asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that where a house insured by the owner or tenant with the Government against aircraft damage has been seriously injured by a hostile air raid, and where owing to the delay of about six months on the part of the Ministry of National Service to issue the necessary licence for reinstatement of the premises the owner or tenant has had to take other premises pending reinstatement, the War Risks Insurance Committee refuse to make any compensation to the tenant for the loss incurred by him owing to such delay; and whether he will issue instructions to the War Risks Committee to award proper compensation in such cases?

If the hon. Baronet will send me particulars of the case to which he refers it will be inquired into, but it must be understood that there is no power to pay compensation beyond what is provided in the terms of the policy.

When one Government Department insures a person against loss and that loss is materially increased by the action of another Government Department, does the incoming Department admit liability to pay the increased loss?

As I have already said, I cannot go into details of a particular case. It would be impossible to give a reply to such a hypothetical case as that put by the hon. Member.

I will send them to any right hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that workmen's tickets are not issued to workmen travelling to Kingstown from Dublin, and that workmen employed by the Irish Lights Commissioners have had their fares increased over 100 per cent. by the Dublin and South-Eastern Railway Company; and if he will see that tickets are issued at cheap rates as is done to workmen leaving Kingstown for Dublin?

I am making inquiries in this matter, and will let the hon. Gentleman know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the estimated total tonnage of coal lost through short time in collieries west of Cardiff during the past six months; what organisation he has set up to deal with the situation; (2) whether he is aware that the anthracite collieries in West Wales are still only working some three days per week, and that recently some steam coal collieries, producing manufacturing coal urgently needed by various industries, have been kept working only four or five days per week owing to the arrangements of the Coal Controller; will he state what steps he has taken to prevent their continuance; (3) whether he can state the extent of the curtailment of supplies of coal to various industries; whether he will allow industries to make their own arrangements for obtaining additional supplies of coal from West Wales, where the miners are kept idle for lack of orders; and whether he will instruct the railways to give every facility for the transport of these private orders for additional supplies of coal for manufacturing purposes?

The estimated total tonnage of coal lost through short time in collieries west of Cardiff during the past six months is 200,000 tons on an output of about 3,500,000 tons during that period. Most of this loss has occurred during the past few weeks.

It is hardly correct to say that the anthracite collieries are working only some three days per week. As a matter of fact, the greatest loss of time so far recorded was in the week ended the 12th October, when the anthracite collieries lost on an average somewhat less than one winding shift each. The loss of time is due to shortage of shipping, which necessarily affects more particularly the western part of the coalfield, in view of the demands of the Admiralty and the Allies for the better classes of coal produced in the eastern part of the coalfield as far as these are obtainable.

The acute situation which has recently arisen is being dealt with by diversion to South Wales of tonnage which would otherwise go to other districts, and by an increase as far as possible in the transport of coal inland, as to which the Controller of Coal Mines is in communication with the railway companies with a view to the provision of the best possible facilities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that several manufacturing collieries have had to stop this month simply for lack of orders, and cannot the Coal Controller see that orders are so distributed that collieries are kept going, in view of the closing of industries in the Midlands?

I shall be glad to bring that to the Coal Controller's attention. Personally, I am not aware of it.

Should not the Coal Controller be so actively in touch here that this situation should not be allowed to continue for a day, in view of the shortage of coal and the fact that industries are suffering?

I cannot accept all that my hon. Friend has said. I can only refer him to the Coal Controller.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has yet disposed of the holding of Baron Hirsh in the Swansea Vale Spelter Company, to which he referred in his answer to the hon. Member for Ludlow on the 22nd November, 1916; if so, what method was adopted for disposing of the shares; and whether he has used the power given to him by Section 8 of the Non-Ferrous Metals Act to satisfy himself that the transferees, if any, are not merely acting as trustees for the former owner of the shares?

All the shares held by enemies in the Swansea Vale Spelter Company, Limited, have been disposed of by the Public Trustee, who informs me that he sold them by private treaty. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Is it not a fact that a member of the Board of Directors of the Swansea Vale Spelter Company, with the knowledge of the Board of Trade, has been allowed to visit a neutral country to arrange for transfer of these shares to a representative of the former owners?

