asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the possibility that Russia may still play an important military part in the war, and considering also the danger that a policy of may turn that fighting force against one or other of the Allies, and in face of the fact also that in the visit of Ambassadors and Ministers to M. Lenin the absence of a British representative was conspicuous, he will now arrange for a special Embassy to Petrograd composed of distinguished men in sympathy with Republican ideals, and make all arrangements for the appointment of an Ambassador to succeed Sir George Buchanan?

The answer to the hon. Gentleman's question is in the negative. Let me add that he is utterly mistaken in supposing that there is any policy of "ill-will" to Russia or Russians.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if in this question he will assert his own personality more, and rise out of the grooves of a hopeless Foreign Office?

Does the right hon. Gentleman disagree with the action of the French Government, whose Foreign Minister has stigmatised the Russian Government as a set of usurpers with whom he has nothing to do?

I suggest that the hon. Gentleman should put that question to the French Minister.

I wish I could.

asked the Home Secretary whether he exercises any powers of censorship over the telegrams arriving from foreign parts or over other communications concerning the actions of the present Russian Government?

All telegrams from abroad have been since the beginning of the War, and still are, subject to censorship.

Is it correct to say that whereas his Department keeps back telegrams from M. Trotsky, yet it allows currency to be given to the wildest rumours detrimental to the present rulers of Russia?

I do not know anything about that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the legal questions in regard to which a decision is pending which prevent the buildings belonging to Germany in the British concession on the Island of Shameen, in China, being taken over and the leases terminated?

I am still in communication with His Majesty's Minister in Peking on the subject-matter of this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any representations from traders on the continued failure to arrange for the importation of China tea; whether the percentage of import has yet been decided; and whether, and how, the necessary tonnage has yet been provided?

I have been asked to reply. Representations have been received from traders asking the Ministry of Food to arrange for the importation of China tea. Arrangements have been made by which tea will be bought in China on behalf of the Ministry of Food for importation to the United Kingdom in neutral tonnage. If sufficient tonnage be available it is intended to purchase 3,000,000 lbs. in the present year. The arrangements for tonnage will be made by the Ministry's agents in China.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether application was recently made by a director of the Staveley Coal and Iron Company, Limited, which is a manufacturer of basic slag, and of which the works are situated in Derbyshire, for permission sell basic slag to farmers in the above county, who having, in response to the appeals of his Department, put quantities of sulphate of ammonia on their land, are now urgently in need of basic slag or lime which they cannot obtain; and that the above application has been refused on the ground that 25,000 tons of basic slag must be sent to Ireland; and whether he will take steps to secure that the local and other English farmers shall, at any rate as regards securing a fair share of the available supplies of basic slag, not be put in a worse position than Irish farmers, who, owing to the policy of the Government, nave fewer difficulties to contend with in the production of food?

It appears to be the fact that basic slag ground in Derbyshire and the neighbouring counties was reserved for a time, so as to meet Irish orders for this product supported by the Irish Board of Agriculture. With regard to the third and last part of the question, I should perhaps point out that English farmers are now receiving basic slag considerably in excess of the pre-war quantity which they used, and that Irish farmers have not received more slag than is their proper share having regard to their acreage of food crops.

Is basic slag being held back to go to Ireland at the present moment?

At the present moment I believe it is not, but I am not fully informed on that matter because I do not quite know whether the requirements arranged with the Irish Department of Agriculture are yet complete.

Is the right lion. Gentleman aware of the fact that complaints have been forwarded to him from Ireland owing to the insufficient supply of fertilisers sent to that country?

I believe that is the case.

If the right hon. Gentleman gives Ireland basic slag, will he ask the Irish Department of Agriculture to give us some butter?

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman provide the butter; will he make it himself?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that irritation is felt at the recently issued Lamb Slaughter Order; that it will prevent a quantity of animal food coming into the market in April and May, when such food is scarce; is he aware that this will prevent the dams which are too old for further breeding from being fattened for the market, resulting in the consumption of grass required for the use of the store draft ewes usually purchased for next year's lamb crop; and will he withdraw the Order?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given last Wednesday, to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the total storage capacity of the Manchester Corporation cold-air stores as measured in 56–1b. mutton carcases; what proportion of that space was, on Saturday. 19th January, occupied with goods stored on Government account for military purposes; what was the total space occupied on private account; approximately what tonnage of goods was stored on private account; who were the four principal holders; and what was the character of their holdings?

The gross storage capacity of the Manchester Corporation cold-air stores is 391,000 cubic feet, equal to 146,000 carcases of mutton of 56-1bs. weight. On Saturday, 19th January, 26 per cent. of the space was occupied with goods stored on Government account and 14.5 per cent. was occupied with goods stored on private account, weighing, approximately, 533 tons. The four principal private holders and the character of their holdings were as follows:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware of the food famine in the South Wales mining centres, and of the fact that the miners and other workers cannot get food to take during their working hours; and will he see that some better system of rationing is at once put in force?

