asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received from the Portuguese Government any definite withdrawal of the charge made against William Trayner, a British subject, representing in Lubango, Portuguese West Africa, a well-known London firm of merchants, to the effect that he had German sympathies; if not, will he say when this matter is expected to be settled; and is he aware that Trayner, who is now resident in London, is of military age and fitness, and only awaits the clearing of his name of this Portuguese imputation in order to join the military forces of the country?

: His Majesty's Government are still in communication with the Portuguese Government on the subject, but no definite result has yet been arrived at. The reply to the latter portion of the question of the hon. Member is in the negative.

: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the inability of his Department to force out of the Portuguese Government this withdrawal, is depriving the man-power of the country of this individual's service?

asked whether the policy of opposition to a league of nations recently announced by the Premier of France was decided upon after consultation with the British Government?

: The reply is in the negative.

asked whether, in view of the Government announcement on the 23rd November that the present moment is inopportune for discussions of a league of nations to prevent war, he intends to take any steps, by way of raid or otherwise, against the League of Nations Society?

: The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any general statement about the secret agreements and documents recently published by the Russian Government and which affect this country?

: No, Sir; I am not prepared to make any such statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the publication of secret documents in Petrograd has disclosed that the Allied Governments were committed to vast projects of annexation which could only be carried out by forcing the enemy Powers to unconditional surrender, he will state whether these commitments remain; and, if not, to what extent they have been abandoned?

: I cannot accept as accurate the hon. Member's statement of facts on which he bases his question. It cannot, therefore, be answered.

: Relative to these documents which have been published, will the Foreign Office say distinctly and clearly, are they authentic or are they not authentic?

: I really could not say without seeing the documents. Some of them may be authentic and some not.

: Will he try to get hold of the documents so as to see?

: Do we understand that these documents have been published without reference to the Foreign Office?

: Hon. Members had better put these questions down. There are to-day a large number of questions on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, since the outbreak of war, Russia had any communications with this country relative to the proposals that the Sultan of Turkey should no longer be recognised as Khalif; if so, what attitude was then assumed on behalf of this country; and whether he will now declare that the Khalifate is a question for Islam alone to decide?

: The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative, but His Majesty's Government have never departed from the attitude that the question of the Khalifate is one for Moslem opinion alone to decide.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the number of the members of the Foreign Office and of the Diplomatic Service who were of military age when the War commenced, and the number of those who have joined the fighting forces since that event; and what proportion of the members are now actually serving at the front?

: The number of members of the Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service who, when the War commenced, were of military age was 151. Of these, in spite of their urgent and repeated representations, it has only been possible, in view of the requirements of the service, to release twenty-four. I am unable to say how many of these are now actually serving at the front.

: Is it not possible to state some superior reasons which make the Foreign Office the home of these embusqués?

: That is a very unfair suggestion. Everyone who knows the Diplomatic Service and the Foreign Office knows perfectly well that no one has been more anxious than members of these services to go to the front; it is only because the Secretary of State, in the exercise of his discretion, has regarded it as absolutely essential, in the public service, that these relatively small number of men who have been retained should be kept over here.

: Is it not possible, after three and a half years of war, to get discharged soldiers to do the work of the Foreign Office?

: No, Sir, it is not.

: Does not the Noble Lord think that it is very much better that these men should go than that re-examined men, who have been discharged from the Army through disability, should be taken back?

: That is not for me to express an opinion upon. All I can say is that I am quite sure that the various Secretaries of State have only been too anxious to allow these men to go, if it has been consistent with the public interest.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the agreement entered into between the Governments of France and that of Russia under which territory on the west bank of the Rhine was to be taken from Germany was made after consultation with the British Government and with its support?

: No, Sir.

: Does the Noble Lord recollect that in the Debate on Peace Negotiations, when I referred to this agreement, the Foreign Secretary stated that my reference was an absolute mare's nest; and can he explain why the Foreign Secretary was unaware of this agreement at that time?

