asked the President of the Board of Trade why a small body of discharged sailors and soldiers, all possessing first-hand experience in that business, were refused permission to charter a small steamer to run in the general cargo trade between London and Northern France?

I am informed by the Ministry of Shipping that in order effectively to control the general cargo trade between the United Kingdom and France it was found necessary to confine the business to the regular lines established before the War working directly under the control of the Ministry. The question of the continuance of this system in view of the altered circumstances is now under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, seeing that the time is now approaching when purchases must be made, if he will restore to timber importers the right to buy Baltic and American wood goods for importation next first open water?

I regret that the tonnage situation and other circumstances do not yet admit of the desired permission being given, but the matter will not be lost sight of.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that over a thousand timber merchants and staffs have been thrown out of employment since the Government took over the control of timber, and now that the Navy and Army have been attended to in their wants has not the time arrived to let these men resume their old employment?

It is impossible to relax the conditions at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that both the Timber Controller and the buyer want to go back to their old employment and are anxious to see the system wound up?

I am not aware of that.

It is true.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board of Trade or other Government Department is still the only importer of foreign eggs into this country; whether the distribution of the eggs has been placed largely in the hands of foreign firms and British firms excluded; whether he is aware that, among the number for such foreign firms, the following are included: Danish Import Company, Harry Shacke, Vilh Tange, E. C. Host, S. V. Rutyan, A. Delcomyn, Œtyes and Gerritsen, Zwanenberg, all Danish or Dutch firms, whereas the British firm of G. E. Ayscough has only been given, since 1st October, twenty-five cases to sell, while, in a similar period last year, they had imported over 400 cases, the distribution of which has this year been given to their foreign competitors?

I have been asked to reply. The Ministry of Food are at present the only importers of foreign eggs in this country. The distribution of egg supplies is controlled by an advisory committee consisting of four Englishmen and one Scotsman, and eggs are in all cases allocated on a percentage basis corresponding with the amount of sales in previous years.

Why is it that all these foreign firms are employed and not English firms?

The egg importation trade has always been chiefly in the hands of foreign firms. No British firms have been excluded, though one received no allocation because it omitted to furnish the application.

asked the Food Controller whether he has received resolutions passed by the National Caterers' Protection Society with reference to the inferior and unsatisfactory quality of the potatoes now being supplied to coffee-house, restaurant, and dining-room keepers in London; and, if so, will he at once take steps to remedy this state of things?

The answer to that first part of the question is in the affirmative. The shortage of agricultural labour, accentuated by the influenza epidemic, has resulted in potatoes reaching the markets which in the ordinary course would not have been dispatched. Moreover, a considerable amount of potato disease has been caused by the recent bad weather. Representations have already been made to the Food Production Department with a view to the provision of additional labour and the situation should improve when this labour becomes available.

asked the Food Controller whether he has received a letter from the Glasgow Retail Fleshers' Association, dated 7th instant, in which complaint is made that inferior cattle and sheep are dumped in that, market in great number, and stating that the Live-stock Commissioner for Scotland, when this complaint was made to him, threatened that if complaints were continued he would withdraw their buying permits; whether he has inquired into this statement, and with what result; and whether arrangements will be made whereby the people in that city will get cattle of equal quality to those sent elsewhere

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There is no ground for the suggestion that Glasgow is receiving an unfair proportion of inferior meat, although exact equality of allocation between different areas cannot invariably be guaranteed in face of present transport conditions. The Live-stock Commissioner merely declined to allow butchers to accept only such part of their allocation as consisted of first-quality meat. I can assure my hon. Friend that every effort will be made to increase the supply of best quality meat to Glasgow.

asked the Food Controller whether he will take steps to see that the proportion of cattle feeding-stuffs promised to Ireland under arrangement with the Ministry of Food will forthwith be shipped to Ireland

asked the total quantity of cattle-feeding cakes and meals produced in or imported into the United Kingdom since 1st June, 1918; the percentage of such cake and meals promised to Ireland under the arrangement with the Ministry of Food last summer; and the actual percentage of such cattle-feeding cakes and meals shipped to Ireland between 1st June and 1st November, 1918?