Not so far as I am aware. The mere fact that these shares have been sold to Mr. Tilden Smith, who has no connection with the former company, so far as I know, hardly bears that out.

I will ask my hon. Friend (Sir R. Cooper) to send in particulars.

What steps have been taken to ensure that the transferees are not nominees or trustees for the former owners?

The sale of these shares rests with the Public Trustee, and they have been sold to Mr. Tilden Smith, who is a British subject. I think that in itself offers adequate security.

Is a British subject called upon to make any declaration, binding upon himself, that he is not a trustee? One knows there are naturalised British subjects.

I do not think Mr. Tilden Smith is a naturalised British subject. I am not aware that the Public Trustee asks for the declaration referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the London and Hamburg Gold Recovery Company, at present trading as an English company, is controlled by Mr. Edmund Davis; that, approximately, two-thirds of the capital, being 99,403 shares, more or less, were at the outbreak of war owned by residents in Germany; whether any steps have been taken to realise these shares or to transfer them to British subjects; and, if so, whether any steps were taken to ensure that the transferees were not acting as trustees for enemy aliens in the matter?

I understand that the London and Hamburg Gold Recovery Company, Limited, which is not carrying on any business, is not controlled by Mr. Edmund Davis. Approximately three-fourths of the issued capital was held by enemies, and these shares have been transferred into the name of the Public Trustee in accordance with the recommendation of the Advisory Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Otavi Mines and Railway Company, Limited, is still conducting its business in the United Kingdom, although its address is given in the usual sources of information as being at No. 31, Unter den Linden, Berlin; whether it is described as a German colonial limited company by charter of the bundesrath; whether the secretary is Mr. C. Larmspach and Mr. Edmund Davis is sole director; and what is its London address?

The Otavi Mines and Railway Company, Limited, is a German company registered in Berlin with a London address at 1, London Wall Buildings. Before the War the secretary was Mr. C. Launspach and Mr. Edmund Davis was the only director in this country, there being six directors in Germany. An investigation at the London office showed that no business has been carried on here, and that the London office had only been used for the purpose of issuing reports and giving information to British shareholders.

Is this really an English company or a German?

A German.

Is business carried on in South-West Africa by the Otavi Mines and Railway Company?

So far as this country is concerned, my answer is: No business at all.

Is not South-West Africa a part of the British Empire now?

Has this particular company been referred to the Committee for winding up German businesses?

It is not carrying on business in London; it is a German company.

If it is a German company, why do they want a secretary in this country?

So far as I know, the only reason is to give information to British shareholders in London.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider if the provision for winding up companies essentially German in the British law can be applied to German companies?

I can only say it is not an English company but a German.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will inquire how far the restrictive patents and arrangements entered into with boot manufacturers by the British United Shoe Machinery Company has contributed to the price of footgear since the War; is he aware that on an issued capital of £800,000 the company paid last year a tax-free dividend of 20 per cent. on its ordinary shares, leaving £422,365 undistributed, and a further £400,000 to reserve; and can he say what this company has paid in Excess Profits Duty for the years 1917 and 1918?

I do not think that such an inquiry as the hon. and gallant Member suggests would be a practicable one, in view of the variety of circumstances which have brought about the rise in the prices of footgear during the War. I understand the statements in the second part of the question to be correct, but as regards the third part I am informed that the Board of Inland Revenue are unable to give information as to individual taxpayers.

Is it that they are unable to give information or unwilling?

I think perhaps it is both.

asked the Secretary of State for India what decision has been arrived at regarding the grant of the Indian Frontier Medal to the troops concerned in the operations on the North-West Frontier of India against the Mohmund, Mahsud, and other local tribesmen, since the commencement of the present War?

It has been decided that any medal or medals which may be granted in respect of general operations in connection with the present War shall be issued in respect of military operations on or beyond the frontiers of India during the period of the War which at other times would have been recognised by the award of the India General Service Medal.

Am I to understand the medal will be issued now or when is it to be issued?

I do not know. I do not think so, but I will inquire.

