asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the Memorandum of Prince Lichnowsky, recently published in Sweden; and whether an English translation of the full text will be placed in the Library?

Yes, Sir; an English translation has been made, and will be placed in the Library.

May I ask whether the Noble Lord will receive this statement with a certain amount of reservation, having regard to the usual German propaganda?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Department' of Overseas Trade is a Joint Department of the Foreign Office; whether dislocation and inefficiency of work results from its being so far removed from the Foreign Office; and whether, in view of the importance of being prepared at the conclusion of hostilities with regard to overseas trade, he will see that it is properly housed as soon as possible?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for drawing attention to this subject. The difficulties arising from the separation to which the hon. Member refers are very serious and are fully recognised, and I am in communication with the First Commissioner of Works on the subject

Can my right hon. Friend say when he thinks he will be in a position to give a satisfactory reply?

My hon. Friend will understand that, unfortunately, it does not rest with me.

Will my right hon. Friend not only communicate with the First Commissioner of Works, but press upon him the great importance and urgency of this matter?

I will certainly convey that opinion in that quarter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the cause of delay in rebuilding the General Post Office, Dublin; and whether it is intended to commence the work at once?

As I have previously explained to the hon. Member, the whole question is a very complicated one. Progress in negotiations is being made as expeditiously as possible; but it may be assumed that it will be impracticable to -commence building operations during the War.

Is there any hope of commencing these operations within a reasonable time — because there is a good deal of dissatisfaction about it?

It depends how long the War lasts. I do not think it is possible at all to make a commencement while the War lasts.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is in a position to state, approximately, what pecuniary and other assistance will be given to enable and hasten housing operations in Ireland; and whether he will introduce a Bill to cheapen, simplify, and lessen the present expensive, complicated, and tardy scheme of title transfers?

As I have already stated in reply to the hon. Member, it has been, and is, intended that Ireland shall participate in any measures submitted to Parliament for the improvement of housing conditions. It will appear also from the Report of the Irish Convention that His Majesty's Government is ready to recommend to Parliament the making of special provisions for the needs of urban localities in Ireland in connection with the measure for granting self-government to Ireland which is about to be presented to Parliament. The necessity of simplifying and cheapening procedure in connection with this subject is recognised by the Government, and will be dealt with as soon as may become practicable.

The right hon. Gentleman has referred in his reply to the Irish Convention. May I ask how soon the House will have the Report of Sir Horace Plunkett and such other Minority Reports as are available?

I have ascertained this morning that in the course of to-morrow, I hope, an abundant supply of the whole, of the documents will be available.

The whole of them?

That is, all the Reports and the Minority Reports. I think the hon. Member will find there will be a complete publication.

Can the right hon. Gentleman now state when the Report, which he promised before the Easter Recess to circulate in view of opinion in Ireland on this housing question, is likely to be ready, and when some definite action can be taken in Ireland about housing?

I did not promise to circulate the Report, but I did give information as to action which had been taken, and to which I attach very great importance. But as to the circulation of a Report with definite proposals, that is another matter.

I asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he would call a conference representing all interests on the question? The right hon. Gentleman stated he was taking an opinion on the matter, and he hoped to circulate a Report as to what had already been done by the Government Department concerned in connection with housing, and that then he would consider whether he would call this conference. I want to know what has been done?

I have not got the facts to which he refers in my mind, but now he has called attention to them I will certainly look into them.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that Mr. Norris Goddard, Crown solicitor, Carlow, in the public Press, stated, in connection with the recent trouble and baton charges in Carlow town, that the Volunteers, so far from keeping order, interfered with people in the streets and assaulted some of them in an uncalled-for manner; if he is aware that this statement is unfounded and calculated to arouse bitter feelings amongst the people in the county where this gentleman assists in the administration of the law; and if he can state why this unwarranted statement was allowed to appear in the public Press while a plain statement of the facts written by a Catholic clergyman, unconnected with any political party in Ireland, who was an eye-witness, was refused publication in the Irish Press by the Censor?

