asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the auctioning of licences for the sale of intoxicants has been re-introduced in Bombay; whether the effect of this has been to increase the Excise revenue and the consumption of liquor; whether he is aware that the Excise Committee of 1905 recommended the abandonment of the auction system; and whether, in view of this recommendation and of the opposition of Indian opinion to this method of licensing, inquiry will be made into the operation of the system with a view to its discontinuance and the adoption of alternative measures of restriction?

The fixed fee system was introduced experimentally in Bombay in 1907–08 and throughout the Presidency in 1911. In a Press note of 13th December, 1917, the Bombay Government stated the reasons which had led them to revert to the auction system. They had found that the fixed fee system had not reduced consumption, that it had failed to secure a better and more honest class of licensees, and that it had led to illicit profits and corruption. I shall be happy to let my hon. Friend have a copy of the note, should he so desire.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will consider the question of a grant of a special decoration in recognition of the heroic achievements of the 6th (Poona) Division of the Indian Army in Mesopotamia from the time of the occupation of Busrah in November, 1914, up to the time of the battle of Ctesiphon and the subsequent siege of Kut-el-Amarah?

I share my hon. and gallant Friend's appreciation of the admirable work of the 6th (Poona) Division in Mesopotamia. But, as he is no doubt aware, the grant of a special decoration to a division or regiment would not be in accordance with the present practice of the British Army, and the moment is hardly convenient for raising a discussion about such an innovation, nor am I the right person to initiate it.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the allowance of Rs. 200 per mensem, granted by the Government of India to the wives of officers of the British Army stranded in India during the absence of their husbands, is also granted to the wives of British officers of the Indian Army who are similarly stranded in India during the absence of their husbands on service or owing to having been invalided home in consequence of injury, dysentery, or other disease contracted on service; and, if not, why not?

The answer is in the negative. The allowance in question was given to meet the case of officers of the British Army who, when ordered on service out of India, reverted from the Indian to the British rate of pay. An officer of the Indian Army in similar circumstances retains his Indian rate of pay.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the very great hardships suffered by these wives of British officers of the Indian Army, detained in India?

I am considering the matter now, but my hon. and gallant Friend will see that there is no analogy between the two cases, although there is a considerable hardship.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that hardship?

I am considering it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether officers, petty officers, and men of the Royal Navy who are candidates for Parliament at the coming General Election will be granted the same leave as has been promised to officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Army during the Election?

Officers or men invited to stand as Parliamentary candidates must obtain the permission of the Admiralty to do so through the usual Service channel. The granting of such permission must depend upon the exigencies of the Service.

In cases in which such permission has been granted to an officer or man, he will be granted leave of absence to appear before the duly accredited committee or association of the recognised party, or any other body of persons proposing to adopt him. The leave would commence eight days before the issue of the Writs. Should the candidate be adopted, this eight days will be extended so as to cover the additional nine days of the Election, plus a period of seven to ten days, representing the period which must elapse between the opening and declaration of the poll.

Why should an officer have to ask permission of the Admiralty to stand for Parliament?

Because the exigencies of the Service compel the Board of Admiralty to have the matter in their discretion. My right hon. Friend has been a member of the Board, and he will consider the case of an officer in charge of a battleship, the engineer in charge of machinery of a great ship, submarine or destroyer coxswain, or the higher gunnery or torpedo ratings. All these men are indispensable. The fighting efficiency of the Fleet is the only ground on which the Admiralty withhold permission.

Has the Admiralty, as a matter of fact, already received requests for permission to accept an invitation, and have any been refused?

There has been a request, but I cannot say if there has been a refusal, because these rules have only just been completed. But a decision will be taken, and if my hon. Friend would like to see the whole Admiralty Order, I shall be glad to let him see it.

Will officers and men of the Navy who have been already adopted require now afresh to apply for special permission from the Board of Admiralty to present themselves?

Yes; unless it has been already granted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the number, respectively, of the male and female clerical staff of the senior naval officer at Inverness; and what is the nature of the premises in which this staff is housed?

I should be glad if my hon. Friend would repeat his question to-morrow. I am awaiting certain information by wire, which is essential to a reply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether passports can now be granted to women desiring to go to Canada to be married?

The whole question of the restrictions on travelling by sea is at present under the immediate consideration of the Government Departments concerned.

Meanwhile, if there are boats going with available space, will passengers be allowed to go in them?

I cannot say that offhand. I must consult the Shipping Controller.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that pensioned lieutenants and lieutenant-commanders, Royal Navy, promoted from the lower deck before the War and called up for the War are not receiving the pensions they have earned but are being given 25 per cent. of the full pay in addition in lieu thereof; and if he will see into this matter?