Between 1st June and 1st November no cattle-feeding cake or meal was imported into the United Kingdom. The total amount of cake and meal manufactured in the United Kingdom during this period was 253,000 tons, of which 50,000 tons were placed to reserve, while 203,000 tons were made available for consumption. Of this amount Ireland, under the arrangement made last summer, was entitled to receive 12 per cent. Owing to difficulties of transport, which have been and are most acute, Ireland has at present received only seven-twelfths of the promised amount, but the improved situation has now made it possible to arrange for the prompt shipment of the balance.

asked the Food Controller whether the condition on which farmers are allowed to use 20 per cent. of the barley grown on their farms is that the remaining 80 per cent. must be supplied to maltsters and brewers; if not, what are the conditions laid down for the disposal of barley; and is its use in bread now to be treated as an offence against the Defence of the Realm Act?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. On application to a grain officer a farmer may obtain release of 20 per cent. of his threshings of barley or the whole of his damaged barley tailings, screenings, and dressings, whichever is the greater, on condition that the balance is sold either to a licensed manufacturer or to a recognised dealer in grain. Millers will not purchase further quantities of home-grown barley for use in the manufacture of G.R. flour, but will use up their present holdings.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the crowded state of long-distance trains, he can see his way to provide more accommodation for passengers than is at present available?

The question of the accommodation provided on passenger trains, especially on long-distance journeys, is receiving careful consideration. I realise that owing to the restrictions which have been inevitable during the War, the public have had to put up with a great deal of inconvenience. The difficulty in the present instance is one of coal supplies, and I can assure the hon. Baronet that as soon as the coal position improves we shall take steps to improve the passenger train accommodation. I hope that it may be possible in some of the more urgent cases of congestion on the long-distance trains to make some improvement before very long.

Does my hon. Friend seriously suggest that the question of coal supply makes all the difference between an extra carriage or two on long-distance journeys, especially as there are eight or ten people standing on the night journey to Scotland; and will he give a definite answer if he will do it?

Most of the long-distance trains have reached the limit that is possible.

Does the hon. Gentleman know they have reached the limit for discomfort to travellers, and will he pay personal attention to night trains to Scotland—because if he has ever done it, he will know the inconvenience of travelling to Scotland?

Is the hon. Member not aware that it is found possible to put extra carriages on in Scotland and not at the London termini?

That may be so, but I have made the journey to Scotland quite a number of times—

On a sleeper?

On a sleeper, and also not on a sleeper, and I know trains which travel from the London termini are absolutely up to the limit of the power of the engines and the length of the platforms.

Will my hon. Friend make representations with a view to returning to the original duplicate of the Scottish trains, and get over it in that way?

That is exactly where we come up against the problem of coal. I can assure the House we are anxious not only for the sake of civilians, but especially for the soldiers, who have often to travel in the corridor trains, and in the corridors. We shall give them all the accommodation it is possible to provide.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that two Highlanders had to sleep on the light rack all night, and I myself had to stand for the best part of three hours?

I was not aware that the hon. Member had to sleep on the light rack. I have seen men sleeping on the floor. I know the difficulty, and we are doing our best to meet a difficult situation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the inconvenience to the public and the injury to health caused by the overcrowding of trains in the London area, he will take steps to increase transit facilities both by omnibus and by the underground railways?

Neither the omnibuses nor the tube railways in the London area are under Government control, but I am confident that the companies concerned are aware of the desirability of improving their transit facilities so far as may be possible in existing circumstances. I am, however, bringing to their notice the point raised by the Noble Lord.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Tramways Committee set up by his Department has appointed Mr. A. H. Pott to a salaried appointment under the Committee; if he will state what the duties are of the post and the salary attached to it; what are Mr. Pott's qualifications for the position; if he was previously engineer and manager to the London United Tramways Company; and if he was only appointed by the casting vote of the chairman of the Committee, who is also managing director of the tramways company?

I understand that the answers to the first and fourth parts of the hon. Member's question are in the affirmative. Mr. Pott's duties are those of a visiting technical officer at a proposed salary of £750 a year. Besides being formerly engineer and manager to the London United Tramways and the Metropolitan Electric Tramways, Mr. Pott is a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. I have no reason to doubt that Mr. Pott was selected as being fully qualified for the post.

asked whether the illustrated supplements now given to certain journals are to be discontinued; whether the paper so saved can be given to newspapers for the extra demands of the election; and whether he can give the number of newspapers supplied with the supplements and the total circulation of one issue of the supplement

I am informed that the supplements in question will be discontinued after the issue now in the Press. The paper has been supplied by the Stationery Office, whose requirements will be reduced accordingly, but as the consumption for this purpose during the last six months has been 140 tons, it will be seen that the saving is too small to permit of a general distribution among newspapers. During last week 249 provincial newspapers were supplied with supplements, the total circulation being 794,529.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Coal Controller has issued an Order in Scotland stopping the exportation of coal to Ireland; whether, as a result, three steamers coaling at Ayr have been prevented from loading their cargoes of coal; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to trade, he will take steps to remove the embargo?