Will the right hon. Gentleman recommend to Government of India that it be issued at once?

My hon. Friend will not suggest that war medals should be given for one operation before they are given for others.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received the Report of the Committee constituted by the Government of India of electrical, mechanical, and irrigation experts to inquire into the possible sources of water-power in India; and what steps have been taken in the matter?

The Government of India have since decided, before constituting a Committee, to appoint an experienced engineer to report on the possibilities of promising sites as regards storage and power development. They have associated with him an electrical expert. At the same time, information will be collected regarding industrial possibilities within reach of promising sites; and the terms for the grant of concessions will be considered in consultation with local Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the rules and regulations regarding the Indian Military Service Family Pensions Fund will now be changed so as to correspond with the new rates of promotion in order that the widows of captains, majors, and lieutenant-colonels, respectively, may obtain the pensions pertaining to the rank held by their husbands at the time of their deaths, and not be relegated to the pension of a lower rank as at present?

The classification of officers of the Indian Army under the Indian Military Service Family Pension Regulations is according to length of service and not according to rank. The scheme is on a self-supporting basis, and a reclassification according to rank which would involve a fresh scale of contributions, higher pensions, and an increased liability, at a time of exceptional strain, is inadvisable.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any conditions affecting propaganda work have been imposed on the Indian newspaper representatives now visiting this country at the expense of the State; and, if so, will he state what they are?

No, Sir; the five Indian editors now in this country have come here on exactly the same conditions as the Dominion journalists who recently visited Europe.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any conditions govern the public speaking, lecturing, and writings of the members of the Council of India; and whether, in view of their receipt of salaries from the State, such action on their part in support of any special set of official views is regarded as desirable?

Members of the Council of India are not Civil servants The only restrictive condition which the law has imposed upon them is that they may not sit or vote in Parliament. I am not aware that the independence which Parliament has advisedly secured to them is ever exercised against the public interest.

Is this question meant as an attack upon any particular member of the Council?

I did not read it as an attack upon anybody.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether Professor Ramsay Muir, of Manchester, has been retained in India at the public expense to speak in favour of the proposed reforms; and, if so, whether this was done by the India Office or by the Indian Government?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. At the instance of the Government of India, Manchester University have granted Professor Muir leave of absence after the completion of the work of the Calcutta University Commission to deliver a course of lectures on the War at Indian universities and colleges.

Who is paying the expenses of Professor Ramsay Muir?

I do not know what is the arrangement between the Manchester University and the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the names of the additional members who are to be appointed to represent the various Indian Presidencies and Provinces on the Franchise and Functions Committees which have been set up in connection with the Report presented to Parliament on constitutional reform in India?

As appointments will be made by the local Governments as each Province comes under examination, I am not yet able to give the names.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any further explanation, other than that already given, why the Rowlatt Report was not sent here for submission to this House?

The explanation I have given in reply to previous questions is full and complete. I have nothing to add.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he or the Government of India is taking any steps to deal with the person who made this very foolish mistake?

No, I cannot. It is a matter, not for me, but for the Government of India.

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Government of India the very great inconvenience to this House in not having this Report, and that whoever is responsible should be severely dealt with?

I have represented to the Government of India the embarrassment which has resulted from the delay in the Report reaching this country. I do not propose to make any suggestions to the Government of India as to the way in which those responsible should be dealt with.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give the names of the members of the Committee appointed to inquire into the question of the reorganisation of the India Office; and what are the terms of reference?

I am not yet able to make any announcement, but shall do so as soon as possible.

In view of the fact that I have put down a similar question for Wednesday, may I ask whether the House is to understand that the right hon. Gentleman is equally available on Monday and Wednesday for the answering of questions, or whether Wednesday is his day?

I understand that my questions come first on Wednesday and early on Monday.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, during the past twelve months, there have been offered to the Foreign Office or to British diplomatic agents abroad documents purporting to prove that Messrs. Lenin, Trotsky, and the present rulers of Russia are German agents in the pay of German Ministers; whether such documents were examined; whether they were found authentic or suspicious; whether any such documents were bought or declined by the Foreign Office or British diplomatic representatives abroad; and whether he has any knowledge of the previous history of documents now being published in America by Mr. George Creel and others?