Under Orders in Council 8th March, 1895, 5th March, 1910, and 3rd February, 1915, retired and pensioned officers when re-employed in war or emergency, receive the pay and emoluments of their corresponding ranks on the active list, or, if greater, their retired pay, together with a bonus of 25 per cent. calculated on their full pay or retired pay as the case may be. The Rule is one which applies to all retired and pensioned naval officers re-employed during war, and not only to officers promoted from the lower deck.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that two First Lords of the Admiralty have said these gentlemen are entitled to their pensions and have earned them and, as a matter of fact, these gentlemen are serving their country at the rate of 5s. 6d. a day?

I cannot imagine any First Lord saying anything in violation of the Order. These gentlemen, promoted from the lower deck, are in absolutely the same position as other commissioned officers in this respect, and there is no discrimination.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can give the reason why engineer officers appointed as overseers are not to be given servant's allowance, seeing that they comply with paragraph 1 of A. W. O. 607, they do not form part of the authorised complement of any recognised civil establishment, they are borne for fleet duties-living on shore without the service of a naval servant and are in receipt of the full pay of their rank, lodging, and provision allowances at the ordinary rates; and whether he is aware that, with the exception of engineer-overseers, all naval officers employed on shore billets, whether Royal Naval, Royal Naval Reserve, or Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, receive this allowance, and that this is also granted to a few engineer overseers employed on repair duties, and the engineer overseer and his assistant at Messrs. Whitehead's works, Weymouth, receive it as do all officers on the staff of the captain superintendent of leaders and destroyers building?

The reason for the differentiation in the case of engineer officers appointed as overseers is that these officers, equally with those who form part of the authorised complement of a civil establishment, live practically under civilian conditions. The allowance had, however, been granted in a few cases before this decision was reached. These are no doubt the cases referred to in the latter part of the question. So far as is known, there are only two cases in which engineer overseers have been granted the allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether officers of the Imperial Army seconded for duty under the Colonial Office will receive a gratuity at the end of the War; and, if so, whether this will take into account the whole period of their service under both the Colonial Office and the War Office?

The matter is receiving careful consideration, but I regret that I am unable to make a statement with regard to it at present.

When will a statement be made?

I advise the hon. and gallant Member to address his question to whoever may occupy my office in the next Parliament.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that only 3 per cent. of the coast watchers in Ireland have ever served either in the forces of the Crown or in the Mercantile Marine during the present War, he will state how many of these men are of military age; whether he is aware that many ex-Service men are qualified and anxious for such work; and whether immediate steps will be taken to ensure that they are not kept out of employment by men who have never served although eligible?

The total number of civilian coast watchers employed in Ireland at the present time is 438, and out of this number 252 are of military age. My hon. and gallant Friend should observe, however, that out of this 252, 159 are between the ages of forty-one and fifty-two, having been engaged at the time when the maximum age for compulsory military service was forty-one. As regards the second part of the question, the total number of ex-Service men who have applied for engagement as civilian coast watchers in Ireland is twenty-eight, and of this number seventeen have been engaged. Wherever we can we would desire to give preference to ex-Service men, all other things being equal.

May we take it that when it comes to a question of permanent coast-watchers and coastguards, no fresh men will be taken on who have not served in the forces of the Crown?

I cannot say that, but preference will certainly be given, other things being equal, to ex-Service men.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, during the last six months, any Russian officers have been sent to Vladivostock at the expense of the British Government or the Allies; if so sent, whether they are under military orders to take part in any operations against the Soviet Government of Russia; and who are the Russian military authorities from whom Russian officers in this country receive orders?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part is in the negative: With regard to the third part of the question, Russian officers in this country receive orders from the Military Attaché at the Russian Embassy.

Can we have the name of that officer, and what is the Russian Embassy; is there one still in this country?

My hon. Friend must put that question to the Foreign Office.

What is the name of the officer?

I have no idea.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) how many cases of influenza in the British Army in France and England were reported during the months of September and October, 1918; what hospital accommodation was there to cope with these cases; whether any fresh hospital accommodation was provided; if so, how many beds; (2) how many officers and men of the British Army died in England and France, respectively, from influenza or pneumonia during the months of September and October, 1918?

I regret that the figures for the United Kingdom for the month of October are not yet available. The figures for September are:

As regards hospital accommodation, on 1st September there were 96,000 vacant beds in hospitals in the United Kingdom, and since that date an additional 8,000 beds have been provided.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking steps to have the mortality statistics of the Army compared with the civilian statistics?

I cannot say whether we are doing that now, but I will see that it is done.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has received complaints in regard to the overcrowding of hospitals; and whether steps have been taken in all those hospitals in which influenza or pneumonia cases are numerous to reduce the number of inmates?

