asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended to send a Zionist Commission to Palestine shortly; if so, what are the objects; and who are the persons appointed?

His Majesty's Government have acceded to the request of the London Zionist Central Organisation to permit a Zionist Commission to proceed to Palestine at an early date. The functions of the Commission are to investigate the present condition of Jewish colonies in Palestine, to organise relief work, and supervise reparation of damage done to Zionist colonies during the War in as far as circumstances will permit. The London Central Zionist Organisation has already submitted the names of Dr. Weizman, Mr. J. Cowans, and Mr. Simon. It is probable that other names will be added to the list, but the matter is still under consideration.

Are they likely to leave this country at an early date?

I have said so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can supply any information regarding the scheme for diverting supplies of sugar from businesses in which confectionery is one of the several concerns to businesses in which it is the sole concern; whether such scheme will be worked out by the Food Controller; and, if so, in what manner?

I have been asked to reply. The suggestion is under consideration at the present time, but I cannot yet say whether any satisfactory scheme for this purpose will be found practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that considerable damage is done by red deer to farmers' crops on the borders of Exmoor; and whether, in the interest of food productions, steps can be taken to reduce the number of deer in and around Exmoor?

The Board have no power to require deer to be killed, but inquiry will be made as to the extent of the damage to which my right hon. Friend refers, in order that the Board may consider whether powers should be obtained.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of insecurity to tenants caused by speculative purchases of land; whether he is aware that security is essential to secure the maximum amount of food and agricultural products; and whether measures will be introduced to ensure security for tenant farmers; and, if so, when the announcement of such measures can be made?

Changes of ownership of farms occur from various causes every year, and the speculative purchase of farms must to a certain extent follow. The Department are well aware that any displacement of tenants who are farming well is specially undesirable just now, and in certain eases have used their influence with new owners in order to defer changes of tenancy. The President doubts whether the number of such cases in which the national interest is prejudiced by notices to quit is such as to justify new and contentious legislation to deal with the point.

Will such legislation be contentious?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of the disquiet aroused by the announcement as to the limitation of poultry food; whether the Board will take further practical steps by the formation of local committees or other wise to make an immediate census of existing poultry with a view to weeding out unproductive stock; whether, if such stock is killed off at once, there is a reasonable prospect that a good number of pure-bred sittings can be hatched in March for egg production only; and whether State assistance and advice will be given?

Such a scheme as my hon. Friend suggests would not be practicable, for the reason that poultry keepers are themselves the best judges of their business, and must be allowed to know when is the best time to market their birds. They also know to what extent they can manage to feed their existing stocks without the supplies of grain feeding-stuffs on which they have been accustomed to rely. The Board have warned them of the present and prospective shortage of purchasable feeding-stuffs, and a scheme is now under consideration by the Ministry of Food and the Board for distributing the limited supplies among owners of the best utility stocks of poultry in the country. The Board, through the Poultry Advisory Committee, are giving poultry keepers whatever assistance and advice are possible.

Have not the various instructions which have been issued from the hon. Gentleman's and other Departments on this question been of an extremely contradictory character—

The hon. Member must give notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, in consequence of the difficulty in obtaining food for poultry, working-class families are killing off their stocks; and whether, in view of the economic effect of this, any arrangements can be made whereby those keeping poultry may be able to obtain the necessary food?

I am aware of the general scarcity of cereals for poultry food. It is, however, hoped that sufficient supplies will be available to enable hen birds hatched since 1st January, 1916, to receive a ration of dry food not exceeding 1 oz. a day.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can explain definitely and clearly the position of a farmer under the Regulations directed against food hoarding who has a stock of home produce consisting of bacon and jam; and whether the farmer under such Regulations is required to give such stock up, less two weeks' supply, to the authorities at half-price?

The Food Hoarding Order does not apply to any home-produced or home-made article of food in the possession of the producer or maker.

Is a farmer entitled to use such stock for his own consumption, regardless of his food tickets?