: I cannot carry in my mind the whole circumstances of the Debate, but I have no doubt that, if my right hon. Friend did make use of that expression, he was thoroughly well justified.

: Oh!

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the negotiations between the Government of France and the Government of Russia for the purpose of guaranteeing to Russia possession of German territory in the East were carried on after consultation with the British Government and with its support?

: No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs where the Montenegrin Government is now located; who is the representative of Montenegro in this country; and whether he is in constant communication with the Montenegrin Government or the Montenegrin Minister?

The Montenegrin Government are at present located at Neuilly, near Paris. There is no Montenegrin diplomatic representative in this country, and communication is maintained with the Montenegrin Government through the British Chargé des Affaires accredited to them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Declaration of Corfu of 7th July, 1917, constitutes a menace to the integrity and independence of Montenegro; and whether he has consulted the King or Government of Montenegro as to their attitude to the Declaration of Corfu?

His Majesty's Government are aware of the light in which the present Montenegrin Government view that Declaration. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the result of his inquiries as to the ultimate destination of British cement imported into Holland; whether it has been used for German military defences; and if its importation will continue to be stopped?

As regards the first and second parts of the question, I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply returned yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Christchurch. As regards the last part of the question, there will be no further importation for the present. In order to have all aspects of this very difficult question properly considered I am hoping to appoint a very small Committee to advise the Government as to the whole matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many judges have been appointed in Ireland since 1st January, 1914; the names and the salaries of each; and the total number of judges in Ireland?

Eight Irish judges have been appointed since the 1st January, 1914. The particulars will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. There are fourteen judges of the High Court of Justice in Ireland, five recorders, and sixteen County Court judges.

The following are the particulars referred to: Name Appointed. Salary. £ Sir James H. M. Campbell, Bart. Lord Chief Justice 5,000 J. F. Moriarty LordJustice of Appeal 4,000 Stephen Ronan Judge, King's Bench Division 3,500 John Gordon Judge, King's Bench Division 3,500 William Moore Judge, King's Bench Division 3,500 W. H. Brown County Court Judge 1,400 W. H. Hynes County Court Judge 1,400

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the total number of armed forces in Ireland and the number of Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police at present on active service?

The strength of the Royal Irish Constabulary on the 31st October was 9,663 and that of the Dublin Metropolitan Police 1,117. The troops on duty in Ireland are those appointed for duty there by the Army Council, and any question regarding their numbers or sufficiency should be addresed to the War Office.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many prisoners, since the death of Thomas Ashe, have been forcibly fed in Mountjoy Prison; for how many individual days were they so fed; whether any or all of these prisoners have now been released; if so, on what date or dates, and under what conditions has release been granted; and whether any released prisoners have been again placed in prison?

Thirty-seven prisoners were artificially fed on the 26th, 27th, and 28th September, and thirty-five on 29th September, for four days, and all have been released under the provisions of the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-health) Act, 1913. Two prisoners were released temporarily on the 29th September from Mountjoy Prison, and four were released on expiration of sentence on the 13th and 26th October and 9th November. The remainder were temporarily released on the 15th, 16th, and 17th instant from Dundalk Prison, to which they had been transferred. None of these prisoners, so far as I am aware, has as yet been again imprisoned.

Is it the intention to arrest them again and treat them in the same way?

It depends upon the circumstances.

Is it the fact that none of these prisoners were forcibly fed after the middle of September?

It was nearly time to stop it !

There was no forcible feeding of prisoners during, I think, six or seven weeks: I am not sure of the date.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any Clare men are still in prison for political offences; and, if so, whether he will advise their release?

I am not aware that there are any such prisoners at the present time.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction recently expressed by persons interned at Dundalk, county Louth; whether a committee of justices was held at Dundalk on the 15th instant, and those interned assured that the visiting committee would exercise to the full the discretionary powers conferred on them and interpret in a broad and liberal manner any rules referring to visits, letters, and similar matters; and whether as a result persons interned at Dundalk are now satisfied with the treatment accorded them?

