asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any steps are being taken to pay over to officers and men of the Royal Navy the prize bonuses earned by them in operations against gun-running in the Persian Gulf and off the Mekran coast prier r to the present War; and, if not, will he take steps to expedite the settlement of this long-outstanding matter?

My hon. Friend is apparently under a misapprehension. The awards made for captures of dhows, arms, and ammunition during the operations for the suppression of gun-running in the Persian Gulf were put into distribution on the 24th January, 1910, 20th October, 1913, and the 4th October, 1915 The total amount awarded to the captors was £7,675, and all shares have been paid as far as it has been possible to trace the men, only £355 remaining to be claimed. So far as I am aware, there are no further awards payable in connection with these operations, but if my hon. Friend has particulars of any claims to participate in these gratuities and will furnish me with the details, the cases will be investigated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty national shipyards are to be operated entirely by naval or military labour; whether civilian labour is to be dispensed with; and whether it is the view of the Admiralty that the work can be done successfully under these conditions?

As my hon. Friend knows, the actual construction of the yards themselves is being carried out by Royal Engineers and German prisoners. I am glad to say that all these operations are in a very forward state. Before we come, as we shall do very soon, to the question of actual ship construction, the problem of the manning of the yards will have to be finally determined. And I. can assure my hon. Friend that it has for some time past been the subject of very careful consideration amongst us.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether officers and sailors are allowed to pass freely up and down the Clyde and to have access to the harbour and dock works in the neighbourhood of Glasgow; and if, in view of the important naval works in progress there and of the desirability of withholding information as to sailings to and from that port, which might reach the enemy through neutral sources, he will consider the possibility of arranging that neutral vessels shall be placed under British control in the lower reaches of the river, and a strict limitation kept upon the freedom and movement of such crews while in the Clyde district?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the officers and crews of neutral ships making use of these waters in the ordinary course of business. It has not been practicable in the time to ascertain the precise orders which are being locally applied, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will put a question down this day week, I hope to be in a position to report the result of the inquiries which are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Captain Harold Sherwin Spencer was in 1913 entrusted with a mission in Albania; whether, on his return from the Balkans, he made special confidential Reports to the Foreign Office; whether later during this War he was sent on a special Serbian mission; whether he executed these and any other duties for the Foreign Office in such a way as to retain the complete confidence of the Foreign Office; and whether he is now being so employed?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. In November, 1915, Captain Spencer was attached to the British Adriatic Mission, and carried out his duties to the satisfaction of his immediate superior. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is the Noble Lord aware that this officer has declared that he went to Albania in 1913?

The hon. Member has asked his question, and had it answered.

Is the Noble Lord prepared to answer that on oath?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the natives of British West Africa are receiving less than pre-war prices for palm produce, although European articles bartered for their produce have risen to two or three times the pre-war price; and, if so, whether he will take steps to secure for the native producer rates not less than pre-war rates?

It is the case that in most parts of British West Africa prices for palm kernels and palm oil are below the prices ruling before the War. How to secure for the natives a more adequate return for their produce is a question which has frequently engaged the attention of the Secretary of State, but the problem is a difficult one. My Noble Friend may be assured that it is not being overlooked.

Is it not a fact that the prices are controlled prices, and it is merely a question of fixing the price?

That does not exhaust the question at all.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the fact that the women doctors attached to the Royal Army Medical Corps in Malta have protested against the recent deprivation of their privilege as officers of censoring their own letters and the censoring of their letters by an officer of the rank of second-lieutenant; whether these ladies have the pay and standing of officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps, and have given up practices at home to do this Army work; and whether 'he will arrange with the officer commanding to restore the privilege that they formerly held?

I am having inquiry made, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction prevails with the feeding of troops stationed at Barrow-in-Furness; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the matter?

:No complaints have reached the War Office regarding the feeding of troops stationed at Barrow-in-Furness, but I am having inquiries made into the matter, and will communicate with my Noble and gallant Friend as soon j as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any steps are being taken to obtain the release from internment in Holland of officers and men of His Majesty's Forces who have been so interned for three years and upwards; whether he is aware that considerable hardships are being suffered by interned naval officers owing to the exchange value of the £ sterling having fallen from 12.10 to 9.21, while the purchasing power of the gulden, owing to high prices, is now only about half what it formerly was; and whether he can see his way to continue payments at 12.10, as the Army does, to interned officers in view of the fact that those naval officers without private means find it difficult to live?

