asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has had his attention directed to the recent discussion at a special meeting of the Dublin Corporation and to the Report of the corporation's states and finance committee in relation to the supply of coal from Irish collieries, and, in this connection, whether any and, if so, what steps were intended. to be taken to relieve the congestion at the Castlecomer collieries and to provide transit facilities for these collieries, with a view to enabling their stocks to be made available for public consumption, and,. further, for the purpose of securing an increase in their output?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is now in a position to state what is the decision of the Government with regard to the project of building a railway from Castlecomer, county Kilkenny, to the main line in order to transport the coal which is lying idle at the pithead?

I have seen a newspaper report of the proceedings of the Dublin Corporation referred to by the hon. Member for the Harbour Division. The question of improving the transit facilities at these collieries is at present under discussion between the owner, the Irish Office and the Board of Trade.

Is their any prospect of any arrangement being brought about while the coal famine exists in Ireland, as this matter has been going on for twenty years?

It is very difficult in a question of this kind which has been awaiting solution for twenty years to find an emergency solution, but I am doing my best.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received any communication on behalf of the Civil bill officers of King's county asking for a war bonus; if he is aware that Irish Civil bill officers only receive an annual salary of £10 for the performance of very onerous and troublesome duties; and whether it is intended to grant a war bonus to these men?

The memorial referred to has been received. Civil bill officers arc appointed by County Court judges under the provisions of Section 15 of the Act 14 and 15 Vic., cap. 57, and their salaries are regulated by Section 17 of the Act. They also receive certain fees in addition to their salaries under Section 18. They are not whole-time officials and do not come within the classes of officers to whom war bonuses are payable.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if lie is aware that the majority, if not all, of the teachers of Kildare district, sixteen are discontented owing to the methods of and the manner in which Mr. Cussen, the senior inspector, performs his duties; whether complaints have been made that the inspector's attitude to both teachers and pupils is irritating and offensive; whether he will consider the advisability of having this senior inspector appointed to the vacant position of private secretary to Dr. Starkie; and if he is aware that such appointment would meet with approval in the district and probably avoid a repetition of the Tipperary incident?

The performance by the senior inspector of his duties is entirely a matter for the Commissioners of National Education. The appointment of private secretary to the Resident Commissioner rests with the Resident Commissioner.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, seeing that the increased allowance for boots for Irish prison warders, owing to the high cost of footwear, due to war conditions, is not now sufficient, he will now consider the advisability of making representation to the proper authority with a view to having this allowance substantially increased, so that they may not still sustain a loss by the deprivation of their former two free issues per annum; whether he is aware that an increased allowance for boots has recently been given to postmen; that Irish prison warders perform much longer hours of duty on foot than postmen, many of whom are provided with bicycles; and that the warders' allowance for boots is equally as inadequate as the postmen's was; and will be take steps to allay the discontent existing in the service on that account?

As to the boot allowance for Irish prison officers, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to his question on the 15th November. I have no information as to the boot allowance of postmen, but I may remind the hon. Member that prison officers have received an increase in war bonus to enable them to meet the increased cost of commodities due to war conditions.

asked the 2hief Secretary for Ireland whether any intimation has been given to the Irish Press that references to, or description of, raids for arms and the rescue of military deserters by organised bands of sympathisers are. not to appear; and, if so, will he give the reason for the intimation?

No such intimation has been given.

Are these people in Ireland who are in possession of arms loyalists who imported arms from Germany in 1914?

I do not think that that arises on this question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the systematic disarming of loyalists that is taking place in many districts by means of raids of small parties of armed and masked men, who demand and appropriate arms in the name of the Irish Army; whether amongst other places raids have lately taken place at Kinvarra, Rocklawn, Ennis, and Bansha; and what action does lie propose to take?

Numerous cases of midnight attacks on isolated dwelling-houses by parties of men searching for arms have lately been reported. In some instances the assailants have been put to flight by the inmates. Certain arrests have been made, and the Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabularly has directed various preventive measures.

Are not the loyalists referred to in the question in possession of arms? Is not that in contravention of the law, and are not these guns that were imported in 1914 from Germany?

I do not think that the question has any relation to the events of 1914.

Of course it has!

A considerable number highly respectable people in Ireland, in conformity with the law, have weapons of various kinds, some old and some modern.

Have they German rifles?

I am not sure that they have guns which come from foreign sources. I do not think they have, but the raids complained of were made on law-abiding people by other persons who are minded to break the law, and every step that can be taken is being taken to prevent it.

asked the Chief Secretary for Breland whether, in view of the fact that the position of Irish workhouse teachers has been under consideration since last July, he will now state definitely what decision has been arrived at; and when will he publish the nature of the proposals?

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether in cases where it is decided to destroy pamphlets and leaflets under Regulation 51 of the Defence of the Realm Acts an intimation with regard to the decision will be sent to the owners of the pamphlets and leaflets in question?

