asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government propose to encourage the erection of mills for the burnishing of rice in this country; if his attention has been called to the evidence that proved that such polishing destroyed to a large extent the nutritive value of the rice, and that in the countries where rice forms a staple diet none but natural, unpolished rice is ever eaten; and if he will see that money and labour are not expended on such an enterprise?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the remainder does not, therefore, arise.

Is that definite? Does that mean there are no arrangements being made for the erection?

There are no arrangements being made for the purpose of the erection.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, at any time since the introduction of permits for the importation of machinery, orders for the shipment of agricultural tractors have been cancelled or postponed by the Ministry of Munitions or any other Department directly or indirectly connected with the Ministry; and, if so, whether he will state the nature of the conditions and for what reasons such shipment was cancelled or postponed?

I am not aware that any shipment of agricultural tractors recommended by the Ministry of Munitions has been cancelled or postponed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what arrangements have been made for the retail supply of sugar in Ireland; whether the system is identical with that to be instituted in Great Britain; and, if the basis is to be a household-card system, what provision is made to meet the case of individuals who may remove temporarily from Ireland to Great Britain after the 1st January?

The scheme of sugar distribution in Ireland, which is intended to come into operation early in March, is based on a system of household cards. The scheme will be administered by the Food Control Committee for Ireland, the cards being issued through the instrumentality of the Royal Irish Constabulary. In reply to the last part of the question, arrangements are being made to meet the case of persons coming temporarily to this country from Ireland and elsewhere after 1st January. I hope that these arrangements will be announced very shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will take immediate steps to prohibit the export of butter from Ireland; if he is aware that for the past week many shopkeepers failed to secure 1 lb. of butter for their customers, whilst hundreds of cases were exported to London hotels, who, through their agents, secured the butter by paying prices over that fixed by the Food Controller; and whether the Bribery and Corruption Act is still in force?

The Food Controller is not at present prepared to apply compulsion to Irish butter producers, whose patriotism, he is assured, can be relied upon not to export more butter than Ireland can reasonably spare. He has no evidence which suggests that butter is shorter in Ireland than in other portions of the United Kingdom, but he will be glad to be informed of any specific case in which overpayment for butter can be substantiated. So far as he is aware, the Bribery and Corruption Act is still in force in Ireland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the price of cake for feeding cattle has been fixed by the Ministry of Food at £19 per ton; whether he is aware that manufacturers are unable to produce it at this price, with the result that such cake is now unprocurable; whether his attention has been directed to the fact that in some districts farmers are now using flour as food for their cattle; and whether he intends to take any steps to put an end to this practice by enabling farmers to obtain suitable forage material on more economical terms?

The maximum prices fixed by the Food Controller for cattle-feeding cakes range from £13 15s. to £19 per ton, according to the kinds of cake; under arrangements made with the Government manufacturers can produce such a cake at a reasonable profit, and, in fact, are producing it to the maximum extent which the available raw materials allow. The Food Controller is not aware that farmers are using flour as food for cattle in place of cake, but he would be glad if the hon. Member would report to him any cases known to him, so that the proceedings may at once be taken. Committees of dealers and farmers have been set up throughout the country to improve the distribution of feeding-stuffs to the farmers, and these committees will shortly be in active operation?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he has considered the political as well as the economic effect of the new Regulation governing the sale of pigs; whether he is aware that his policy has doomed the pig to extinction as an article of food; and will he say how such a policy can assist the Government in the steps they are taking to increase production?

All aspects of the question have been considered in fixing maximum prices for pigs. The Food Controller does not agree that the policy of fixing maximum prices has doomed the pig to extinction as an article of food; but, as I have already indicated to the hon. Member in reply to his former questions on the subject, the production of pigs must in present circumstances be conditioned by the amount of feeding-stuffs available, and by the fact that grain hitherto used to feed pigs is now urgently required for human consumption.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we are heading straight for a pork famine, and will he reconsider the advisability of fixing a maximum price?

I am afraid that my hon. Friend will have to wait the opportunities of debate, but substantially his question is answered in my reply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what provision has been made for cold storage accommodation, and the cost of the same; what rates are charged and paid by the Government for the storage of meat, butter, and cheese; and, should the Government decide to erect cold storage, will the tenders be open to public competition?