The Food Controller is aware that there have lately been serious shortages of certain foods in the South Wales mining centres. Full details of these were laid before him last week by a deputation from the South Wales Miners' Federation. He is taking measures to accelerate the introduction of a local rationing scheme under his Order of 22nd December, which will, it is hoped, go far to remove the difficulties in question.

In view of the fact that the South Wales miners are fulfilling so important a part in this War by supplying the Navy with coal, will the right hon. Gentleman not make some exceptional arrangement for their benefit?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "exceptional arrangement." I can only give him the answer I have given. I presume he does not desire that this part of the country should have a larger share than any other part of the country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that by the terms of the Ice Cream (Restriction) Order, 1917, the manufacture of what is known as water ice, which consists of water, to which arrowroot is added to whiten it, liquid saccharin to sweeten it, and fruit essence to flavour it, no sugar or milk being used, is wholly restricted; that water ice mixed with temperance drinks is sold at a price of 1d. to numbers of the working classes of this country; and whether, under these circumstances and with the view of encouraging the public to drink temperance drinks, he can see his way to amend this Order by excluding from its operation the manufacture of water ice?

The answer to this question was printed in last Wednesday's OFFICIAL REPORT (cols. 988–989).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that jam may be made with no sugar but using glucose, corn-sugar, or corn-syrup as a substitute; and whether supplies of these substitutes can be made available for growers of their own fruit who in the coming summer are prepared to make jam for home consumption?

I am informed that liquid glucose, corn-sugar, and corn-syrup can to some extent be used as diluents of sugar in the making of jam; but no considerable supplies of these articles are likely to be available for this purpose during the present year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the desire of the private fruit growers to know if there will be a supply of sugar for jam-making, as at the present time the sugar which was issued last year is enabling a number of householders to restrict their demand for butter, margarine, etc.; and can he slate whether a similar supply of sugar will be available this year?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have already stated that Lord Rhondda hopes to make a definite announcement on this subject at an early date.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the announcement is made as soon as possible, as the fruit growers want to know what they are to do?

I will convey the request of the hon. Member to Lord Rhondda.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a reduction has recently been made in the amount of sugar allowed for the confectionery trade; if so, whether a corresponding amount of reduction in sugar and glucose has been made for the brewing trade; and whether the food values of confectionery and beer have been compared and considered in this connection?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the rest of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in the interests of home-grown food production, the Food Controller will fix a price for wood-pigeons, sparrows, and rats?

I presume the intention of the hon. Member to be that a reward should be offered for the destruction of the pests in question. This would be a matter for the Food Production Department.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable number of people who have had experience of some of the Orders issued by the Ministry of Food arc of opinion that if the Food Controller would be good enough to fix a price for these pests they would at once disappear?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has decided the percentage of tea imports from India and Ceylon during 1918, and what is the basis of payment to the planters?

It is not yet possible to decide the percentage of tea which will be imported from India and from Ceylon during 1918. The basis of payment to the planters is their pre-war prices, subject to certain adjustments in view of war conditions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to complaints of the inferior quality of flour now being supplied in the North-West of Ireland and to its insufficiency and unsuitability for purposes of home baking; whether he is aware that a large number of the inhabitants of the more remote districts are entirely dependent upon home baking; and what provision is being made in the matter?

Government Regulation Flour now being supplied throughout Ireland is identical with the authorised standard for the whole of the United Kingdom. The Canadian and American flours imported into Ireland are likewise of the same types as the imported flours distributed in other parts of the United Kingdom. I cannot agree with the suggestion that the flour supplied is unsuitable for purposes of home-baking. In the industrial parts of England home-baking with this flour is extensively practised, with satisfactory results.

Is the flour that is distributed in the North-West of Ireland the same standard flour?

The reply which I have received is that this is the only kind of flour sent to Ireland, and it is identical in character with that which is being distributed in Great Britain.

But I understand that is only 15 per cent. of the flour used?

I hesitate to reply, but I presume that the remainder is local Irish flour.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to the scarcity of flour in Ireland; and if he will state what steps he intends to take to secure a regular supply?

I have been asked to reply. The Irish Food Control Committee have received numerous complaints with regard to the scarcity of flour in different parts of Ireland, particularly the West and North-West portion, and in every case where investigation has shown that actual shortage existed steps have been taken by the Committee, in conjunction with the Irish Flour Millers' Association, to provide emergency supplies. The amount of flour milled in Ireland, together with that imputed into the country, is sufficient to meet the general needs of the population, and every effort is being made to secure equitable distribution. But the difficulties of this task are considerably increased by the practice of hoarding flour, and by its use for feeding calves and pigs, in contravention of the Food Controller's Orders.

Is there a week's reserve of flour in Ireland, having regard to the difficulties of transport, and can the Department make transport arrangements to provide an additional reserve there?

I cannot answer myself, and my hon. Friend who represents the Food Department is away. The Food Controller's general statement is that there is at the present time a sufficiency of flour in Ireland, though there has been some slight breakdown in the distribution. If the Food Controller's arrangements are carried out, however, Ireland has sufficient flour, equally with the rest of the United Kingdom.

This question was put down before the announcement was made in reference to meat.