The answer to the first and fourth parts of the question is in the negative, and the second and third parts do not, therefore, arise. With regard to the last part, I understand that the matter has been the subject of discussion in the American Press, but I have received no information from the United States Government as to the manner in which the documents came into their hands.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he saw a report in the papers about fourteen days ago that Mr. Lenin was to receive 200,000,000 roubles as part of his commission on the War Indemnity?

Is the Noble Lord aware that these documents have been circulated by the War Aims Committee?

I am not aware of that.

Are you responsible for it in any way?

I am not responsible for the War Aims Committee.

Are you responsible for circulating these documents to the Press?

Not that I know.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. Lockhart has brought any evidence from Russia that Russia is now being governed in tacit alliance with or in the covert interests of Germany; whether Mr. Lockhart reports, that Lenin, Trotsky, and Tchitcherine are German agents or are independent of German sympathies; and whether it is the policy of this country to continue military operations in Russia even though an armistice or peace may be made with Germany?

As I have previously stated, I cannot undertake to make any statement until I have received and considered Mr. Lockhart's report.

Has Mr. Lockhart's reply been received, and is it now under consideration?

So far as I know it has not been received. I certainly have not seen it.

Will the Noble Lord press Mr. Lockhart, now that he has been here about ten days, to finish his report, so that we may know what he has to tell us?

I do not think that this is a matter of urgency.

Is that because it would expose the mistakes and failures of the Foreign Office?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the position of the Czecho-Slovaks in Russia; whether they are being helped to leave Russia viâ Vladivostock, or viâ Archangel, or Murmansk to join the Allies on the Western front, or whether they are being assisted by the Allies with the view of upsetting the Soviet Government in Russia and forming a new Eastern Front against the enemy?

The Czecho-Slovaks are fighting for their existence, and the efforts of their Allies are directed towards helping them in their struggle.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an official statement published by Renter, and dated the 9th inst., according to which the Entente had conceded to Bulgaria Southern Dobrudja as far as a line 6 to 10 kilometres south of the Constantsa-Fulisti Railway was based on an arrangement made between His Majesty's Government and the present Bulgarian Government?

I am obliged to the hon. and gallant Gentleman for giving me the opportunity of answering this question. No, Sir; there is no truth whatever in the statement.

The armistice recently concluded with the Bulgarian Government is of a purely military nature. His Majesty's Government have no intention of making any territorial arrangements with the Bulgarian Government until the general peace settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the intention of the Government regarding the German colonies is to retain them as British Possessions after the War, or whether it is proposed to place them under international control?

I can make no statement on this question at present.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say why a statement was made outside last week?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what is the approximate average price per 100 lbs. which a farmer receives for wheat, barley and oats fit for human consumption delivered at corn dealers' stores; what is the approximate average price per 100 lbs. a farmer receives for wheat, barley and oats which is damaged and not fit for human consumption; what is the approximate average price a farmer has to pay for barley meal or compound prepared meals for cattle and pig feeding; and what is the approximate average cost to a farmer of hauling the above from farm to market per 100 lbs. per mile?

I have been asked to reply. The approximate average price per 100 lbs. of home-grown wheat, barley and oats fit for human consumption delivered by the farmer to dealers' stores, in accordance with the custom of the district, is 15s. In case of delivery outside the accustomed range an additional charge of 9d. per ton per mile may be made for the extra distance. The approximate average price per 100 lbs. of these articles when unfit for human consumption is 13s. 9d. The price of compound meals for cattle is controlled under Clause 1 ( c ) of the Cattle Feeding-stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1918, which prescribes that a manufacturer may only charge the actual cost of the ingredients used plus the cost of manufacture and profit, such addition not to exceed 30s. per ton. On this basis the maximum price for dairy meals range from £16 17s. 6d. to £17 5s. per ton, according to the proportion of oil and albuminoids employed. The fourth part of the question is of a somewhat hypothetical character. I may add that a new Cereal Meals Order is in preparation which should control more effectively the quality and price of cereal meals.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware of the loss that will be inflicted on pig keepers through their being unable to buy concentrated feeding-stuffs; and will there be any chance of the Order being modified?