I have not seen the publication made by Mr. Norris Goddard and do not know the facts of the case. I assume that a gentleman of Mr. Goddard's position stated the facts according to his belief. The Censor informs me that the statement which he prohibited was a statement which violated De-fence of the Realm Regulation 27 in that it was likely to cause disaffection.

Has the right hon. Gentleman acquainted himself with the records since 1880 of Mr. Norris Goddard, and does he know that, owing to that political record and the part he took in 1881 and subsequent years, his report his bound to be politically prejudiced?

I naturally do not know about these ancient political records in Ireland, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman will recognise that everyone who knows will judge the statement accordingly, whether the record is on one side or the other

As nobody in England is acquainted with this gentleman's record, if there is any report of these matters published in the papers here will the right hon. Gentleman take care to see that it comes from an impartial source?

As the hon. Member knows, I have always endeavoured in reference to-anything in the nature of sensational statements purporting to come from Ireland to make sure that they are accurate.

I have to acknowledge that that is so.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can give any information as to the seizure of the plant of the "Clare Champion"; whether he can cite any passages in the paper which transgressed the law; and, if not, whether he can state the instructions given to the military authorities in Ireland as to the manner in which they are required to interpret their duties?

The attention of those responsible for the printing and publication of the "Clare Champion" was drawn to the fact that matter was being printed therein which infringed the De-fence of the Realm Regulations. They were warned that if they persisted in publishing matter in breach of the Regulations their paper and plant would be seized. In spite of this warning the paper continued to publish matter of the kind in question, and this after Clare had for en made a special military area. In the result the General Officer Commanding directed the steps, of which warning had been given.

Who is the authority which decides whether a certain article or paragraph comes within the scope of the law?

The power of suspension is vested in the military authority. So far as I know, they never act upon it without regard to questions of law as to whether it is an infringement, and the question as to whether it is accidental or deliberate.

Has the. right hon. Gentleman made any inquiry as to the seizure j of the plant of the "Westmeath Independent?

That is a different matter.

Whose opinion do the military authorities take on a question of law?

There are Law Officers and other legal advisers in Ireland whose advice is available to servants of the Crown in necessary cases.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how much land in Ireland has been allotted by the Land Commissioners to Irish farmers since the rebellion in Easter week, 1916; how many of those Irish farmers were of military age; and if he will undertake that no more land is allotted until the requirements of all Irishmen who have fought in the War have been fully satisfied?

Since the 1st April, 1916, the Estates Commissioners have distributed 13,859 acres of untenanted land, and in the allotment they have given a preference where practicable to men who have sewed or are serving, in the present ' War, or who have members of their families so serving. The Estates Commissioners have no information as to the ages of the purchasers. The giving of special recognition in the allotment of available land to men who have served in the War and are capable of occupying land to advantage is, in my opinion, a very desirable thing, and I hope steps to give increased effect to this view will be found practicable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a great many cases in which men who have served or are serving have been refused allotments of land?

That is a very general question. If any particular cases are submitted to me, I will investigate them.

Might I send the right hon. Gentleman a case?

Is the number of such men a large or a small one?

There are many parts of Ireland in which the list, having regard to area and population, is a large one. The numbers of recruits drawn from various areas differ very much, as hon. Members below the Gangway know.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of tenants in Belfast have been given notice to leave their houses; if he is aware that such evictions will inflict serious hardships; and if he will take some suitable action?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The subject is dealt with by the Increase of Kent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915, and a Committee is about to sit to consider the working of that Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of tenants have been evicted, notwithstanding the law that has been passed, and will he take steps to remedy the omission in the Act, particularly in regard to Dublin?

If it is a matter requiring legislation, I dare say that my hon. Friend will give me notice of the particular facts. If it is a matter of administrative action, I will certainly take action when a case is brought under my notice.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether schoolgirls living in Clare are required to have passports if they leave the county?

I cannot ascertain that any application for a permit for a schoolgirl has been made. My hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General for Ireland stated on the 21st March that under the terms of the notice issued by the competent military authority declaring county Clare a special military area no permission to enter the county is necessary in the case of a female ordinarily resident therein. The military authorities inform me that permits have not been issued and have not been refused.