The Food Controller is aware that, owing to the present shortage, various difficulties of the kind indicated by the hon. Member have arisen in connection with the retail sale of meat. Under the rationing schemes now in preparation these difficulties should disappear. Customers will be given a reason- able liberty in their choice of retailers. Pending the introduction of the new scheme, persons who have changed their addresses in London should continue to draw their supplies from the butcher with whom they previously dealt; no special arrangements can be made for those who are setting up house in London for the first time.

Does the hon. Member mean that all persons who have changed their address anywhere in the administrative county of London are to deal with the last butcher with whom they dealt and are to fetch the meat wherever they are situated? That affects a good many people.

I realise the difficulty, and I know that distance means a great deal, but I have made inquiries in regard to this matter, and I am assured that nothing further can be done at the moment.

Do the Department realise the fact that some persons may have given very substantial custom to their butcher a considerable time ago, but very small custom recently? I ask this question for the general convenience of the butchers and all concerned.

I can only bring the matter before the notice of the Food Controller.

Who is to choose the meat when it is rationed—the butcher or the purchaser?

That is a difficult question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in many towns Wednesday is the market day, on which country people come in to do their shopping for the week; and that, as Wednesday is a meatless day, it is now impossible for these people to buy any meat; and whether he will allow such towns to fix the meatless day on another than a market day?

The restrictions imposed by the Public Meals Order only affect public eating-places. It is, therefore, still possible for people to purchase meat for household purposes. It would considerably lessen the economy of consumption sought to be effected by the Order if different towns were allowed to choose different days.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the small holders and working men in the vicinity of Callan, county Kilkenny, are unable to secure any further acreage for food production owing to the fact that the owners of grass lands are leasing to large graziers on the eleven months' system; and, in view of the need for increasing the food supplies for the poor in the town, he will state whether he has power to stop the practice referred to; and, if so, what steps will he take in the matter?

I am not aware of dissatisfaction among small landholders or working men in the vicinity of Callanat not being able to obtain more land for tillage, and the Local Government Board have not received any communication as to the necessity for providing allotments. I am told that the owners of several cottages in the Callan district have left their plots of land untilled.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great dissatisfaction all over Ireland in consequence of the difficulty of obtaining land for allotments owing to the Regulations that the local authorities have to administer?

The Bill which I introduced and the Regulations produce no difficulties; they provide facilities.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will take steps to secure additional facilities for those engaged in the fishing industries in Ireland; if he is aware of the difficulties placed in the way of those engaged in fishing and fish-curing; and if, in order to procure additional supplies of fish which can be cured and preserved for emergencies, he will remove all the pre-war restrictions, reduce the price of licences, and allow fish to be caught everywhere possible?

The Department of Agriculture arc always ready to take any possible steps to secure additional facilities for those engaged in the fishing industries of Ireland, and the Congested Districts Board are also prepared to take such steps as, in their opinion, are practicable to increase the facilities for sea fisheries in the West of Ireland. Fishing and fish-curing are suffering from special difficulties at the present time. The preservation of fish by curing is chiefly a question of supply and demand, and until the demand for fresh fish can be satisfied, no increase is likely to take place in the quantity cured.

Could not something be done to foster this industry; for instance, on the West Coast of Clare, where it could be increased tenfold, with great advantage to the whole community?

We are fostering the industry on the West Coast and on the South Coast.

Has any progress been. made in the matter of facilities for fishing harbours within the last couple of months, and have not certain negotiations been got through?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether seventeen men were sent to South Molten Road, Devon, and are paid £1 each overtime and found all food; whether, in seven weeks from 8th December, they have built two huts, 50 feet by 30 feet, of wood already cut; and whether, if so, steps will be taken to check this waste of money and man-power?

Inquiries are being made, and I will acquaint my right hon. Friend of the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused to men who are in receipt of superannuation pensions from the railway companies by the rise of prices due to the War; and whether he will take into consideration, as the railways have been taken over by the Government for the term of the War, the grant to them of some moderate increase?

I am afraid that the rise in the cost of living must necessarily cause some hardship to ail persons in receipt of fixed incomes. Superannuated railway servants are paid from funds in the hands of the railway companies, to which the recipients have contributed on the basis of a fixed return, and I doubt whether they can be treated differently from persons in a similar position in other classes of the community.

Considering that the Government have made a very large profit out of their dealings with the railway companies, why could they not let a little of this profit go to these men who are suffering in consequence of the War?

I am not so sure about the profit.

It is the case. It is a very large profit.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether contracts are now entered into by his Department on the principle of cost plus percentage; and, if not, will he say at what date that system was abandoned?

The cost plus percentage form of contract is adopted only where there is great difficulty in fixing prices owing to the amount of work being indeterminate. The undesirability of this form of contract is recognised and its use is restricted to the minimum, e.g., for experimental work, repairs, and certain build- ings, particularly where it is impossible to prepare detailed designs in advance. To minimise the objection to this form of contract a stipulation is now made that the percentage shall not be calculated upon the amount of any increase of wages awarded after the date of the contract.