I cannot undertake that notice shall be given whenever pamphlets are destroyed, as there is sometimes a difficulty in ascertaining the owners, but I will request the police to give notice if the circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that no prosecution has been undertaken of those responsible for the issue of the labour mania- festo on the War and the making of peace. without submission to his Department, he will now withdraw the Regulation of the Defence of the Realm Act, which has been contiavened and found to be impossible of application in the face of organised defiance?

I have no reason to think that there will be any difficulty in enforcing the Regulation, and I have no intention of advising its withdrawal.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he intends to enforce the Regulations, or does he intend to enforce them only on the weak and not. on the strong?

I have already replied twice on that subject. I was under the impression, rightly or wrongly, that the breach in this case was solely due to inadvertence.

Have you made any representations to the people who issued this manifesto to assure yourself that it was due to inadvertence? Have you taken simile steps with regard to other people who have issued manifestoes or pamphlets in contravention of the law?

I acted on the best information I had. If I was wrong, I am sorry and I shall take care where there are farther breaches.

Was the evidence such as to show that the authors of this manifesto were ignorant of the Regulation?

Not by any means; but people sometimes forget.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether lie is aware that Harold Aidalberg, of 62, Oxford Street, E., a Roumanian, aged eighteen and a half years was charged at Tower Bridge Police Court on 25th January with being a few days late in registering, and given a sentence of six months' imprisoment; whether he is aware that Aidalberg's house was raided on 18th January, and the books, papers, etc., of the Stepney Herald League, of which he was treasurer, taken away; whether the missing £42 odd belonging to the league is in the posses- sion of the police; and will he say what reason they had for carrying out this raid?

From inquiries which I have made it appears that this man had committed two offences against the Aliens Restriction Order, and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment. Two police officers, in the course of the inquiries which they made in connection with the case, searched his lodgings, and certain books and papers were taken away for examination, but no money was found in the house or taken away. The books belonging to the league mentioned in the question were returned to an official of the league.

Is the right lion. Gentleman aware that this is a boy of seventeen, whose only offence is that he was three days late in registering a change of address Is he aware that in the evidence against him it was stated by the inspector that he was a Socialist, that the magistrate thereupon said, "This makes the offence very serious," and that this heavy sentence was a mere piece of political persecution?

I have replied to the question put down. 2ertainly, this is a much more serious offence.

What was the offence?

The offence was a breach of the Aliens Order.

asked how many appeals were made to the Central Appeal Tribunal by conscientious objectors claiming total exemption under the Military Service Acts; and in how many cases total exemption was granted?

I have been asked to answer this question. Two hundred and eighty-four appeals in all on the ground of conscientious objection have been received by the Central Tribunal. It would necessitate looking up each case to state in what number the claim was for absolute exemption. The 2entral Tribunal have not granted absolute exemption in any case.

asked the Minister of National Service whether, considering that Gunner E. W. Kealey, No. 290930, Royal Garrison Artillery, now in hospital at Drake's Island, Plymouth, in consequence of being buried in a trench whilst fighting in France, was brought home and placed in a mental ward, and has been in several hospitals during the last twelve months suffering from injuries to his head and legs, in addition to having his foot crushed, and his consequent inability to render further service to his country as a soldier, he may be released and return to civilian life?

I have been asked to answer this quetion. Inquiries. are being made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has yet had any report from the Board of Agriculture in Scotland as to the summoning of agriculturists from their work to the local tribunal of Dunblane, whereby one whole day for each is lost from the growing of food for the people; and is this system now altered?

From information furnished by the Board of Agriculture and the local tribunal it appears that, on the occasion to which my hon. and learned Friend refers, only about. one-fourth of the agricultural applicants were actually summoned to attend. In the other cases the tribunal sent an intimation that they were prepared to grant temporary exemption without the attendance of the parties concerned, provided the men enrolled in the Volunteers. I am informed that in no case were any of the parties kept by the tribunal after one o'clock. The necessity for attendance of applicants must depend upon the circumstances of each case, and no uniform rule can be laid down. I quite appreciate, however, the importance of minimising interruption of agricultural work, and I am assured that the local tribunal are fully alive to this consideration.

Is the one-fourth, to which he referred, as many as a hundred?

I have not the precise figures before me, but I think that is an over-estimate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that certain voluntary patrol societies have been formed in many parts of London who appear to do a useful work in warning inhabitants who are nervous on the approach of a raid and assisting women and children to the nearest shelters; and, if so, can he make arrangements that the police authorities should give to the recognised representatives of these societies in the various areas immediate information as to the approach of raiders upon application?

I am aware of the existence of these societies. The police warning is given to the public as soon as there is reason to believe that London may be attacked, and B am advised that it is not possible to give earlier notice to the representatives of patrol societies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the uncertainty as to the kind of warning which will be given in the event of air raids over London owing to different practices being in operation in the various Metropolitan boroughs, he can arrange for a uniform system of warning throughout the whole of London?