The whole of the available cold-storage accommodation has been surveyed and plans made for increasing it by one-third of its present capacity; practically this additional space has been arranged for. It is estimated that the cost will approximate to a million and a quarter sterling, but it is hoped that only a small portion of this will fall on public funds. The rates vary in different localities, but in all cases the Government gets the most favourable terms in the locality. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Is it not a fact that over £1,100,000 of this money is coming out of private funds; and will the hon. Gentleman say who is the expert responsible for the policy in this matter?

As to the latter part of the question, I should require notice; and, as to the other part, my answer indicates what proportion comes from private funds.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, with a view to giving milk producers some security in their industry and affording them an opportunity of providing for the future supply of milk and the necessary newly-calved cows and thereby increasing the prospect of an adequate supply of milk for the public, he will at once take steps to fix and announce the maximum price for milk produced in the summer months of 1918, i.e., April to September, inclusive?

The Food Controller intends very shortly to announce the maximum price fixed for milk to be produced during the months of April to September, 1918, inclusive.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that, although Herr Hugo Werths, a German agent, of 41, Aldersgate Street, trading with his brother as Werths and Company, has been exempted from internment, as the Board of Trade declare that his firm were experts in the diamond die industry and agents for the principal French firms, two French firms, representing 70 per cent. of the entire production of diamond dies in France, have stated that they have never supplied a single diamond die to Messrs. Werths and Company, and did not even know of their existence; and, if so, what action he proposes to take with regard to this alien?

The firm of Werths and Company has been wound up by Order of the Board of Trade, as stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for the Brentford Division on the 10th December. I was not previously aware of the statement mentioned in the question as having been made by French firms, but any information bearing on the subject of internment would, if supplied to him, no doubt receive consideration from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in spite of the fact that this firm has been bought by British people, this man Hugo Werths still conducts this business?

If my hon. and gallant Friend has any information to that effect, I shall be glad to receive it.

Has the hon. Gentleman not information that, although the brother of this man is interned, this man is still at large doing this business?

All questions of internment are settled by the Home Secretary—not by the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the desirability to improve the transport facilities in the United Kingdom, his attention has been called to the proposals of the New Transport Company; and whether he proposes to take any action?

Certain proposals on behalf of the New Transport Company were put before the President of the Board of Trade by a deputation which he received on the 23rd November, and my right hon. Friend pointed out that any inquiry with reference to the adoption of the company's main scheme was, in his opinion, impracticable during the War. He offered, however, to consider a proposal which the company had in mind to enable shipping at ports to be turned round more rapidly.

Bearing in mind the great claims made with regard to this proposal, could not the Board of Trade appoint a small Committee to go into this matter whilst there is time, and not wait till the end of the War?

I believe the question of a small Committee is now under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Coal Controller obtained from the principal railway companies, including the London and North-Western, the Midland, the Great Central, the Great Northern, the Great Western, the North-Eastern, and the Lancashire and Yorkshire, the estimated saving in ton miles or train miles in the event of his coal redistribution scheme being brought into operation; and, if so, what were the estimates in each case and how so far have the results agreed with the estimates?

I indicated in the reply which I gave to a question asked by the hon. Member on the 3rd December that the estimate of the saving in ton miles to be effected by the coal transport reorganisation scheme was framed by reference to the effect on each colliery district as a whole. It would not have been practicable for the matter to be dealt with in the manner suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made by the Coal Controller for the taking of Christmas and New Year holidays in the mining districts in Scotland; and how many days will be recognised as holidays within the meaning of the war wage circular?

The Controller of Coal Mines has, after discussing the question with his Advisory Board, and after ascertaining the views of the Admiralty and Ministry of Munitions, assented to the customary holidays being taken, and such days will be recognised holidays within the meaning of the war wage circulars. These holidays vary in the different mining districts. If any difference of opinion arises as to what is customary, the matter is to be decided by the local conciliation machinery. In cases where continuous processes have to be maintained, such as coking of coal, working blast furnaces, or loading Admiralty coal, the Controller has expressed to the associations of coal-owners and workmen the hope that both owners and workmen will co-operate to meet the necessities of the case, and if by mutual arrangement between the management and the workmen work is done on any of the customary holidays war wage will be paid to men so working.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Committee appointed by him to consider the question of supply of electric power will report fully; if they have yet made any interim Report to him on the matter; and, if so, if he will state its purport?

