asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the case that quantities of ladies' bathing caps made of rubber and rubber heels are being sent by post to Switzerland; if so, whether there is any danger of these things being passed through to Germany, or, if not, for what purpose they are being sent?

During the last three months, 1,912 rubber bathing caps, weighing 408 lbs., and 6⅛ tons of rubber heels have been licensed by parcel post. The quantities are within the normal pre-war Swiss requirements as sanctioned by the Allied International Commission in Paris. The parcels are consigned to the SociétéSuisse de Surveillance under guarantee against re-export to enemy countries. There is therefore no danger of the goods finding their way to Germany. I understand the goods are required for ordinary commercial purposes. The quantity of pure rubber contained in the heels is negligible.

Are bathing caps used or suitable at the present time? People do not bathe in Switzerland in winter, and if the goods are not for use in Switzerland must they not go to Germany?

I understand that they are used for stocking supplies of bathing caps for next summer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state why it is that passengers holding either season or ordinary tickets can travel by either the South-Eastern or Brighton Railway between Purley and London, while a similar option is denied to passengers from Coulsdon; and will he direct that this privilege shall be extended to the latter, now that both railways are under State control?

I am inquiring into this question, and will communicate with the hon. Baronet when I receive the necessary information.

asked whether any Swiss or other foreign concern has any financial interest in any British dyeing works; and, if so, whether any enemy person or bank is interested in such foreign concern?

The Clayton Aniline Company, Limited, of Manchester, is owned by the Society of Chemical Industry, of Basle, and I understand that there is some association between the Sandoz Chemical Company of Switzerland and Messrs. H. N. Morris and Company, Limited. I have no reason to believe that either of the Swiss companies named is under any enemy influence, and both of them have rendered substantial services to the British textile and dyeing industries during the War.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade if he is aware that an announcement has been made that Messrs. William Higgs and Company, of Moscow, have been appointed by the British Trade Corporation to act as intermediary for the operations of the corporation in Russia; and will he state the grounds for appointing this firm?

I am not aware of any such announcement, and I am informed that the British Trade Corporation have not appointed the firm in question to be their representatives in Russia.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether officers in the Indian Army whose term of service has expired and who are over fifty-five years of age are, though unemployed, not allowed to leave India; whether such officers whilst unemployed receive any, and, if so, what pay beyond the pensions they have earned; will he say by what authority such officers are forbidden to return to England; and will he explain why such officers should be compelled to remain in India at their own expense and without pay?

No information has been received to this effect, but inquiry will be made.

asked whether officers in the Indian Army who have, during the War, been engaged on Staff work in France have been recalled to India and there employed in various subordinate positions where their experience of Staff work on active service is of no use; and whether the Government will take steps to prevent such waste of Staff experience and see that experienced Staff officers are employed on Staff work?

The Secretary of State for India must leave it to the judgment of the Commander-in-Chief in India to employ officers recalled from France to duty in India to the best advantage having regard to their individual qualifications and capacities, as to which he is fully informed, and to the special needs for the time being of the Indian Army. At present experienced officers with knowledge of the Indian vernaculars are urgently needed in India for the training of new units, and possibly some officers who have been on Staff duty in France are being utilised for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Captain Barlow, of the 8th Goorkhas, was, whilst serving in France, severely wounded in the arm and had, after a long detention in hospital, a steel appliance fitted to keep the arm in its place and that, when he was still unable to move his arm, he was ordered to attend at the India Office to be medically examined; whether he is aware that the surgeon who had attended him declared that he was still wholly unfit for service, but that the board by whom he was examined at the India Office passed him fit for service in India; whether he is aware that Captain Barlow was then ordered to proceed for service to India, and that since his arrival in India he has been examined by several medical boards and declared unfit for service; and whether he has in consequence been ordered to return to England?

Major Barlow received in France a gunshot wound in the right arm on 30th October, 1914. After nearly a year's treatment, he was passed by the India Office Medical Board not for service but for " light duty " in India, with the concurrence in writing of the surgeon immediate attendance on him and of the very eminent consulting surgeon in charge of the case, it being understood that he would be able to return to this country for operation when circumstances permitted. He accordingly proceeded to India in November, 1915, was examined and recommended for sick leave at the end of May, 1916, returned to this country and underwent the operation in September, 1916. He was examined by the India Office Medical Board in June, 1917, was passed fit for "light duty," and returned to India in July last. No further information has been received regarding this officer.

asked whether there have recently been several cases of officers of the Indian Army who have been passed as fit for service in India by the medical board at the India Office and have consequently been ordered to proceed for service to India, and who have shortly after their arrival in India been certified as unfit for service and ordered to return to England; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to prevent the recurrence of such unfair treatment of officers and such waste of public money?

