asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that ex-King Constantine has been proved to have been an active enemy of the Allied Powers, that he used his Royal position to cover acts of espionage and other forms of German agency, and in consideration also of the fact that the design to restore him to the throne of Greece is being advanced, he will advise the Greek Government not to accord as pension to ex-King Constantine any sums of money which come ultimately from this country?

Any pension which the Greek Government may see fit to accord to the ex-King Constantine will be drawn from Greek revenues, and I am not prepared to address any representations to the Greek Government on a matter which is evidently within their province.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the French Government have already done what is asked for in this question, and have refused to contribute to the pension of ex-King Constantine?

No, Sir; I am not aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to the statements made in June, 1915, by the present Minister of Munitions, as published in Holland in July, 1915, and confirmed in this House on 15th July, 1915, by the Prime Minister, and to the renewed discussion in Holland concerning possible intentions of the Allies as to the future of rights over the Scheldt navigation and Dutch territory, he will now say that the statements made by the Minister of Munitions in 1915 still express the opinion of the Government, and that the Allies have maintained their intention not to infringe either during or after the War the territorial integrity, the river rights, or the colonial possessions of the Netherlands?

There is not now, and never has been, any intention to interfere in any way with the independence or integrity of Holland or her possessions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Archbishop Söderblom, with the Bishops of Christiania and Copenhagen, issued an invitation to their fellow Christians of the belligerent countries to send representatives to a gathering at Upsala on 14th December; whether he was approached by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, to whom the invitation was sent, in this matter; whether inquiries were made as to passports to attend this gathering; and, if so, what answer was given?

Yes, Sir; I was informed of the Archbishop of Upsala's invitation by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who, with my entire concurrence, returned a reply to Archbishop Söderblom regretting his inability to accept the invitation. The question of giving passports to any British subject who may wish to attend the gathering was also considered, and as it was evident that the conference would not confine itself solely to religious questions, it was decided that passports should be refused.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what the attitude of the present Administration is towards Clause 15 in the treaty with Italy, the treaty in consequence of which the Power named entered the War on the side of Great Britain and the Allied Powers; and whether the Government now in office considers it wise and expedient to continue the policy involved in the Clause referred to, a policy which is a standing insult to the Holy See and to all those citizens of the Empire whose most important interests the Holy See represents, and which policy at the same time renders practically inoperative the activities of the greatest influence in the world for the purpose of effecting a just and enduring peace?

I have already endeavoured to explain to the hon. Member that he really has misconceived the whole purport of the Clause in question, and that to speak of it as an insult to the Holy See is a complete travesty of its intention. As to the Government's attitude towards the Clause, it is enough to say that it forms part of a treaty still in force.

Would not the simplest and clearest answer be to publish this Clause textually, so that we may know for ourselves?

Where is the misapprehension on my part, because the right hon. Gentleman has not pointed out where it lies?

In thinking that there was intended or was in fact any insult to the Holy See.

If you take the Clause as it stands, it prevents the Holy See from taking any diplomatic steps for peace or otherwise—that is as it is reported in the newspapers.

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the reply given the other day, he will see that that is an inaccurate statement.

I have read the reply, and I ask is there not something absolutely inconsistent in having an accredited representative to the Holy See and in maintaining this Clause?

No, Sir; no more than in having an accredited representative to any neutral Court.

Would the Noble Lord answer my question as to whether he would consider the publication of the text of this Clause?

I think that was answered the other day.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now prepared to lay upon the Table of the House a copy of the undertaking given by the Norwegian Government on behalf of the Norwegian purchasers of the assets of the Kellner-Partington Wood Pulp Company not to sell the products of this company to enemy purchasers; and whether any similar undertaking has been obtained from the Swedish Government as regards the products of this company produced in Sweden?

I am unable to give a full reply to this question until I have received further particulars from Norway, for which I have telegraphed; but I would point out that the undertaking of the Norwegian Government is to the effect that shares in the new company to be formed will be assigned only to Norwegian subjects. The undertakings regarding the disposal of the products of the factories in Norway and Sweden have been given by the purchasers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he has fully considered all the facts connected with the sale of the assets of the Kellner-Partington Wood Pulp Company to Norwegian purchasers, and the nature of the products of this company and their suitability for manufacture into munitions of war; and whether he has arrived at a decision as to whether such sale is desirable in the interests of this country, and when such decision was arrived at; and (2) whether he is satisfied that it is desirable in the interests of this country that the sale of the assets of the Kellner-Partington Wood Pulp Company to Norwegian purchasers should be carried out; and that there is no reasonable possibility that the products of this company, which are suitable for manufacture into munitions of war, will reach Germany?