In view of that answer,, may I call attention to the fact that false statements are made from that bench?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has issued a new De-fence of the Realm. Regulation under which women can be prosecuted for soliciting or holding sexual intercourse when suffering from venereal disease; if so, in how many cases have prosecutions been instituted under this Regulation, and with what results; and whether he proposes to issue another Regulation which will similarly apply to males who solicit or hold sexual inter-course when they are suffering from venereal disease?

asked the Home Secretary whether it is intended to follow up the new Regulation 40d, under the De-fence of the Realm Acts, with regard to women suffering from venereal disease by a similar Regulation with regard to men?

Regulation 40d, which applies only when the health of sailors or soldiers is -endangered, was made at the instance of the naval and military authorities, and, in consequence of the urgent request of representatives of the Dominions overseas that steps should be taken with a view to checking the spread of venereal disease among the forces, and questions relating to the Regulation should be addressed to these authorities. I am not aware that any prosecutions have as yet been instituted. It would be impossible, under the powers given by the De-fence of the Realm Act, to make such a Regulation applying to the population as a whole, but the Criminal Law Amendment Bill, which will shortly be reintroduced in another place, will contain a Clause similar to that which was accepted by a Committee of the House of Commons last Session, and which applied equally to persons of both sexes.

If this matter is urgent and. of everyday vital importance, how is it that there has been no prosecution, though the Order has been made several weeks?

I cannot say; I am not in possession of the facts.

Has the right hon. Gentleman in mind that there is a Clause in the Bill to which he refers, passed by the Standing Committee, which applies to both sexes, and can he say why this Regulation made by the Executive should not apply to both sexes, so far as it applies to persons affected by the Regulation?

I have already replied to that in answer to the question. It is not in the power of the Privy Council, under the De-fence of the Realm Act, to make a Regulation applicable to both sexes. It is only for the protection of His Majesty's Forces. The Clause of the Bill to which the right hon. Gentleman refers will, of course, apply to both sexes.

Cannot the Regulation be applied to members of His Majesty's Forces as well as to women?

No, Sir.

Will the Home Secretary give an assurance, if this provision passes into law, that Regulation 40 d will be immediately withdrawn?

It is possible, but I cannot give an assurance.

If this Regulation is made, should it not apply to men equally with women?

The Regulation is made under an Act which provides for the de fence of the realm, and this Regulation, made by the Executive, is only for the protection of His Majesty's Forces.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman will not draw a distinction between men and women?

asked the Home Secretary if men employed in the Navy and attached to a naval port will be able to record their votes at Parliamentary elections through the Royal Naval Depot at the port to which they are attached; and what, if any. procedure has vet been formulated to Meet cases of this kind?

If the men referred to are naval or military voters they will be registered in the constituencies in which they would have been qualified to be registered but for their service in the forces, unless they claim to be registered in respect of an actual residential qualification. In the former case they would, speaking generally, vote as absent voters by post or by proxy. In the latter case, if the actual residence were within the port, they would vote in the usual way in that constituency.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is illegal to advocate the introduction by constitutional means of republican principles into this country; and, if not, whether he will refrain from the practice of sending police spies to republican meetings with instructions to prepare unverified dossiers against re publican advocates?

It is no part of my duty to express an opinion upon the legal question raised by the hon. Member. As regards the latter part of the question, I refer him to the reply which I gave him on the 8th of November last. There is no foundation for the suggestions made by the hon. Member as to the attendance of police officers at public meetings.

If it is not part of the duty of the right hon. Gentleman to express an opinion, will he take this into account, that the safety of this realm has been imperilled by the desire to uphold a dynasty?

asked the Home Secretary whether the Press Bureau declines to give any information to the representatives of American papers in London as to whether dispatches filed by them have been stopped or altered; whether he is aware that this action on the part of the Press Bureau places these correspondents and their newspapers under very serious disadvantages; whether he is aware that in France and Italy foreign correspondents are at once informed by the censor ship authorities whether their dispatches have been stopped or altered; and whether he will instruct the Press Bureau to afford this information to American correspondents here, as it can be given without any detriment to the public service and is essential to correspondents of American newspapers for the proper discharge of their duty?