I am unable to say when the Committee will make their Report, but, as I informed the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness on 31st October, there will be no unavoidable delay in view of the great importance of the subject. The Committee have not made an interim Report.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the guiding principle of the Rules of the Censorship in regard to news to or from the United States; whether any American papers are subject to special restrictions from this side; and, if so, whether he will give an explanation of that condition of affairs?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. There is no principle in regard to censorship of news to or from the United States which differs from those which guide the Censors in dealing with news to or from other countries. One American news agency has been debarred from the use of facilities for the transmission of news for reasons explained in notices issued by the Press Bureau, and published in the Press on the 11th and 20th October, 1916.

asked whether any steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to render it necessary for the editors of newspapers to refer any important communications from distinguished statesmen or others to the Censor or some other authority if such communication, on account of the influence of the individual or society responsible, is likely to impair the unity of the Allied cause?

There is no obligation on newspapers to submit to the Press Bureau the communications referred to or any other matter.

In view of what recently happened, does not the Government consider an alteration to be necessary?

No alteration is proposed.

asked the Home Secretary whether the letter of Dr. Hagberg Wright, published in a London daily newspaper of 13th December, advocating the release of two Russian subjects now interned, was submitted to the Censor before publication?

The letter was not submitted to the. Press Bureau.

Why are people allowed to say in Lord Northcliffe's papers what hon. Members are not allowed to say in this House?

I am not aware that that is so. I think hon. Members in this House take full licence.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any letters or resolutions of protest against the censoring of leaflets as proposed by Regulation 27 c; and, if so, how many?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask him whether he is aware that there is a very strong feeling of indignation in the country against, the activities of the hon. Member for North Somerset and his pacifist friends?

I cannot deal with that question without notice. As to the question on the Paper, I have received about ninety such letters or resolutions, but all of these apparently referred to the Regulation apart from the Amendments now proposed.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a leaflet, entitled the "New Dictatorship of Opinion," and published by the National Council of Civil Liberties, which incites the public to oppose the Government in connection with the recent Order under the Defence of the Realm Act; and what action he proposes to take?

I have seen the leaflet in question, but it does not come within the terms of Regulation 27 C, and I find no ground for any proceedings in connection with it.

asked whether the reprints of hon. Members' speeches from the OFFICIAL REPORT as supplied by His Majesty's Stationery Office are considered as leaflets for the purposes of Regulation 27 C?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for the Attercliffe Division on the 23rd November.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a pamphlet entitled "The Revolution," published by the S. L. Press, 46, Renfrew Street, Glasgow, which openly advocates revolution; and what action he proposes to take?

This matter is receiving my attention, in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Lord Advocate.

asked how many British subjects are at this moment interned under Regulation 14 B of the Defence of the Realm Act?

Seventy-three, of whom fifty-four are of hostile origin.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any letters or resolutions of protest against the internment of George Tchitcherine?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Will Mr. Tchitcherine now be released, as stated in all the morning papers?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the contents of the "Labour Leader" newspaper of 6th December on an appeal for toys for the children in Elizabeth Hospital, alleging that some of these bombs which wounded little children belonged to the Allies; and whether, in view of this insinuation against the chivalry of the Royal Flying Corps and with a view to preventing discredit being cast upon the British Army, he proposes to take any and, if any, what action under the Defence of the Realm Act?

I have read the statement referred to. If the writer meant to suggest that any of the children in the Elizabeth Hospital at Poperinghe were injured by bombs dropped by the Allies, he was of course making a deliberate misstatement. But if he intended only to suggest that Belgian children may have suffered by the bombardment of places of military importance in Belgium, he was making an assertion which cannot yet be either proved or disproved; and in view of the ambiguity of the paragraph I do not think that proceedings could be taken in respect of it. I would, however, point out that while we have endured for three years the wilful and deliberate attacks by the Germans on the civil population, including women and children, the whole country is aware that the Royal Flying Corps in their attacks on the enemy's strongholds in Belgium have done their utmost to avoid injury to the Belgian inhabitants.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that further insinuations of a slanderous character against the Royal Flying Corps are not permitted in the Press?