The Board of Trade have been advised that the question of supporting the rate of exchange with Scandinavia is of the very greatest importance to this country, and I understand assurances have been received from the Norwegian Government that only Norwegian shareholders shall hold shares in the new company. Satisfactory assurances have also been received from the purchasers regarding the disposal of the products. In view of these facts, the Board of Trade have, after the most careful consideration, come to the conclusion that the sale is desirable in the national interest.

In view of the great importance of this matter, will the facts be brought to the personal notice of the President of the Board of Trade?

I believe they have been brought to his notice.

May I ask are the President and his advisers satisfied with the assurances given that the products of this company, which are capable of being made into munitions, will not pass into German hands?

I believe they are satisfied that the sale is in the public interest.

Is it not the case that these properties are situated in foreign countries, and that those foreign countries could requisition the products if they so desired?

I believe that is so.

Has the hon. Gentleman yet discovered the source of the inspiration of the hon. Member for York?

May I, as a personal explanation——

That would come at the end of questions.

asked the Chief Secretary what proportion of the total expenditure on munitions and aeroplanes and all the subsidiary works is disbursed at present in Ireland; and whether he contemplates any change in the system?

The Irish Office has no information on this subject.

Is it possible to obtain this information, because it is one of considerable importance to Ireland?

I think the question is one which should be addressed to the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulties of procuring lamp oil; and whether he can offer the prospect of a certain amount of carbide of calcium being released for purposes of illumination?

I have been asked to answer this question. Owing to the shortage in supply, it has been necessary to limit the use of calcium carbide almost entirely to industrial purposes connected with the manufacture of munitions of war and with shipbuilding. I am afraid I can hold out no hope of the release of any of this material in the immediate future for ordinary purposes of illumination.

Can the hon. Gentleman state whether the supply of calcium of carbide is being increased?

Every possible source of supply is being extended as far as possible.

Are you manufacturing calcium of carbide to any extent in this country?

Yes; in quite considerable quantities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he now proposes to extend the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act of 1914 to all policies of assurance, both ordinary and industrial, no matter what their duration; is he aware that no policies are now protected which have not been in force upwards of five years and four months, i.e ., those issued prior to 4th August, 1912, and in that case only policies of £25 face value and under, the premiums on which had not been paid at longer than monthly periods; and, in view of the fact that numbers of the men now being called up and those who will be called up shortly have taken out policies since that date, whether he will consider the desirability of arranging that no policy should be allowed to lapse without the sanction of the authorities?

Provision has been made by which the Civil Liabilities Commissioners entertain applications for assistance in meeting certain financial obligations, including insurance premiums, in cases of hardship arising from military service, and, as at present advised, I do not propose to introduce legislation to extend the provisions of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act in the manner suggest by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, as representing the Coal Controller, if he can make a statement as to the results of the Commission recently appointed to consider the difficulties experienced by the short time being worked at the pits in Durham; what remedies are proposed, and when the same will be in operation?

The Report of the Commission of Inquiry has not yet been received.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the French authorities are now about to consider the issue of petrol cards and the use of private motor cars in France; and whether there is a large supply of petrol in France?

I understand that the distribution of petrol in France is under strict control, and that supplies are only issued to owners of private motor vehicles when other requirements have been met. I regret that I cannot give the hon. Member any information as to stocks in France.

Is it not the case that there has been great waste in France in our own Army, and also that there has been freedom in the use of petrol there during the eighteen months during which it has been controlled in this country?

The hon. Member's question relates to a matter of administration by another country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether sweets and confectionery, either for military, naval, or civil consumption, are being imported from the United States or elsewhere into this country or France by British steamers; and if he can state the quantities per month which have so been imported during the past three months, respectively?

I understand that no special provision is made by the Ministry of Shipping for the carriage of goods of this kind by British ships. A certain amount of confectionery has been imported, but I cannot say what quantity, if any, has been brought in British ships.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of granting free railway passes to genuine allotment holders whose land is situated at a considerable distance from the big towns and who have found it impossible to obtain land within or near their urban areas?

This matter has been carefully considered, but I am afraid that it would not be practicable to grant the concession suggested.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the cargoes of teas just arrived in this country are included in the statistics of the total quantities in bond furnished by the Board of Trade; and, if so, can he say the names of the ships the cargoes of which are not yet discharged which were included in the figures of the 30th November, and the total quantity of tea on board?

Cargoes of tea just arrived in this country in ships which have been duly reported are, as soon as warehousing entries have been received, included in the stocks of tea in bond, although the tea may not have been discharged from the ship. If tea which has arrived is not entered, it does not, of course, get into the stock account. The further information required is not available.

What is the meaning of "warehousing entries," and can my hon. Friend arrange that tea shall not be included as stock in the returns until it is weighed and ready for delivery?