In view of the Government of India's urgent needs officers are in present circumstances sent back to India who in ordinary times would be kept in this country for more complete convalescence. Of these a few have not stood the strain and have been invalided from India. The Secretary of State, to reassure himself, asked the Government of India in March last for their opinion as to the suitability of the standard adopted by the medical board. They reported that the number of returned officers was not sufficient to warrant any change in the standard. The Secretary of State saw no sufficient reason to differ from this conclusion. The Government of India have again been asked whether they are still of the same opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the creation of a supreme War Council for the better co-ordination of military action among the Allies, it is the intention of the Government to establish a similar body to secure better co-ordination of diplomatic action and war aims?

His Majesty's Government will endeavour to secure and maintain co-ordination of all war policy and action.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is still intended to hold an Allied Conference for the statement of War aims?

Yes.

asked whether the British Ambassador at Petrograd has remained during the past fortnight in constant communication with the Russian Foreign Office; and who is the present Foreign Minister of Russia with whom relations are being maintained?

No, Sir. Since the fall of the Provisional Government no Government has been established in Russia with which His Majesty's Government have found themselves able to enter into relations.

If no other Government is established, will Sir George Buchanan return to this country, or what will happen then?

I am afraid that I cannot indulge in prophesies, least of all as regards Russian affairs.

Is it not usual, when a Government is de facto in power that our representative should be in relation with that Government?

whether the Russian Government or any person purporting to represent the Russian Government has proposed an immediate armistice on all fronts, with a view to peace negotiations; and, if so, what answer has been given?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, no reply has been returned by His Majesty's Government, or, so far as I am aware, by any of our Allies.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there are at present in Great Britain any rela- tives of the German Kaiser who owe no allegiance to this country; and, if so, will he give the complete list, together with the reasons why their residence in this country is permitted?

I have nothing to add to the reply returned to a similar question by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the 22nd November.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that reply was a concealment of information?

No. I do not think that there was any concealment of information. All the information I have has been given to the hon. Member.

I will come back to this point again and again.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Allies guaranteed to ex-King Constantine an annual payment of 500,000 francs; if not, whether he can give the exact sum; whether he can state the services for which this payment was agreed to; whether any conditions were stipulated such as, for instance, that the ex-King should not plot against the Allies; and whether he can give the proportion of this Royal income paid by the British Government?

No, Sir; the Protecting Powers have not guaranteed any payment to King Constantine. The rest of the question does not, therefore, arise.

If they have not guaranteed him, have they paid him? My information comes from a French semiofficial source. If the right hon. Gentleman will read the " Temps " of two or three days ago he will see it there stated.

The hon. Gentleman is under a complete misapprehension. Nothing has been guaranteed, and as far as I know nothing has been paid to him.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made in the " Hamburger Nach- richten " of 8th November to the general effect that in July, 1913, a secret meeting of the Privy Council, attended by His Majesty King George, was held in London at which war with Germany was advocated after a discussion in which the late Prime Minister, Lord Kitchener, Lord Grey of Falloden, Lord Lansdowne, Lord Morley, and others took part; and whether he is in a position to confirm or deny this statement?

Yes, my attention has been called to the report of which my hon. Friend gives a concise account. Though its falsehood must be plain to everyone acquainted with public life in this country, I have thought it well to make explicit inquiries, for the benefit of those who have no such knowledge. Let me say, then, that His Majesty the King grants me permission to state on his authority that no such meeting was held. Lord Kitchener was not a member of the Privy Council at that date, while the late Prime Minister, Lord Grey of Falloden, Lord Morley of Blackburn, and Lord Lansdowne all assure me that there is not a vestige of truth in the story.

Who the author of this clumsy fiction may be I know not, but he has certainly contrived to adorn his work with every circumstance of improbability and absurdity which German thoroughness could collect or imagine.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether celluloid prepared from sulphite wood-pulp is extensively used as a substitute for aluminium in the construction of Zeppelin aircraft; whether in the preparation of aeroplane cloth for Gotha and other machines there is used a composition, the basis of which is a textile febric woven from paper yarns manufactured out of wood-pulp; whether, as profits were made by Sweden in shipping chemical wood-pulp to the munition factories of Germany, he will consider the danger of allowing the control of a concern like the KellnerPartington Wood Pulp Company to pass into foreign hands at the present juncture; whether he has considered the effect of increased powers and facilities for Zeppelin and aeroplane construction on the part of the enemy upon the people of East London at the present moment; and whether he realises that the undertaking given by the Government of Norway that none but Norwegian shareholders shall control the new undertaking is entirely worthless as a guarantee that the output of the works will not be forwarded indirectly, if not directly, into enemy hands?

