asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he has any official information, showing that stores of raw materials and foodstuffs in this country at one time belonged to Germans or Austrians; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to requisition and use such commodities for urgent national need, with a view to freeing tonnage; (2) say how much cotton, cotton piece goods, wool, woollen piece goods, jute, hemp, leather, hides, rubber, coffee, and tea are held and stored on neutral account in the United Kingdom; whether he has official information showing that these goods are held on enemy account; and in how many instances has the ownership of these goods been transferred since July, 1914?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is taking steps to prevent raw materials being held in this or neutral countries for account of enemy countries after the War?

It will be convenient to take these three questions together, and I shall be glad to take the opportunity of explaining briefly the situation. The question of the possible danger to national interests of the storage of goods in this country held directly or indirectly on enemy account has been constantly present to the Board of Trade, and any available evidence of such storage has been carefully scrutinised. As regards goods held directly on enemy account, the matter is comparatively simple. Such goods are required by the Trading with the Enemy Amendment Acts, 1914 and 1916, to be reported to the Public Trustee, and Orders may be issued by which goods so reported, or the proceeds of their sale, are vested in the Public Trustee. I am taking steps to have statistics compiled of the quantities of the goods (specified in the second question) which have been reported to the Public Trustee. In the case of food supplies and tobacco vesting orders have already been made, and I will consider, in consultation with the Public Trustee, the extension to other commodities of a similar procedure.

With reference to the storage of materials or goods on neutral account, the matter is much more complicated. The ownership of goods is continually changing; and in the case of many classes of commodities when stored in a public warehouse, transfer of ownership is effected very simply by the transfer of a warehouse certificate or similar document, so that it is a matter of great difficulty to trace the actual ownership of such goods at a given moment, and any information obtained will quickly become obsolete unless returns are required at frequent intervals or an obligation is imposed upon traders to report all dealings in and holdings of goods on foreign account. It has not so far seemed necessary or desirable to impose upon traders so serious a burden, and the Board of Trade have directed their attention mainly to the total quantities and whereabouts of the stocks, rather than to their ownership at any given time. I rely on the powers which I am seeking under the Imports and Exports (Temporary Control) Bill to enable the Board of Trade effectively to control the export of any class of goods, whether held on foreign account or not, to undesirable destinations.

I have, however, been looking carefully into the question of the information at present available as to the total stocks of essential goods and materials. In many cases, including moat of the classes of goods specified in the second question of the hon. and gallant Member for Christchurch, a large measure of control is already exercised, and in these cases stocks are watched with care, and so far as is considered necessary such stocks can be and are requisitioned to meet the national necessities. I have, however, come to the conclusion that as regards a number of articles further steps should be taken to extend and improve the information available as to stocks. I am now considering the precise steps to be taken for the purpose. I doubt, however, whether it will be expedient to give publicity to the particulars when obtained.

Are we to take it that His Majesty's Government recognises that under the conditions of war which prevail it is necessary to take special steps on the conclusion of war to preserve the raw materials of this country first for Britain and her Allies before allowing them to go to neutral or foreign countries?

As I said in my reply, the Imports and Exports (Temporary Control) Bill will deal with that. A full opportunity will be given when that Bill is debated.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman's Department been informed that no less than forty-one firms in Holland have changed their German names to Dutch?

I have no knowledge of that myself.

Why is it unnecessary and undesirable to impose restrictions on the traders of this country to prevent them juggling with stocks in the interests of the enemy?

I think those who have a knowledge of this particular business will understand my reply.

The people of the country do not.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a patent, numbered 115,118, has been granted on the application of Max Burg, engineer, of 18, Defreggerstrasse, Berlin-Treptow, and the firm of Stock Motorpflug Aktien-Gessellschaft, manufacturers, of 48/49, Kopenickerstrasse, Berlin, S.O. 16, both in Germany, dated the 21st of May, 1917, covering an invention relating to improvements in motor ploughs; whether the application for this patent was signed by Messrs. Chatwin, Herschell and Company, as patent agents for the applicants; whether the patent was accepted on the 2nd of May, 1918; and, if so, will he explain why a patent has been granted in time of war to enemy aliens in Berlin, the effect of which is to prevent or restrict improvements in motor ploughs by British inventors?

