asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in considering the future of the subject races of Turkey and the changes of government and readjustments of territory necessary for their free development, His Majesty's Government will safeguard the interests, not only of the Armenians, Syrians, and Arabs, but of the two and a half million Greeks who are now under Turkish rule?

We are most anxious to do all that is possible, in co-operation with our Allies, to safeguard the interests of all the nationalities mentioned by the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secre- of State for Foreign Affairs whether the peace conditions with Turkey will ensure to the British Empire the effective custody of that portion of the Gallipoli Peninsula where so many of the Dardanelles Expeditionary Force lie buried?

I am grateful for the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion which will be carefully borne in mind.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will inquire into the neglect of the Killarney Board of Guardians in carrying out the sanitary laws within their district; and whether, seeing that this has been going on for years, that the public who are suffering have complained without any result on scores of occasions, and that several deaths have recently taken place, he will disband this Board and appoint some competent persons who will carry out the law with some regard for the welfare of the poor?

On the 12th March last the Local Government Board sanctioned the loan required for the improvement of the Killorglin water supply and the tender for the execution of the necessary works was accepted by the Killarney Rural District Council on the 27th July. A permit, however, had to be obtained by the contractors to obtain the necessary materials, and the Board urged the Ministry of Munitions on the 7th September to give the permit. Some further information, however, was required by the Ministry, which has since been furnished, the Board understand, by the Rural District Council, and doubtless the permit will be issued without delay. With regard to the latter part of the question the Board have no power under existing laws to dissolve a Rural District Council.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a petition from the ratepayers of the village of Cullenstown, South Wexford, asking for the erection of a public pump whether he is aware that the doctor for the district states that their present supply of water is highly dangerous for human use and to the public health generally; that the doctor has made several reports on this matter urging the necessity for a supply of pure water; and if he can say if the local authority is prepared to erect a public pump?

The answer to the first, second, and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that at the last meeting of the rural district council the matter was referred to the local councillors and the clerk of works for consideration and report.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has ordered the arrest of Dr. Kathleen Lynn, a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, in Dublin; whether she was arrested while attending to influenza patients; and whether the Lord Mayor of Dublin has obtained her unconditional release?

I signed an Order under Regulation 14B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations on the 17th May last directing the internment of Dr. Kathleen Lynn. She evaded the observation of the police and was not arrested until the morning of the 31st October. Representations were made by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and Sir Charles A. Cameron, executive health officer for Dublin, that Dr. Lynn was engaged on her professional work in connection with the influenza epidemic, and both suggested that she should be allowed to continue at her medical work in Dublin, subject to an undertaking to abstain from political work. Dr. Lynn signed an undertaking to take no part in politics, directly or indirectly, if released from custody, and not to leave the Dublin Metropolitan Police area. I thereupon signed an Order that she should be released from custody. It is not correct to say that the Lord Mayor of Dublin obtained her unconditional release.

Are we to understand that it is not merely conditional on the influenza epidemic, but as long as she continues her practice and observes this condition, she will be free?

That would no doubt be so, so long as she keeps the condition.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Sinn Fein party's offices in Belfast have been raided and the preparations for an election rendered futile by the seizure of canvass books and other matter; whether this is preliminary to the prevention of all electioneering by Sinn Fein candidates; and whether the same policy is to be carried out equally towards all parties?

The offices of the local Sinn Fein executive, 25, Mill Street, Belfast, were, in accordance with Government instructions, closed on the 7th instant, on an Order issued under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. They had been used as a centre for the distribution of seditious literature unconnected with electioneering purposes. Amongst a quantity of seditious literature seized some were documents which might be deemed to refer to the anticipated election. These have been returned.

Is it not a fact that any literature may be used in an election, and any sort of paper and material in any sort of office may conceivably be regarded as election literature? Where does the right hon. Gentleman draw the line?

I am sure the hon. Member would not wish anyone to think his friends use seditious literature.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state what arrangements have been or are being made to give security of tenure to Irish plot-holders similar to those granted for allotments in Great Britain; whether the money now paid to British holders will be given to Irish plot-holders; and whether, in view of the urgency of continuing food production, he will expedite legislation?

The whole subject of plot-holders is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to his previous questions on the subject.

Am I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman will give at least the same security for continuation of food production in Ireland as is given to the allotment-holders in Great Britain?

I am afraid I can add nothing to what I have said. The position in Ireland so far as the plot-holder himself is concerned is the same as in England.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether the Estates Commissioners or the Congested Districts Board have yet decided upon providing a holding of land for John Costello, who was evicted by Martin Walsh from his holding at Gurthagustalla, parish of Mayo, county Mayo; whether he is aware that in 1916 the Estates Commissioners decided that John Costello was entitled to a holding under the Evicted Tenants Act and that, having no untenanted land in the county for the purpose, they requested the Congested Districts Board to deal with the case; and that the Congested Districts Board in reply stated that it was not their duty, but that of the Estates Commissioners to provide the necessary land; and whether this evicted tenant is to be deprived of his statutory rights because of a disagreement between the two Departments as to their respective duties and obligations under the Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his previous question on the subject on the 2nd August, 1917, and to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the provision now being made to improve the pensions of English elementary teachers, he will make the necessary arrangements to secure an equivalent Grant for the same purpose for Irish national teachers; if so, what will be the amount of that Grant; and will he see that the improvement in the pensions of the Irish national teachers will operate from the same date as the improvement of the pensions of the English teachers?

