asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether in any treaty or understanding to which Italy and this country have become parties since 1914 this country and France agree to support Italy against the Holy See if the Holy See attempts to take steps towards peace; and why the Pope's recent Peace Note has received no reasoned reply from the British, French, and Italian Governments?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The British, French, and Italian Governments considered that no reply to the Papal Note was necessary beyond that returned by President Wilson.

Do they fully agree with President Wilson's answer?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of recent developments in Russia and the diminished power of previous authorities, a special mission will be sent to Russia with full powers to enter into relations with those to whom the Russian Constituent Assembly may give support?

I have nothing to add to the reply which was given to the hon. Member on the 22nd ultimo.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any request has been received from Russia for the release from internment of George Tchitcherine or other Russian interned subjects; and, if so, what answer, if any, has been made?

The following questions also stood on the Paper in the name of the HON. MEMBER:

5, 6, and 7. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether there has been received, through our Ambassador in Petrograd or otherwise, any communication that Mr. George Tchitcherine has been appointed Russian Ambassador to this country; if so, what action has been or will be taken in this matter; (2) whether he has official information that the Russian Government is refusing passports to British subjects; if so, what action is being taken; (3) whether Sir George Buchanan has issued a statement that he cannot reply to Notes addressed to him by a Government which his own Government has not recognised; on what date was the first Revolutionary Government of Russia recognised by the British Government; and on what date was the Kerensky Government recognized?

:I think it right to draw the attention of the House to these questions, which are typical of very many questions put down by the hon. Member for North Somerset. They cannot do otherwise than embarrass His Majesty's Government at a moment of very great anxiety and difficulty, and, with the permission of the House, I do not propose to answer them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that I intimated the nature of these questions to him beforehand, and gave him an opportunity of asking me to withdraw them?

I am not aware of that. I am aware that questions of this kind were put down on the Paper last Tuesday, and I asked the hon. Member to withdraw them. He did withdraw them, and I did not expect to see them again on the Paper on Thursday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these are quite different questions from those put down on Tuesday, and that I again gave him an opportunity of giving me some explanation?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the quantities of munitions and guns which have been sent from this country to Russia and that some of the same have passed into the hands of the enemy and been used against our troops and those of our Allies; and will he say what he proposes to do with the cargoes of munitions now loaded on board two steamers lying in an English port ready to sail?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It would not be in the public interest to answer the second part.

Would it not be more sensible to have these cargoes of munitions discharged, so that we could use them ourselves against the enemy, rather than leave them lying on board ship for weeks, wasting tonnage and space at the docks?

My hon. Friend's supplementary question is sufficient to prove the reasonableness of my answer.

How many guns and how much ammunition were sent by this country to Russia in the early stages of the War and were handed over to the enemy by the Russian authorities in the first twelve months of the War?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a memorial from the Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners of Queen's County, praying for a grant of a war bonus to help them over the present period of high cost of living; if, owing to their previous connection with the Imperial Government, no employment by local authorities will be given them since the passing of the Local Government Act, 1898; and what answer he gave to his memorialists?

I have received a considerable number of representations from Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners asking for an increase in their pensions, including one from the Queen's County. The matter has been carefully considered, but the Government do not see their way to introduce the legislation which would be required for this purpose. As the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, a large number of pensioners retire from the constabulary at their own request in order to obtain other positions. I am told that there is reason to believe that about half the pensioners have other sources of income besides their pensions; but I have no information as to whether they are able to obtain employment under local authorities in Ireland.

Is it a fact that, with the present purchasing power of money, these men are living on £25 a year?

That depends upon the other sources of livelihood such as are referred to in the answer.

:I mean those who are living on their pensions.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a quantity of high explosives has been seized by the police in transit from Scotland to Dublin; if so, has he any knowledge of previous attempts of the same kind; and whether steps are being taken to prevent a repetition of a similar offence?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The police are vigilant at all times to prevent the transport of explosives by unauthorised persons. It is not in the public interest that I should state what information they have from time to time had.

Are effective steps being taken to prevent a repetition of this incident?

My hon. and gallant Friend may judge of that by the certainty and success with which the police acted on this occasion. He must draw his own conclusion as to whether they are being vigilant or not.

Will penalties attach to the owner for carelessness in allowing explosives to go on board?