No embargo has been placed upon the exportation of coal from Scotland to Ireland, but last week some difficulty was experienced in providing supplies owing to the holiday spirit which prevailed amongst the miners in common with other classes.

Is it not the case that when the coal was actually alongside the Ayr harbour the loading was suspended by order?

Not by order.

Yes, by order.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement in regard to the present international status of Roumania in connection with the acts of war which have been and are being committed on Roumanian territory?

Ever since the conclusion of peace between Roumania and the enemy Powers the Allied Governments have considered and treated Roumania as a neutral.

The German forces in Roumania have, however, recently made that country a basis for belligerent action against the Allied forces, and His Majesty's Government, while drawing attention to this fresh violation of international law on the part of the enemy, decline all responsibility for any acts of war which may be imposed upon them by the presence of enemy forces on Roumanian territory.

asked the Foreign Secretary whether he is aware that persons of British nationality travelling in Germany before the War were forcibly imprisoned or interned some days before war was declared between this country and Germany; and has he any statement to make on the subject?

It is possible that a certain number of British subjects were unable to leave Germany during the days immediately preceding the outbreak of war, and that some few of these were placed under arrest. I will have an inquiry made into any individual case if my hon. and gallant Friend will supply me with any data on which to proceed.

asked the Prime Minister whether Germany is strictly and honourably carrying out the terms of the Armistice regarding the immediate release and repatriation of all British prisoners in Germany; and, if not, whether he will arrange with our Allies and America that no food supplies will be given to Germany until this condition of the Armistice is rigidly and fully complied with?

There is no evidence to show that the German Government is not carrying out the terms of the Armistice regarding British prisoners, but should such evidence be forthcoming, I do not doubt that His Majesty's Government will at once reconsider their attitude on the question of food supplies passing into Germany.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to the immediate and faithful compliance by Germany with the terms of the Armistice regarding British prisoners in Germany, he will arrange through the proper channels and authorities that every British prisoner in Germany shall immediately be put in a position and have every facility given him to communicate by letter or otherwise with the proper British authorities his name, description, place of imprisonment or internment, and other particulars of indication, so that no British prisoner may be overlooked or hidden away, but shall immediately be transported to the German frontier and handed over to our representatives?

British prisoners of war in Germany have already the right to communicate with the British authorities, but in the present unsettled state of Germany such communications are necessarily precarious. The names and camps of by far the greater number of the prisoners is known, and the German authorities will be given a full list of all untraced men, and be held accountable for their production.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen statements that British prisoners are kept working in the mines in Germany, and are on the verge of starvation?

I have seen the statement, but it is in the terms of Armistice, which we have no reason to believe they are not carrying out, that the prisoners shall be immediately sent back as soon as it is possible, and deliberations have been taking place in the last two or three days.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether he can say the number of British prisoners of war in Germany in hospitals whose names are unknown; and, if there are many such, whether there will be arrangements made for priority of their return?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on the 31st October to my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the prisoners of war camp at Auchterarder, in Perthshire, is ever inspected by his Department; if so, when was the last visit of such inspector; is he aware that dissatisfaction with the food and arrangements exists in that camp; whether the officer commanding sells the food to the men under him and to the prisoners; and have the soldiers there to march fifty German prisoners daily to and from their work, the latter in darkness, on lonely roads, with unloaded rifles and no ammunition?

I am informed by the military authorities that this camp was inspected on 12th September last by an inspector from the War Office. Inquiry is being made by the local military authorities with regard to the other matters referred to in the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether his attention has been called to the case in which a party of German prisoners were found stealing potatoes from fields at night; whether these prisoners were supposed to be under military guard; and what steps have been taken to deal with those responsible and to prevent the recurrence of such an incident; and (2) whether a farmer's son was recently fined for giving a shot-gun to German prisoners; what form of supervision was being exercised over these prisoners at the time; and what action has been taken in the matter?

