asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it has been ascertained with any degree of surety that King Alexander of Greece has no means of communicating with the German Kaiser by wireless telegrahpy, exchange of confidential messages, Royal or other highly placed spies; and, if so, whether it is intended to continue to him the same facilities in this respect as those enjoyed by his father?

Such matters are the concern of the Royal Hellenic Government presided over by M. Venizelos, in whom the Allied Governments have full confidence.

So that I take it that you are quite content with the warming-pan?

Does the Foreign Office think it wise to trust this monarch, seeing that his father and mother were guilty of duplicity—

I do not think that reflections upon neutral or Allied monarchs can be allowed.

asked whether at any time during the reign of King Constantine in Greece Lord Hardinge communicated to the French Government the suggestion that for dynastic reasons it was necessary that the throne of the King should not be imperilled, and that the course of operations should have regard to that consideration?

No, Sir.

asked whether all the communications of the British representatives at Athens during the reign of King Constantine will be published, or, alternatively, submitted to this House in Secret Session?

No, Sir; I can give no such undertaking.

I shall raise the question to-night.

asked whether the approaching Conference of the Allies on prosecuting the War will consider the advisability of a reply to the Pope's Peace Note?

I do not think it desirable to make any forecast of the course which the deliberations of the Conference may take.

Is this matter being considered, or does the Government think that a mere acknowledgment of the Pope's Note is sufficient?

I trust the House will have sufficient confidence in His Majesty s Government to believe that they are considering all matters vital to the conduct of the War.

asked whether any estimate has been formed of the indemnities which Germany has already levied on France, Belgium, and Russia by levies, fines, and organised systems of looting in the conquered territories?

I can only surmise that estimates have probably been formed by the Governments of the countries directly concerned, but such estimates, if made, have not been communicated to His Majesty's Government.

Would it not be very useful to have an estimate for propaganda purposes?

I am much obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for the suggestion. I shall certainly consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in the Debate in the French Chamber of Deputies on 31st July, 1917, M. Ribot, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, informed the Chamber that the Czar of Russia had promised M. Briand, when Prime Minister, that he would, in addition to supporting the French claim to Alsace-Lorraine, leave France free to make, if need be, an autonomous state out of German territories on the left bank of the Rhine; and whether he is prepared to make any statement on the subject?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I may remind the hon. Member that Monsieur Ribot stated on that occasion that he repudiated on the part of the French Government a policy of conquest.

Does the Noble Lord recollect that when this arrangement was referred to by myself in the Debate on Foreign policy last week the Foreign Secretary stated that it was an absolute mare's nest; in view of the answer of the Noble Lord does he adhere to the statement of the Foreign Secretary?

I had not the pleasure or hearing the speech of my right hon. Friend, but I read it the next morning: I adhere to everything he said.

asked whether any negotiations with France had been opened. up regarding Alsace and Lorraine before the War; and, if not, when the British Government agreed to support the French Government in making the restitution of Alsace and Lorraine an essential item in our war aims?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, it was a well understood war-aim from the moment we entered the War.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the disquietude still existing in Portugal as a result of the Labour party's proposal to internationalise Central Africa; and whether, with a view to allaying such disquietude, he will make a clear statement that His Majesty's Government are in no way responsible for such a proposal?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the state of feeling in Portugal on this question, and am glad to have this opportunity of saying that His Majesty's. Government neither have, nor could have, any responsibility for proposals designed to deprive Portugal of any of her Colonies. Great Britain has promised to defend and protect the Portuguese Colonies against all enemies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, considering that in the Report on Malta for 1916–17 (No. 935) there is no mention of the War, or of the part Malta has taken in the prosecution of the War, or in the provision of men and material for either combatant or non-combatant service, he will have the omission rectified in the ensuing Report?

I will suggest to Lord Methuen that, so far as publication is desirable, mention of the part taken by. Malta in the War might be included in the next Report.

Thank you.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that it is over twelve months since the Report of the Inquiry into the Leeds Training College was received; whether he can now announce that the Leeds education authority has agreed to a scheme of reorganisation of the college; and, failing any agreement between the authority and the Board of Education on this reorganisation, whether he will publish the Report of the recent Inquiry into the affairs of the college?