Press messages sent by representatives in London of American newspapers are sometimes censored or stopped for sufficient reason, but they are never altered. Information is constantly given to American Press representatives in regard to their messages, but the immense number of messages which pass through the Bureau renders it impossible to keep a complete record or to answer every inquiry. I am not aware what is the practice in France and Italy, but the volume of work in London must be very much larger than in Paris or Rome. The Press Bureau will continue to give to American correspondents not less favourable treatment than is given to British newspapers, and to give them the information which they desire when this can be done without detriment to the national interests.

Is there any difficulty in sending to the American correspondents within a reasonable time copies of their dispatches showing what parts have been cut out by the Press Bureau? My information is that all news about the Irish situation is now being cut out.

I do not know about that, but as to the earlier part of the question I am sure that the Press Bureau do their best. They have to deal with thousands of messages every week, both British and American.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any general instruction has been given to the Press Bureau in regard to messages affecting the Irish question?

No such instruction has been given by me, and no other Minister would give instructions to the Press Bureau.

If the right hon. Gentleman does not know whether Irish news to America is being suppressed, will he make inquiry?

Certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether there is now living at Fareham, close to Aldershot, an alien named H. Vogel; whether this gentleman, at the beginning of the War, registered himself as a German, without any qualification; whether he has since described himself as a Pomeranian, an Austrian, and a Russian Pole; whether, prior to the War, lie went to Germany nearly every year; and why the Home Office did not accept his own description on his original declaration?

The facts of the case referred to are well known to the civil and military authorities. The man is in possession of a Russian passport, and his claim to be a Russian Pole, and not a German subject, has been accepted after careful investigation, with the help of a committee of representative Poles. The police report that he is a harmless person, but if the hon. Member is in possession of any evidence showing that the man is in fact German, or was before the War in communication with Germany, I will have further inquiry made.

Could the right hon. Gentleman have better evidence than the fact that this man registered as a German at the beginning of the War?

That is pretty good prima facie evidence. I understand that the man has given his explanation, and says he was born in the neighbourhood of Posen, on the Polish side. I did not look into the matter. The Committee seemed satisfied, and we have found the Committee to be very reliable.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the gentleman named in this question and the hon. Gentleman who has put the question were born under the same burgomaster in Germany?

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed that in future all inquiries as regards the characters of women employed as tramcar conductors in the Metropolitan area shall be made by the police instead of the various tramway authorities; and for what reason this change has been made?

The Commissioner of Police is under a statutory obligation to satisfy himself as to the character and good behaviour of an applicant for a licence before granting the licence In the case of women, he agreed provisionally to accept the result of inquiries made by the tramway and omnibus authorities and companies, but experience has shown that these inquiries were not always adequate, and it has been found necessary to resume direct police inquiries, such as are made in the case of men, except where the company or authority gives a written undertaking to make proper inquiry about each candidate.

Arising out of that reply, can the right lion. Gentleman state how many tramway authorities this will apply to? Does it apply to all tramway authorities?

I should like notice of that.

asked the Home Secretary whether an Order has been issued for the deportation of Mr. C. Boecke. a Dutch subject, who has recently been imprisoned under the Defence of the Realm Act; whether it is intended to carry out this Order; and whether representations have been received by him against this Order being carried into effect?

The answer to the first and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second, the Order was carried out at the beginning of this week.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ire land), whether the service of pure-bred short-horn bulls has been refused to applicants having pedigree cows or heifers of that breed in the neighbourhood of Chantilly, Shangannagh, county Dublin; and whether, in view of the fact that the Department wish to encourage pure breeding from good strains, he can state the reasons for such refusal?

If the question refers to the bull located in the neighbourhood of Chantilly stud farm under the Department's cattle-breeding scheme the Department are not aware that the services of this animal have been refused to any cow-owner. If the question relates to the stock bull on the Department's farm at Chantilly the practice in the case of such bulls is to reserve them exclusively for the service of the Department's pure bred cows.

asked the Vice President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), if the Department has recently handed over its saw mill and woods at Dundrum, county Tipperary, to an association of creameries for the manufacture of butter packages; whether the Department actually provided the association referred to with priority certificates to enable them to procure the necessary machinery; if he is aware that there are many splendidly equipped box mills in the South of Ireland capable of making all the butter packages necessary and dealing with all suitable timber avail able for such purpose; whether he will explain why, in the interest of the State, the association was provided with priority certificates for machinery, thereby congesting the machinery shops, so that butter manufacturers can make their own boxes and leave idle the already equipped box mills in the South of Ireland; and whether the butter manufacturers are in a better position and more competent to manufacture wooden packages than the genuine box-makers?

