asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the scheme recently announced for compensation for damage due to enemy air raids includes compensation for damage to furniture or other personal effects and also for personal injury?

The scheme in question deals only with damage to property, including furniture and personal effects. As regards cases of personal injury, I made a full statement as to compensation in reply to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on the 28th June last, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that there is dissatisfaction with the Order applying to the small cafes, restaurants, and places where the workers take their meals at the limit of ls. 3d. per meal, whilst at all the more fashionable places and hotels there is no limit in price or quantity; and will he take steps to ensure that the food Regulations apply more equally to all classes alike, and so prevent waste of this kind during the War and after?

Public eating places which serve no meal at a price exceeding is. 3d., exclusive of beverages, are exempt from the limits of quantity in respect of meat, bread, flour, and sugar proposed by the Public Meals Order. Public eating places which charge more are subject to these limits of quantity—that is to say, in one case there is a limit of price but no limit of quantity, in the other there is a limit of quantity but not of price. This arrangement appears to be equitable and practicable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that on 13th. October the food control committee of the borough of Llanelly sent a telegram to the Secretary of the Ministry for the Control of Food fixing the price of milk for the town; that a letter expressing approval was sent by the Ministry; that on 2nd November a deputation of milk vendors waited on the food control committee and stated that the price of milk had been arranged with the Divisional Food Commissioner at Cardiff, and that the Divisional Food Commissioner telegraphed on the same day fixing the price at 7d. per quart for November and 71/2d. per quart till the end of March; that this was done without consultation with or representation made by the food control committee, and solely on the ex-parte statements of milk vendors; and that the food control committee have protested against the interference of the Commissioner and complain that, in their efforts to secure fair prices for the consumer, they are being constantly thwarted officially; and whether the Food Controller will seek to keep within bounds the arbitrariness of the Commissioner, who is depriving the local committee of all responsibility?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The letter from the Ministry of Food to the Llanelly local food control committee stated that if the prices proposed by the committee provided suitable remuneration to meet the necessary expenses of distributing an adequate supply of milk in the area. the Food Controller saw no cause to differ from the resolution of the committee. Representations were subsequently made to the Food Commissioner to the effect that the supply of milk at the price proposed must involve, the dairymen in a loss, and the Food Commissioner, in order to prevent the diversion of supplies from Llanelly to outside areas, thereupon suggested to the food control committee the desirability of amending their proposed prices in the manner stated by the hon. Member. It is not correct to say that me Food Commissioner fixed prices, nor does it appear to the Food Controller that the Food Commissioner in any way exceeded his duty in making a recommendation to the committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if any recommendation has been received from the Dublin Committee for the fixing of the price of milk; and if he will take steps to fix the price according to the seasons?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is hoped shortly to fix the price of milk in Ireland for the winter months; the price for the summer months will be considered later.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what amount of reduction in the wholesale price of Danish butter has been effected by the new order; whether the change involves any charge on the Exchequer; and, if so, at what sum he estimates the monthly amount?

On and after the 13th November the importers' first-hand price for Danish butter will be 229s. per cwt. export. The amount of the reduction will consequently vary according to the price previously paid by individual importers. The change involves no charge on the exchequer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been directed to a resolution passed by the Boyle (county Roscommon) Board of Guardians requesting the Food Controller to supply the board was eight chests of tea (controlled) and about 60 lbs. of sugar weekly for the use of the inmates of the union workhouse, as the guardians have failed after issuing three successive advertisements to find a contractor for either; and whether, in view of the facts set forth that the inmates of the workhouse have been without sugar since the 30th September last, he will at once order that the necessary supplies be granted to the board?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The difficulty appears to have been caused by the guardians inviting tenders for their supplies of tea and sugar instead of applying to the firms which had supplied them with those articles in previous years. Now that the guardians have informed the Sugar Commission of the names of the contractors who supplied them with sugar in 1915 steps have been taken to secure delivery. As regards tea, the guardians should apply to the firms which supplied them during the twelve months ending 30th June, 1916, and should claim the percentage due to them of the supplies of tea available each month. If they experience any difficulty an endeavour will be made to help them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered further action with regard to the constitution of the local Food Control Committee at Halstead, in Essex; whether he is aware that the rural parishes in the Halstead Union and urban district of Halstead have a combined committee of twelve; whether six parishes out of seventeen have direct representatives, seven from the town of Halstead, two from its borders, two a few miles from Halstead, and one from another rural village; whether there are therefore nine representatives for 6,000 population but three for 10,000; and whether the number of representatives will be increased proportionately?

