asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent poisoning by gas of four men on a ship loaded with grain and oil at North Wall, Dublin; whether he will hold an inquiry into the matter; what compensation and pension will be paid to the widows and orphans of the victims; and if the boat was Government controlled?

My attention has been drawn to this accident, and an inquiry will be held. The vessel was owned by the Government, and the question of compensation will be dealt with by the Ministry of Shipping.

asked what steps, if any, have been, or will be, taken to develop the production of petroleum in the United Kingdom?

I have been asked to answer this question. The production of oil from minerals is proceeding, and I hope that there will be a steadily increasing output of oil from these sources I dealt with this question at some length in the Debate on the 28th ultimo.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now give approximately, either in acreage or cubic feet, the quantity of soft woods growing in the country before the War, and the quantity now left un felled, giving the figures separately for England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the latter part, a survey is now proceeding which, when completed, will enable an estimate to be arrived at of the unfelled woods in the United Kingdom: but I doubt whether it would be in the public interest that the results of this survey should be published.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain railway companies are issuing new instructions requiring that goods, such as tea in packets, shall only be forwarded in chests lined with lead or other metal and that they will only agree to receive such articles packed in the usual way at owner's risk; and whether, having regard to the impossibility, owing to war conditions, of obtaining permits for lead or metal and the carelessness with which these goods are often handled and stored in transit, he will undertake that the custom with regard to this matter which existed before the railways were controlled by the Government will be maintained?

I am aware that the railway companies have given notice that, in view of the unavoidable loss arising from the conveyance of loose tea in packages which are not lined with lead or other metal or securely covered with canvas, they cannot accept liability for any loss or damage which may directly arise from the neglect of these precautions. I am in communication with the companies on the matter, and will let the right hon. Gentleman know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the Government policy of pig-feeding?

The question of pig-keeping is in the main dependent upon the amount of concentrated feeding-stuffs available, and inquiries are being made to ascertain how that quantity can be increased by every possible means. That of prices is under discussion, and an announcement will be made very shortly. The Board have set up an organisation for the promotion of pig-keeping, of which the hon. Member for East Grinstead has consented to act as director, with a sub-committee of the National Pig-Breeders Association as his advisory committee. This organisation will work with the existing activities of the Food Production Department, with allotment societies, women's institutes, rural leagues, and other agencies for the promotion of pig-keeping amongst cottagers, and in districts where household, garden, and allotment waste can be gathered together, and again with the National Salvage Council in connection with the utilisation of domestic refuse in towns.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that a man who has been producing recently between 2 and 3 tons of pork from vegetable refuse has since then been taken for military service, and the whole of his breeding stock has been lost for the want of practical attention and the produce is lost to the country?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has any statistics to show whether the agricultural committees of Scotland are succeeding in getting the necessary quantity of grass land broken up in order to get the allotted acreages under the plough; and, in particular, whether the counties of Stirling and Dumbarton are insisting on the large landowners there doing their duty in that respect to the State?

I am informed by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland that they have not received reports from all the districts, but that the returns available indicate that not less than two-thirds of the total increased acreage asked for has already been promised. With regard to the counties of Stirling and Dumbarton the increases asked for were: —

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the feeling exists in the neighbourhood that the landowners are not called upon to do their share?

There is no intention of that kind. As the hon. Member will see by the figures I have given, there is no manner of justification for any such suggestion.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that, owing to the present sea fishery rights, a Scottish fisherman who catches salmon or salmon trout in his herring net is expected to throw such fish, dead or alive, into the water again, and may be prosecuted for having salmon or salmon trout in his possession and heavily fined if he attempts to sell them; and whether, in view of the present position of food supplies, he will take steps to modify this arrangement and permit fishermen to dispose of all fish which they may catch without risk of prosecution, fine, or imprisonment?

Such taking of salmon or sea trout as is referred to in the question is, if wilfully or intentionally done, an offence punishable by fine or imprisonment. I am not aware of any obligation by the taker to return the fish to the sea. Such fish are forfeitable under the Salmon Act of 1844. The taking of salmon by herring nets can only occur in the rare case of anchored nets set close in shore, and the position of the nets would in most cases afford evidence of intention.

Can my right hon. Friend state what steps are being taken in Scotland to use fresh-water fish?