No complaints have been received regarding overcrowding in hospitals. It is impossible in every case to reduce the number of inmates owing to the widespread and very extensive nature of the outbreak, and the fact that the hospitals are at present strained to the utmost by the arrival of wounded from overseas.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many cubic feet of air space per patient is considered necessary by the military authorities for patients in military hospitals suffering from influenza and pneumonia?

At present 600 cubic feet of air space has been provided as a minimum in every hospital, and with adequate ventilation and efficient warming there is no evidence that this is insufficient for ordinary cases. It is recognised that cases of influenza and pneumonia require additional air space, and this is given whenever practicable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how much extra allowance is given for influenza and pneumonia cases?

I cannot say offhand, but I shall be delighted to make inquiries and inform my hon. Friend.

Is it not the case that in many districts where there has been this epidemic the figures have been very much lower for the troops than for the civilian population?

That is so.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether his attention has been called to the difficulty experienced by many persons in country districts owing to the shortage of medical officers during the present epidemic of influenza in securing the certificate of a medical officer necessary to obtain sick benefit under the National Insurance Act; and whether he can make provision by which money to which such persons are entitled may be more easily and expeditiously obtained?

I am aware of, and am giving careful attention to, the serious difficulties under which the medical profession are striving to carry out their duties just now, with their numbers so depleted by the demands of the Army for medical men, and the great aggravation of these difficulties by the present epidemic; and I trust that Approved Societies generally are showing all possible consideration for these conditions in their dealing with sickness benefit claims from their members. But I am advised that a general relaxation of the requirement of periodical medical certificates as evidence of incapacity for work would be open to grave objection, as tending to destroy the administrative basis requisite for financial stability. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any individual case in view where a needlessly rigid insistence on a complete fulfilment of some rule in the present abnormal circumstances has occasioned injustice, I will look into the matter and communicate with the various parties concerned.

Now that the Armistice is in progress, will medical men be brought home as quickly as possible?

Negotiations are being carried on with a view to the bringing of medical men back to this country as rapidly as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether H. A. Gather was employed by the Ministry of Munitions at the shell-filling factory, Chilwell, up to June, 1916; that while in such employment he contracted T.N.T. poisoning and was granted compensation at £l per week; that on 5th October, 1916, he received his calling-up papers to join on the 9th, and was passed into the Army on 13th October after examination before two medical boards at Derby and Normanton barracks and several hospital doctors, and posted to the 2/6th Highland Light Infantry, No. 61699, on 14th October, was taken before the medical officer on 15th October, who passed him for discharge; that his commanding officer refused to sign his discharge and he was placed in Category E and remained in the Army for 165 days, doing neither duties or parades; that he was discharged on 23rd March, 1917, from the 104th Training Reserve, Edinburgh, without pension or allowance; that his pension for poisoning was stopped immediately on his joining the Army; that he is unable to work owing to the poisoning or to earn his livelihood; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter and take the necessary action?

I am having inquiry made into the third and fourth parts of my hon. Friend's question and will acquaint him of the result as soon as possible. The remaining part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions.

Is there a difference of opinion between the War Office and the Ministry as to which Department is responsible?

I am not quite sure about that, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the fact that two-thirds of the alternative pensions of non-commissioned officers and men are payable to their widows, he will consider the desirability of granting the same proportion of the officers' alternative pensions to officers' widows?

It has been decided that the alternative pensions of officers' widows should be assessed on the basis of two-thirds of the maximum alternative retired pay, instead of one-half as hitherto.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the Chipping Sodbury Pensions Committee has only just elected, under pressure of the Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Soldiers, discharged men on their committee, and have as yet placed no war widow on their committee; what is the cause of the delay; and will the Ministry use its powers to secure the carrying out of the law in this matter?

I am making inquiries into the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member, and will take whatever action is necessary on receipt of full information. I may point out, however, that the Chipping Sodbury Committee is a sub-committee of the local committee of Gloucestershire, and that the Naval and Military War Pensions (Committees) Act, 1917, does not require the appointment of the widow or dependant of a man who has died in military service to membership of a sub-committee.

Having in view the Bill now under consideration, will the right hon. Gentleman recommend that women should be put on?

I am afraid I cannot promise to do that as far as the new Bill is concerned.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that, on the the resignation of one of the discharged soldiers on the Wotton-under-Edge Pensions Committee, Mr. C. A. Pearce was, by a majority of ninety-two, selected by the local branch of the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers for the local pensions committee on 6th September; whether one week later he was selected by the local pensions committee; whether he attended meetings on 24th September and other dates, but had been told that he had no standing as his appointment had to be ratified by the county committee on 19th October: whether he has heard nothing to date of his ratification; that his appeals to the local chairman of the pensions committee, his letter's to the clerk to the county pensions committee and to the Ministry of Pensions have not even been acknowledged; and whether he can take any action in the matter?