If there are any misstatements I will at once take notice of them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that ex-King Constantine is the centre of a group of men who are carrying on in Switzerland active pro-German propaganda; whether he is aware that this group directs a paper at Geneva called "L'Echo de Grèce, and is now about to launch another under the title "Le Réveil National"; and whether, seeing that the pension of £20,000 paid to the ex-king is of assistance in this anti-Entente movement, he will revise his decision in regard to that pension and advise the Greek Government to stop the payment?

I can add nothing to the reply returned to the hon. Member on 13th December.

Has not the Noble Lord received this additional information since he gave that reply, namely, that from the money thus supplied ex-King Constantine is actively fomenting anti-Allied propaganda? Is not that Boloism in the worst form?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has seen a decree issued on 26th November, 1917, by the Russian Commissary of the People for Foreign Affairs in which the attitude of the Russian Government towards certain former Russian Ministers and representatives in foreign countries is declared; and whether he can, consistently with the public interest, make any statement on this subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second, in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British subjects can freely return from Russia if they desire to do so, or whether, as has been stated, that permission is now refused?

Last month there was some doubt as to the extent to which liberty of movement was enjoyed by British subjects in Russia. I believe, however, that the difficulty has now been removed. Some days ago it was arranged that facilities would be given for the repatriation of any Russians innocent of any offence punishable by the laws of Great Britain who desire to return to their own country, and full liberty of movement would be given to British subjects residing in Russia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will take into consideration the reasons given by Mr. Flood, as representing the United States Administration, for not at present declaring war on Turkey and Bulgaria, with a view to a statement, in conjunction with our Allies and America, to the effect that our war aims with regard to these two Powers differ materially from those that apply to Germany?

The difference in these war aims is, I think, generally recognised.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in conjunction with our Allies and America, he will now issue a statement to the effect that under no circumstances will peace terms be discussed or concluded with Germany on behalf of Turkey or Bulgaria, but that each of these two Powers must be dealt with separately?

No, Sir; I am not prepared to issue such a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether either the War Cabinet or the Army Council has considered the effect of the withdrawal by Russia from belligerency on those Russian subjects brought into the British Army by the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Act; and whether it is intended to conscript Russian subjects even though Russia has ceased to conscript British subjects?

I cannot answer this question at present.

Is the matter under consideration?

I told the hon. Member I could not answer the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland on what grounds John D. Mackay, secretary of the Scottish District Council of British Socialists, has been sentenced to one year's hard labour, which he is now undergoing at Wormwood Scrubs, in view of the fact that he expressed himself willing to do work of national importance under the Home Office scheme, but was refused such on the strength of a Report received from the Central Tribunal?

If my hon. Friend will give me Mackay's number and regiment, and, if possible, the date of the court-martial, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of National Service why men who are now being medically examined under the new scheme are refused by the doctors any information as to what grade they are now being put in; and whether, for the convenience of employers and the satisfaction of the men, he will give instructions that this information shall be given to all men who are medically examined?

The hon. Member has been misinformed; it is not the case that men medically examined by National Service Boards are refused information of the grades in which they are placed as a result of the examination. Every man fit for any form of military service receives a card (M.N.S. Form 3291) on which his medical grading is plainly stated, Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3, as the case may be. Every man found to be totally and permanently unfit for military service receives a certificate (M.N.S. Form R. 2079) discharging him from all further liability to military service.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a further report upon the case of Arthur Butler, a conscientious objector who has died in Preston Gaol; and what action he has taken or proposes to take in the matter?

The inquest in this case, which was opened on the 14th instant, has been adjourned to the 18th to allow of a post-mortem examination being held. I can, therefore, make no statement at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any soldiers have been punished for refusing promotion?