I have been asked to reply. The allocation of the prospective supply of feeding-stuffs was agreed upon by the Board of Agriculture, the Central Agricultural Advisory Council, and the Ministry of Food. It was considered that dairy cattle, farm horses, and breeding stock should have priority. There is little prospect, in view of the limited supplies, that any concentrated feeding-stuffs will be available for store pigs after 25th January, and pig keepers can only be asked to make the fullest use of other foods, such as small potatoes and any local resources in the shape of waste. The situation is more fully dealt with in a notice issued by the Board of Agriculture to the Press on 25th, to which I would refer my hon. Friend.

Is it because there is a multiplicity of authorities that we have got this pig muddle now?

The restriction in the quantities of feeding-stuffs is due to the decision of the Government to bring across the Atlantic more American troops and more munitions.

Is it not a fact that the War Cabinet a little earlier in the year decided to encourage people to breed pigs?

Considering that the Ministry of Food encouraged cottagers to buy young pigs and rear them, and that now there is not the feeding-stuffs available to feed them, do the Government intend to give the cottagers any compensation?

In the opinion of the Departments concerned, the best way of avoiding any loss to cottagers was to warn them as soon as possible of the situation that would arise in January.

Does my hon. Friend realise that they have bought these pigs I What is the use of telling them of the position that will arise after they have bought the pigs?

Can my hon. Friend say whether this matter was dealt with in an agreement with the American Food Controller, Mr. Hoover, and, if so, will the agreement be placed upon the Table of the House?

The final quantities of feeding-stuffs to be imported were settled by the Government.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a surplus of 500,000 tons of Indian corn in the Argentine which would make capital food for pigs, and that it is being used for fuel for engines? Why not bring it to this country to keep the pigs alive?

If ships were diverted to the Argentine they would not be available for bringing American troops across here.

Is the Government going to give compensation to poor cottagers who have sustained serious loss or who are likely to do so?

The hon. Gentleman cannot answer that question without it is put on the Paper.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the present allocation of tea to the public, when the extra consumption of the Army is taken into account, greatly exceeds the pre-war consumption; whether he has received intimations from various parts of the country that stocks of tea are accumulating, and that many distributors do not require the quantities provided for in their original indents; whether, notwithstanding these facts, he has distributed an increased quantity of tea this week owing to the stocks that have accumulated in his hands without making any reduction in the price at present charged; and whether he will explain the reason for this system of distribution in view of the appeals for economy in the consumption of food which his Department is issuing?

There is no doubt that the consumption of tea has increased during the War. It was ascertained that in certain districts stocks of tea had accumulated by 31st August, and steps were taken to reduce the quantity distributed last month, but as the equilibrium was in this way restored, distribution has again been resumed on the basis of 2 oz. per head per week for every registered customer. The increase in the quantity distributed in October as compared with September was due to the reasons given and not to the fact that stocks had accumulated in the Food Controller's hands. The price of tea is governed by pre-war sale prices, and is in no way dependent upon stocks. It is not thought that the quantity distributed exceeds the reasonable requirements of the population.

Is the retail price for this country governed by the pre-war price? Is it not the wholesale price that is governed, and is not the Government making large profits?

The price is based on pre-war prices.

Will not the Government consider the question of a reduction in the price of tea, which would be an advantage to the country?

I must have notice of that question.

The hon. Member must give notice of new questions.

This arises out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that several doctors have expressed opinions that influenza is sometimes caused by the paucity of meat consumption; and whether, in view of those statements and the desirability of preventing food wastage caused by keeping over-fat live stock, he will reconsider the advisability of increasing meat rations?

The Food Controller has not received any considered opinions from medical men to the effect that paucity of meat consumption is a contributory cause of influenza, and is advised that no scientific evidence can be adduced in favour of such an opinion. The Food Controller cannot increase the existing ration now without an equivalent reduction after Christmas, as there is no present prospect of any further imported supplies.