The Halstead Urban and Rural District Councils have combined to appoint a Food Control Committee. These committees are intended to represent the whole body of consumers in their area, and not necessarily to represent particular districts; and the Food Controller has no reason to suppose that the interests of the rural district have not been duly safeguarded in the agreement reached between the two appointing councils. It is not clear that an increase in the membership of this committee is desirable, but representations have been made by the Divisional Food Commissioner in regard to the number of persons interested in food distribution appointed to the committee, and this matter is understood now to be before the councils concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether local food committees are prohibited from allowing representatives of the Press to attend their meetings; whether members of local food committees are prohibited from submitting reports of the committees' proceedings to the bodies they represent on the committees; and, if so, will he state the reasons for these prohibitions?

The Food Controller has issued no such prohibitions. Committees, in the course of their work, receive returns from traders and other confidential documents, and their attention has been called to the obligation imposed upon every member by this fact. Subject to this important consideration, it rests with each committee to decide whether the Press should be admitted to its meetings, and the attention of committees is being called to the valuable assistance which the Press can give in making the policy of the committees widely known in their area. Subject to the same consideration, the Food Controller sees no reason why a member should not keep the body which he represents informed of the action taken by his committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any arrangement has been arrived at with the bakers' associations in England and Wales to limit the amount of yeast used in the baking of bread to 11/2lbs. per sack of flour; whether by limiting the use of yeast to that figure a saving of 148,200 tons of grain annually would be secured; and whether he will take steps to limit the amount of yeast used both in baking establishments as well as in private houses to the figure mentioned?

The amount of yeast used in the baking of bread varies according to the output of the bakery and the type of machinery employed; and this variation has made it impossible to come to any general arrangement. It is not, however, thought that the average greatly exceeds 11/2lbs. per sack of flour, nor is it clear that the limitation of yeast to that figure, if it were possible, would effect the saving of grain mentioned in the question. The cost of yeast encourages its economic use by bakers; any restriction on its use by private householders would be difficult to enforce.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to complaints received from flour millers that they are unable to obtain sufficient supplies of barley for milling purposes under the arrangement which permits malsters to purchase barley at 5s. 3d. a quarter more than the price at which it can be sold for milling purposes: and whether the Food Controller will take steps to secure that the manufacture of bread shall come before the production of beer and that flour millers and bakers shall have the first call in future on barley to the full extent of their requirements?

As I informed the hon. Member for Gainsborough on 31st October, it is expected that so soon as threshing becomes more general any difficulty experienced by millers in obtaining an adequate supply of barley at the authorised price will disappear without any necessity for further action.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any and, if so, what restrictions are at present placed upon the purchase of barley and other cereals by brewers and maltsters; and if he can state the quantity of barley and other grain which is at present held by them?

The purchase of barley by brewers and maltsters is limited as to price by Clause 3 (b) of the Grain (Prices) Order. It is limited as to quantity by the fact that no person holding a licence to malt may purchase barley in excess of the requirements authorised under his licence at a price higher than can be paid by an ordinary buyer. The stocks of barley in maltsters' hands on 1st November were 164,000 tons

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the revised scale of rations issued by the Food Controller, corresponding alterations will be made in the prison dietary, especially as regards the bread ration?

This matter will shortly receive the consideration of the Prison Commissioners.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture how many acres were agreed upon with the Sussex War Agricultural Committee to be broken up; how many acres have already been ploughed; how many remain to be ploughed; and whether the whole acreage agreed to be freshly brought under tillage will be broken up before the end of the year?

The two agricultural executive committees in Sussex have been asked to secure an increase in the corn area of 65,000 acres over the 1916 area. It is estimated that this will necessitate the breaking up of 55,000 acres of permanent grass. Figures are not yet available as to the quantity of land scheduled, but the committees have been asked to supply them as soon as possible. Until the spring ploughing and sowing are complete it will be impossible to state the extent to which the allotted task is fulfilled. Its accomplishment must necessarily depend largely on the weather and on supplies of labour and of tractor fuel.

asked how many ploughs have been supplied by the Government and how many acres have been ploughed, also at what cost this has been achieved; and whether his Department commandeered agricultural machinery from dealers and then left the machinery for weeks in the dealers' hands?

