asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Military Convention with Russia for the mutual Conscription for military service of British and Russian subjects is liable to be determined before the end of the present War, or whether it is operative under all circumstances so long as either Great Britain or Russia is at war; what Minister of Russia is entitled now to grant exemptions from military service under this Convention to Russians in Great Britain; and whether there is any Russian Government still existing which is party to this Convention?

Article 5 of the Convention provides that it shall cease to have force from the date of the conclusion of the present War. With reference to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned to him on 30th April last. As regards the last paragraph, I would observe that international agreements do not cease to be valid because the Governments which concluded them are no longer in power.

Arising out of the first part of this question, is the Noble Lord not aware that, according to one interpretation, the present War, which existed when the Convention began, ceased when Russia went out, and, for the purpose of the Convention, this is a new war?

I should have thought, without expressing any opinion on the legal matter, that the present War was still going on.

Has the Noble Lord or the Foreign Office received any protest from the British Agent in Russia against the Conscription of Russian subjects in this country for the British Army, and what reply has he been able to give?

It is quite obvious that notice should be given of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is now proposed to recognised the de facto Government of Russia; whether he knows that the present official attitude of this country is endangering the future relations between the two countries and is conferring economic and commercial advantages upon countries with which Great Britain is at war; and what further action the Government intends to take?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. With regard to the third part, His Majesty's Government are most desirous of promoting increased economic and commercial intercourse between Great Britain and Russia, and are doing what they can to further this object.

How long must a de facto Government be in existence before it is recognised by this Government?

No rule can be laid down. It depends upon the circumstances of each case.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to the fact that all information affecting foreign policy was open to President Wilson, he has communicated to President Wilson the treaties made by the Allies with Italy and Roumania, respectively, on their entry into the War?

The reply is in the affirmative.

Has any communication on this matter or comments of President Wilson been received which might be made public?

I must have notice of that; but I think not, so far as I remember.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the civil and political injustices under which Jews have hitherto suffered in Roumania and the efforts of the late Marquess of Salisbury to remove their injustices; whether the treaty of peace recently signed by Roumania guarantees full and equal rights to Jews; and, if so, whether he will give an assurance that this country has no intention of setting this article aside?

If the hon. Member will read these Treaty stipulations with care, he will observe that the enfranchisement obtained for the Jews is of a most limited and conditional nature, and that the Clauses have in fact been framed solely in order to give Germany an additional pretext for interfering in the internal affairs of Roumania. His Majesty's Government have the fullest sympathy with the cause of Jewish enfranchisement in Roumania and else- where, but it is to the full programme of liberation which the Roumanian Government has themselves adopted prior to this Treaty, and not to this restricted scheme, that His Majesty's Government will adhere.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Treaty of 26th April, 1915, concluded with Italy on Italy's entry into the War has been modified, superseded, or enlarged by any subsequent treaty, agreement, or understanding to which this country is a party; if so, what is the date; and what are the objects of such rearrangement of the terms and conditions of the original treaty?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the expulsion from France of Mr. Robert Dell, the correspondent in Paris of the "Manchester Guardian"; and whether he received any communication from the French Government before the expulsion or has received any explanation since?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. We were semi-officially informed that the reason for the expulsion was that Mr. Dell had published reports of what took place in a confidential committee. Let me add that this is a matter which, according to accepted practice, is entirely within the discretion of the French Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any proposals have been made by any Allied Government suggesting that a standing Allied advisory committee should be established immediately for the purpose of unifying the policy of the Allies and of preparing a practical scheme for the creation of a permanent league of free nations which will guarantee a permanent peace and will prevent war in the future; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. I may, however, say that this question is receiving the constant attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received the text of the China-Japan agreement; and, if so, whether there is any clause in that agreement describing the conditions upon which joint intervention in the case of Siberia might be under taken?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will communicate to the House the full terms of the Convention, just agreed to between China and Japan?

The answer to these questions is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the secret treaty of the 26th April, 1915, between Great Britain, France, Italy, and Russia has been annulled; if a new secret treaty has recently been agreed to between Great Britain, France, and Italy; and, if so, in what respect does this new treaty differ from the treaty of 1915?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. The remaining part does not, therefore, arise.

Do I understand from that answer that His Majesty's Government have not received the terms of this Convention?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what protection exists for allotment holders in Ireland against increases of rent during the War?

