as they do in England?

I dare say that the hon. Member knows that there are a series of Acts of Parliament dealing with this subject. There are Acts of Parliament dealing with England and Acts of Parliament dealing with Ireland.' I shall have the draft of the Bill of the hon. Member for the St. Stephen's Green Division, and when I have looked into the Statutory provisions I shall be in a position to deal with the matter.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to a statement recently made by Judge Neill of Chicago, in which he said that having had opportunities of visiting most of the great cities of Europe and the United States he had never seen such poverty, particularly among the children, as he had seen in the poorer parts of Dublin at this moment? Will the right hon. Gentleman take that exceptional statement of the case into consideration?

I have not seen the statement of Judge Neill and have not the personal knowledge which enables me to make the comparisons to which my hon. Friend refers, but the positive conditions in Dublin must engage the most careful attention of any administrator.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the nature of the charges against John Carroll, who was arrested and tried by court-martial at Victoria Barracks, Cork, on 27th October; and if he will state whether this man caused incitement to violence or deliberate infringement of the public safety?

John Carroll was tried for an offence against the Military Exercises and Drill (Ireland) Order. The evidence for the prosecution was to the effect that Carroll drilled a party of about forty men in skirmishing and extended order drill for about one and a half hours, but there was no evidence that he verbally incited the men under him to violence. Whether his conduct was calculated to lead to an infringement of the public safety was a matter for determination by the Court.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of the farmers in the North-West of Ireland with the present system of grading flax in the local markets; and whether he can see his way to appoint an official grader who will represent the Department at the local markets, and do away with the suspicion of inequality and injustice?

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed at a meeting of farmers of the North-West in Londonderry on the 31st October protesting against the method of grading flax now employed, and calling upon the Department to appoint an official grader to represent the interest of the growers in all the local markets; and what steps he proposes to take?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. My right hon. Friend is aware that dissatisfaction has been expressed by Irish farmers in certain cases with the methods of grading flax which are now employed. The matter has been brought to the attention of the Flax Supplies Committee and is receiving their careful consideration. The Department of Agriculture (Ireland) and the farmers are represented on this Committee, which is responsible for the appointment of the official graders. It is, therefore, unnecessary for the Department of Agriculture to make independent appointments.

asked the Prime Minister what salaries are assigned to the two joint Secretaries of the Ministry of Reconstruction and to the six Assistant-Secretaries appointed to the same Ministry; whether the separate functions attached to this Ministry have rendered necessary this establishment of higher officials; and whether opportunity will be given to the Select Committee on Expenditure to satisfy themselves as to the necessity for this expense?

One of the Joint Secretaries continues to receive his existing salary of £1,500 as Vice-Chairman of the Development Commission; the other, who was previously Assistant-Secretary to the War Cabinet, receives an increase in salary of £200 per annum. Of the six Assistant-Secretaries, one is unpaid, one draws salary as an Insurance Commissioner, two receive £900 a year in lieu of a previous salary of £600, and two receive the sum of £3 and £25 respectively in addition to the payments they were previously receiving in order to bring their payments up to the scale allowed for Assistant-Secretaries, one being transferred from the Ministry of Munitions and the other from the Treasury.

The functions and scope of the Ministry necessitates a much larger proportion of higher officials and a lower proportion of subordinate staff than are required in Departments exercising executive functions, and while I do not regard an annual payment of £828 new money in all to the eight principal officials of an important Department as being open to criticism on the grounds of excess, I shall be glad to give the Special Committee every opportunity of satisfying themselves as to the propriety of the expenditure.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has consulted the Treasury before making the appointments?

Oh, indeed I have.

May I ask why it is necessary to give such large increases to men who write if they can only give such a small increase to the men who fight?

May I ask will these sums be charged on the Estimates of the Ministry of Reconstruction or upon offices from which these gentlemen come?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether he is able to make any statement as to the composition and terms of reference of the various Committees appointed to consider reconstruction problems; and whether he will publish the Reports of any of the Committees that have completed their work?

In an answer which I gave on 6th November to the hon. Member for Rutland I announced that details will shortly be furnished to Parliament.