The total number of tractor ploughs supplied by the Government to agricultural executive committees in England and Wales up to 1st November was 1,618, of which about 1,000 have been supplied since 1st July. The total area ploughed by these tractors up to 1st November is estimated at about 200,000 acres. For further details I might refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton on 1st November. The cost of operating tractors varies considerably according to weather, the nature of the land, the skill of the driver, and the types of tractors employed. The scheme, which was put into operation last spring, continued up to August, and during this period the average gross expenditure throughout England and Wales on the running expenses of tractors (including work on the land, travelling from farm to farm, labour, repairs and maintenance) amounted to 28s. 6d. per acre. Since August a revised scheme has been brought into operation, and, while it is known that the average cost has been reduced, no detailed figures for the whole country are yet available. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. The Department has no power to commandeer any machinery in the hands of manufacturers or dealers.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state how many tractors are being employed in ploughing out grass by his food production department; how many acres they have ploughed; and what is the estimated cost of the operation?

The total number of tractor ploughs supplied by the Government to agricultural executive committees in England and Wales up to 1st November was 1,618, of which about 1,000 have been supplied since 1st July.

The total area ploughed by these tractors up to 1st November is estimated at about 200,000 acres. For further details I might refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton on 1st November.

The cost of operating tractors varies considerably, according to weather, the nature of the land, the skill of the driver, and the types of tractors employed. The scheme, which was put into operation last spring, continued up to August, and during this period the average gross expenditure throughout England and Wales on the running expenses of tractors (including work on the land, travelling from farm to farm, labour, repairs, and maintenance) amounted to 28s. 6d. per acre. Since August a revised scheme has been brought into operation, and, while it is known that the average cost has been reduced, no detailed figures for the whole country are yet available.

My hon. and gallant Friend may be interested to know -that the latest returns from the West Riding show that the tractors there averaged 17.9 acres apiece for the week ending 20th October, and that the record for the whole country was achieved by one of these tractors, manned by soldier ploughmen, which, under exceptionally favourable conditions, ploughed 40 acres of warp land in six days of ten hours each.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if the wholesale selling prices of all beers are to be controlled, as well as the retail selling prices?

Clause 2 of the Beer (Prices and Description) Order, 1917, provides that where beer is sold by imperial measure in a public bar, the maximum price for beer of an original gravity less than 1036 deg. shall be at the rate of 4d. per imperial pint, and for beer of an original gravity not exceeding 1042 deg., and not less than 1036 deg., shall be at the rate of 5d. per imperial pint. No further or other control of the price of beer is in contemplation.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there was recently a military policeman on duty on Portadown platform, part of whose duty it was to prevent passengers from Londonderry and Omagh directions from travelling on the evening mail from Belfast and Dublin; End, if so, is he still charged with these duties?

No military policeman has been on duty at Portadown railway station. The hon. Member no doubt refers to an incident which occurred some weeks ago. A sergeant-major in charge of a military detachment travelling from Omagh direction asked for accommodation for his men on the evening mail. The accommodation was provided by removing civilian passengers for Dublin who were not cross-channel passengers from a third-class carriage.

As I informed the hon. Member on 31st October, third-class passengers from the Londonderry and Omagh direction are not entitled to travel by the evening mail to Dublin unless they hold tickets for England via Kingstown.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what provision will be made in the Representation of the People Bill for the payment of the expenses of returning officers in Ireland; and if an opportunity will be given to the existing returning officers (the sheriffs) to inspect the proposed Schedule of expenses before its final adoption?

Section 25 of the Bill provides for payment of the expenses by the Treasury, and requires the Treasury to prescribe a scale of maximum charges. Any representation which the sheriffs desire to make should, I think, be addressed to the Treasury.

asked the Under-Secretary State for War what officer or officers are now at the head of the Intelligence Department of the War Office; and whether any and what changes have been recently math; in that Department?

Major-General Sir George Macdonough is now at the head of the Intelligence Department of the War Office. No changes have recently been made in that Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the fact that under the Russian Convention and the Military Service (Convention with Allied States) Act, 1917, Russian subjects resident in the United Kingdom are now liable for service in the British Army, commandants of the Volunteer Force are entitled to refuse to, accept for service in the Volunteer Force Russians who may be ordered by tribunals to join that force, or who may wish of their own accord to do so?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 21st May to a written question put to me by my right hon. Friend the Member for Islington South. As I then explained, there is a difference between the-Volunteer and the full-time soldier in that the former is only subject to military supervision during drill or training.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the number of temporary lieutenant-colonels who have commanded units in war for a considerable time without such command, owing to their temporary rank, counting towards their pension, though the responsibility of command has-been far heavier than in peace time, when such command has always counted towards. the pension; and whether it will be possible to remedy this grievance at an early date?