In fixing the rents to be paid by allotment holders a local authority is bound by a Regulation made by the Local Government Board, in pursuance of Section 1 (2) of the Local Government (Allotments and Land Cultivation) (Ireland) Act, 1917, that allotments shall be let at rents of such amount as may be expected to cover the expenses of the council in connetion with allotments. Any rent made in contravention of this provision would be illegal.

asked how many persons have been arrested in Ireland during this month and brought to Great Britain for internment or to await trial; whether they are to have the rights and liberties of per sons awaiting trial; and whether they will be tried in Ireland or Great Britain?

Sixty-nine persons have recently been arrested in Ireland and deported for internment in Great Britain. The conditions of their detention are at present being considered. I can make no statement as to the last part of the question.

Is it really to be supposed that these arrests of a fortnight ago were made on such evidence as not to warrant a definite charge for trial being produced against those concerned?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the solicitor instructed to act for the Irish interned prisoners has applied for leave to see his clients; and, if so, whether the application has been refused?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. A solicitor has applied for permission to visit the prisoners in question in his professional capacity. This application has been refused for the present, but any application by a prisoner to see his solicitor will be considered.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us why this solicitor, acting on behalf of interned prisoners, has been refused access; is it because he is acting collectively? Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the only way in which a solicitor can have access to any prisoners is by individual application?

I have no knowledge on whose behalf the solicitor is acting. But an interned person can say whom he wishes to see.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say exactly why the solicitor was refused access?

For the reasons I have given. It is for the interned person to say whom he wishes to see.

Is not the actual reason that it is not intended that a solicitor shall go from one prisoner to —

"Order!"

:The hon. Member must accept the reason stated, and must not suggest others.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to bring any persons to trial who have been arrested in Ireland in connection with the German plot disclosed by the official announcement of 25th May?

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

Is the matter under the consideration of the War Cabinet?

I have said that I could not make any statement.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether J. H. Macdonell, solicitor, London, has applied for a passport to visit Ireland; and, if so, whether and on what grounds it has been refused?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am in communication with the Irish Government about this case.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the urban district council of the county Antrim coast town, in which the presence of aliens has previously been brought to notice had already submitted resolutions to his Department and to the Prime Minister calling for the removal of such persons from the coast; whether he will state the grounds upon which such resolutions were not accepted as showing local resentment on the question; and what steps he now proposes to take?

I am aware that the resolutions referred to were submitted to the Prime Minister and my Department. The resolution of a district council is not necessarily based on local feeling and there was no other evidence of local resentment. The facts have been laid before the naval and military authorities, and no further steps on the part of my Department appear to be necessary.

Is the House to understand that the resolution of an urban district council is not to be taken as showing the local feeling of the town they represent; if it is so, will the right hon. Gentleman say how a town is to be expected to bring its feelings before the authorities?

No, Sir; my hon. and gallant Friend is not to suppose anything of the kind. The resolution of a local council need not necessarily be based upon local resentment, but upon local feeling as to what is wise to be done, and so on.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state when the Government of Ireland Bill will be introduced; and whether, in view of the doubts occasioned by delay as to whether the Bill will ever be introduced, he will declare the present intentions of the Government?

I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on the 28th May last,

Has the attention of the War Cabinet been given to the speech of General Smuts suggesting that the Irish question would find solution at the Imperial Conference?

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, at a recent meeting of the Irish Council of Agriculture, the President of the Irish Board of Agriculture spoke against the Government's policy of Conscription; and, if so, whether he has received the-right hon. Gentleman's resignation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have seen a full Press report of the speech referred to, and in it the President of the Irish Board of Agriculture expressly stated that the question of Conscription was one for the Government, and his remarks generally were directed to calling attention to the needs of agricultural labour. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has changed his views with regard to Conscription since his appointment?

That does not arise out of this question.

asked the Home Secretary what was the total number of prosecutions throughout the country for cruelty to animals employed in mines during the year 1917?

As I have already informed the hon. Member, the number of prosecutions for offences against the statutory provisions as to the care and treatment of animals which were instituted by the Home Office or by colliery managements in 1917 was seventy-nine. I have no information as to proceedings, if any, instituted by other parties.