I am informed that dissatisfaction with diet was expressed by prisoners committed for offences against the Defence of the Realm Act and Regulations, who were transferred from Mountjoy to Dundalk Prison on 13th November. A meeting of local magistrates was held in the prison on the 15th November, but I understand that these gentlemen made no suggestion or recommendation regarding the manner in which the visiting committee should exercise the powers conferred on them. There are at present no prisoners in Dundalk Prison.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will state the special arrangements that have been made under rules approved by the Irish Privy Council for persons interned at Mountjoy, Dundalk, and other places of internment in Ireland for disregarding the Defence of the Realm Act Regulations in connection with drilling or similar matters, which, in the opinion of the competent authorities, are prejudicial to the safety of the Realm; and will he give the scale of diet approved under these rules?

I shall send the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the Rules and dietary.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Prisoners Temporary Discharge for III-health Act applies to Ireland; and, if so, will he give the conditions in the temporary order of discharge which have been imposed on any person who has claimed or on whose behalf the Government have exercised the provisions of the Act?

The Act referred to applies to Ireland. The conditions in the order for temporary discharge are: 1. The prisoner shall, if the period of temporary discharge be not extended. return to prison on the day named in the order. 2. The period of temporary discharge may, if the Lord Lieutenant thinks fit, be extended. 3. The prisoner shall abstain from any violation of the law. If the prisoner is not under sentence a further condition is added, namely:

The prisoner shall attend any further proceedings on his case at which his attendance may be required.

How long have these men been allowed out of internment? Is there any date assigned for their going back to the place of internment?

Every order of temporary discharge has the date fixed, having regard to the circumstances of the case. The order is subject to the provisions I have named.

Are the men given a free railway pass back?

If the hon. Member puts that question down I will ascertain.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will inquire into the case of ex-Constable. Robert Kelly, of Portland Row, Dublin, aged sixty-four years, who on a pension of £46 14s. 8d. a year is endeavournig to maintain himself and two delicate daughters; whether he is aware that two, Royal Irish Constabulary ex-constables died recently, one in the North and one in the South Union, Dublin; and will he say why, in the present period of high food prices, the Irish Government refuse to do anything by way of war bonus or increase of pension to mitigate the hardships of those who have faithfully served them?

Robert Kelly, a constabulary pensioner aged sixty-five years, resides at Portland Row, Dublin. He has a pension of £46 16s. per annum, but I have no knowledge of the circumstances of the family. Two constabulary pensioners recently died in workhouse hospitals in Dublin. I am informed that they retired at their own request before earning the full pensions they could have attained. As to the rest of the question, I would refer to the answers I gave to questions by the hon. Members for the College Green Division of Dublin and the Leix Division of Queen's County last Friday.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when he will be in a position to report to the House on the proceedings of the Convention; and if he will say what is the position at the present time?

The Convention is proceeding with its task, and will, I have no doubt, report on its own motion the results of its deliberations when the time arrives for such' a Report.

Can any indication be given when that time may be?

No, Sir. It depends upon the Convention. It is not for me to regulate the proceedings of the Convention.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in regard to the national teachers of Ireland, he will take into consideration the facts that the prices paid for all necessities of life are rising, that before the War their salaries only enabled them to make ends meet, and that these are the only class of State-paid persons who have not received any increase in pay since the beginning of the War; and whether, in consequence, he will now recommend that a bonus be granted to these teachers?

The statement that Irish national school teachers have received no increase in pay since the commencement of the present War is not correct. Since the 1st July, 1916, all teachers whose income from other State sources does not exceed £2 per week have been in receipt of a war bonus of 4s. per week, and the teachers whose income from other State sources exceeds £2 per week but does not exceed £3 per week have been in receipt of a war bonus of 3s. per week. Revised and improved salary scales for teachers have been settled and will take effect from the 1st April, 1917.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) on what grounds the Department have refused to supply to the County Sligo Agricultural Committee a list of defaulters under the tillage scheme; and whether, on reconsideration of the committee's application and in order to encourage the universal carrying out of the Tillage Order, this information will now be sent to the committee?