The Commissioners of National Education are not in a position to state what Grant would be necessary to provide pensions for Irish National School Teachers similar to those intended for the teachers of English elementary schools. The question of suitable rates of pensions for Irish national teachers is one which has been referred to the Committee on primary education recently appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant, and I would ask the hon. Member to await the Report of the Committee.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether he is now able to announce the names of the eight members of the Irish Convention who objected to the publication of certain documents relating to the proceedings of the Convention; whether those eight members still maintain their objections; and, if so, what their objections are?

As I promised, I have consulted the gentlemen referred to. As some of them still demur to the publication of their names I regret that I cannot accede to the request of the hon. Member.

May I make an appeal to the right hon. Gentleman, whether he will not now decide to publish all the particulars about the Convention, in view of the fact that there are only eight out of ninety men who object to publication?

The matter is under consideration, but I think it is still undesirable.

Are we to take it that the policy of the Irish Government is to be ruled by the minority instead of the majority?

From whose point of view is it undesirable? Is it not better to have the point of view of a large majority than of eight out of ninety?

From the point of view of the Convention.

Will the minority rule always in Ireland?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Town Hall at Mallow, county Cork, has for some time past been in possession of the republican candidate for Parliament and his supporters, with a flag flying which has in other parts of Ireland been forbidden by the competent military authority; and will he say why a building maintained at the public expense and by the ratepayers, who are opposed to the establishment of an Irish republic, is allowed to be so utilised?

The town hall at Mallow is a house leased by the Mallow Urban Council from the town landlord. The Urban Council have rooms in it rented by the county surveyor, the Income Tax collector, and other persons. One room is rented to members of the Sinn Fein Club, which room is now the headquarters of the Sinn Fein electioneering party for the Parliamentary Division of North-East Cork. A Sinn Fein party flag is hung out each day, but this flag has not inscribed on it any letters, seditious or otherwise, but is merely a flag of three colours—green, white, and yellow.

Is it legal for candidates to have the use of a public place like this?

Apparently the council has power to let the rooms if it wishes.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps are being taken to establish mills in the South of Ireland to deal with the flax grown this year; whether he is aware that the carriage alone to Belfast would be £12,000, which sum would nearly pay interest on double the capital required; and whether, as the industry offers such promise, he will see that the necessary assistance is given?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a Grant of £1,280,000 has been made to the English Board of Agriculture to encourage the growth of flax in England, and a guarantee of £600,000 to flax spinners in Belfast; whether he is aware that in the South of Ireland flax has been grown in increasing quantities during the past three years, and would become an important industry if facilities were available for deseeding, retting, and scutching; whether he is aware that this year 4,000 tons of flax must be taken from the South to Belfast to be dealt with, meaning a cost of £12,000 for carriage alone; and whether, under all those circumstances, he will consider the desirability of making a substantial Grant for establishing factories in suitable centres in the South of Ireland?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to his previous questions on this subject on 31st October and to the reply to the question of the hon. Member for South Derry on 7th August last.

asked the Minister of Munitions, in view of the future diminution of work in munition factories in Ireland, what steps, if any, he has taken to provide other employment for those at present engaged in Government munition factories?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the announcements which have been made on behalf of the Government in this House and in the Press on the subject. The same plans as are being made for Great Britain will be applied to Ireland.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether better arrangements will be made in connection with Irish hosiery contracts in Ireland to avoid the necessity of contractors having to deal with a Department in Edinburgh; and whether this work will be entrusted to a Department in Ireland where competent hosiery inspectors and finance inspectors could be employed to deal with the work expeditiously?

Arrangements have already been made for a representative of the Department of Wool Textile Production to be stationed in Ireland for the purpose of dealing with manufacturers in Ireland of hosiery. He will proceed to Ireland shortly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state when it is expected to have full control of the premises at Westland Row, Dublin, for the receiving and inspection depot; and whether the military authorities in Ireland are to have control of that Department in view of the promises to trade and Parliamentary representatives that the responsible officials at the Department at Westland Row would directly represent the War Office?

It is hoped to have complete possession of the premises by the 1st December next, but I cannot yet give a date for the completion of the structural alterations which are necessary. With regard to the second part of the question, the depot will be directly under the control of the War Office, but the officer in charge and his staff will be under the Irish Command for purposes of discipline.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that experience has shown that the whole business would be better without the intervention of the Irish Command?