The question raised by my hon. and gallant Friend has been carefully considered, and it has been decided not to alter the rule under which temporary command has never counted for pension either in peace or in war.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that August Reichwald, recently Krupp's representative at Newcastle, was the consignee of a cargo of antimony ore to be used for war purposes which was sent into the Tyne two weeks ago; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have no information.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the recent appointment of August Reichwald, a man of German parentage, who was Krupp's representative in Newcastle-on-Tyne prior to the War, to the position of manager of an establishment in the North of England is causing local comment, in view of possible danger in case of an air raid; and whether he is prepared to make a statement on the subject?

I am not aware that Mr. August Reichwald has been appointed to the position named. I am informed that his son, A. V. Reichwald, who is British born, has been appointed manager 6f the establishment referred to. My right hon. Friend has no control over the appointments made by private companies.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has considered representations made to him by unions representing women munition workers that they should receive an increase of 10s. per week to meet the increased cost of living; and whether he is now prepared to make an announcement on this subject?

This question has been referred to the Special Arbitration Tribunal constituted under Sections 6 and 8 of the Munitions of War (Amendment) Act, 1916, for its advice.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has considered the proposals submitted to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry in July last by the standing joint committee of the unions representing women workers concerning the proposed consolidated Order on women's wages; and whether he is now prepared to make any announcement regarding the issue of that Order?

This question has been referred to the Special Arbitration Tribunal, constituted under Sections 6 and 8 of the Munitions of War (Amendment) Act, 1916. I hope that it may be possible to make an announcement at an early date regarding the issue of the Order.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the manager of Messrs. Morgan, Limited, aeroplane builders, Leighton Buzzard, held a meeting of the women employed by the firm and attempted to intimidate them from joining the Workers' Union and further threatened the women that if they joined the union they would be dismissed from the firm's employ; and whether he will make inquiry into this matter with a view to preventing any further repetition of such action by the manager of this firm?

This matter has not previously been brought to my notice, but I am making inquiries, the result of which I will communicate to my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has considered the practical results of the exercise of his powers under the last paragraph of Section 10 of the Munitions of War Act, 1917) whether he is aware that under this system national factories, in particular the Woolwich Arsenal, are proceeding with the prosecutions for petty offences and bad time-keeping in exactly the same way as under the provisions of the previous Act; and whether he is prepared to consider placing the national factories, including Woolwich Arsenal, on the same footing as other factories in this matter?

The managements of national factories including the chief superintendents of ordnance factories are authorised to institute proceedings on behalf of the Minister under Section 10 of the Munitions of War Act, 1917. My right hon. Friend is considering whether it is desirable that they should obtain more specific authority for the institution of proceedings in individual cases with a view to securing greater uniformity of practice.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has recently granted permission to Mr. F. Limmer, of 82, Mark Lane, to prepare for publication articles on the mechanical handling of materials in British munition factories; if so, whether Mr. Limmer has been or will be given access to British munition factories for this purpose; whether Mr. Limmer is a British-born subject; and what useful purpose it is suggested will be served by giving gratuitous information to the enemy by publishing these details in time of war?

Mr. G. F. Zimmer, to whom I assume that the hon. Member's question refers, is an American journalist. Permission has been granted to him to write an article for an engineering paper in America on the mechanical handling of materials in British munition works, on the understanding that the article will be submitted to the Ministry of Munitions for approval before it is forwarded for publication. Nothing will be published likely to be of use to the enemy. Mr. Zimmer has not been given access to any munition factories.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give the names of the conscientious objectors in Shepton Mallett, Derby, and Birmingham Prisons who have suffered mental breakdown?

I have sent the three names to the hon Member privately, but I do not think that it would be fair to the men to publish them.

asked the Minister of National Service what is the present position with reference to the calling up of men engaged on the staff of newspapers, whether editorial or management; and whether the Army Council Instruction of 19th December, 1916, has been strengthened, or in any way modified?

The Army Council Instruction of 19th December, 1916, referred to by my hon. Friend has been cancelled, and the question is dealt with by Army Council Instruction 923 of 11th June, 1917, which is as follows:

The Exemption of Men on the Staffs of Daily and Weekly Newspapers .

1. Circular letter 5 D.R./3605 of 19th December, 1916, is hereby cancelled, and Military Representatives should negotiate with the proprietors of daily papers for the purpose of arranging, if possible, an agreement as to the number of men to be released before the cases are actually submitted for the approval of. the local tribunal.

2. In reviewing newspaper staffs, it must be remembered that the efficient continuance of the newspapers is essential on public grounds, and sufficient men should be left in all departments to enable the daily newspapers to be continued. Full consideration should, of course, be given to the possibility of increasing the number of men employed who are over military age.

3. The same general principles should be applied to the exemption of men on the staffs of London and provincial weekly newspapers which have large circulations.