I am afraid I must not pursue that matter, which relates to a part of this subject which it is not in the public interest to discuss at present.

asked the Chief Secretary whether two lads were discovered travelling to Ireland from Glasgow with a quantity of high explosive; and will he say what report he has had as to their purpose; and were any documents discovered on them implicating other persons in their action?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The remainder of the question cannot be answered consistently with the public interest.

Is it a fact that the vessel that carried these explosives was called the "Fanny"?

I have not information as to the vessel which carried the explosives. There is no suspicion of her, as I understand.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the hon. Member for East Clare is a natural-born British subject; if not, whether he has been naturalised; and can he give the date of his certificate of naturalisation?

I am informed that the hon. Member in question stated at the time of his imprisonment after the rising in Dublin that his birthplace was New York. There is no record of his having been naturalised as a British subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Government, with a view to Seeing that in the new Franchise Bill a proviso shall be inserted calling on all candidates to satisfy the returning officer on this point before they can put up for election?

Can this Gentleman be, in fact, a Member of Parliament?

This is a question which has arisen in the past from time to time. My recollection of it is that it is open to any elector in a constituency, at the time of the candidature of a candidate who is suspected of not being eligible to sit in this House, to announce that fact, and thereby to invalidate the election, if there should be an election of an unqualified candidate. It is also open to any elector or any person concerned, after the election of an unqualified candidate, to proceed, within the time limited by the Acts of Parliament relating to the matter, to challenge the election. What course arises beyond that I am not sure. I dare say that the qualification of a Member, or an alleged Member, of this House has been raised in this House within the knowledge of hon. Members who take an interest in these matters. It is conceivable that that question might arise if the hon. Member appeared here to take his seat.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the danger of pressing these questions too far, and that it might cause us to lose the unparalleled services of Lord Milner?

Why is this question pressed against the hon. Member for East Clare, and not pressed against Lord Milner, who is not a British-born subject?

I believe the last two questions are founded on a total misapprehension. As far as my knowledge goes from the sources of information open to us, Lord Milner was absolutely qualified to sit in this House. With regard to pressing these questions too far, I have not any choice as to the subjects on which I shall be questioned. My business here, as a Minister, if the questions asked me do not conflict with obvious public interests, is to give the best information I can in answer to them.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, have been taken to secure a supply of coal for the Irish people; and if he is aware that the poor have to pay 3s. 2d. per bag for coal in Dublin, and even at that price find difficulty in obtaining supplies?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am not aware of any difficulty in regard to the supply of coal to Ireland, but I shall be glad if the hon. Member will forward to the Controller of Coal Mines any complaints which he has received. A communication will shortly be addressed by the Controller of Coal Mines to local authorities in Ireland with regard to the limitation of retail coal prices.

Does the hon. Gentleman know that coal is now almost the sole fuel of a great number of people in Ireland and, if there is a real shortage, that it would be very disastrous in the coming winter?

Perhaps either the hon. Gentleman or his hon. Friend (Mr. Byrne) will address a communication to the Coal Controller.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the Air Minister is taking over the Metropolitan Water Board offices at the Savoy Hotel; if he is aware that one part of the hotel is not occupied by the Metropolitan Water Board; if he will consider the advisability of taking over the Hotel Ritz stead of removing the Metropolitan Water Board from the present offices; and if he will take action in the matter?

The answer to the first two questions is in the affirmative. As it is absolutely essential that the branch of the Air Board for which this accommodation is required shall be in close proximity to the headquarters of the board, I can see no useful purpose in considering the commandeering of the Ritz Hotel.

Can the right hon. Gentleman promise any finality to this absorption of hotels?

No.

How many of them are not being used?

I do not know of any which are not being used.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that there is live-stock traffic congestion in the port of Dublin; that the lairs and pens have been filled at the North Wall with cattle, sheep, and pigs for the last fourteen days, and that these animals are insufficiently provided with fodder and have considerably depreciated in value; and if he can say what action is being taken to get rid of this congestion?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second and third parts, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for the College Green Division yesterday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the result of this congestion is that small farmers must sell their cattle at a loss?