The police warnings by sound signals and "Take cover" notices are uniform throughout the Metropolitan Po:ice District. Where other means of warning are used, such as syrens or coloured lights, these have been established not by the police, but by the local authorities. The police are endeavouring to secure uniformity in the colour of the lights so used.

Cal the borough councils use any kind of warning they like?

It is very desirable that the authorities should consult the Commissioner of Police before deciding.

Who is responsible for firing off those maroons?

Those are the sound warnings which have been so much desired in London.

Who fires them off—the local authorities or the military?

Neither.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the warnings satisfactory?

I think that they do form a very effective warning, and certainly they have the effect of clearing the streets.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Germans have conducted several important air raids over London, and that their aviators have escaped every time from the London area with little or no loss, steps will be taken by the War 2abinet to overhaul the whole system of London's defences; and whether it will give orders that all officers whose capacity has been found to fall short of the requirements of their position shall be retired, and that this rule shall apply even to those most highly placed?

The 2abinet are satisfied that everything possible is being done to maintain and improve the efficiency of the London defences.

Is not that the same kind of answer that we have had on every occasion for the last three years, and have the authorities any further policy in such matters than that of covering up big reputations?

That is not the policy of the Government, and I fancy everyone in the House except the hon. Member has been rather surprised at the success of the defence.

May I ask whether, having regard to the view taken of the casualties in London, he will give an assurance that greater regard will be paid to the 4,000 or 5,000 casualties at the front?

For once I quite agree with the hon. Member. I think the casualties at the front deserve quite as much sympathy as casualties in London, and both are regarded in the same way by the Government.

asked the Home Secretary the reason for allowing certain journals to criticise and disparage officers in the Higher Command of the naval and military forces of the Crown; and whether the Government will restrict this privilege, in view of the interests of the senior officers and the morale of the forces?

B have nothing to add to the statements made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this subject, on the 24th instant.

Will my right hon. Friend seek from the House further powers to protect officers who are one by one marked down for disparagement, which constitutes a grave moral danger to the State?

I should be very glad if I had rather more power than I possess. Whenever that is suggested I find objection raised in different quarters. I can only repeat. that it is a very great pity that these articles are continued.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the great majority of the Press of this country is nothing but an official Press, and that if any campaign is started in that Press it is due to official stimulation?

Nothing of the kind!

Is not the right lion. Gentleman's inaction due to the fact that he only uses his repressive powers to the weak and poor newspapers?

That is wholly untrue.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty the number of lives lost on the city of Dublin boat which was sunk on the morning of 26th January

I deeply regret to say that on the occasion referred to the lives of seven passengers and five of the crew were lost. The passengers lost consisted of five men and two women; and of the crew. two seamen, two firemen, and one stewardess, were lost.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamer sunk by enemy action inside the Mersey Bar lightships on the morning of 28th December last, when nine- teen Liverpool pilots and a number of pilot apprentices lost their lives, was at the time she was sunk acting as Government examination boat for the port of 'Liverpool as well as a pilot boat; and whether, in view of the fact that these men and youths lost their dives on board a Government ship by enemy action, he can state what scale of compensation and pensions will be given to their dependants and relatives?

I am aware that the vessel referred to was acting as an examination boat at the time she was sunk. Compensation will be granted to the dependants of the pilots and pilot apprentices in accordance with the scheme, of which I am sending particulars to the hon. Member.

is my right hon. Friend aware that the Liverpool pilots, by their own efforts, had created a benevolent fund, and that owing to this appalling loss of twenty-eight lives at one time, the fund has been completely depleted; and can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to urge upon the Treasury a sympathetic—

The hon. Member should give notice of that question. There is nothing on that point in his question.

Very well, Sir; I will put down a question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that advances of wages paid to workmen engaged on Admiralty work on the Clyde by the order of the Committee of Production, the total of which was agreed upon six months ago, have never yet been paid; and will he see that the money is remitted without further delay?

I do not know whether my hon. and learned Friend is referring to the Committee on Production's award of a war bonus of 3s. on 1st August last; another war bonus of 5s. was, of course, awarded in December last. I can scarcely believe that in either of these cases the money has not been paid. But if my hon. and learned Friend will give me particulars of any case in which it has not been paid, the matter shall be dealt with at once. I gather from what my hon. and learned Friend has said in putting his question, that it is the subcontractor and not the men who have not been paid. If he will let me have particulars, I will go into the matter at once.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether lie is aware that in the cases dealt with by the Committee of Production last year, herein advances were granted to workmen engaged on contracts for his Department and such advances were loyally paid by sub-contractors to their workmen engaged on Admiralty work, that the shipbuilders and others, particularly on the Clyde, contracting direct with his Department are refusing to forward to him the sub-contractors' claims for those advances paid whereby these sub-contractors are unable to recover the extra wages paid; and will he indicate some method by which these sub-contractors can recover these advances paid?