The Department of Agriculture is satisfied that the publication of particulars of individual cases of default at the present time would not be in the public interest. Any case of default reported to the Department by the County Sligo Food Production Sub-Committee will be dealt with, and steps taken to ensure compliance with the Compulsory Tillage Regulations.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be desirable for this agricultural committee for the county of Sligo to have a record of the cases in which farmers and graziers are not complying with the Tillage Order so as to help the Government promote the tillage scheme?

I know that the most harmonious relations exist between the Department of Agriculture and the county committees, and every help that is needed by the Department from the committee will no doubt be called for and given.

Is there any reason why the Department of Agriculture should show this disrespect to one of its own county committees in refusing to give the committee information which is vital for the purposes of the committee, namely, the instances in which farmers, graziers and landlords in the county are not complying with the Tillage Order of the Government?

Communication of information must, of course, be under the control of the Department. The Department is glad to avail itself of the services of the committee, but it cannot divest itself of responsibility, or transfer it to the county committee.

Is it not evident that the right hon. Gentleman and the Department consider the county committee as a foreign body having no interest in the progress of tillage in the county? Why should this be?

asked (1) the Prime Minister if he will request the Food Controller to modify the Regulation issued by his Department limiting the guarantee to growers of potatoes of £6 per ton to the case of sales of potatoes in quantities of 4 tons, in view of the great hardship to growers on small farms who have not the capacity of sending quantities of 4 tons to market but who have increased their tillage under the orders of the Government, and in view of the guarantee of the Government given to growers for this season of £6 per ton without any suggestion of restriction as to quantites brought to market or offered for sale; (2) the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the representations made from and on behalf of small farmers in Ireland who have increased their tillage at the request of the Government, he can now modify the Order restricting the guarantee of £6 per ton for potatoes to sales of over 4 tons?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. The hon. Member is under an entire misapprehension as to the terms of the Government guarantee of £6 per ton for potatoes. The first announcement, made by the Food Controller on the 9th January last, fixed prices for potatoes of the 1917 crop for delivery in quantities of not less than 6 tons f.o.r. or f.o.b. at rates representing an average of £6 per ton for the season. A later announcement, made on behalf of the Government on 2nd May by the President of the Board of Agriculture, reduced the unit of delivery covered by the guarantee to 4 tons and fixed the figure of the guarante at £6. As I have already stated, the Food. Controller is not prepared to increase the charge on the Exchequer by further extending the benefits of the guarantee.

May I ask the hon. Member if he or his chief the Food Controller is aware of the fact that in this House on 23rd February the Prime Minister promised, without any reservation or restriction, £6 per ton as a guarantee to all growers of potatoes?

The guarantee, as my answer stated, has all along been subject to the qualifications announced in my reply.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman to pay more attention to the question? I asked him whether he is aware of the fact that the Prime Minister, in this House on 23rd February, unconditionally stated that the Government were giving a guarantee of £6 per ton to all growers of potatoes?

The fact that conditions were not mentioned on the occasion named does not mean that other conditions were not made on other dates. The guarantee was given in order to stimulate the growth of potatoes on a large scale.

Of course !

And small growers were not capable of increasing their yield in order to come under the terms of the guarantee.

Is the House to understand that the Food Controller and the hon. Member are intimating now a breach of the unqualified pledge given by the Prime Minister?

Perhaps any further questions as to a promise made by the Prime Minister will be addressed by my hon. Friend to the Prime Minister.

I did address this question to the Prime Minister, and not to the hon. Gentleman.

Had the Vice-President of the Board of Agriculture in Ire-land any authority from the Food Controller to make the statement that small tenants might pool the quantity of potatoes required to realise 4 tons?

I have not previously heard of any such thing.

asked the. Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) whether any representative of the Ulster bacon curers, whose business is entirely different from those of the rest of Ireland, was consulted about the recent Orders as to bacon and pork; if he is aware that dissatisfaction prevails among both farmers and curers: (2) whether he is aware that the three largest bacon-curing firms in Ulster, who are obeying the Controller's Orders as to price, have almost entirely lost all their business, while the buyers belonging to other firms, by giving private bonuses, against the law, are getting all the pigs; and, if so, will he say what action he proposes to take?

