asked the Secretary of State for India when a decision may be expected to be arrived at with regard to applying Part I. of the Royal Warrant of 1st August, 1917, to officers of the Indian Army; and whether, in view of disadvantages to them of the application to their cases of the Royal Warrant of 26th November, 1915, the decision when arrived at will be retrospective?

Part. I. of the Royal Warrant of 1st August, 1917, if and when applied to officers of the Indian Army, will extend to all cases which have arisen out of the present War and will have effect from 1st April, 1917, as is laid down, in regard to officers of the British Service, by the introductory article of the Royal Warrant. The Secretary of State for India is doing all he can to arrive at a speedy settlement of the question. It is not altogether simple, owing to the difference of conditions under which the Indian Army serve, and to the liability of Imperial revenues to bear the excess charges of Indian Expeditionary Forces. The Secretary of State's general view is that officers holding temporary or permanent commissions in the Indian Army should enjoy not less favourable treatment, if disabled in consequence of the present War, in respect of pensionary benefits than officers of the British Army.

May I specially call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that a number of men who were civilians before the War were attached to the Indian Army simply on account of their knowledge of the Indian language, and that therefore in the case of those civilians there is a real hardship in this long delay that is taking place in giving them the advantages of the Royal Warrant of August last?

I will bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman says.

Are we to take it that it is the Treasury that is causing delay and not the India Office?

The question has to come before the Ministry of Pensions, which has to consider the recommendations.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the Vote of Thanks to the Services given in this House no reference was made to the corps of Royal Marines; and whether, as it has been the immemorial custom to associate the name of the Royal Marines with that of the Royal Navy on similar occasions, he will say what action he proposes to take?

The omission to mention specifically the corps of Royal Marines in the Vote of Thanks to the Services, which was recently the subject of a Resolution of both Houses, is much regretted; but the work of this gallant corps is so closely identified with the Royal Navy, both afloat and ashore, that any reference to the Royal Navy includes their highly valued comrades of the Royal Marines, whose magnificent services now, and at all times, are fully recognised. It may be added that in communicating to the Fleet the Resolution passed by both Houses, it has been expressly stated that the Resolution is to be brought to the notice of all officers and men of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Auxiliary Services, to whom it fully and equally applies.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can explain why only one British steamer over 1,600 tons gross and five British steamers under 1,600 tons gross were officially reported in the weekly Return issued by the Press Bureau as sunk by mine or submarine during the week ending 11th November, when it was well known to underwriters and others that during five days of that week, namely, Monday, 5th November, to Saturday, 10th November, a greater number of steamers over 1,600 tons gross registered tonnage was reported sunk; and will he in future see that correct reports are given to the public, so that they may realise the vital importance of economy in food consumption?

I must at once challenge and deny the suggestion contained in this question, namely, that incorrect returns are given.

I must also express my regret that the question should be framed in such a way as to undermine public confidence by suggesting that a responsible Ministry is issuing incorrect returns. It is clear that this mischievous suggestion is made without any adequate investigation as to the true facts of the case.

The number of British merchant vessels reported in the Press as sunk by submarines and mines during the week ending three p.m., 11th November, 1917, is correct.

The weekly Returns—together with the notes attached thereto—definitely indicate the number of ships sunk during each week, and not the number of reports of sinkings received during the week. Three large ships were reported during the week ending three p.m., 11th November, as sunk by submarines and mines, but two of these were sunk during the previous week, and were included in the previous week's Return which appeared in the Press.

Ignoring the right hon. Gentleman's strictures, may I ask him whether the five steamers which were reported posted at Lloyds on the 5th and 6th November—that is, during the week ending 10th November—have already been reported, and when; if not, when they will be reported; and can he explain why of the five small steamers which were reported at Lloyds as sunk during the same week, and which were reported in the Press, only one was included in the Return?

I must repeat that the Return gives precisely the facts of the vessels reported sunk within that week. In this case two had been previously reported, and were in the Press in the previous week's Return. If there were any others, I do not know and I cannot say, but if there were they will be reported later. The whole suggestion of this question is that we took too favourable a view of the situation, and so caused people to say: "It does not matter any more; we need not be economical any longer." That is quite untrue, and we should not be fit for our office if, in these times, we took such a course. I again resent it strongly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they are not reported in the Return of the 4th or in the Return of the 11th; will they be reported in the Return of the 18th?

They will be reported with a footnote showing the week in which they were sunk— if those facts are correct. I cannot be taken to accept them now.

Is it not putting too favourable a view on the situation when ships which are stranded on shore and are badly damaged are not included?

My hon. Friend is putting another point altogether. We have frankly stated that this return does not include damaged ships. We never said that it did, because many of them come back again into service after being repaired. This return does not include those, and nobody ever suggested that it did. This return includes the number sunk within the week, and it is a true return.

Was the return adjusted in order to suit the political crisis?

I do not consider that I am called upon to answer that. If anybody in any quarter of the House thinks that it ought to be answered, the answer is "No."