As regards the first part of my hon. Friend's question, the British Mission to the Hague has a very wide discretion as regards the subjects which may be discussed, and I have no doubt they will not lose sight of the position of the officers and men interned in Holland. As regards the rate of exchange, the pay of naval officers, whether prisoners of war in enemy countries or interned in neutral countries, is adjusted on the current rate as computed each, month, following the War Office practice as regards Army officers. The hardship devolving on the officers interned in Holland in consequence of the decline in the purchasing power of the gulden has been met by a recent increase amounting to 50 per cent. in the rate of the daily allowance which is authorised for these officers so as, I hope, to recoup them for their expenses in respect of food.

Are Royal Naval Air Service pilots interned in the early part of the War still on the strength of the Admiralty?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Admiralty have brought a number of women workers to Invergordon and that the lack of housing accommodation is serious; whether the Admiralty, despite the representations made to them, have refused to move in this matter; and if he will state what it is proposed to do?

A number of women workers have sought and obtained employment at Invergordon. It is the fact that there is a serious lack of housing accommodation at Invergordon. The Admiralty are fully informed of the situation, both by representations of their own officers and others, and by personal investigation by members of the Board on the spot, and, so far from refusing to move in the matter, it is in contemplation to pro- vide accommodation, in addition to that which has been constructed and which is in use by the workmen and by a large number of the women employed in connection with the Invergordon establishment.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the proposals of the Admiralty with respect to yard and workshop committees are encountering opposition from the organised workers on the ground that they do not grant recognition of the trade unions and that the scheme, as it stands, is regarded by the workers not as a concession but as a danger and in direct violation of the principles advocated by the Whitley Committee; whether, if the Government recommends the Whitley Report to private employers, it is proposed to adopt the same principles in dealing with its own employés; and whether he proposes to take steps to remove the trade union objections to the scheme?

As I explained in an answer last Thursday to my hon. Friend the Member for the Westhoughton Division, the scheme for the appointment of shop and yard committees in the Royal dockyards and naval establishments is a draft scheme, issued for the particular purpose of canvassing the views of officers, workmen, and workwomen, upon it. We have received a number of representations. These and others which may come to hand will of course receive careful consideration. As a matter of fact, I received two deputations on Friday last which put certain views before me upon the matter. I have a number of other deputations to receive, and am arranging, in consonance with the suggestion contained in certain Resolutions which have reached me, to call a conference of representatives of all the trades unions of which our employés may be members, to discuss the matter at an early date.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that in assessing the degree of dependency of a relative of a soldier who, before enlistment, was an apprentice, no regard is had to the prospective earnings of the soldier had he remained in civil life; and whether instructions will be issued that, in fixing the amount of dependant allowance, regard shall be had to this factor?

Yes, Sir; the assesment of dependency necessarily rests on the basis of fact. But the Regulations of the Ministry of Pensions already admit a grant in such cases over and above the amount of assessed dependency.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the local pensions committee are expected to give grants in aid of separation allowances when these allowances are inadequate to meet general household expenses owing to the increased cost of living, especially of children's necesssaries, or whether they may give grants only to meet contractual obligations of a specific kind?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The local committees have wide powers to give grants to meet emergencies such as sickness, or to make up a disproportion between pre-enlistment income and present income, when such grant is necessary for the upkeep of the home. They cannot, however, grant any allowance to meet the increased cost of living except in the case of a childless wife, or a dependant other than a wife or child, who is unable to work. The case of the wife with children is generally provided for by the revision of separation allowances in January, 1917, which was effected with special reference to the increased cost of living.

Does that apply to officers as well as men?

No; it applies to the men. The conditions as regards officers are quite different.

Would that apply also to the payment of industrial assurance?

That is another point, and I shall want notice.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has called, or will call, for reports from typical industrial towns, showing what expenditure is now necessary to keep working-class families in ordinary comfort; and whether he has done, or will do, so before finally deciding that the present separation allowances are adequate and ought not to be increased?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for the Harborough Division.

Was the effect of that answer that no inquiry is to be made?

I think the effect of the answer was that the Government had decided not to take the course suggested.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be ready to receive information of direct cases of hardship in certain industrial centres?

I am always open to receive information.

asked the amount per head allowed to hospitals for upkeep of military patients; and what was the amount allowed for a similar purpose in January, 1915?