A revised scheme for the management of the college has been agreed between the Board and the local education authority. I will lay a copy of the Memorandum on the Table.

Does the scheme provide for the representation of authorities and interests other than the Leeds local authority—is a wide representation given to the governing body?

I think so.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can say if 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?

Provision for the further postponement for a year of local elections is made in Clause 2 (1) of the Parliament and Local Elections (No. 2) Bill which was introduced on Monday.

So that the officials in Ireland will know that there will be no elections during the next year?

That is the proposal in the Bill.

asked upon what grounds the Local Government Board on appeal have twice disallowed an old age pension unanimously granted by the local pension sub-committee to cormac Muldoon, of Ballyglass, county Mayo (No. 1559 in pension officer's register)?

This claim was disallowed on the ground that the claimant's means exceeded the statutory limit for the receipt of a pension. He was the owner of a farm of 16 acres of good land, which he assigned to an unmarried son, reserving board and lodging admittedly in order to qualify for a pension.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that the pensions granted to asylum workers in Ireland is small and inadequate to support them at present owing to the increased cost of living; is he aware that the board of governors of the Maryborough Asylum are prepared to consider the question of granting a war bonus to their pensioners provided the Treasury will give a Grant in Aid and that no surcharge will be made by the inspectors of lunacy; and whether he will give an undertaking to this effect?

Pensions are granted to asylum workers in Ireland in pursuance of the provisions of the Act 9, Edwd. VII., cap. 48, and in some cases of the Act 53 and 54 Vic., cap. 31. Owing to the low rate of pay at which the local authorities are able to staff the asylums the pensions are, as a rule, small, and the asylum workers, in common with the rest of the community, are suffering from the increased cost of living due to the War. I understand that no representation has been made by the committee of management of the Maryborough Asylum as regards granting a war bonus to pensioners, and, so far as I am aware, there is no. statutory provision under which the Treasury could give a Grant in aid of such a bonus. The accounts of the District Asylums are audited by the Local Government Board auditors, in whom is vested the power of surcharging illegal payments. They exercise quasi-judicial functions, and I have no authority to direct them as to their decisions.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can see his way to introduce a short Bill to amend the Lough Erne Act, providing for the prevention of the annual flooding of thousands of acres of land, the consequent saving of crops, and increase in food supplies?

I am advised that this is a matter for a private Bill.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bring in a Bill, to which there is no opposition, to safeguard those crops?

I am advised that this is a matter for a private Bill, but I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Thank you very much.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, owing to the continuous rains of the past three months and partly owing to the stoppage of the drainage work commenced some time ago on the Owenmore River, in the county Sligo, hundreds of acres of valuable oat, potatoes, and hay crops have been destroyed by the flooding of that river; and, if so, will he say whether the work of drainage on the Owenmore will be resumed, so as to prevent a recurrence of these disasters during the coming year?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to his previous question on the 21st June, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the VicePresident of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) how many acres of land Mr. W. P. Hanly, J.P., holds in each of the following townlands—namely, Annefield, Annesgrove, Cloneyross, The Hough (Clonaulty), and Lanespark, Thurles, county Tipperary; if Mr. Hanly complied with the Tillage Order in the past year; and, if not, what steps the Department intend to take regarding the default and to enforce the Order in respect of these lands during the coming year?

The Department of Agriculture do not consider it would be in the public interest to furnish details in individual cases unless the necessity for the enforcement of tillage has actually arisen. All proper steps will be taken by the Department to secure compliance with the requirements of the compulsory tillage provisions of the Defence of the Realm Regulations in cases of default.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, seeing that he received about six months ago a deputation consisting of Members of Parliament from the West of Ireland and others interested in the development of the coal and mineral fields of Arigna, and that he stated to that deputation that the project was receiving the careful consideration of his Department and of the Board of Trade, he will state now whether the Government have taken or intend to take any, and, if so, what, action to facilitate in developing the coal-field in question; and if he will inform the House whether the Government intend, for the purpose of helping this project, to construct or give facilities for constructing a line of railway from Arigna to Colooney?