The question does not apply to fresh-water fish. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department suspended the Act of 1844?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the case of a ship arriving in Glasgow harbour recently where there were 32 cases of apples in the ship's stores which could be done without, where the apples were sent to a shop in that city to be sold, but were stopped by his Department and sent back to New York; and, if so, will he say whether such action has the sanction of his Department?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am informed that these apples were not discharged until eleven days after the ship's arrival Some of them had been delivered to the fruit salesman without authority, and when the irregu- larity was discovered they were immediately ordered back to the custody of the Customs Officers pending disposal in the manner required by law. Owing to some misunderstanding, the origin of which has not yet been ascertained, the apples were put on board ship again, and the ship sailed the next day.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether his Department has yet made any provision for bringing over from America, when suitable vacant cargo space can be found, a supply of apples, in view of the fact that these are a substantial food of the people; and that the fruit trade, both wholesale and retail, has suffered severely by the War?

I am afraid I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Nottingham on the 22nd October last. Under present conditions apples could only be carried as a result of a deliberate decision to exclude other classes of cargo which are held to be more urgently required.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what amount of sugar, such as the Scottish bees like, will be assigned for their use, as desired by the Scottish Beekeepers Association?

It is impossible to give preferential treatment to Scottish bees, and it is impossible, under existing circumstances, to provide sugar for feeding bees, except in the form of bee candy. The Sugar Commission has arranged to place supplies of this candy at the disposal of the Scottish Beekeepers Association.

Will there be a supply of sugar for this purpose to Scotland?

No, Sir.

Is it not the fact that there is an insufficiency of this supply in Scotland, and that the bees are gradually being destroyed?

The reply states that the supplies are under the control of the Scottish Beekeepers Association.

Will the Ministry call for a return of the amounts allocated in order to see that the allocation is made fairly in England and Scotland?

We have received them from other parts of the United Kingdom besides Scotland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether an increased ration of sugar can be provided for an invalid on the certificate of a doctor that an increased ration is necessary for the patient?

As I informed the hon. Member for Deptford on 19th February, an increased ration of sugar is only necessary and only granted in cases where invalids are unable to swallow, or have to be fed by tube with concentrated nourishment. In other cases, substitutes for sugar can be used.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that sugar is essential for the cure of consumption, and in the case of one great sanatorium an increase of sugar was refused on the ground that a substitute could be found in fats, and that at the same time the Department cut off the supply of butter?

I shall have to refer any supplementary question arising out of medical reports to those who advise in these cases, and perhaps my hon. Friend will give me particulars.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that a supply of sugar is granted to sanatoria?

I shall be glad to consider any question if my hon. Friend will put it on the Paper.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is the intention of the Food Controller to reduce the present weekly sugar ration; and, if so, at what date?

It has not yet been decided whether the present weekly sugar ration will be maintained or reduced.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has received a formal resolution passed at a conference of representatives of Border angling associa- tions, held at Galashiels on the 9th February, wherein it was resolved to petition the Minister of Food and the local food control committees in all the Border towns and counties, with a view to their taking immediate action to secure greater facilities for angling for trout and salmon, and, with this end in view, urging that they take steps to secure the relaxation of the existing fishing laws, especially the laws applicable to the river Tweed and its tributaries, and also the removal of restrictions imposed by riparian proprietors, who at present close many stretches of their waters, so that all persons may be permitted to kill, with any legal lure, salmon and trout, including kelted salmon which have performed the function for which they ascended the rivers, and asserting that the latter fish are excellent food and preferable to salmon killed during the autumn; and whether the Ministry of Food has taken or intends to take any action, with a view to making this natural supply of fish available to the people of the Border land during the present time of restrictions on the supply of food?

This resolution has been referred to the Secretary for Scotland, to whose Department the Regulation of salmon fishing in that country primarily appertains. I am assured that every effort will be made to increase the amount of trout and salmon available.

Will the hon. Gentle-man, before his Department takes any action, obtain further particulars on the merits of this subject?

Yes; I shall be glad to do that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, while the price at which a fishmonger may retail fish is fixed by the Food Controller, the price at which the middleman may sell is not; and that, as the result, the fish-monger who is anxious to supply his customers has often to pay more for his fish than the price at which he is allowed to retail it; and whether he will take immediate steps to control the price in all hands through which fish may pass before reaching the consumer?

The scheme for the control of fish prices at intermediate stages of distribution is being worked out as rapidly as circumstances permit.

Will the Ministry of Food facilitate, so far as they can, the direct sale of fish from the fishermen to the fish retailer, and avoid, so far as possible, the intermediate profiteering persons?