Has it been found in practice that this system of cost plus percentage is not a money-saving device?

It is not a money-saving device, but sometimes it is inevitable because you cannot save the money in any other form.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the Report of the Special Committee appointed by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) to inquire into the physiological effects of alcohol has been completed for some time; and, if so, will he say when it will be published?

I am informed that the Report was settled for publication early in the present month, and that it is expected that it will be published before the middle of February.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, whilst Regular officers employed at the Ministry of Munitions receive promotion from time to time, temporary officers employed under the Ministry of Munitions are not promoted whatever their technical qualifications and active service experience may be; whether there is any Regulation or informal understanding to the effect that temporary officers employed at the Ministry of Munitions are not to be promoted; and whether promotion for all persons employed by the Ministry of Munitions rests with the Ministry of Munitions. or the Secretary of State for War?

All officers who hold permanent commissions, namely, Regular, Special Reserve, and Territorial Force officers, employed at the Ministry are eligible for promotion. Temporary officers, that is, those who hold commissions for the period of the War only, are not so eligible, but they are by special arrangement permitted to retain their commissions although they have ceased to do duty as officers. All military promotions are dealt with by the War Office.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what Regulations are now in force in regard to the grant of short leave to convalescent patients in naval hospitals; whether, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, twenty-five married patients only, whose homes must be in the vicinity, are allowed out on Sundays from one to five p.m.; and, if so, will he consider the possibility of extending to patients in naval hospitals the same privileges in the matter of short leave as are now enjoyed by patients in military hospitals upon whom no such restrictions are imposed?

The Regulations now in force in regard to the grant of short leave to convalescent patients in naval hospitals generally are as follows:—

When were these Orders put in force?

Not very long ago, because the matter has been the subject of discussion between the medical officers and myself during the last few days. They are the result of suggestions which have been made in several quarters.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his Department in placing contracts for the six or eight small wooden boats wanted for each destroyer still insists that each of such boats should have a canvas cover attached to it; if so, is he aware that each of these covers now costs £10 or thereby, that the boats are never covered in war time, and that the canvases at the earliest opportunity are thrown overboard as an encumbrance; and will he see that all orders for equipment are now made on a war and not on a peace basis?

Only three small wooden boats are carried on modern destroyers—namely, a motor boat, whaler, and dinghy—and for these boats covers are supplied, being as necessary in war as in peace time. In order to reduce the cost, however, these covers are now made of cotton canvas. When lying alongside wharves and when undergoing repairs, etc., these covers are always in use, and even at sea the motor boat and dinghy are kept covered. Furthermore, there is no case known of covers being thrown overboard; they are on store charge, and any losses have to be accounted for by the officers concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the men freely state that they will throw these things overboard at the first opportunity?

All I can say is that if any officer or non-commissioned officer loses things in his charge he has to pay for them.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is by his instructions that postal servants in Glasgow who have been exempted from military service on the ground of conscientious objection and who are performing work of national importance in the Post Office are suffering a reduction of wages to the rate paid to temporary assistants, which is equal to a reduction of 20s. 6d. a week from wages already low; whether he is aware that these men only took advantage of a right given them in an Act of Parliament; and whether he will alter this instruction at an early date?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Blackburn on the 16th instant.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that his Department has made a breach of contract in regard to these servants? Are you to make their contracts scraps of paper?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Local Government Board for England and Wales issued, some weeks ago, an instruction to tribunals that men called to the Colours who are owners of one-man businesses are to receive certain considerations from the tribunals; whether he is aware that a similar instruction has not been issued to Scotland, and that, as a consequence, tribunals there are not giving the same consideration to owners of one-man businesses as elsewhere in the Kingdom; and will he explain why this preference according to locality should be given?

The reply to the first part of my hon. and learned Friend's question is in the affirmative. Instructions in a form appropriate to the Scottish conditions have been under consideration and negotiation during the current month, and will, it is expected, be issued this week.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Central Appeal Tribunal in the case of Angus M'Nab Chassels, Coatbridge; what was the constitution of the tribunal which gave the decision; whether this decision reversed the unanimous findings of the local and county Appeal Tribunals; whether the case put before the Central Tribunal by the military representative contained statements which had been disproved in evidence at former hearings; whether the local tribunal has protested against the decision of the Central Tribunal; whether the treatment given to Mr. Chassels, as compared with other men in the same trade in Coatbridge, has given rise to general dissatisfaction; and whether, in these circumstances, the case of Mr. Chassels will be reopened by the Central Appeal Tribunal, so that he may have an opportunity of being legally represented and thus disproving the untrue statements put forward as the basis of the appeal by the military representative?