No. It is as much in the interest of this country as it is of the small farmers that every facility should be given for the transit of cattle from Ireland to this country, and that communications should be kept as free as possible, but I need not enlarge on the difficulty of the matter.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether hè will give the particulars of the expenditure on food production in Ireland corresponding to those given recently by the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries regarding the similar expenditure in England and Wales?

Up to the 31st October last the total gross expenditure from the Vote of Credit at the disposal of the Department of Agriculture for food production schemes was £162,335, the greater part of which was to cover the issue of loans and the purchase and resale of agricultural requisites for the additional area brought under cultivation. A sum of over £19,000 has been recovered, and it is estimated that a further sum of £86,000 is recoverable

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that a number of shops which sold sugar in 1915 were destroyed during the rising in Ireland; will he say whether the allowance of sugar based on the 1915 orders are being supplied to the owners of these premises; if he is aware that one large concern in Great Brunswick Street, Dublin, which sold tons of sugar in 1915, has not been reopened; if he is aware that this is a densely populated working-class district, and that the residents find it impossible to obtain their supply of sugar; if he will take steps to find out where the supply of that establishment is going; and if he will see that it is divided amongst the local shopkeepers of the district at fixed prices?

I am causing inquiries to be made, and will take any action that may be thought desirable. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that the present system of sugar distribution will expire in three weeks' time.

asked what provision is made for the transfer of customers from one shopkeeper to another in regard to the supply of sugar in case the shopkeeper acts in an unfair or unsatisfactory way?

The Order about to be issued will contain provisions whereby a local food committee will be empowered to consent to such a transfer whenever, in their opinion, the circumstances justify this course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if arrangements have yet been made to secure the £6 guarantee per ton to farmers who have less than 4 tons of potatoes for sale?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food Whether the expediency of allowing persons who have less than 4 tons of potatoes to sell to pool their supplies with a view of securing the benefit of the Government guarantee of £6 a ton for potato growers has yet been considered; and whether, in coming to a decision on this question, the Food Controller will also take into consideration the effect on the product of next year's crop of the denial of the benefit to the small cultivators?

I can add nothing to the answer given last Monday to the hon. Member for Ossory.

How is it that this guarantee is given to big farmers who do not want it and kept from the small farmers who do want it, and will the hon. Gentleman not reverse the Order and give it to the small farmers?

I have repeatedly explained that the guarantee was given to those who were able to greatly increase their tillage so as to largely increase the output of potatoes. When the limitation was announced no objection was taken, and it cannot now be extended to the small grower.

Why did not the Ministry of Food allow the small farmers to obtain their potatoes and in that way do good work for the people who want it most?

I announced that that can be done where the pool is consistent with sale to one individual.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the decision he has announced to-day will kill the increased tillage scheme in Ireland? I hope it will.

There are no signs of it.

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to put into an amended form of Order the concession to which he has just referred?

If it is necessary to take that course I will see to it.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of receiving a deputation to put the case before him?

I have not the slightest objection to hearing any further evidence there may be.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state the names and addresses of the wholesale dealers in potatoes in Ireland who are acting as their agents under the Potatoes Order (No. 2), 1917; and whether any special remuneration is attached to these agencies?

The question of employing agents of the Ministry under the Potatoes Order (No. 2), 1917, is still under consideration. The second part of the question, therefore, does not at present arise.

When may we expect to have these names and addresses?