No patent has been or will be granted to the applicants during the War. The complete specification, which was filed as stated in the question, was accepted on the 2nd May last in accordance with the procedure followed in dealing with applications for patents by alien enemies. This procedure, which has been followed throughout the War both by the British Empire, the Allies, and enemy countries, permits such applications to be made and accepted, but no patent can be actually granted during the War. In the meantime it is open to any British subject to apply to the Board of Trade for a licence to use the invention to which the application relates. As I stated in reply to a recent question in this House, the United States Government has quite recently made an alteration in its practice in this matter, which makes it necessary to consider whether any modification is expedient in our own procedure; we are in communication at present with the United States Government on the subject.

How can the patent agents communicate and deal with Germans in Germany, procure their inven- tions and specifications and drawings and file them here, without being guilty of trading with the enemy?

As I understand the matter, this arrangement was made in the early part of the War, not only in this country but in those of the other Allies. I would remind the right hon. and learned Gentleman that no patent is involved. They can only file their specifications, and it certainly does secure to the people of this country the advantage of any new ideas which the Patent Office may have.

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this at an early opportunity.

Are British patents now being filed and accepted in Germany?

Patents are not accepted or issued, but specifications are accepted. The latter are not barred in Germany any more than in this country.

Is the licence granted by the Board of Trade under the condition that the patent will not continue to be in force after the conclusion of the War?

Obviously the object of this arrangement is to continue the practice prevailing before the War with regard to specifications. The licences issued are only good for the period of the War. Their continuance after the War would be determined by the peace conditions.

If the enemy licensee to which the patent is granted should choose to work it after the War, will that cause the licence granted to a British subject during the War to be terminated?

That depends on the terms of peace.

Is there any difference between the procedure followed in the British Patent Office with regard to a patent held by a German and the procedure followed in the German Patent Office with regard to a patent held by a British subject?

There is no difference.

Why has it been necessary to wait for three and a half years, until America took action, before considering the advisability of taking action in this country?

The United States is, in a sense, one of our Allies, and we desire to consider their views.

Are we to understand that we shall follow all their examples and intern all enemy aliens in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. Kerensky has arrived in this country at the invitation of the British Government or otherwise; whether he is of military age; and, if so, whether, after passing the medical tests, he will come under the provisions of the Anglo-Russian Military Convention?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have no information about the second, and the third, therefore, is, as far as I am concerned, purely hypothetical.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that when the Soviet Government of Russia recognised the independence of Finland this independence was granted to a Soviet Government of Finland of anti-German sympathies, and that Pecheneg, on the Murman coast, was ceded by Russia to give a friendly anti-German Power an outlet to the sea, that on the Soviet Government of Finland being destroyed by bourgeois Finns, aided by German soldiers, the Soviet Government of Russia has declined to ratify Finnish independence, and has protested to the German Government against the use made of the Murman coast by the German submarines acting with Finnish support; whether this country or the Allies will offer, or has offered, to the Russian Soviet Government naval and military assistance to preserve the Murman ports to Russia against Finland and German influence; and whether he can safely give information concerning any action already taken?

The facts are, I believe, substantially as stated by the hon. Member in the first part of the question. In the event of any invitation being received from the Soviet Government for Allied naval or military assistance in defending Russian territory against Germany, it will receive sympathetic consideration, but I am unable to make any further statement at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information showing that Russian sailors succeeded in sinking war vessels in the Black Sea in order to prevent their falling into German hands?

Full information has not been received, but we have reason to believe that some Russian vessels have been destroyed as suggested in the question. On the other hand, it is the fact that a large part of the Russian Black Sea Fleet has fallen into German hands.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Italians are being called up in several parts of Scotland for military service; and that usually, when the terms of the Convention with Italy are pleaded before the tribunals there, the applications of the National Service representatives are dismissed as incompetent and the men are not called up, but that the War Office is ignoring such dismissals and insists on these men joining the Colours in this country; and will he say whether this action has the sanction of his Department?

I am afraid I know nothing of the facts alleged in the first two parts of the question, and am therefore unable to answer the third.

If the right hon. Gentleman gets a proof that the War Office is overriding the Italian Convention, will he take any action?