The military authorities have not yet received the reports asked for on these camps.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether German prisoners of war who were recently tried and acquitted on a serious criminal assault charge were proved to have been away from control for several hours; and, if so, what steps have been taken to deal with those responsible or to prevent a recurrence of such neglect to maintain proper discipline and supervision?

I am informed by the military authorities that the proceedings in this case have been carefully examined. It is unquestioned that the men were away from control, but there is no evidence that the guard were to blame. A further inquiry into the matter is, however, being made.

asked whether the Government in Russia is adopting a deliberate policy of starvation towards the Socialist and other parties that do not support the Bolshevist Government?

The information at the disposal of His Majesty's Government is to the effect that the deliberate policy of the Bolshevist Government is one of extermination by starvation, murder, and wholesale execution of all parties which do not support their regime.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in the interests of these unfortunate people the Government have taken any alternative course to the present policy, which, apparently, has no other effect than strengthening the forces of the Bolshevist Government?

I am not aware that anything His Majesty's Government have done or contemplated is likely to strengthen the Bolshevist Government, nor do I know what my Noble Friend means by an alternative course.

Is it because of these acts that we are now sending reinforcements to Russia?

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman refers to.

I understood this question was to be withdrawn. I understand it will be dealt with by my Noble Friend this evening in a manner more satisfactory than it can be dealt with in answer to a question.

asked whether the civil administration of the Macedonian territories occupied by the troops of Greece and Serbia will be exercised or supervised by British, French, or Serbian officials; and whether guarantees have been arranged by which excesses such as were proved to have occurred by the findings of the Carnegie Commission of 1913 will be avoided?

As the Greek and Serbian troops are not in occupation of any Macedonian territory outside their own frontiers, the question raised by the hon. Member does not seem to arise.

asked the Foreign Secretary if he could make any statement as to the repatriation of Belgians from this country

I have been asked to reply to this question. His Majesty's Government will undertake the repatriation of the Belgian refugees. My right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board has appointed a Commissioner for Repatriation, and he is in communication with the Belgian Legation and with the War Office, the Ministry of Shipping, and other Government Departments, with a view to taking the necessary steps as early as practicable. Those steps must, of course, be taken in concert with the Belgian Government.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether Belgians will be allowed permanently to reside in this country?

My hon. Friend had better put that question down.

Will the repatriation be conducted at the expense of His Majesty's Government?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture the number of claims which have been re- ferred to arbitration under the provisions of the Corn Production (Amendment) Act, 1918, the number of claims which have been settled without being referred to arbitration under the Act, and the total sum paid in settlement of such claims?

Up to the present no clams for compensation have been referred to arbitration under the Corn Production (Amendment) Act. One hundred and fifty-eight claims have been settled without reference to arbitration, and lump sum payments amounting to £12,952 5s. 3d. have been made, as well as annual payments in lieu of rent amounting to £2,570 11s. 11d. per annum.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the number of claims outstanding?

No, Sir; but I could inquire.

asked what arrangements he has made for the release from the Army of the key men for agricultural cultivation and cattle feeding

The Board are in consultation with the Ministry of Labour and the War Office on this subject. Though I cannot make any definite statement at the present time, I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the claims of agriculture will be pressed to the utmost.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when any of these men will be sent back to their farms?

I very much hope that some are on their way now.

Is the right hon. Gentleman pressing the claims of the men who have been recently called up, who are still in this country, and who might be released at once?

We are getting these men released at once.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the cessation of hostilities, he will con- sider the advisability of taking steps to prevent the arrest and re-sentencing of conscientious objectors; and whether he will order the discharge of those who are now in military guardrooms awaiting court-martial?

I am afraid I cannot adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that an application has been made to the Office of Woods and Forests for a building lease to be granted to a private limited liability company for the erection of a nursing home on the Regent's Park Crown estate, the building to be erected on the site of a large detached residence and on adjoining property embracing many private houses; and if such application will be entertained, having regard to the hitherto private residential character of the park and the restrictive covenants under which leases are held?