I am not conversant with the details of the construction of Zeppelins and aeroplanes, but I find it difficult to believe that celluloid could take the place of aluminium in the former. As regards the last part, it was not suggested that the undertaking in regard to the future allocation of shares constituted a guarantee regarding the disposal of the output of the works. The guarantees on the latter point are entirely distinct from the Norwegian Government's undertaking in regard to the former.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the last filed accounts of the Kellner-Partington Wood Pulp Company reveal the fact that there are £900,000 of holdings in other companies, mostly Swedish; that, apart from the output of Gorregaard Works, Norway, directly owned, there is a further output capacity of 60,000 tons annually of chemical wood pulp, leather boards, alcohol prepared from sulphite lye, and other materials of great enemy value, and that this production takes place within the territory of Sweden, whose commercial policy has been of great value to the Central Empires since the declaration of war; and whether he will state the manner in which the Government of Norway, when giving him assurances that these goods would not pass into enemy hands, or the new purchasers, when giving an undertaking not to sell to enemy purchasers, propose to restrain the managers of the Swedish works so as to effectually prevent the above output from passing into enemy hands?

In answer to the question generally, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers returned to questions addressed to the Ministry of Blockade and other Departments by the hon. Members for South West Ham, Merthyr Tydvil, and the Ludlow Division, on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday last week. As regards the last part, I have no doubt of the ability of the Norwegian Government to ensure the fulfilment of the undertaking given by them. The Norwegian purchasers will not be less able to control the management of the Swedish factories than were the British Directors of the Kellner-Partington Company.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the ordinary shares of the Kellner-Partington Wood Pulp Company were quoted at 78s., and the buyers propose to pay £6 each for the same, together with considerable advantages both to debenture and preference shareholders; that even with allowance for advantages in the rate of exchange this is not a payable proposition, and that it can only become so on the basis of enemy transactions or by forming a ring in the world's supply of wood pulp; whether he is aware that Germany is so short of textiles that she is diluting the materials for military uniforms with paper yarns and cellulose prepared from wood pulp; and whether, in view of the enemy need of these products, he will, before finally consenting to transfer the company to foreign control, appoint a small Committee to take evidence on the matter?

In answer to the question generally, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer returned to questions addressed to the Ministry of Blockade and other Departments by the hon. Members for South-West Ham, Merthyr Tydvil, and the Ludlow Division on Monday. Tuesday, and Wednesday last week. As regards the third part, I believe it is true that there is a shortage of textiles and the yarns usually used therefor in Germany, and that paper yarn is used as a substitute for many purposes, but is not generally satisfactory.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what is the percentage of potash that can be obtained from burnt bracken; and whether potatoes can be successfully grown in ground previously covered with bracken?

Bracken ash may yield from 2 to 40 per cent. of soluble potash, according to the time of year the plant is cut. The Scottish Board of Agriculture has issued a leaflet on bracken as a source of potash, of which I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy. Potatoes may often be successfully grown on land previously covered with bracken, though its presence is no indication that the land is specially suitable for the purpose.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell me what is the proper time to cut bracken?

I will make inquiry and let my hon. and gallant Friend know. I am answering only on the part of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, with reference to the Potato Order limiting the bonus to be paid to growers who sold 4 tons and upwards, as this Order would have the effect of excluding 75 per cent. of the Irish farmers, whether he will consider the question of allowing the small farmers to pool their potatoes for the same purpose?

This point has now been carefully considered. The pooling arrangement suggested by the hon. Member would extend the benefits of the Government guarantee to persons to whom that guarantee did not apply, and would thereby impose an unjustifiable burden on the Exchequer. The Food Controller sees no sumcient ground for making this extension.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture the total amount of money placed at the disposal of the Food Production Department by the Board of Agriculture by way of Vote of Credit or otherwise for the purpose of their food production schemes during the present year?

As stated in the reply given to the right hon. Member for South Molton on 13th instant, the gross total expenditure by the Food Production Department up to 31st October was £1,425,500, of which about £1,050,000 is recoverable. It is not possible to forecast with any degree of accuracy the further amount which will be expended before the end of the financial year, but it is not likely to exceed £2,500,000 gross, the greater proportion of which will be recoverable.

Does that include the cost of the purchase of factories?

I am answering only on behalf of the President of the Board, but I will call his attention to the supplementary question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the quantity of butter and cheese purchased from Australia and New Zealand, the purchase price per pound, and the cost of freight delivery in London?

The exportable output of butter and cheese from Australia and New Zealand for the season beginning 1st September, 1917, and ending 30th June, 1918, has been purchased. The quantities are estimated to be:

Butter—

30,000 tons from Australia.

15,000 tons from New Zealand.

Cheese—

4,000 tons from Australia.

60,000 tons from New Zealand.

Negotiations for purchase are not completed, and the rates of freight are being revised; it would not, in any case, be desirable to give the figures as to cost.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can now state the fixed prices of milk in Ireland?

The Food Controller, with the concurrence of the Department of Agriculture for Ireland, proposes to fix the maximum wholesale price for milk at 1 s. 4d. per gallon and the maximum retail price at ls. 8d. per gallon, sold over the counter, and 2s. per gallon, delivered to the customer's premises. The Irish Food Control Committee will be given power o alter the prices in cases where they find it advisable, subject to the approval of the Food Controller.