I am afraid as regards discipline we have to put them under the Irish Command. As regards the management, that will be under an officer responsible to the War Office.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into that point?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether better facilities can be given to blanket and cloth manufacturing firms in Ireland which contract for supply to the War Office, and have to deal in Dublin with a representative of the Bradford Cloth Department, when the Surveyor-General's Department already exists as an Irish Department for War Office work?

The existing facilities place blanket and cloth manufacturers in Ireland in direct touch with the Department of Wool Textile Production, and it is not proposed to make any change in this respect.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to protect British interests in the circumstances recently brought to light in regard to the conduct of the close relative of an official in the Foreign Office, who is stated to have communicated with a highly-placed personage in Germany, through the medium of the mail bag of a neutral Embassy?

The case to which I think the hon. Baronet refers is being dealt with under the appropriate powers, and I do not think it desirable to make any statement on it at the present moment.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that public interests will be adequately protected?

Quite.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is about to commandeer under the Defence of the Realm Act some valuable and high-class residential premises in Cleveland Row, St. James's, for war purposes; if so, to what use he intends to apply this property; and whether, under the existing circumstances, he will postpone taking such action?

The answer is in the negative.

Does my right hon. Friend mean that he is not going to take over this property, or that he will reconsider the matter?

No; I mean what I said. I do not intend to take over the property.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman be a little more civil?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make an Order under Section 9 of the Non-Ferrous Metals Act to bring manganese and chromium and their ores under the operation of that Act, in order to obtain the power to enable him to put an end to thy control of these metals by firms of enemy Association, like that of K. Ettlinger and Company?

The question of a possible extension of the list of metals and their ores included within the scope of the Non-Ferrous Metal Industry Act is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if Mr. Ernest Moon's Committee reported to him on 16th April of this year that the business of K. Ettlinger and Company is a case of enemy association, that it did not fall within Section 1 of the Trading With the Enemy Act, 1916, and that in the opinion of the Committee further legislation was desirable to enable the Government to deal with it; and will he say why he has not taken steps to obtain the necessary powers to enable him to remove this and similar instances of enemy control during the War?

The Advisory Committee under the Trading With the Enemy Acts reported to the effect stated in the hon. Baronet's question, but I did not feel prepared to introduce legislation which would bring many firms of undoubted British character within the scope of the winding-up provisions of emergency legislation.

Is it not the fact that the firm, which has been found by a Government Committee to be of enemy association, has been allowed to continue to trade during the War against British interests?

I do not think I can usefully add to what I have already said, that this case was gone into very carefully by the Board of Trade, which took advice from various quarters. The conclusions we came to, I think, were right and they are embodied in my reply.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the case of this firm could be dealt with if English legislation were similar to the Indian legislation of this country; and will he assimilate the English legislation to the Indian?

I am afraid I am not versed in Indian legislation and I could not give a satisfactory reply.

Is there any reason why, this firm having been in substance recommended to be wound up by Mr. Moon's Committee, which found a technical difficulty, effective steps should not be taken to enable it to be wound up?

I think the hon. Baronet must accept that there are reasons why we did not take the step suggested by the Moon Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if an investigation was made by an accountant appointed by the Board of Trade into the affairs of Messrs K. Ettlinger and Company; if the investigation extended to the relationships existing between K. Ettlinger and Company and the Carlton Iron Company, Limited; and will he lay the accountant's report upon the Table?

The answer to the first and second part of the question is in the affirmative. Reports of inspectors appointed by the Board of Trade under the Trading With the Enemy Act are invariably treated as confidential documents, and I do not therefore propose to lay this report upon the Table.

Is it not desirable in the public interest that where the right hon. Gentleman finds it necessary to take action in direct opposition to a Government Committee he should give the public some fair reason why he has had to go in opposition to it?

I am quite prepared to give the hon. Baronet the reasons why we were not prepared to carry out their recommendation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the. Department of Overseas Trade has developed any plans, or is it contemplating the development of plans, in order to utilise the medium of cinematography to assist British foreign trade; and whether the cinematograph department of the Ministry of Information could be used for this purpose?

The question has been carefully considered by the Department in consultation with its Advisory Committee, which is composed of representatives of industrial, commercial, and financial interests. The Department is prepared to give to British firms who desire to engage in cinematograph advertisement abroad of their industries any assistance that it can, through the medium of its officers overseas, in obtaining facilities for the display of films.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the difficulty and, in some cases, the impossibility of obtaining milk in many villages and small towns, he intends to take any action before the close of the Session enabling rural district councils to provide land for milch cows in their respective areas?

I am obliged to the hon. Member for calling my attention to the matter, which is now under consideration.

asked the Shipping Controller whether any, and what, tonnage has during the last few days been diverted for the importation of maize from the Argentine, and/or cotton seed from Egypt for the purpose of increasing our supply of concentrated feeding-stuffs for cattle?