An application of the nature referred to was made to the Office of Woods and Forests and has been refused.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that on an application being made in October by a Glasgow firm for permission to purchase second-hand machinery for the manufacture of clog soles his Department refused to grant this permission, although the machinery wanted was second-hand and was standing unutilised; is he aware that this clog sole manufacturing was entirely in the hands of the Germans before the War; that this was a Scottish attempt to capture the trade; that a large portion of these clogs, if manufactured, would be used by our munition workers; and will he explain the reasons for this refusal

I assume that this question refers to an application made on the 7th June last by A. Scott and W. J. Calder, of Partick, Glasgow, for three woodwork- ing machines, two of which were in stock at Wylie and Company's premises in Glasgow. The Glasgow Area Board refused to recommend the release of these machines on the grounds:—

Is this the way in which the Government is going to encourage our manufacturers to get hold of this German trade?

When this application was made in June there was pressing need for machinery of this kind for aircraft, and it was held to be of more importance at the time.

Will the application be reconsidered if it be made now?

Certainly. The embargo on the sale of second-hand machinery has been removed.

Is there any reason why this Department should be continued at all?

The hon. Gentleman must give notice.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has appointed any women members on the Munitions Demobilisation Board; and, if not, will he consider the necessity of doing so, in view of the many women to be demobilised and of the effect which demobilisation will have on women's industrial future?

The main duties of the Demobilisation Board of the Ministry of Munitions are to wind up the financial and contractual obligations of the Ministry, to take executive action in connection with the control of materials so long as such control is needed, and to assist firms who have been engaged in the manufacture of munitions to turn over as rapidly as possible to peace production. As my right hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the greater portion of the staff of the Labour Department of the Ministry of Munitions has recently been transferred to the Ministry of Labour, to form part of the Demobilisation and Resettlement Department of that Ministry. In matters affecting the discharge of workpeople from munition factories, the Demobilisation Board will work in the closest possible co-operation with the Ministry of Labour. As, under this arrangement, the Minister of Munitions is not directly responsible for the demobilisation and resettlement of civil war workers, and also, in view of the fact that the duties of the Demobilisation Board of the Ministry of Munitions will be largely of a financial and technical nature, my right hon. Friend does not consider the appointment of women members necessary.

asked the Minister of National Service whether English and Scottish boys of fifteen to eighteen registered under the Military Service Acts are now free to emigrate to the United States; and whether compulsory registration of English and Scottish boys of fifteen is to continue, in view of the exemption of boys in Ireland from such registration?

As a result of the suspension of recruiting under the Military Service Acts, the issue of passports enabling British subjects to proceed abroad is no longer controlled in any way by the Ministry of National Service, nor does any consideration of a man's liability to military service affect the decision as to whether he is entitled to proceed abroad or not. With regard to the latter part of the question, the operation of the National Registration Acts has not yet been suspended nor does it seem advisable to suspend them until peace is secured.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if it is intended to restore the gates which have been removed from various entrances to Regent's Park so soon as peace is restored; if it is necessary to erect a wall with reinforced con- crete piers and barbed wire entanglements inside the iron railings enclosing Marylebone Green upon which large buildings have been erected; and if these will be removed on conclusion of peace?

No, Sir. For many years the gates at Park Square East, Park Square West, and York Gate were found to present a serious hindrance to traffic; they could not be closed owing to the levels of the road and have been removed accordingly, to the benefit of the public. The entanglement of wall will continue to be required as a protection to the buildings which store aircraft parts, etc., which are of considerable value and easily portable. The buildings, I fear, will have to remain for some time after the declaration of peace.

Cannot a better fence than barbed wire be supplied

Yes. I will look into that.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can state the steps which have been taken to apply the principles of the Whitley Report to the Post Office service?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Minister of Labour on the 13th instant to a question by the hon. Member for York on the subject of the application of the Whitley Report to Government Departments.

Is not the Post Office taking some steps in this direction

Certainly. It is a very complicated subject.

In view of the great interest which is taken in this subject throughout the country will the right hon. Gentleman issue a White Paper on the subject at an early date?

I am afraid that I cannot undertake to do that at present. I hope to have a complete scheme before long

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the increase of work during recent years that has been imposed on all sub-post offices in the London area owing to old age pensions, Army allowances, and other work, and the unsuitability of many of these offices both from a building and staff point of view, which causes delays to the public on busy days; and if he will provide, whenever possible, public post office buildings in all suitable areas in the future?