I received from Mr. Pearce a representation on the 6th instant (which was acknowledged within a day of its receipt) regarding the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member, and I have called for a report on the facts of the case from the inspector, and from the Gloucestershire County Committee. I am informed that Mr. Pearce has now been duly notified of his appointment.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that E. T. Le Bertrand, of Les Merrienne, St. Martin's, Guernsey, No. 91600, Driver, Royal Field Artillery, has been medically examined since the date of the Minister's letter of the 9th October to the hon. Member for Gloucester (Thornbury); whether this man has a completely shattered right arm possessing no strength, and is receiving a pension of only 8s. 3d. a week; and what action he proposes taking?

This soldier has now been re-examined by a medical board, and in view of their report he has been granted an increased pension of 13s. 9d. a week for twenty-six weeks from 7th May, 1918, and then 11s. a week for twenty-six weeks, at the end of which period he will again be medically examined.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has now made inquiry into the case of Private L. Hembry, No. 202128, 3/7th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment; whether the War Office definitely stated that this man had been classified as fit only for permanent base in November, 1916, but he was in the following year sent in a fighting unit to Italy, where his health and mind completely gave way, and he was finally discharged on 22nd May, 1918; whether he has since been taken to the Gloucester County Asylum and is expected to be permanently insane; if the medical referee, after examination for pension allowance, agreed that his condition resulted from his war service; if an allowance of only 5s. 6d. has been granted, though it has not been paid for three months, because the Ministry will not grant permission to the father to draw it; if the asylum authorities are now pressing this man's father to pay £3 11s., the cost of taking him to the asylum, and 13s. weekly towards the son's maintenance; and what action he proposes to take?

Private Hembry, at the time of his discharge, was not certifiable, and the medical opinion was that his earning capacity was not much impaired. He was consequently awarded a conditional pension of 5s. 6d. a week. Since his discharge he appears to have become worse, and he is now in the Gloucester County Asylum, where he is classed as a "Service patient." So long as he remains there no necessity arises for a re-examination, as the conditional award is in abeyance and he is regarded as totally disabled. I am making inquiries as to the further statements made in the question.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, seeing that the system of partial commutation of pensions of retired officers has been entirely suspended in the Army for about three years, but is still operative in the Navy, the Treasury, as the controlling authority under Section 7 of the Pensions Communtation Act, 1871, will take steps to reopen the system and so enable retired Army officers, who are likely to be leaving the Service soon in largo numbers, to obtain the necessary capital sums to make it possible for them to start again in commercial and other pursuits.

(Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury): I am glad to be able to inform my Noble Friend that what he desires has already been done. My attention was first directed to the diversity of practice between the War Office and the Admiralty in this matter by a question in this House on 22nd February last. I caused inquiries to be made at once, and the restriction imposed by the War Office has now been removed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that 302 Members of Parliament of all parties have signified in writing their approval of the proposal that a Select Committee of the House of Commons should be constituted of all parties to deal with pensions; and whether he can take steps to see that such a Select Committee of this House be forthwith constituted to deal with pensions and allowances and similar matters, or to grant a day for the discussion of the proposal?

I regret that it will not be possible to arrange for this discussion before the end of the Session.

In view of the possible approach of an election, cannot we have some statement of Government policy in regard to this before an election takes place?

I recognise the importance of it, but it really is impossible to find a day. Perhaps my hon. Friend may raise it on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether in the process of demobilisation priority will be given to those men whose civil positions have been kept open for them; if so, whether employers should make any application; and whether any priority will be given to volunteers over conscripts?

Provision has been made in the demobilisation scheme that those men whose civil positions have been kept open for them shall receive priority of release within their several industrial groups. Instructions will be issued in due course, but no application should be made by employers until public notification is given. While it is not proposed to differentiate between volunteers and conscripts as such, the object aimed at will be achieved by including in early drafts a certain proportion of those men who have served longest in a theatre of active operations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when these particulars or instructions will be issued?

I am trying to issue them as soon as possible, but I cannot name the date.

Will men who have served in Mesopotamia be released early?

I dealt with distant theatres in the last part of my answer. I am hopeful that those men who have borne the heat of the day in a climate like that will be released as early as possible.

Can special priority be given to the staffs of local authorities, in view of the possible forthcoming election?

I do not think so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in connection with demobilisation, steps have been or are being taken to obtain from employers of labour a nominal roll of their former employés to whom they could undertake to offer definite employment as soon as they could be spared from military service?