Is not a complete record kept of prosecutions of this kind?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary in what number of civil cases, besides those involving questions of libel, slander, seduction, and breach of promise of marriage, the trial was by jury during the year 1917?

The figures for 1917 are not yet available; but in 1916 the number of actions tried for libel, slander, seduction, and breach of promise of marriage was 203, and the total number of cases tried before juries in the same year was 909.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to endeavour to secure the repatriation of our soldiers of all ranks who are prisoners of war in Germany on the lines of the agreement recently concluded between Germany and France; whether any and what steps have already been taken by the Government to this end; and within what time they anticipate the necessary agreement with Germany will be concluded?

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether efforts are being made to induce Germany to consent to an enlargement of The Hague Agreement, which now provides for the internment of officers and non-commissioned officers in Holland who have been prisoners in Germany for eighteen months, so as to include also men who have no non-commissioned rank; what is the present state of the negotiations; and whether a conference on the subject is to be held with German delegates and how soon?

:I regret that I am not at present in a position to add to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject on Tuesday.

Have the Government yet nominated delegates?

They have not yet nominated delegates, but I understand they will do so shortly.

Will the House of Commons have an opportunity of considering the appointments before they become effective, and will Lord Newton be included?

Notice should be given of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has considered the Report of their Committee on the Treatment by the Enemy of British Prisoners of War; whether they are satisfied that British prisoners are no longer kept at work immediately behind the German lines; and, if not, what steps they are taking, or propose to take, to prevent a continuance of the cruelty to our men mentioned in such Report?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the starvation and cruelties inflicted on officers and men in some of the camps in Germany, he will at once give the German Government notice that, unless this treatment ceases, the treatment of German officers and men in this country will be very much altered and the most severe measures, short of cruelty, taken as reprisals for German barbarity?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to these questions. The treatment of prisoners of war generally will, no doubt, be discussed at the Conference which, it is hoped, may shortly be assembled at The Hague.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that British officers are being flogged, and that the same treatment has been meted out to the men?

:Is my hon. Friend aware of the widespread anxiety in this country owing to the fact that prisoners recently taken by the Germans are now being employed immediately behind the German lines on what is actually combatant work?

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that something will be done before this Conference meets, or are we to understand that nothing is to be done before it is held?

I have just said that the most practical of all ways would be to discuss it at the Conference which is about to be held.

Is not the Government yet aware that the Germans take no notice of anything except retaliation, and is the Government going to leave these wretched men to have this sort of treatment continually inflicted upon them without practically doing anything?

I have no doubt that the delegates sent by this Government will make the strongest possible representations.

Is not the Conference likely to last for weeks, and during all that time will not something be done to protect these men?

May I ask whether the scope of the Conference includes the use of these prisoners behind the lines, or whether it is simply restricted to the exchange of prisoners?

It includes the employment of prisoners.

Could not the hon. Gentleman lay down a general rule- that whatever treatment is meted out to our prisoners will be meted out to the German prisoners here?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have selected the persons to represent Great Britain in the forthcoming negotiations with Germany concerning prisoners of war; and, if not, whether they will appoint as one of the delegates a discharged or disabled soldier who has served in the ranks during the present war?

As I said in reply to a supplementary question on Tuesday last, I am not yet able to make a statement on this subject.

Would my hon. Friend seek some discharged soldier or someone who has been a prisoner and who may have a knowledge of German, in order to allay the feeling of annoyance about this matter and in order to strengthen the delegation?

The hon. Member is putting the same question again, and not so well worded.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the treatment of our prisoners in Germany, the War Cabinet will forthwith endeavour to promote a direct exchange of prisoners, privates as well as officers and non-commissioned officers, with Germany and also with Turkey and Bulgaria; and whether some high official can at once be appointed whose sole duty it will be to carry such exchange into effect as soon as possible, and meanwhile to ameliorate the lot of our prisoners as much as possible?

The possibility of extending existing arrangements with Turkey and Bulgaria will, of course, be considered. As to the rest of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by the Leader of the House.

:asked a question which was inaudible in the Reporters' Gallery.

There is the greatest possibility that the extending of the existing arrangements would be considered by the Governments.

asked whether a printed resolution circulated by the secretary of a trade union or other organisation among the branches of such trade union or other organisation is to be regarded as a leaflet within the meaning of Regulation 27c of the Defence of the Realm Act?