As soon as the Armistice was signed, the necessary diversions were made to increase our importations of feeding-stuffs, 50,000 tons of liners have already been sent to the River Plate for the carriage of maize to the Allies, and as regards cotton seed, the Ministry of Food's requirements are being well met.

asked the Home Secretary who is the official, and what his rank is, and what are the qualifications and experiences of the official, who finally decides the type of tyres to be used on motor cabs in the Metropolitan police area; and whether he will consider the desirability of referring the matter to a committee of five experts nominated by the Royal Automobile Club?

The responsibility for any such decision rests with the Commissioner of Police; but the only Regulation now in force as to the types of tyres for motor-cabs is the Regulation requiring every motor-cab to have on one front and one rear wheel an approved means of preventing or limiting side-slip. The Commissioner could not properly delegate his responsibility to a committee nominated by a private body, but, if any technical matter should arise which requires reference to a committee of experts, he would be glad to invite the assistance of the Royal Automobile Club.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that, owing to the Military Service Act, 1916, the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has refused to grant a renewal of the licence of Thomas Arthur Read, motor-cab owner-driver, badge No. 1189, of 137, St. Elmo Road, Shepherd's Bush, although he has been licensed to drive a motor-cab and an omnibus for the past twenty years, has passed the Scotland Yard driving examination on nine different types of motor-cabs, two of which have been in the dark, has not had an accident above the value of £10, has not caused any injury to the life or limb of anyone, and has an excellent certificate of examination by Sir Anderson Crichett, F.R.C.S.E.; and whether, taking all these facts into consideration, he will immediately order a renewal of Read's licence?

The driver in question has lost the sight of one eye, as is stated in the medical certificate referred to in the question. The Commissioner of Police informs me that in refusing the licence he has acted on the recommendation contained in the Report of the Committee on the Licensing of Partially Disabled Men as Drivers, that a licence should not be granted to a man who has only one eye. As I stated in a reply to the right hon. Member for Deptford on the 12th instant, it is proposed to reconstitute this Committee in order that the subject of the employment of injured men as drivers may be further considered; and this case along with other similar cases will then come again under review.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the Commissioner of Police has refused to grant a renewal of driving licence to Herman Stern, badge 9588, motor-cab owner-driver; and whether, in view of the fact that Stern drove a motor-cab for a number of years before joining the Army, was in France for nearly two years in the Royal Fusiliers, was in several engagements, was badly gassed, and eventually discharged, he will order an immediate renewal of Stern's licence?

Stern was licensed in July, 1914, to drive a motor-cab. He enlisted in the Army in December, 1915, and was discharged in. September, 1917, as "subject to epileptic fits," and his application for renewal of licence had to be refused on medical grounds. As Licensing Authority the Commissioner would fail in carrying out his statutory duty if he licensed an epileptic to drive a motor-cab.

Is it the fact that this man is fully incapacitated from resuming his work because of epileptic fits?

I cannot give any other answer than this, which has been supplied to me by the Chief Commissioner of Police; who speaks with full authority.

asked the Chief Secretary if, in view of the great inconvenience caused to travellers between this country and Ireland by the recent changes in the sailings, he will take the necessary steps for the normal service to be resumed?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am informed that the recent changes in the times of sailings of the Kingstown-Holy-head Mail boats were made by the owners themselves, with the concurrence of the General Post Office. The Shipping Controller, and I understand the Admiralty also, have no objection to the resumption of the normal sailings if the other parties concerned consider it desirable.

When will the normal course of things be restored? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at present passengers are detained at half-past five in the morning, when no other travelling facilities are available?

As I tried to explain, this is not a matter for the Ministry of Shipping, but for the owners themselves, with the concurrence of the Postmaster-General.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we have been referred to the Shipping Department to have the matter settled?

This is not a matter for the Ministry of Shipping. An alteration will, I understand, be made as soon as possible.

Will the hon. Gentleman make representations in the proper quarters, with a view to improving existing conditions?

Certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the opinion held by borough councils and others to the effect that the recommendations of the Reports of the Coal Conservation Sub-committee to the Ministry of Reconstruction and the Electric Power Committee to the Board of Trade should be translated into effective legislation by Parliament at the earliest possible moment; and, seeing that it is of the utmost importance that the Government should provide industry with the means indicated in those Reports of absorbing the labour which will be available on demobilisation with the least possible dislocation and delay, will he take steps to carry out these recommendations?

I am aware of the opinions held, and can assure the hon. Member that I fully realise the importance of the matter, and hope to be able to place before Parliament proposals for legislation with the least possible delay.

asked whether the petrol licences to candidates for Parliament can be issued in respect of hired cars or only for privately owned ones?

The Petrol Control Department will not require any information as to the ownership of the cars which will be used by candidates and their agents, and no distinction will, therefore, be made between hired and privately owned cars.

Can the right hon. Gentleman now see his way to increase the allowance of petrol?

Yes, Sir; it has been decided to make some increase in the allowance of petrol both for candidates and their agents. The allowance will be increased by 10 gallons in each instance. That will increase the amount from 20 to 30 gallons, according to the size of the constituency.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give a larger increase for those who have very large county constituencies?