Will that be by way of a White Paper?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether, in connection with the projected Mid-Scotland Canal, he has taken any steps to satisfy himself that due weight is being given by the Admiralty to the urgency of having its current investigation completed in time to take advantage of the labour of demobilized men for this national work immediately the War is over?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the projected Mid-Scotland Canal, he has taken any steps to satisfy himself that due weight is being given by the Admiralty in its current investigation of rival routes to the commercial value of such a canal?

In the consideration which is now being given to proposals for the construction of a Mid-Scotland Canal, weight is being given to all the considerations mentioned in those questions.

Is weight being given to this by the Ministry of Reconstruction and the President of the Board of Trade, to whom the Secretary to the Admiralty referred the other day in the answer in which he specially mentioned that it was the duty of the Minister of Reconstruction and the President of the Board of Trade to give attention to the commercial value of this canal?

I am Chairman of the Committee myself, and the Board of Trade and the Admiralty are also represented on it.

May I ask whether, in connection with this Committee or otherwise, the Ministry of Reconstruction is considering the general question of internal waterways?

I am discussing that question with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade at this present time.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether, in order to avoid the wholesale scrapping and exploitation after the declaration of peace of plant and material used by the Government for war purposes, he will set up a Committee charged with the duty of keep- ing a record of all machinery, plant, buildings, and material supplied to private firms, investigating the post-war uses to which these could be put, estimating their value in the factories or firms concerned, and taking this value in shares on behalf of a trust for the endowment of education, of scientific research in the interest of industries, and of schemes for the social and economic betterment of workers?

The possibility of arrangements for keeping a record of the nature suggested is being considered by a Committee appointed by me in consultation with the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it was by his instructions that, on the occasion of a lecture on "Ideas of Reconstruction" by the Member for West Clare, at Toynbee Hall on the night of 2nd November, a Scotland Yard detective was sent down to take shorthand notes; whether these tactics are to be directed against all Members who criticise the Government sincerely; if not, what was the special motive on this occasion; whether any guarantee exists that these notes are a correct record; and, if so, whether the lecture will be published and placed in the Library?

It is the duty of the police in present circumstances to keep themselves informed of what passes at public meetings. A reporter attended the meeting in question as a matter of routine, and his presence must not be construed as necessarily unfriendly. It is not considered that sufficient public interest attaches to the lecture to justify me in giving to it the publicity which the hon. Member desires.

Considering that I have always sought every occasion in this House to represent my views——

The hon. Member is making a statement by way of asking a question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to reserve for his compeers these mean and slimy tricks?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what action, if any, is being taken to ensure the provision of kitchens formed and conducted under public authority where in the more populous centres throughout the country cooked food may be produced in large quantities and sold at low prices estimated to cover the cost of production; and will he bear in mind the economy which would ensue from the preparation of food in large quantities both in respect of the foodstuffs supplied and of fuel?

The Food Controller is calling the attention of food economy committees to the great importance from the point of view of food and fuel economy of central kitchens for the provision of good, cheap, and well-cooked food in thickly populated areas. There are already 161 central kitchens in the country, and it is hoped that this appeal, together with some degree of financial assistance where necessary, will effect a considerable increase in their number.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when he will abolish the control price of potatoes in Ireland and let the markets settle the prices to be paid by consumers?

asked the Prime Minister if the Government have yet decided the potato question and, if so, will he state the proposals?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is difference between the War Cabinet and the Food Controller in regard to the policy to be pursued by the Government for making the potato supplies in Ireland and Great Britain available for satisfying the public needs; and when will he be in a position to state definitely the intentions of the Government on this question?

The War Cabinet have decided to modify the Potatoes Order by abolishing the minimum price of £6 per ton for sales by growers, allowing a free market for sales by growers throughout the United Kingdom) subject to the con- tinuance of the existing maximum price of £6 10s. per ton and to certain other reservations.