The Food Controller has sent representatives to Ireland for the express purpose of investigating the matters complained of by my hon. Friend. A representative of the Ulster bacon curers was consulted before the Bacon Order was issued and it is anticipated that this Order will, by limiting the margin of profit, check the practice of giving illicit bonuses which unfortunately appears to exist.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has now completed his inquiry and will he state what is the average weekly tonnage of milk and sugar consumed by the Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Con- densed Milk Company in the manufacture of their various products; and what proportion of these is exported for purposes other than those of our Navy and Army and Allies?

As I informed the hon. Member on 25th October, this company think it undesirable to publish the actual amount of milk and sugar used in their condenseries. They state, however, that the whole of their considerable business is now carried on for the exclusive benefit of the Armies in the field and the Allied civilian populations.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of applying to this foreign company some control such as has been applied to so many English companies?

That point is not within the original question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why, with regard to the Ministry of Food's Sugar Order, 1917 (L.G. Sugar 5), and the returns and applications to be made by manufacturers using sugar, a distinction was made between those firms who sell to wholesalers and those who do not, by which the former may apply direct to the Ministry of Food and not to the local food control committees; and whether he has received any representations from local food control commissioners, or committees, as to this favoured treatment of these firms?

It was thought desirable that the Ministry of Food should deal direct with the requirements of wholesale manufacturers whose undertakings do not necessarily coincide with any single local area. The local authorities concerned have not expressed any dissastisfaction with this arrangement.

Will local authorities be furnished with information as to these large companies?

I understand they have such information.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in fixing the prices for cattle in Ireland, he has taken into account the difficulties which poor farmers themselves will have to surmount in order to produce the cattle required; and whether, if it be found that cattle-rearing is suffering owing to lack of inducement to farmers, he will in any way modify his scheme so that an equitable adjustment may be arrived at?

The conditions of the cattle industry were fully taken into account before the maximum prices for meat were fixed. It is not, therefore, anticipated that cattle-rearing will suffer owing to lack of inducement to farmers.

Has the hon. Gentleman taken the opinion of farmers actually engaged in the work, and of the local representative bodies, who would inform him exactly of the local conditions?

Yes, certainly they have been taken into account.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any efficient system of co-ordinating the research work now being conducted in the laboratories of our universities, in the National Physical Laboratory, and in the Imperial Institute is being or has been arranged, more especially with a view to bring the results of such researches into close relation with fresh problems connected with our Colonial trade and with our productive industries in this country and in our Dominions overseas; and whether opportunities are afforded for placing at the service of our manufacturers scientific experts to advise them or to conduct in their factories special investigations: and, if so, under what conditions?

The important questions raised by the hon. Member are too large for effective treatment by way of question and answer; but, as he is no doubt aware, the Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific and Industrial Research are, in the course of their administration, collecting information as to research being conducted in various places and different types of institution which cannot but facilitate the co-ordination of research work which the hon. Member desires. Moreover, as he will have gathered from the Annual Reports of that Department, similar organisations have come or are coming into existence in other parts of the Empire, which are in close relation with the Research Department of this country. As an example of what is being done in the oversea Dominions, I would refer the hon. Member to the report of the Commonwealth Advisory Council of Science and Industry and the recently-published " South African Journal of Industries," which may be seen in the Colonial Office Library. This imperial machinery will enable those who are engaged in our Colonial trade and in our productive industries to become acquainted with the problems arising in different parts of the Empire, and with the results of any researches now in progress either here or in the Dominions. The hon. Member will be aware of the work of the Imperial Institute, which is always willing to put its expert advice at the disposal of manufacturers. As regards the final part of the question, the establishment of research associations, which is one of the main objects of the Research Department, is intended to place at the service of our manufacturers scientific experts who may advise them or conduct in their factories special investigations

May I have a copy of that answer?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will appoint some person in Dublin to approve and pass leaflets under Regulation 27 c and so save the delay and trouble of sending communications to and fro between Ireland and the Press Bureau?