I will wait till I see the proof.

asked how many of the 6,233 Italians of military age in this country under call on the 29th May, 1918, have now joined the British Army; how many have been exempted from military service; how many of the other Italians under investigation at the end of May have had their cases settled; and how many of the 12,900 Italians in this country on the military register have now joined the British Army?

There is no information which I can usefully add to that given to the hon. Member on 29th May.

Is it not useful because it is embarrassing to the Government?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his Department in Scotland, and in particular the A.R.O. in the town of Stirling, are insisting on Italians joining the Colours in this country, notwithstanding the fact that tribunals have given exemption to such men, on the ground that the Convention with Italy held such service to be incompetent; and whether this action of the military in overriding the civil tribunal has his sanction?

I am afraid I do not understand my hon. Friend's question. Perhaps he would give particulars to the Minister of National Service, who is responsible for recruiting in Great Britain.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman's Department is overriding the Convention with Italy in calling up Italians in this way?

I cannot see how my Department can override that, because I am not responsible for it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Ministry of National Service refuses to give any information on this subject; therefore it must come from the War Office?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the telegrams sent out calling up these Italians are sent from the War Office and not the Ministry of National Service?

I should like to see those telegrams, because I am not aware of any telegrams sent out from the War Office calling up anybody.

asked whether the enlistment of men of British birth in Ireland under the terms of the Military Service Act has now begun; will he say what datum line of residence in Ireland releases a man from the obligations of the Act; how many men does he reckon he will obtain by this compulsory enlistment of British born; and will he say if the numbers so obtained will count towards the 50,000 Irish exempt from the Act which are expected as voluntary enlistments by next autumn?

Arrangements have been made, and will shortly take effect, for securing for miltary service those men who have gone to Ireland from Great Britain to evade their military obligations. It is obviously undesirable to give particulars prematurely of the steps which are being taken. I am unable to give an estimate of the number of men who will be obtained for service, but the men so obtained will not count towards the 50,000 Irishmen who, it is hoped, will be obtained by voluntary enlistment.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me what the datum line of residence will be?

I do not think it is a question of the datum line of residence. It is a question of those legally bound by the Military Service Act passed in this country.

Was the National Service Department consulted by the Government before this new Irish rule was instituted?

I had better have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of National Service if he is aware that calling-up notices have been issued signed by the name of Hoffman, and upon presenting these papers before a tribunal men have to report to a chairman by the name of Rosenfeldt; will he given the nationality and origin of these officials; and whether he will state their age and peculiar suitability for the position they hold?

I cannot find that there is any person of the name of Hoffman in the employment of the Ministry of National Service, but inquiries are being made at the branches of the Ministry througout the provinces to ascertain whether anyone of that name is in fact signing calling-up notices. As regards the chairman of a tribunal to whom the hon. Member refers, I must refer him to the Local Government Board, which is the Department concerned with tribunal administration. The Minister of National Service neither appoints members of tribunals nor has any control over them.

asked whether a Mr. Ferdinand Holtzmann is Army recruiting officer or holds any position in the recruit- ing office at Bradford; if so, whether this gentleman is British-born or naturalised; and, in the latter case, at what date and on whose recommendation was he accorded papers of naturalisation?

I am informed that Mr. Holtzmann is a recruiting officer in the calling-up department of the office of the Ministry of National Service in the Bradford area. He is a natural-born British subject, having been born in this country in 1873.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer that part of my question as to what are the peculiar abilities of this gentleman for this post? Is he of military age, and what is his grade?

He was born in 1873, but until the hon. Member put his question down I had not heard of this gentleman, but I will inquire.

asked the Minister of National Service whether it is his intention to call up the full quota of men allotted in the agricultural areas; and whether he will state precisely in what cases the calling-up notices will be suspended in accordance with his recent promise?

No; as already explained, instructions have been issued suspending as from 27th June until after the harvest the sending of notices calling up for military service agriculturists in England and Wales. General instructions have been issued that any such notice dated later than 26th June is not to be enforced.

Will not that arrangement work out most unfairly? Is it not a fact that in some areas the calling-up notices will be suspended under this promise, while in others they will operate completely?

I think the President of the Board of Agriculture has already stated that this sudden suspension will work very hardly on some farmers who tried to do their duty.

Does the hon. Member not think it is important to get in the harvest in all the counties and not in a favoured few?

