asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether an Order has been made prohibiting the exportation of American bacon from Liverpool to Ireland; whether he is aware that at the present time there are larger stocks of American bacon in Liverpool than the consignees know what to do with; and whether, in these circumstances, he will direct at least a temporary suspension of the Order so that Irish traders in inland Irish towns may get a supply of the surplus stock?

The export of bacon, except under licence, has been prohibited from Great Britain to Ireland and from Ireland to Great Britain The former practice was for Ireland to export a considerable proportion of its production to Great Britain, and to import American bacon from Great Britain to satisfy part of the Irish requirements. The waste and risk involved by this system will in future be avoided. It is intended to place in cold storage so much of the American bacon in Liverpool as is not needed for immediate consumption so as to cover the requirements of the summer period during which importation is diminished.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Food Control Committee is granting compensation in cases of tuberculosis; whether he is aware that this House passed a Second Reading of a Tuberculosis Compensation Bill; whether he will make inquiry and extend the compensation to all bonâ fide purchases made in open market; and whether he will consider the advisability of adopting the Continental practice of sterilisation?

I do not understand that the Ministry of Food pays compensation on the condemnation of the carcases of cattle for tuberculosis, and the question of extending such a practice does not, therefore, arise. I am aware that a Bill on the subject reached a Second Reading in 1904 and was reintroduced in subsequent Sessions but made no progress. On the question of sterilisation, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on the 5th March.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Government to include in the Military Service Bill schoolmasters of secondary and elementary schools?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The Military Service Bill does not exclude schoolmasters of secondary and elementary schools, nor are such men excluded from the operation of the earlier Acts. Administrative instructions have, however, been issued from time to time by the Minister of National Service, after consultation with the Board of Education and the Scotch Education Department, affording protection to schoolmasters from recruitment within certain limits as to age and medical grade. It is not intended to modify the instructions at present in force without previous reference to those Departments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in many cases men who have been wounded or found unfit are being discharged under paragraph 392 (XXL) of King's Regulations, i.e., on termination of engagement, instead of under paragraph 392 (XVI.); and whether, in view of the fact that this practice has the effect of making men liable for further service, he will take steps to see that in future such men are only discharged, as is their right, under paragraph 392 (XVI.)?

No, Sir, I am not aware that this is being done, and if my hon. and gallant Friend knows of any cases I should be glad if he would let me have the necessary particulars in order that the matter may be put right.