:I am advised that such a resolution would come within the Regulation if it were intended or likely to be used for propagandist purposes in relation to the present War or to the making of peace. It is a question of fact in each case.

asked for what reason Edward Sœrmus, the Russian violinist, has been ordered to return to Russia, seeing that he has taken no part in political propaganda and has been rejected for military service both in Russia and this country; whether he is aware that this musician was ordered to return within a week to Russia at a time when his wife was lying ill and unable to travel with him; and whether he is aware that such actions on the part of the British authorities are deeply affecting the minds of the Russian people and will adversely affect the future relations of the two countries, including the trading and commercial relations?

asked if a deportation order has been made against Mr. Edward Sœrmus, and, if so, on what grounds; if this order has been carried into effect; and, if not, will he, in view of the fact that Mr. Sœrmus is an Esthonian subject, reconsider the matter?

I understand that, as this man was engaged in revolutionary propaganda in this country he was warned by the police that an application would probably be made for his deportation; but that in the present circumstances and particularly in view of his wife's state of health it is not intended to press the application at the present time. No deportation order has in fact been made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what the nature of the seditious propaganda was in which he was engaged?

:No, Sir. The matter has not yet come before me. If it should come before me I shall require to be informed as to the nature of the propaganda.

asked whether one John Faller, born in Germany, unnaturalised, is now manager of the Swan Hotel, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, within 25 miles of Avon-mouth; whether he is openly a supporter of his own countrymen; and why his internment was refused by the Home Office?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second, so far as is known to my Department, in the negative. No question of internment arises in this case, as the man is sixty-four years of age, but in the year 1915 he was exempted from repatriation on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee, who had before them a memorial signed by 160 British-born inhabitants of Wotton-under-Edge and the neighbourhood testifying to his loyalty. He has been in England forty-two years, and has a British-born wife and family. He is reported to be most loyal to this country, but if my hon. Friend has any information to the contrary I shall be glad to be furnished with it. He has volunteered for national service.

asked whether any further steps have been taken in regard to Mr. Ungebauer, the German recently naturalised in Lagos, or whether he still enjoys the privilege of British citizenship in that colony?

His certificate of naturalisation was revoked on 23rd May under powers given by an Ordinance which was enacted in April.

asked (1) whether, in view of the fact that the men formerly employed by the British Motor Cab Company are now out of employ- ment because this company closed down on account of not being allowed Is. a mile, he can see his way to allow these unemployed men to be employed by other cab owners and the same amount of petrol allowed for their employment as that used by the British Motor Cab Company before it closed down; (2) whether, in view of the fact that the supply of two gallons per week for a taxi-cab is only enough for four days, he will consider the advisability of supplying each licensed driver with petrol weekly instead of at present supplying it to the cab owners?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to answer these questions. Motor spirit licences for taxi-cabs are issued only to the registered owners of vehicles after the vehicles have been certified to be taxi-cabs licensed to ply for hire by the local licensing authorities, and a licence cannot be issued either to a licensed driver as such, or to a cab owner in respect of a driver's employment. The quantity allowed for taxi-cabs in. the metropolitan area is 60 gallons per month, or, approximately, 2 gallons per day, and not 2 gallons per week, as suggested by the hon. and gallant Member. In view of the urgent necessity of conserving supplies of petrol, it is not possible to increase this quantity.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether anything can be done to stop the waste of labour entailed by the men only being able to work four days a week on account of not having enough petrol?

I should like notice of that.

asked for the number of prosecutions since 1st January for cruelty to horses by overloading, overworking, or underfeeding?

The number of prosecutions in the Metropolitan Police District since the 1st January last for cruelty to horses is 1,258; but, owing to the depletion of staffs, it is not possible to ascertain how many of these cases have arisen from overloading, overworking, or underfeeding. I have no information as to the number of prosecutions in the provinces.

asked if a conscientious objector named Parker, of Aberdare, was recently released under the exceptional employment scheme and permitted to take up employment with Parker and Company, motor repairers, of Aberdare; whether, after this young man had been in this employment for a few days, he was informed by the committee by telegram that he must find other employment within fourteen days; whether the committee have since insisted that he must find work more than 50 miles away from Aberdare; will he say what is the reason that the committee, having approved this employment as satisfying their requirements, should so quickly discover that it was unsuitable; will he say whether the action of the committee was due to representations made from Aberdare by the political opponents of the man's father; whether it is the practice of the committee to lend itself to persecution to satisfy political spite; and under what Clause in the conditions regulating exceptional employment the committee are authorised to insist that a man must find employment 50 miles away from home?