I am afraid that my hon. Friend's question is not specific enough to enable me to answer. If he will give me details of any case he has in mind I will endeavour to furnish him with a reply.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the King's Regulation No. 451 is intended to apply to soldiers being forbidden to attend publicly-convened political meetings and in no way interferes with the attendance of soldiers in uniform at the ordinary meetings of trades unions?

The provisions of paragraph 451 of the King's Regulations are not intended to prevent soldiers attending meetings of their trades unions provided such meetings are not specially convened for the purpose of discussing political matters.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he can now state the name of the official of the Ministry of Munitions against whom allegations have been made in a recent affidavit?

The allegations are being investigated. I have nothing to add to the statement I made in debate on the 12th instant.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the Department have yet ascertained who is the official responsible, if they cannot give his name? Have they found out who he is?

I have nothing to add to the statement I made on the 12th instant.

Will the hon. Gentleman say when he will have something to add to that statement?

When the investigations are complete?

Will he say when the investigations are going to start?

asked what arrangements have been made for the taking of Christmas and New Year holidays in the munition works, shipbuilding yards, and other establishments engaged in war work in Scotland?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 12th December to the hon. Member for West Newington.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has any record of the first design and experiment in tank or land-battle ships conducted by the Royal Naval Air Service; whether he is aware that the designs of Mr. R. F. Macsie, then an officer in the Armoured Division, were attempted and subsequently opportunities for the completion of the machine were refused; whether he is aware that the machine in its main essentials was identical with the Government type of tank produced in 1916; whether he is aware that the later designs of Mr. R. F. Macsie are adjudged by qualified engineers to be an improvement on the latest type of tank, and, under these circumstances, will he state why the Ministry of Munitions have persistently refused to grant the necessary priority certificate to obtain material to build an experimental model of the Macsie tank at private expense; and, having regard to the value of this new instrument of war and the desirability of constant development of new designs, if he will give instructions for this priority certificate to be granted without further delay?

The answers to the first four parts of the question are in the negative. Mr. McFie has received every encouragement to submit designs which would furnish sufficient support for the claims which he makes for his invention to justify the Ministry in granting the priority asked for. No such evidence has been produced, and, under existing conditions, it is impossible to sanction the diversion of labour and materials to the manufacture of an experimental machine.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he inferred by his answer that they have no knowledge of the inventor or the early working in connection with the tanks, and that that does not agree with the published statement; and is he aware that the people whose names he most freely published in connection with the tanks are not the inventors of the tanks whatsoever; and that Robert Macsie, who is referred to in this question, had more to do with the early working than any other man in England?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can now give an estimate of the cost of the national shipyard at Chepstow?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the First Lord's speech on the 12th December, in which he stated in relation to the national shipyards that

"The total cost of the development which comprises hutting accommodation and all the necessary facilities, in addition to the mere provision of 34 shipbuilding berths, is estimated at £3,887,000."

Certain works will be common to two or more yards, and the actual details of such costs have not been allocated to the various yards. It may be roughly taken, however, that the pro rata estimate for the Chepstow Yard is, in round figures, between £800,000 and £900,000.

May I ask where the machinery will be obtained for this yard; and for how many people it is proposed to provide dwelling-house accommodation?

With regard to the first question, that was answered a month ago. We hope to get enough machinery from the existing marine engineers' shops in the country. With regard to the second part of the question, we are making provision in advance for all those who are expected to be employed.

How many, approximately?

That I cannot tell yet.

asked if Major-General Collard is retained by the Admiralty as the chief officer connected with the construction and organisation of the new national shipyards; whether he has had any previous practical knowledge of shipbuilding; and whether it was as the result of disagreement with this officer that the Advisory Committee on National Shipyards recently resigned?

In regard to the laying out of the yards themselves, General Collard is in charge. He is advised by the practical shipbuilders and engineers, whose names I gave in an answer on the 14th November. General Collard was responsible for the construction of the Richborough Yard and the cross-Channel barges there built. As regards the last part of the question, I think my hon. Friend is under some misapprehension. The Advisory Committee, no doubt, took the view that when responsibility for new merchant ship construction passed to the Admiralty it was not for the time being consulted to the extent that it might have been, if it had not been necessary to execute the commission placed upon the Admiralty with such expedition. I am not aware that this incident could be fairly described as arising from disagreement between General Collard and the Advisory Committee. In any case, we are happy in the knowledge that the members of the Advisory Committee are now giving their valuable services to us either as members of the Shipbuilding Council or as expert advisers of the Controller's Department.