In order to fulfil the pledge given to growers the Government will compensate them for sales at a lower figure than £6 on the following lines: The Food Controller will fix month by month a base price for each of the principal potato-producing areas in the United Kingdom, and every grower will receive from the Government a money payment based on the amount by which the average price realised by his sales in lots of four tons or more during the month falls below the guaranteed figure of £6 per ton, provided that sales made below the base price will be treated as having been made at that price. This scheme will come into operation on the 19th November, 1917. In the meantime the existing minimum price of £6 per ton will remain in force, but the Government will not institute proceedings under the Defence of the Realm Regulations against any grower who chooses to sell at a lower figure and forego any claim to compensation under the Government guarantee. The base prices for the various areas for the remaining weeks of the year are being settled in consultation with the Departments of Agriculture, and will be announced next week.

Will my hon. Friend say, in reference to the sales which have taken place since 15th September, the date on which the Government guarantee came into force, whether anything will be done to meet the case of those who have been compelled to sell already, and also whether no allowance whatever will be made, particularly in Ireland, to sellers of less than four tons, and whether the House will have an early opportunity of discussing this extraordinary announcement?

As to the first part of the question, I think the course to be pursued is indicated in the answer which I have already given, that proceedings are not likely to be taken. The question of a discussion in this House is a matter for the Prime Minister and those who have control of the course of business of the House. As to the small growers I think that I will require notice, as it is probably more or less on the point of details covered in the last part of the answer.

Will the hon. Gentleman recommend the difference in price to be paid in regard to the price of potatoes in Ireland, owing to the small wages which are earned by the working classes, which are quite different from what are earned by the working classes in England, and will he consider reducing the price of potatoes, and paying compensation to the farmers which they are entitled to get, to relieve distress in Ireland?

The base price referred to in the closing part of the question will, I think, during next week satisfy my hon. Friend. Meantime I am assured that he need have no fear as to the point which he has mentioned with regard to Ireland.

Does the hon. Gentleman, by saying that these people will have no reason to believe that they will be prosecuted, mean that they are guilty of breaking the law or that they are not?

The hon. Member will understand that a pledge was given by the Government. That pledge has secured its object, in the production of an immense supply of potatoes for the country. In face of that very large supply there has been a very great demand to reduce that price, and a change of policy has, therefore, been announced in the answer which I have given.

Has any estimate been made as to the additional charge which will thus be thrown on the Exchequer?

Yes. An estimate has been made, and an announcement will be made in the course of next week.

Are the persons who it is said are not likely to be prosecuted going to be prosecuted or not? Will the hon. Gentleman answer "Yes," or "No"?

As I understand the answer to the question, the Order which is referred to comes into force on the 19th November, and persons who sell between now and the 19th November will not be reimbursed by the Government, but after the 19th November they will, and will not that be an incentive to the holding up of potatoes?

I have given a reply to that question in the answer. To give an opinion would not help those who are involved in this difficulty with the Government, and the hon. Member had better wait for a further statement to be made in the course of next week.

Is it the intention of the Government who have given this pledge, to see that the poor people of Ireland shall not pay the compensation pledged to the farmers. Is that keeping the pledge?

The effect of giving the pledge has been to secure to the poor people not only of Ireland but of this country far more potatoes than they otherwise would have had.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the rate of pay and allowances, and what are the rest days allowed to special constables in uniform, as compared with those of the regular constabulary; whether the duties of these special constables in uniform are identical with those of the regular constabulary; and whether it is proposed to place these men on a footing similar to that of the regular force?

The conditions on which special constables are employed vary greatly in different forces. In the Metropolitan Police district they give their services voluntarily, and are usually on duty for four hours every three days, besides attending on emergency calls. Their duties are similar to those of the regular police, but not identical. It is not proposed to make any change in their position.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the firm of August Reichwald, Limited, of Finsbury Pavement House, E.C., are Government contractors; whether this firm are or were Krupp's London agents; whether any members of the firm were arrested on the outbreak of war, and, if so, on what grounds were they released; whether he is aware that one of the Reichwald family served in France as an officer of our India Army; that he left France at the request of the French authorities, and thereupon changed his name to Blaker; and whether under that name he is now employed in our Intelligence Department or in any other Government Department?

I am inquiring into this case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any of the British patents or shares belonging to Krupp's, of Essen, represent the control or an important part of essential methods of manufacture or sources of supply of steel or iron?