Is it not the case that this has often been done before?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the proposal to remove the 100-ton crane from Dublin port has aroused indignation; whether the Port and Docks Board have unanimously passed a resolution protesting against its removal, as it would almost paralyse the trade of the port; and whether, under those circumstances, the order for removal will be withdrawn?

asked the Prime Minister if the Belfast inspector of auxiliary shipbuilding has informed the Dublin Port and Docks Board that it was his intention to requisition the 100-ton crane at the North Wall, Dublin; if he is aware that any attempt of the Government to remove the crane from Dublin to Belfast, or any other port, will he resented, and will add to the bitterness and ill-feeling which is rapidly growing in Ireland owing to the Government's attempt to crush Irish industries and their continued boycot of Ireland so far as war expenditure is concerned; if he is aware that this crane is within 100 yards of the Dublin Shipyard Company, and that there is at present one of the best sites in Ireland still available at North Wall for a Government shipbuilding yard; and if he will take steps to prevent the removal of the crane and to see that portion of the War taxation which is collected in Ireland will be spent on shipbuilding in Dublin?

Inquiries were set on foot to ascertain the capacity, lift, etc., of this crane, and also the extent to which it is at present used, with a view to its being utilised by the Government if it had been found possible to spare it from the work on which it is now engaged. There never was, and is not now, any intention to requisition this crane or remove it from its present position without the consent of the Dublin Port and Docks Board, and as it has now been ascertained that the crane is being put to full use, no further steps are being taken in the matter, and the local Admiralty Inspector has been instructed to this effect. As regards the point raised by the hon. Member for Dublin Harbour, respecting the position of Irish industries in relation to war expenditure generally, I would refer him to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Wicklow (West) on 7th November.

May I as a member of the Dublin Port and Docks Board say that I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for his reply?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a site for shipbuilding at the present moment available in Dublin within a hundred yards of this place, and will not some of the money be spent by the Admiralty on shipbuilding there?

That shall be reported to the proper authorities. As I stated on a previous occasion, it is our duty to give every facility to get as much tonnage as is possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Chinese Government has announced that it does not recognise the recent American-Japanese agreement as binding upon China; and, if so, whether the good offices of the British Government are available to prevent any difficulties between China and any other Allied States?

The Chinese Government have communicated to His Majesty's Government the text of a declaration which they have addressed to the Japanese Government and the United States Government in regard to the Notes recently exchanged between those two Governments. I do not understand this declaration of principle by the Chinese Government to mean that they do not recognise the American-Japanese Agreement, and His Majesty's Government have no reason to anticipate that it will give rise to any difficulties between the Chinese Government and any other Allied State.

Will this declaration of the Chinese Government be published, or alternatively, a copy laid in the Library?

If that is to be done, I should prefer to ask permission of the Chinese Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly do so?

Perhaps I will.

How soon will he be able to make up his mind on this? Will there be his usual delay?

To what delay does the hon. Member refer?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at what date he became cognisant of the declaration made by M. Ribot to the French Chamber of Deputies that the Czar of Russia had promised M. Briand, when Prime Minister of France, that he would, in addition to supporting the French claim to Alsace-Lorraine, leave France free, if need be, to make an autonomous state out of German territories on the west bank of the Rhine?

I received the text of M. Ribot's statement on 1st August.

Was the right hon. Gentleman aware of that statement when in the Debate on peace negotiations he described my reference to it as an absolute mare's nest?

The hon. Member misinterprets what I said. Perhaps he had better put a question down and I will consider it. One of the things in this con- nection which I said was a mare's nest was the idea that one of the war aims of the British Empire was to create a new autonomous territory on the Rhine.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that my statement was distinctly that it was an agreement between Russia and France, and that I specifically said it was not an agreement in which this country was concerned?

If the right hon. Gentleman does not know in November what was communicated to him officially in August, is not that an instance of his delay?

On the hon. Member's own statement, that is not delay, but forgetfulness.

Is not forgetfulness in a Minister just as bad as delay?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. Sly, mentioned by Sir John Anderson as having shot the Uduwa Arachchi on 15th June, 1915, in Ceylon, is still a justice of the peace and an unofficial police magistrate; and whether he is aware of the comments made on Mr. Sly's conduct by Sir John Anderson?

I have approved Sir John Anderson's proposal to remove Mr. Sly from his appointment as Justice of the Peace and unofficial police magistrate, and I have no doubt that his removal has been carried out. Sir John Anderson's comments on his conduct were made in a dispatch addressed to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the name of the official who drew up the proclamation issued in Ceylon during June, 1915, by Government agents and assistant Government agents; whether he is aware that Sir John Anderson declares this proclamation to have been badly drawn and that it may have been in part the cause of the irregularities which occurred; and whether the official who drew up the proclamation is still employed by the Government?

This proclamation was drawn up in slightly varying forms by Government agents and assistant Govern- ment agents under general instructions given to them to meet a pressing emergency by the general officer commanding the troops, who had been entrusted by the Governor with the administration of martial law.

Did not these officials face a situation of great danger with courage and resource, and are not these ungenerous attacks likely to promote trouble in the island at the present crisis?

The courage with which great emergencies have been dealt with by these officials has been constantly pointed out. I agree with the latter part of my hon. Friend's question.