In this, as in so many other articles of food, it has been hardly possible to dispense with the people who formed the channels of supply in times of peace, but where any intermediate person has been discovered to be totally unnecessary he has been set aside.

Is it not the fact that in London a few days ago there was a meeting of retailers who refused to buy fish because they could not retail it at prices to yield a profit, and that this fish was left on the hands of the middlemen and a lot of it went bad?

I have had no particulars of that nature, but such is the demand for fish that, as I think hon. Members will agree, fish can be sold at any price at which it can be put on the market.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at Grimsby last week fish was being sold at higher prices that those at which retailers could sell it retail?

If there is any case within the knowledge of the hon. Member perhaps he will report it to us.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the price of salmon is not interfered with, seeing that salmon is the rich man's food procured by poor men's labour?

I shall pay due regard to that argument, though almost all fish is procured by poor men's labour.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the prices charged by some resturants for rationed meat, meatless, and so-called offal dishes since the introduction of the food-card system; and whether, to protect the public, he will add to his staff a controller of restaurant charges armed with appropriate powers?

No representations have been received by the Food Controller to the effect indicated in the first part of the question. The control of restaurants has been entrusted to the recently-appointed Food Survey Board, who will consider and report from time to time what action, if any, is proper to be taken in respect of restaurant charges.

May I ask whether a large number of the restaurant-keepers grab all the fish they can, and that, so far as the East End people are concerned they can get none at all?

Any condition of things such as that is within the control of the Food Survey Board.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a central food committee has for some months past been established by the Irish Republic Party at 6, Harcourt Street, Dublin; whether the efforts of this committee, as explained by them in a circular issued in November last, is to prevent the export of food from Ireland; has he information that points to an imminent shortage of food in Ireland; and, if so, will Ireland be immediately placed on a card system of rations similar to that now imposed on London and the Home counties?

I have no official information as to the points raised in the first two parts of the question. The answer to the third part is in the negative; the fourth part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Would it be possible for the Ministry of Food to send round to this address and get one of those circulars or, if necessary. I can send him one, if he likes to see it?

That might be paying undue attention to the people referred to in the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that any attempt to reduce the gravity of the products of Irish breweries will seriously injure the industry; and if he will see that no such proposal is considered.

I am, of course, aware that any reduction in gravity is bound to lower the quality of beer. There is, however, a national demand for a certain quantity of beer, and, in view of the situation in respect of cereal foodstuffs, it is impossible to satisfy this demand except by an enforced reduction of gravity.

Are we to understand from that reply that there is an intention to reduce the gravity of Guinness's products?

Yes, but even then both beer and stout in the case of Ireland will still remain higher in gravity than in this part of the country. [An HON. MEMBER: "Why?"]

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is with the authority of his Department that no wholesale butcher is to be allowed to trade except he belongs to an association; and whether he is aware that the East Midlands Meat Supply Association has been circularising all wholesale butchers in their district, pointing out that if they do not join their association they will be unable to carry on business, and asking for an entrance fee of £25 and an annual subscription of £5 5s?

No prohibition has been issued to prevent a wholesale butcher from trading unless he belongs to an association. The secretary of the East Midlands Meat Supply Association has circularised members of that association concerning the payment of their subscription, but he has not circularised any other person. In view of the fact that these associations control large quantities of meat belonging to the Government it is necessary to have some guarantee of financial stability.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in this circular there is the statement that it would be necessary to belong to the association in order to trade, and that that letter was sent by the association, and I can show it to him?

It is necessary to belong to the association in order to trade through the association, and trade on the lines of the association has become essential in view of the conditions of rationing, not merely for the consumer individually, but for the rationing of the various persons in the trade.

Does that mean that in order to trade you must belong to the association?

I am assured that opportunities for trading still exist outside the association.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is proposed to erect central slaughter-houses; whom will they belong to, and who will have the management of them; whether farmers will have to send their beasts for slaughter to these centres, and will only be paid after their dead-weight has been ascertained; if so, what guarantee will the farmers have of being certain whether the weights returned relate to their own or someone else's stock; and what practical means there will be of identifying beasts after slaughter?