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman's reply to mean that voters may be brought to the poll in hired cars?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how many motor cars may be used at an election—one for the candidate, one for the agent, and one for anybody else?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving a larger supply of petrol to those members who represent very large constituencies?

This question of the allowance of petrol for use during the General Election was very carefully considered by representatives of all Departments, and the matter was under discussion for several weeks. The decision was the result of a carefully prepared plan, I have gone into the matter since, and although I do not pretend to be a proper authority to determine what can be done, I feel that the decision come to by those competent to advise the Government was under the circumstances the best to be done.

Further questions had better be put on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister if he will say what arrangements will be made to enable Irish workmen engaged on work of national importance in Great Britain to vote in the coming election; if he is aware that, at the outbreak of war, many Irish workmen were sent to Great Britain by trade unions and Labour Exchanges; and if he will see that arrangements are made to enable them to vote?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Any elector who by reason of the nature of his occupation, service, or employment might be debarred from voting at a poll at a Parliamentary election was entitled to claim to be placed on the absent voters' list, so that he might vote by post. If an Irish workman was resident in England during the qualifying period and has been registered for an English constituency he can vote as an elector for that constituency.

asked the Prime Minister whether the soldiers who will have returned to this country before the polling day at the forthcoming General Election will be entitled to vote as absent voters, whether actually at their own homes on such polling day or in some other part of the United Kingdom; and, it not, what arrangements will be made by the Government to meet the new situation created by the termination of hostilities?

Any person on the absent voters' list is entitled to vote by post, if he is not a proxy voter, and arrangements have been made by which soldiers who may be in this country or detached from their units can themselves notify to the Registration Officer the addresses to which they desire their ballot papers forwarded.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he will instruct returning officers to issue ballot papers to military voters in uniform who present themselves at polling places where such voters' names are not entered on the absent voters' list or the supplements thereto?

Undischarged soldiers who are registered and have not before the poll been placed on the absent voters' list for their constituency will be able to vote at the appropriate polling place in the same way as civilian voters if they are able to attend the polling place on the day of poll.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Coal Controller has received representations from the Leeds Industrial Co-operative Society with regard to the nature of the method adopted to fix supplies of coal; and whether he has been able to modify the method to meet the need of the large number of small consumers who are intimately concerned?

Representations have been received from this society objecting to their supplies being based on those of a previous year, but it is difficult in allocating the supplies of the country as a whole to adopt any other system.

asked whether any steps are being taken to provide for the increase of superannuation allowances to retired railway servants to meet the increased cost of living?

I am afraid that I cannot add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for the Tottenham Division of Middlesex on this subject on the 31st October, of which I am sending the hon. Gentleman a copy.

asked the Attorney-General whether he has yet completed his investigations as to the desirability of taking further proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act against certain directors concerned in the Immingham Dock case?

My right hon. and learned Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The further inquiries have been completed, and alter an exhaustive investigation by the Director of Public Prosecutions and by counsel, proof was not forthcoming upon which to prefer any criminal charge against any director or official of the company.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry what arrangements are made for cadets between their stay at Hampstead in the reception battalion and their transfer to a school or between their school and squadron; and what allowance or pay is given them?

Cadets ordinarily proceed direct from the distribution depot at Hampstead to the cadet brigade or school to which they are posted. If granted leave from the depot they are given on application an advance of pay at 1s. 6d. per diem, plus ration allowance at the rate of 2s. 1d. per diem.

Cadets passing from the school at Uxbridge to a training squadron are usually given a week's leave in respect of which an advance of seven days' pay and ration allowance is made as well as a return railway warrant. Cadets from the Dominions are given an additional advance in view of the fact that most of them have no homes in England.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that the present uncertainty with regard to the wearing of chevrons in the Air Service is causing disquiet to thousands of officers and men who are now entitled to wear them owing to their previous service at the front in the Army or the Navy; and whether he can give an assurance that the Air Council will publish their scheme allowing chevrons to be worn before the Dissolulion of Parliament?

The Air Council are aware that feeling exists in the Royal Air Force on this subject. Remedial action is being taken, and an announcement will be made as early as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that at the last meeting of the Medical Administrative Committee they unanimously re-affirmed their view that the new medical administrator should be willing to accept the principles laid down in the Medical Advisory Committee's Report, on the ground that unless this step were taken all the work of such committee might be undone to the detriment of the Air Service; and whether the new administrator is prepared to accept such resolution?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The offer of appointment was made to Colonel Fell on the recommendation of the Medical Administrative Committee which had not ascertained whether he concurred in the report of the Medical Advisory Committee. As, however, I stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Gloucester on the 4th instant, one of the conditions of the offer made to Colonel Fell is that he should be guided by the principles laid down by the Watson-Cheyne Committee subject to certain amendments as regards principles of administration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether on the 8th instant a letter was addressed to the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company by the Post Office authorities directing that the mail packet should not leave Kingstown till a certain hour in the afternoon, whether the mails and passengers were on board or not, though the contract with the company provides that the boats shall, under heavy penalties for non-compliance, start on their voyage immediately that the mails are put on board; whether since the 28th October the mails, passengers, and luggage have been on board twenty minutes before the time fixed for starting; whether, in view of the fact that the quarter of an hour or twenty minutes thus lost every day might be saved but for the letter referred to, he has authorised that letter; and will he now direct the order it contains to be withdrawn, and so shorten the journey from Dublin to London?