Did every one of these Proclamations contain the injunction to shoot at sight, out of which the state of lynch law referred to by Sir John Anderson arose, and was that order to shoot at sight approved by the Attorney-General?

That has never been alleged by anyone.

It is in the White Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will ascertain how many employés of military age and military fitness are in the service of the members of the Appeal Tribunal of Dumfries and Galloway; and whether he will see that his military representative there will take similar action with such employés as he has taken with those in the service of the Post Office and of other employers?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply. There are twenty-two men of military age in the employment of the members of the Dumfries and Galloway Appeal Tribunal. I have examined the grounds of exemption in each of these cases, and without exception they appear to be satisfactory. I am supplying my hon. Friend with details.

Does the hon. Gentleman agree, on the facts as he has found them, that it is a right and proper thing for men of military age and fitness to be on tribunals sending others into the Army?

Is it the case that one member of the tribunal, who is most persistent in sending men into the trenches, has still six gardeners in his employment, and describes them as engaged in agriculture?

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the arrest of Mr. Richard Edmund Prendergast, formerly of Caraun, Claremorris, county Mayo, who was arrested by the local police in Cheshire on 8th October on the warrant of the Salford police for military purposes; and can he state why this man was not first tried before a local magistrate, he being at the time engaged in farming on his own farm?

This man was arrested by the Royal Irish Constabulary at Claremorris, and brought back to Salford, where he was born and lived up to this year and where alone his case could be dealt with, the warrant having been issued at Salford.

asked the Home Secretary if men voluntarily leaving the prison service to join the Army, and then wounded or disabled whilst on active service, and returned to civil life in many instances are only able to get back into the prison service, if at all, as temporary officers, which means they have to do exactly the same duties as they did before and have to work longer hours than previously, in view of the fact that these temporary officers do not get paid for Saturday afternoons or Sundays when off duty like the permanent staff; and if he will take steps to improve the position of these disabled soldiers?

The places of all permanent officers who were recalled to the Colours or joined the Army with permission have been kept open for them, and, on their return to civil life, they resume their position as permanent officers if they are physically fit to do so. If permanently disabled for prison service, these cases are considered for civil pension. Men who are unfit for prison service cannot, of course, be employed as temporary officers.

Is it the policy of the Home Office to penalise men whose physical health has been ruined by serving in the Army by giving them less pay and advantages than men who have remained in the prison service and not volunteered?

That supplementary question was evidently prepared before my answer was heard. If the hon. Member will be good enough to read my answer he will see that it deals fully with the matter.

asked the Home Secretary if he will have immediate Inquiry made into the state of health of Arthur Butler,, a conscientious objector now undergoing his third sentence of imprisonment at Preston, who is stated to be in a serious condition, on account of the hardship of his imprisonment and the insufficiency of food supplied to him?

I am having inquiry made as to the health of this prisoner, but I would remind the hon. Member that all prisoners are under the constant supervision of experienced medical men, who have full authority to supplement or modify the ordinary dietary whenever that may be necessary in order to maintain health.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is proposed in the new Regulations ameliorating the present conditions of conscientious objectors who have served twelve months' imprisonment to aggregate separate periods of imprisonment and to give the improved conditions where the aggregate term of imprisonment served is twelve months or more?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how many of the representatives of his Department throughout the country are of military age and of military fitness; how many of these are farmers granted exemption in order to grow food; whether he is aware that in several instances military representatives have withdrawn exemptions given to such farmers; whether his Department proposes to contest such withdrawals of exemptions; and whether his Department will arrange to find fitting representatives in discharged soldiers who have done their share of the fighting?

Of the 130 commissioners, sub-commissioners, and assistant commissioners who have been appointed up to the present, ten are of military age, two are Army officers seconded by the War Office until fit for general service, and two others are C3 men exempted on medical grounds. One is not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom. The remaining five are farmers and had been granted exemption previous to their employment by the Ministry. In only one instance is the Department aware that a military representative has recommended the withdrawal of exemption. This farmer has been specially selected for a post of great responsibility in connection with the control of live stock and meat supplies, and Lord Rhondda considers that, in view of the importance of the post and his special qualifications for filling it, it is in the public interest that his exemption should be continued. Preference is always given to discharged soldiers, and many have been appointed to posts for which their previous training qualified them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of men discharged from the Army on account of adhesive ankylosis of the shoulder following upon severe sprains and dislocations, displacement and adhesive ankylosis of the ankle and wrist following upon sprains and Potts and Colles fractures, respectively, and all kinds of old standing strains and dislocations?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of men discharged from the Army suffering from pes planus or flat foot?

I am sorry that there are no statistics available to answer the questions put by my hon. Friends.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 3,000 men have been discharged from the Army owing to derangements of knee cartilages, and that five officers in the 3rd Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, Majors Wheeler and Debenham, Captain Arnett, and Lieutenants Pemberton and Garland, suffering from the same trouble, were cured and enabled to go to the front after being operated upon by Mr. H. A. Barker, and after at least two surgeons had in each case failed; and whether he will say why these 3,000 discharged men should not be sent to Mr. Barker, seeing that the Army surgeons have relinquished them as incurable?