Schemes for the extension of the principle of sale of cattle on a dead-weight basis are at present under consideration by the Ministry of Food, but it is not proposed to erect central slaughter-houses. Wherever practicable, the establishment of slaughter-houses run on co-operative lines by the farmers themselves will be encouraged, in order to enable them to supervise the identification and weighing of their own beasts. Similar facilities with regard to identification and weighing by farmers will be afforded at all slaughter-houses controlled by the Ministry, and every possible guarantee will be given to farmers as to the weight of their own cattle. The question of the best practical means of identification of individual beasts is being carefully considered.

Is the hon. Member aware that there is a very strong opposition to this proposed change, and the result is that farmers are not bringing up cattle and putting energy into the industry because they think they will not get an adequate reward for their labour and no security for their capital?

Surely the terms of my reply have shown that we are prepared to give every guarantee through agencies operating in direct contact with those concerned? It is not, I think, the principle of the scheme, but certain points of the machinery to which objection is taken.

Has the opinion of the President of the Board of Agriculture been taken by the hon. Gentleman's Department as to the practicability of this scheme?

We have been in close consultation with the Board of Agriculture on the matter.

Is the President of the Board of Agriculture in agreement with the hon. Gentleman on the matter?

I must require notice of that.

Will it be illegal to sell live beasts?

Except under the conditions laid down in the arrangement when it is completed.

Would it not be better, before carrying out the proposed changes, to consult practical farmers who understand this business?

I can assure my hon. Friend that we are in daily consultation with practical farmers and representatives of those interested,

Is it not the fact that all practical farmers are against it?

This is not the proper time for debate, and we must get on with the questions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has any statistics recording the slaughtering in Great Britain during the months of September, October, November, and December, of cattle, distinguishing oxen, bulls, cows, and heifers; of sheep, distinguishing the total of ewes; and pigs, distinguishing the total of sows, for the years 1916 and 1917, respectively?

There are no complete detailed slaughter statistics covering the periods indicated in the question, but from such records as are available I have caused a comparative statement to be prepared, and am sending this to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state what steps it is proposed to take to maintain a supply of poultry for the market, seeing that under present conditions there is considerable danger of poultry disappearing as an article of food?

asked whether he is aware that the sale of poultry has largely ceased since the introduction of purchase by food coupon, and that a quantity of valuable food is consequently deteriorating in cold storage; and whether, since poultry is consumed mainly by women or males not engaged in manual work, he will consider the possibility of placing poultry on the same footing as fish, and thereby make available a larger quantity of meat for those who demand it?

I hope to remove such difficulties as have arisen in the sale of poultry under the rationing scheme by the issue this week of an amended table of equivalent weights for meat.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at this moment very little poultry is to be obtained at retailers, and that there is great consternation amongst rearers of poultry as to whether they will be able to sell their birds or not, and will the hon. Gentleman say what steps his Department intend to take?

The statement I have just made about amended weights will, I think, remove many of the difficulties. I am not aware that the difficulties are so great as suggested by the hon. Gentleman.

Has the hon. Gentleman approached the Ministry of Agriculture with reference to those questions, and will he set up in conjunction with that Ministry a Joint Committee to consider the whole question of raising poultry?

A Joint Committee has already been set up, as I announced some time ago in the House, to deal with this and similar questions of food production.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the substitution of frozen meat for chilled meat which has become necessary owing to shipping delays, he will take steps to procure the erection in London of a defrosting plant designed to render frozen meat fit for use as food?

asked whether he has received any complaints from certain districts of London that frozen meat was delivered so late in the week that it was too hard to sell on Saturday, and that shops had to open on Sunday; and can he arrange in future that frozen meat shall be delivered at latest on Thursday, so that it can be in condition for retail sale in the shops on Saturday?

In view of the serious shortage of material and of skilled labour, the erection of a defrosting plant capable of dealing with the frozen meat consumed in London would be impracticable at the present time. As I have already stated, it is hoped to arrange that frozen meat shall be delivered to retailers in time to allow for the necessary thawing before it is put into consumption.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the difficulties of butchers in supplying the exact weight of meat allowed by the coupons; and would he consider as to allowing them a small margin of a few pence in order to save the waste of cutting off small pieces of meat in order to obtain the exact coupon weight?

I regret that I am unable to adopt this suggestion, which has received careful consideration. I am satisfied that the present rule need not lead to waste.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the American meat companies refuse to carry out the regulations of his Department regarding meat distribution; and, if so, will he precisely define what action he proposes to take in the matter?