I am afraid my knowledge of the tea trade will not enable me to answer that question, but I will try and ascertain.

asked the latest calculation made by the Board of Trade of the increase in the cost of living in England, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively, as compared with pre-war standards?

The calculations formerly made by the Board of Trade with regard to the increase in cost of living are now made by the Ministry of Labour. Figures for England, Scotland, and Ireland are not prepared separately, but on the average for the United Kingdom the percentage increase between July, 1914, and 1st November, 1917, in the retail prices of the principal articles of food was 106 per cent. Taking all items ordinarily entering into working-class family expenditure, the average increase was about 85 per cent. These percentages are based on statistical comparison of prices of the same quantities of each item at the two dates.

Is the Department of the hon. Gentleman satisfied that this calculation represents accurately present-day conditions?

Yes, Sir, I think so, though we are quite ready to hear any opinion that anyone may be good enough to offer to make it more accurate.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the average increase in the cost of articles of food on the 1st November, 1917, as compared with the cost at the end of July, 1914, is 106 per cent., on the assumption that various, commodities are consumed in the same proportion as before the War, and that allowing for the considerable substitution of commodities which are still plentiful for those which have become scarce the average rise in cost between those dates may be put at 90 per cent.; whether, under the circumstances, the war bonus of 8s. a week granted to inspectors, sergeants, and constables of the Metropolitan Police Force covers the additional cost of living that these officers are called upon to bear; and, if not, whether he will take immediate steps to increase such war bonus in order that these police officers, their wives and children, may not be placed in an inferior position to what they were in prewar days?

I cannot accept the hon. and gallant Member's figures with regard to the increase in the cost of food; and the bonus of Is. 6d. for each child, given to married officers, makes the average of the present bonus not less than 11s. a week. I have, however, been considering for some time the question of increasing the bonus, and I hope to announce a decision very shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these figures were given to me last week by the Minister of Food, and, under the circumstances, is he prepared to accept these figures as being the increased cost of food?

My information does not quite agree; but the point is really immaterial. I have given a great deal of personal consideration to the matter referred to—quite apart from my hon. Friend's question—and we are coming to a decision at once.

The following question appeared on the Order Paper in the name of Mr. WHITEHOUSE:

93. To ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state the weekly approximate cost, at present rates, of food necessary for a man, woman, and child, respectively, including not only the suggested rations for certain foods, but the other necessary food?

I have just received notice asking me to postpone this question. Of course I will do so, but in view of its urgency and importance, will the hon. Member state now whether he will have to correct the figures which he gave me two days ago?

Yes, I find that the figures will have to be corrected, through some mistake in some quarter. The statistics are not available to-day, but they will be on Monday.

May I ask if the mistake occurred, as stated in this morning's paper, owing to the fact that in trying to arrive at the weekly cost someone divided the monthly cost by two instead of by four, and, if so, will he see that this mathematical genius is promoted either to the head of the Department or to be Under-Secretary?

That question goes so deep down into the well of detail that I should require notice of it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the five Sub-Commissioners or Assistant Commissioners of military age and of military fitness appointed by his Department will be returned to their farms to fulfil the duties on account of which they were given exemption, and their present duties undertaken by men past military age or by discharged soldiers; and whether it is to be understood, as the sanctioned practice of the Government, that men granted exemption so that they may work at certain duties can, after exemption, be removed from that work?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Lord Rhondda considers that in view of the importance of the duties performed by these Commissioners in controlling the supply and distribution of farm produce and of their special qualifications for discharging these duties it is in the public interest that their exemptions should be continued.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Chief Live-stock Commissioner for Scotland and four of his assistants are young farmers of military age?

The answer implies that they are of military age, but in the public interest it is necessary to retain their services.

Are there no farmers over military age in Scotland to do the job?

Does not "the public interest" in this case mean "influence"?

asked why it is that, in view of the fact that the Australian Government has commandeered the butter supply in Australia for Is. 4d. a lb., Australian butter coming here, although the freight is only Id. a lb., is allowed to be mixed with other butter and sold at a great profit?

The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. The exportable output of Australian butter was offered by the producers through the Commonwealth Government to the Food Controller and purchased by him. None of this butter has yet arrived; the butter at present being distributed was acquired elsewhere. The Food Controller does not intend to make any profit on the sale of butter acquired by him; the benefit of the advantageous purchases which he has made will go to the consumer.

Is the Australian butter sold to this country at a comparatively cheap price mixed with other butter and sold at a very much higher price? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling in Australia that their patriotism is of no use if profiteers in this country are allowed to get great advantage from it?

Profiteering in butter as in other articles is impossible. The system is that of pooling the different interests in order that the consumer shall have the benefit of the Government action.