The City of Dublin Steam Packet Company themselves suggested 2.30 p.m. as the time of departure from Kingstown, and when it appeared that they were sometimes starting earlier they were told they should observe the time fixed. The time of arrival at Holyhead was fixed at 5.47 p.m., and the company were not willing to fix an earlier time. The timing of the train from Holyhead to Euston must depend on the fixed time of arrival of the boat, not on such an earlier time as the packet company are able on occasion to achieve. I hope, however, that daylight sailing and the difficulties which have arisen out of it will soon cease.

asked the Prime Minister whether, now that the Armistice has been signed, all restrictions on liberty of speech and the Press will be at once removed; all the regulations with such tendency made under the Defence of the Realm Act rescinded; all British subjects imprisoned without trial released; and all penalties for offences connected with political speech or writing remitted?

I can add nothing to the answer which I gave yesterday to a Private Notice Question by the hon. Member for East Mayo.

asked the Prime Minister whether, now that the Armistice has been signed, the death penalty will be abolished in the British Army?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement as to the restrictions or changes, as a result of the Armistice, which have been, or will be, effected in the activities of the War Aims Committee; and whether he will assure the House that the War Aims Committee will not be used in the electioneering campaign of the General Election?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether money is to be provided for the activities of the War Aims Committee and the Propaganda Department during the General Election; and whether he will state what is now the position of their agents and speakers?

The following letter was sent to all War Aims Committees on the 4th instant:

"The committee have decided that in the event of a General Election taking place, they will be compelled to suspend all war aims work for the time being.… Directly an official announcement is made, all engagements entered into will be automatically cancelled."

It has also been decided to suspend all meetings and publications during the period of the Armistice, with these exceptions, for which arrangements had been made: The illustrated supplements circulated by a number of provincial newspapers will be continued for two weeks. There will also be another issue of "Reality." All arrangements having already been made for a number of trades unionist members to visit the Western Front, these will be carried out.

May we be assured that not only the publication of leaflets but their issue to the public will be stopped, so that they will not be used for electioneering purposes by party candidates?

Yes, certainly; they are being told to close the whole thing down.

I should like, Mr. Speaker, to apologise for having to put down such an unpleasant question. It is not my desire to enlist fictitious sympathy—

The hon. and gallant Member should put his question, and not make a statement by way of preamble.

Then I will ask the question.

When Lille was liberated by the British troops, between 1,000 and 2,000 prostitute women suffering from venereal disease were found there, owing to the Germans having concentrated in Lille all the women from venereal hospitals in the area. There is no evidence that any of these women were forced by the enemy into adopting the profession of prostitution, nor is there any evidence as to any system of concubinage or allotment to German soldiers.

If I produce the officer who can give chapter and verse for this, will the right hon. Gentleman see that investigations are made?

:I will certainly see this officer personally.

asked whether, if it is decided to have a memorial in Hyde Park to those who have fallen in the War, this will be carried out solely at the public expense and by public authority, without any private action or private expenditure being permitted in connection therewith?

No proposal for a permanent memorial in Hyde Park to those who have fallen in the War has yet been submitted to me. Any such scheme could only be carried out at the public expense and with the approval of Parliament subject to the gracious permission of His Majesty the King, the Ranger of the Royal Parts.

asked the Prime Minister what promises he made at the conference held with representatives of the London Police on the 31st August as regards recognition and their right to join the National Union of Police and Prison Officers?

At the conference between the Prime Minister and representatives of the London Police Force on the 3lst August, the Prime Minister stated emphatically that the Government would on no account recognise the National Union of Police and Prison Officers, but that he would be prepared to recommend the Home Office to set up machinery through which members of the police force could make representations to the proper authorities regarding any grievances as to their conditions of service.

Does the same rule apply to the Dublin Metropolitan police?

I think that that question had better be addressed to the Chief Secretary.

asked the Prime Minister if he will say when he intends to introduce the War Pledges Bill; whether he is aware that a spirit of suspicion and unrest is growing up amongst trades unionists and others at the delay in giving legislative effect to the pledges made by the Government at the commencement of the War; whether he is aware that until this Bill is passed it will be impracticable for organised labour to enter into effective negotiations with the Government and other employers regarding readjustments that may be desirable owing to experience gained during the War; and, in view of the fact that several weeks must elapse before a new Parliament is able to deal with this matter, whether he will reconsider the question of carrying the Bill through both Houses before the Dissolution?

asked whether the Government, in the interests of industrial peace, will immediately introduce a Bill to fulfil its pledges to the trades unionists?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave in reply to a supplementary question by my Noble Friend the Member for South Nottingham on the 12th of November, except to repeat that the Government are at present in consultation with the representatives of the organisations concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that an essential element of industrial reconstruction will be hung up unless this Bill is passed, and that rearrangements cannot be made by the trade unionists until they have got the pledges given to them ratified by law?