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

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, on the occasion of the first allotment of meat under the rationing scheme at Smithfield Market, the butchers of Kensington and one or two other West End districts found themselves allocated with a quantity of Irish cow beef of a very inferior character which had been salvaged from a consignment from which the sanitary authorities of the City of London had made considerable seizures; whether these butchers refused to accept delivery and the meat was finally sold to sausage manufacturers; and, if so, whether he will state what steps were then taken to arrange the supplies of the protesting districts; and whether Grade 4 is again to be allotted to the West End of London?

Under the allocation scheme now in force at Smithfield Market, preferential treatment is not given to any particular district, and, as far as possible, the meat is allocated equitably as regards quality. A certain proportion of Irish cow beef was allocated to butchers in Western districts during the first week of the rationing scheme, but on their refusing to accept these supplies, no pressure was brought on them to do so, and their allocation was otherwise made up later in the week. Steps are now being taken to exclude Grade 4 cattle from the supplies apportioned under the rationing scheme.

Was this Irish cow beef slaughtered in Ireland and sent over as dead meat, or was it meat slaughtered in England?

I could not say without notice, but probably the latter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has appointed 130 persons at salaries of £250 to £350 per year to act as meat agents for thirteen districts which he proposes to constitute as a supply area to the Metropolis; whether each of these gentlemen is to be equipped with a clerk, and at what salary is this person to be remunerated; whether part of the duties of these agents will be to supervise the slaughtering and loading of meat for dispatch to London; and whether, as they will presumably be competent persons, he will make an Order that to all carcases slaughtered there shall be affixed a label corresponding to that attached to all Australian and New Zealand carcases, signed with the supervisor's name and recording the fact that he has made an examination and considers the carcase fit for sale?

The number of agents appointed by the Ministry of Food to supervise the allocation of meat to butchers throughout the country is 118, the number still to be appointed is forty-seven, and their average salary is approximately £250 a year. It is not proposed to provide these officials with clerks, nor will it be any part of their duty to supervise the slaughtering and loading of meat for despatch to London. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise, but the suggestion made with reference to the labelling of carcases will receive consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is proposed to make any alteration in the ration of meat, including suet, allowed to children and growing boys and girls up to the age of eighteen; and whether he can state under what conditions doctors' certificates will be accepted by the local food control committees as evidence of the need of increased diet above the ordinary ration in individual cases?

In view of the limited supplies of meat and suet available, it is not proposed at present to make any alteration in the ration allowed to growing boys and girls. The diet can be made sufficient by using non-rationed foods, such as fish, eggs, porridge, and milk, including pulse foods and cheese, when obtainable. Extra rations of meat and fat are at present only allowed in case of tuberculosis and diabetes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in some districts in London some coupon holders have been unable to obtain meat, butter, or margarine from their registered shopkeepers; and can he arrange that, in cases of this kind, the local food committee can authorise forthwith some other shopkeeper to supply such persons when this happens?

Food control committees have full power to transfer registered customers from one shop to another either temporarily or permanently, or to transfer supplies from one retailer to another. The validity of the meat coupon has further been extended from one week to eleven days. When the rationing scheme is in full working order, difficulties such as those referred to in the question should be rare. In the meantime the powers referred to appear to be sufficient to enable committees to make the local adjustments suggested.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Ministry of Food has given its attention to the question of the distribution of food without payment at railway buffets and other places; and whether, under existing conditions, he proposes to take any action in connection therewith?

Yes, Sir; this matter is now under the consideration of the Food Survey Board.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will reconsider the conditions under which he proposes to allot the sugar for jam-making in the case of persons who have enough fruit to make jam for the consumption by themselves and families for the whole season; if he will allow them to keep the jam so made and prevent them having to purchase supplies; and if he will consider the advisability of distributing the amount of sugar on the basis of the production of fruit?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the last two parts do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Parlia-Food if he is aware of the position of the bakery trade in North-East Lancashire owing to the inadequacy of the present system of supplies of fat, and through the lack of supplies hardship is being placed upon the bakers and confectioners, and in consequence many are being compelled to close down their businesses, which means ruin; that owing to the inadequate supply of fat the bakers are unable to supply in many cases the limited demands for goods allowed by the Food Regulations, and that in consequence unrest is being caused among the workers in the factory districts of North-East Lancashire; and will he take steps to see that a larger supply of fast is placed at the disposal of the bakers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any, and, if so, what measures are contemplated for improving the position of warrant officers in India in respect of the pensions they earn, the amount there of, and the period they are required to serve; whether the increased cost of living has been taken into account and any allowance given on that account; and whether any increases of pay and pensions have been given to warrant and non-commissioned officers in the British Army since 1914?