I am in communication with various persons interested as to a possible means of improving the transit facilities for Arigna coal.

In view of the fact that this proposal has been under the consideration of his Department and of the Board of Trade for over a year, is the right hon. Gentleman not in a position to make a more definite statement?

I cannot make any more definite statement than I have made. I should have thought that the hon. Gentleman would have seen that consideration has been given to this matter.

May I ask whether the Government intend to do anything to develop the Arigna coal-fields?

I cannot consent to be cross-examined on the answer I have given.

Then what the right hon. Gentleman has said means nothing.

asked whether the Government have adopted, or intend to adopt, any, and, if so, what, measures to assist in the development of coal-fields in Ireland as a war measure to lessen the demands on tonnage space and to cheapen the price of coal to the poorer people in Ireland?

I have been asked to reply. The Government have undertaken the construction of one short railway for the service of an Irish colliery as a war measure, and I have at the moment proposals under examination with regard to others.

Are we to understand that one small line of railway for one colliery has exhausted the whole of the Government effort for Ireland?

The hon. Member must read my answer, and he will have no difficulty in understanding what I mean.

I think I understand the right hon. Gentleman.

Can we have some hope expressed that other railways will be developed during the War?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an expert from the Coal Controller's Department made an inspection of the coal and mineral fields at Arigna about a year ago on behalf of that Department; whether the expert has reported; and whether the Government have taken or propose to take any, and, if so, what, action to promote the working of the coal and minerals in the Arigna area?

A mining engineer, appointed by the Controller of Coal Mines, investigated and reported upon the Arigna mineral-field. That Report, together with observations of the Controller of Coal Mines, has been forwarded to the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland for his consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of cases that came before the Sheriff-Principal of the shires of Roxburgh, Berwick, and Selkirk was eleven and that the salary paid to such Sheriff was £750; and whether there is any intention of the Government bringing in legislation to consolidate Sheriffdoms in Scotland in order to economise in war time?

My right hon. Friend has requested me to reply to this question. The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, to the latter part in the negative. Such legislation as is suggested by the hon. and learned Member would not be calculated to produce the effect intended by him.

Would the right hon. Gentleman describe persistent exposure of evils which are protected by the Secretary for Scotland and the Scottish Office as a "vendetta"?

If the hon. Gentleman asks me, I should describe his conduct in this matter as eminently well-described by that term.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that in the Report of the Commissioners for the Crinan Canal for the year ending 30th April, 1917, and which was confirmed at the last meeting of the Commissioners, attention is called to the fact that numerous representations have reached the Commissioners as to the inadequacy of the existing canal and the need for the construction of an improved and modernised canal in substitution for it, and that attention is also called to the fact that the Commissioners have in previous Reports repeatedly called attention to the present condition of the canal, and that extensive repairs will have to be effected in the near future if the canal is to be maintained, even in its present condition, and that there is a constant and increasing risk of a breakdown which will involve the closing of the canal; and whether he will now take steps and consult with the Reconstruction Committee as to what action shall be taken to avoid this. danger and to put the canal in such a condition as to enable it to deal with modern requirements?

My right hon. Friend has requested me to reply to this question. His attention has been called to the Report in question. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Secretary for Scotland's Department is not in any direct sense responsible for the canal, and he is not one of the statutory Canal Commissioners. He has already, however, drawn the attention of the Treasury to the terms of the Report, and in any further dealings with the matter he will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

Perhaps, as I am myself officially one of the Canal Commissioners, I ought to add, and may be permitted to add, that, with the contingencies—which, I fancy, have moved the hon. Gentleman to put this question—in mind, the Commissioners have arranged to obtain for the duration of the War a loan of some £7,500 for both the Caledonian and Crinan Canals, in order to provide against the possibility of such breakdown as the hon. Member has in mind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the danger of the total collapse of the canal is imminent, and, under the circumstances, will not the Secretary for Scotland, and other parties interested, take an opportunity of seeing what can be done to remedy the condition of things at the earliest moment?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the condition of the canal has been fully under the review of the Commissioners, and that the matters to which he refers are being paid careful attention to.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether an interned alien, Carlos de la Escosuras, has escaped from Reading Gaol and taken refuge at the Spanish Embassy; whether this man is still there; and what action he proposes to take?