In some few cases the Admiralty is aware that sub-contractors have experienced difficulty in obtaining a refund of the advances in wages granted to their workmen by the Committee on Production, and paid by them in accordance therewith. It is not, possible to say, from my hon. and learned Friend's question, whether the sub-contractors whom he has in Lind have Cade representations direct to them Admiralty. Bf they have not done so, I suggest that they should at once communicate to the Admiralty details of their case, when the matter will be at once investigated on its merits.

asked the Minister of National Service whether the month within which a discharged disabled man can apply for work of national importance dates from the calling - up notice or from the 21st January?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on this subject on the 21st instant, in which it was stated that the period of one month would run from the coming into force of the arrangement in the case of men already discharged, and from the date of discharge in the case of men who may be discharged hereafter. A detailed Instruction to all officials of the Ministry of National Service concerned as to the procedure to be followed to give effect to the arrangement is being prepared, and it is not intended that the month should begin to run until that Instruction has been circulated. It will probably prove advisable, in order to avoid possibility of misunderstanding, to name. in the Instruction a particular date (subsequent to the date of the Instruction) as the point of time fromwhich the month will run.

Can the right hon. Gentleman make certain that the men concerned themselves will be sure to get the Instruction, or that such steps will be taken that they cannot avoid knowing about it?

I can only say that very great publicity has been given to it within reasonable amounts of cost; and, as the lion. Member may be aware, I have already said that if any individuals among these discharged soldiers can show a good case for not being founds work within a month, the period will be extended.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he can state the list of occupations of national importance which his Department are prepared to make available to discharged disabled men who wish to take advantage of the same?

Discharged soldiers engaged in any one of the following occupations will be regarded as undertaking work of national importance:

Shipbuilding.

Ship repairing.

Marine engineering.

Munitions.

Agriculture.

Agricultural implement making.

Food production.

Railways.

Tramways.

Iron ore mines.

Gas, water, electric undertakings.

Other work granted priority by the National Labour Priority Committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, in view of the already depleted labour in the cotton trade, why that trade is not included in the list?

There is more labour available than is required to work up the material available to be worked up.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he will take steps to secure that George Coutts, of Falkirk, Edenkillie, Dunphail, who, owing to delay on the part of the Board of Agriculture in issuing his voucher, has been called up for military service, shall return to his original employment on his father's farm; whether he is aware that the farm consists of 85 acres, including 18 acres of old pasture which is to he put in crop this year, making in all 50 acres in grain; that only the father, who is over seventy years of age, is now left to work the place, and that the National Service representative, who recently visited the farm after George Coutts had been called up, reported that this man is absolutely necessary for the proper working of the place?

The case of George Coutts has been investigated, and when information is received as to his regimental number and unit his release will be recommended to the War Office.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he will direct his attention to the number of exemptions granted in various WHITEhall offices, and particularly in the Foreign Office, to young men of military age enjoying good health; and whether, in view of the spirit of demoralisation which is fostered by this state of affairs, he will lay the matter before the War Cabinet with the advice that no useful one-man business be broken up or no skilled artisan be removed from essential work until WHITEhall has been cleared of embusqués?

Allegations with regard to the improper retention of young fit men in Government offices are repeatedly made in this House and in the Press. The staffs of Gover4ment offices are frequently reviewed, and I cannot find adequate basis for the allegations. If the hon. Member will assist me by supplying me with the names of ten or a dozen gentlemen whom he regards as embusqués, I shall have their cases fully investigated.

Did the right hon. Gentleman read the answer given, for instance, by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to a question of my own, that for the efficient working of his own Depart- ment he will recognise the importance of this question, which sticks in the gizzard of the ordinary person?

May I ask whether the over-nicety on this question comes from Ireland or not?

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the wages paid by the Board of Works to their employes in Dublin, and if he will recommend the payment of an increased war bonus?

I understand that the full amounts of war bonus authorised under the awards of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board are paid to all employes of the Board of Works to whom such awards are applicable, and I am not aware of any ground for making any additional concession.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will issue Instructions for the payment of the 12½, per cent, to all munition workers in Ireland; and if he will send a copy of the Instructions to Kynoch, Arklow?

The 12½ per cent. bonus Orders have been applied to the same classes of establishments in Ireland as in Great Britain. The bonus has not yet been extended to the general workers in the chemical and explosives trades either in Great Britain or in Breland. The application of the bonus in these trades is now under consideration by the Ministry of Labour.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether all those who are now receiving the 12½ per cent. bonus in England will be eligible for the 12½ per cent. bonus in Ireland?

The same conditions will apply to Ireland as to this country.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he can state whether Major Downie, the director of the Dublin munitions factory, has resigned his position; if so, for what reason; if he is aware that since Major Downie's absence from Dublin the output of the factory has been reduced and that, owing to the anti-Irish actions of one of the officials, the men had to temporarily cease work on Friday last as a protest against his conduct; if he is aware that there is a conspiracy on foot by anti-Irish officials to reduce the output of the factory and to provoke trouble with the employes in order to harm Dublin city as a manufacturing centre; and if he will cause inquiries to be made into this conduct?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that Major Downie resigned because he did not agree with certain measures taken to increase the efficiency of the Brish factories. The temporary stoppage of work referred to was due to the dismissal of an incompetent foreman. know of no grounds which justify the statement that there has been any conspiracy as suggested, or, indeed, that any officials have taken any anti-Irish action. On the contrary, the action taken has been directed to improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of the output of the factories so that they may be a credit to Irish industry.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether it is proposed to use the resources of contractors who have suitable factories and staffs for the construction of aeroplane parts and other war material in Dublin and the rest of Ireland?