I am not in a position to estimate to what extent the British patents owned by Krupp's control essential processes in the manufacture of steel or iron. No shares belonging to Krupp's in British companies give control of any source of supply of steel or iron, but Krupp's held one-fourth of the shares in the Orconera Iron Ore Company, Limited, which have been transferred into the name of the Public Trustee by an order of the Court.

May I ask whether they are already sold?

I cannot answer that.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the Public Trustee holds the dividends to the end of the War?

I believe he holds all funds of this kind in his possession to the end of the War?

Is it not right that shares belonging to enemy subjects which get into the hands of the Public Trustee should be sold to British subjects?

That is the practice.

Who takes the dividends?

They are held.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any and what number of British patents and any and what nominal amount of shares in British companies belonging to Krupp's, of Essen, or other enemy steel manufactures, remain in the enemy's name or vested in the Public Trustee and unsold?

There are a large number of British patents owned by Krupp's, but it would not be possible to compile a complete list because registration of assignments is not compulsory. Enemy-owned patents are subject to the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (Temporary Rules) Acts and the grant of licences to British firms thereunder. The shares in British companies belonging to Krupp's or vested in the Public Trustee and unsold are:

Will the hon. Gentleman say, with these assets of Messrs. Krupp in this country, whether the creditors of Messrs. Krupp in this country have been paid their debts?

All these shares and the results of these shares are held in trust in this country as a set-off against any debts that may be owing.

Will the debts be paid out of the Trustee's funds?

Has the Trustee power to sell?

He has power to sell.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability in the national interest of arranging that all patents and shares belonging to enemies should be sold; and whether any and what steps are being taken to eliminate the enemy interests in our essential industries?

The provisions of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (Temporary Rules) Acts enable licences to be granted to work enemy-owned patents, and as at present advised I am not of opinion that it is expedient to order all such patents to be sold. It is the practice to vest shares belonging to enemies in British companies in the Public Trustee for the purpose of sale where the enemy holding is of such amount as to exercise some influence in the management of the company, but it is not necessary for this purpose that all shares belonging to enemies should invariably be sold.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether he considers by this means we shall get rid of enemy influence after the War?

We intend to get rid of any enemy influence during the War.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the difficulty now experienced by retired police officers and constables who, through age or illness, are unable to supplement their pensions in making both ends meet owing to the reduced value of their pensions in consequence of the increased cost of living; and, if so, will he recommend the grant of a bonus to them until such time as the purchasing value of the pension approximates to pre-war conditions?

I regret that I cannot add anything to the written reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Portsmouth on the 4th July last.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the separation allowances paid OUT of police funds to the wives and dependants of members of the Metropolitan Police who have joined His Majesty's Forces with the consent of the Commissioner have yet been increased under the provisions of the Police Constables (Naval and Military Service) Act, 1917?

The determination of the increased amounts payable to the wives and families of members of the Metropolitan Police who have joined His Majesty's Forces has been delayed owing to the recent abolition of the Army compulsory allotment, which has necessitated the recasting of the figures, but I hope the matter will be settled shortly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman fix a date?

I cannot fix a date; I hope it will be soon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a number of copies of a book entitled "Why Freedom Matters," dispatched by Messrs. Headley Brothers, Limited, of Kingsway, to Chicago, have been held up by the Postal Censor; whether it is intended to withhold the book from foreign circulation; and, if so, whether the copies in question will be returned to the senders?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. I regret that no exception can be made in this case to the general rule, that no information can be given in regard to the treatment of postal packets by the Censor. The question of allowing pamphlets such as that named to be exported without restrictions is now under consideration.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether it is the practice of the Director of Factory Construction, and has been the practice since the appointment of the present holder of that office, to get no contract prices in iron, brick, or other work in the erection of factories for the Ministry of Munitions, giving out the work to known contractors without any limitation as to prices; and if so, will he say why his Department adopts this method of working, having regard to the need of economy?

Certain contractors are retained by the Ministry for the erection of factories. These contractors, for a small rate of commission, undertake the whole supervision of the work, and provide all plant, etc., required. The materials are obtained by the contractors by competitive tender, and all tenders for such materials are subject to the approval of the Director of Factory Construction. It is believed that under this system considerable economies have been effected.

Does it not strike the hon. Gentleman that this system of having no contract prices leads to greater carelessness as to prices?