The hon. Member must take the answer I have given.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Government has determined to offer no guaranteed prices for potatoes in Ireland in respect of the 1918 crop, except for the exportable surplus, although wholly different terms, involving no such limitation, have been arranged as regards the potato crop in England and Scotland; will he state the reason for this discrimination against Ireland; and whether the Food Controller will modify the Regulation made for Ireland by doing away with that discrimination, and so removing an obstacle to the production of potatoes in the largest quantity in the year 1918?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension in assuming that there is any discrimination against Ireland in the arrangements for the potato crop of 1918. Up to 1st November there is a free market for potatoes in the United Kingdom, subject to the possible operation of certain maximum prices. After 1st November the Food Controller will take over and distribute potatoes grown in England and Scotland. So far as Ireland is concerned, it has been decided, after consultation with the Irish Department of Agriculture, that the interests of Ireland will best be served by allowing distribution to Irish consumers to proceed on the usual lines instead of being undertaken by the Government, and that the Ministry of Food shall not intervene except to the extent of offering to buy the surplus available for export at remunerative prices.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, as Minister for Ireland, he has had his attention drawn to the fact that, under the Orders of the Food Controller regarding the payments to be made for the encouragement of potato cultivation in the United Kingdom in the present year, every British farmer will be paid £5 to £6 per ton for the potatoes he produces on an area equal to that which he had sown in 1916, and £6 to £7 per ton grown on an acreage in excess of that sown in 1916; whether, in consequence of this encouragement to a greater production of potatoes in Great Britain and of the restriction of any payment for the production in Ireland of any but the exportable surplus produced there, the result may be that Ireland will receive no share whatever of the money paid for the encouragement of potato growing, though the taxation imposed on Ireland will supply a share of the money required for financing such an arrangement; and whether, as Minister for Ireland, he proposes to take any and, if so, what steps to protect Irish interests in this matter?

The prices of £5 to £6 10s. per ton for potatoes to be grown in the United Kingdom in 1918 are not for the whole crop, but for the part available for sale, and they do not include potatoes grown on any holding where the area under potato tillage is less than 1 acre. The price of £6 to £7 is a fixed contract price, not a minimum price. The minimum price announced for Ireland is £5 5s. to £6 5s., free alongside ship, for the exportable surplus, the potatoes to be purchased by committees on which will be represented growers and dealers. No limit is placed on the quantity to be purchased, which will be irrespective of the amount of the British crop offered to the Government. As sufficient potatoes must be kept in Ireland to meet Irish requirements, a contract which would involve the export of a portion of the crop regardless of the needs of Ireland could not be entered into. If, as the Department of Agriculture hope, farmers plant this year a largely increased acreage, granted a-favourable season, Ireland should be in a position to export a considerable quantity at an average price to the farmers which should closely approach, and may possible exceed, £5 per ton. Even in these times this must be regarded as a good price. It should be noted that the potatoes to be purchased from British growers may be sold to consumers by the Ministry of Food at a price which would not involve any loss to the Exchequer. The Food Controller has announced that the differential treatment given to Scottish potatoes reflects his desire to relieve transport difficulties by putting the highest premium on the potatoes grown nearest to the principal consuming areas It also follows the ordinary custom of the trade, and takes into account the fact that Scottish farmers obtain their seed cheaper and command a higher price for it than English farmers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is satisfied that the population of London are not being unjustly deprived of food at the instance of certain food committees in various parts of Ireland, who are endeavouring to forbid the export of food of all sorts to this country, and intimidating dealers who have food to export; and will the Food Controller satisfy himself as to the quantity of foodstuffs which can fairly be demanded from Ireland, and use, or obtain, if he has not got them, summary powers to prevent the embargo which it is being sought to establish?

The decisions of the Food Controller as to the quantity of foodstuffs available for export from Ireland to other parts of the United Kingdom are made after consultation with the Irish Department of Agriculture find the Food Control Committee for Ireland. While it has been necessary to prohibit the shipment of certain articles required for Irish consumption, the export of supplies generally is of the normal amount.

Is the hon. Member aware of the endeavours made by unofficial committees to hold up food against England?

No; I am not aware of that fact. The information which the Department have in their possession is that the supplies coming to England are the normal amount.

Is the Food Controller reconsidering the prohibition against the importation of butter from Ireland?