:The rates are not in all cases the same, but the standard maximum rate for the great majority of auxiliary hospitals is now 3s. 3d. per occupied bed and 6d. per unoccupied bed a day. In January, 1915, the corresponding rate was 3s. per occupied bed and there was no grant for unoccupied beds.

Are we to understand that the increase since the beginning of January, 1915, has been 25 per cent? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that information was given in this House by the right hon. Gentleman who represents the Food Controller that the price of food bad gone up by 106 per cent.? Will the increase in question cover the cost to the hospitals?

The hon. Member is giving information.

Are the rates mentioned to be regarded as covering the whole cost to which the hospital is put in Such cases, or merely as grants in aid?

I think they are grants in aid.

Then it is not intended that the 3s. 9d. shall be the extra cost of the upkeep of these officers and men?

The hon. Member will surely see that the grant for unoccupied beds, makes a very material difference in the amount available for the provision of food for occupants.

Is the amount now allowed sufficient for the upkeep of the food of the officers and men?

I have no reason to suppose that it is insufficient.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the Order issued by President Wilson last month prohibiting any American citizen from sending any money for the maintenance of their patents in enemy countries or for making new application for patents or trademarks', or from sending any communication of any kind respecting patents or trade-marks to enemy countries, also prohibiting any American citizen from receiving any moneys or documents from enemy countries in respect to American patents or trade-marks owned by the subjects of enemy countries; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to similarly prohibit such communications or payments by or to British subjects, by cancelling the proclamation allowing such payments and communications to be made that was issued in September, 1914?

I have seen the Order referred to. The question of issuing the existing licences in connection with this matter was carefully considered by the Board of Trade at the beginning of the War. I will, however, consider whether the action of the U.S.A. Government makes any modification in the policy pursued by His Majesty's Government in this matter necessary or expedient.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the strong action taken by President Wilson in his decree does not show that he thought it might be possible to use these communications to convey information, and would the right hon. Gentleman consider this point?

I am not aware of that. I have read the Order very carefully.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state how long it will be before he will be able to make a statement as to the decision of the Government?

I cannot answer that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he proposes to sanction the attempt that is being made by the gas companies to abrogate the sliding scale which has been in practice since 1875 and by means of which, during a period of high prices, the increase of cost has been divided between the company and the consumer, seeing that this change will enable the companies to pay an increased pre-war dividend entirely at the expense of the consumer?

This subject is now under consideration by a Select Committee of the House, and until the Committee have reported I am not in a position to make any statement in the matter.

How long will it be delayed?

He cannot say. The right hon. Gentleman is not responsible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what machinery has been set up for arranging without delay for the renewal of season tickets and the issue of fresh ones on the various railway lines?

The issue and renewal of season tickets will remain with the railway companies as in the past. Mr. E. Honoratus Lloyd, K.C., has been good enough to undertake the work of reviewing cases in which a railway company has, owing to the recent restrictions imposed in regard to season tickets, felt unable to issue or renew a ticket.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state that no preferential treatment shall be given to alien Jews?

I am not in a position to add anything to the long statement I made on this matter.

asked the President of Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Ilford Corporation Tramways Committee have been requested by the Tramways Committee appointed by his Department to restrict their tram services, and they have been curtailed on Sundays; whether he is aware that the motor omnibus company which runs in the same district propose to increase their services; and whether, in view of the unfairness of treating a public-owned service and a private company on different lines, he will see that, if services are to be reduced, private companies shall not be allowed to increase their services at the same time?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, the Board of Trade are in communication with the omnibus company, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

Has not the Board of Trade the same power over the buses?

We have not the same power, but it would be possible through the issue of petrol licences to place some restriction upon omnibus services.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a strong feeling abroad that the privileges given to the buses is giving assistance to private companies as opposed to municipal undertakings?

Is it not a fact that the chairman of the Committee, who issues the Instructions, is largely interested in the combination, and is not that largely indecent?

I am not aware of the Petrol Controller having any interest whatever in the undertaking.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if, in view of the fact that the real value of a Civil Service pension has been reduced by one-half owing to the increase in the cost of living, the Treasury is prepared to take into consideration an increase in the amount of such pensions so that their real value may be brought up to their value at the time they were granted?

I have nothing to add to my previous answers to similar questions on the same subject.

Which answers does the hon. Gentleman refer to?