This man escaped from Reading Prison, has taken refuge at the Spanish Embassy, and is still there. The question of the action to be taken in the matter is under consideration by the Departments concerned.

Has he not been there for ten days? Is it not time a decision was made?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the inconvenience to the public caused by 2,500 cabs not plying for hire; whether, when he made his recent decision to allow an increase in the initial fare, he had reason to believe that the result would be a strike of taxi-cab drivers; and what steps he is prepared to take to terminate the trouble, in the interests of the public, as soon as possible?

I am aware that the taxicab drivers refuse to hire cabs except on the terms of obtaining free petrol, which some of the owners decline to give, and that in consequence a number of taxi-cabs are not in use, but the number of such cabs is far below 2,500. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. As to the third part, I have no authority to intervene in this dispute, unless requested by both parties to do so. I may add that I understand that in the case of those taxi-cabs which are plying for hire the new arrangement is working smoothly, and no complaint has been received either from the drivers or from the public.

Is it not a fact that the cabs which are plying for hire are cabs which are owned by the drivers themselves?

Not all of them, I think.

asked the Home Secretary whether the draft Regulations recently issued in reference to the alternative vote are subject to modification; and, if so, whether he will take expert advice upon a scheme which gives to each candidate the full value of his second preference votes instead of the bottom one only as in the Regulations?

The draft Regulations are subject to modification, but the opinion of the experts whom I have consulted is not favourable to the alternative scheme referred to in the question.

asked whether the Government are taking any steps to deal with the propaganda in favour of a premature peace which is being carried on by means of leaflets and other publications?

Yes, Sir; the powers now vested in the Government for this purpose have been freely used. Many thousands of these leaflets have been seized and destroyed, and in some of these cases the Attorney-General has sanctioned a prosecution. But most of the leaflets do not come to the notice of the authorities until after they have been partly distributed, and there is often a difficulty in ascertaining the authorship. Further, the penalty imposed by Statute upon the printing of these leaflets without disclosing the printer's name is inadequate in time of war, and some of them are distributed without the imprint required by law. In these circumstances the Government consider that additional powers are required. It is proposed, therefore, to make a new Regulation under the Defence of the Realm Acts, requiring every leaflet relating to the present War or to the conclusion of peace to bear the names and addresses of the author and printer, and to be submitted to the Press Bureau for approval. This Regulation will be submitted for approval forthwith.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the Government have now come to the conclusion that it is an offence under the Defence of the Realm Act to advocate Free Trade in this country, and whether they raided the offices of the International Free Trade League, which confines its activities entirely—

That does not arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the opposition to peace comes chiefly from profiteers who are making money out of the War, and from their jackals?

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken note of the very pernicious action taken by hon. Gentlemen here calling themselves Pacifists with regard to peace, and will he deal severely with them?

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

May I ask why the Government cannot deal with these pamphlets by fair and open argument instead of hiding behind the police?

I am dealing with pamphlets which infringe the law and must be dealt with under the law.

Is it not a fact that precisely this same propaganda with leaf- lets took place in Russia and Italy with the same appalling results, and will he take every effort to prevent it?

That is a question for the Foreign Office.

What will be the penalty for breach of the new Regulations?

The penalty imposed by the Defence of the Realm Act is a heavy fine or imprisonment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman add to the Regulations a penalty for distributing the leaflets that have not the necessary imprint upon them?

That is included.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the late Prime Minister stated in this House that the advocacy of peace by negotiation was not an offence under the Defence of the Realm Act, and have the present. Government changed that policy?