As at present advised, I do not propose to make such an appointment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great amount of delay, correspondence, and extra work are thrown upon the Press Censor owing to lack of facilities?

It is better to wait till trouble does arise.

Too late!

asked whether a leaflet, consisting solely of biblical quotations with reference to peace and the methods of war, comes under Regulation 27 c of the Defence of the Realm Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a similar question put by him on Monday last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer does not cover my question at all? I asked whether such a leaflet has to be submitted to the Censor. [HON. MEMBERS: " Order, order !"] Has the right hon. Gentleman, in short, arrogated to himself the right to censor Jesus Christ? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order !"]

asked how many extra officials he estimates will have to be appointed by the Press Bureau in order to deal with all leaflets and pamphlets under Regulation 27 c of the Defence of the Realm Act; and what extra cost will in consequence be thrown on the Exchequer?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State to questions on this subject on Tuesday last.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the difficulties of administering Regulation 27 c, Defence of the Realm Act, and the consequences likely to follow from its continuation, he will reconsider the advisability of continuing the Regulation, particularly the clauses dealing with the censorship?

There is no question of rescinding the Regulation, but any suggestion for amending it with a view to meeting difficulties in administration will of course be considered.

Is there any foundation for the statements that have appeared that it is the intention of the Government to modify the Regulation?

A communication has been received and is being considered.

Is it the view of the right hon. Gentleman that the series of questions that have been put down have shown how impossible it is to apply this Regulation fairly, and will he take all these questions into consideration when he is going to amend it?

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's view as to the effect of the questions. I know, at all events, that there is one difficulty in administration which has been pointed out by the hon. Gentleman and others with regard to literature connected with elections.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the " Times," in its leading article, says that the Regulation is quite unworkable?

Is there any foundation for the impression created and which is widespread in the publishing world that it is intended to construe this Regulation to include bound volumes?

I have not heard of any such suggestion.

Have not cases affecting bound volumes already arisen?

No; my hon. Friend is quite mistaken. Some bound volumes may have been seized with a mass of other papers, but not under this Regulation

Has the Secretary to the Press Censor, with the right hon. Gentleman's knowledge, been in communication with certain publishers relating to volumes which are bound volumes and that are now being reprinted?

I have not heard of it.

I will give you a case.

How soon does the right hon. Gentleman hope to be in a position to declare the intention of the Government in this matter?

At an early date.

Withdraw it.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is with his sanction that the directors of the Press Bureau have entered into discussion with the writers of leaflets submitted to them under Regulation 27 c, Defence of the Realm Act; and whether he intends that these directors should argue points with writers either for the purpose of gaining an under- standing of what is written in leaflets or of bargaining for modifications in the statements made?

The directors of the Press Bureau do not know to what the hon. Member refers. They have not, so far as they know, entered into a discussion with the writers of any leaflets submitted under Regulation 27 c.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of a letter sent by Sir Frank Swettenham to the Women's International League with reference to the leaflet accurately described in my question, in which such arguments and persuasion were used?

I have not heard of this case. The director is entitled simply to reject a leaflet, and if in any case he has pointed out the particular passages objected to, this must have been done in order to assist the persons who submitted the leaflet.

asked whether, in view- of the recent addition to Regulation 14 B of the Defence of the Realm Act. which makes any breach of the rules in force for interned persons an offence against these Regulations, persons so offending will be tried by the methods laid down in Regulations 56-58 D, or, if not, in what manner?

If it is considered necessary to prosecute an interned person for a breach of the rules in force in the place of internment, the proceedings will be governed by the provisions of the Regulations quoted by the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the addition to Regulation 14 B of the Defence of the Realm Act giving the authorities power to, punish interned persons who escape or attempt to escape from the place of internment, he will say under what authority Louis Ferdinand Kehrhahn was removed from Islington Internment Camp and placed in Brixton Prison in April last under punitive conditions after his attempted escape; and, if power to take such action was already vested in the authorities, why there was any necessity for this addition to the Regulation?