The sawmill at Dundrum-has been transferred for a limited period to the Suir Valley Creameries Association, Limited, to enable them to make boxes from timber purchased by the association from the woods at Dundrum, but the woods have not been handed over to the association. The Department of Agriculture do not issue priority certificates, but they supported the application of the Suir Valley Creameries Association for such a certificate, as they have done in similar suitable cases. There are, I am told, several manufacturers of butter-boxes in the South of Ireland, but their output was inadequate, and many of them imported ready-made box-timber in large quantities. A representative of the Department was informed that such importation was necessary. The machinery being supplied to the Suir Valley Creameries Association is, I am informed, second-hand. The Department of Agriculture have at present no data to enable them to answer the last part of the question.

asked the Vice-President of the Department, of Agriculture (Ireland) why the numerous applications made by Irish box makers for Dundrum timber were persistently refused or ignored by the Department?

No application for timber has been refused by the Department of Agriculture where the proposed conditions of sale were satisfactory, and where the timber was not required in the saw mill at Dundrum for Government purposes. I am informed that saw mill owners have been supplied with timber from Dundrum -on numerous occasions.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will consider the advisability of granting priority certificates for the supply of butter-making machinery to the Irish box makers if applied for; and whether he will hand over some of the land in the possession of the Department to the Irish box makers so as to enable them to produce the rudiments of butter?

The Department of Agriculture are prepared to support applications for priority certificates for butter-making machinery in suitable cases. They have no land for disposal for the purpose referred to in concluding portion of question.

asked the Minister of National Service whether his Department refers applications for new businesses to a local committee: if so, how the local committee is appointed; whether the applicant is given an opportunity of being heard by the local committee before they make their report; and, it not, if he will consider the desirabiity of arranging for this?

Applications for licences to open new retail businesses are not referred to a local committee. Each applicant is required to give in writing full details affecting his application. In addition, a careful inquiry as to the particular local circumstances is made by representatives of the Ministry of National Service. It has not been considered necessary to establish local committees for the purpose suggested by my hon. Friend.

Has the applicant to give his nationality as veil in making application?

All the facts are taken into consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Air Minister is responsible for the destinations, use, and objectives of aircraft and airmen, or whether the military authority is solely responsible in respect thereto?

The Air Council, after consultation with the Admiralty and War Office, allot the aircraft available to naval and military commanders according to the requirements of the forces they command. The naval or military commander is responsible for the use of aircraft thus allotted, subject to any special instructions issued by the Government from time to time. The aircraft allotted to naval and military forces are under the command of a R.A.F. officer, through whom all orders are issued.

Arising out of that, may we understand that the Air Minister has only responsibility for the output of aircraft?

No, Sir; you may not understand that at all.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the Air Minister is capable on his own responsibility of initiating air raids, or any attack he may see fit to do? [No answer was given.] Really, there should be some limit to the insults of Parliamentary nonentities?

And there should be some limit to the insults that are offered.

Is not a Member entitled to an answer?

If he gives proper notice.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of including an admiral in the War Council, seeing that we are a nation that exists by sea power?

I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend. Whenever naval affairs are under consideration the naval advisers of the Government invariably attend the War Cabinet.

Arising out of that, in view of the mess the War Cabinet has got the country into, is there no chance of them being superseded?

The hon. Member is, perhaps, as good a judge of that as I am.

Has any naval advice been taken with a view to helping the position of our Armies at the present time so as to secure that our Fleet should take action, rather than that the German Fleet should be bombarding the Belgian coast?

Of course, these questions are constantly under the consideration both of the War Cabinet and their naval advisers.