Has the hon. Gentleman not seen in the papers the opinions of medical men that the absence of meat is one of the causes of influenza?

There is no unanimity among medical men on this point.

Is there any question on which there is unanimity?

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of deterioration by further delay and the losses sustained owing to want of notice, he will modify the order restricting exportation of Irish live-stock for a period necessary to clear the congested supplies in Dublin?

The Food Controller regrets that he is unable at present to modify the existing restrictions as to the exportation of Irish fat stock. The situation at the markets in Great Britain is as serious as at Dublin and other Irish ports, and notwithstanding the restriction of Irish imports there has been a large surplus in this country which the Ministry of Food has been unable to accept for slaughter.

Are we to understand from that reply that the Food Controller is willing to reconsider the matter?

This is a question which is constantly being considered by the Ministry.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that cattle which grow fat during the summer on grass will, now that the autumn season is coming on, lose flesh if they are retained in the country without being slaughtered?

The Food Controller is aware of that, He understands that there is a certain number of people in Ireland who are able to keep these cattle.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the number of people in Ireland who go in for stall feeding is infinitesimal, and is he aware that grass-fed cattle will lose their condition rapidly during the winter months, and what is the good of keeping these cattle for the next five or six months when they cannot stall-feed them?

asked the Food Controller whether the Government have decided that it will not be possible to abolish ration books after the war is over and that an increase in our present ration cannot be expected; whether our usual methods of producing beef are not economical, as the steer must have 64 lbs. of dry fodder before it returns us 1 lb. of beef, and we may be forced to kill beef in the calf stage; whether it has been decided to cut imports of food down to a minimum; and, if so, whether he will arrange for this House to; have an early opportunity of discussing it?

I am not aware that any decision has been reached to the effect stated in the first part of the question, although the Food Controller has intimated that some time must elapse after the cessation of hostilities before normal conditions can be resumed. So far from the policy of the Food Ministry being in the direction indicated in the second part of the question, every endeavour, consistent with paramount military requirements, is made to procure such an amount of imported concentrated foods as will enable meat to be produced in this country, and maintain the population of live stock.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that injustice is being inflicted on farmers by compelling them to keep over-fat cattle until next spring; and if he can say if the Government has any intention of providing sufficient cold storage to deal with the surplus fat cattle at present on the farmers' hands?

I have already explained that while there is ample refrigerating accommodation for storage purposes, shortage of freezing plant and skilled labour makes it impossible to deal with the number of fat cattle now coming forward. It follows that the holding back of cattle at the present time is the only policy which will secure the necessary-meat ration for the first five months of next year. This policy involves no injustice to farmers; it involves inconvenience which I have no doubt will be cheerfully borne as part of a common sacrifice. It is anticipated that the additional expenditure incurred will be met by the increased maximum prices which have now been sanctioned.

Seeing that there is a movement on foot among British farmers to ruin the Irish cattle trade in so far as fat cattle are concerned, may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will hurry up the necessary steps to relieve the situation.

Every effort is being made to increase the feeding of cattle in this country.

Is it a fact that this Order has been drafted in order that the English farmer may get the Irish cattle cheap, because the Irish farmer cannot find store for them.

The Controller treats all farmers equally, both in Ireland and England.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the rationing of meat?

We have had that question several times.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that at the Dublin Cattle Market held on the 24th instant there were 855 less cattle than at the previous market, and that the prices realised were in most cases a reduction on former prices; can he say whether the reduction in the number of cattle offered for sale and in the prices realised for those sold is a consequence of the recent Order restricting the number of cattle allowed to be exported from Ireland; and whether he will consider the revocation of this Order?

I understand that there was a considerable reduction in the number of cattle sold in Dublin last week, and that the prices realised were generally lower. This reduction was, no doubt, influenced by the restrictions on shipment which have recently been imposed. It seems, however, only fair that Irish farmers should share with British farmers some of the inconveniences of the War, and in order to secure equality of treatment it is necessary to maintain these restrictions.