I would like to add this, if I may: In connection with the development of the national shipyards, I have myself had the advantage of seeing General Collard at work on the spot—as well as, of course, in the office. I am convinced that the execution of this most vital matter is in most capable hands.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the part of the question which asks whether General Collard has had any previous practical knowledge of shipbuilding?

I have already answered that. I said that General Collard was responsible for the construction of the Richborough Yard and the cross-Channel barges.

Barges only. Is his knowledge limited to barges?

asked whether certain features in the design of the standard ships which it is proposed to construct in the new national shipyards have been considered by some leading shipbuilders to be a dangerous experiment; and whether, in the circumstances he will lay the design and papers relating to the matter upon the Table of the House for the inspection of Members?

I am not aware that any of the features of the design of the standardised ships to be built in the national shipyards are considered by any shipbuilders to be a dangerous experiment. The constructive details of this type are being worked out by two of the largest private merchant shipbuilding firms in the United Kingdom. The classification societies are being consulted at each stage, and before the ships are built the plans and the details of construction will be approved by them.

At the moment a Committee has been formed, on which the classification societies are represented, for the purpose of considering and approving the constructive details which the shipbuilders are working out. As regards the last part of the question, I am not sure whether any prejudice to the public interest could arise by placing a copy of the complete design of a ship of this type in the Library of the House. I will consider that with the proper authorities.

Are we to understand that these standard ships will not be proceeded with until the designs have been approved by the authorities and the Committee he has mentioned?

They are being designed with the assistance of two of the largest merchant ship-building firms in the United Kingdom. They have to be submitted to the classification societies.

Is it not a fact that a large number of slips in private yards are vacant?

The First Lord announced in his statement the other day that existing shipyards would be used to their fullest capacity before going on with the new national shipyards.

Is it not a fact that in existing dockyards and shipyards there are quite a number of empty slips where they could put down a ship? Will the Admiralty utilise all these slips before proceeding with the new arrangement?

I know that every time it is proposed to give new additional work the first thing asked for is more men. I am not aware that slips suitable for this work are available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made as to any vacant slips that may be available?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make a statement regarding the attack by a flotilla of large German destroyers on British trawlers a few miles off a Northeast coast port, when British lives were lost and British vessels sunk?

The fishing steam trawlers. "Ranter" and "J. J. Smart" were attacked by gunfire off the Tyne at about 4.30 in the morning of the 12th December. The former was damaged, the latter sunk—eight men are reported killed on both trawlers. The first report stated that the attack was made by submarines, but later reports are to the effect that it was made by destroyers. I ought to add that in addition to the attack on the trawlers to which my hon. Friend refers, two neutral merchant ships were sunk about the same time.

Why is it that a fact like this requires to be brought out by question and answer in the House instead of being given in the Admiralty communiqué?

I do not know about being brought out. I imagine that we had not got the whole of the information, that is all.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the officer had not this information in time to give if?

So far as I am concerned I only got it this morning. I imagine that the officer had not the information fully before him, otherwise he would have issued a communiqué.

Did we do any damage to the German destroyers?

I cannot say.

Were they the same destroyers referred to on an earlier occasion?

No: I cannot say that.

When did this take place?

About 4.30 on the morning of the 12th.

Were any British warships engaged?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will, without undue delay, set up a separate Reconstruction Committee of a representative character to deal with questions of housing in Scotland?

In view of the recent Report of the Scottish Royal Commission on Housing, and after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister for Reconstruction, I do not think a further Committee is required.

asked what steps are being taken to deal with reconstruction problems relating specially to Scotland; whether any Committees or Sub-committees have been or are about to be set up by the Minister of Reconstruction dealing with the different pressing problems which will arise in Scotland after the War; and, if so, whether he will see that Scottish Members of Parliament are appointed to these Committees?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. In setting up Committees for dealing with questions of reconstruction, due regard has been paid to the representation of Scottish opinion and interests, and I am in consultation from time to time with my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland as to the best way for providing that any conditions specially affecting Scotland are adequately dealt with.