My attention has not been previously drawn to this case. I ant informed that the appeal was decided in the ordinary course of the proceedings of the Central Tribunal. I am aware that the decision of the Central Tribunal was contrary to the decisions of the local and Appeal Tribunals. Every opportunity was afforded to Mr. Chassels to submit to the Central Tribunal representations in support of his ease, and the representations put forward by him, which dealt with the alleged inaccurate statements made by the National Service representative, were very carefully considered by the Central Tribunal when arriving at their decision. Representations relative to the alleged misstatements by the National Service representative were also received from the local tribunal after the case was decided. They were very fully considered, but the Central Tribunal saw no reason for altering their decision. I am unaware that the decision of the Central Tribunal has given rise to dissatisfaction in the district. I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that the full facts of the case were before the Central Tribunal when they arrived at their decision. The case has been very fully considered by the Central Tribunal, as I am informed, on no fewer than three occasions, and they see no reason for reopening the matter.

asked the Minister of National Service whether, in view of the hardship on masters and men involved in the calling up of indentured apprentices who have paid a premium and Served part of their time, he can see his way to having Section 96 of the Army Act again put into operation?

It is not possible to exclude men of military age from the operation of the Military Service Acts on the grounds stated in the question of the hon. Member. This is only one of the many hardships which are inevitable in a great war.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the War Office to reconsider the ques- tion of the premium in such cases as these, which is a hardship additional to the one already named in the question?

I think that my lion. Friend had better ask the War Office himself directly.

I have already done that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the Army Council intend to grant retired pay to those officers who have served during the War and, having attained the age limit of fifty-five, have been compulsorily retained in the Service; and whether he will thus make the treatment of officers the same as that of non-commissioned officers and men, who receive their pension in addition to their pay after twenty-one years' service?

I can add nothing to the answer given my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Melton on 6th December.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, at present, owing to the large number of candidates sent home from overseas for admission to Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry officer Cadet units, candidates from home sources are not accepted for such admission except in a limited number of special cases, and the general rule for candidates, both from home and abroad, is that their rank must not be below that of corporal?

The answer is in the affirmative. Preference is naturally given to candidates who are recommended while serving in the face of the enemy. Recently the course of training in officer Cadet units has been lengthened. Consequently it has been found necessary to cut down the supply of candidates from home sources, and to restrict, as a general rule, admission to these units to candidates who have already been promoted to the rank of corporal. It is felt that candidates who have shown the qualities of leadership in the field will be readily selected for corporal's rank, and these are the men to train for the position of platoon leader. We have found as the War proceeds that we are able to raise our standard, owing to the experience gained by candidates for commissions as non-commissioned officers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in the issue of the "1914 Bronze Star," the men of the Indian Expeditionary Force, who were landed at Marseilles, will be entitled to the medal, while the men who were on the water and sent to England to form further divisions for embarkation will not; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of issuing the medal to all the men?

In accordance with Army Order No. 350 of 1917 the "1914 Star" will be awarded to all officers, warrant officers, and non-commissioned officers, and men of the British and Indian Forces, who actually served in France or Belgium on the establishment of a unit of the British Expeditionary Force between the 5th August, 1914, and midnight of the 22nd–23rd November, 1914. Unless individuals comply with the conditions of this Army Order they are ineligible for the award of the Star.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the many men of low physical standard sent as Russian subjects, under the Russian Military Service Convention, to Maid-stone, and especially of such cases as J. Dloogatz, suffering for years from tuberculosis, and Mark Kravetz, a cripple with a, wooden leg, both presumably sent there for drafts to regiments; and whether, to prevent useless men being drafted into the Army, lie will cause full inquiry to be made?

I have called for a report, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether men placed on draft for the East are usually given four clear days' draft leave; whether he is aware that all the leave granted to the men in the Royal Engineers, Wireless Section, at Hitchin, is forty-eight hours; whether this leave was granted before the men were placed on draft, and was in cases quite inadequate; and whether he will see that proper draft leave is granted to all the men concerned?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 10th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Haggerston. If my hon. Friend will give me the details of any case he has in mind, I shall be happy to make inquiries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the reasons why the 12th Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 62nd Training Reserve Battalion, was changed into the 53rd Cheshire Regiment; whether he is aware that this change has caused dissatisfaction to the Welsh officers and soldiers attached to the division, which is comprised of only 12 per cent. Cheshire men; and whether it is contemplated to draft any further Welsh Territorial regiments to other units?

This battalion is a young soldiers' battalion, specially organised to receive young soldiers of eighteen years and one month. Three young soldiers' battalions were formed in the Fourth District, and were affiliated to regiments, this one being affiliated to the Cheshire Regiment, and the other two to the Welsh regiment and the South Wales Borderers. This battalion was formed from a Training Reserve Battalion, which ceased to have any connection with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers as long ago as September, 1916. It is not posted to a division, and the latter part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can explain why a telegram dispatched from Dakar on or before 7th January was not delivered to the addressee at Liverpool until noon of 18th January, seeing it only contained the two words, "Left, Williams''; whether lie can state when this telegram was received in Liverpool and who was responsible for the delay in delivery; and whether lie is aware that a telegram of a similar nature handed in at Dakar on the afternoon of 20th January was delivered to the addressee at Liverpool on the early morning of 22nd January?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I sent him on the 24th instant, namely, that the telegram in question was not received in this country until the 18th January. It was not forwarded over British cables, and I am unable to say to what cause its delay was due.