Is it not the fact that the Regulation has been made entirely in the interests of English farmers to the detriment of Irish farmers?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that is not the case. It is the desire and intention of the Food Controller to treat all farmers in England and Ireland equally.

asked the Food Controller what is the average weekly number of Irish fat cattle graded on this side of the Channel since 1st June, 1018; and what is the number of such animals so graded in the last four weeks, respectively?

The average weekly number of Irish Eat cattle exported to Great Britain from Ireland since 1st June, is 8,292 while the numbers for the last four weeks are as follows:

Then there is no foundation for saying that undue preference has been given to the English farmer as against the Irish farmer?

No; I have already said that the Ministry of Food try to treat all farmers equally.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that in some rural districts the price of 2s. 3d. per gallon to the producer for milk is one that would not be paid but for Government interference; and whether he will give to the local food committees the power of regulating the price of milk in areas where production is cheap, and place upon them the responsibility of maintaining the supply in their areas?

The answer to this question was printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT on Thursday last.

No reason whatever is given to show why the price of 2s. 3d. per gallon should be introduced. Will the Ministry not leave it to the local food control Department to fix the price?

As already explained, the Food Controller does not believe that it is in the interests of the country to vary these prices except under a general scheme of control. He has appointed a special committee to inquire into the basis of these differentiated rates, and he awaits the report of that committee.

When does the hon. Gentleman expect the report?

They have been asked to report at an early date.

Is there any punishment for selling under this high price, or any discretion where the supply is plentiful?

This question is not as I put it down. The question I wish to ask is whether of the tonnage allocated to food and feeding-stuffs a larger proportion will be allocated to feeding-stuffs than has already been arranged?

That has already been done, and the Government has taken steps to increase the imports as soon as possible. It is impossible to allocate a larger proportion of tonnage to food and concentrated feeding-stuffs without reducing the amount available for transport of troops and munitions. Of the tonnage placed at the disposal of the Food Controller no greater quantity can be devoted to the transport of feeding-stuffs without risking the supplies of human food.

Will the Food Controller at the earliest moment allowed by any change in the general situation urge the Government to reconsider its decision?

That will be borne in mind.

asked the Food Controller how, without concentrated feeding-stuffs, fat cattle fit for grading sent to the markets and returned to the farms are to be fed so as to maintain their weight?

The Food Controller is fully aware of the difficulty which faces those farmers who rely entirely upon grass to maintain at this period of the year the weight of their cattle now fit for slaughter; every effort is being made to give such cattle priority in selection for slaughter.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will indicate the remedy of an agricultural labourer who, living in his master's house, is not paid the minimum wage, demands it, but receives notice to quit, and is unable to obtain another dwelling?

If the labourer has not been paid the minimum wage, proceedings may be taken to recover the amount due to him. If my right hon. Friend will supply me with particulars of any such case it shall be investigated. There is no power under the Corn Production Act to require an employer to provide a worker with lodging accommodation.

Does that mean that the labourer has no remedy if he gets notice to quit?

I am afraid it does amount to that.

Can he get his wages until the notice expires?

Yes, he has a remedy as regards his wages, but not as regards the cottage.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he can give any estimate as to the number of women munition workers who will be discharged in the event of a suspension of hostilities; what length of notice such workers will receive; and what plans are being made for such a contingency?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Leader of the House to the hon. Member for Chippenham on the 17th instant.

What was the answer given to the hon. Member?

Is it not a fact that no arrangements of any practical kind have been made?

My right hon. Friend said the whole question was under consideration.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is now able to give the excess of expenditure over receipts in the working of hostels, canteens, and other places of refreshment and recreation erected by or taken over by the Ministry for the financial years 1916–17 and 1917–18; and have the figures arrived at been submitted to the Auditor-General and Comptroller of Accounts?

I shall be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend will postpone his question until Thursday.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he will suspend the medical examination of ploughmen, whose labours now are vital if the corn for next year's harvest is to be planted?

I am sending my right hon. Friend a copy of an instruction which has recently been issued in connection with the subject referred to in his question.

Will my hon. Friend give us now what I ask for in the question?

I am a little anxious not to open the door too wide, but the instruction amounts to this, that without abandoning the policy entirely, our officials are keeping in the closest touch with local war agricultural committees, and consulting them most fully before disturbing the man.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether any instructions have been issued to tribunals favouring co-operative as compared with one-man businesses, or whether the issue of any such instructions is contemplated?