I have no information as to the matters to which my hon. Friend alludes. In regard to the last part of the question, I am afraid I can add nothing to the answers already given on this subject and to the statement which I made in Debate.

Is it the fact that there is no record of the reasons why men are invalided out of the Army, and consequently the right hon. Gentleman has no means of ascertaining for what incapacity or disablement any men or number of men are invalided out of the Army?

No; I understand the facts to be different.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give us the summary which is asked for in the question stating the number of men who have been discharged on account of this particular disablement?

No; I have no doubt the facts are available, but it would entail an enormous amount of trouble, which I hesitate to put on an overworked Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the statement of terms of peace, issued by the Maximalist Russian Government, which appeared in the French Press, was prevented by the Censor from appearing in this country; and, if so, on what grounds?

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

asked the Under Secretary of State for War whether he will allow members of the Volunteer Force to wear uniform when on duty during air raids, as in the case of the Voluntary Aid Detachment, in view of the greater authority uniform would give in regulating crowds?

If Volunteers are employed under the authority of the General Officers Commanding-in-Chief concerned on temporary service during air raids, they would wear uniform. If, however, my hon. Friend is referring to a proposal that the Volunteers should assist the civil police on these occasions, this has not been approved.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Private Godwin, of Cheltenham, who enlisted in the Army Service Corps, Horse Transport, on the 11th August, 1914, on the War Office promise that he should receive 4S. a day pay and his wife 30s. a week allowance, and which through a mistake on the part of the War Office as to the date of his enlistment has been reduced to 1s. 8d. per day for himself and 19s. 6d. a week for his wife since 12th February, 1917, will be reimbursed the loss incurred by his wife and himself through this mistake, and be reinstated in the possession of the pay promised him on enlistment?

As the result of recent investigation it has been found that although the higher rate of pay was not generally in force at the time, this soldier was in fact enlisted at the higher rate, and it has been restored to him with retrospective effect.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, owing to increased cost of living and in recognition of other special services performed by the police during the War, the police authorities for East Suffolk have passed a, resolu- tion giving the married police of the lower ranks a war bonus amounting to 60 per cent. of their pre-war pay; whether he is aware that married constables of the same rank in the Metropolitan Police with two children have only received an increase of 37 per cent. on their pre-war pay; and if, in view of these circumstances and having regard to the extra duties imposed upon them, he is now prepared to recommend for the London men an increase on the basis of the scheme adopted in East Suffolk?

The pre-war rates of pay of the Metropolitan Police were higher than those in East Suffolk, and were further increased just after the War began. I cannot, therefore, accept the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

asked the Home Secretary whether his investigations are now complete; and whether he is yet able to trace the activities of Bolo in this country?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave on the 15th November to questions by the bon. Member on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary how many raids and domiciliary visits were carried out by the Metropolitan Police or Scotland Yard men during the two weeks ending 17th November; and how many men were engaged in these various undertakings?

The number of raids and domiciliary visits carried out during the two weeks ending on the 17th November is thirteen. The number of Metropolitan Police officers engaged was twenty.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on 14th November a raid was effected against the Peace Society, at 47, New Broad Street, E.C.; whether there was any suspicion raised against the Peace Society by its name or other cause; whether he is aware that recent members of the Cabinet have been members of the society and have not resigned therefrom; and whether, if proceedings are taken, members of the Peace Society in high position, who have increased its status and authority, will also be prosecuted?

The police, acting in pursuance of a warrant issued under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, entered the premises in question, but their action was not directed against the Peace Society, and there is no intention to institute proceedings against the society.

Is it not because so many of its members are in high places, and happen to be in the Government?

No, but because that society has mot offended against the law.

asked the Home Secretary if Mr. Philip Isaacson, trading as Keeley and Company, printer, of Darnley Road, Hackney, has been arrested by the police; if so, for what reason; whether a raid has been made upon his premises and the printing machinery destroyed; will he say why Isaacson has been arrested and his capital and business destroyed without the charge against him being brought into a Court of law; where is the man at present; what further action it is intended to take in regard to the case; and why he has been specially singled out Tar arrest and punishment?

The premises of this printer were raided and the printing press seized because he had printed a leaflet which contravened the Defence of the Realm Regulations. It was ascertained that the business, though carried on in an English name, belonged wholly to an alien of Dutch nationality named Isaacson, and he is now in prison awaiting deportation. The question of taking proceedings against the author of the leaflet is under the consideration of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to a resolution passed on Sunday last at a demonstration of working men in Finsbury Park, calling upon the Government not to tolerate the preaching of treason and sedition in the public parks; if he will say whether the Government possess sufficient powers to prevent the misuse of the public parks for any purposes calculated to assist the enemy; and, if so, whether such powers will be promptly and strictly exercised?

This matter is receiving consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether the new Regulations under the Defence of the Realm Act is applicable to leaflets which have been published prior to its issue, and which have in many cases been distributed for months, and even years, without any objection to them being raised by this or any preceding Government?