Have any Scottish representatives been placed upon these Subcommittees?

I would not like to answer that question definitely without notice, but I think there are Scottish representatives on most of these Committees.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the effect of the restrictions on the brewing and distilling industries of Ireland; if many Irish pot stills are now lying idle whilst the patent stills are working full pressure in England and Scotland; what reward is to be given to the thousands earning their living in these industries for the part which Ireland has taken in food production; if he is aware that 700,000 additional acres were tilled last year; if, owing to the Government restrictions, hundreds of small licensed traders have failed to obtain supplies of whisky for their Christmas trade; and what action he proposes to take in this matter?

I have been asked to reply. I have already informed the hon. Member that in view of the actual and prospective stocks of cereals it is inadvisable to relax the restrictions on brewing and distilling, nor is it in contemplation to sanction the further release of spirits from bond.

Have not the Government relaxed the restrictions in brewing already during the last two quarters of this year?

That may be so, but the demand in the question is for a further relaxation.

Will the present relaxation of restrictions be continued through next quarter?

I cannot at this moment give a definite reply to that question.

asked the Prime Minister what the terms are under which Roumania has concluded an armistice?

Before this question is answered, may I ask if the Prime Minister is aware that there is a very strong feeling of indignation at the manner in which he is subsidising ex-King Constantine?

That has no reference to the question on the Paper.

I have no information regarding the terms of the armistice negotiated by the Roumanian Army beyond what has appeared in the Press, except that I understand that it will only be connected with the general or local Russian armistice so far as its duration is concerned.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the statement of the Chairman of the House of Commons Tribunal stating that there seems to be no attempt to use soldiers coming back fit for civil life by the thousand; and whether he can make any statement of what the Government is doing in respect of these men?

I am informed that the Chairman of the House of Commons Tribunal did not make the statement referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General how many soldiers who were postal servants before the War have now been discharged from the Army; how many have made application for reinstatement; and how many have been reinstated?

About 3,000 Post Office servants have been discharged from the Army. All regular Post Office servants who are released by the Department for military or naval service have their places kept open for them, and on discharge automatically revert to their position in the Post Office without making application. No such man, if fit to resume work, has been refused reinstatement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there are 10,000 soldiers ready for discharge and awaiting discharge in the various hospitals in the country, but who cannot be returned to civil life owing to the need of intermediate institutions wherein they can complete their cure; and, if so, what action he is taking in the matter?

I have no information as to the accuracy of my hon. Friend's estimate, but I understand there are a number of men in military hospitals who will not be again fit for service. With the assistance of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions I hope to be able to reduce the pressure on the hospitals.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the nature of the methods by which unified Naval effort is being attained by the Versailles War Council?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which appeared in the Press on this subject on Saturday last.

In as much as we had the actual terms of the agreement when this Council was set up for military control, may we have the terms of the agreement as regards the naval control?

I think the information given is as much as it is considered desirable to give in the public interest.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any statement will be made explaining why that arrangement is on a totally different foundation from that of the Military War Council, and why it simply reaffirms what has existed all along?

It does nothing of the kind. There is a very much closer relation between the Allied Navies in consequence of this agreement, and the reason the two are not parallel is that, as a matter of fact, the military and naval conduct of the War are not altogether on the same lines.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister to refer to this matter in his speech?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the terms of the appointment of the Chief of the General Staff; and whether it is in the power of the War Cabinet to choose their military advisers or whether the terms of the appointment are such that the Chief of the General Staff cannot be removed without the Royal assent?

The appointment of Chief of the Staff is made in the usual way by the Secretary of State for War, after consultation with the War Cabinet.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Bill to deal with the liquor traffic will contain provisions for giving effect to his statement made to a Welsh deputation that the right solution for the question of alcoholic liquor can best be reached by a combination of State ownership and local option?

I am unable to make any statement at present.

Has the Prime Minister committed himself to any statement with regard to State purchase, and, if so, will he take into account the statement of the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Bonar Law), that the whole matter would be discussed in the House of Commons?