Is not the real difficulty that the consumer cannot get any butter?

Is not the difficulty with regard to this butter that it has to be blended with very high-priced butter brought from Denmark, in order to establish a common price?

I could not accept that as the explanation.

Why is it that butter bought at 1s. 4d. in Australia is sold at 2s. 6d. in this country, when the freight is only 1d.?

I am afraid that the explanation would be longer than one could bring within the compass of the terms of a reply.

Is it not the case that the Ministry have abolished not only profiteering, but also the supplies?

Supplies in this country have been diminishing for many reasons which must be familiar to my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in regard to food commodities, the price of which is controlled by his Department, it is permissible on the part of a dealer who is both a wholesaler and retailer to make a double profit on his transactions?

No, Sir. I may say that the principle adopted is, broadly speaking, as follows: Where, as is generally the case, the selling price to the consumer is fixed by reference to the price paid by the seller, a dealer who is both a wholesaler and a retailer is not allowed to make a double profit, but is restricted to the profit allowed to a retailer. Where the selling price to the consumer is not fixed by reference to cost but is fixed at a definite figure, a dealer is allowed to sell at a price not exceeding the fixed price.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Food Controller has yet been able to devise any means to obviate the practice of forming queues in connection with the purchase of food by the retail shops; and, if so, whether he is able to make a statement on the question, especially in regard to the steps that have already been taken to secure more regular and impartial distribution of food?

Several food control committees in important industrial centres are arranging to bring into force experimentally a system for the registration of customers designed to obviate the formation of queues. The Food Controller is giving every encouragement to these experiments. If, as is anticipated, the results prove satisfactory, immediate steps will be taken to secure the adoption of similar methods in industrial areas throughout the Kingdom.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is now able to make arrangements for an adequate supply of milk for the children of poor districts; and whether he proposes in the case of nursing and expectant mothers to work through the schools for mothers, baby clinics, and other similar institutions?

The matter referred to by the hon. Member is still under consideration; meanwhile I would repeat that local food control committees have been given full powers to secure priority for children in respect of milk distribution.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in arranging for the more equitable distribution of milk, he has considered the numerous cases where it is necessary to feed young infants wholly upon cow's milk; and whether he can state the approximate cost, at present rates, of the milk requisite for an infant who has to be thus fed?

Food control committees are empowered to give priority to any consumer or class of consumers in their area. The cost of the milk required for a child depends upon the age of the child and upon the sale price of milk in the particular area. The price of milk is fixed by the local food control committees, and varies at the present time from 5d. to 8d. a quart.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Smithfield Market prices for dead meat, which are the Food Controller's maximum prices, are seldom or never maintained in actual effect owing to the system by which the Smithfield salesmen become the agents of the butchers, thus enabling the salesmen to charge the cost of the animal plus the commission and carriage; whether this is an evasion of Clause 10, Part III., of his Maximum Prices Order; and, if so, whether he will take steps to put a stop to this illegality and at the same time announce the date on which he intends to fix the price of live cattle and sheep, so that the whole of the meat trade may be fairly treated?

The Food Controller is aware that in many cases Smithfield salesmen are buying meat as agents for retail butchers, with the result that increased charges fall upon the butchers. This is partly due to the fact that many butchers in London preferred to buy direct from the country rather than through a Smith field salesman, and the practice referred to was introduced to meet this competition. Whether it is an infringement of Clause 10 of the Meat (Maximum Prices) Order depends upon the circumstances of each case. It is hoped, however, that the new scheme of live-stock control and meat distribution now being prepared by the Ministry of Food will at an early date remedy this and other defects in connection with the meat supplies of London.

When shall we know exactly what the new method is to be?

At a very early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that apparently manufacturers and caterers throughout the country are sufficiently supplied with currants and other fruit, whilst the same is withheld from the general public; and whether it is the view of the Ministry of Food that the interests of economy are best served by allowing manufacturers and caterers to charge exorbitant prices for cakes and puddings than by allowing facilities for the general public to make these things for themselves?

No detailed information is available of the stocks of currants and dried fruits held by manufacturers and caterers, but it is possible that they have some supply of last year's fruits. The supplies obtained by the Ministry under the Currants and Sultanas (Requisition) Order were used to satisfy the immediate requirements of the War Office, the Navy and Army Canteen Board, and the Admiralty, and the balance was distributed among manufacturers engaged on Government contracts. A small quantity has also been allocated to Red Cross hospitals and ships' stores dealers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why persons who receive the new sugar forms must state on them their ages and of what value it is as regards women and children; if these forms when returned to the local grocers are retained by them, or if these forms have to be sent to the Food Controller; and, if so, whether all tickets of male applicants with their ages are handed over to either the National Service Department or the War Office?