Under the first paragraph of Regulation 14 B, the Secretary of State has power to order a person to be interned in such place as he may specify. Kehrhahn was after his escape interned at Brixton for greater security, as I explained to the hon. Member in reply to previous questions. He is not under punitive conditions, but receives the same treatment as other persons interned at Brixton. By the recent amendments to the Regulation, an escape or attempt to escape from internment is made an offence against the Regulations punishable by imprisonment.

asked what are the rules in force referred to in the recent addition to Regulation 14B of the Defence of the Realm Act; whether these rules are made known to interned persons; and whether the new provision that a breach of such rules will be an offence against the Regulations will also be communicated to them?

The rules vary in the different places of internment. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked whether, in the case of any property being destroyed as the result of the recent raids made under Regulation 51 of the Defence of the Realm Act, notice will first be given to the owners?

There is no obligation to give such notice, but in the cases referred to owners will be informed before property which has been seized under Regulation 51 is destroyed.

asked the Home Secretary whether by No. 51 of the Defence of the Realm Act Regulations, under which recent raids have been carried out, the police have power to seize and destroy leaflets, pamphlets, and documents which are not illegal?

I must refer the hon. Member to the terms of the Regulation.

Is it not a fact that by this Regulation the police can seize and destroy any pamphlets or leaflets, whether they are legal or illegal, according to their own discretion, and is not the right hon. Gentleman, by making all these raids under this Regulation, simply suppressing criticism of the Government without bringing it before a Court of law?

I disagree both with the hon. Gentleman's construction of the Regulation and with his inference from the facts.

asked why the Herald League meetings in Finsbury Park have been prohibited under Regulation 9 A of the Defence of the Realm Act, which allows the prohibition of meetings likely to give rise to grave disorder, in view of the fact that these meetings have been held for the last eighteen months without disturbance?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that orderly meetings have been held in Finsbury Park for many months on Sundays by the Herald League and by other bodies; whether, whilst other bodies are still allowed to hold their meetings, those held by the Herald League have been prohibited; if so, will he state the reason for this action; whether he is aware that the police officer who warned the league secretary refused to produce any written authority for his action; whether the suppression of free speech is left to the personal discretion of individual police officers; and whether he will in future instruct the police not to interfere with public meetings or to prevent them without producing to the organisers their written authority for so doing?

I prohibited a meeting proposed to be held in Finsbury Park on Sunday last because I was satisfied that there were good grounds for anticipating grave disorder if it were held, and that in view of present circumstances it would be making an undue demand on the police to require them to provide such a force as would be sufficient to maintain order. My action was taken under Defence of the Realm Regulation 9 A. The police officer who interviewed the secretary had omitted to take a copy of the Order with him. I have given instructions that in any future case a copy of the Order prohibiting a meeting shall, if possible, be handed to the promoters.

Have any of the series of meetings held by this league led to disorder before, and, if not, why are disorders apprehended in this case?

I am afraid that these meetings have led to disorder.

Never!

In this case I think I had a special report.

In this case no disorder whatever has occurred.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that meetings held by such organisations as the Roman Catholic Guild have been broken up by gangs of scoundrels who come there for the purpose of breaking up all meetings, even meetings that have nothing whatever to do with the War?

1 do not know. Where disorder is apprehended we take action.

Did the right hon. Gentleman not receive a most definite and circumstantial report about a Roman Catholic meeting being broken up?

Are we to understand that when disorder is expected the right hon. Gentleman proposes to take action by prohibiting the meeting or by providing a sufficient force to prevent disorder?

When I said I would take action I meant that I would take proper action.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to articles constantly appearing in certain London newspapers which incite roughs to break up public meetings; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the publication of such incitements to rioting and to protect orderly citizens in the exercise of their legal rights?