With no effect.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is possible to publish a list of our officers and men who are known to be alive and prisoners of war in Turkish hands; and whether, seeing the state of suspense that exists in the public mind about these prisoners, he can make any statement to alleviate it?

I regret I can add nothing to the full answer which my hon. Friend the Member for Central Sheffield gave on the 18th March last to my hon. find gallant Friend the Member for North Dorset, except that the, untraced British officer therein referred to is now found not to have been missing at Kut, and should therefore be excluded from the figures. All information we have is communicated to the relatives and all new information is published, and I am afraid to publish a now nominal list at the present time would only lead to misunderstanding.

Arising out of that, could my hon. Friend furnish the names of those in the internment camp near Constantinople?

I will look into that, and furnish the names if possible.

Also arising out of that, will the hon. Gentleman say when the last inspection of this camp was held?

I cannot say offhand. If the lion, and learned Member will put down a question, I will try to get the information.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have completed their consideration of the Reports of the Special Committees appointed to inquire into and report upon the terms on which the liquor trade throughout the United Kingdom should be directly controlled during the War and the period of demobilisation and purchased after the War; and whether they are prepared to make a statement of policy on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and I therefore regret that I cannot make a statement at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it will be published?

I will look into that. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put down a question.

asked who is the General Officer representing the British Army on the Council of Versailles?

asked who has taken the place of General Rawlinson on the Versailles Council?

Major-General Sackville West has been appointed Acting British Military Representative of the Supreme War Council at Versailles.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what is now the relationship between this House and General Foch?

I do not think that would be a proper subject to deal with in question and answer.

I will raise it on the Adjournment to-night.

asked the Prime Minister whether the advice and recommendations of General Sir Henry Wilson, tendered at the Versailles Council with reference to the pending enemy offensive, were adopted by the Council?

I do not think it right to say any tiling more on this subject than was said by the Prime Minister on Tuesday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister told us that General Sir H. Wilson had given the War Council his idea of what was likely to occur and that it actually did occur? Were they not prepared, and is no explanation forthcoming?

The Prime Minister did, I think, say what the hon. Member mentions. He said also that he did not think the present was a suitable time to discuss the matter when the Army was engaged in this terrible struggle.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it was a surprise?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the increasing number of aliens, many of whom are of enemy origin, who are gradually acquiring, owing to the operations of the Military Service Act, small businesses in this country, whether he is aware of the desire of the British people to refrain from effecting purchases at these establishments; and whether, under these circumstances, he is prepared to give the necessary instructions to provide that all aliens of enemy extraction or otherwise shall place in a conspicuous position on their shop fronts the true name and nationality of the proprietor or proprietors of the establishment before naturalisation if naturalised?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have no doubt that there are cases of the nature referred to in the first part of the question, and I shall be glad if the lion. Member will furnish me with information as to any particular cases which have come to his knowledge. I have no power to issue the instruction which the hon. Member suggests, but I would refer him to Regulation 8AA of the Defence of the. Realm Regulations and to the Order made by the Director-General of National Service there under and to Section 18 of the Registration of Business Names Act, 1916.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he can take power to see that aliens, especially those of enemy origin, are obliged to put their nationality over the door of their shops?

I do not think we have power to do that.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to place upon the Table of the House a list of the names of all members of His Majesty's Government and/or Members of the House of Commons and/or of His Majesty's Government Departments who are either directly or indirectly financially concerned, in their private or public capacity, in the affairs of the Deutsche Bank or the Bank Commerciale or the Fried. Krupp Achengesellschaft or the Anglo-Austrian Bank or the Oester-reichische Laenderbank?

The. answer is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the answer is in the negative? Has it any bearing upon the fact that we cannot get these banks shut up?

It has no bearing on that. The reason for its being in the negative can be gathered by the hon. Gentleman, if he puts his mind to it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can explain the cause of the delay in appointing a Generalissimo on the Western Front; and whether, in view of the peril to the military situation which has ensued in consequence of the neglect of this step, he will announce any changes in the War Cabinet?

The answer is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the Government has realised that the delay in coming to a decision has caused the loss of 100,000 men and the Joss of positions of high value?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government has now taken the advice which my hon. Friend offered to them just twelve months ago?