That may be, but this Regulation deals with leaflets that infringe the Regulations.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the conviction of Stephen Alfred Chandler at Exeter for distributing a pamphlet issued by the Union of Democratic Control, the object of which was described by the mayor as being to shock the morale of the British people, to induce fighting men to stop fighting, to induce people to decline to serve, to break the nerve of the British people, and let the Germans win; and whether he will take steps to stop the printing and publication of such pamphlets at the source by dissolving the union in question?

I am informed that Chandler was convicted of distributing a pamphlet which was printed and published by Arnold Lupton, and in respect of which Lupton had been fined £200. The latter part of the question, therefore, does not appear to arise in connection with this pamphlet.

In view of the fact that in the first instance Mr. Lupton, who printed and published this pamphlet, only got a fine, does the right hon. Gentleman not consider it rather hard that a man who before the pamphlet was found to be illegal distributed it should get two months' hard labour when the man who wrote and published the pamphlet only got a fine?

This man distributed the pamphlet after Lupton was proceeded against.

No; it was before.

I understood it was after.

If the right hon. Gentleman receives information to show that he only distributed the pamphlet before the case even came on in Court and destroyed the pamphlet the moment he knew that there was any question about it, will he reconsider the question?

I am always willing to receive representations as to a sentence, but, of course, I cannot give any promise.

If the pamphlet was issued by the Union of Democratic Control, would it come under the new Regulation the right hon. Gentleman is proposing?

Certainly; all such pamphlets will come under the Regulation.

Have not all the disastrous results in this question come about through the speech of the Prime Minister in Paris?

If I catch a man stuffing these pamphlets in my letter-box, can I have him arrested?

I hope the hon. and gallant Gentleman will himself take him into custody.

In view of the serious statement made by the Home Secretary at Question Time to-day, that the Government propose to seek further powers under the Defence of the Realm Act, I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the action of the Government in interfering with political propaganda and the steps they have announced to-day for the suppression of the advocacy of peace and the discussion of political policy."

The pleasure of the House not having been signified, Mr. SPEAKER called on those Members who supported the Motion to rise in their places, and, less than forty Members having accordingly risen, the House proceeded to the business of the day.

asked how many paid officials are employed by the Committee of Employment of Conscientious Objectors; and what are their functions and their respective salaries?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend on Monday last to a question by the hon. Member for Whitehaven. In addition to the office staff mentioned in that reply, the officers employed at the Committee's work centres at Princetown, Wakefield, and Knutsford number 57, 17, and 12 respectively, and the total salaries paid to them amount to £8,167, £2,319, and £1,257 per annum respectively. The great majority of these are prison officers, and their functions are to instruct, supervise, and control the men employed at the centres.

As regards the men employed at numerous places outside work centres, these are supervised and controlled by their employers, who act without remuneration as the Committee's agents for this purpose. In three cases, however, the Committee pay remuneration to their local agents at the rate of 1s. per week for each man employed up to a maximum of 50s, per week.

Is the House to understand it costs the State something like £13,000 to manage these so-called conscientious objectors?

It costs the amount that I have quoted.

A great deal more than that!

asked what is the total amount of money that has been expended, chargeable to State funds, in respect to the employment of conscientious objectors?

I can only state the gross amount of the payments made, not the net cost to the State after allowing for repayments due, and for the value of work done at the work centres. The gross amount of the payments from August, 1916, to the 31st of October, 1917, is —92,306 17s. 11d.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the present condition of health of Paul L. Gillan, a Sinn Fein conscientious objector, who was returned to prison some months ago from the Dartmoor Settlement; whether this man has refused work in prison; and, if so, what punishments have been inflicted upon him and are being inflicted upon him?

I have asked for a Report about the man referred to, and I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of National Service whether his attention has been drawn to the scarcity of medical men and to the danger that the supply of medical men after the conclusion of peace may, for some years, be wholly insufficient; and whether, in view of this state of things, he will see that no bonâfide medical student entered before 1st November, 1917, is called up for military or any other service?