I must have notice of that question

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that during the winter months there is no export of surplus butter from Ireland?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has obtained any report as to the condition of the meat arriving at Smithfield and elsewhere from Ireland; whether he is aware that the sides of beef so arriving have been described as so old and lean that they would not have been bought to feed hounds on and warranting the assumption that the-beast was in such poverty of condition that it would not have borne the voyage across the Irish Channel; whether he is aware that the meat further shows signs of exposure and rough handling and a large percentage of it has had to be condemned; and will he take steps to have all beef examined and graded in Ireland before export and so save waste of tonnage?

The Food Controller is aware that meat has been received from Ireland in an unsatisfactory condition, and he is in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland upon the subject.

Will the beef be examined and graded in Ireland before it is shipped to this country?

I am afraid I cannot answer that definitely. There is a consultation taking place in regard to the matter.

asked if the Regulations relating to rations and meatless days at hotels and restaurants apply to Scotland and Ireland equally with England?

Yes, Sir.

asked if the law relating to food hoarding applies to Scotland and Ireland as well as England; and if any prosecutions have taken place for hoarding in Scotland or Ireland?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I only know of one prosecution for food hoarding in Scotland, and I have not heard that any prosecutions have taken place for hoarding in Ireland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the various categories of homemade produce which may be held in reserve for household use during the season without involving a charge of hoarding under the Hoarding Order?

There is no limitation under the Food Hoarding Order as to either quantity or kind of home-produced or home-made articles of food which may lawfully be in the possession of the producer or maker.

Will the hon. Gentleman convey to the Parliamentary of the Ministry of Food the desirability of making it perfectly clear what articles come under the definition of home-made produce, on account of the difficulty in knowing what is included?

I will convey the request of the hon. Member.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the American Food Controller has been able to state what is and what is not hoarding? Is it past the intelligence of the Ministry of Food to do so?

I cannot tell the hon. Member what is past the intelligence of the Ministry.

I can.

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether, having regard to the fact that men are still being taken away from agricultural employment to work at aerodromes, steps will immediately be taken to obtain the necessary labour from elsewhere, in order to terminate a system which is making farming in some districts almost impossible?

Instructions have been issued to contractors that they are to engage labour exclusively through the medium of Employment Exchanges, and the latter are being instructed not to send forward for employment on aerodrome construction men whose last employer was a farmer, or who are known to be agricultural labourers.

are German prisoners still employed on aerodromes under active service conditions?

Yes.

asked how much longer the Government propose to allow rations of corn being given to geldings used as racehorses, under the pretext of improving the breed of horses in this country?

The arrange- ments with regard to the running of geldings in steeplechases comes to an end in April. I take this opportunity of apologising to my right hon. Friend and the House for a slip which I made in answer to a supplementary question by him in which I stated that this subject had not been brought before the Cabinet. I find that it was discussed at the Cabinet in December last, when the decision which is still in force was taken.

Is it intended to continue this rationing of geldings after the period specified?

I understand that it is intended that it will not be continued unless a new statement is made to that effect.

Is it not a fact that the cross-country racing ends anyhow in April, and is it not absolutely deplorable that 15 lbs. of oats per day are being allowed to a lot of these worthless animals—

The hon. Member is using unnecessary adjectives.

To a lot of these animals?

asked the Chief Secretary, with reference to his promise to inquire into the question of conferring compulsory powers for the acquisition of land for the production of food on local authorities in rural districts such as have recently been given for the acquisition of land in and near urban districts, he is now able to announce the result of his inquiries; and whether he will bear in mind the necessity for immediate action in the matter if any action is to be taken at all?

The Department of Agriculture have power under Regulation 2L of the Defence of the Realm Regulations to acquire land compulsorily for the purpose of providing food for residents in any locality in the case of land in or near an urban district which is immediately required for the purpose of being cultivated in allotments and the use of which for that purpose is unreasonably withheld, and in the case of land which is for the time being unoccupied; that is to say, where no person is liable for payment of the poor rate. The Department have also the power to arrange for the cultivation of a holding to which the tillage Regulation 2 P applies if the occupier has neglected to comply with the Regulation. Rural district councils have certain powers under the Labourers' Acts of obtaining land for the purpose of allotments in rural districts. These powers seem at present to be sufficient for the protection of the public interests. I may add that the Local Government Board do not think there is any real necessity for extending Regulation 2 L to rural districts generally.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if the rations of the prisoners of war in this country are reduced to the same scale as those of the civilian population; if they have two meatless days a week; and if the officers are still allowed to purchase wines, cigars, liqueurs, and other delicacies?