It is proposed to utilise Trish resources for certain forms of aircraft work. Some orders have already been placed.

Are there any orders given in Dublin?

I must have notice of any detailed orders, but some orders have -already been placed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he is charging 120s. per ton freight on coal out to Argentina and only about 57s. per ton on wheat home; if he has received any representations from the Argentina railway companies regarding the former charge; whether the freight on coal out is usually very much lower than the freight on wheat home; and whether he will reconsider the rates with a view to a just apportionment?

The freight charged on wheat which, as in the case of all Government cargoes, is based on cost of running at Blue Book rates, is not 57s. but 100s. There, is, therefore, not the wide discrepancy which my hon. Friend had supposed between that rate and the rate on coal outwards. Moreover, as the latter is a commercial rate arranged with the railway coal pool, no comparison could, I think, properly be made between the two, and it is not proposed to make any change.

Does the hon. Gentlernan suggest that because the rates are accepted they are therefore justified when they are accepted under compulsion, and, furthermore, if it is to cheapen food why does he fix the rate at its present rate?

As I have tried to explain to the House before, the rates on Government cargoes are purely cost rates, and, moreover, they are discounted by any receipts from voyages out. Bf my hon. Friend will confer with me privately I think lie will find that is the case.

asked the Pensions Minister if discharged soldiers are entitled to pensions as from the date of discharge; if not, will he consider the advisability of making pensions retrospective as from the date of discharge instead of from the date on which the claim is established, in order to prevent hardships due to delay in establishing or admifting claims?

If the claim to pension on the part of the man discharged on account of medical unfitness for further service is allowed in the ordinary course or on appeal, if the appeal is made within three months of the original disallowance, he is given his pension from the date of discharge, but if he delays his appeal more than three months the pension, when subsequently granted, will only carry arrears from the date of his first application. In the case of a man not discharged on account of medical unfitness for further service, but who subsequently becomes disabled owing to causes due to his service, the date of commencement of pension is that from which his claim to it is established.

asked the Pensions Minister (1) if he is aware of the sending out to discharged soldiers of Army Form 3529 requesting them to sign a statement to the effect that they agree that any pension granted on transfer to the Reserve should cease if they are recalled to the Colours; if so, will he say if this form is in accordance with paragraphs I and 2 of Army Council Instruction 1131 of 1917, and has been sent out with the sanction of the Ministry of Pensions; will he state what the effect of signing or not signing this form has upon the men from a pensions point of view; (2) if he is aware that discharged soldiers are having sent to them a form in which they are requested to sign and return a statement to the effect that they agree that any pension granted to them on transfer to the Reserve will cease from the date of their rejoining in the event of their being recalled to the Colours; and, if so, will he explain what is the object of sending out this form and what the effect is upon a discharged soldier who signs it and also upon one who does not sign it?

The form in question was used for men temporarily transferred to Class P of the Army Reserve who drew pension until recalled to the Colours. No transfers to Class P have taken place since last July, and Class P Reservists have been discharged. The form, therefore, is altogether out-of-date, and should not now be used, and if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of cases where it is now being used inquiries will be made with a view to the practice being stopped.

Do I understand that it is not correct in the form in which it is being used or has been used?

Yes.

asked the Pensions Minister whether there is any income the possession of which precludes the widow or mother of a deceased soldier from receiving a pension; and, if so, will he say what is that income?

The pension of a widow is irrespective of income, as is also that of a mother whose claim to pension rests on pre-war dependence. But under the concessions announced last September, pensions are now also paid to parents who cannot establish pre-war dependence, provided that there is pecuniary need. In such cases the possession of income is obviously a material factor, but it is not the only factor, and therefere a precise limit of income cannot be fixed.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the same applies to officers?

The officers' warrant is different. If the hon. Member wishes to know the exact provision for officers, I would be glad if he would give notice of the question.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he can now give the information promised on two separate occasions during last summer as to time total tonnage of-refrigerated meat, dairy produce, rabbits, and other goods usually kept in cold stores which were condemned in the boroughs of Southwark, Bermondsey, Stepney, Finsbury, and Poplar, respectively, and in the area of the City of London and the Port Sanitary Authority of London, between 1st April and 30th June last?

I am sending the hon. Member a table showing the information asked for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can explain the decline in meat supplies; whether supplies have been affected by price adjustments; whether he has evidence of the holding back of meat supplies; and whether he can make a statement as to the position, during the next three months?

