asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that in certain constituencies town clerks give instructions that applicants are not to be supplied with a copy of the voters' list unless they happen to be the agent of the Liberal, Conservative or Labour party; if so, whether these instructions are from the Local Government Board; and, if not, whether he will give instructions that the list shall be provided to any agent or representative of the National party?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part, I informed registration officers, after communication with the Treasury, that they should supply a reasonable number of copies of the electors' lists free of charge to the recognised agents of political organisations, and if I am made aware of any case in which there has been a refusal to comply with this instruction I will communicate with the registration officer concerned.

asked the President of the Local Government Board (1) whether, in view of the dissatisfaction caused among the male and female permanent clerical staff of his Department by the offer of a permanent appointment to a clerical post which has been made to a temporary woman clerk serving in the Department, he will reconsider the matter with a view to continuing to utilise the services of this clerk in a temporary-capacity, so that the post may be filled by open competition after the War; and (2) whether, during the War, he has refused to sanction appointments, whether of male or female employés, made by local authorities except on condition that such appointments are made temporarily for the duration of the War only; and whether, notwithstanding this practice, he has obtained the consent of the Treasury to make permanent during the War the appointment of any female clerks temporarily employed in his Department?

The appointment to which reference is made is that of a lady who has been given, with the concurrence of the Treasury and after a year's temporary employment, a permanent appointment in the branch of the office which deals with maternity and child welfare. This lady's previous experience made her especially fitted for the work of this branch. In reply to a memorial from members of the permanent staff taking exception to the appointment, it has been explained that there is no intention at present of making permanent appointments of women to clerical posts during the War. It has been customary to discourage the permanent appointment of male local officials during the War, but the consideration which favour that practice do not apply to posts which it is desirable should be held by women.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the licence to obtain 2 gallons of petrol per month for seven months, issued on 6th June, 1918, to Mr. G. K. Gibbs, of Lancaster Road, Belsize Park, N.W., on the recommendation received from the Ministry of Munitions, to enable him to proceed to and from his work, was so granted in respect of a motor cycle which he sold two days later—namely, on 8th June, 1918—presumably with the benefit of the licence to obtain petrol for seven months; whether he is aware that the districts of Mr. Gibbs's residence and work are accessible by a direct line of railway with a regular train service; and whether, having regard to the circumstances of this case, he will cause a searching scrutiny of all applications received from Government Departments, and especially the Ministry of Munitions, for the issue of petrol licences, so as to prevent abuse by officials of the privileges granted ostensibly for national purposes while the public are prevented from the free use of petrol?

The Petrol Control Department have no information regarding the sale by Mr. Gibbs of his motor cycle, but an inquiry is being made, and any necessary action will be taken. Petrol licences are not transferable. With regard to the latter part of the hon. Member's question, I may say that all applications received from other Government Departments are carefully scrutinised, with a view to securing that exceptional treatment shall be granted only in cases where such treatment is necessitated by reasons of national urgency.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Controller of Patents is calling upon certain patentees to pay renewal fees or lose their patent rights, notwithstanding the fact that, owing to the War, it is impossible to work the patents, and that this is inflicting hardships on patentees of small means; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I would draw the attention of the hon. and gallant Member to the Rules, of which I am sending him a copy, made on the 21st August, 1914, with a view to meeting the difficulties which patentees may have at the present time in regard to the payment of fees. He may rest assured that the power given in these Rules to extend the time for the payment of fees has been, and will continue to be, generously exercised in all suitable cases

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the scientific developments which have recently been achieved in the treatment of sewage for the increase of nitrogenous and phosphoric contents in Manchester, Worcester, St. Albans, and elsewhere; and, in view of the increasing demand for organic manures, whether the Government are prepared to appoint a Committee to inquire into the whole question of saving waste sewage for agricultural purposes?

I have been asked to answer this question. I do not think that the case is one in which the appointment of a Committee of inquiry would be justified at the present time. I am aware of the experiments which are being made at the places referred to, and am keeping the matter under observation. May I remind my hon. and gallant Friend of the terms of my reply to his question on this subject on the 17th ultimo.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the public uneasiness arising from the paucity of information which is contained in the newspapers with regard to the state of affairs in Russia and the events which are now proceeding in that country; whether the Foreign Office has fuller information; and, if so, whether he will consider the possibility of keeping the public more fully informed upon the situation?

Our official information is not much greater than that which appears in the newspapers, owing to telegraphic difficulties and hindrances. But whenever we get any information which we can safely publish we are glad to do so.