I do not know what statement my right hon. Friend may have made as to his own personal view, but the statement which I made in this House, that nothing would be done without the knowledge of the House of Commons, was the statement of the Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these companies are making about 800 per cent, profit, and that, therefore, a very big price will have to be given?

asked the Prime Minister on whose authority orders were given that joy bells should be rung and flags displayed to celebrate the victory of Cambrai; whether this was done on the authority of the War Cabinet; and, if not, whether he will see that such celebrations are not repeated in future without the sanction of the Cabinet?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part, I do not see how it would be possible to give effect to the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the general rise of prices and the increased difficulty of living, coupled with the fact that the War has thrown upon Members of Parliament a greater amount of work, often necessitating travelling, he will make arrangements whereby, as in most other great States, Members of Parliament may travel free, at least on the railways?

The answer is in the negative.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that Members of this House should be as well informed as possible, and is it not desirable to facilitate them in their desire to get information?

I do not think that there are many Members in the House who really desire it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the names and constitution of the new Air Council?

I cannot as yet give the information asked for.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give it before the Adjournment?

I am afraid not. The appointments have not all been made.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before the House adjourns, he will be prepared to make a statement in connection with the increase of pay of junior and married officers; and if it is the intention of the Government to make any war bonus to enable them to discharge extraneous liabilities which their military services have compelled them to increase?

I can add nothing to what I stated in reply to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on Wednesday last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the prolonged delay in making the promised announcement on junior officers' pay and the difficulties immediately confronting many married captains and lieutenants, he will arrange that any increase of pay shall be credited at Army agents on the same day that the announcement is made, and that the officers concerned shall actually receive the additional pay and allowances before Christmas?

Although I cannot give the undertakings asked for, I am sure that the Departments concerned are as anxious as my hon. and gallant Friend that no unnecessary delay shall occur.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the Army Council has decided that a captain in the Territorial Force who has had over twelve years' service and served three years as a captain, either during mobilisation or otherwise, is not entitled to the extra pay as stated in the Royal Warrant for Pay, paragraphs 207 and 228, unless the service is regular or embodied; if he is aware that by Army Council Instruction, added as a footnote to paragraph 207, such rates of pay are applicable to the Territorial Force while mobilised; if this is so, whether he will state why the Territorial officer should be treated differently as he now forms part of the Army; and whether this ruling practically debars any Territorial officer from ever receiving the increased rate of pay, in view of the fact that he is never likely to have served twelve years' embodied service?

It is the case that only embodied service counts for this purpose. There is nothing inconsistent with this in the Army Council Instructon referred to. I think my hon. and gallant Friend will see that a distinction between a year's peace service in the Territorial Force and a year's full-time service in the Regular Army is not altogether unreasonable.

asked the Prime-Minister what are the total numbers of deaths and other casualties in connection with the Halifax disaster?

No exact figures are yet available, but 444 bodies have so far been identified. I hope to be in a position to give fuller information later.

asked the Prime Minister if we may expect a Report from the Dublin Convention before the House rises for the Christmas holidays?

I have no expectation that a report will be made before Christmas.

asked the Prime Minister whether as a war measure he will consider the desirability of inviting the House to limit the right of members to five questions for oral answer per week in lieu of the present limit of eight a day?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I draw his attention to the fact that the hon. Member has already asked seven questions himself to-day?

May I at once reply that that is absolutely untrue? I have asked four.

And three supplementaries!

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth on the 12th of December.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the persistency with which certain hon. Members endeavour to harass the Government is regarded in the country as a perfect scandal?

I do not think the Government like it, either?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the indolence of certain Members of this House in the interests of their constituents is considered a perfect scandal?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give early opportunity, before the Adjournment if possible, for the following Resolution to be moved:

"That this House is of opinion that any question, which, in the opinion of the Speaker is calculated to embarrass the Government in the conduct of the War, shall be placed in a special list and that the said question and the answer thereto shall be considered as secret communications, and that no publication of the same in any newspaper, pamphlet, public speech, or in any other form, shall be allowed, and that any infringement of this Order shall be considered as an offence under the Defence of the Realm Regulations and shall be punished accordingly."

Before the question is answered, may I ask why it was not put on the Paper so that hon. Members could have been warned?