This is not my responsibility. An agreement was entered into by which agriculture would spare these 30,000 young men, and I really am unable to state what the effect of the calling up of these 30,0000 young men will be. I know that very elaborate arrangements are being made for supplying additional labour for the harvest.

Is the hon. Gentleman not responsible for the result of the action taken by his own Ministry, and did he not consider what the result of such action would be in the middle of the harvest?

I am certainly responsible, but this agreement was entered into at the time of the crisis in March.

Does the hon. Gentleman understand that the public of this country look to the Government Departments to work together in the interests of the country and not in the interests of the respective Departments?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the uncertainty which still surrounds the Government's Irish policy, he will mention a definite date after which, should voluntary enlistment have proved a failure, Conscription would be applied to Ireland in the same manner in which it has already been applied to England, Scotland, and Wales?

I regret that I can add nothing to previous statements on this subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been drawn to the language used by the chairman of the Burnley Tribunal on 17th June to an applicant who came before him to apply for a renewal of his exemption; and whether, in view of the fact that this language is typical of the chairman of this tribunal, he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

My right hon. Friend is having inquiries made into the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is yet in a position to announce the terms on which the Government propose to offer special re-enlistment terms to discharged men who otherwise can claim the benefits of existing concessions re further service?

The terms under which discharged soldiers, who are excepted from military service under the recent Act will be accepted if they volunteer for further service, will be announced immediately in an Army Council Instruction.

I beg leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of calling attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance—namely, the action of the Minister of National Service in calling up agricultural labourers in the middle of the harvest, to the detriment of the gathering of the harvest.

The pleasure of the House having been signified, the Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a Quarter past Eight this evening.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state the arrangements made for the ingathering of the coming harvest, in view of the depletion of agricultural labour?

We are again organising a considerable supply of additional local labour which is available for harvest time. This labour we propose to supplement—

(1) By convalescent soldiers from the convalescent camps, under arrangement with the War Office. We have also consulted the Dominion authorities as to the possible release of their convalescents for the harvest.

(2) War agricultural volunteers, who are now being enrolled.

(3) School boys from the public and secondary schools.

(4) Women from the Land Army, which has been carrying on a successful recruiting campaign.

(5) Local authorities and chief constables are being asked to release as many men as possible, and the Road Board has been approached as to the release of roadmen.

(6) The Air Board and the Admiralty have issued instructions that men in camps are to be encouraged to volunteer to assist local farmers whenever their services can be spared.

(7) An additional supply of German prisoners.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there will be an adequate supply of skilled labour for the working of self-binding machinery during the coming harvest?

That is our great difficulty. The withdrawal of a very large number of horsemen obviously renders that somewhat doubtful. I hope it will be met.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that quite recently the Home Office dealt severely with policemen assisting on allotments, and will he take steps to see that any policemen who come forward to assist with the harvest will not be penalised for so doing?

I was not aware of the fact brought forward by the hon. Gentleman. Of course, the police have given us very valuable assistance throughout previous harvests, and I hope they will continue to do it.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he can yet say whether the prospective supply of agricultural labour available after this harvest can, or cannot be, better employed in the interests of food production in cultivating land already ploughed rather than in breaking up extra land now under grass?

I assume that the question refers to the harvest of 1919. The greater the shortage of skilled labour, the greater the need of concentrating it on good land. In the interests, therefore, of food production, some cases will occur where the available labour may be more advantageously employed in breaking up suitable grass than in cultivating the poorest land now under the plough.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will represent to the Army authorities the necessity of releasing some of the skilled agricultural labour recently taken for the purpose of securing the harvest?

The recent decision of the Cabinet that further calling-up notices to men employed whole-time in agriculture should be suspended until after harvest is the utmost concession that was found to be possible under existing circumstances.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the fact that there is a great risk of a large portion of the coming harvest not being harvested at all?

I am well aware that there is such a risk. I hope we shall be able to guard against it; I am not confident.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a large number of counties which have endeavoured to work up to time, the concession to release a number of these men by the suspension of the calling-up notices is of very little use at all, seeing that calling-up notices have already gone out?