I think very shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain importers and dealers are holding up supplies of margarine and pigs for the purpose of forcing a revision of maximum prices; whether the price regulations are being evaded in certain cases by private arrangements and sales; and, if so, whether steps will be taken, by requisitioning or otherwise, to deal with this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. There have been a number of cases of shortage in certain districts, due in part to difficulties of railway transport; but a scheme for the equitable distribution of margarine is now being prepared which will, it is hoped, minimise existing difficulties, so far as available supplies will permit. The Food Controller will not hesitate to use his powers, where necessary, in dealing with any attempts to evade the prices fixed by him or unduly to accumulate stocks. I must again repeat that it would be more helpful if, instead of making vague allegations, hon. Members would furnish me with definite particulars which could be made the subject of investigation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that under the Pigs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1917, live pigs may not be bought or sold at a price exceeding the rate of 18s. per score (20 lbs.) of the live weight, and that, in consequence, auctioneers and dealers in many markets decline to take the responsibility of selling pigs without knowing their weight, and that in many markets no weighing facilities exist; if he is aware that the number of pigs sold in the Nottingham cattle market on Wednesday, 28th November, was 14, that on the precious Wednesday the number was 120, and that the average number for the past year is 150; if he is aware that the Pigs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1917, applies to all pigs except those bought and sold specifically for breeding purposes but including store and sucking pigs, and if he will explain why it is directed in Clause 1 ( b ) of the Order that the weight of such pigs is to be ascertained at the place of slaughter; if he is aware that buyers from London and elsewhere attend the Nottingham cattle market every week and buy animals at very high prices, and that in consequence local butchers are unable to buy animals at a price which will enable them to sell meat at a profit whilst adhering to the scale of maximum meat prices prescribed by the local food control committee; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The Pigs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1917, requires that where pigs are sold alive the price shall not exceed 18s. per score (20 lbs.) live weight. The deficiency of weighing facilities was the reason why the Order did not make the weighing of pigs on sale obligatory, but directed that this weight should be ascertained at any time after sale by a person authorised by the Food Controller or a food committee, or, if not so ascertained, at the place or slaughter. As regards the diminution in the number of pigs on sale in various markets, this is accounted for by the fact that the fixing of a maximum live weight for pigs has increased private sales, since there is not so much inducement now to owners to pay selling commission and market charges. As regards the weight of pigs not intended for slaughter, this can be taken under Clause 1 ( b ) by a person authorised by the Food Controller or a food committee at the place of sale or elsewhere. I am aware that present prices of live cattle do in some cases exceed the corresponding maximum dead meat prices, and steps are being taken to remedy this state of affairs.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this Order, taken in conjunction with the Order for the sale of ham and bacon, is threatening to produce a famine or scarcity of pork, ham, and bacom in the country?

We have heard complaints of the effect of issuing the Order, and these are being investigated.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this Order is very discouraging to certain classes of traders and sellers, and will be make inquiries on this point?

In view of conditions over which we have no control, I aril afraid we, have to encounter greater things than discouragement.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men who are buying these pigs at 18s. a score are able to weigh them to within a pound of the exact weight as shown by the scales?

You cannot have effective control of the food supply without taking adequate measures.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that these buyers are giving large private presents and going far beyond the prices?

We have heard that such bonuses are given.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that traders in many pants of the country are beginning to protest against the rapid succession of intricate and often contradictory food Orders, which they find difficult to read and understand; whether steps are being taken to simplify these regulations, so that traders and customers may really know what is expected of them; and whether anything is being done to coordinate these many Orders into something like a definite policy?

As far as Orders relating to prices are concerned, the policy of the Food Controller is definite; it consists in limiting the number of intermediaries and prohibiting excessive profits. The intricacy of certain Orders is due in part to the desire to make the Orders fit into the normal practice of the trades to which they respectively relate, and in part to the necessity for preventing evasion and colourable practices. I know no ground for the suggestion that any Orders are contradictory. A Press notice is issued with every Order for the purpose of explaining its general effect, and explanatory leaflets and memoranda are issued to the trade whenever this appears necessary. These Orders have, moreover, effected an appreciable reduction in the price of food.

How is it that the Food Controller has made the maximum price of milk in Ireland 2s. 8d. per gallon, or 8d. per quart, and at the same time the Vice-President of the Board of Agriculture (Ireland) states that they can produce milk at 1s. 4d. per gallon? How does the hon. Gentleman expect that these contradictory Orders between the Food Controller and the Irish Board of Agriculture are to serve the interests of the people of Ireland?

That subject is not precisely covered in the terms of the question or the reply; but the question of the price of Irish milk has been largely decided by the committee in Ireland. If there is any other point which my hon. Friend wishes to raise I shall be very glad to hear from him.

Is it not worth the consideration of the hon. Gentleman's Department?

In framing these Orders would it not be possible to employ language a little more understandable by ordinary people?

I am not responsible for all the items of the English language in these documents, but I do my best.

Why are not inquiries made before an Order is issued? Why when an Order is issued and is in effect for a week is it suspended for further inquiries to be made, as was done in the Oatmeal Production Order?

We are in regular consultation with the authorities and Food Control Committee in Ireland on this subject.

Why should an Order be put in operation for a week and then suspended for inquiry instead of inquiries being made before the Order is issued?