In order to assist the working of the schemes by which men with definite employment awaiting them can be released early, action in the direction indicated by the hon. and gallant Member is being taken. Letters are being issued to employers suggesting that they should prepare particulars of men now with the Forces, whom they wish to engage immediately upon dispersal. The particulars required will be the men's names, the nature of the employment and the rate of wages offered, and also, if possible, the unit, regimental number and home address. It is not desired that these particulars should be supplied to the Ministry of Labour at present, but employers will be asked in due course to send the particulars to the Employment Exchanges on special cards which will be supplied.

Are arrangements being made so that these releases are granted promptly, or will there be any great delay?

I am anxious that the releases should be expedited as far as practicable, and we are pursuing our course with due regard to that fact.

Do I understand that these forms are now being issued to employers and that employers will take no further action until they receive public notification?

We will request employers to return them as from a given date.

Whom are the employers to address? To whom are they to send the forms?

That will be stated on the forms. It will be to the Employment Exchanges.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what price is paid to the farmer for straw; and what is the price paid by the consumer in the county of Huntingdon?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The maximum prices payable to the producer at the stack are 75s. per ton for oat straw, and 60s. for wheat straw. The cost to the consumer depends on the services necessary to delivery, but the wholesale dealer is limited to 5s. per ton, and the distributing dealer to 6s. per ton to cover establishment charges and profit.

Is it not a fact that the Government is making an enormous profit out of the difference between what is paid to the farmer and what the consumer pays?

No, Sir. That is not so at all.

Is it not a fact that in August last wheat straw near Huntingdon—

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether Cumbrian farmers are to be required to plough out an additional 12,000 acres of grass land; whether some of these farmers are conscious how much the food supply of the country has been decreased, and they themselves have lost by the substitution of crops which it has not been possible to harvest for valuable grass; whether he will refrain from adding to their troubles by fresh demands and be content with the adequate cultivation of existing arable land?

The need for an increased production of food continues to be a matter of urgent national importance. The existing arable acreage must be cultivated to the full. But no substantial increase can be obtained without adding to the present arable area. Cumberland has been asked to aim at securing an additional 12,000 acres, so far as labour is available. In putting forward this figure to the War Executive Committee the special climatic conditions of the county were taken into account. I may remind my hon. Friend that any occupier who is ordered to plough up grass land has a statutory right of appeal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the harvest in Cumberland and Westmorland was very largely ruined by the bad weather, and that therefore the farmers have had special sufferings there; further, that the ground is now so wet that ploughing operations have been seriously delayed?

I am aware of both, those facts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman then tell us where the increase of food production comes in if the harvest is ruined?

The increase of food production amounts to something like 35 per cent. upon the production of 1917 in respect of the four corn crops, and although a very considerable proportion of the cereal crops in the North have been injured, there is a very large quantity available for human food and also available for animals.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Government to let as many agricultural labourers as possible return in order to promote food production?

Certainly, I am doing so.

Is not the policy apparent in this question a reversal of the policy previously declared in this House, under which we understood that no further ploughing-up notices were to be served, except that farmers who had refused to plough under the notices served earlier?

What I said in this House was that we should not resort to legal prosecutions to enforce orders to plough up. Wherever the Executive Committee finds an area of land which can be made available for corn production, and the farmer has the labour available, there an Order will be issued. The farmer can then appeal to the legal tribunal, and if in those circumstances the legal tribunal finds that the Order ought to be carried out, it will be enforced, but those cases will be relatively rare.

asked the Prime Minister whether a copy of an unanimous resolution of the Central Advisory Agricultural Council, asking as a matter of extreme urgency that concentrated cattle-feeding-stuffs be given absolute priority of any tonnage rendered available by the cessation or abatement of enemy submarine attacks, and that such resolution be brought to the attention of the War Cabinet, has yet been brought to the attention of that body; and, if so, whether it has been decided to take any, and what, action with reference thereto?

I have been asked to reply. The resolution has been received but the Food Controller had already discussed the allocation of further tonnage for the importation of feeding-stuffs with the inter-Allied Food Council, the Allied Maritime Transport Council, and the Shipping Controller in view of the substitution of armistice for war conditions.

Is this resolution to be carried into effect, and when will the tonnage be released for the conveyance of the food-stuffs to this country?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will wait until this afternoon when the Food Controller hopes to deal fully with, this matter.

asked the Food Controller whether Mr. Tidmarsh holds a responsible position in the Bacon Section of the Ministry of Food; whether that gentleman is connected in business with the firm of Messrs. R. H. Thompson and Company, of Tooley Street; and whether that firm is the agent for an American firm of meat packers?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. Messrs. R. H. Thompson and Company are not the agents for any American firm of meat packers.