The answers to the first three questions are in the affirmative. This conscientious objector was required to find fresh work because it was discovered that his original application had not fully disclosed the facts, and, further, that he was doing work other than that which the committee had authorised. There has been no persecution. The committee have full discretion to revoke any authority they may have given for individual employment; and in this case the only alternative to attaching special conditions to the new authority would have been to revoke the authority altogether and recall him to the work centre.

Is it not a fact that before this lad was permitted to take up this work the committee made full inquiries, and will he say in what particulars it was afterwards discovered that misrepresentations had been made as to the nature of the work in which the lad was to engage; and is it not a fact that the Home Office Committee took action through representations that were made from Aberdare by the political opponents of the lad's father?

No. In reply to the last part of the supplementary question, I do not think it would be accurate to say that the Home Office took action because of complaints of the political opponents of this lad's father. One of the reasons why the committee took action was that the application both of the lad and the company was of a disingenuous character.

:Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how these facts cams to the knowledge of the Committee?

No; I am not disposed to do that.

asked the Prime Minister what committees have been appointed in connection with the combing out of the Government Departments; and whether he is aware that some of the members of the committees are of military age?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. As already announced in the Press, a panel has been appointed from which military service committees will be selected to review exemptions held by men of military age employed in all Government Departments. A preliminary meeting of the panel will be held in the course of the next few days, at which the selection of the committees will be finally arranged. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

Does my hon. Friend intend to take off this committee all men of military age?

Certainly not! Mr. HOGGE: Why not?

Is my hon. Friend aware of the great amount of annoyance caused to men who are called up by men who themselves ought to be serving?

That is not the question. The military age has been extended to fifty-one. This is a policy for which the House has pressed, and the Ministry with which I have the honour to be connected has established a panel of persons who will go through the Government Departments with a view of discovering what men, I think under the age of forty-three, can be spared for the fighting force.

What moral force can the recommendations of this Department have when it puts men below the military age on a panel to put other men under their age into the Army?

If that standard is applied a great many Members of this House would have to resign their seats.

Is the panel composed of men who are now serving in the Army or Navy, or of civilians, or of both?

No; it comprises a great number of persons, Members of this House and of the other place, business men, and so on. It is really a representative panel, which will, I think, satisfy the House when it is published.

Why need men of military age be put on the panel? Is it beyond the competence of this House to discover men above military age who are fitted to be on this committee?

I do not think that my hon. Friend quite understands the question. It is suggested that no men under fifty-one should be on this panel. That is not a practical proposal.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether all the members of these committees will be altogether disinterested in the sense that they will not have anything to do with the Departments?

That is so. They are persons not connected with the Departments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the general purport of the Report of Mr. Acworth on Rhodesian railway policy and administration, whether favourable or otherwise; and whether the Report will be made available for Members in the Library?

I have not yet seen this Report.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether and, if so, when he proposes to reintroduce the Education (Scot- land) Bill; and whether the delay in re-introducing this Bill is due to the opposition which its provisions have evoked?

asked whether the Scottish Education Bill will be introduced immediately?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer which I gave on the 16th instant to the right hon. Member for Dumfries Burghs.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give some more definite date as to when he expects to introduce this Bill?

I am sorry that I cannot state a definite date, but there will be no unavoidable delay.

Is the delay because changes are being made in its details?

It is being reconsidered in view of the present opposition to the administrative provisions. The educational provisions have been well received, and I am very anxious that even in the matter of administration the Bill should go through with a minimum of friction and a maximum of agreement.

Why not introduce the educational provisions and drop the administrative ones?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can now make a statement on the Scottish War Memorial?

I regret that I am not as yet in a position to add to the information which I have already given to the House in this matter.

:asked the Secretary for Scotland when he proposes to introduce the Scottish Ministry of Health Bill?