4. The review of certificates of exemption of men under thirty-one under A.C.I. 366A of 1917 should be proceeded with, and, except in very special circumstances. military representatives should appeal against any exemptions granted to men classified A, Bl, or Cl under thirty-one.

5. Military representatives should not consent to exemptions for longer periods than four months.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that none of the measures for the reform of the constitution and the judiciary of the Isle of Man recommended by the Home Office Departmental Committee in 1911 has yet been carried into effect and that there is a general feeling in the island that this failure is due mainly to the dilatoriness of the Lieutenant-Governor; and whether he will give the Lieutenant-Governor instructions to proceed with these measures?

The legislative measures necessary to carry out the principal reforms recommended by the Committee were under consideration at the outbreak of War, and were then by common consent suspended for a time. I am not aware that there is any general desire in the island to resume the consideration of them at the present moment, and there are obvious reasons for not doing so at a time when the Government staff is heavily pressed with work and a considerable number of the inhabitants are absent with the forces or in employment in England. Others of the Committee's recommendations are being carried out as opportunity offers. On the recent death of the Clerk of the Rolls I decided to give effect to the recommendation for the reduction of the judiciary, and the necessary consequential legislation is now before the Legislature. The whole subject will be taken up again in due course.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. Chandler has been sentenced, on 8th November at Exeter, to two months' imprisonment with hard labour for distributing more than a year ago some copies of a pamphlet by Mr. Arnold Lupton, " What we are fighting for," and that as soon as he learnt that Mr. Lupton was being charged for publishing the pamphlet he destroyed all the undistributed pamphlets, even prior to their being condemned; and whether, seeing that Mr. Lupton, the writer and publisher of the leaflet, only received a fine as his sentence, he will consider the mitigation of the sentence of two months' hard labour on a man who only distributed his leaflet?

I had heard nothing of this conviction, but I am making inquiry.

asked the Home Secretary if he can give information as to what course is taken if and when, after having received his certificate of naturalisation, an alien refuses to make the customary representations of loyalty and to take the oath of allegiance to the Crown?

If an alien who receives a certificate of naturalisation does not take the oath of allegiance within the period limited by the certificate, the naturalisation does not take effect.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Wolstanton and Burslem Union, Stoke-on-Trent, stating that, taking into account the fact that the Local Government Board is now prepared to, sanction in Poor Law hospitals the treatment of venereal diseases and that persons entering such institutions to undergo such treatment have the power to take their discharge before a cure has been effected, the board of guardians is strongly of opinion that the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Venereal Diseases, and that of the Royal Commission on the Poor Law and Relief of Distress, should be carried into effect, namely, that, subject to certain safeguards against abuse, the public assistance authority should have power to detain cases of venereal disease, when medically certified to be dangerous to others; and if he will indicate the intentions of the Government respecting the same?

This question has been fully considered, but it is not the present intention of the Government to, introduce legislation on the subject. It is felt that compulsory detention would deter many persons from seeking treatment, and hence that it would do more harm than good. It would, moreover, in my opinion, be improper to distinguish between various institutions in this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that season tickets on the railways are taken by those who desire to use them for business purposes and not merely for pleasure, he will cause the rules under which third-class season tickets are issued to be revised by providing that in all cases the present yearly price of such tickets shall in future be payable, if and when so desired, by four equal quarterly instalments?

The issue of season tickets by railway companies is voluntary, and I am afraid I could not take steps in the direction suggested, which would involve increased clerical labour on the companies, and in some cases, in effect, reduction of the price at which quarterly tickets are now issued.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the foreign branch houses and agencies in Furness, Withy and Company and their affiliated company, Houlder Brothers, are largely employed by the Ministry of Shipping in connection with requisitioned steamers; and whether these branch houses and agencies receive fees and remuneration for their services?

If the question refers to vessels under ordinary requisition Messrs. Furness, Withy and Company do act as agents for the Government at certain United States Atlantic ports and Messrs. Houlder Brothers in the Plate. These appointments were made by the Admiralty prior to the formation of the Ministry of Shipping. The remuneration is a fixed rate per steamer usual in such circumstances and the same as is paid to other such agents. If the question refers to the Liner Requisition scheme, Messrs. Furness, Withy and Company and Messrs. Houlder Brothers act as agents for steamers running in their own lines upon the same conditions as other liner companies and as provided for in the Liner Requisition agreement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller, with reference to the circumstances under which the cargo boats of the City of Dublin Steamship Company have been requisitioned by the Government and the management of them has been handed over to the representative of a rival steamship company, whether he will lay upon the Table a copy of the correspondence and other communications between the company and the Government Departments which preceded the requisition and the transfer mentioned?