I only had notice of this question since the House has been sitting, and I would be obliged if the hon. Gentleman would repeat it to-morrow.

asked the Home Secretary whether the cost of the experiments on goats with poisonous gases and liquids which have been and are now being carried out at the stock farm, Porton, is defrayed out of public funds under the National Insurance Act or from what source is such cost provided; and if he can now say whether or not anæsthetics are used for these animals in such experiments?

I understand that these experiments are carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Munitions. In some cases anæsthetics are used, but in most of the experiments this is impossible without defeating the object of the experiments, and the experiments are made under Certificate A.

Are they paid out of public funds?

I have no doubt they are, as they are acting under the Ministry of Munitions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these goats have been killed in this way?

No, I cannot give the exact number.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mary Elizabeth Orchard, a girl of seventeen years of age, who was employed as a postwoman at Milford Haven, and who was lately sentenced to three months' imprisonment for stealing £3,000 while in course of transmission; and whether, in view of her tender age and the temptation to which she was exposed, he will order her release under the First Offenders Act?

My attention had not previously been called to this case, and I am making inquiry about it.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the statements by the Governor and by the chaplain of Pentonville prison, quoted by the Prison Commissioners in their Report for 1916-17, as to the large number of young lads who receive sentences of one month or less who might have been dealt with in a better way than by short sentences of imprisonment; whether he has called the attention of Metropolitan police magistrates to this condition of things; and whether any steps are being taken to prevent its continuance?

I have seen the statements referred to. The Home Office has repeatedly communicated with magistrates deprecating the passing of short sentences of imprisonment on young persons and explaining the alternatives of probation, supervision, Borstal training, etc. The Home Office also frequently communicates with justices with regard to individual cases brought to notice by the Prison Commissioners. I believe that magistrates generally sympathise with this view and are most reluctant to send young persons to prison if any alternative which carries a reasonable hope of success is open to them, but there must always remain some in which the conditions of the crime and the circumstances of the case are such that a sharp sentence of imprisonment cannot be avoided.

Cannot a practical reform be carried out by increasing the number of probation officers by employing a certain number of discharged wounded soldiers as probation officers?

Quite lately we have sent a circular to justices calling attention to the need of keeping up the number of probation officers.

Could not a practical reform be carried out by giving these boys a good birching?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the land for the colony of 2,000 acres has been acquired; and, if not, what the cause is of the prolonged delay?

Further attempts have been made to acquire land for this purpose, but no suitable land has yet been found which is not subject to leases having years to run. This has prevented advantage being taken of the powers under the Act, which, as my hon. Friend is aware, are purely permissive. As I have previously stated in this House, legislation would be necessary to make the Act effective in Scotland. Meanwhile progress has been made in other directions for providing small holdings for discharged soldiers and sailors. With the generous co-operation of the Duke of Sutherland, 4,200 acres are being prepared for this purpose at Borgie, Sutherland-shire, while 8,000 acres on the same property will be utilised for afforestation, which will also give employment for discharged men; 16,000 acres at Shinness, Sutherlandshire, have also been made available for the like purpose, and a scheme has been prepared. Holdings are also being constituted on the Crown Estate of Dounreay, Caithness, with the co-operation of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all the places he has mentioned are hundreds of miles from anywhere in Scotland; and will he, in view of the fact that there are 3,750,000 acres of land in Scotland laid down for sport, make an attempt himself to find 2,000 acres, instead of asking other people to do so?

If the hon. Member had listened carefully to the answer I gave he would know that I did endeavour personally to find land suitable for the purpose; but it has not been found possible to do so, except in certain places, I should be sorry to describe those places as hundreds of miles from anywhere.

They are. You know they are.

asked the Prime Minister when the Secretary of State for India will return to the India Office?

I am not in a position to give an exact date, but it is not at present anticipated that my right hon. Friend will be back before the end of February.

asked the Prime Minister what restriction, if any, there is on the payment of the additional 25 per cent. under the Workmen's Compensation (War Addition) Act; if he is aware that cases have been brought to the notice of the Member for the Harbour Division where the additional allowance has been refused to the claimants on the grounds that they were not totally incapacitated although they have been unable to resume work and have been drawing half-pay for the past four years; and if he will correct this?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Every workman who is receiving or entitled to receive a weekly allowance under the Workmen's Compensation Act in respect of total incapacity is entitled also to receive the war addition. If in any case the war addition is being wrongfully withheld, the workman can enforce payment in the same way as he could enforce payment of his compensation allowance.

Must a man be described as totally incapacitated in order to get this 25 per cent.?

Yes. The Act only applies to cases of total disablement.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the opposition among solvent approved societies to the establishment of the special risks fund as proposed in the National Health Insurance Amendment Bill; if so, whether it is the intention of the Government, having regard to the demands on Parliamentary time, to proceed further with such legislation; and whether he has received any assurances that, apart from this provision of the new Bill, the measure is generally acceptable and unlikely to meet with serious opposition?