There have been a great many answers, but I may refer to the 6th of June last year in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Christchurch.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the recent instances of gambling in farm land; if he is aware that the Redesdale estate in Northumberland was recently advertised for sale by public auction; that the tenant farmers who were intending to bid for their farms were deprived of this opportunity by the estate being sold privately to a speculator who in turn has sold it to another speculator, who is now re-advertising the estate for sale by public auction after two substantial profits have been taken and much hardship inflicted upon one tenant in view of this rapid change of ownership; and if he proposes to deal with such speculators and such profits adequately?

I understand that the Redesdale property was sold privately early this year, and that the purchaser has since resold it to another person. It is not the case, however, that the present owner has advertised the property for sale, or that any hardship has been inflicted on the tenants. One of the tenants is giving up his farm of his own accord, but he was afforded the opportunity by the present owner to remain in occupation if he desired to do so. The Board, in any case, possess no powers to intervene, but they are considering whether the cases of disturbance of tenants by reason of speculation in land values are so numerous as to interfere with food production, and to justify the Board in asking for remedial legislation.

Will the Board of Agriculture consider making it compulsory giving the tenants an opportunity to purchase before it is sold elsewhere?

The hon. Member must give notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that sailors serving on His Majesty's ships both in home waters and abroad are charged 1d. per oz. on letters sent by them; and whether, considering that soldiers serving abroad are rightly allowed to send their letters post free, he will take steps to grant free postage on letters sent by sailors afloat in order that both branches of the Service may receive similar treatment?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that officers and men of the Navy have always had to pay the ordinary postage on letters-sent by them; if the advantage given to officers and men of the Army of not paying postage on their letters will be extended to the Navy; whether he is aware that, in the case of the Army, letters sent by relatives and friends to officers and men on service go at the old postage rate while those sent to the Navy have to bear the increased charge recently imposed; and whether he will consider the matter with a view to placing members of the senior Service on the same footing as soldiers in respect of their correspondence?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer these questions. Letters addressed to His Majesty's ships in home waters are prepayable at the rate of 1d. for letters not exceeding 1 oz.,1…d. for letters not exceeding 4 ozs., and thereafter at the inland rate. Letters addressed to His Majesty's ships in foreign waters and to soldiers abroad are prepayable at the rate of 1d. per oz. The additional charge imposed as from the 3rd instant upon ordinary inland letters does not, therefore, apply to letters to His Majesty's ships. It is not the case that soldiers generally are exempted from postage upon letters sent by them. The exemption only applies to soldiers serving with the expeditionary forces abroad. I regret that I am unable to extend the concession of free postage to sailors in view of the numerous claims for similar treatment which such a concession would involve. I may add that one of the reasons for granting free postage to troops belonging to the expeditionary forces was the difficulty of obtaining postage stamps in the theatres of war. This difficulty rarely applies to sailors on His Majesty's ships, and if by way of exception it does apply arrangements are made to deliver without charge.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it fair to the sailor who is on active service, and exposed to all privations when he is afloat, to be handicapped in such a way as regards postage while the soldier, quite rightly, has got his postage free?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the justice of extending to sailors the same privilege as is given to soldiers while they are on service, seeing that communications between relatives are much more frequent during the War?

That point is being considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how the General Post Office knows whether a sailor is in home waters or in foreign waters, as no communication can go to him except it is addressed through the General Post Office?

I do know, but I am afraid that I cannot answer the question.

I will repeat the question on this day week.

asked the Prime Minister whether Mr. Harrison Barrow, who was recently sentenced to six months' imprisonment for a breach of Regulation 27c, made under the Defence of the Realm Act by the present Government, received in the same week an offer of the Order of the British Empire from him for services rendered to the country during the War?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Mr. Barrow was recommended by the Minister of Pensions for appointment to the Fourth Class of the Order of the British Empire on account of his services as a member of the Birmingham War Pensions Committee. He was informed on 18th May that it was proposed to submit his name to the King, but on the 24th May the Home Secretary heard that he had that day been convicted as mentioned in the question, and a few days later Mr. Barrow himself wrote mentioning his conviction, and asking that his name should not be submitted. His name has been omitted from those submitted to His Majesty.

Does the right hon. Gentleman by his reply mean that it is realised that a sentence under the Defence of the Realm Act is the highest honour that can be conferred on a man?

asked whether it is intended that the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant shall remain a member of the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission; and, if not, whom is it intended to appoint in his place?