Until the general proposals for a Ministry of Health have been discussed and adjusted in the War Cabinet, I fear I cannot make any statement as to the policy of the Government with regard to Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government proposes to nominate an official of his own, or of any other Department, to a seat on the Board of any of the great companies which deal with the question of the supply of milk?

I have been asked to reply. The precise steps proper to be taken in order to secure effective control of the wholesale collection, utilisation, and distribution of milk are still under consideration. I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly, but the matter is obviously one of great complication and importance.

Will you take this idea, into consideration?

Yes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the retailer of milk in London who buys direct from the producer is allowed to charge the consumer Is. per gallon for selling such milk, while the maximum price the producer can charge the retailer is 1s. per gallon; and, having regard to the much greater cost of producing milk over that of retailing it, will he take steps to secure a fairer distribution of payment?

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the producer may add his railway transport charges to the maximum price. In view of the fact that the ratio between the amount received by the producer and that received by the retailer is rather smaller than that which prevailed before prices were controlled it can hardly be suggested that the present distribution of payment is unfair.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that the unequal remuneration to the retailers compared with the producer is calculated to reduce the supply of milk?

One can easily be deceived by these comparisons. If the producers feel aggrieved by the price they are receiving their grievance can be considered.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that milk producing is being given up because of this inequality and therefore it is in the interests of the consumer that the matter should be dealt with at once? May I further ask if it is not the fact that the retailer is prepared to take less remuneration provided the producer is encouraged to continue the supply by having the increase which the retailer is prepared to give up?

:That is rather too complicated a question. I should like to see it on the Paper.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether grocers, co-operative or other, can now sell tea at less than 2s. 8d. per 1b.; whether all suggestions of objections on the part of the Government to their doing so have been publicly withdrawn; whether a similar line of action has been announced or is under consideration in connection with other articles of food, such as margarine, for which a maximum price has been fixed; and whether any limitation is placed upon the right of a retailer to raise his price for, say, tea again to the fixed maximum after having once reduced it so as to secure registration of customers?

The retail price of tea has been fixed by the Tea (Retail Prices)

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that 5,000 casks of Danish butter arrived at Newcastle-on-Tyne on Friday, the 17th May. and was put on the quay, and still remained there on 27th May, awaiting Order, 1918, dated the 4th May, at 2s. 8d. per lb. To sell at a lower price constitutes a summary offence against the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The latter half of the question does not appear to arise.

Does the hon. Gentleman's answer apply to traders of all kinds, both co-operative stores and retail traders?

Certainly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can state the approximate statistics recording the slaughtering in Great Britain, during the months of January, February, March, and April, 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 1917 and 1918 respectively?

While, no complete data exist for a comparison such as that referred to in the question, I have had an approximate estimate prepared, which will be printed in the Official Report.

On 19th May 5,444 casks of Danish butter arrived at Newcastle-on-Tyne, and were put into cool storage, as no cold storage was available. This butter is now being distributed in Scotland and the North of England, the delivery orders having been posted on 27th May. In answer to the last part of the question, I may refer the hon. Baronet to the answer given last Tuesday to the hon. Member for West Newington. I feel bound to add that the circulation of these unfounded reports causes unnecessary public apprehension, and is, in my opinion, much to be deprecated.

Will the hon. Gentleman state why there was ten days' delay in issuing the order for the distribution of this butter?

It was not a case of ten days' delay. That is not at all admitted in my answer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it was proposed to appoint a Mr. Carmichael as Labour representative on a committee to control food distribution arrangements at Smithfield; whether this gentleman was proposed as a speaker at the prohibited revolutionary demonstration in Fins bury Park lately; what connection has he ever had with the meat trade; whether he was aware that Smith-field men had already passed a vote of no confidence in him; and whether, when a labour representative is appointed on this committee, he will see that he is the direct nominee of the men employed in the market?

The Journeymen Butchers' Federation of Great Britain were asked by my Department to appoint a Labour representative on a committee to control food distribution at Smithfield, and they nominated Mr. Duncan Carmichael, who is Secretary of the London Trades Council. I understand that this gentleman was asked to speak at a May Day demonstration in Finsbury Park and that he declined the invitation. Mr. Carmichael has been connected with distributive trades for nearly twenty years. I have no knowledge of the suggestion made in the fourth part of the question. In asking the men concerned to nominate a representative, I stated that he should be a man who would have the confidence of the workers and in other respects be qualified for his duties.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Road Transport Board is about to take over the whole of the road transport of the country, with a view to the better distribution of food; and if he can make any statement as to the methods to be employed?