As I have in previous replies fully explained to my hon. and learned Friend, the circumstances leading to the requisition by the Government of the cargo vessels of the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company, it does not appear to be necessary to lay upon the Table the communications referred to.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will at once issue instructions that a man's Army pay and ration allowance shall be continued from the date of his discharge until the amount of his pension is settled, in view of the fact that there are constant delays of weeks before any temporary allowance is paid to a discharged soldier pending settlement of his pension?

My right lion. Friend has been in correspondence with the Army Council on this subject and the War Office have made alterations in the procedure of furnishing the documents of discharged soldiers which should obviate delay. It has been decided, therefore, to give these arrangements a trial before finally pressing for the continuance of pay until pension is awarded, but if the arrangements fail in their purpose the Minister will take further action.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction if he can state the names of the members of the Civil War Workers' Committee which he has appointed, and the terms of reference?

In an answer which I gave on November 6th to the hon. Member for Rutland, I stated that details as regards committees appointed to consider reconstruction problems will shortly be furnished to Parliament by way of a White Paper.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction what steps he is taking, if any, to create a reserve of work for our factories, so that men now engaged on war work may after the War, with the least possible delay, be turned over to peace work?

I am giving the most careful consideration to this subject, and I am in constant communication with the Departments concerned, and with the committees and conferences which are advising me on questions connected with the supply of materials and other matters which have a bearing upon this problem.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction (1) whether, in connection with the many questions of reconstruction of British trade, he is proceeding on the basis that after the War British manufacturers will be protected by a tariff against foreign imports or on the basis of Free Trade; and (2) whether, in connection with the problem of turning over from war conditions to peace conditions in our factories and maintaining a continuity of employment for labour, he will cause an inquiry to be directed to all manufacturers asking if in their opinion the prospective situation can be made substantially easier by the imposition of a protective tariff on all imports of articles which compete with home manufactures?

Questions relating to the fiscal policy to be adopted after the War are being considered, in the first instance, by the Committee on Commercial and Industrial Policy after the War.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether, as an essential measure of reconstruction, he will at once make the necessary preparations to carry out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Inland Waterways immediately the War is over; and, if so, what steps he is taking and proposes taking to ensure that as soon as peace is declared he will be in a position to put the work in hand?

I cannot say more than that the future of canals will be considered. The question for the moment is the maintenance of the important canals and their utilisation to the utmost extent possible in the very difficult circumstances now existing, which is being dealt with by the Canal Control Committee appointed by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Minister of National Service whether the Restricted Occupations Order of the 28th February, 1917, has yet been cancelled; if so, whether employers in non-controlled factories and workshops are now at liberty to engage men between the ages of eighteen and sixty-one; and whether notice to that effect has been given to all. Labour Exchanges?

The Restricted Occupations Order of the 28th February, 1917, has not been cancelled. Its provisions are, however, no longer being enforced except in regard to the engagement or employment of aliens; and notice to that effect has been given to the Labour Exchanges.

asked the Minister of National Service, if recruiting officers who elect to continue their present work will be required to relinquish their uniforms; and, in such case, will they be provided with some distinguishing badge or other device to denote that they are still serving their country?

The matters dealt with in this question are receiving consideration.

asked the Minister of National Service what efforts have been made to bring up to date the National Register, on which a large sum of public money was expended by one of the late Governments; have any penalties been imposed for failing to notify, as laid down, change of address; and is he aware of the value which could be made of the register in tracing and identifying individuals who may be endeavouring to escape their liabilities as citizens of this or other countries?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The National Registration Act provided for the notification of changes of address by persons whose residences are altered otherwise than temporarily, and a very large number of changes have been notified. In some cases prosecutions have been instituted and penalties imposed for failure to notify. I am at the present time in correspondence with the Minister of National Service on the subject of possible changes in the present system.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that many owners of agricultural land are selling large areas at high prices to tenant farmers; and if he will take steps to issue a warning against speculation, in view of the fact that after the War the needs of the State will compel the imposition of heavy taxation upon land?

No special warning of the kind seems necessary. Farmers who purchase their holdings do not do so as a speculation, but to own their homes and the materials of production on which their livelihood depends. I may suggest that they are in as good a position as the hon. Member to forecast the probable incidence of future taxation.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will state what steps have been taken or he proposes to take to set up the Agricultural Wages Board and district wages committees as provided in the Corn Production Act; at which places or districts these bodies have been established; and what steps are being taken to bring their existence prominently to the notice of workers in agriculture and to speed up and co-ordinate decisions?