I have not seen any newspaper articles which answer to the hon. Member's description.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the "Daily Express," the "Weekly Dispatch," the " Daily Mail," and other papers are constantly publishing these things —[HON. MEMBERS: " No !"] —and will he read these incitements to break up meetings and take action to prevent these incitements to roughs in London to break up meetings?

I really have enough to do.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny all knowledge of the publication of these articles?

I am afraid I must admit that I know nothing of them.

asked the Home Secretary how many copies of " Young India," by Lajpat Rai, were seized in the recent raids; and whether other owners of the work may expect the attentions of the police?

Six bound copies of this book and a number of unbound sheets were seized. Any copy of this book is liable to be seized under Regulation 51, but it is not proposed to take action with regard to copies that may be in the possession of innocent holders?

Have these bound volumes been returned, as stated by the right hon. Gentleman in reply to a previous question?

I did not say that. My previous answer referred to Regulation 27c. That Regulation does not apply to this case.

asked the Home Secretary whether his advisers have yet come to any decision as to the prosecution of the publishers of " Young India"; and has the India Office been consulted in the matter?

No criminal proceedings are at present contemplated. The India Office has been consulted in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to issue any further Regulation dealing with the Press under the Defence of the Realm Acts?

No such decision has been arrived at.

asked whether Baron von Bissing, who has recently been released from internment on the ground of ill-health and allowed to enter a nursing home, is the brother of the late General von Bissing, Prussian military governor of Brussels, who ordered the murder of Miss Edith Cavell; and whether any British military or civilian, prisoners in Germany have been allowed to exchange their prisons or internment camps for nursing homes?

I understand that this man is a half-brother of the late General von Bissing. I am not able to answer the last part of the question, but I would point out that Mr. Walter von Bissing is not a German prisoner of war, but a British subject interned under the Defence of the Realm Regulations; and, whatever may be the practice in Germany, I do not think it would have been right to put his life in danger by refusing him permission to go to a nursing home.

Is it proposed, as soon as this man's health is sufficiently re-established, to re-intern him?

That is a matter to be considered.

But has the right hon. Gentleman considered it yet?

No, Sir. My answer involves the fact that I have not yet considered it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a few weeks before the outbreak of this War this gentleman boasted of being a personal friend of the Kaiser? [An HON MEMBER: " So did Carson !"]

I am not aware of that.

asked what was the date in 1914 of Baron Bruno von Schröder's naturalisation, and who were his sponsors?

The date asked for is 7th August, 1914. As I explained in answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Lewisham on the 26th instant, it is not the practice to publish the names of the persons who support an application for naturalisation, and I do not think it desirable to alter the practice.

Inasmuch as the right hon. Gentleman was good enough, in response to a question of mine, to give the names of the responsible persons who guaranteed Laszlo, why is the information declined in this case?

I expressly stated that I made an exception in his ease because it concerned a Member of this House.

Would it be inconvenient to publish the names?

Not in the least.

Then why do you not do it?

Because I do not want to alter the old practice.

Oh, but ought we not to have done with old practices?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that Nicholas Cullen, Wexford, whose present address is 54, Randolph Street, Levenshulme, Manchester, was sent over to this country some fifteen months ago by the Labour Exchange and has been since working as a bricklayer; that he was arrested, by a detective, owing to his refusal to register, on the 25th October last and detained in prison for three and a-half hours until he was bailed out by his landlady; and that he had to appear before a magistrate on the following morning at Manchester and, notwithstanding his explanation as to how he came to this country and his statement that he had been home three times in fifteen months, he was fined 20s. on the statement of the detective that he had made a home in this country; and whether he will look into this matter with a view of returning the fine to Cullen and recompensing him for lost time?

I am making inquiry in this case, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has had any report from Southampton showing that, on the occasion when the two detectives were found hiding under the piano at a trade union meeting, they were protected from personal violence only by the timely action of the district secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers; and whether he has taken any steps to show his appreciation of this man's action?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. I have already denied the statement as to the place where the men were found.

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