The decline in meat supplies is primarily due to the fact that the imported meat, which before the War was consumed by the civil population, is now, for the most part, required by, and allocated to, the Allied Armies, and civilian requirements have, therefore, to be met almost entirely out of home-killed supplies. The shortage of concentrated feeding-stuffs has operated to reduce the number of beasts fit for slaughter in this country during the early months of the year. The fixing of maximum prices is bound to cause difficulties in distribution where the supply of the commodity is not equal to the demand. These difficulties, in the case of meat, are being adjusted by the scheme of distribution recently initiated by the Ministry of Food. There is no evidence of a holding back of meat supplies now. The Food Controller will make a further statement as to the general position at an early date.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the decline in the meat supply is to some extent due to his Ministry having fixed the lowest price for the month of January, which is the dearest month of the year for the production of meat?

I do not think the decline in the meat supply is clue to any great extent to causes other than those enumerates? in the answer.

Will the hon. Gentleman state whether the further statement by the Food Controller to which he refers will be delivered in the House of Lords?

I cannot anticipate the statement nor announce exactly where it will be delivered.

Not at the Aldwyeh Club, I hope.

There are worse places than the Aldwych Club.

Has any revision been recently made in the price the cattle dealers are allowed to charge, and will that have any effect on the supply—in render the supply greater?

There has been no revision—only so far as the announcement of live-weight prices.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen a statement made by a well-known cattle dealer giving figures to show that the arrangements for the intermediate parties have increased the cost of cattle per head by over £7?

Comments made upon the subject of food must be discounted very often according to the sources from which they come.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed at the annual meeting of the Leicestershire Agricultural Society on 12th January, stating that the main cause of the meat shortage is because Lord Rhondda refused to alter the price of Army beef, fixed at 60s. per cwt. as from 1st January, 1918, soon enough to avert this disaster; and what steps he proposes to take in order to avoid a repetition of the present shortage?

This resolution has been received by the Food Controller, who cannot, however, agree that the main cause of the present shortage is that suggested. The maximum prices for live cattle now subsisting, which were fixed after consultation with representatives of agricultural interests, are, in the opinion of the Food Contrcller, sufficiently high to secure a fair profit to the farmer producing cattle for slaughter. The Food Controller will not hesitate to take such other steps as experience may suggest to ensure such a supply of home-produced meat as may be possible under present conditions.

Has the Food Controller any power to make farmers put beasts upon the market?

If we had that power, as indeed we have, I am not sure that it would be beneficial to the public to exercise it. It is not always advisable merely to take the produce. We want to have the good will and the service as well.

Supposing you have not the good will?

Is it a fact that farmers have cattle which they are withholding from the market?

My reply indicates that there is no withholding of cattle at the present moment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a large quantity of beef has recently been condemned at Smithfield Market suffering from tuberculosis and other diseases; if he will tate what the quantity was and where this meat was slaughtered; and what. steps he has taken to prevent any repetition of this complaint and consequent loss of food for London?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The information asked for in the second part will not be available until the early part of next month. As in most cases the diseases are not. app Trent until after slaughter, it is impossible to take any steps to prevent the occurrence of such incidents.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that hardship is entailed upon widows endeavouring to make a living and bring up a family by the sale of sweets in small shops; that a statement that a further reduction of the supply of sugar is pending causes them to entertain fear as to the possibility of continuing to keep themselves and their children out of the workhouse; and can he see his way to do something to alleviate their position?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether further restrictions are contemplated upon the use of sugar for manufacturing purposes; whether he is aware that the present allowance of 25 per cent. of the 1915 supply is wholly insufficient for manufacturers and wholesale and retail confectioners, whom a further reduction must most disastrously affect; and whether he can make any announcement as to the position and its exigencies?

As I informed the hon. Member for Oldham yesterday, no further restr ction upon the use of sugar for manufacturing purposes is at present contemplated. In view of war conditions it is impossible to increase the existing allowance, but it is recognised that if further restrictions become necessary they will seriously affect those engaged in the confectionery trade.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it will not only seriously affect them, but their very existence is at stake by the reduction of the present allowance?

I quite agree, and therefore my reply says it is not at present contemplated to reduce it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the average sum per annum paid for imported sugar during the five years previous to the declaration of war?

During the five years 1909–1913 the declared value of the sugar imported into the -United Kingdom amounted on the average to £24,209,845 yearly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his great influence to have sugar beet growing and manufacture encouraged in the United Kingdom?

I am sorry I did not catch the question of the hon. Member.

asked the. Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it has been brought to his notice that five cows which had been put in the fourth grade and valued in accordance with the 2attle (Sales) Order, 1917, were bought by a purchaser at the Lewes market last week at such valuation and sold by him at a realised net profit of over £59; and whether in the final 2attle (Sales) Order, to be shortly promulgated, he will insert provisions sufficient to ensure the impossibility of such unfair valuations being made in the future?