A wholly illogical position has arisen, and the counties which were the most active and loyal in carrying out the directions to find their quota are penalised.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the position which has arisen in many counties owing to the recent call up of agricultural workers; whether he is aware that in many areas it will be impossible to gather the harvest owing to lack of labour, and that in some cases farmers will be forced to graze their hay and other crops; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

In answer to this question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I have just given to the right hon. Member for South Molton on the same subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to run the risk of this wastage of some portion of the harvest?

I am personally not prepared to run any risk of that sort, but the decision is that the war necessity for men is paramount; that being so, the risk must be run.

Is the right hon. Gentleman really prepared to say that for the sake of releasing 15,000 men for six weeks it is worth jeopardising the harvest?

That is a question for the Government to consider; and the Government have decided that it is.

Will the 15,000 be available for this year's campaign?

I believe that the 15,000 men will be available towards the middle of September.

If the President of the Board of Agriculture tells us that he is not confident that a large part of the harvest may not be wasted this year owing to lack of labour, will he tell the House of Commons what steps he has taken to avert that danger?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply I have just given to my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton.

I beg to give the right hon. Gentleman notice that I shall seek to move the Adjournment of the House upon this question after Question Time.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what Department is responsible for the failure to commence building operations at the Kelham sugar estate in Nottinghamshire; whether the capital can be raised; and whether the sole reason that the factory has not been commenced is the refusal of the Minister of Munitions to grant permits for the machinery and buildings?

The delay in pushing on this project has been due not to the failure of any Department to commence building operations or to grant permits for priority, but to the generally recognised necessity for all labour, machinery, and building materials to be devoted as far as possible to strictly war work. It is inevitable that other work, such as the building of a sugar beet factory, must stand aside for a time. But I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that as soon as it is found possible to proceed, this work will be taken in hand. I may add that the British Sugar Beet Growers' Society, in whose hands the arrangements for the erection of the factory have been placed, are now engaged with plans to carry the matter forward.

Supposing the War continues, will it not be a tremendous loss in tonnage if this factory is not built; and the same in regard to margarine?

Not unless we can get the seed for growing sugar beet.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, owing to the delay in proceeding with the Kelham estate, the Board propose to do anything in connection with the Cantley factory?

For reasons stated to the hon. and gallant Member in reply to a question on 27th February, the Board do not propose to attempt to resuscitate the Cantley factory during the War.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Sugar Commission has any power to inquire into and make recommendations on sugar production within the British Empire; and whether there are any representatives of the sugar producers included on the Sugar Commission'!

Such a power has not hitherto been deemed by the Royal Commission to come within its terms of reference, but to belong rather to the Ministry of Reconstruction. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked whether His Majesty's Government have now decided on a definite policy for sugar production within the British Empire; and, if so, when can he make an announcement on this subject?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leominster on the 10th of April last.

Is he aware of the great concern of the Dominions, especially the West Indies, in regard to the future situation? Is the Government shortly going to make any statement?

I am well aware of the interest taken in this matter all over the Empire, but I cannot promise to make a detailed statement on the subject, which is being considered.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the Minister of Reconstruction will deal with this problem at all?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the case of Halton Lodge Farm, Runcorn; whether he is aware that William Lewis, 4, Grange Road, Runcorn, is the last man left on the farm with any skill; that there are only three discharged soldiers and two boys employed; that Lewis is called up for service; and that before the War thirty-six men and boys were employed; and what steps he proposes to take to gather the crops?

The Department have no information as to this case. Inquiries are, however, being made, and the result will be communicated to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of National Service whether his attention has been called to the case of William Lewis, 4, Grange Road, Runcorn, agricultural labourer on Halton Lodge farm, Runcorn; whether he is aware that this man is the last left with any skill, and that he is called up for service; and whether he proposes to provide a skilled substitute?

My attention has not been called to the case in question. I may, however, inform the hon. Member that no man engaged in the agricultural industry can be called up for service unless made available by the agricultural executive committee. I presume that this procedure was followed in the case in question, but if the hon. Member informs me that this is not so, I will cause inquiries to be made into the circumstances of this enlistment.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there must be whole time employment in agriculture on certain dates; and if men come into agriculture after that date they cannot receive a certificate from the agricultural committee; and is it the practice of the National Service Department to take the last skilled man on any farm?