:I think consultation takes place before the Order is issued.

If that is so, why is the Order suspended for further inquiry after it has been put into operation?

Could not the composition of these Orders be submitted to the secretariat in Downing Street?

Is it not a fact that the question of the price of milk in Ireland was referred to two men, one a second class clerk in the Land Commission, neither of whom know anything about milk or agriculture or anything else?

The Irish Committee has considerable, almost unlimited, authority in regard to the price of milk in Ireland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the increasing scarcity of milk and that in a number of towns many families, including invalids and children, are finding it practically impossible to obtain supplies of fresh milk; whether he knows that various milk dealers' associations are trying to take advantage of this shortage for the purpose of increasing prices and profits and that the absence of any uniform policy creates hardship as between one town and another; and will he say what steps are being taken by his Department to enforce fair distribution of available supplies, especially to invalids and children, and whether it is proposed to establish municipal milk depots?

The Food Controller is aware of the increasing scarcity of milk, but has no information that in any town invalids and children are finding it impossible to obtain milk. The fixing of wholesale and retail maximum prices is intended to prevent dealers from taking advantage of this shortage, and, so far as the Food Controller is aware, this is proving effective. He will be very glad to investigate any cases known to the hon. Member where milk dealers' associations are taking advantage of the situation to increase prices and profits. The policy defined by the Milk Order is uniform for the whole country, but it is desirable that food control committees should have power to fix prices below the maximum when local circumstances permit; neighbouring local food control committees are, however, urged to fix such retail prices so far as possible in consultation. Food control committees are authorised ( a ) to give priority in milk supplies to any customer or class of customer in their areas; ( b ) to buy and sell milk themselves; ( c ) to make their own arrangements for distribution. A circular is being issued to food control committees drawing their attention to their existing powers with regard to giving priority in milk supplies to children and invalids.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Department has issued a circular to clubs making an appeal to drink light wine and to refrain from drinking beer in order that there may be more beer for the working classes; whether he is aware that light wines, and especially Colonial wines, have increased in price; and whether, in order to get his appeal carried out, he can do anything to get the prices reduced by giving orders to release more wines from bond?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. Steps have already been taken to release more wines from bond, and it is hoped that this action will have the effect of reducing the price of light wine to the consumer.

Are any additional spirits being released now from bond?

I have no information of such release.

Is there any difficulty in getting light wines from France? Is there a shortage of light wines in France for export? I presume there is tonnage available to bring it.

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps have been taken to prevent the luxurious display of food in shop windows at this season of the year when a special effort is made to attract custom by this means; and whether he proposes to issue an Order dealing with the subject?

The Director of Food Economy has, in his public speeches and in communications to the trades concerned, laid stress upon the urgent necessity of avoiding all luxurious display of food in shop windows. It is proposed, if necessary, to issue an Order dealing with the subject.

Has it not been found that very little response has been made to the appeal that has been made, and is it not desirable now to take action in the matter?

The cases referred to are not very numerous, but, as my reply states, action will be taken by further Order.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to complaints by members of the fish trade in Glasgow of the fact that fish consigned to that market from Aberdeen are sold in the former place by the box, and carriage is paid on such by weight; but that when opened a large part of the contents is ice, varying in quantity according to the consigner's whim; and if he will see that, in order to remedy this, the actual weight of fish in each box is inscribed on the outside?

My attention has not been called to any such complaints, but if my hon. and learned Friend will send me particulars I will cause inquiry to be made.

Is my hon. Friend aware that these particluars are in the Paper, and will he make score inquiry?

I will make inquiry so far as is possible, but if my hon. Friend has any particulars in his possession and will send them to me, it will make the inquiry easier

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Board of Agriculture of Scotland certified that the twenty-two men of military age and of military fitness, employed as gardeners by the members of the Dumfries and Galloway Appeal Tribunal, are indispensable for the work of raising food for the people?

:I have made inquiry, and find that the suggestion in my hon. and learned Friend's question, that there are twenty-two men of military age and fitness employed by members of the Appeal Tribunal as gardeners is without foundation. Only one such man is employed as a gardener. He is in category C 1, and holds his exemption not from the Appeal Tribunal but from the local tribunal. In only one case have the Appeal Tribunal granted exemption to an employé of a member of the tribunal, and he is not a gardener. The exemption in that case is temporary, namely, till the 3rd of January.