The outlook with regard to the supply of medical men, and the question of military service as it affects medical students, has been under my careful review. The general policy I have adopted is to aim at maintaining a minimum output of 1,000 newly-qualified medical men per annum. This year no improvement can be made. In 1918 and 1919 the output will be below the desired minimum, though, I hope, approaching it. Arrangements have already been made that students serving in the Army who have completed two years of medical studies, and who had begun their studies prior to 1st August, 1914, may claim to be returned to their studies. The hon. Member's suggestions will be carefully considered in connection with the general review.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has read the verdict of the jury in the case of Thomas Ashe; whether he will take steps to put an end to the practice of depriving a prisoner of everything of comfort in his cell as a. punishment for infraction of discipline; whether he will give instructions that. dietary punishments should be stopped as mean and dangerous to health; and whether he will decline to authorise in future the practice of forcible or artificial feeding?

The answer to the first, part of the question is in the affirmative: to the other three parts in the negative. Forcible feeding is never used except in the last resort as a medical measure to, preserve the life of a prisoner who is. attempting to commit suicide by refusing, food.

Does the right hon. Gentleman distinguish between forcible feeding which requires force and artificial feeding which requires no force at all?

It was artificial feeding.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case referred to, forcible feeding did not succeed in keeping, the prisoner alive?

Of course I am aware of it.

Is there any evidence that the feeding in this case was resisted?

I know that there were special facts in this case, but that does not, relieve us from the necessity of saving life where we can.

Is it not a fact that to, save life you destroy it?

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is inquiring into the allegations made by certain newspapers that Bolo spent money in this country to influence opinion; whether any of these newspapers have supplied him with the facts upon which they based their allegations; whether he has, inquired into them, and with what result; (2) whether he has observed that in France the examination of those alleged to have held corrupt and treasonable transactions with Bolo are confined to writers in and proprietors of jingo newspapers, financiers, and company promoters of a certain established reputation, and society ladies; and whether, in making his inquiries here into Boloism, he will search in the ruts in which Bolo operated in France?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Bolo, on behalf of the Pan-Germans, financed, to the extent of £16,000, a French newspaper devoted to promoting the demand for the annexation of the Soar Valley; and, in view of the fact that certain British journals have been supporting this propaganda, will he cause inquiries to be made in this connection when investigating the alleged activities of Bolo in this country?

These questions refer to matters which are under investigation by the police, and it is obvious that if, at the present stage, I were to describe the course of their inquiries, I should only be assisting the enemy.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman will pursue inquiries in regard to the Jingo Press, seeing that Bolo financed the Jingo Press in France, and will he make inquiries in this direction here?

I have given my answer to the three questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now announce his intentions as to the Petroleum (Production) Bill; and whether, to meet the emergency and avoid opposition, he will proceed with the Bill, dropping the proposal to create royalties?

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now say whether income derived by landowners under the proposed Petroleum Bill will be subject to Income Tax, Super Tax, and Excess Profits Duty; whether the Bill is to be proceeded with; and, if not, in what way and on what terms petroleum believed to exist in this country is to be made available for the Navy and for industrial purposes?

I think that it would be better to postpone any statement on these matters until the Bill comes on for discussion.

asked what is the approximate total square mileage of territory conquered, or re-conquered, by British Armies since 1st July, 1916?

The total square mileage of territory conquered or reconquered by British Armies in all theatres since 1st July, 1916, is about 128,000 square miles. This figure is necessarily only approximate, as in some theatres of war no hard-and-fast line can be drawn between territory in enemy and British occupation on a given date.

asked what are the totals of prisoners, guns, and booty captured from the Turkish Empire since 1st July, 1916?

The totals of prisoners and guns captured from the Turks by our Armies since 1st July, 1916, are as follows: Prisoners 30,197 Guns 186 These figures represent the number reported up to the present, but the returns from the Palestine front are still incomplete. I will circulate with the OFFICIAL REPORT the other information asked for in the question as far as we have it.

As regards booty, details have not yet been received from Palestine.

The booty reported as captured in Mesopotamia includes:

52 machine-guns.

32 trench mortars.

His Majesty's ship "Firefly" (recaptured).

4 steamers.

2 tugs.

10 barges.

2 steam launches.

30 pontoons.

21 engines.

240 trucks.

Several miles of railway track.