In accordance with the provisions of Part II. of the Corn Production Act, 1917, and of Section 2 of the Rules Publication Act, 1893, Provisional Regulations for the constitution of the Agricultural Wages Board were made on the 28th September last. These regulations were confirmed on the 8th instant, and are being laid before Parliament in conformity with Section 12 (2) of the Corn Production Act. The various organisations of employers and workers to whom a right of election was given under the Regulations, have sent in their nominations, and the President of the Board of Agriculture, in consultation with the Minister of Labour, is now engaged in completing the constitution of the Board. A notice was widely circulated inviting suggestions of the names of suitable representatives by organisations of employers and workers, or by any ten farmers or labourers respectively. It is hoped that the Central Board will be completed within the next few days, and it will be its duty at once to determine the areas for which district wages committees will be established.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the result of his endeavours to bring representatives of insurance companies and their agents together with a view to the payment of a war bonus; and whether the Government have yet taken steps to enforce the recommendations of the Industrial Unrest Committee?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 1st November. As stated there, my right hon. Friend is taking steps to discuss the matter with the companies, and has invited them to see him this week for that purpose.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the treatment of Mr. Watson Starkie, 38, Stoneybridge Terrace, Oswaldtwistle, near Accrington; if he is aware that this man, on behalf of others, requested the Pearl Life Assurance Company to put into operation the recommendations of the Industrial Unrest Committee, and has been dismissed for doing so; and if he will see that in the event of arbitration that there will be no victimisation of agents?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part of the question, consequently, does not arise, and in regard to the last part of the question I have no reason to suppose that any victimisation will occur in the event of arbitration.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division), as representing the Prisoners of War Fund, if his attention has been called to the frequent robberies of food from parcels sent to British prisoners of war in Germany, the labels and tins only reaching their destination; whether representations through neutral channels will be made with a view to stopping this practice; and whether, if it is continued, corresponding restrictions upon German prisoners in this country will be encouraged?

Numerous complaints have been received that articles have been removed from parcels sent to prisoners of war in Germany, and representations have frequently been and still are being made on the subject. It is often difficult to ascertain where the thefts are committed. In some cases where it has been possible to prove that parcels which have unquestionably reached Germany have gone astray the German authorities have offered compensation to the addressees, but the amount so offered has been much below the value of the contents. His Majesty's Government are reluctant to act on the suggestion in the last part of the question, as it would certainly lead to systematic retaliation involving severe hardships.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the amount paid by the Treasury for the feeding of school children in Great Britain; if he will also state the amount paid for the same purpose in Ireland; and whether he will consider the advisability of making a Grant to Ireland for this purpose?

I have been asked to reply, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to his question on the 25th October. The advisability of a Grant for Ireland is being considered.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has yet drafted a scheme for the payment of teachers which is considered satisfactory by the Irish national teachers' organisation; and when it is to be in operation?

The Supplementary Vote of £384,000 for the current financial year has been granted on the understanding that the new scales of salaries, etc., shall be operative as from the 1st April, 1917. As I have already stated, I shall shortly issue a Paper to show the details of the new scheme.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that discontent exists among the senior constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary owing to the complete deadlock in promotion; and whether, in order to facilitate promotion, he will arrange for the immediate discharge on pension of all sergeants and head constables who have attained the age of sixty years and have completed forty years' service in the force, as has already been done in the case of district inspectors?

Under Section 2 of the Police (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1915, members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are not permitted to retire on pension except on medical grounds, but men over sixty, who have ceased to be thoroughly active and efficient owing to age, are allowed to retire or, if unwilling, are compulsorily retired. I am informed that the number of head constables and sergeants who have attained the age of sixty and have completed forty years' service is very small. In present circumstances the Inspector-General does not think it is desirable to retire on pension thoroughly efficient men who have reached the age of sixty years, and the district inspectors who have attained that age and have completed forty years' service are not now being retired on pension unless their retirement is obligatory under Statute.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) how much poultry and livestock there is at present on Melmount Farm, Strabane; and does he propose to add to it?

There are at present four pure breeds of birds on the farm at the North-West Agricultural School, Ballycolman (not Millmount). The Department of Agriculture have made arrangements to increase the number of pens. I am informed that there is no livestock on the farm, which is now under tillage with the exception of one field in grass.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the case of Podi Singho, who was dragged from his bed on 10th June, 1915, and shot without trial or accusation, was brought to the notice of his predecessor, now Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 16th May, 1916, and that he replied that he had no reason to believe there was any truth in the story; whether the story has now been confirmed and admitted by the recent Commission of Inquiry; and whether he will now have further inquiry made into the other similar charges which have been made?