I have no information with regard to this transaction, but if my hon. Friend will give me further particulars I will cause inquiries to be made. If the description is correct, it would appear to involve a breach of the 2attle (Sales) Order already in force.

asked what arrange-merits have been made by the Food Controller with the American Food Controller for the delivery of food to this country; and whether orders placed in America are being delivered regularly and promptly?

By arrangement with Mr. Hoover, the American Food Administrator, purchases of food for the Allies are made by joint purchasing organisations in America, and the prices of important cereals have been fixed. Further, by means of a co-ordination department, Mr. Hoover has arranged that as regards other important foodstuffs the Allies shall have the advantage of the same terms as to prices and delivery as the American Navy and Army. Mr. Hoover has also appealed to the American people to reduce their own consumption of food, so as to provide the great additional quantities which, owing to the failure of other sources of supply, the Allies require from the United States. That appeal, I am glad to say, is meeting with a splendid response, and the voluntary saving of the American people is providing food so urgently needed here. The recent severe weather conditions in America have considerably delayed both railway and overseas transportation. Every effort is being made by the United States Government to expedite delivery to Atlantic ports, and to mitigate the difficulties caused by the recent exceptional blizzards.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what encouragement, if any, has been given to promote the growth and manufacture of sugar beet in England; whether he is aware that the by-products and leaves contribute valuable food fur cattle, and that in France it is utilised to aid the production of cement; and whether he is aware that many millions per annum are paid to foreign producers and manufacturers for this food commodity, which could be largely produced in the three Kingdoms?

In reply to this quesion, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to a question the same subject by the hon. Member for the West Toxteth Division of Liverpool on the 29th inst. With regard to cement, I understand that sugar factories use large quantities if lime for neutralising and clarifying the juice of sugar beet, and that the waste lime is sometimes used in the manufacture of cement. I hope that it may be possible after the War to build up a sugar beet industry in this country, which, apart from other considerations, would be of great value to agriculture.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether sugar beet seed can be obtained by those who desire to grow the root in their gardens for culinary purposes in place of sugar?

I will endeavour to give my hon. and gallant Friend the information he requires.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will recommend that some decoration or reward should be given to merchant officers and seamen who have been torpedoed more than once while on duty, and who are still carrying on despite the submarine menace?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil on 28th January. The suggestion now:made with iegard to officers and seamen who have been torpedoed more than once will be borne in mind.

When will the decision be arrived at in order that these men who have displayed this I1igh form of courage shall be recognised?

I hope without delay.

Will "tor-pedoed" be extended to include "mined"?

asked the Prime Minister whether the conference now being held in Paris to frame a reply to the Central Powers on the Allied war aims is constituted partly of British, French, and Italian generals; and whether it is intended that military men shall have a share in framing the policy of the country while there is no representation either of Parliament or of labour?

No such conference as is suggested in the question is being held.

Is there no declaration of the War Aims of the Allies imminent?

I should have thought, and the country thinks, that our declaration of War Aims is both explicit and moderate.

Are we to understand that all the announcements and suggestions in the newspapers are in correct, that there is a general declaration of War Aims imminent?

They are incorrect, if there was any such suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the additional clerical staff employed in the new Ministries and other Departments is largely composed of women, he will invite women to serve on the Committee of Inquiry appointed by the Treasury under the chairmanship of Sir John Bradbury, K.C.B.?

As I stated in Debate on Tuesday last, I am considering the appointment of a woman to serve on this Committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the amount at present held on deposit in Irish banks; what is the average rate of interest allowed on the amount so held; and can he say how the amount now held on deposit compares with that held in January, 1915, or on any other convenient date for comparison?

The Treasury has no figures beyond the published returns, which do not distinguish between fixed deposits (the subject of the question) and deposits on current account, nor give the actual deposit rates allowed.

asked the 2hancellor of the Exchequer if it is the intention of the Government to issue 5s. Treasury notes; and, if so, at what date they will be issued?

There is no present intention to issue 5s. notes, but, in view of the existing silver situation, and as a measure of precaution, a stock of such notes has been printed, with a view to having them avalable without delay should it be desirable to use them.

asked the Postmaster-General at what stage the negotiations now stand with regard to the rebuilding of the General Post Office at Dublin; what is the cause of the delay in commencing the work, in view of the fact that so many other buildings in the neighbourhood are in course of re-erection; is he aware that a site adjoining that of the General Post Office is being built upon; and whether it has been acquired by a private trader in competition against the Department?

I am sorry that I am not in a position at present to supplement the reply which I made to the hon. Member's question of the 19th November last, except to say that I am not aware of competition in respect of the site to which he apparently refers.

Am I to understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that he will take steps to have this re-built as soon as possible? Because it is causing great dissatisfaction in Dublin.

The whole question is very complicated, and I can assure the hon. Member it is being expedited as much as possible. No time is being lost.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can explain why a telegram dispatched from Leghorn by the 2unard agent at 2.45 p.m. of 18th January, was not delivered to R. P. Houston and Company, Liverpool, until 9 a.m. of 28th January, while a telegram dispatched from Leghorn by the Cunard agent at 10.45 a.m. of 26th January was delivered to R. P. Houston and Company, Liverpool, at 9 a.m. of 28th January, neither of these telegrams making any mention of ships?