What is the reason for the Food Controller fixing one price for all over Ireland and for the country districts, where the people can secure milk at ls. 4d. per gallon, thus enabling the retailers to charge the higher price fixed by the Food Controller?

In my reply I make it clear that the increase of price may be varied, according to the circumstances, by the action of the food control authorities in Ireland who know the circumstances.

But is it not the fact that when the food controller fixes the price the retailers are glad to get hold of it, so as to charge the people the very highest price?

That surely would be a reason that any authority locally would take into consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Government has considered or decided upon the compulsory rationing of the people; if it is decided to have compulsory rationing, will he say when it will be introduced; and whether he will ensure that in the case of shortage the districts in which manual workers, especially munition workers, reside shall be first supplied with food?

The Food Controller stated last Tuesday in another place that the institution of compulsory rationing depended upon the public response to the appeals that are being made in favour of voluntary economy. He added that in view of the possibility of the necessity for compulsion arising, he thought it desirable to have the machinery ready, and had submitted a Memorandum to the War Cabinet before whom the matter now is. Steps have already been taken to alleviate shortages of essential foodstuffs that have occurred in certain areas where the industrial population has recently increased.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider, before putting compulsory rationing into operation, the menus which are supplied at some of these very high-priced hotels and London clubs, and see that they are cut down to not more than two courses, and in this House as well?

The facts have not escaped the attention of the Ministry, although they do not affect the supply of essential foodstuffs in the same degree my hon. Friend may think.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the account of a dinner at the Ritz Hotel in the current newspapers?

I am so little acquainted with these hotels that I have not seen the particular menu.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether restrictions have been, or are about to be, placed on the trade of selling seed corn for agriculturists?

Clause 9 of the Grain (Prices) Order provides that the maximum prices under that Order shall not apply to any grain which is suitable for seed, and which is also sold specifically for the purpose of seed. No grain so sold may be used for any other purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider the desirability of fixing prices for spirits sold by retail or wholesale in this country, seeing the prices at present being charged for them to the public?

It is not in contemplation to regulate or control the wholesale or retail prices of spirits.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will favourably consider the suggestion to mix all classes of tea and fix a uniform price to the public?

The scheme of distribution is still under consideration. The point raised by the hon. Member will be borne in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware of the manner in which the Regulations governing the supplies of wine and brandy to Irish traders are operating; that in cases where traders purchased their supplies in casks in December, 1915, and did not place further orders until February, 1917, they are penalised by having these latter supplies refused on the ground that the average is based on the purchases made in 1916; and will he recommend that in such cases the average should be based on the purchases made in 1915?

Presumably the hon. Member is referring to the restriction on deliveries from bond, which, of course, is applicable not to Ireland only, but to the whole of the United Kingdom. I realise that as the restriction is based upon the deliveries from bond in 1916, some inconvenience must be caused to those who. cleared nothing in that year, but I am afraid it would not be practicable to differentiate in favour of individuals.

May I draw the hon. Member's attention to the injustice that very small traders, who purchased in very small quantities in 1915, and got none in 1916, cannot get any more during the War?

My reply has only stated that differentiation may not be practicable, but if there be special reasons for supplying small traders, such as those referred to, they may be considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that at an auction held in Dublin on the 13th November by Andrew J. Keogh, at 10, Lower Ormonde Quay, a large quantity of sugar was offered for sale; will he say why extra quantities of this article were allowed to Ireland above the requirements whilst there was no such shortage in this country; and will he see in future that excessive quantities are not given to any particular district?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. No extra quantity of sugar is allowed to Ireland over and above the quantity permitted under the existing arrangements for distribution, which for all parts of the United Kingdom is on a basis proportionate to 1915 supplies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will explain the practical effect of the new Regulations for sugar rations; whether the actual method by which it is to be distributed is in all cases with cards having coupons attached; and whether this new departure is due to the knowledge that the coupon system of rationing has been worked in Germany for over two and a half years?

The coupon system is being instituted to provide for occasional removals and for persons frequently moving from place to place, and therefore only applies to a small proportion of the population. It has been adopted in view of its special convenience for the class of persons in question.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he can make a statement as to the result of the abolition of leaving certificates under the Munitions of War (Amendment) Act?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for having consented to several postponements of this question. I am now able to give him a somewhat fuller answer. There has been no widespread and abnormal movement of labour since 15th October, and, in consequence, no general dislocation of work as a result of the repeal of Section 7 of the Munitions of War Act, 1915. Considerable movement, has, however, according to my information, taken place in certain skilled occupations, more especially toolroom men. The effect of this will not necessarily appear in output for some little time. The application for transfers in shipyards has been very low. Such movement as has taken place has varied a good deal according to localities, certain isolated areas having suffered more than others.