The answer to the first part is in the negative. An announcement as to the appointment of a successor will be made shortly.

asked whether General Sir Frederick Maurice is a member of the Commission appointed to collect and prepare materials for an official history of the War?

The answer is in the negative.

When did he cease to be a member of this Commission?

I cannot say.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the privations British prisoners of war are suffering in Turkey; whether, seeing that the purchasing value of money has been reduced to one-sixth of its previous value, he will say what additional allowances the Government is consequently making; what fresh steps are being taken to secure the dispatch of clothing and food; and what course the Government is adopting in order that these people may be repatriated with the least possible delay?

I would refer my lion, and gallant Friend to the replies made on Thursday last by myself, the Postmaster-General, and the Financial Secretary to the War Office to questions on this subject by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Bassetlaw. I may say in addition (l) that the Netherlands Minister at Constantinople is authorised to increase considerably the money allowances in case of necessity, and (2) as regards food, two months' supply for all prisoners, together with full supply of clothing for non-commissioned officers and men, are to be sent from Alexandria by the repatriation ships. Parcels containing clothing can be sent to officers in the same ships.

Are the Government proposing to enter into fresh negotiations for the complete exchange of prisoners in Turkish hands?

I cannot say that they are doing so at present.

Is there any reason why they should not do so?

May I remind my Noble Friend that it may take a considerable time before the arrangement already entered into with Turkey can be carried out, and there will be ample time.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question with regard to repatriation?

As I have said, steps were taken to carry out the arrangement when it was made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a list of the treaties containing the Most-Favoured Nation Clause which the Government have denounced or have decided to denounce?

This subject will be dealt with in the general statement which, in reply to questions, I promised would be made on behalf of the Government as soon as possible.

Will my right hon. Friend, before the statement to the House is made, issue a white Paper giving a list of these treaties, as it will add greatly to our convenience?

I will consider that before the statement is made, but my right hon. Friend knows that it is a very complicated subject with regard to which the Foreign Office has been in correspondence with other countries, and the Colonial Office with the Dominions.

Will the statement be made to the House before any denunciation takes place?

I cannot give a promise of that kind. It is impossible to deal with this matter by question and answer. It is very complicated. My answer was that the Government had decided to give themselves a free hand as regards the maintenance of these treaties.

Will the right hon. Gentleman include in the suggested White Paper the cases in which the proposed action will have the immediate effect of raising tariffs against British trade?

That is a very controversial question. I have not promised to issue a White Paper, but I have promised to consider it.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to a conference of representatives of Lancashire and Yorkshire municipal authorities recently held in Manchester, at which a resolution was passed to the effect that the terms offered by the Local Government Board were not sufficiently attractive to induce local authorities to build houses in such numbers as were necessary to meet the great shortage, and that, unless better terms were offered, the housing needs of the country were not likely to be adequately provided for; and what steps he proposes to take?

Newspaper reports have been received, but no official communication has reàched me. I cannot believe that the resolution alluded to really represents the considered policy of the people of Lancashire and Yorkshire, who are most concerned in securing an adequate supply of a good type of working-class dwellings after the War. I have stated, on more than one occasion, that I regard the terms offered by the Government as not merely attractive, but generous, and, whilst it is too early to make any general statement on the subject, I am glad to learn from various sources that many local authorities are taking the same view.

Are we to understand that the terms originally suggested are to be considered final?

I have no reason to think that the Government are likely to offer any more generous terms, and they are more generous than have ever been offered at any time.

Have the terms embodied in the Circular ever been submitted to Parliament and obtained the sanction of Parliament?

There was an opportunity to discuss the subject on the Vote for the Local Government Board, and the opportunity was not taken. There have been many opportunities of discussion.

Have a number of resolutions been received from borough councils, and particularly from Lancashire, indicating that the housing policy would be easier if they had an opportunity of dealing with land values?

I have not received one such resolution.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) if he is aware that some of the non-commissioned officers prisoners of war in Holland have had no changes of underclothing supplied to them for over two months; that many of them are without socks to their feet and without money to buy any; and if, having regard to the distinction made in regard to the provision for officers who are prisoners of war in Holland, as compared with non-commissioned officers who are prisoners of war there, and the consequent indignation among the non-commissioned officers and their relatives at home, he will take immediate action to remedy this grievance?