My hon. Friend is not right in saying there are no contract prices. On the contrary, these things are purchased by competitive tender.

Does not that apply only to sub-contracts?

No; it applies, as I stated in my answer, to the materials required for the erection of these factories.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether there is, or has been until recently, a gentleman of the name of Sonnenschein employed in the Priority Department, Ministry of Munitions; if he can state what this gentleman's nationality, antecedents, and remuneration are; and whether he can state the number, names, and positions of any officials or employés in the Ministry of Munitions of alien origin and their nationality?

Mr. W. T. S. Sonnenschein has been employed in the Ministry in an unpaid capacity since September 3rd, 1915 He is a British-born subject and the son of British-born subjects, and holds the office of Vice-Principal of Brasenose College, Oxford. With regard to the latter part of the question, it is the practice of the Ministry to require all candidates for appointment to furnish particulars as to their nationality and parentage, and, in addition to corroborating these particulars by application to referees, to submit names of employés for full investigation by the Commissioner of Police, and also by the branch of the War Office concerned in the investigation of persons of alien origin or association. To obtain the detailed particulars asked for would involve the examination of the personal files of every employé in the Ministry, and, as at present advised, I am not prepared to impose upon the Department the labour involved in preparing such a return.

Can my hon. Friend state the age and category of Sonnenschein?

If the hon. Member desires the information, and will put down a question I will get it.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has received representations with regard to the exclusion from the Skilled Time-workers' Wages Order of a number of the work-takers in the Royal Ordnance Factories; and whether favourable consideration will be given to their claim for inclusion?

I understand that representations have recently been received by the Chief Superintendent of Ordnance Factories to the effect that work takers should be regarded as covered by the Skilled Time-workers' Wages Order. As soon as a report has been received on the matter, it will be carefully considered, and the decision will be communicated to the men concerned.

asked the Minister of Munitions, whether he can state the amount expended by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) in acquiring and remodelling licensed and other premises in the Annan, Gretna, and Carlisle districts since the Board has exercised control within these areas, the amount paid for stocks of liquor taken over, the number of claims of dispossessed licence-holders still awaiting settlement, and the amount claimed by them?

Answers to the first and second parts of the question, so far as it is at present possible to publish the information, were given in the Statement of Accounts presented to Parliament in July (Cd. 8635). As regards the third and fourth parts of the question, the claims of the majority of the dispossessed licence-holders have already been settled. The process of acquisition has, however, been gradual, and it would not be possible to give figures regarding the cases which remain unsettled, in many of which no-claims have yet been preferred.

Have claims that have been settled been before the War Losses Commission?

That is so with regard to some of them, but I would rather have notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement of the quantities of petrol granted to farmers in Scotland by the Local Agricultural Committees; is he aware that farmers are granted petrol, allowing them to run the full week on pleasure, on the ground that their cars are used for agricultural purposes, although the facts are that only on one day per week are they used for such work and that only to take a few articles to market; and will he therefore, in view of the fact that agricultural committees consist largely of farmers, take this licensing of petrol out of their hands and put it elsewhere?

The grant of petrol licences to farmers in Scotland is, as in all other cases, controlled by the Petrol Control Department of the Board of Trade. At the request of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, the District Agricultural Committees were authorised to recommend allowances of petrol in cases where the interests of food production justified special consideration. I am not aware that farmers, whose applications for petrol have been supported in this way by the District Agricultural Committees, are using the petrol for pleasure purposes. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the use of petrol for pleasure purposes is now prohibited by an Order of the Board of Trade which came into force a week ago.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the only class in Scotland, as the only class of the public that indulge in "joy" rides, are the Departments?

If there is any "joy" riding in Scotland it is the business of the police to put an end to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the continued import of menagerie animals into this country, particularly the expected arrival from Calcutta of 600 Rhesus monkeys, three tigers, five leopards, five Indian bears, one Indian lynx, one fishing cat, two birds of paradise, 200 avadavats, five Indian hornbills, and seven barbets; and whether it is intended to take steps to prohibit these imports in future?