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of the fact that the supplies of flour now available from abroad are increasing, he can see his way to allow the millers in this country to mix a larger proportion of American flour in the G.R. flour supplied to bakers in order to liberate a portion, if not the whole, of the barley, maize, oats, and beans at present mixed in the G.R. flour to be consumed as feeding-stuffs for stock?

In view of the improved tonnage situation the question of increasing the supply of feeding-stuffs in the manner suggested has been considered by the War Cabinet, and the Food Controller hopes to make a full statement on the subject. I may, however, point out that no beans and insignificant quantities of maize and oats are now being mixed with G.R. flour.

asked the Food Controller (1) with regard to the price to be paid to the producer for milk, whether the rate applies to all parts of the United Kingdom; if it is a maximum rate and obligatory on producers; and whether any penalty is incurred by selling at a lower rate?

(2) whether he is aware that coffee bought at the lowest price now ruling on the London market costs 1s. 7d. per pound, whereas he has fixed a compulsory retail price of 1s. 6d. in all shops throughout the Kingdom; whether his Department was approached by the home trade section of the London Coffee Association some six months since and asked to fix a wholesale price for superior Santos which would allow retail sales to continue at the price he had fixed; why he did not adopt this course; and whether he will now fix such a price for superior Santos coffee, giving the legitimate trade an adequate notice, seeng that there are forty weeks' stock available for the requirements of the country, and that the high prices have been mainly caused through outside speculation; and

(3) whether his Department have issued a notice that the existing control of the tea trade will be continued until the 25th January, when a new system will be introduced for the succeeding six months; and whether the trade is to understand from this notice that the Government have decided that the importation and distribution of tea is to remain in the hands of the Food Controller until this period terminates, irrespective of whether the War is concluded?

The answers to these questions were printed in Tuesday's OFFICIAL REPORT.

Cannot I have the answer made verbally, seeing that proper notice has been given in the House?

I could add nothing to the answer given.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that nursing mothers and expectant mothers who are in prison in many cases receive no extra food ration; and whether, as the present ration provides a bare minimum for the health of one person, steps will be taken to ensure that pregnant women and nursing mothers receive in all cases an additional food ration without waiting for the prison doctor to order it on medical grounds?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on the 17th October. Such cases are always under the special observation and care of the medical officer and there is no danger of their not having suitable nourishment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not answer the first part of the question? Is it not a fact that there are cases in which no extra allowance is given, and would it not be a humane thing in all cases to provide an extra allowance?

It is left in the hands of the medical staff, whom surely we can trust.

How can it be right that nursing mothers and expectant mothers should not have an extra allowance?

I hope that my hon. Friend does not assume that I admit that they do not receive it. It is in the hands of the medical staff.

I have asked my right hon. Friend whether there are not cases in which they do not receive the extra allowance, and he has not given an answer to that.

I have no knowledge of any such cases. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any such cases I will inquire into them.

I have asked if it is true?

According to my information, no.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has now received the names of the persons owning and controlling the Socialist Press, Glasgow; and whether he will allow the printing work of the press to be continued?

I have received a letter from my hon. Friend in which several names are given as those of the parties owning or controlling the Socialist Labour Press. I have communicated the contents of the letter to the Lord Advocate, who, I understand, in consultation with the criminal authorities in Glasgow, has the matter under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman now redeem his promise? His promise was quite explicit that if the names were furnished to him he would restore liberty of printing?

My hon. Friend is quite mistaken. My undertaking was that if the names were given the whole question should be reconsidered.

Is that being done so that the Press may be available for the General Election, or will it be deferred indefinitely till after the election?

If my hon. Friend will put down a question on Friday or Monday, I will endeavour to ascertain.

Does my right hon. Friend think it fair to permanently punish the printers of these articles while the authors of them are only temporarily punished?

That is not my concern. The whole matter is rather one for the consideration of the Lord Advocate, and he now has it under consideration.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will consider the advisability of reducing the 17s. 6d. per week charged for men boarded out in hostels or lodgings, while undergoing treatment in a hospital, to the same amount that is deducted for the maintenance of men actually in hospital undergoing treatment as in-patients; or, alternatively, whether he will make provision to make up the difference to the former class?

This matter is now under consideration.

In view of the very strong feeling which has been aroused by this obvious injustice and in view of the fact that it must have been under the right hon. Gentleman's consideration for some time past, will he be able to make a statement at an early date before the House is dissolved?