I am informed that such objections as have been raised by certain societies to the National Health Insurance Bill since the First Reading have arisen mainly from a misapprehension of the actual effects of its provisions in certain respects; these will, it is hoped, be cleared up or otherwise removed during the discussion on the Second Reading on Friday next, and I therefore hope that the Bill may not prove controversial.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Second Reading is not taken so early as Friday next, in view of the fact that the White Paper explaining this measure of forty-five Clauses, and which occupies ten pages of closely printed matter, was only issued on Monday, and that to-morrow there is a meeting of objecting societies which might possibly result in some kind of compromise on the financial parts of the Bill?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Bill has the support of approved societies, who desire to see the measure speedily placed upon the Statute Book?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this amending Act will facilitate the payment of insurance benefits to nearly half a million disabled soldiers and sailors, who otherwise would be much longer kept out of what they are entitled to?

The number of supplementary questions makes me rather afraid that I may not be right in thinking that the matter will not be controversial. I agree with my hon. Friend that it would be well to have as long a time as possible, but in view of the necessity of getting on with the business, and as the printed explanation was issued on Monday, it is our intention to take it on Friday. If anything should result from the conference on Thursday, we might possibly have to make other arrangements.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, if he is aware that the introduction of the National Health Insurance Bill constitutes a breach of contract and disregard of definite Parliamentary pledges made to its present contributors during the passage of the National Insurance Act; and, if so, will he say. what action he proposes to take in connection therewith?

My hon. Friend is, I am sure, misinformed as to the scope and intentions of the National Health Insurance Bill. He will, perhaps, allow me to draw his attention to the explanatory memorandum which has been circulated I shall, of course, be happy to deal, in the Second Reading or Committee stage of the Bill, with any specific points which my hon. Friend may desire to bring to the notice of the House.

asked the Comptroller of the Household if he proposes to take a valuation of all approved societies under the National Insurance Act before seeking to pass the National Health Insurance Bill, in order that Parliament may have a line standard of comparison as to he working of various types of such organisations entrusted by the Government with the administration of the National Insurance Acts?

It is not proposed to take a valuation of approved societies before the passing of the National Health Insurance Bill, and I should not be justified in adding to the burdens of the depleted staffs of approved societies by requiring them to prepare for a valuation at the present time.

May I take it, in connection with the reply of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that these societies will really have very sympathetic attention from the hon. Gentleman durng the consideration of the Bill?

It is my intention to give full and sympathetic consideration to such representations.

Is it not the fact that the hon. Gentleman's Department is employing several conscientious objectors at high salaries?

asked what authority and responsibility is vested in the Wheat Commission for the proper and efficient storage of food at docks, in sheds, on quays, and in barges or other craft; what supervision is exercised to prevent wastage, loss, and damage; what examinations and reports are made and at what periods; and whether experienced labour is employed on supervision and examination?

I have been asked to reply. The Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies have full authority and responsibility for the proper and efficient storage of undelivered cereals. Provision is made at the ports for the landing and storage of grain, stocks are inspected by professional experts, and reports as to condition are furnished every fortnight to the Royal Commission. I understand that the Chairman of the Wheat Commission has invited my hon. Friend to furnish him with the evidence on which were based his recent public statements to the effect that serious losses have occurred through negligent storage and control. I may add that if he will furnish me with particulars, I will undertake to procure a thorough investigation.

asked what arrangements have been made for the supply of additional sugar in Scotland for the use of infants and nursing mothers; how many municipalities in Scotland have taken action in the matter; and whether the arrangements made apply only to districts where infant welfare centres have been established?

I understand that the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply were prepared to release limited quantities of sugar to child welfare centres approved by the Local Government Board for Scotland for issue to mothers of artificially fed infants attending such centres. I am informed that three municipal authorities in Scotland applied for sugar under this scheme. Two of these withdrew their application, while in the third case the method of distribution proposed was not in conformity with the conditions laid down by the Royal Commission and was not approved by them. The Royal Commission's scheme referred to applies only to districts where child welfare centres are in operation, but it is open to local authorities to make such other arrangements as may be possible under the powers conferred by the Notification of Births (Extension) Act, 1915.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that on Thursday, the 15th instant, sugar was sold by public auction in Dublin and realised 2s. 2d. per lb.; if he is aware that this system of depriving the public of their sugar supplies, if allowed to pass unpunished, is likely to encourage the auction at fancy prices of all sugar which should find its way to the homes of the working classes at prices within their reach; if he will state his Department's proposals in the matter; and if he will prevent future auctions of sugar or necessary food supplies?

I am causing inquiries to be made, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

May I ask the Leader of the House if, on behalf of the Government, he will express disapproval of public auctions for the sale of foodstuffs?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in setting up under the Corn Production Act the district wages committees for Scotland, he is aware that a number of organisations which have been requested to nominate representatives of workers in agriculture are purely friendly societies for health insurance purposes; that the Scottish Farm Servants' Union is the only industrial organisation in Scotland whose function it is to improve and safeguard the economic and industrial interest of the workers in agriculture; and whether he will see that the Scottish Farm Servants' Union will be given the necessary facilities to nominate representatives for the district wages committees, as contemplated when the Act was before this House?