Since the import of wild animals was prohibited in May last, licences have been issued only for quite insignificant numbers. The animals must be carried on deck in space unsuitable for other merchandise. I have no knowledge of the consignment referred to in the question, and I shall be obliged if the hon. Gentleman will give me further particulars of it.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the importation of 600 monkeys, which are sufficient to fill this House, is an insignificant number?

I have no knowledge of the importation of the 600 monkeys referred to. If the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars I will make inquiry.

Is there any truth in the rumour that these animals are imported for the purposes of the Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is expected that a decision will be arrived at with regard to a standard national uniform for the mercantile marine?

I am informed that the Committee which is considering this question hope to report within the next few weeks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government will take steps to put an end to the inconvenience occasioned to the travelling public, particularly to soldiers returning on leave, by the present system under which taxi-cabs cannot be obtained within railway stations in London?

I am afraid I can only refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the reply which I gave on this subject on Monday last to the hon. Member for Devonport.

May I ask whether, inasmuch as the Government are in control, or supposed to be in control, of the railways, it is not possible to take steps to put an end to this intolerable nuisance?

It is not the fault of the Government that an end has not been put to this difficulty. Every effort has been made to arrive at a settlement.

As the Government subsidised potatoes will they subsidise taxi-cabs?

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of the dispute being ended by the penny charge which is in question being paid by members of the public who desire to use the cabs?

I will convey that suggestion to my right hon. Friend the President.

asked the Prime Minister if, in order to obtain material information for his assistance in satisfying himself, before recommending any person for any honour or dignity, that no payment to any party or political fund is directly or indirectly associated with the grant or promise of such honour or dignity, he will consider the advisability of securing a yearly publication of the investments in, and trustees of, party funds and of contributions thereto with the names of the donors?

The utility or otherwise of the course suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend would require more careful examination than the Government have at present time to give it.

asked the Prime Minister whether service to the State is, and will be, the only consideration in the recommendation of persons for any honour or dignity?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for North Somerset on the 6th November.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to afford early facilities for a discussion of the question of man-power for the prosecution of the War, in view of the extended duties which have recently been undertaken by the Ministry of National Service?

As I have already stated it is I think right that this subject should be discussed, but I am not at present able to specify the occasion for its discussion.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman cannot give some more definite undertaking that an opportunity will be given to discuss this matter sometime during this Session?

An opportunity will be given—that is my intention.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if assessors and collectors of taxes who have joined the Forces, or are willing to do so, are assured of reinstatement on their return to civil life; and if their pay whilst they are in the Army or Navy is being supplemented to enable them to meet their family and financial obligations as is the practice in regard to other Civil servants?

Assessors and collectors of taxes are appointed partly by the Board of Inland Revenue, but mostly by the various bodies of Local Commissioners throughout the country. They are appointed for a year. In the case of assessors and collectors appointed by the Board who have joined the Forces, the Board have intimated that they will be given a preferential claim to consideration for appointment after the War. It is understood that a similar course has been adopted generally by the Local Commissioners. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 24th July last to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Louth.

asked the Prime Minister if he will say what are the intentions of the Government as to the Petroleum (Production) Bill; and whether the proposal to establish petroleum Royalties will be abandoned?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a fortnight now since his Government was defeated on this point, and are they really considering this policy of wait and see from that time?

I do not recollect the date, but we have had a good many other things to consider in the meantime.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the rise in prices is largely attributable to inflation of the currency; and whether he will give an undertaking that the issue of paper money, Treasury notes of £1 and 10s. shall not in any one week exceed £1,000,000?

I can add nothing to the answer I gave the hon. Member on the 24th October.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish a full list of all the inhabitants of this country who are related by blood or by marriage to the family of the Kaiser, or to other Royal or high aristocratic families in Germany, and who are entitled to receive sums of money from the British Treasury; and whether he will indicate in each case the services which the recipients have rendered to this country?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the list too long?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has recently taken into consideration again the case of the enemy princes who are still members of the British House of Lords; whether it has adopted the view that they were in honour bound to fight for Germany against this country; if so, whether it is proposed to receive them in the House of Lords again after the War; and, if not, whether steps will be taken to deprive them of their prerogatives?