I have been asked by my hon. Friend to answer this question. It is not proposed to take over the road transport of the country, but the. Road Transport Board has been appointed to take such measures as may be necessary to ensure the most economic use of road transport vehicles and their efficient allocation for meeting such requirements as may arise from time to time for the transport of food, munitions, and other war material, and for the essential needs of the trade and industry of the country. Powers have been taken under a Defence of the Realm Regulation to enable the Road Transport Board to carry out its functions.

Does the Board propose to appoint local committees, who understand local conditions?

Local committees are being appointed to co-operate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take in regard to the embargo lately placed on the export of films from America, in view of the fact that no less than 90 per cent. of all the films shown in the cinema theatres in this country, and at the front, including many absolutely necessary for the proper presentation of the case of the Allies, are American films, and of the fact that the cargo space occupied by films is an altogether negligible quantity?

I am not aware of any special embargo on the exportation if films from the United States of America other than the general prohibition on the exportation of all goods except under licence. In granting licences for the exportation of goods to the United Kingdom the United States Government are guided to some extent by the views of the British War Mission, and refuse licences where the recommendation of the Mission is not forthcoming. The Board of Trade will be prepared to convey through the Mission a recommendation in favour of the grant of licences for any suitable cinematograph films which firms in this country may wish to import from America.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to amend the new Regulations relating to the issue and the renewal of season tickets so as to give to men who were serving in the Army or Navy prior to 1st January, 1917, and who have since been or who are hereafter discharged there from, the same rights of obtaining season tickets in the districts in which they live as they would have had if they had been season ticket-holders in such districts prior to 1st January, 1917?

I do not think that it is necessary to amend the Regulations to meet this point. Applicants under such circumstances will have the same rights of obtaining season tickets in the districts in which they live as. they would have had if they had been season-ticket holders in such districts prior to 1st January, 1917.

:Is my hon. Friend aware that the Regulations as they stand clearly show that a man who had a season ticket before the 1st of January, 1917, is in a better position than those who had not?

It may not be quite clear, but the Regulations will be carried out in the spirit of my answer.

Will the hon. Gentleman make them clear?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is prepared to introduce legislation at the earliest possible moment to prohibit the use of pilotage licences for home waters to all aliens and to confine the same strictly to British subjects?

At the present time no alien holds a pilot's licence for any port in the United Kingdom, and, so far as I am aware, such licences have never been granted to aliens. A pilotage certificate may be granted to the master or mate of a ship under certain conditions enabling him to dispense with the services of a licensed pilot in a specified district. Such certificates can only be issued to British subjects except in certain special cases for which provision is made by Section 24 of the Pilotage Act, 1913. All such certificates held by enemy aliens before the War have lapsed, and no provision exists for their renewal. As regards other aliens, provision is made for the renewal of certificates which were in force before the 1st June, 1906. No new certificates can be granted to aliens in any district if the Admiralty at any time consider that on the grounds of public safety this should not be done. In these circumstances, as at present advised, my right hon. Friend does not consider that any further legislation is necessary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether on some railways no workmen's tickets were issued on Whit-Monday and that men and women going to work had to pay the full fares; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

It is not the practice to issue workmen's tickets on statutory public holidays, and some of the railway companies are expressly exempted from such an obligation by their Acts of Parliament. If, however, the hon. Gentleman will furnish me with particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will have inquiries made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to make any alteration in regard to the control of horse transport, in view of the greatly increased mortality among working horses as a result of overworking and underfeeding?

:The question of the condition of the town horses is under consideration, and the Controller of Horse Transport has in contemplation the making of certain Regulations on the subject both of the feeding and the use of horses.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Committee on Electricity Power Supply has yet concluded its labours and submitted a Report; and, if so, in view of the wide spread interest in the subject, he can state if it is proposed to publish the Report

This Committee has submitted a Report which has just been presented to Parliament.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Corporation of Brighton, both directly and through its waterworks engineer, has during the last six months made frequent and urgent representations to the Coal Controller as to the short supply of coal received at the pumping stations of the Brighton Waterworks undertaking, the shortage amounting in eight months to 2,000 tons on the quantity allotted; that these representations have had no result; that it has now been found necessary to give notice to the War Office that the supply of water to the military camp and convalescent hospital at Shore- ham and to the numerous hospitals in the large area served by the undertaking is endangered and may have to be discontinued, one of the pumping stations having only six days' stock of coal; and whether, in view of the seriousness of the situation, he will take immediate steps to ensure that an adequate supply is forwarded?