There is a tendency in some quarters for men to use their freedom as a lever for securing higher wages. I have also received a number of complaints of firms offering inducements to workmen to leave their employment contrary to Regulation 8 (b) of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. I am advised that the action of the Government in agreeing to the payment of a bonus of 12⅛ per cent. to men engaged on time in munitions work, has had a marked effect in reducing the movement of labour.

On the whole, it may be said that the abolition of the leaving certificate has not been attended by evil consequences to the extent that was anticipated, and that an undoubted cause of discontent and unrest among munition workers has been removed.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he can state the total cost of the hutments erected by the Ministry of Munitions for miners in Cleveland, also the cost of furnishing them, and the number of men provided for?

The total cost of the hutments erected by the Ministry of Muni tions for miners in Cleveland is £75,000, the cost of furnishing them £10,550, and the number of men provided for is 2,760.

Can my hon. Friend say whether competitive tenders were obtained before the work was commenced, and whether the contractor is paid a percentage on outlay?

I have not inquired particularly upon that point, but I do know that it was absolutely necessary that these hutments should be ready at the earliest possible moment, as the getting possession of iron ore was a matter of the greatest urgency at the time.

Is my hon. Friend aware that not a single miner has entered into any one of these hutments since they were erected and that they have cost more than twice as much as they ought to have done if the business had been conducted on proper business lines?

My information is that the result has been that we have been enabled to secure an increased output of ore, which was of the greatest possible importance.

Absolutely no hutment occupied?

I have not any information on that point.

Why did the hon. Gentleman say that by the erection of these hutments they have been enabled to obtain an increased output of ore, when none of these hutments was occupied?

I think there must be some misapprehension in my right hon. Friend's mind. I know that there has been brought into this district a very considerable number of outside miners.

It is in my right hon. Friend's own constituency.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether it is usual in his Department to erect huts at a cost of £40 per man?

It is not possible in these times to get hutments erected on any such terms as would be possible in peace times.

Was it not the fact, owing to quarrels between Government Departments, particularly the Ministry of Munitions and the Ministry of Labour, that, although these hutments were built, not a single miner was brought to occupy any of them?

I feel sure there has been some mistake about this. The fact is that there has been a substantial number of miners brought into this neighbourhood.

Have they been put into the huts?

asked whether a new procedure has been adopted to deal with complaints made by employers against employés; whether new special bodies have been established to decide whether such complaints should go before munitions tribunals; and, if so, what are the composition and scope of such bodies?

Section 10 of the Munitions of War Act, 1917, provides that proceedings for a breach of the rules approved for controlled establishments shall not be instituted except by the Minister or by the Admiralty or by a person acting on his or their behalf. I have accordingly arranged that the controlled establishments with which I am concerned and which are not authorised to act on my behalf should refer their complaints to the chief investigation officer of the Ministry for their area, and that he should submit the complaints for advice to the main enlistment complaints committee for the area. If that body recommend prosecution, the chief investigation officer is authorised to take proceedings on my behalf; if they do not, the case is referred to the Ministry for further consideration. The enlistment complaints committees consist of representatives of the Ministry of Munitions, Admiralty and War Office, and an equal number of representatives of labour. They were originally established to deal with claims by workmen for protection from recruitment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his notice has been directed to the repudiation by the president of the South Wales Miners' Federation of the suggestion that German gold has been circulated in that area; whether he is aware of the feeling aroused among the miners by sug- gestions of this sort; whether he has in his possession any evidence that would support the charge that money from German sources has been used in the South Wales coal-field; and whether any steps are to be taken either to have these charges substantiated or denied?

I know nothing of any suggestion that German gold has been circulated among the miners in South Wales. I believe that such a charge would be rightly resented by the miners, and I have no evidence whatever which would support it.

Did not the hon. Member for South Glamorgan send details to the right hon. Gentleman?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that particulars have been supplied to the competent military authority, who is the person to whom such information should be sent?

I do not know that.

It is so.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to the public by the dispute between the railway companies and the taxi-cab proprietors at the London railway termini, he will, in default of a settlement being arrived at, make arrangements for the extra charge to be paid by the hirer of the cab as he passes out of the station or otherwise?

I have no power to compel the hirer of a cab at a railway station to pay a toll to the railway company. In September last, before the recent increase of taxi-cab fares, I put forward a proposal that the ld. toll should be paid by the driver and repaid to him by the hirer of the cab, but I was informed that the proposal could not in practice be carried out.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is full time, in the interests of the people of the country, that this question was settled?

asked the Home Secretary whether any specific charges were placed before him against the Council for Civil Liberties to justify a raid upon its offices; and whether he will state why this raid was undertaken?