Did the Board of Agriculture for Scotland certify that the great majority were necessary for the production of food?

My hon. Friend must not be too critical in this matter. My informa- tion is that his own male employé of military age received exemption on exactly the same ground as these men.

Is it a fact that the Ministry of National Service has certified that twenty of these twenty-two men are of military age? Has the Secretary for Scotland ever heard of the Ministry of National Service?

Yes, but I do not answer for the Minister, and that question should be addressed to him.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he can now state the conditions under which Army officers at present doing recruiting work will be invited to relinquish their commissions and engage in work in his Department; will the total salaries that they will receive while they are so employed be in every case equal to what they received in pay, gratuity, allowances, and reduced railway fare; and will due notice be given them of any other conditions under which they will be asked to transfer to the Ministry of National Service?

Officers on the recruiting staff who are lent to the Ministry of National Service will not relinquish their commissions, but will be transferred in the following categories while employed by the Ministry of National Service:—

Salaries have been arranged by the Ministry commensurate with the position occupied by officers; but where such salary would not adequately compensate officers for the loss of the military privileges named, it is proposed that they should receive, in all cases, allowance to bring their aggregate incomes up to a level which is fair in the circumstances.

Will they continue to wear uniform as officers or revert to civilian attire?

A number of them are in uniform, but in accordance with the pledge given to Parliament the whole of the control of recruiting will be entirely civilian.

Are any of those officers conscientious objectors like the hon. Gentleman who put this question?

May I ask will the seconded officers continue to be employed?

They are being employed.

Will they be eligible for promotion?

I should like notice of that question. With regard to the question of the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Tennant) many of them are being actually employed now.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the cargoes of certain ships containing butter and tea which arrived at an eastern port were not landed there but sent to another destination and were torpedoed on the way; and whether he can give the House some assurance that every practical step will be taken to avoid such casualties?

I have been asked to answer this question. It is quite untrue that any ship was lost in the circumstances referred to. I am glad to be able to add that no ship containing food has been lost on the East Coast for a considerable time past under any circumstances whatever. It is possible to give the assurance asked for in the last part of the question in the most positive terms. So well are food ships protected that the percentage of wheat bound for British ports lost in the months of September and October was: all such cargoes and not to food alone. I venture to hope that in view of the publication which has been given to exceptional cases of loss there may be equally wide circulation of these facts.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the result of his efforts to bring representatives of the insurance companies and the insurance agents together to discuss the recommendations of the Industrial Unrest Committee; if any proposal for increased wages has been made; and, if so, with what result?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has made representations to the assurance companies concerned with regard to the claim by assurance agents for a war bonus; and whether he can yet state the result?

My right hon. Friend is still in communication with the representative of the insurance companies and agents in regard to this matter, and a proposal is at present under the consideration of both parties.

Will the hon. Gentleman deal generously with these men, as the working of the Act really depends upon them?

I do not think that it is in my right hon. Friend's power to deal entirely with this matter, which would require fresh legislation.

Are we to understand that any arrangement come to will apply to the whole United Kingdom—to Ireland as well as England?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement as to the position of apprentices in engineering and electrical firms; how the awards of the Committee of Production apply to them; if he is aware that cases have been brought to the notice of the Member for the Harbour Division where apprentices employed by firms holding Government contracts have received no bonus or the award of the Committee of Production; and if he will state whether it was intended to make any distinction between boys and apprentices?

As regards the general position of apprentices in engineering and electrical firms, I would suggest that the hon. Member might apply to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions. The general awards of the Committee on Production for the engineering and foundry trades affect directly only establishments belonging to the Engineering Employers' Federation. Under these awards the advances given to boys and apprentices under eighteen years of age have been—

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has yet been arrived at concerning the payment of pensions to the dependants of men shot for cowardice?

I cannot at present add anything to the reply given by the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member on the 26th November.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that no answer was given, and therefore his present answer is stupid?

My ears have caught a word which is not generally admitted here. I did not hear the whole of the hon. Member's question, but the hon. Member should use more Parliamentary language.

I withdraw the word "stupid." I have been raising this matter for nearly nine months, and no answer has been given me previously. I will substitute the word "unsatisfactory."