According to figures supplied by the Brighton Corporation Waterworks, they have in stock at present more than four weeks' supply of coal. Deliveries have fallen off during the past month, partly due to disputes between colliery companies and the contractors supplying the corporation and latterly through the effect of the comb-out of miners. The contractors to the corporation have promised to give the question of supplies special attention.

asked the Prime Minister by whose permission leaflets advertising the Ealing comrades day were dropped from Army aeroplanes on 16th May?.

The permission referred to was given by a responsible Air Force officer. I would add that by a decision of the Air Council which had been arrived at before the date mentioned in the question but had not then been promulgated, the use of aeroplanes for the purpose of flying exhibitions or the dropping of leaflets has been prohibited.

Could the hon. Gentleman explain why the Air Service, after repeated assurances by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the House that they have nothing to do with the Comrades of the Great War, gave permission for propaganda for the purpose of this organisation to be dropped from national aeroplanes?

I have seen the leaflet, and I can imagine that the commanding officer would look upon it simply as a charitable organisation to help men who had been wounded, and it would be quite a natural thing that he would give it his help without previous instructions.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that the Comrades of the Great War is a charitable organisation?

I am not prepared to argue that point—I do not think it arises —but I am quite sure that the leaflet would give that impression to the officer commanding.

Is not this question raised as a matter of spite and jealousy?

No!

asked the Post master-General whether, under the new Regulations, commercial papers, e.g., invoices, statements, credit notes, advices, etc., which are partly printed and partly written will be allowed postage at the halfpenny rate when enclosed in unsealed envelopes; and whether, if printed on cardboard and filled in on one side and addressed on the other, they will be carried for one halfpenny without being enclosed in an envelope?

The alterations in the postal rates to be introduced on the 3rd June involve no change in the conditions under which printed or partly printed documents may be sent at the inland book rate, which will in future be known as the inland printed paper rate. A card complying with these conditions need not be enclosed in an envelope.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the maximum size allowed for postcards will be increased so as to allow of their being used more largely for correspondence at the penny rate?

As promised, my right hon. Friend has considered the question whether the maximum size of postcards might be increased. The present limit, namely, 5½in. by 3½in., appears to allow ample space for a short letter, especially as the left-hand half of the address side can be used for the purpose as well as the back of the card, and, in view of the loss of revenue involved, he does not see his way to increase the size of postcards.

asked the Prime Minister if he can make any general statement as to the enemy air-raid on London and district on 19th and 20th May; can he state the number of enemy machines that were brought down; the names of our airmen who brought them down; the number of enemy airmen captured, and if any of them were alive; and can he state by whose authority the bodies buried were given military funerals?

As regards the first and second parts of my hon. Friend's question, I am afraid I can add nothing to the official statement which has already been published in the Press. It is not desirable to publish the names of individual airmen or anti-aircraft gunners who bring down, or contribute in bringing down, enemy aircraft, except in so-far as their services justify inclusion in an Honours List or a mention in dispatches. Details regarding enemy airmen captured, whether dead or alive, are forwarded in due course to the enemy through the Prisoners of War Information Bureau, in accordance with Article 14 of the annexe to the Hague Convention of the 18th October, 1907, but it is not proposed to publish any information on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the memorial presented on 25th April, 1911, to the then Prime Minister, the right hon. and learned Member for East Fife, signed by 280 Members representing various parties in the House, that a permanent Imperial Advisory Council should be created; and will he endeavour to give immediate effect to this memorial by taking advantage of the presence in the country of many over sea statesmen at the coming Conference, so that the Government may thus have the benefit of constant advice and counsel on all matters affecting the Empire as a whole in relation to the War and the many points which must necessarily arise in connection with the organisation of trade and industry after the War?

The best method of effective co-operation in the War will, I am sure, be considered at the approaching Imperial Conference and Imperial War Cabinet.