Branch post offices in public buildings would only be justified in localities where there is very considerable business. In such cases I am prepared to establish them when suitable opportunities occur, but at present there are many difficulties in the way of obtaining suitable buildings.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now revert to the normal practice of announcing the dates of dispatch of the Indian mail; and when the weekly service will be resumed?

The normal practice of announcing the dates of sailings of mail steamers is being resumed this week. I regret that I am unable to give any accurate forecast when the weekly service to India will be recommenced, but this question is under consideration.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the decision recently arrived at in respect to the officers and men of the Merchant Service by the trustees of the King's Fund for disabled officers and men covers the whole of the officers and men of the Merchant Service; and, if not, what exceptions are made?

The decision covers only those officers and men of the Mercantile Marine who signed on for the period of the War and are under naval discipline. It is only to that extent that the Mercantile Marine is pensionable by my Department.

Are the whole of the officers and men entitled to share?

The decision covers only those officers and men of the Mercantile Marine who signed on for the period of the War?

How many officers and men of the Mercantile Marine will be excluded from sharing in this way by this decision?

I cannot give the number. It is quite impossible.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that it was the policy of the Government that pensions and grants to members of the military and naval forces who were disabled either through wounds or illnesses contracted during the War should be a charge upon the State; and, if so, if he will explain why the King's Fund is promoted and furthered through the Ministry of Pensions?

I am aware of the fact stated, but I am not aware that when a disabled man has received his pension or grant from the State no one else may do anything to help him. If that is the policy of the Government it has been badly expressed, because Section 6 of the Naval and Military War Pensions (Administrative Expenses) Act, 1917, empowers the Minister of Pensions to receive gifts of money and apply them for the benefit of disabled officers and men. That Section supplies the sufficient answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the provisions of the Act give him the right to administer through the Ministry of Pensions a State fund and not a fund raised by voluntary subscriptions?

The fund to which the hon. Member refers is something which the State cannot provide and is not expected to provide, but is supplemental to what the State does.

Then could not the Statute be used to give disablement benefit to these disabled sailors and soldiers by starting some form of credit bank?

Disablement pensions are given to disabled men under the Royal Warrant. The voluntary fund is to enable disabled men to start in business.

The hon. Member had better put down any further questions which he wishes to ask.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will state exactly and in their different categories, together with their approximate number, those officers and men of the Merchant Service who are pensionable under the warrants of the Ministry of Pensions as being part of the naval forces of the Crown—that is to say, officers and men who have joined for the period of the War and are pensionable from public funds?

The figures are not contained in the records of my Department, but I am informed that the numbers of officers and men referred to in the question are: Officers 3,429, and men 17,554.

What, approximately, is the total number of officers and men employed in the Mercantile Marine?

I could not say; I have no record.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will consider the setting up in his Ministry of a credit bank to make loans to members of His Majesty's forces who require financial aid to start businesses or professions when such help is considered justifiable?

I have no statutory power to set up a credit bank of the kind suggested. I do not, moreover, think that a scheme for the financing of demobilised men generally is appropriate to my Department, which deals only with disabled.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that as the question is addressed to him it would refer only to disabled men? Does not the warrant give him sufficient latitude to adopt the course suggested?

No.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the increase of 2s. 6d. to old campaign pensions promised by the Government some months ago has yet come into effect; and whether the increase has yet been paid in any case?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The answer to both parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative. There seems to be considerable misapprehension as to the nature of these pensions, which are really compassionate grants of small amount, depending on the man's means and the service he gave. They are given only to men who have attained the age of sixty-five and fulfil other conditions.

May I ask to what authority the person who hopes to get this compassionate allowance ought to apply?

I think to the Secretary of Chelsea Hospital.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Civil Liabilities Committee are empowered under existing Regulations to make or continue grants to soldiers who are now being disharged in order to enable them to continue to pay their contractual obligations until their businesses have recovered from their absence on military service?

The existing Regulations do not provide for making or continuing grants to soldiers after discharge, but, as the House has been informed, the Government have now decided that financial assistance may be given after demobilisation on the lines of the existing Civil Liabilities scheme, and the necessary Regulations will be drawn accordingly.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his appointment of inspectors of physical training is contemplated; and whether the appointment of organisers of physical training in elementary, secondary, and continuation schools will be required by the Board of Education as part of the education scheme to be submitted by the local education authority under the Education Act?