Can the right hon. Gentleman ascertain who is responsible for this improper delay in the delivery of an important cable, and can he say whether there is greater chaos in his Department than in any Government Department?

If the hon. Member desires, I will ask the foreign Government why the delay occurred?

asked the Postmaster-General if it is the intention of his Department to close any of the sub-post offices in London; and, if so, can he state on what plan he proposes to deal with this matter; and whether, in view of the increase of soldiers' allowances, pension, and other similar work at post offices, he will carefully consider the matter before closing any offices?

It has been necessary during the War to close a number of sub-offices in London, and the matter is considered whenever an office falls vacant, the points to which the hon. Member draws attention being invariably allowed due weight. There is no scheme in view at present for closing offices which are not vacant. Recent paragraphs in the Press to a contrary effect had no foundation.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the system of copying deeds into volumes by handwriting is still in force in the Register House, Edinburgh; whether the Government intends and, if so, when, to carry out the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service, which reported in 1915, that these volumes should be typewritten by women, thereby releasing men for work of national importance; and whether men so released will be pensioned as recommended by the Royal Commission?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative so far as the General Register of Sasines is concerned. In the Register of Deeds and the Extractors' Office typewriting has already been in part introduced; and the question of extending it to the Register of Sasines is receiving consideration. It is complicated by the necessity of considering the interests of the engrossing clerks whom the new system would throw out of employment on the one hand and the cost of carrying out the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the other hand.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is three years since the Report was issued?

I am quite aware of that.

asked the Prime Minister whether the principle of self-determination will be now applied to Ireland; and, if so, whether he will state the means by which he proposes to ascertain what form of government this self-determination implies and what steps he will take to realise the policy thus indicated?

I can make no statement on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, in these days of economy, the good principles of the Prime Minister are not for home consumption as well as for foreign export?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to make a statement as to advice which he has received from the United States pointing out the urgency of a settlement of the Irish question; and whether communication will be given to Members of this House of all messages, official or semi-official, emanating from high quarters in Washington bearing on this subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the second part, no messages of the kind alluded to have been received.

Have no semi-official messages been received from Washington? Even on this Irish question, has not the time come for the open air and sunlight of honesty?

Yes, on this question as on everything else.

asked the Prime Minister what the immediate intentions of the Government are in hastening or otherwise the passing of the Education Bill into law?

I have repeatedly stated that it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Bill as rapidly as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the names of the Committee appointed under the First Section of the Titles Deprivation Act; whether all the material available for its consideration has been prepared; how many persons with British titles are concerned in the material submitted to the Committee; and whether a Report from the Committee is to be expected shortly?

The names of the Committee are as follow:—

• The Lord Chancellor,
• The Lord President,
• The Marquess of Lansdowne,
• The Marquess of Salisbury,
• The Marquess of Crewe,
• The Earl of Desart,
• The Earl of Beauchamp,
• The Viscount Sandhurst,
• The Lord Newton,
• The Lord Stamfordham,
• The Lord Sumner, and
• The Lord Carnock.

Is there any particular reason why no Member of this House has been appointed on this Committee, and all Members of the other House?

I was not aware of that, jut I think that the Committee was appointed in strict accordance with the Bill which was passed in this House.

Why on that Committee have there been appointed men who in the House of Lords defended these enemy principles?

I am not aware of that. In any case, I suppose that Members of the House of Lords have got the same right to express their opinions as the hon. Gentleman.

asked whether the Reports of both the English and the Scottish Committees appointed to consider the terms of purchase of the liquor trade have been completed for some time; if so, why they have not been circulated to the Members of this House; and when these Reports will be circulated?

The Report of the English Committee was received some time ago and the question of publishing it was deferred until the Reports of Scottish and Irish Committees were presented. I understand that the Scottish Committee have presented their report to the Secretary for Scotland recently, but the Irish Committee have only just completed their inquiry. I cannot, therefore, make any statement at present.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received any further Reports from the Whitley Reconstruction Committee; and, if so, will he authorise their publication?

Two further Reports relating to the application of the first Report to less organised industries and to Workshop Committees have been received. They are now under consideration. I am not at the moment in a position to make any statement as to publication.

asked if, as the continued rise in the price of food is pressing on many old Army pensioners, the Government will afford them some relief by an increase in the amount of their pensions?

As regards service pensions I would refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave on the 7th December last in reply to the hon. Member for Leeds. For the rest, the question of the pensions payable to the pensioners of former wars is receiving the consideration of the Government.

Will the Government consider the matter, in view of the pathetic letters that one is receiving, and see that something is done to keep these men out of the workhouses?

I have said that the Government are considering it, but that must not be regarded as in any way an undertaking in the matter.

asked whether the War Cabinet upheld the decision of the First Commissioner of Works in refusing to commandeer the premises of the British-American Tobacco Company for the purposes of the Pensions Ministry; and, if so, for what reason?