The Secretary of State has not at present under consideration a revision of the permanent pension rules for warrant officers of the Indian Departments, nor have allowances been granted to pensioners of these classes on account of the increased cost of living. The answer to the third clause of the question is in the affirmative. The question of the application to warrant officers of Indian Departments of the new Royal Warrant regarding disability pensions in cases arising out of this War is under reference to the Ministry of Pensions. The question whether any increases in pay should be given in certain cases has been referred to the Government of India. I shall be glad to let the hon. Member know further when a reply has been received.

If warrant officers are retained in the Service after their pensions has become due, will they be allowed to draw their pension from the date on which it became due?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary for India whether he has received a Report from the Imperial Institute on the subject of the trade in raw Indian cow hides; and whether it is intended that this Report shall be published at an early date?

The Report has been received. Its publication at present is not proposed, as the Government of India, to whom it has been sent, desire first to form their own conclusions on the subject. The Board of Trade agree that this course is advisable.

asked whether Mr. Lockhart is now in charge of British interests at Petrograd; and, if so, can his precise position and powers be defined?

Mr. Lockhart was appointed as the representative of His Majesty's Embassy in Petrograd in maintaining informal relations with the de facto Government. The Embassy has been withdrawn, but Mr. Lockhart still retains his function.

asked the Foreign Secretary whether he can give any information as to whether any Japanese forces have arrived in Siberia?

His Majesty's Government have no information to the effect that Japanese forces have arrived in Siberia.

May we take it as a fact that we are supporting the. suggestion that Japan should take an active part in the War?

I am afraid I have no statement to make on that general subject.

In view of the importance of the position, can the right hon. Gentleman say when this Government is likely to be able to give the House any information in regard to the proposed intervention of Japan?

I am afraid I cannot undertake to give a date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not make a statement of policy in this House and not leave it to his Under-Secretary to make communications to the Press?

Have you seen the "Times" this morning?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the statement made by the Under-Secretary of State committing this country to the support of Japan was made with the sanction of the War Cabinet?

Are we to understand that as these troops have not yet arrived they are on their way?

I was not asked that.

rose —

Hon. Members must put down further questions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can, during the course of discussion on the Vote of Credit, announce the amount of the financial interests of this country in Russia and the steps being taken or contemplated for preserving those interests and for enlarging commercial and cultural relations with Russia in the future?

The answer is in the negative. As I have already stated, I do not think that it would be right to give this information.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that there is a private arrangement between local employers not to give work to men or women who have been dismissed from a certain munition factory; and if he will take action in the matter?

The information given by my hon. Friend is insufficient to enable me to identify the employers he has in mind. I shall be glad if he will speak to me on the subject.

asked the Minister of Munitions if, when it is the intention of the Ministry of Munitions or any other Government Department to make any substantial reduction in the output from any controlled establishment, at least four weeks' notice shall be given to the controlled establishments with a view of giving the employés an opportunity to find other employment; and if he will take action in the matter?

In every case of intention to reduce output, the longest possible notice is given by the Ministry of Munitions, usually in excess of the period of one month suggested by the hon. Member. In the large majority of cases firms are legally entitled to at least one month's notice. There may, however be emergency cases in which it is impossible; to give so long a notice.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that the joiners and bricklayers' and builders' labourers who are employed at His Majesty's factory, Craigleith, have not received the benefit of the award of 2d. advance which was given to them recently by the Board of Production, the manager of the works having refused to give the sum though the sward was given from the 4th January last; and, in view of the discontent among the men and the threat of a strike, will he see that the award is enforced at once?

No complaint has been made to the Department in this matter, but I am inquiring into the facts, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now prepared to advise the release, in order to engage in work of national importance, of John Pridie, at present in Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow, and who has been there for the last twelve months, during eight of which he has been in solitary confinement; is he aware that each of the three tribunals before whom Pridie appeared expressed belief in the bonâ-fide character of his objections to military service; and, in view of the greater leniency of the Home Office scheme, will he reconsider this case?

I understand that Pridie was refused absolute exemption by the Appeal Tribunal, and that he has declined to accept the only conditions on which the Central Tribunal could consider his case with a view to his release to take up work under the Home Office Committee. My hon. and learned Friend appears to be unaware that this Committee deals in exactly the same way with cases of conscientious objectors both in England and in Scotland.