The particulars of date of birth asked for under the Sugar Distribution Scheme are required for two reasons: first, in case of dispute to afford individuals a simpler and more expeditious method of proving their identity than would otherwise be possible, and, secondly, in order that the particulars of age thus given may be taken into account, in connection with any general scheme which may hereafter be established for rationing essential foods for the purpose of determining the appropriate scale of allowances in each case. The forms when returned to the local grocer will not be retained by him, but will be forwarded under cover to the proper officer. It is an offence against the Defence of the Realm Regulations for any person employed by a food control committee or any other person whose duty it is to deal with any such document to communicate without lawful authority any information obtained therefrom to any other person. These forms are not intended for use by any other Department.

Is the horn Gentleman aware that any future system of rationing of essential food must be based not upon age, but upon the character of the work of the individual?

The arduousness of the labour is certainly one of the elements, but not the only element, that must be considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food under what Section of the Defence of the Realm Act or Order in Council his Department has issued Regulations threatening a fine of £100 or six months' imprisonment to any woman who, in filling up a sugar card (second edition), fails to inform her grocer and his staff the exact day, month, and year of her birth; in what way this information, if correctly stated, will increase the supply of sugar; and, if such minute details are required in the national interest, why particulars of the place of birth and nationality of parents is omitted?

No Regulation has been issued to the effect or for the purpose indicated in the question. Under Regulation 2 F of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, the Food Controller may make Orders regulating or giving directions with respect to the distribution of any article of food. I have already explained why it is essential for the convenience of the public that accurate particulars of age should foe given.

asked whether it is now intended to reduce the price of oatmeal in Scotland, looking to the wide consumption of this article of diet among the poorer classes?

It is proposed to reduce the price of oatmeal in Scotland early next year.

Is it not possible to make an immediate reduction?

No; it is impossible to make it immediately, but a reduction will be made at the earliest possible moment.

asked what steps are being taken under the voluntary rationing scheme to give effect to the Director of Food Economy's announcement that consumers of beverages manufactured from cereals should be rationed on the basis of the amount of cereals requried to produce the quantity of drink consumed by them, which is to be regarded as forming part of their weekly bread ration?

The Director of Food Economy has made a general appeal to consumers of beverages manufactured from cereals to effect some saving in their consumption of cereals in other forms. No further steps have at present been taken.

Having regard to the actual cereal values that were given by the Ministry of Food in this House, will the hon. Gentleman see that in future appeals made to the country an attempt will be made to limit the consumption of beverages of this character to their actual cereal values and calculate them as part of the ration?

A large proportion of the population prefer to take their cereal values in one form or another.

Will it be counted as part of the ration?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if his attention has been called to a resolution passed at a meeting of the Liskeard Farmers' Union requesting that the inspectors sent to decide whether samples of dredge corn submitted to them were damaged or not should be empowered to liberate such corn as they deem unfit for human consumption for the use of stock without submitting the matter to London for decision, and thereby causing delay; will he arrange for this to be done; and is he aware that the embargo on the use of dredge corn for stock is seriously interfering with the production of pork, bacon, and milk commodities largely used by the poorer classes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I will consider if it is possible to meet the views expressed by giving greater authority to the local officers or committees. I am aware that the embargo on the use of dredge corn interferes with the production of pork and other dairy produce, but it is of still greater importance to conserve the largest possible amount of grain for direct human consumption.

Will the decision of the Government be given through the inspectors very speedily, as it is a pressing matter?

Yes. The intention is to enlarge the individual authority and power of the inspectors, in order that cases may be more speedily decided.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that his policy is seriously jeopardising the supply of pigs; that last week in a well-known market in Norfolk, where it is usual to see some 200 pigs put up for sale, only two pigs were sent to market; and, if it is not the intention of the Government to shut off this supply of food altogether, will he take immediate steps to amend the present Regulations, which are proving so detrimental to the pressing needs of the nation?

The answer to this question was printed in yesterday's OFFICIAL REPORT.

Again I have to appeal to you, Mr. Speaker. If I postpone a question within five minutes of the end of Question Time, am I not entitled to receive a verbal answer on the following day from the Minister?

If a question is postponed before a quarter to four, the answer should not be handed in.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman to answer the question verbally?

I am sorry if any error, of which I am quite unaware, has been made. With the permission of Mr. Speaker, I will give the answer.

Will you kindly give the answer?

The answer given yesterday, as appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT to-day, is as follows:

"I know of no grounds for the suggestion made in the first part of the question, and the facts referred to in the second part have not been brought to my notice previously. I am not aware of the precise Regulations to which the hon. Member refers in the third part of the question, but I may point out that in fixing maximum prices for pigs and pork regard must be had to the fact that high prices for pigs may tempt farmers to feed them with grain suitable for human consumption. Any increase in the present maximum prices would probably have that result, and would, therefore, be contrary to the national interests."