The Government are quite aware of the importance of the question and the necessity of coming to a decision about it. I hope that my hon. Friend will regard it as a wise course to have the matter investigated by those who are interested, and that he will agree that no harm is likely to arise from that course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has yet decided to appoint a Committee to consider the advisability of increasing the weekly payments to old age pensioners?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the urgency and importance of this matter, and that any proposal which he would make in the direction indicated in the question would have the whole-hearted support of the House?

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the delay in acceding to the memorial from the men employed on travelling post offices, who have been so severely hit by the War, and the small amount now given to them—the increase is on the basis of a 10 per cent. addition for the duration of the War, about 4d. or 6d. a day—he will arrange to have the Grant made retrospective at least from the date on which the memorial was lodged?

I regret that I cannot undertake to apply this concession retrospectively.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it fair, after keeping these men waiting for eight months, to give them no compensation?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that some firms are dismissing soldiers whom they are employing on discovery that they have been wounded in the War; and whether it is possible for him to make representations if specific cases are brought to his notice?

I was not aware that any firms had dismissed soldiers in the circumstances referred to. My hon. Friend, however, has brought a specific case to my notice, which is being investigated. In connection with each Employment Exchange a Committee, consisting of equal numbers of employers and employed, has been appointed, to whom such cases will be submitted for inquiry. Further arrangements are under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that in the ranks of employers there is great uncertainty as to what their liabilities will be with regard to many of these men coming back from the front wounded in reference to the matter of employment?

I am holding a conference this afternoon in respect of that same question.

asked why the request of the Nottingham Committee of Lord Roberts' Memorial Workshops for permission to order the necessary machinery has not been granted?

Sanction was granted for the supply of machine tools which, in the opinion of the Minister, were suitable for the purpose for which they were required. The Nottingham Committee wished to secure new machine tools but, in view of the urgent demand for new tools for direct munitions work, the Department did not feel justified in releasing new machines. The committee were at first unwilling to accept the second-hand machinery offered, although in good condition. Twenty-one machines submitted out of the twenty-five required have, however, now been accepted.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his Department have place orders with the International Paint and Compositions Company, Limited, formerly known as Holzapfel, Limited, and their subsidiary companies, the Sunlight Enamel and Paint Company, Limited, and the British Aeroplane Varnish Company, Limited; whether the firm Holzapfel, Limited, was struck off the Admiralty list; whether it has now been restored under the name of the International Paint and Compositions Company, Limited, together with its subsidiary companies; whether these companies are managed by Mr. Bertie Ward, formerly Mr. Bertie Holzapfel, and Mr. Theodore Ward, formerly Mr. Theodore Holzapfel; whether much of the detail work is done by a naturalised German named Mempel; and if there are other firms more British in origin who are equally capable of carrying out contracts for the Government?

The firm of Holzapfel, Limited—now the International Paint and Compositions Company, Limited—was suspended from the Admiralty list pending inquiries, and their name has not yet been restored. The Admiralty has been informed that all the directors of the company are natural-born British subjects, and it is understood that Mr. Maempel has severed his connection with the firm. As regards the last part of my hon. Friend's question, it has been ascertained from the Board of Trade that the management, staff and shareholding of the International Paint and Compositions Company, Limited, are almost entirely British. The firms mentioned as subsidiary companies do not appear to be known to the Admiralty.

asked the Minister of National Service what restrictions in recruiting, and what relief from the conditions of national service, are already effected, or may immediately be expected, as a result of the cessation of hostilities?

While recruiting under the Military Service Acts has been suspended, those Acts remain in force in case necessity should arise for bringing them again into operation A man, therefore, who holds a conditional exemption and who ceases to fulfil the conditions on which the certificate was granted would be liable to be called up for service in the event of a resumption of recruiting under the Military Service Acts, subject to the right (under new Regulations for tribunals about to be made) of applying for renewal of exemption within seven days of the issue to him of a calling-up notice or the issue of a public notice of the resumption of recruiting under the Military Service Acts. The same considerations apply to voluntarily attested men who have been granted conditional exemption by a tribunal.

Do I understand the hon. Gentleman to say that men who no longer observe the conditions of their exemption will not be subject to any interference?

Recruiting is suspended, but I think that the hon. Gentleman had better read my answer which will be published broadcast.

Will these new conditions be issued quite shortly?

I hope, immediately.

Is it understood that a person whose exemption has expired need not make application for renewal until public notice has been issued?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he proposes to relax any of the decisions of tribunals arrived at, say, within thirty days of the signing of the Armistice with Germany, whereby men of forty-two and upwards with wives and families and businesses are called up now or at a future date; and are these men to be allowed to remain at their work?