There are now on the Board's staff seven expert inspectors of physical training, and it will probably be necessary to increase this number in the near future. Acting on the Board's suggestion, many local education authorities are now appointing organisers of physical exercises; fifty-nine such appointments have already been made. In considering schemes submitted by local education authorities under the Education Act, 1918, the Board will have regard to-the importance of securing satisfactory provision for physical training.

Are physical inspectors to be appointed in England?

Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he will take steps to ascertain the exact number of men of Irish birth who were serving in the flying forces at the outbreak of war, and of those of Irish birth who subsequently were enlisted in any capacity under the Air Ministry or its predecessors in Ireland and in Great Britain?

The number of men of Irish birth in the two branches of the Flying Service at the outbreak of war was forty-two; the number at present serving is 5,464.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry what is the cost or a uniform for an officer of the Women's Royal Air Force; how many of these have been issued up to any recent date; and whether any attempt was made by his Department to institute competition for the supply of these so that due economy of money should be attained?

Officers of the Women's Royal Air Force draw an outfit allowance and no issue of uniform is made in kind. The estimated cost of the uniform required by the regulations of the force is—blue uniform, £20 16s. 6d.; khaki uniform, £19 17s. The number of officers so far appointed is about 360. It is open to any officer to stipulate at the time of ordering new uniform that it shall be made of cloth to which controlled price arrangements apply.

What is the amount of the allowance?

The reply says £20.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether his attention has been called to the case of Cadet M'Arthur, No. 176693, who underwent an operation in Lewisham Hospital on 6th June of this year, and who was discharged from that hospital on 15th June, although admittedly unfit to be so treated, the medical officer there recommending him for ten days' leave of absence because of his condition; is he aware that at Hampstead this leave was refused and he was ordered on duty, and that within a few days he was dead; if so, will he say whether any censure has been passed on the medical officer at Hampstead; and whether it is proposed to offer any compensation to the parents for their loss?

Cadet M'Arthur was discharged from Lewisham Hospital on 17th June and was twice medically examined between that date and 22nd June, on which date he was drafted to the Cadet Brigade at St. Leonard's. He was not required to carry out any training duties between the time of his arrival there and the time of his admission to hospital. This case is very regrettable, but there was no connection between the minor operation which Cadet M'Arthur underwent at Lewisham and the attack of pneumonia which led to his untimely death.

Was there any censure passed on the medical officer?

I have made very careful inquiries into the case. The two things are perfectly distinct, and apparently there was no connection between them. This cadet underwent a very small operation and was completely cured. After he was discharged he contracted pneumonia.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if His Majesty's ship "Hampshire" has been examined or salved; and, if so, what was the cause of her destruction?

It has not been possible either to examine or salve this vessel. As regards the cause of the destruction of the vessel, the hon. Baronet knows that the judgment of the Court of Inquiry, concurred in by the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet, and by the Board of Admiralty, was that she struck a mine.

Is it not possible to send a diver down to examine the ship, or is it in such deep water that that cannot be done?

Her position is not even accurately known. It is believed she is about 30 fathoms down, 2 or 3 miles off the coast, and it would not be possible to conduct such operations there.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will take steps to ascertain the exact number of men of Irish birth who were serving in the Navy at the outbreak of War, and of those of Irish birth who subsequently joined the Navy, or other services controlled by the Admiralty, in Ireland and in Great Britain?

Our records are not compiled in such a way as to enable this information to be given. In the circumstances, I think my hon. Friend will agree that the expenditure of time and labour involved in attempeting to furnish the information would not be justified.

Now that the War is over would it not be quite simple to have the record for the entries of birth?

The entry does show the place of birth, but it would mean considerable time. I will look into the matter.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if early attention will be given to the question of releasing to their owners as soon as possible a certain proportion of the steam drifters and other fishing vessels now in use by the Admiralty; in what priority it is intended to release the vessels; and if the fishermen will be released from service in priority to others in the Service, inasmuch as their labour would materially assist in supplementing the available quantity of foodstuffs?

My hon. Friend will no doubt see the answer I have given to the hon. Member for Blackburn. The statement I there made bears generally upon the particular point here raised. To that general statement, and in reply to this question, I would say that every attention is being given to the question of releasing to their owners, as early as possible after demobilisation, a certain proportion of fishing vessels. As far as the exigencies of the Service allow, it is intended that the vessels as they become available should be released in equitable proportion among the owners. Fishermen under the same conditions will be released to keep pace with the transfer of trawlers and drifters from Admiralty to fishing service.