These premises were raided because it was suspected that they were being used for carrying on a propaganda in the interests of the enemy.

asked the Home Secretary (1) why detectives for whose conduct he is responsible took from the offices of the National Council for Civil Liabilities Copies of Mill's " Liberty," the official reports of this House, and similar literature; whether he will state if the Government now proposes to prohibit the circulation and the ownership of such books; (2) whether he is aware that in the course of the recent raid at 28, Victoria Street, S.W., the only leaflets seized were copies of " A Reasonable Man's Peace," by H. G. Welis; that Mr. Wells wrote this after being allowed to visit the Italian, French, and British Fronts, that the leaflet is a reprint of an article in the " Daily News," and had been passed by the Censor for transmission abroad; whether he will explain the delay of over a week in returning this authorised leaflet to the owners; (3) whether he is aware that on or about 7th September, 1917, the secretary of the International Free Trade League submitted to the Censor at Strand House, Portugal Street, the only two publications hitherto issued by this league and that they were passed by the Censor and allowed to be sent to America; will he say why these leaflets have now been seized and detained; why the Censor's written permission has been taken away and not returned; and whether it is intended to prosecute in this case while destroying or detaining the written evidence relied on for a defence?

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that copies of Lord Shaw of Dunfermline's judgment in the case of A. Zadig were seized and taken away during the police raid on the premises of the National Council for Civil Liberties on 21st November; and whether it is proposed to make it impossible to reprint and circulate judgments given in the Courts when those judgments are against the Government?

asked (1) whether he is aware that in a raid recently effected on a private house at Redhill a number of leaflets advocating taxation of land values, and without any reference to the War, were taken away and have not been returned; whether it is the intention to suppress all advocacy of a method of taxation which could raise vast sums for national purposes and enable those who have fought for their country to have access to it; (2) whether his attention has been called to the fact that, on the occasion of the raid on the offices of the " Women's Crusade," an officer seized copies of a service of prayer because he saw the word peace in one of the prayers; and can he state whether any further steps have been taken in the matter of this document?

The large quantity of documents seized on the occasion of these raids may have included some not connected with enemy propaganda. These will be sorted out and returned to their owners as quickly as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that "A Reasonable Man's Peace" has already been passed by the Censor, and will he immediately have this leaflet returned?

I am not aware that it has been passed by the Censor.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries, because I have seen the Censor's signed copy?

In view of the seizure of the service of prayer referred to in question 74, is he aware that the attention of the police authorities was drawn to the fact that it was a supplication for peace in the service of prayer addressed to this House, and will any action be taken?

No, Sir; I believe there was a leaflet containing a prayer and other matters.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries as to whether, When this document was seized, it was pointed out to the officer that it was a service of prayer, and that he was not going to take it until he saw the word peace mentioned in it?

asked the Home Secretary whether, on the occasion of the recent police raids in search of seditious literature, the offices of an organisation at 146, Queen Victoria Street, E.C., were visited; and, if so, can he state with what result?

No, Sir.

In view of the fact that in these recent raids religious literature has been seized in other offices, why has immunity been granted as regards this office, which is the headquarters of the British and Foreign Bible Society?

asked the Home Secretary whether a pamphlet or leaflet which consists solely of biblical quotations in support of peace and denouncing the methods of war has to be submitted to the Censor before publication?

This question is purely hypothetical, and I do not think I should give a reply to it until I see a leaflet which is of the character described.

In such a case of the leaflet being submitted to the Censor, how is the Regulation about the name and present address of the author being attached to be complied with—for instance, in the case of the Sermon on the Mount?

The person who puts a leaflet together is to be regarded as the author.

asked the Home Secretary whether articles which have appeared in the Press may be reprinted and circulated without being submitted to the Censor and without bearing the names of their authors?

The answer is in the negative.

May I ask why the answer is in the negative when the article has already been circulated?

It is quite clear that statements which have appeared in newspapers uncensored, if printed in leaflets must come under the Regulation.

asked the Home Secretary whether Regulation 27c affect's the issue of addresses by Parliamentary candidates and Members in their constituencies; and whether he will give an assurance that candidates and Members will have no obstacles put in their way in putting their views before their constituencies in leaflet or any other recognised form?

It is not intended that these addresses should be interfered with by the Regulation in question, and I will endeavour to make this clear by a direction to the Press Bureau, or in some other way.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what authority he has to make that exception under the Regulations?

I do not propose to make any exception. I do not think they would cover this case, and I will endeavour to make that clear.

Why?

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that any published address to electors, against the War, is a leaflet which is not a leaflet, within the meaning of the Regulation?

Of course, it depends on the particular facts of the case. It is not convenient that I should be asked for a reply to a general question of that kind about the meaning of the Regulations, which hon. Members can interpret themselves. All that I desire to say is that we do not desire to interfere with electoral activities.

Did not the hon. Gentleman consider these matters before he made the Regulation?