Does not the fact remain that pigs at the present moment are being driven off the market owing to the Regulations to which the hon. Gentleman himself has referred?

No, Sir. The answer I have given indicates that we have had to make a choice, and the choice made is deemed by the Department to be the best.

Is it not the policy of the Government to stimulate production, and does the driving of pigs off the market stimulate production?

The hon. Member has had his answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of Scandinavia having in stock over six months' production of unbleached sulphite pulp, he will allow a larger importation of this raw material into this country which is urgently required to satisfy the demands of paper manufacturers?

The restrictions on the importation of paper-making materials have been rendered necessary mainly by shortage of tonnage, and the President of the Board of Trade regrets that he cannot advise the issue of licences for increased quantities. Owing to the conditions of the Swedish Exchange the Paper Commission have been asked, at the request of the Treasury, to see that licences for the importation of paper-making materials shall not be used for the purpose of importing wood pulp from Sweden, and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to cancel these instructions. Where, however, vessels were chartered for the importation of Swedish pulp prior to the imposition of this special restriction, clearance of the pulp under outstanding licences has been allowed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the amount of coal supplied to the Ludlow Gas Company is so insufficient that it is not possible to supply sufficient lighting to the town and railway station; and, in view of the fact that a gas company in the neighbourhood is allowed more coal than is required, he will take steps to have sufficient coal supplied to the Ludlow Company for the necessary lighting of the town and railway station?

I understand from the Controller of Coal Mines that while there has been some difficulty in obtaining supplies of coal for these works owing to the extreme pressure of the demand for gas coal, which continues to increase, he has no information that the company have actually had to curtail the supply of gas as suggested. It has been possible to make arrangements which will permit of the accumulation of an adequate stock of coal at the works in addition to meeting their current consumption.

asked whether the Board of Trade have appointed a Mr. Hamilton Wickes as Trade Commissioner; and what are his duties and his qualifications for the same and his sarlary?

Mr. Hamilton Wickes was appointed His Majesty's Trade Commissioner in Australia in 1908, and was transferred to Canada in 1912. He is temporarily attached to the new Joint Department of the Board of Trade and the Foreign Office, where his experience is being utilised in connection with the extension of the Trade Commission Service within the Empire. Previous to his appointment as a Trade Commissioner, Mr. Wickes had been engaged for seventeen years in the produce trade. Mr. Wickes is now in reecipt of a salary at the rate of £1,000 per annum.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will appoint a Committee to inspect the site for shipbuilding at North Wall, Dublin; and if he is aware that this is the best site in Ireland and is available for shipbuilding, and that, if the Government desire it for a national shipbuilding yard, they can have possession immediately?

Assuming that the site at North Wall referred to by the hon. Member is the one occupied by the Dublin Dockyard Company, the provision of three new slips in this yard is now under consideration. If my assumption is incorrect, I trust that the hon. Member will communicate to me full details of the site he has in mind, in order that the matter may be gone into.

How many slips are intended for the building of standard ships?

They will be for the extension of merchant tonnage, whether of the precise design of the ships built in the National Shipyards or the standard ships I cannot say offhand.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea of what the cost will be?

Of these slips?

Yes.

Of course the matter is only under consideration; an estimate will be provided.

asked whether men transferred from the Army to the Navy will have the same advantages in every way extended to them as men to be transferred in future from the Army to the Air Board; and, if not, what is the difference in conditions?

I am afraid I do not quite understand the purport of the question. There is no definite provision for transfer of men from the Army to the Navy. There are Regulations under which men discharged from the Army may join the Navy or vice versâ . Conditions of joining the sister Service were fully given in my answer to my hon. Friend on 6th December. If my hon. Friend wishes to know whether the man now in the Royal Naval Air Service, or Royal Navy attached Royal Naval Air Service, on being transferred to the Air Ministry will suffer any disability in the way of loss of seniority, pay, and so on, the answer, so far as I know, is no.

What I want to get from the right hon. Gentleman is whether men transferred from the Army to the Navy, or from the Navy to the Army, will be placed in the same advantageous position as those who have been transferred to the Air Board?

Oh, no! There is no definite provision to transfer from one Service to another; but time-expired or time-discharged men from either Service may join the other Service under conditions which I gave on 6th December. In any transfer from the Royal Naval Air Service or the attached Royal Naval Air Service to the Air Ministry no disability will be imposed.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that cotts or matted wool are the terms used in England for what is called broken wool in Scotland; has his attention been called to a meeting of farmers, presided over by the hon. and gallant Member for Leominster, where the majority of the farmers bad had deductions made from their wool sold to the War Office which were reimbursed to these farmers; and will he say why English farmers are getting these deductions paid back while Scottish farmers in the same position are refused any return of their money thus deducted?