An answer was given. It was that the matter was under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Southwark Pensions Committee refused to a man of seventy an old age pension, on the ground that having an income of 15s. per week in respect of an allowance from his son in the Army he was debarred from an old age pension; and whether, seeing that in this and similar cases there can be no doubt that the father would have been able to obtain an old age pension had his son not been serving, the Government will arrange that the receipt of a dependant's allowance of whatever amount shall not be a bar to an old age pension?

I am having enquiry made into the particular case referred to by the hon. Member. On the general question of the calculation of the means of claimants to old age pensions who are in receipt of separation allowances, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Bradford West on the 8th August, 1916.

Are we to understand that there will be further information with regard to the earlier part of the answer?

Yes, Sir.

asked whether, considering that men in the Army who have completed twenty-two years' service for pension may, if they so elect, have their pensions then assessed and paid to them in addition to their pay, with effect from the outbreak of war, a similar concession will be given to officers who have also completed their full service for pension and are detained in the Service on account of the War?

No, Sir; the power of retaining officers, as now exercised, has always existed. With men, the case was different.

asked the Prime Minister if, in the interests of national economy and to save unnecessary manufacture, he can see his way to appoint a Committee empowered to deal with all cargoes which have been condemned as prizes of war, so that any parts or quantity necessary may be distributed among the Departments of the Government requiring such or similar goods and the sales by the Admiralty Marshal be limited to surpluses not so required?

I have been asked to answer this question. My hon. Friend's suggestion respecting the disposal of cargoes is already followed. Departments have the first refusal of all goods in which they are interested. I ought to add that, of course, the Department securing the goods pays the value thereof as determined by the Admiralty Marshal.

Is there a definite arrangement by which these goods are submitted to the Departments, so that they may have the opportunity in every case of seeing whether the goods include anything which they require?

That is always done in the first instance.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the enemy propaganda throughout Italy that England has been responsible for the scarcity of coal and food and the prices of the same in Italy; what steps, if any, have been taken to counteract these lies; and who or what Department in this country is responsible for our propaganda in Italy?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkdale, Liverpool, on the 22nd of November last, in which I stated that the Department of Information will be glad to give hon. Members privately information as to what is being done.

Has the Government at long last become awakened to the extraordinary importance of contradicting the enemy propaganda in this matter?

I do not know about the "at long last," but they are awake to its importance.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no effort was made to counteract these lies in Italy until attention was called to the matter in this House?

I am not aware of that.

But it is so.

asked the Prime Minister if, in the treaty made between Italy of the one part and Great Britain, France, and Russia of the other, the treaty antecedent and leading up to the entrance of the first-named Power into the War on the side of the Allies, the Powers named secondly agreed to a Clause, numbered 15, in which they, France, Great Britain, and Russia, took it on themselves to support Italy in her not allowing representatives of the Holy See to take any diplomatic steps for the conclusion of peace or in regard to matters pertaining to the present War; if such a Clause were agreed to, does the present Government adhere to it; if not, what steps it intends to take by way of modification or repudiation of it; and, in such an event, what amende it proposes to make to the Holy See and to those citizens of the Empire, and particularly those who are serving with the Colours, whose spiritual interests the Holy See represents?

The question seems based on a misapprehension. The Clause referred to does not affect the spiritual interests of the Holy See nor limit its liberty of action in endeavouring to bring hostilities to a close. The object of the provision is, as I understand it, to secure that the terms of peace shall be settled by the belligerents.

Is there such a Clause in the agreement, apart altogether from the question of spiritual interest? Other interests are involved as well as spiritual interests. If there is such a Clause affecting a matter of importance to large sections of the community in these countries it is a subject on which we are entitled to some detailed information.

I think that it follows from my answer that there is such a Clause. On behalf of my right hon. Friend I have explained the meaning of the Clause.

As so much has been said about it, will the actual text of the Treaty be now published?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of his replies, why, in replying to a somewhat similar question by me as to whether such an agreement existed, he suggested that it did not exist?

The hon. Member asked about an agreement as to the existence of which he was entirely wrong. That agreement did not exist.

Is the British envoy at the Vatican still?

Yes.