Some aeroplanes and aeroplane engines.

Large quantities of ammunition and rifles.

In addition to large quantities of miscellaneous engineering material, clothing, equipment, and transport animals.

Do those figures include 1,500 prisoners announced to-day?

I could not say.

asked what are the total numbers of prisoners and guns captured by the British armies on the Western Front since 1st July, 1916; and what are the total number of prisoners and guns captured by British arms on all fronts since the commencement of the War?

The total number of prisoners captured on the Western Front since 1st July, 1916, is 101,534. The total number of guns captured in the same period is 519. Since the commencement of the War the British armies have captured on all fronts about 166,000 prisoners and over 800 guns.

Will the hon. Gentleman communicate that answer to the Prime Minister in time for his speech on Monday?

asked whether Members of the Irish convention are under any obligation, implied or otherwise, to silence as to the proceedings or as to the form of government for Ireland which they may eventually recommend to this House for discussion; whether both for Press and for the ordinary individual a Regulation has been issued under the Defence of the Realm Act making it unlawful to publish any report or statement, or to describe or to refer to any proceedings of the convention assembled at the invitation of the Government; and, if so, will he say who is responsible for the licence accorded to certain English newspapers who are in favour of what is known as dominion self-government for Ireland to interview members of the Convention, discuss the probable outcome of the deliberations, and apportion in advance blame for a failure to arrive at a satisfactory finding?

I have not seen the publications complained of. The Regulation which was issued under the Defence of the Realm Act prohibiting the publication of reports of proceedings of the Convention has been, I think, generally ,observed.

Are these reports submitted to a censor before publication? Does the Irish Censor see them?

I fancy that they are dealt with in the same way as other reports of this kind. They are not submitted to a censor, but if the Regulations are infringed notice will be taken.

Are these papers receiving immunity because they happen to support the Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will bring in a Bill for the abolition of hereditary titles of all descriptions and for the restriction of legislative functions to representatives elected by the constituencies?

The answer is in the negative.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has given up all democratic objectives?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will prohibit horse racing in the United Kingdom, as contrary to the sentiment of the country in this crisis of its destinies?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. Strong representations were made last year that a certain amount of horse racing was very desirable, in the interests of the horsebreeding industry, and in consequence objection has not been taken to a limited number of race meetings, provided it is possible for them to take place without interference with essential needs.

How many race meetings have been authorised or allowed by the Government?

I could not say without notice.

Would it be contrary to the sentiment of the country to maintain not the least of its important industries even at the present time?

There are other more essential industries.

Will the hon. Member give an undertaking that no legitimate sports and recreations of the people unless they interfere with the War will be stopped?

asked the Prime Minister whether Prince Pless, an alien enemy fighting on the German side, holds mortgages in this country on the estates of the late Colonel Cornwallis West, or whether he has acquired some part of these estates; and, if so, if the interests of Prince Pless have been taken over by the Public Trustee?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I have no information that the Prince of Pless holds mortgages in this country on the estate of the late Colonel Cornwallis West, but inquiry has been made in regard to certain property which was alleged to belong to Prince or Princess Pless, and the information furnished by Colonel Cornwallis West to the Public Trustee was that the property in question was his own, and did not belong to the Prince or Princess. I am, however, causing further inquiry to be made in the matter

asked the Prime Minister whether the Petrol Controller to the Board of Trade or the new Petroleum Executive was responsible for the permission for guests of the Lord Mayor of London on the 9th November to use petrol; and why the official notice communicated to the Press on the 9th October requesting everybody to economise to the last drop was thus ignored?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The Lord Mayor's banquet may, perhaps, be regarded as a somewhat special occasion, and the Petrol Controller, on a representation from the Corporation, and at the request of the City Police, decided not to object to the use of petrol for the conveyance of persons attending the banquet.

Is my hon. Friend aware that many thousands of private motorists have voluntarily, in the national interest, given up their cars altogether; and will he see that no further extension of this kind is granted?

I know a good many private motorists who have not given up their cars, as well as those who have done so.

That is not an answer. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the number of those who have is enormously greater than the number of those who have not; and will he see that nothing of this kind is allowed to occur again?