My hon. Friend is quite mistaken. A cott is a fleece which is so matted together that it can only be broken by special machinery adapted for the purpose, while broken wool consists of a fleece, which owing to disease of the sheep has become broken up into several portions. The meeting of farmers to which my hon. Friend refers has nothing to do with broken wool and was called to discuss deductions for cotts, and they expressed their satisfaction at the prompt consideration and redress of their grievance. Only one complaint in regard to broken wool has been received from Scotland, and I have informed my hon. Friend privately of the circumstances of the case and the identity of the complainant.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether intimation has yet been sent to Scraesdon informing the officials that the range wardens stationed there are to have the same war bonus as the men stationed in Plymouth and Devonport; and whether the authority has yet been given for holiday pay for last Christmas and Easter to those of the men who worked on those days and have not received days in lieu?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. With regard to the latter part, I am making inquiries, and will let him know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Primer Minister whether, in view of the repeated condemnation of the system of Dublin Castle by statesmen of high authority, he will announce to the House what steps, if any, the Government have in contemplation to replace Dublin Castle by institutions more in accord with the prevailing spirit of the Irish people?

It is impossible at present to make any statement.

Is the existence of Dublin, Castle, after all that has been said, still to continue as a scandal? Why encumber——

Order, order!

asked the Prime Minister if the Government have constituted a Sub-committee of the Reconstruction Committee to consider and report, upon the steps to be taken to secure the better co-ordination of public assistance in England and Wales; whether there are upon this Sub-committee any representatives of the Association of Poor Law Unions; whether representations have been made to the Government for the representation of this association; and what reply has been given?

asked the Minister of Reconstruction what action he proposes to take on the resolutions being passed by boards of guardians all over the country complaining that upon his Subcommittee to report on the co-ordination of public assistance in England and Wales he has not placed any person representative of the views of the Association of Poor Law Unions, a body which has 556 unions affiliated to it?

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether he has appointed or is appointing a Sub-committee of the Reconstruction Committee to consider and report upon the steps to be taken to ensure the better co-ordination of public assistance in England and Wales and other matters; and, if so, whether he proposes to appoint representatives on such Sub-committee of the Association of Poor Law Unions, which represents 556; unions and a population of over 30,000,000, or will state what reasons he has for excluding representatives of so important a body?

I have nothing to add to the statement made in reply to similar questions yesterday, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friends.

asked the Prime Minister whether any medal or decoration is to be granted to the Australian and New Zealand troops who took part in the landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula; if so, can he state the conditions under which such medal or decoration will be awarded; and whether it is proposed that a similar medal or decoration will be granted to the officers and men of other units which participated in the same operations?

This matter is now receiving sympathetic consideration.

If this matter receives favourable consideration as regards Australia and New Zealand, will the Government see that it receives sympathetic consideration as regards the Imperial troops who took part in the same operations?

Does the hon. Gentleman not consider it most unfortunate if Colonial troops are treated in a different way from Imperial troops in this matter, and will he consider the advisability of having a general service medal granted to all soldiers for all campaigns which have been completed, and not differentiate between one soldier and another?

I know all these relevant considerations are being considered at the present moment.

asked the First Lord of the Treasury if he has any recent information respecting negotiations between the British and Turkish authorities respecting the liberation of Prisoners of war in the hands of the Turks?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Bassetlaw yesterday.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to allowing the Monday before Christmas to be included in the holidays for bank officials?

This question was answered yesterday, and appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I have put this question several times. Am I not entitled to have a verbal answer from the hon. Gentleman?

I understand the hon. Gentleman refers him to the answer given yesterday.

No verbal answer was given yesterday, as I did not ask the question.

Perhaps the mistake was mine, but I understood it had been answered. I can give the answer. The answer is: No alteration will be made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government have considered the Report of Lord Balfour of Burleigh's Committee on Commerce and Industry; and, if so, whether they propose, in view of the general interest of this Report to the trading community, to publish it?

The Report referred to has only just been received by the Government, and there has not yet been time to consider it.

asked whether the Second Reading of the Education Bill will be taken before Christmas?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can now make a statement respecting the position of the Education Bill?

I have very carefully considered this question, and have come to the conclusion that there will not be sufficient time adequately to discuss the Bill this Session. I understand, however, that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education, wishes to make certain Amendments to the Bill to meet criticisms which he has received from various quarters. He proposes, therefore, at an early date during this Session to introduce a new Bill containing these Amendments and to allow the present Bill to lapse. The new Bill will be taken at the earliest possible moment next Session, and I have every hope that it may be possible to pass it into law without delay.