This matter will be dealt with when the Titles Deprivation Bill has received the Royal Assent.

asked the Prime Minister whether the evidence of Colonel Sir Thomas Myles and Colonel Sir Arthur Chance given at the inquest of Thomas Ashe has been brought to his notice; if he is aware that these eminent medical authorities stated that forcible feeding was dangerous to life even in the most skilled hands; and if he will say whether the Government have decided, or will consider, the advisability of abolishing for all time this method of punishing prisoners?

I have been asked to reply, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the same question when he asked it on the 23rd October.

It is over a fortnight since the right hon. Gentleman replied, and he then said the matter was being considered. Have they come to any decision on the point?

I suppose the hon. Gentleman would have concluded we had other preoccupations in the meantime?

Can the right hon. Gentleman cite one eminent medical authority who will say that in order to save a man's life it is well to pursue a course of treatment which inevitably ends in death?

That is an argumentative question.

Is it not the fact that in the opinion of many of the highest officials in Ireland this man has been murdered——

Order, order!

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that M. Briand gave a full account to a large number of French Deputies, under no pledge of secrecy, of the offer of peace proposals made through him by the German Government, and that this meeting took place prior to the secret session of the French Chamber; and whether some means will be taken to inform the members of the British Parliament as fully as the French Deputies of these proposals, which affect the common interests of the Allies?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not arise.

Have the Foreign Office made any inquiries as to whether there is any truth in this statement, reported freely in the papers here, that the whole of the French Chamber know what those offers were, and were publicly told; and if that turns out to be true will the Government take measures to inform the British House of Commons?

I would like notice of that question.

Has the Noble Lord had his attention called to the publication of these terms in certain English newspapers?

I do not know that my attention has been specially called to that, but I believe some such publication bas taken place.

Was not the whole of this published in the "Manchester Guardian," and cannot the Foreign Office say whether that publication was more or less correct?

It was published in the "Daily Telegraph," too!

I did not see the number of the "Manchester Guardian" referred to by the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the publicity given to the findings and Report of the Mesopotamia Commission on the conduct of Surgeon-General Sir William Babtie, he will give equal publicity to the explanations of that officer which have been accepted by the Army Council?

I would refer my hon. friend to the answer which I gave to him in the course of the Debate on the 6th of this month.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that he said that the question of the publication of this explanation would be considered, and has he anything further to say?

No; I did not. I said at that time, and I repeat now, that the Army Council has never published explanations from officers.

Are we to understand, then, that the Army Council alone are the only people who are to be satisfied when public charges have been made against a man?

I think the main thing to be considered is that the man did not wish publication.

What is the use of this House appointing a Commission to go into this question when the War Office and the War Cabinet go directly in face of them?

May I say that in the case of Sir William Babtie, the Mesopotamia Commissioners went out of their way to point out the great loss to the public service if he were withdrawn from it.

asked the Prime Minister what post the hon. Member for Walthamstow has been given in the Army; whether he can state the rank given to him; and whether he can explain how this is possible in some cases and not in all?

My right hon. and gallant Friend holds the appointment of a Staff captain in the Royal Flying Corps, with the temporary rank of major. Rank is given where it is necessary to enable an officer to carry out his duties properly.

Will the hon. Gentleman explain what are the duties of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Walthamstow and how it is possible for a Member of this House to step straight into Staff rank, when there are many of us who have tried to bring forward the names of men who have been fighting for us and cannot secure promotion?

Has the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Walthamstow ever before been in the Army service?

I do not know whether my right hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Walthamstow has ever been in Army service before, but I think the Army would be ill-advised to refuse the services and conspicuous ability of a Member of this House who is prepared to offer them in a spirit of self-denial and in a self-sacrificing manner.

Can my hon. Friend say what are the duties of the right hon. and learned Gentlemen in this particular rank?

I do not know exactly, but my hon. Friend will understand from my answer—and I hope the House will also understand—that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Walthamstow is not attached to the Staff in any fighting capacity, but attached to the Staff in a way that his conspicuous ability will be of enormous value to the State.

Considering that Mr. Raymond Asquith, with his well-known capacity, fought in the trenches, is it sug- gested by the Under-Secretary that the right hon. Gentleman should occupy a position of this kind to start with?

Is it not the fact that the right hon. Gentleman, in taking up this post in France, is sacrificing £25,000 a year?