I think that my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Friendly societies have not been asked to nominate representatives of agricultural workers for the purpose referred to, but merely to co-operate with other bodies in convening meetings representative of farm workers. I am informed that the Scottish Farm Servants' Union is in correspondence with the Rural Workers' Friendly Society with this object in view. I may add that this union is the only workers' association, so far, approved by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, for the purpose of selecting workers' representatives on district wages committees, and it has been given all facilities for this purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that under the regulations fixing the price in Ireland to the producers of dead pork at 133s. per cwt. profiteering is carried on over the country; that the retail price of bacon is now ls. 10d. to 2s. per lb., or 91s. per cwt. in excess of the price of pork; and that this retail price is reached by the bacon curers and their agents going direct to farmers and outside the markets, giving the producers large bonuses in addition to the schedule price of their pork, in order to secure control of the uncured article and charging the whole of these amounts plus the standard price to the consumer; and if he will now see his way to put an end to this profiteering by fixing the retail price of bacon and leave the market to correct itself under the retail standard only, as he has done in meat?

The Bacon, Ham, and Lard (Provisional Prices) Order, which was issued last Saturday, resembles the Meat (Prices) Order in fixing profits or prices at every stage from the producer down to the consumer, and should prevent any profiteering on the part of the curers, wholesalers, or retailers

Has not the wholesale price gone up to 214s. per cwt., and the rolled bacon 184s., and sides 214s.; and is he aware that the retail price in London is 2s. 6d. per lb., and in Ireland 2s. 3d. and 2s. 4d.?

The hon. Gentleman is calling attention to the alleged differences between meat and bacon bought by the public, and the prices under this Order, which came into effect last Saturday.

How soon will this Order be carried into effect?

It came into effect last Saturday.

Has it been carried out?

I hope it will.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the Ilford Food Control Committee has ordered the supply of milk to the necessitous poor, if purchased over the counter, at 6d. per quart, this being the cost price to the retailer; and will he say on what ground this charge of supplying the necessitous poor is thus put on the distributor instead of being a charge upon the rate?

The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed as to the action of the Ilford Local Food Control Committee. A deputation, representing the milksellers in the Ilford district, made a voluntary offer to the Committee to supply milk over the counter at 6d. a quart to the necessitous poor and sick, under a ticket system, and their offer was accepted by the Committee. The arrangement was, entirely voluntary, and no Order has been issued by the Local Food Control Committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food with reference to the Potato Order limiting the bonus to be paid to producers by confining that bonus to those selling 4 tons and upwards, whether such a Regulation will cut out from participation in the benefit three-fourths of all the small farmers of Ireland, who themselves comprise the great majority of Irish farmers; if so, what is the reason for such a discrimination against that class; and whether the Regulation will be altered?

The Government guarantee of £6 a ton, made in the early part of this year, was expressly limited to potatoes delivered in lots of 4 tons or more, The Food Controller has given a liberal interpretation to this guarantee by providing that, for the purpose of the bonus recently announced, potatoes shall be deemed to be delivered in a lot of 4 tons or more if the quantity delivered by a grower to a single purchaser in any consecutive period of seven days equals or exceeds 4 tons. It is not proposed to extend the bonus to cases to which the original guarantee did not apply.

Is it not the fact that the small farmers who could not produce more than 4 tons, and are now selling below the price fixed, were informed last spring that they would receive the bonus that was due to other people?

The guarantee clearly could not apply to small farmers, but only to those farmers who were capable of sowing and growing potatoes in quantities that brought them within the Order, that is, by turning out more than 4 tons.

Will small farmers of this description be allowed to pool their growths in order to come within the Order?

That is a point worthy of consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that in the South of England a quantity of dredge corn—a mixture of oats and barley—is grown for feeding cattle and pigs; will he say if farmers can use such corn, whether damaged or not, for this purpose, or sell to others requiring it; and is a permit required either to use or sell such corn?

I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. Clause 1 of the Dredge Corn Order, 1917, made at the end of last week, prohibits the use of dredge corn, other than damaged dredge corn, except for the purpose of manufacturing flour. There is no prohibition against the sale of dredge corn provided that the price charged does not exceed the maximum price fixed by the Order. No permit is required for the feeding of damaged dredge corn to cattle and pigs; but no grain may be so used unless it is proved to be unsaleable for milling.

Is not the hon. Member aware that in Devon and Cornwall acres a this class of corn are grown, especially for the purpose of raising poultry and meat, and that, consequently, the production of this food is seriously hindered unless dredge corn is permitted to be used for that purpose?

All those points were taken into consideration in training the Order to which my answer applies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has been informed that at a recent representative meeting of the fishing industry, convened by the National Sea Fisheries Protection Association, a resolution was passed stating that representations should be made to the Board of Trade and the Food Controller to press upon the railway companies the importance of providing, as far as possible, cheaper rates and more rapid transit for the carriage of fish and the withdrawal of the owners' risk note, and resolving that in the meantime the trade should be advised not to sign the owners' risk note; and whether he will state what the Board propose to do in the matter, particularly with respect to the railway companies' risk note?