The new revised scale of rations is being circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. On two days in the week salted herrings are issued in lieu of meat. Officers are allowed to purchase light wine's, if procurable. Tobacco, in any shape or form, from sources in the United Kingdom is limited to ¾ oz. per man per week. Liqueurs and other delicacies are prohibited.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any borings for petroleum have yet been carried out in the United Kingdom; whether any petroleum has been discovered; if so, whether such discoveries give ground for expecting to secure economical supplies; and whether, beyond an equitable price for land taken or equitable compensation for damage done, any payments to owners of petroliferous land have been made or agreed upon or promised?

:I have been asked to answer this question. No boring for oil has been carried out in the United Kingdom. The other questions do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, as a result of com plaints made, an inquiry was held into the system of examining and passing time and percussion fuses at Woolwich Arsenal; whether the complaints were proved to be well founded; and whether, as a result of the injury, the system has been remedied and those responsible for the previous state of affairs punished?

I am not clear what inquiry my right hon. Friend is referring to. If he will supply me with further details I will have the matter investigated.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the rule in force at the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham Abbey and the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock, with regard to the non-employment of licence-holders as munition workers, applies equally to all other Government factories; and whether, in view of the financial loss a man will incur if compelled to dispose of his lease by the enforcement of this rule at the present time, some modification of the rule may be considered?

The rule referred to is not enforced in all Government factories, though it is of almost universal application to Government explosive factories. Six months have been allowed to the licence-holders to dispose of their interests and if in any special case hardship is proved an application for extension of the time will be considered on its merits.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of dispensing with the rule altogether?

No, I am not able to say that that can be.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether advantage will be taken of the fusion of the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps to standardise as far as possible the many types of engines in use; and whether, to increase the output of the three or four types of engine which may be selected, all contracts which are at present outstanding for non-approved types will be cancelled and the firms thus deprived of work diverted to the production of one of the approved types?

Action has been taken in the direction indicated as far as possible. My hon. and gallant Friend will understand that it is impossible for me to give a detailed reply to his question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Germans have standardised four types of engines with success, and we have standardised forty-four types of engines without success, and will he see that the spare parts of these engines, which are of no further use, are not occupying the time of our munition workers?

I cannot confirm my hon. Friend's statement.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the valuable work for munitions carried out by the Lee Arrow Factory, in Cork, steps will be taken to arrange for a continuation of the output?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave to the hon. Member for Cork City on the 4th February and 24th January last.

In view of the valuable output of this factory, do I understand that no further work is to be given to it?

If the hon. Member will read the answers I have given, I think he will find I have answered just that question.

asked the Minister of Munitions which Government Departments and what other persons were consulted before the 12½ per cent. advance was given; were the employers consulted; if so, which; whom did the War Cabinet consult before giving the original advance to skilled workers and before making the extension to semi skilled and unskilled workers; what, if any, connection these advances had with the abolition of leaving certificates; and what effect the abolition has had on output?

A full statement on this subject was made by my right hon. Friend on 14th January in answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich. To that statement I would refer my hon. Friend.

Since that date, has not an important statement been made by the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Barnes), and cannot the hon. Gentleman therefore, answer this question, which deals with an entirely different point?

Any question as to the statement made by my right hon. Friend must be addressed to him.

Cannot my hon. Friend say what is the effect on output of this 12½ per cent. bonus?

I think my hon. Friend will find that that question was answered in the statement.

Was it stated in the reply what Departments, and what other persons were consulted in regard to the 12½ per cent. bonus, and whether the employers were consulted, and if those questions were not answered cannot he give an answer now?

Both those questions were answered.

Is it not a fact that the Engineering Employers' Federation were consulted, and advised against it, and their advice was turned down?

I know the Engineering Employers' Federation was represented in the discussions that took place before the decision was come to.

And is it not a fact that their advice was turned down?

Advice which must be accepted is not advice, but direction.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Munitions Supplementary Estimate this afternoon.