I am afraid that the in. formation in my possession is exactly the opposite; but I will make representations.

Is it not the case that the hon. Gentleman has no information. on the subject?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that so many changes have taken place in the aspect of the War since the last Imperial Conference, he will consider the advisability of summoning a Conference to take place during the next three months?

I do not think this suggestion is practicable. My hon. and gallant Friend understands how difficult it is for the Prime Ministers of the Dominions to leave their own work, but the Government fully realises the importance of keeping in the closest touch with them, and will be guided by their wishes as to time of holding the next Conference.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now announce any definite policy with regard to the adoption of reprisals against air attacks upon our unfortified towns, seeing that several air raids have been carried out with impunity upon London and the Eastern Coast since his announcement of the adoption of a policy of reprisals?

I can add nothing to, the previous statements on this subject.

Can the right hon.. Gentleman say why no reprisals have been undertaken on German towns, bridges, or forests as a direct answer to the two last, raids on London?

If the hon. and gallant Member will look at the newspaper reports, he will find that there has been air operations on German towns, but much depends upon the weather, and I think there is a danger that our airmen may undertake these operations at a time when they ought not to do so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no airmen are withdrawn from more necessary work in order to carry out these raids?

I have already said many times that the Air Service is used as our advisers consider best.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been directed to the number of cases of damage by raids to houses in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft which have not been settled; and if he will make inquiry into the case of No. 1, Marine Parade, Gorleston, where the ceilings were brought down four months ago and the damages were assessed at £60, and the amount has not been paid and the damages cannot be repaired because the Government surveyor will not agree to its being done, and loss and hardship is being caused by the unreasonable delay?

The attention of the Board of Trade has been called to various claims from Great Yarmouth in respect of damage by concussion, and these are being considered. Inquiry is being made as to the special case which is referred to in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will agree to disputes as to the amount of damages payable under the aircraft insurance scheme to be settled by an arbitrator to sit locally or by an action in the County Court instead of by a petition of right in the High Court; and if he will consider if one of these courses could be taken, at any rate, when the amount insured does not exceed £100?

Except at Great Yarmouth and neighbourhood, disputes between the insured and the assessors have been of rare occurrence, and have been settled in almost every case, after an opinion has been obtained from a second assessor, without further trouble. In the cases which the hon. Member has in mind the President of the Board of Trade would be prepared, in view of their special nature, to agree to these particular cases, if not otherwise settled, being referred to an assessor appointed by, and on behalf of, the Government, with the concurrence of the insured, on the understanding that the insured accept the assessor's opinion as final.

The assessor is to act as arbitrator?

Yes, and his decision will be final.

asked the Prime Minister what Vote bears the expenses of General Smuts as member of the War Cabinet, and his staff?

General Smuts is paid no salary as a member of the War Cabinet. One staff officer is paid from Army funds. The only expenses of General Smuts and his staff paid for from Imperial funds are hotel expenses, which are defrayed by the Government Hospitality Fund.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish the instructions issued to Inland Revenue officials for their guidance in discriminating between sales of timber, whisky, and other stocks represented as of the nature or ordinary trading, and therefore coming under review for purposes of Income Tax, Super-tax, and Excess Profits Duty, and those represented as of the nature of capital and therefore enjoying more or less complete immunity from taxation?

No general instructions have been found necessary. Any case involving the point suggested by my hon. Friend is dealt with by the application of the Statutory principles to its particular facts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish a list, omitting names if this be thought desirable, of transactions involving sums of £10,000 and upwards in which the Government has bought blocks of timber standing or felled; and whether strict inquiry is made in every case and declarations taken from the parties selling as to whether the profits on such transactions represent taxable gains or not?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It would not, I think, be in the public interest to give particulars of the transactions referred to. The Timber Control Department makes its purchases upon a commercial basis, and does not undertake any inquiries as to the liability of the sellers in taxation.

Is no inquiry whatever made with reference to the question raised in the last part of this question?

Not by me.

Or by anybody else?

I am not able to reply to that question.