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to. I do not think that there is any prospect that a general reduction of the rates in force for the conveyance of fish can be made, but if particulars of cases of serious delay to fish traffic are supplied to me I shall be happy to consider them. The question of the owners' risk note was considered by the Railway Conference which was constituted in 1908, and I would refer the hon. Gentleman to their Report (Command Number 4,677 of 1909). It is, of course, open to the traders to consign their traffic at company's risk.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the United States Shipping Board has allocated to the service of Italy some twenty-five steamers and to France some twenty steamers; whether, notwithstanding this, British steamers carrying, or intended to carry, food to this country are being diverted to France and Italy; whether many large British steamers are employed in carrying American troops to this side; and whether, with every effort to assist our Allies to the utmost of our abilities, due regard will nevertheless be given to the food necessities of the United Kingdom?

The answer to all four parts of the question is in the affirmative. The assistance which is being given by Great Britain was decided upon after careful consideration of the respective needs and means of the different Allies including Great Britain, and of the way in which British shipping could be so utilised as to be of the greatest advantage lo the general cause.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether, in view of the number of British ships transferred to the service of our Allies and the demands made upon this country for further tonnage by them, the Shipping Controller will make representations in the proper quarters so that our Allies may be fully informed of the sacrifices we have already made and are making on their behalf and of our own needs for tonnage?

The action suggested in this question has been already taken. Our Allies are fully aware of the tonnage sacrifices which have been made by this country for the common cause.

Then may I ask whether it is not the fact that we have already given over 2,000,000 tons of British shipping to France at Blue Book rates. and that the French shipowners have been free from requisition and are working at commercial rates exploiting British shipping, and that it is only within the last few days that the French Government have taken the power to requisition their shipping?

It is perfectly true that we have been good Allies in this matter. I am sorry my hon. Friend should suggest that anything that has been done has been done grudgingly.

May I ask why the hon. Gentleman says that I suggested it had been done grudgingly?

Does the hon. Gentleman not think there ought to be some reciprocity between the Allies?

There is reciprocity in all these matters. We have to make equal sacrifices.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the shortage of food in the city of Coventry which has recently been disclosed, and which, if continued, would very seriously affect the supply of munitions in that city, he will state what provision, if any, has been made to meet the situation?

My hon. Friend is aware that I received a deputation from Coventry last Thursday. Prompt action was subsequently taken, and a representative of the Ministry sent to Coventry to investigate the shortage of which complaint was made. As a result of this investigation, arrangements are in progress to furnish additional supplies of foodstuffs in order to meet the requirements of the increased population.

asked the Prime Minister whether the change in the French Government has modified or will modify either the terms of the constitution of the Supreme War Council or the chances of the agreement being ratified as it now stands; and, if so, whether he will indicate what steps he proposes to take in consequence of these events and in view of future possibilities of a like nature either here or in France?

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

asked if it is still the intention to hold the promised inter-Allied Conference, seeing that a Supreme Council is to be set up for the conduct of military affairs; and whether the Conference will discuss and decide military as well as political questions affecting the Allied countries?

The answer is in the affirmative. As the House is aware, the inter-Allied Conference was arranged long before the creation of the Supreme War Council was decided upon.

When will the Conference be held?

I think it is some day next week.

asked whether at any time the President of the United States, the President of the French Republic, or the President of the Portuguese Republic have been offered the honour of being enrolled as honorary officers of the British Army, and if not, whether the present honorary officerships will be brought to an end within a given term and the whole system abolished?

I am not aware that any offers of this description have been made. There is no intention to abolish the present system, so far as I am aware.

Why, when so much play is being made of the use of the Democratic ideal, do you continually flout Democratic sentiment?

asked if Lord Sumner's Committee has completed its Report on English State Purchase of the Liquor Traffic; whether it is the intention of the Government to publish the Report; if so, when may the House expect to receive it?

I can add nothing at present to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Western Carmarthen on the 12th of November.

asked on what date Lord Northcliffe was most recently invited to take charge of the new Air Ministry; whether the resignation of Lord Covaray has been accepted; and whether a new Air Minister has been appointed?

The communication between the Prime Minister and Lord Northcliffe was verbal, and I cannot give the exact date of the conversation. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third -part in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say—within a week, a month, or two months—when this special invitation was verbally communicated?

I do not think it necessary to say, but it must have been on a more recent occasion than that, as Lord Northcliffe has only recently arrived from America.

Is the Prime Minister's answer to Lord Cowdray to be published?

I do not know that. I have not discussed it with the Prime Minister.

Did Lord Northcliffe refuse to take office because of the number of incompetent and tired Members in the Government, and has any step been taken to remove that objection?

I have not heard of any such statement. The worst of it is that I am afraid that those who are tired do not realise it soon enough.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to present to the next-of-kin of those who have sacrificed their lives during the War any memento or memorial certificate, recording the gratitude of the country for the services rendered; and, if so, will he consider as to a special form of such memento being given to those families who have lost their only son or sons or male representative?

Yes, Sir; but I cannot undertake that special forms of this memento can be devised for special cases such as my hon. Friend mentions. In fact, I think that such specialisation would be undesirable.