Will the Noble Lord answer the second part of my question, that, if there is such a Clause in the agreement, do the Government adhere to it or not, and, if they do not, what steps is it intended to take by way of modification or repudiation of it? This is an important subject on which the country is entitled to information.

The hon. Member had better put that question down.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the business that he intends to take before Christmas; on what day he hopes to move the Adjournment of the House; and when it will reassemble?

I hope to be able to make an announcement on this subject next week.

asked whether the increased pay allowed to the men in the Navy and Army will be paid to the men before the Christmas holidays; and the probable date when these payments will be made?

The Orders and Warrant promulgating the new rates of pay have been issued, and, although the exact dates of payment must depend upon the circumstances if particular cases, I quite expect that payment will be made to the men before Christmas, except in the more distant theatres of war.

What is to prevent the paymasters paying each week the increased money that is due to these men and has been due to them from 29th September?

There is nothing whatever to prevent this being done.

Then why do not they do it?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the recent inter-Allied Conference, especially in regard to the co-ordination of naval operations?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for North Somerset, to which I have nothing to add.

Will the naval secretariat be on the same footing as the military secretariat, in permanent session?

I have already said that I can add nothing to the answer which. I gave yesterday.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the release of many Austro-German divisions from the Russian front, what steps the Government propose to take to increase the man-power at the front?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Will the matter be dealt with immediately, without any delay whatever?

My hon. and gallant Friend can surely take it for granted that this, which is one of the most important subjects in connection with the War, is not being overlooked.

asked the Prime Minister (1) what steps, if any, in accordance with the authorised announcement in June last that the enemies of the Sovereign and the people of Great Britain in possession of any dignities, titles, and social precedence in these countries should be deprived of such honours, have been taken in this direction; what are the dates of such proceedings and the names of the persons affected thereby; (2) whether any and, if so, what steps have been taken under the provisions of the Titles Deprivation Act, which received the Royal Assent on 8th November, for the deprivation of their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of Albany and Cumberland, now in arms against the Sovereign and the people of the British Empire, of the three peerages apiece and of the hereditary seats in the House of Lords held by these traitorous persons?

A Committee or the Privy Council has been appointed under the first Section of the Act, and steps are being taken to prepare for its consideration all the material available.

If there are to be proceedings, why does not the Government urge that they should be taken?

We have to carry out the Act, and I have explained that this is being done.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the German Government have ordered that all balances standing to the credit of English firms in banks in Germany shall be invested in the German War Loan and that the German banks are now claiming that in view of this action by their Government they have no longer any liability for the payment of such balances to their English creditors; and whether, under these circumstances, the Government will now authorise the balances thus illegally dealt with to be paid to the English creditor out of the surplus assets of the German banks in this country?

I have no exact information as to the attitude adopted by banks in Germany with regard to their liabilities to British creditors, but it is understood that the German Government has ordered payment into the Reichsbank of debts due to British subjects. As regards the last part of the question I do not think it would be possible to attempt to deal with particular claims of British subjects apart from the general question of the treatment of British claims against enemy subjects as a whole. This question is receiving exhaustive consideration by a Committee appointed for the purpose.

If the German Government take the money of British individuals, why should we not take the money of German individuals and compensate people here?

We do take the money, but it must be obvious to my hon. Friend that if we were to compensate persons out of these estates we might be robbing other people who have an equal claim.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, unlike the representatives of foreign Governments, the representatives of Dominion Governments resident in this country are called upon to pay British Income Tax on their official emoluments; and, if so, if he proposes to take any action in the matter?

It is a fact that representatives of Dominion Governments receive less favourable treatment than the representatives of foreign Powers. I have, however, arranged that, as a provisional measure, pending the general inquiry into the Income Tax laws which is to be held after the War, the Income Tax chargeable upon the salary of a High Commissioner or Agent-General, and any member of his personal staff whom he may certify to be normally resident in the Dominions and to be resident in the United Kingdom solely by reason of his official duties, shall be defrayed from the Civil Contingencies Fund and included in the estimate for repayments to that fund. This arrangement will also apply to any salaried agent appointed by the Government of a British Dominion, State, or Province with regard to whom a similar certificate can be furnished.

In view of the possibility that the War may continue for another year, may I ask whether the Conference will be called early next year, in order to get rid of this grievance.

What Conference?