The telegrams in question, which were sent over foreign lines, did not reach this country until the 28th instant. The Administrations concerned have notified their inability to furnish information as to the treatment if individual telegrams in cases of this kind.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that telephone operators are employed by their superiors during working hours in waiting in queues for margarine, bacon, etc., when they should be attending to their public duties; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to prevent the continuance of this practice?

I am not aware of any such occurrence. I shall be glad if the Ilion. Member will furnish me with particulars of the cases which have come under his notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the allegations in this question emanate from the telephone operators themselves, and can he say whether his Department is in a greater state of confusion than any other Government Department?

I was not aware that it emanated from the telephone department, but if the lion. Member will be good enough to give me particulars I will have them inquired into. As to the question of confusion, I think under the circumstances the business of the Post Office is being transacted in a very credit-.able way.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will give figures, similar to those already given for England and Wales by the English Local Government Board, showing the number of houses which local authorities in Scotland are willing to build at the end of the War, provided the financial assistance promised by the Government is satisfactory?

From the return made by 297 local authorities out of 311 from whom information was asked, it appears that the total number of houses that local authorities in Scotland indicate their willingness to build on the condition specified in the question is nearly 99,000.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether, in view of the fact that many indentured apprentices have been called up for service in the middle of their apprenticeship, and that it would be in the national interest that these young men should return to skilled trades and not be allowed to drift into unskilled employments, he will consider the advisability of recommending to the Government that a maintenance grant be made to young men returning to skilled trades, so that their rate of pay may not be less i than that of unskilled workers of the same age?

The question of apprenticeship is now under the consideration of the Ministry of Reconstruction and the Ministry of Labour, but I am not able at present to make any statement in regard to the policy to be adopted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, seeing that all the railways of the country are. now under Government control, if he will give orders that the privilege hitherto enjoyed by the 500 or more railway directors of the United Kingdom of unrestricted travelling over all railway systems first-class, without payment of fares, be now withdrawn, and thus ease the prevailing congestion as regards seating accommodation as well as add to the railway revenues?

I have no reason to suppose that the issue of free passes to railway directors results in any abuse of travelling facilities, and it does not seem to me that a departure from the existing practice would lead to the result which the hon. Member desires to attain.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the price of the privilege tickets given to railway employes, not for free travelling, but for reduced travelling for specific objects, have been raised 50 per cent. since the War began; does the right hon. Gentleman not think that this special body, whose fees have not been reduced, and who have no work to do, should also share in the increase of fares?

I quite agree that the special privilege tickets which are given to the employes of railway companies have been increased by 50 per cent. during the War; out I would remind the hon. Gentle- man that the amount paid by railway employes is considerably less than that paid by other classes of the travelling public. As regards the duties performed by railway directors, I am not in agreement that they have no work to do at this particular time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that commercial men are precluded from travelling because the berths are taken up by directors?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the assistance which the newspaper Press, including the weekly provincial newspapers, have given and are giving to the Government during the War, especially in making clear the true aims of the War and in promoting the patriotic activities of farmers and allotment holders, which assistance will be forthcoming as long as and in proportion as facilities for publication exit, he will take steps to secure that, in the national interest, the supply of paper to newspapers, including the weekly provincial papers, shall rank next in priority after Government requirements have been met; that sufficient quantities of paper or paper material be reserved and allotted for distribution amongst established newspapers before the stocks in the country are depleted for other and less urgent publications and purposes; and that, especially, the unnecessary packing in paper of tradesmen's parcels be prohibited and discontinued before the reasonable requirements of British journalism be unduly curtailed?

The Paper Commission, under instructions from the Board of Trade, is at the present time framing Regulations to govern the importation and distribution of paper and paper-making materials for the year commencing 1st March, 1918. The Government fully realise the importance of the considerations raised in the question, and will do their best to give effect to them.

can the right hon. Gentleman see his way, in order to save tonnage for food, to induce the public to forego the wrapping-up in parcel of purchases from tradesmen, when the contents and the weather permit it?

Steps have already been taken in that direction, and I will see if anything more can be done.

In view of the increasing difficulties of the newspapers getting a supply of paper, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of prohibiting newspapers from utilising one-half of their space for useless advertisements?

I do not think I can agree that they do utilise a half of their space for unnecessary advertisements, but I will bear that point in mind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these advertisements-are actually decreasing the revenue of the country in respect of excess profits?

I cannot agree that that is so—

It is so.

Is the right lion Gentleman aware that one firm, two days ago, occupied the whole of one side of the penny newspapers with a single advertisement of its system of memorising—one single firm?

I was not aware of that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has lately had sent to him a number of cases in which assurance policies have been unfairly lapsed; and whether he is able to take any steps to prevent assurance companies from taking an unfair advantage of working people, and especially of sailors and soldiers and their dependants?