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to be in a position to report the result of the reference, back to the War Cabinet Sub-Committee of the request made by the Joint Committee of the House of Lords, the House of Commons, and the General Federation of Trade Unions, for increases in the pay of the sailor and the soldier, particularly in respect of the able seaman, the stoker in the Navy, the private 'n the Marines, and the private in the Army?

asked (1) whether the Government has come to a decision as to the proposed increase to the pay of sailors and soldiers; (2) whether he is able to announce the decision at which the Government has arrived with regard to any increase of pay or allowances for the junior ranks of commissioned officers?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning the increased pay to sailors and soldiers; whether he can also state what improvements are to be made in the pay of junior officers, and whether their dependants are to have any separation allowance; whether he can say if the alterations in pay will affect any other grants, such as those made by the local war pensions committee, or the Civil Liabilities Committee; whether any of the previous increases announced has been paid to either the Navy or the Army; and whether, if they have not, he can definitely promise that the new increases will be paid at once, with retrospective effect from 29th September?

The Government, as promised, has considered again the increases in pay and allowances recently announced for the non-commissioned ranks of the Navy and Army, and has decided to make certain further awards. These, like those already announced, will come into operation as from 29th September last for the Army and 1st October last for the Navy, and, so far as action has not already been taken, the increases will come into operation as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made.

It will be remembered that the original increases were estimated to cost over £50,000,000 for the first year and over £54,000,000 for the second year. The total increases, including those now made, will cost in all about £65,000,000 for the first year and £69,000,000 for the second year.

I will, if I may, circulate the full details of these awards.

The above increases will not affect grants made by the local war pensions committees or the Civil Liabilities Committee.

I am as yet unable to make any statement with regard to the question of junior officers' pay, but I expect to be able to do so before the end of the Session.

The following statement shows the changes to be made in Army and Navy Pay:

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to what will be the increase, say, to a private in the Army?

The whole award is rather long, and I hope my hon. Friend will wait until he sees it circulated.

Will an Estimate of this huge expenditure be laid before the House, or in some other way?

An Estimate is not necessary. It is paid in the same way as the other items out of the Vote of Credit.

With regard to that part of the reply in which it is stated that in so far as the money has not been paid it will be retrospective, may I ask has any money been paid as yet to either branch of the Service, and, if it has not, will it be paid at once?

Some has been paid, but all has not been paid. I can assure my hon. Friend there will he no avoidable delay.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that any increase of pay given to the men will apply equally to officers and men, and not only to the men?

My hon. and gallant Friend did not hear my answer. There is a Committee sitting to deal specially with the question of officers. I am not yet able to give the result, but I hope to be able to do so before the end of the Session.

Can the right lion. Gentleman say, approximately, what is the increase on the flat rates given to soldiers and sailors?

I could not say, but, as the details are given, it would be better to wait for them.

asked the Prime Minister whether arrangements will be made to pass into law the Education Bill as soon as possible; and whether meanwhile he will take steps to meet the superior educational problem by which such a curriculum of scientific studies may be prepared and such means taken to link these in close association with the actual or possible industrial enterprise of the country, so that no artificial walls against competing nations, such as Germany, will be necessary?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that a Government Committee is at present inquiring into the position of the teaching of science in the educational system of Great Britain, particularly in secondary Schools and universities, regard being had, inter alia, to the interests of the trades, industries and professions which particularly depend upon applied science.

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope that the Second Reading Of the Bill will be taken during this Session?

The Bill will be taken with as little delay as possible.

As the second part is still pending, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will use his influence in the direction suggested by this question as these are matters on which the rise and fall of nations depend?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will proceed to the establishment of a Ministry of Health which shall deal not only with such questions as child welfare and the amelioration of various forms of administrative work referring to medical matters but will be conceived as arising from the idea that a great proportion of the maladies of humanity are preventible, and that prevention is aided by bold and well-adjusted sanitary plans and by the popularisation as, for instance, by definite instruction in schools of some clear ideas respecting the microbial origin of diseases and the manner in which these diseases are acquired; and that, in addition, the Ministry of Health should have the power to develop far beyond anything hitherto considered research work and technical instruction, with the definite objective of eventually eliminating certain diseases of which tuberculosis may be taken as a type?

I cannot add anything to the previous replies which have been made on this subject.

May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that the previous reply in no way touched this matter. Why is there a prejudice against brain power?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is able to announce any new practice in notifying the death of men shot at the front; and whether the dependants of such men will in future receive any pension?

It has been arranged that in future the communications made to the dependants of soldiers shot at the front should merely state that they have died on Service. As regards the second part of the question, the matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Mackenzie, of Achnasheen, Lochrosque estate, Ross-shire, the wife of a soldier now in France, who was ejected from her home simultaneously with the husband going out to France, and who has since been compelled to accept the accommodation of a local washhouse; whether he is aware that an application on the part of this soldier to the Scottish Board of Agriculture has produced no result, and that an offer to his landlord to pay for a house and small holding has been met with definite refusal; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to helping this soldier to secure a home for his wife?