Matters of accommodation are referred to the War Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, of which I am chairman, and not to the War Cabinet, unless it so decides. The British - American Tobacco Company placed at the disposal of the Government five floors of their premises, free of charge, which are now occupied by the Canadian Forces Record Office and the Ministry of Pensions. The value of the premises occupied is estimated at £6,500 per annum. There was, therefore, no necessity to commandeer these premises, and arrangements were made to allow the company to retain a certain portion of its offices to carry on its business. The War Cabinet Committee has expressed its gratitude to the company for the generous manner in which it has come forward to help the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Ministers state that they are unable to say why certain executive action has or has not been taken on the ground that they cannot answer for the War Cabinet; whether it is intended that the War Cabinet should be a body irresponsible in the ordinary Parliamentary sense; and, it not, whether, in cases when individual members of the War Cabinet are unable to be in their places owing to pressure of work, the representative of the Department will either be furnished with an answer or be instructed to say that in the public interest no answer can be given, and not reply that he is ignorant of the facts?

The responsibility of the War Cabinet and the method of dealing with discussions in Parliament are precisely the same as in the case of any other Cabinet.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that under the temporary regulations of the Stock Exchange no security is a good delivery unless accompanied by a declaration that it has remained in physical possession in the United Kingdom since the 30th September, 1914, and has not, since the outbreak of war, been in enemy ownership; whether such regulation applies to stocks and shares which are put up for sale by public auction; and, if not., will he consider the advisability of extending the regulation to such sales?

The Treasury have frequently drawn public attention to the fact that it is most undesirable in the national interests that securities which have not been in continuous physical possession in the United Kingdom since 30th September, 1914, should at present be sold in this country either through the Stock Exchange or through any other channels. The Treasury's wishes have, in general, met with loyal acceptance. The importation into this country of securities (other than maturing bonds and coupons payable in the United Kingdom) is prohibited under the Prohibition of Import (No. 21) Proclamation, and for a long time past no securities could be imported from neutral countries without a declaration that they had not been in enemy ownership since the outbreak of war.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the desirability of increasing the interest on deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank from 2½ per cent to 3 per cent., in order to encourage thrift and provide additional funds for national purposes?

This matter has been frequently considered, and, for the reasons set out in paragraph 11 of the Report of the Committee on War Loans for Small Investors, I do not think it possible to make any change.

asked whether the Treasury now pays for all the purchases of the Admiralty, the War Office, and the Ministry of Munitions, or whether these Departments pay their own accounts for purchases made and services rendered; if the latter, whether this is a new system since the beginning of the War; and what check the Treasury has over these Departments in the proper expenditure of the money of the nation?

In accordance with the established system of public finance, the Admiralty, War Office, and Ministry of Munitions are responsible for the expenditure incurred by them. As regards Treasury control, I would refer the hon. Member to the reports of the Select Committee on National Expenditure and to my statement of the 14th instant.

Do these Departments make contracts quite freely without the Treasury intervening in any way?

There is a certain amour t of control. It is quite obvious that I cannot define what it is.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division> whether he can state why private soldiers are not included in the provisions of The Hague agreement as to the release of British prisoners of war from Germany and their internment in Holland?

The reason is that the German delegates at The Hague refused the proposal out forward by the British delegates that privates should be included in the transfer, to Holland of prisoners who had been over eighteen months in captivity.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the increased expenditure incurred by county boroughs and urban sanitary authorities in the carrying out of schemes for the better housing of the working classes since the commencement of the War on account of the higher rate of interest charged by the Treasury on loans granted for the purpose and the increased cost of materials owing to war conditions; whether he is aware that, in the case of a housing scheme recently completed by the Blackrock Urban District Council, for which a loan of about £21,000 was sanctioned by the Local Government Board about the commencement of the War and the money advanced by the Treasury, the higher rate of interest charged on the loan, together with the increased price of materials, represents a charge on the rates of close on £200 per annum for a period of sixty years over and above what the cost of the scheme would have been at the pre-war rate of interest and cost of materials; and, seeing that any addition to the rents at which the houses are now let to meet this extra cost would be prohibitive, whether provision will be made by the Government in the proposed scheme for national housing after the War by which a money Grant would be made available to relieve the increased burden imposed on the local ratepayers by reason of the War in this and similar cases throughout Ireland, so that those public authorities who have realised their obligation in regard to the better housing of the working classes would be at least in no worse position than others who have deferred action in a matter of such vital importance to the welfare of so large a section of the community?

Except in Dublin, only a few small loans have been granted to urban authorities in Ireland for housing purposes since the outbreak of the War, and these were granted at a slight increase on the rate of interest for loans made prior to the War. The cost of materials has also increased owing to the War conditions. I am informed that the consequent increase chargeable in the case of the Blackrock Urban District Council, to which the hon. Member refers, is about £180 per annum. As to the last inquiry in the question, I would refer to my answer to a question by the hon. Member on the 22nd October.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration, as this is a very peculiar case, and will he let me have a copy of that reply?

I will, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the registration council of secondary teachers in Ireland on the 13th October last sent in to the Lord Lieutenant, for his approval, a draft of their rules revised in accordance with the requirements of the Irish Government; that the council have not yet received the rules approved by the Lord Lieutenant nor even a formal acknowledgment of receipt of draft; that the whole work of the council has been held up for more than a year by delay in dealing with these rules; and what is the cause of the present delay in returning the rules?