Will the new Bill be introduced in a form in which it can be discussed, or will it be formally introduced only?

I think, after the discussion which took place on the First Reading before, the House will consider it more convenient to introduce it under the Ten Minutes' Rule.

Does my right hon. Friend mean by this Session, the Session after Christmas?

Yes; after Christmas.

Will my hon. Friend at the same time provide for the introduction of the Scottish Education Bill under the Ten Minutes' Rule this Session?

I have every hope it may be possible to introduce the Scottish Bill, perhaps even before Christmas, but that is doubtful.

Will that be under the Ten Minutes' Rule?

Yes, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that the present Bill was introduced at a very late period of the Session, just before the Adjournment, when there was a very small House, and when there was no general discussion representative of all parties interested?

That is not quite my recollection. I think there was a very interesting discussion; but, at any rate, it is my desire to meet the wishes of the House to facilitate the Bill in any way, and I shall consider that suggestion.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman remember that the Minister of Education rose after three o'clock on a Friday afternoon to make a speech which lasted over an hour in moving the Second Reading? Therefore, there could not have been a very adequate discussion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the amount of profits made year after year by the firm of Messrs. J. and P. Coats; and whether the Government will consider the advisability of assuming control, if not absolute owner ship, of this monopoly, or by special legislation secure a large portion of the profits being made by this company in time of war?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the latter part, I would remind my right hon. Friend that under the law as it stands at present the larger the profits of a particular business the more it pays to the State in taxation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that far from being a monopoly, Messrs. J. and P. Coats, Limited, have powerful competitors in all parts of the world, that their chairman stated publicly that the largest part of their profits are earned in foreign countries, and also that mills belonging to the company, employing 13,000 hands, are now held either——

The hon. Member is crediting the Chancellor of the Exchequer with omniscience.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that dissatisfaction as to the limit of the £250 fixed by the Conciliation Board for war bonus purposes prevails amongst senior officers of Excise; whether he is now prepared to modify this limit so that officers whose monetary condition is practically the same as in pre-war times may be entitled to the bonus or some other pecuniary consideration in lieu thereof; whether he is aware that for some time past senior officers of Excise are in a state of unrest at being placed, through no fault of their own, at the lowest maximum salary, £300, of their grade; whether it is within his knowledge that these officers are doing work of value and importance equal to their junior colleagues, who receive a higher maximum salary; and whether he can now arrange to have this inequality immediately removed by substituting in lieu of the maximum salaries now operative a common maximum for all officials in the officer grade?

The question of the war bonus is now under the consideration of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board. As regards the maximum salary of the officer grade, the reasons for giving certain existing sections of the grade a higher maximum salary than the value of their work, taken by itself, would justify, were fully explained in the Report of the Customs and Excise Amalgamation Committee, Parliamentary Paper Cd. 5830. The hon. Member will see from that Report that the reasons for raising the privileged sections to the higher maximum do not apply to the other sections. His object would be as well attained by levelling down as by levelling up, but I am not prepared to adopt either alternative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the continuing distress among residents in East Coast resorts in consequence of the War, he can indicate what further measures of relief are proposed by the Government; and whether the Government will consider the question of giving permission to the local authorities in prosperous districts to levy a rate to be applied in relief of distress in East Coast areas?

I have been asked to answer this question. The National Relief Fund is available for the relief of distress due to the War, and substantial grants have been made, and continue to be made, for this purpose to the East Coast towns. In addition, the Committee of the National Relief Fund have decided to make such grants as may be needed to continue the special scheme for the assist- ance of the East Coast lodging-house keepers, which has hitherto been financed out of the Canadian Fund. In view of the work of these agencies, no Government Grant is at present proposed, and there would seem to be no need to adopt the expedient suggested in the latter part of the question.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, the number of Middlesex panel practitioners who have notified their respective insurance committees that they are not prepared to accept invalided seamen, marines, and soldiers on their lists under the terms of the new Regulations?

I am not aware of any medical practitioner in Middlesex having refused to render treatment in any such case. I may add that the Regulations in question are framed in accordance with the express desires of authoritative representatives of the medical practitioners concerned, and that events subsequent to their issue have shown that the Regulations are, in fact, acceptable to the great majority of such practitioners.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he is aware that Cornelius William Alfred Blackmail, of 5, Douglas Road, Dover, aged seventeen years and three months, was ordered to report for medical examination at Canterbury on 28th November; whether similar cases have occurred in the neighbourhood; and whether he will take steps to put a stop to these premature medical examinations?

Inquiries are being made into this case, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is able to report the result of his inquiries into the health of Arthur Butler, a conscientious objector now undergoing his third sentence of imprisonment at Preston?