There has been some delay in dispatching clothing to Holland, but steps will be taken which will ensure its early delivery. It is realised that these goods are required. The only distinction between officers and other ranks is that the former supply their own clothing, whereas that of the latter is supplied from Government stores.

Cannot my right hon. Friend arrange for some of the military representatives in Holland to purchase clothing for the prisoners of war, so that they may be provided with the necessities of life, without waiting to send to this country?

I will certainly consider that point.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that difficulty is experienced by disabled soldiers and sailors fitted with artificial limbs in entering crowded omnibuses and trams without grave risk to life and limb; and whether he has considered the desirability of securing the institution of some badge by which such men can be readily recognised by the general public, and their need for sympathetic consideration when travel ling made clear to all?

I am aware of this difficulty, and I have made arrangements to meet it by the free issue of a badge to all disabled officers or men who are fitted with artificial limbs. The badge—the design of which has been submitted to and approved by the King— will consist of a white armlet with the Crown embroidered on it in red. These armlets are now in course of manufacture. Immediately upon delivery they will be-passed to the fitting hospitals for issue to all who are qualified and desire to wear them. At the same time notice will be issued to the public explaining the meaning of the badge, and asking them to give to the wearers of it the consideration due to them, in view of their service and disablement in the War.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether, exclusive of re-exports for war purposes, thousands of tons of goods, imported into Great Britain are subsequently exported; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of giving priority over such goods to licences granted by the Director of Import Restrictions for the importation of goods necessary to the maintenance of essential stocks in this country?

I assure my hon. and gallant Friend that re-exports are watched with a jealous eye, and that priority is always given to essential commodities required in the United Kingdom or for the maintenance of the forces in the field. Special attention has been given to the subject ever since the establishment of the Ministry of Shipping. For statistical information regarding re-exports I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Board of Trade.

Will my hon. Friend look at the re-exports of glass and hardware during the last half-year?

Yes, I will do that with pleasure, and if my hon. and gallant Friend has any other details I will examine them. It is a very important subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that, at a meeting of workmen, held on the 15th May near the works of the Austin Company, Northfields, Birmingham, to consider a dispute between this firm and the employés, thirteen aeroplanes were used to interfere with and break up the meeting and scatter leaflets; and whether he will make inquiries as to who was responsible for such action and give instructions that the use of aeroplanes and petrol in such a way is not to be countenanced?

Aeroplanes flew over Birmingham on 15th May to drop leaflets advertising War Bonds. I have no reason to believe that their use for this purpose had any connection with the meeting referred to in the question. As I recently stated in answer to a question by the hon. Member for East Edinburgh, the use of aeroplanes for dropping leaflets has now been prohibited

Will an inquiry be made into the case referred to?

Inquiry is always made into questions asked by hon. Members.

asked the Minister of Labour if arrangements have been, made for the transfer of the Glasgow Employment Exchange from College Street to Sauchiehall Street; and, if so, will he state the reasons for this alteration and the expenditure incurred in connection with the College Street buildings and the cost involved in transferring the work else where?

Arrangements have been made for the transfer of the principal Employment Exchange in Glasgow from College Street to Sauchiehall Street. The building in College Street was not erected for Employment Exchange purposes only. The cost of that portion used as an Exchange was approximately £11,000. In consequence of the passing of the Unemployment Insurance Act (Part II.) and the subsequent extension of that Act to munition workers, the accommodation provided by the premises in College Street is inadequate to deal with the volume of work carried on by this Exchange. In addition, from the experience obtained during the last seven years, the situation of the premises in College Street has been found to be unsuitable for the public generally. The removal is approved by the local advisory committee. Upon the removal of the Exchange to the proposed new premises in Sauchiehall Street, the existing premises in College Street will be fully utilised for other Government Departments. The lease of the premises at the corner of Sauchiehall Street and Cambridge Street has been taken for a. term of five years from Whitsuntide, 1918, at a rent of £1,700 per annum, with the option of purchase at the expiration of that period, for a sum to be hereafter agreed upon. The cost of adapting these premises for the purpose of a central Employment Exchange for Glasgow is estimated at £3,000.

May I ask whether there has been a sub-committee appointed to inquire into this matter?

Yes. A sub-committee of the local advisory committee, and it has been approved by them.

Did the Minister of Labour say he was desirous that such subcommittee should have a real standing in the case?

The sub-committee have considered this point.