I am inquiring into this case, but my information is not yet complete. If my hon. Friend will put another question in a week's time I hope to be in a position to reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in reply to the Message from the Lords relative to secret sittings, he proposes to move a new Standing Order which will make it possible for Peers to attend secret sittings of this House; and, if so. whether he will move at the same time that a Message be sent to the Lords suggesting reciprocal facilities?

I shall confer with Mr. Speaker upon this matter.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of shipbuilding being of such overwhelming importance, whether he can make a statement as to the alleged resignation of the whole of the Advisory Shipbuilding Committee?

I cannot usefully add anything to the notice which was issued to the Press on the 23rd of November announcing the formation of a Shipbuilding Council, in which it was stated that all the gentlemen who served on the Shipbuilding Advisory Committee, and who have not since joined the staff of the Controller's Department, have already consented to serve on the Council.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of prevailing popular sentiment, and the need of land for the settlement of discharged soldiers, he will take steps for the restoration to the community of land held by the Church of England by way of a measure of disendowment?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the clergy have been excepted for military service, and is not this a very good reason for the land being taken from those who have not fought for its defence for the use of those who have?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the price of coal, including freight and charges, delivered in Italian ports may be taken as 50s. 6d. per ton, while the cost of same to the Italian consumer is stated to be as high as £24 per ton; and, if so, whether he can take measures to inform the Italian public that the high prices of coal charged to consumers in Italy are not due to the prices received by British coal owners, or to freights received by the British shipowner, or to profits made by the British Government?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question, and I welcome the opportunity of amplifying the statement made in my reply to a question on this subject on the 20th instant. The figure of 50s. 6d. refers only to the cost of coal delivered in Italy in requisitioned ships, and, as previously stated, is exclusive of war risk, which represents at least as much again. The coal supplied to Italy under these conditions represents, however, less than one-half of the total quantity of the coal imported into Italy and is entirely used for Government purposes. The balance of coal imported into Italy is carried at market rates of freight, which, in the case of neutral vessels, are as high as 185s. per ton, inclusive of war risk. I understand that the amount of coal which is spared by the Italian Government for private consumption is not more than 25,000 tons per month, and that the fixed price charged for this is 215s. per ton, this price being, as will be seen, only 30s. above the cost of freight alone on neutral vessels. I have no information as to the cases in which, as alleged, coal has been retailed at the high figure of £24 per ton, but the statement can only refer to quite exceptional cases.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that much of the discontent and trouble in Italy, and the recent disaster on the Italian front, were largely due to the high prices of food and coal in Italy, and to enemy propaganda that these high prices are due to British profiteering? Would it not be in the interests of the Allies generally, and of Great Britain in particular if means were taken—

That question does not come within the scope of the hon. Gentleman's answer.

I should like to be allowed to say, in view of the importance of the question, that while the hon. Gentleman is entitled to defend the British shipowner in this matter, it does not appear, from the information in possession of the Government, that there is ground for any reflection on the British Government, or the governments of the Allies.

Is it not the case that the German propagandist use of the higher prices must prejudice the British in the eyes of the Italians: is it, therefore, not the duty of the Government to make it clear that these high prices are not due to any British action—

I hope I have done that.

And so resist this German propaganda?

I can only say that I have made that abundantly clear in the answer I have given.

Send it to Italy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state how much Excess Profits Duty was in the first instance claimed by the Crown from Robertson, Sanderson and Company, Limited, in liquidation, distillers and wine merchants, in respect of the profits made by the company when it sold off its stocks of whisky en bloc at war prices and went out of business; how much less than its original claim the Crown accepted by way of compromise; whether he will, by legislation if necessary, strengthen the hands of the Inland Revenue Department so as to render such compromises unnecessary for the future in view of the increased burden of taxation which in effect they throw upon other taxpayers; and whether he is aware that, pending the settlement of this disputed claim, speculation in the company's shares arose on the Stock Exchange and that the admitted uncertainty of the state of the law enabled Stock Exchange profits to be made which are liable neither for Income Tax, Supertax, nor Excess Profits Duty, although the war price of whisky caused the whole commercial profit to arise?

I would refer my hon. Friend to Section 45 (8) of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, which precludes the Commissioners of Inland Revenue from furnishing information as to the Excess Profits Duty assessments made upon particular taxpayers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of utilising the National Register for the purpose of calling upon everyone on the register to declare the value of his possessions, including an assessment of the value of land?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is taking steps to have the National Register kept up to date in view of the fact that it provides machinery by which an assessment of capital value can be expeditiously obtained for the purpose of taxation?

The law requires that the National Register shall be kept up to date, and this is being done.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has reason to think that German financiers are carrying on business in this country through neutral banks or neutral businesses here; and whether the Government possess sufficient powers to deal with such cases, if they can be detected?

I do not find any trace of German financiers carrying on business in this country through neutral banks or businesses. If my hon. Friend has any evidence on the point, I shall be glad to have it. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.