May I ask whether the Admiralty will give special consideration to the great services that have been rendered by the mine-sweepers

I concur, of course, most fully in the testimony to the mine-sweepers involved in that question. The point was put to me in a question the other day, and I then assured my questioner that it was up to us, and that we should do all we could to meet those men in every way.

Is demobilisation being postponed until the declaration of peace or is it taking place now?

Let me read from my general reply:

"It may very well be until the safety of the country at sea is fully assured officers and men cannot be relieved. We are fully confident that this will be cheerfully accepted as being at once the burden and the privilege of the Empire's first line of defence."

Can no ships be released for the fishing population, in spite of the men being retained?

We will do all we can for them.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement giving definite information to the country that peace terms will include full reparation by the German Empire, including the repayment of the net cost of the War incurred by the Allies

I can make no statement on this subject.

In view of the approaching General Election, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is not going to make a definite statement on this question, in view of the promise that there should be a people's peace?

No definite statement can be made on the subject. As I said before, this question must be left to the decision of the Government, which represents the nation.

Is this question included in the term "reparation" Is the question of the payment of the net cost of the War included in the term "reparation," for which we have been fighting?

I can only repeat what I said before, that I can make no definite statement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing the importance of the agricultural industry to the safety and prosperity of the country, he can say whether it is the policy of the Government to make producers of competing agricultural goods living outside the United Kingdom pay in import duties not less than the amount paid in internal taxation by producers of the same kind of agricultural goods living within the United Kingdom?

I can add nothing to the statement on this subject made by the Prime Minister on Saturday and in his letter to myself of 2nd November, which appear in the Press this morning.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now considered and decided upon the facilities which are to be allowed to Irish prisoners in English and Irish prisons who are Parliamentary candidates or agents?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The matter is under consideration, and has not yet been decided.

Does it mean—

The hon. Member has had a very plain answer, and there are a great number of questions on the Paper.

On a point of Order. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!" "Sit down!"] Am I not entitled to give notice that I will call attention to this on the Motion for the Adjournment?

asked the Prime Minister whether, before the conclusion of the Peace Conference, it will be possible to make any statement with regard to the future of the officers now holding temporary commissions who are desirous of making the Army their profession and of not being obliged to return to their civilian occupation?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The importance of making a statement on this subject is fully appreciated and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the matter has not been overlooked, but I fear it is impossible to make any announcement until the future requirements of the Army are known.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction caused by the announcement that the collections of the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Gallery, will not be available to the public under ordinary conditions for some months; and whether special efforts will be made to reopen a portion of each of them at the earliest possible date so as to permit of soldiers from the Dominions to have access to the national collections?

I understand that the various museums are taking prompt steps to replace as many exhibits as possible and to reopen to the public all those portions which are not occupied by staffs as the result of war. I am as anxious as the hon. Member to see the museums completely restored as soon as practicable, and I am submitting a Memorandum to the War Cabinet on the whole question of the demobilisation of occupied premises.

Will some special effort be made to get the Government Departments—

Hon. Members should have some regard for the rights of other hon. Members.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange that before the present Session ends the thanks of Parliament shall be publicly given to the armed forces of the Crown for their heroic services during the present War?

We have carefully considered this question. His Majesty the King will, in the speech which he intends to deliver to-morrow, be the first, since the signing of the Armistice, to give expression to the gratitude of the whole Empire to those who have won the victory. In view of the period of the Session, and of the fact that peace has not yet been signed, and that our troops are still marching towards Germany, we have decided, although I know that the present House of Commons would regard it as a privilege to pass such a Resolution, that it is better that this honour should be reserved to the new Parliament.

Will my right hon. Friend take care that the thanks of Parliament are publicly given to our fighting forces as soon as possible after the reassembling of the new Parliament, assuming, as I do, that my right hon. Friend will be in his present position?

The hon. Member has just violated the canon I have laid down—that hon. Members should have regard to the rights of other Members, and not monopolise the time of the House.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now lay upon the Table of the House the Report of the official inquiry into the loss of His Majesty's ship "Hampshire"?

I have been asked to answer this question. We see no reason to vary the decision in this matter communicated to the hon. Baronet by the Leader of the House on behalf of the Board on the 18th October, 1917.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman regard—