I have not issued, nor do I contemplate issuing, any such instructions.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will take steps to secure that in Grants made by the Civil Liabilities Committee, as in the ease of allowances made by the Pensions Ministry, the date 1st January, 1918, shall be substituted for 1st January, 1916, for the purpose of estimating the pre-enlistment income?

The Regulation of the Ministry of Pensions to which my hon. Friend refers is adapted to the case of the weekly wage-earner whose wages would as a rule have risen during the War. The application of a similar rule to the case of a professional or business man such as would be dealt with by the Civil Liabilities Committee would not generally be to his advantage. On the other hand it is the regular practice of the Advisory Committee to take into account the date of enlistment and to secure that the men who joined early are at least as favourably treated as those who joined later.

Do not these civil liabilities men consist in very large numbers of cases of working men as well as professional men, and in that case is there any reason for the distinction between the pension rate and the civil liabilities rate?

They undoubtedly do consist very largely of cases of working men. Those cases could be considered by the local war pensions committee, and I am inclined to think the local war pensions committee would take into consideration the cases mentioned, but on that even, perhaps, my hon. and learned Friend will address me another question?

If it is found that local war pensions committees have not power to apply the pension rate to these civil liabilities men, will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Treasury to ensure that it can be done?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will instruct registration officers to accept from recognised political agents notifications of changes of addresses of naval and military voters on the absent voters' list; and whether he will further instruct registration officers that such new addresses, when verified by inquiries, be entered on the records of addresses of absent voters?

The Act requires the registration officer to keep a record of any address furnished to him by an absent voter or by the Admiralty, Army Council, Air Council, or Board of Trade. A postcard form is being printed in which naval and military voters who are temporarily absent from their units can readily supply their addresses, and there will be no objection to this being done through the political agents, who will be able to obtain the cards from the registration officers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman define a recognised political agent?

I do not think I could give any definition that would be satisfactory to the political agents.

I am not concerned with the political agents. I am concerned with the voters. Does the right hon. Gentleman mean party agents? That is a different matter.

I meant any agent who is known to the registration officer as representing any considerable party or section in the locality will be able to inform an absent voter in the locality from which he is registered that he can obtain a card and so inform the registration officer that the address on the ballot paper is not iris address in France, but his address at home.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can make any statement as to the prevalence of an epidemic of influenza; whether it is causing a rise in the rate of mortality; whether it is associated with other diseases; and what steps are being taken by his Department and should be taken by the public to combat it?

The present epidemic of influenza is causing a considerable rise in the rate of mortality, as will be seen from the weekly returns of the Registrar-General, but happily the rise is not so great as that experienced in Vienna and Paris, and, I believe, in other such large towns.

As to the latter part of the question, numerous conferences have taken place between representatives of my Department, of the naval and military authorities, and of the Board of Trade in regard to the transport of troops. The medical officers of my Department have also been in consultation with the Army Medical Department and the Medical Research Committee, and bacteriological investigations have been continuously made since the commencement of the summer outbreak. These show that, bacteriologically, this outbreak does not differ from other outbreaks of influenza, the fatality being due to secondary infections, chiefly by pneumococci and streptococci. I have also called a special conference of medical representatives of all the Departments concerned.

As to the steps which can be taken by the public, I may refer to the Memorandum of my medical officer which has been issued. This Memorandum emphasises the fact that control over this catarrhal disease is only practicable by the active co-operation of each member of the community, and medical officers of health have brought the precautions recommended by the Memorandum to the notice of the local public by-means of special leaflets and in other ways.

Are we to expect a Ministry of Health in the near future?

I think that hardly arises.

Is it a fact that there are two distinct epidemics prevalent—influenza and septic pneumonia?

I do not think we can say there are two separate epidemics.

Is it not largely due to malnutrition of the people generally?

No, Sir; I have no reason whatever to think so.

Cannot the representatives of the National Service Department be asked to suspend calling up doctors, and the War Office to release doctors for civilian service?