The regulations were submitted for approval on the 13th October. I regret there has been some delay in dealing with the matter. The regulations deal with questions of a complicated nature which require careful consideration owing to a difference as to the functions of the Intermediate Board and the council in the matter of keeping and controlling the register of intermediate teachers. The draft regulations are now before the Intermediate Board, and when their observations are received a decision will be given without any avoidable delay.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what precautions have been taken in the rebuilding of those portions of Dublin that were destroyed during the rising of 1916 to ensure due regard both to architectural considerations and to the rehousing of the poorer classes of the people?

I would refer the hon. Member to Section 2 of the Dublin Reconstruction (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1916. Under this Section the city architect is empowered to exercise full control over the rebuilding of houses in the destroyed area, and he may require such reasonable alterations to be made as respects the design, line of frontage, and materials, as he thinks proper; and may require the plans, sections, and elevations to be amended accordingly. The Local Government Board always satisfy themselves that plans have been approved by the city architect in cases where they issue certificates to owners of houses who desire to borrow money from the corporation under Section 3 of the Act. The plans for the rehousing of the poor outside the destroyed area have also to be submitted to the Local Government Board.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Committee of Inquiry presided over by General Sir Francis Howard has now concluded its labours; and whether it is proposed to give any information to the House of Commons with regard to the questions upon which it has deliberated and reported?

The Report has been received and is now under consideration. I am not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether be will institute periodic conferences of medical officers representative of the staffs in the various commands, in order to discuss matters connected with the efficient and economical administration of military hospitals?

There exists already a special machinery for this purpose in the War Office, which is in close touch with the hospitals and staffs of commands, and in communication with the Food Controller.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to replace night-time volunteers engaged upon anti-aircraft work by whole-time mm on active service; whether the efficiency of the anti-aircraft service in London is prejudiced by the employment of part-time men; and, if not, whether, having regard to the demands of the Army on the man-power of the country, the services of part-time men can be continued?

In regard to the first and second parts of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on the 23rd instant to my hon. Friend the Member for Hag-gerston. The answer to the last part is in the negative for the reasons given, except to the extent to which it is proposed still to employ part-time men for duties which can be performed efficiently by them. These part-time men are not volunteers, but belong to the Naval Volunteer Reserve, and are paid as such.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to improve the conditions of the male and female workers in the wool stores taken over by the Government in Dublin; if he is aware that the wages paid to workmen are 27s. 6d. and women 15s.; and if he will see that they receive the same rates as are paid in England for similar work, namely, men £3 and women 30s. and a bonus on output?

I understand that the rates of pay for unskilled labour employed in time wool store taken over by the Department in Dublin are 27s. 6d. to 29s. 6d. per week for men and 15s for women, for a forty-four hour week, and compare favourably with those paid for similar classes of work by other trades in that locality. Overtime is paid for hours worked in excess of forty-four.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken by the military to vacate school buildings and adapt other buildings for hospitals; if he is aware that in Plymouth, owing to the commandeering of certain schools by the Army and the Admiralty, there are 9,041 children working on the double-shift plan, and only doing in three years what was formerly done in two years; and if, with the need for more, rather than less, education for young people after the War, the Government will treat this matter as urgent and make the necessary arrangements

The desirability of surrendering these schools is recognised, and a promise has been given that they shall be surrendered as soon as the military authorities can arrange to forego their use. Up to the present the need for extra beds has had to be met constantly, and it has not been found possible to make other arrangements.

Will the hon. Gentleman say if his reply applies to Johnston Terrace School, in the Devonport Division, which has been taken by the Admiralty for the sleeping accommodation of men, with the result that temporary premises have had to be rented by the Education Committee, and Ford School converted for the first time into a double-shift school?

I cannot say. Perhaps my hon. Friend will communicate with me privately.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Admiralty to the effect that all permanent employés in the clerical departments at home dockyards in receipt of a salary of £250 per annum and under are to receive art additional bonus; that boy writers of eighteen are to receive an extra 9s. per week and boys under eighteen 7s. a week; and that women clerks are to have an additional 4s. per week; and will he say whether it is the intention of the War Office to make the same concessions to the clerical staffs employed by the Army Ordnance Department at Devonport and Bull Point?

Instructions are about to be issued as regards the further bonus for permanent employés of the clerical departments under the War Office, in accordance with the recent awards of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the increased pay to soldiers was granted on the ground that increased cost of living rendered the increase necessary in the vital interests of wives, children, and dependants; and whether, in view of soldiers in the Non-Combatant Corps having the same family tics as other soldiers, he will state why the increase is not payable in their cases?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The increase was given, as I have previously explained, mainly to raise the pay of the fighting troops.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether proficiency pay has been paid to men entitled to it in the Non-Combatant Corps; and, if not, under what Order or Regulation is it withheld?

Men of the Non-Combatant Corps are not entitled to proficiency pay.