One of the allegations contained in the question of the 16th of May, 1916, and now repeated is that Podi Singho was shot without trial or accusation. It appears from the Report of the local Commission of Inquiry that at the investigation, lasting an hour and a half, which took place before he was shot Podi Singho was proved to have been an active participant in rioting, and that he and the other accused refused to answer when asked if they had anything to say in regard to the evidence given against them. Other features of the story suggested in the previous question are disproved by the Commission's Report. I may add that the Commission found that this execution was illegal, but that it took place in good faith for the maintenance of public order and for the public safety of the Colony.

asked the Home Secretary what time is allowed to the Metropolitan Police for meals while performing their duty on Sundays?

I would refer the hon. Member to replies given in this House on the 6th May and 25th June, 1912, and the 30th June, 1914.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what regulations govern the payment of expenses to members of boards of guardians when away on business of the board; whether he is aware that the auditor disallows any expenses incurred by members of the Merthyr Board of Guardians over and above third-class railway fares and 5s. per day; that this latter sum does not meet the actual out-of-pocket expenses of the labour representatives on the Board; and whether he can give instructions that in such cases, in addition to the subsistence allowance, there shall be allowed the actual wages lost?

As regards the first part of the question there are no regulations on the subject. Where members of local authorities are required in performance of their official duties to travel outside their district, it has been customary to allow them travelling expenses, and if their business involves considerable absence from home a pay- ment for subsistence, i.e. , refreshments. I am aware that in a certain case the auditor disallowed the amount paid for subsistence allowance in excess of 5s. a day. In deciding the appeal my Department allowed a charge at the rate of 6s. 8d., and intimated to the guardians that this was the maximum subsistence allowance for an absence from home of ten hours by day. I have no power to issue instructions to the effect suggested in the last part of the question. Legislation would be necessary to enable payments to be made to members of local authorities to compensate them for wages lost.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a widely-signed petition from the inhabitants of Bilstone, Congerstone, Shackerstone, and Odstone, in the county of Leicester, representing the inconvenience that certain proposed changes in the postal arrangements will inflict on these districts; whether the residents were consulted in any way before the proposed changes were decided upon; and whether he will give instructions for the proposed alterations to be cancelled?

My right hon. Friend has received the petition referred to by the hon. Member. The motor service by which the mails for the places in question were conveyed from Atherstone could not be continued without increased expenditure, and in accordance with the policy which has been followed throughout the Kingdom it was decided to adopt a more economical method of providing for the postal service in the district. The change has resulted also in a substantial saving of labour and petrol. It is recognised that the present service is not so good as that which it replaced, but similar alterations have been made at many places of no less importance. It is not the practice to consult the residents before such changes are made, but due consideration is given to local circumstances.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether his attention has been drawn to the strictures of the Public Accounts Committee upon the extent to which insurance committees alone amongst local authorities in the country enjoy immunity from surcharge at audit in respect of funds improperly applied; and whether he will in the new Act insert a provision enabling the Treasury to exercise proper control of insurance committees in this respect for the future?

The observations of the Public Accounts Committee on the subject referred to in the question have been under my consideration in preparing the Bill recently introduced, and my hon. Friend will find the subject dealt with in Clause 32.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, how many appeals on points of law have been taken to the High Court in England in connection with the National Health Insurance Acts; whether, in every case, the High Court has overturned the Commissioners' decision; and whether, in view of this, he will in the new Act correct the drafting slip in the original Act which has deprived Scotland of a right of appeal to the Court of Session, or even to an inferior Court of law, in cases where legal points are involved?

There has been only one case in England where a decision of the Insurance Commissioners under Section 67 of the National Insurance Act, 1911, has been brought under review by the High Court. In that case the decision of the Commissioners was stated in the form of a special case for the opinion of the Court. The view previously taken by the Commissioners on a difficult point of law was confirmed by the judge of the King's Bench Division, but was subsequently reversed by the Court of Appeal. Under Clause 42 of the Bill now before the House it is proposed to empower the Scottish Commissioners to state a case for the opinion of either division of the Inner House of the Court of Session

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether he will circulate a memorandum in the usual form explaining in simple language the terms of the new Insurance Act, and especially its prospective effect upon societies with deficiencies and with surpluses, respectively?

If there is a general desire on the part of hon. Members I shall be pleased to circulate a memorandum on the Bill, but as it is proposed to ask the House to refer the Bill to Grand Committee, I am inclined to think it would be more useful to deal with the Bill by discussion there than by the circulation of memoranda.