Whether the House is in session or out of session will make no difference to the decision.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the voluntary association formed for the purpose of giving combined training and treatment to disabled soldiers on a farm colony at Enham, in Hampshire, has been refused the appropriate Grants by the Pensions Ministry; and whether he will state the grounds for this refusal?

It is not the case that the appropriate Grants have been refused by the Ministry, the fact being that the scheme has not yet reached the stage of development at which the Grants appropriate to it can be ascertained. The promoters of the scheme appear to have gained the impression that the Ministry has committed itself in advance to the payment of full-treatment fees (as though for in-patient hospital treatment), combined with full training fees, but for this misunderstanding neither I personally nor my Department can accept responsibility.

if both training and treatment have to be given, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that he should give Grants for both training and treatment?

I do not agree. We must first have a scheme before we can say what the payment shall be.

Is it not a fact that a scheme has been before the right hon. Gentleman for nearly a year and we cannot got an answer from him?

A nebulous scheme has been before me.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he received in Glasgow last week a deputation urging on him that John M'Lean should be released; and what his reply was to this request?

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

Why was it not received? Was it because the Secretary for Scotland, having promised to attend the meeting, was afraid to attend it, knowing it would be made a demonstration?

That is quite an unworthy suggestion which my hon. Friend has no right to make. I have already received a deputation in London on the same subject, and I heard what they had to say at length. I do not see what advantage could be gained by receiving a second.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to give any further information as to the way in which the Government hope to apply the principles of the Whitley Report to the Post Office or other Government Departments?

This answer was given yesterday in the OFFICIAL REPORT, but I will repeat it:

National Joint Industrial Councils have been established and have held one or more full council meetings in the following seventeen industries: namely, baking, bedsteads, bobbins, building, chemical trade, china clay, furniture, gold, silver, horological and allied trades, hosiery, leather goods, matches, paint and varnish, pottery, rubber, silk, vehicle building, woollen and worsted (Scottish section). In the case of each of these councils the members are showing considerable eagerness to get to grips with the important reconstruction and other problems which are facing their industries, and very satisfactory progress has already been made in many directions. In four other industries, namely, municipalities (non-trading services), waterworks, sawmilling, and surgical instruments, the dates for the first meeting of these councils have been fixes. Twelve other industries, namely, boot and shoe, cable-making, commercial road transport, electrical contracting, electricity (power and supply), needles and fish-hooks, newspapers, paper-making, printing, roller engraving, tin mining, woollen and worsted, have already established provisional committees to draw up constitutions for joint industrial councils, and the proceedings have reached an advanced stage in many of these, cases. In a number of other industries the Ministry of Labour is giving assistance in setting up councils. The Government have approved a scheme dealing with the application of the Whitley Report to the industrial establishments of the Government, and immediate steps are being taken to place the scheme before the trade unions and Departments concerned. A Sub-committee of the Inter-departmental Committee on the application of the Whitley Report to Government establishments is considering the question of its application to the clerical and administrative classes of the Civil Service. Arrangements have been made for hearing evidence from representatives of Civil Service Associations, and the first meeting for this purpose will take place on Thursday, 14th November, 1918.

Will it be possible to see the scheme shortly, and will that suggested for the Post Office be made public?

I will consider that. It is now before the Department and the various parties concerned.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, having regard to the difficulty, expense, and risk of the cross-Channel journey at present, he will ask the Civil Service Commissioners to make arrangements for holding the next examination for General Post Office typists and learners simultaneously in Ireland and in England; and whether, in this event, he will advise that an examination centre should be established in Derry or Belfast for candidates from the North of Ireland?

The competitions for appointments as typists are already held in Dublin at the same time as in London. I see no ground for asking the Civil Service Commissioners to extend them to other towns either in Ireland or in England. Competitions for learnerships are held at the towns at which vacancies exist.

asked if arrangements have been made enabling a more punctual delivery of Irish mails in London, and obviating the inconvenience to passengers arising from two hours' delay at Holyhead, causing arrival in Euston when tube trains and taxi-cabs are not available?

So far as the postal service is concerned, no inconvenience arises from the present hour of arrival at Euston of the up night mail train from Holyhead. So far as passengers are concerned, I have been repeatedly assured that with the present time of departure of the boat from Kingstown a convenient time of arrival at Euston is not attainable, though in pursuance of a promise made to a deputation I am making further inquiry on this point.

In view of the suspension of hostilities. I am now also inquiring what is the earliest date at which a return can be made to the timing of the trains and boats which existed before daylight sailings were adopted.

Was there not an understanding that this matter should be arranged by the first of this month, and can the right hon. Gentleman say why that understanding was not carried out?