I do not want to bother the House in view of previous discussion, but a certain number, 30,000, Grade 1 agriculturists were proposed to be released during the last emergency—all under thirty-one; beyond that we have touched no whole-time agriculturist.

Does my hon. Friend propose on this particular farm to help to get in the hay crop?

Oh, well, I never really heard of this particular farm until I saw my hon. Friend's question.

Are there not hundreds of such cases?

My right hon. Friend must be aware—and I am as much interested in agriculture as he is—that if we had not released these young men older men must have been taken to fill their places.

Is it not the case that the extra calling-up is due to the failure of the Government to enforce Conscription in Ireland?

asked if any preference is given in terms of conditions to the importation for private use of any make of foreign motor tractor plough?

No preference is given in terms or conditions for importation for private use of any make of foreign motor tractor ploughs.

Is it not a fact that the Ford tractor is allowed special privileges for importation?

I said that no preference is given.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether any naturalised Germans or persons of German parentage are employed in his Department; if so, the number and the nature of the work in which they are engaged; and whether he will consider the advisability of such work being carried out by purely British subjects?

I have nothing to add to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the question on this subject by the hon. Member for the Hertford Division on the 26th June.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the actual facts I have asked for have not yet been given to the House; under the circumstances, may I press for a reply to my question?

My right hon. Friend has stated that this is only a small part of a much larger subject, and that it is not desirable to deal with it at present and until the larger question has been considered.

Am I to understand that in the Ministry of Munitions there are a very considerable—or a considerable—number of men of German parentage, and cannot steps we taken to replace them by either wounded soldiers or civilians who are of British parentage?

I hope my hon. Friend will not understand that, because, if he does, he will be wrong.

I should like to have the figures.

asked the Minister of National Service the number of exemptions given to men in Grade 1 and Category A by the Ministry of Munitions; and whether certificates of exemption have been granted to men of Category A who are engaged only in clerical work?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The number of men in Grade 1 and Category A on the headquarters staffs of the Ministry of Munitions to whom exemptions from military service have been granted is 365, of whom 253 are exempt under the Schedule of Protected Occupations. The remaining 112 (with one exception) are men possessing special experience and training, and include heads of departments and sections, administrative officers lent by railway companies to deal with the transport of munitions, and trained permanent Civil servants. The one exception is engaged on clerical work, and his case is now under review.

asked if the arrangement under which contracts for the supply of munitions are paid for on a prime cost basis plus percentage, including a percentage on labour costs, is governed by Regulations made by the Treasury; whether such Regulations provide that only such labour costs shall be paid for as arise from the observance of the Government's Fair-Wage Clauses or arbitration awards; and if, having regard to the extent to which irregular labour payments are made by contractors to attract workmen now that leaving certificates are no longer necessary, the Treasury will take steps, with a view to safeguarding the financial interests of the country by pressing for a more satisfactory system of contracts, which will make it incumbent on contractors to quote an inclusive price for labour charges?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Ministry of Munitions contracts of this type now contain provision that the percentage of profit shall be based on the rates of wages current on the date of the contract, and that neither the contractor nor his sub-contractors shall pay rates of wages or bonuses in excess of the standard current in the district without the previous authority in writing of the Minister. With a view to ensuring that only such rates of wages and war advances shall be paid as have been approved by the Departments concerned, representatives of the Labour Department co-operate, where necessary, with the Investigating Accountants of the Ministry to check the rates of wages charged under contracts where the Ministry is directly interested in the costs. As has previously been explained, contracts on the cost and percentage basis are restricted to a minimum and are only adopted where owing to the amount of work being indeterminate there is great difficulty in arriving at a fixed price.

Are we to understand now that no contracts are placed at a percentage over and above the cost, and that, therefore, the contracts considered by the Government for controlling wages are on a fixed basis, and are that way now?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend must read my answer. Contracts based on a percentage of costs have been reduced to a minimum but not abolished altogether, and on those that do exist there is no additional profit by reason of increased wages.

Then the contractor does not get a percentage on the labour?

He does not get a percentage on the increase. If the hon. and gallant Member will look at my answer he will see that the point is covered.

asked the Prime Minister whether in certain cases the Home Office have declined to intern alien enemies in this country, notwithstanding the recommendation of its own Advisory Committee that such persons were dangerous to the State?