Instructions were issued on the 11th instant suspending all recruiting under the Military Service Acts, and cancelling all outstanding notices calling men up for medical examination or for service.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men were sent to the Colours on the 11th of the month, and on the 12th, after the Armistice was signed?

I would like to have instances of that if my hon. Friend will supply them.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he is aware that Albert Seaton, of 257, High Street, Camden Town, London, N.W., the proprietor of a one-man butcher's business, having about 3,000 registered customers, whose age is thirty-six years and nine months, who is graded 2, and whose occupation, age, and grading bring him within the reservations of the Revised List of Certified Occupations, has been summoned to appear at the Bow Street Police Court as an absentee, in spite of the fact that the County of London Tribunal has recently passed a resolution that the operation of the Revised List of Certified Occupations could be regarded as a sufficient reason within the meaning of the Regulations for the rehearing of a case even if the man became liable for Army service before the list came into force, and despite the fact that the Ministry of Food is pressing for the exemption of Mr. Seaton, the rehearing of his case before the tribunal has been refused by an official of the Ministry of National Service; and whether, seeing that the executive officer of the St. Pancras Food Control Committee made a statutory declaration on the 25th October last declaring that if Albert Seaton should be called up for military service serious public inconvenience would be caused, steps will at once be taken to withdraw the proceedings referred to?

General instructions were issued on the 11th instant cancelling all police notices concerning absentees, and discontinuing all proceedings against absentees and for recruiting offences.

asked the Minister of National Service whether, in view of the cessation of the War, the prosecutions pending against persons for alleged evasion of military service will now be discontinued; and if those arrested or sent to prison will now be released?

Instructions were issued on the 11th instant cancelling all police notices concerning absentees and discontinuing all proceedings against absentees and for recruiting offences. It is not possible to reopen the cases of men who, previously to those instructions, had already been convicted by the Civil Service.

When will the cases of those who have already been before the Courts be considered?

As I have already said, it is not possible to reconsider the cases of men who have already been convicted.

What about the cases of those who have not been convicted, and against whom proceedings are pending?

As I have stated, all proceedings have been suspended.

Does the answer of the right hon. Gentleman refer to cases of men handed over from the military authority to the civil authority, the Home Office?

I had better have notice of that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any provision is being made to grant early release to soldiers who, before mobilisation, were possessors of one-man businesses; and whether any financial help to these men is contemplated, in view of their losses incurred?

I dealt with the first part of my hon. Friend's question in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Tavistock on Tuesday last. With regard to the second part, I must refer to the speech of my right hon. Friend the Member for Hoxton on the same date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state to whom application should be made for the release of men from the Army for return to their civil occupations, and the principles which will govern the military authorities in granting such release?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Civil Demobilisation and Resettlement Department of the Ministry of Labour will be responsible for dealing with applications for the release of men from the forces and for laying down the principles which, subject to the exigencies of the naval and military situation, will regulate the order of release. I propose to deal with both these points in a public announcement.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the steps taken to overcome the outbreak of rabies in Devon and Cornwall are meeting with satisfactory results; if he will state the number of people that have been bitten and deaths that have taken place from this cause; and whether there is a sufficient quantity of muzzles available for carrying out the Muzzling Order?

So far there has been no spread of rabies beyond the two counties in which it was originally found to exist. But the period of incubation of rabies, though usually one of days, may be one of months, and it is always possible that the disease may have been carried to another part of the country in a dog which has not yet developed it. I trust, however, that the measures which are being taken against the disease in the two counties are such as to ensure its final eradication after all the present sources of infection have been brought to light. In reply to the second part of the question, I am informed by the Local Government Board, who deal with hydrophobia, that there have been no cases of that disease and consequently no deaths. The number of persons known by that Department to have been bitten or scratched by rabid or suspected dogs is twenty-five. In reply to the last part of the question, the difficulty in obtaining muzzles, owing to the demands on wire for war purposes, handicapped the Department in the earlier stages of combating the disease. The Ministry of Munitions have since then given low priority certificates sufficient to release wire enough for about 130,000 muzzles, and allotted the wire to a certain number of makers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of feeling outside that qualified men are not consulted in the way they might be with a view to stamping out rabies?

I am not aware of any such feeling, and I do not believe, considering the eminence of our veterinary authorities, such an opinion is held.

As the Order comes in on the 15th, will the muzzles be ready for the public by that time?

I hope so.

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, why these words have been omitted from my question, "taken from her training in the wards and sent out," and these words have been deleted also, "at 13s. 5d. to herself and £2 12s. 6d. to the London Hospital"? May I suggest to you, Sir, that the words of my question have no meaning whatever with these words deleted? What I want to know is if these nurses who are taken from their training in the wards at the end of the second year, and sent out to private nursing at 13s. 5d. to themselves and £2 12s. 6d. to the London Hospital—has any report come from any matron that nurses who get two years' training and two years' farming are as good as nurses trained in other hospitals?