I am not aware of anything of the sort.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not state what is the reason for the delay of three hours at Holyhead before the mail train leaves after the boat arrives, and whether it has not been brought to his notice that although it may not inconvenience the Post Office, it is a terrible inconvenience to travellers from Ireland?

I am afraid it would take too long by way of answer to a question, but I explained the matter to a deputation the other day, and if the hon. Member wishes I will send him a written statement.

Thank you!

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the state of distress existing amongst pensioners of the Post Office owing to the low rate of pensions they are receiving and the increased cost of living; whether representations have reached him to the effect that a number of them are trying to eke out an existence on pensions of 10s. per week; and if he will consider the claims of this deserving body of ex-Civil servants, with a view to granting them increases of pensions or a bonus to enable them to tide over the period of distress through which they are passing?

As I have previously stated, Post Office pensioners are in the same position as other retired Civil servants, and I am not in a position to take independent action in the matter.

In view of the very unsatisfactory answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the first opportunity.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements have been made to ensure that a fair ratio of coal shall be available in Ireland for domestic and manufacturing purposes?

Arrangements exist for Ireland to receive her proportionate share of available coal, both for domestic and industrial purposes, subject to shipping tonnage being provided. As regards domestic coal for the poorer classes, bellmen and hucksters are to receive as nearly as possible their 1917 quantities.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Ireland is not receiving anything like her due proportion of coal for domestic purposes?

It is a question of shipping facilities.

Oh!

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to secure for Dublin a fair share of coal; if he is aware that, owing to the shortage and distribution of the supplies, lighting restrictions are now in force in Dublin which are causing loss of trade to shopkeepers; and if he will take steps to prevent Dublin's share of coal going to other parts of Ireland?

Arrangements have recently been made with a view to ensuring equal distribution of the coal available for Ireland, special measures being taken to provide Dublin with its due proportion, subject to shipping facilities.

asked the Food Controller what arrangements have been or are being made to enable Dublin city to carry on municipal kitchens as are operating in many English cities?

The Food Control Committee for Ireland by letter dated 22nd October, 1918, communicated to the Lord Mayor of Dublin particulars as to the arrangements existing in Great Britain for the establishment of national kitchens by municipal authorities and stated that the Committee would afford every assistance in its power if it was desired to extend the scheme to Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will cause inquiries to be made into the delay of the payment of the 5s. bonus of 1st July last to the temporary employés of the Inland Revenue Department?

Treasury Circular of 7th September, 1918, authorised improvements in remuneration which should apply only to London Headquarters' Offices, and the arrangement is in process of application subject to the necessary adjustments. As regards staff employed elsewhere, the Circular stated that the Treasury would be prepared to consider the grant of an increase in war bonus (not exceeding 5s.) "in so far as such increases may be shown to be justified by local conditions."

The Inland Revenue Department has offices in every part of the United Kingdom, and it will be realised that the enquiries necessitated by the Treasury Circular must take a considerable time.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state when the Government will give the grant recommended by the General Prisons Board to the six warders transferred from Armagh to Belfast in April last, when those officers could not procure houses in Belfast; and, as distress prevails in their families, will the grant be paid immediately, and so allay the discontent amongst those officers?

The matter is at present before the Treasury, and a decision may be expected very shortly.

asked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to have an immediate sworn inquiry into the loss of the Royal Mail steamship "Leinster"?

I would refer the hon. Member to the previous answers on this subject.

Am I to understand that is a refusal?

That would be perfectly obvious from the previous answers.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the arrangements made with our self-governing Dominions as to whether it is proposed to grant a special medal, or some other form of recognition, to the troops who took part in the Gallipoli Expedition; and whether he is aware that the men who took part in the expedition are dissatisfied at the way in which they have been treated?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now received replies from the Colonial authorities with regard to the award of the Gallipoli decoration; and, if not, can he say what is causing the delay?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer these questions. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject to-morrow.

asked the Prime Minister if the self-governing Dominions overseas were represented at and participated in the recent discussions in Paris with regard to an armistice; if so, who respectively represented these Dominions; and further, and in any event, if these Dominions will be fully consulted in regard to the terms of peace and their representatives duly summoned to attend the Conference and to participate in the discussions previous to the signing of the peace or to the making of any arrangements for the security of the Empire and the preservation of the peace of the world?

I have nothing to add to the answers which I gave to similar questions on this subject yesterday, and in particular to the supplementary question of my hon. Friend, when I said that the Dominions would have their full share in settling the terms of peace.

asked the Prime Minister if His Majesty's Government will insist, as a preliminary condition of entering into any peace conference, on the immediate release and return of all prisoners of war or interned persons now detained in Germany or under German control elsewhere; and, in the alternative, will he say whether provision has been made for the fulfilment of this condition in connection with the armistice itself?