asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to the ignorance which prevails in this country with regard to the true state of affairs in Russia, and to the effects which the régime of the Bolshevists has had upon the social and economic life of the country, His Majesty's Government will cause to be published at the earliest moment such official information as they are in a position to give upon this matter, so that a true picture of the conditions prevailing may be presented to the people of this country?

The question of publishing the Reports which we have received from Russia with regard to the affects of the Bolshevist régime is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has now received any Report from Mr. Bruce Lockhart or any other Consular representative of thin country now or formerly in Russia on the effects of the Bolshevist régime on industry and commerce which can be made available for the public?

Reports have been received from Mr. Bruce Lockhart and certain other Consular representatives of this country who were formerly in Russia. The question of their publication in still under consideration.

asked to what extent, and through what agency, the schemes for relief of Montenegro, which were under consideration on the 7th November, 1918, have since been carried out; and whether it is a fact that the Serbian troops in occupation of the country have prevented the supplies reaching the Montenegrin people for whose relief they were intended?

I undertand that shipments of relief supplies have already been made to Montenegro in accordance with a decision of the Supreme Council of Supply and Belief. The Supreme Council, which sits at Paris, is charged with the relief of Montenegro. They have not yet reported the particulars of the shipments made or contemplated. They decided at a meeting on 13th ultimo that Mr. Hoover, the United States delegate, should designate an American officer to act on behalf of the Associated Governments for the moment in provisioning Montenegro. No report has reached me that Serbian troops have prevented supplies reaching the people for whom they are intended.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that in consequence of the refusal of the Government to allow the government of Montenegro to be diplomatically represented in London the interests of that country throughout the war have been in formally entrusted to an English private gentleman, Mr. Alexander Devine, who voluntarily and without reward has given his services on behalf of our least powerful Ally, and whose position in that respect has been known to the Foreign Office through correspondence and personal interviews; and will he say why Mr. Devine was for two months refused a passport to Paris when desiring to go there, since the Armistice, on a mission to consult with Mr. Hoover and the American Red Cross with regard to the revictualling of Montenegro?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Mr. Devine visited Paris in August last and has lately been permitted to proceed there again. But the Foreign Office has seen no reason to press for the removal of the restrictions on travelling in order to enable Mr. Devine to make frequent journeys to Paris, where the Montenegrin Government is already fully represented.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken to carry out his under taking to give consideration to the question of the preservation of Montenegrin nationality under its own monarchy if the people of Montenegro so desire; if he will say in what manner it is proposed to ascertain the conditions, if any, under widen the people of Montenegro may be willing to join a Serbo-Croat federation or other form of political union; and if he can give an assurance that in any plebiscite that may be taken for this purpose the people of Montenegro shall be secured against coercion or undue influence by the Serbian authorities or troops in occupation of their country?

The question of the best method of arriving at the true wishes of the Montenegrin people as to the future status of their country without outside interference is at present engaging the attention of the Allied and Associated Powers, and it would be premature to make any declaration at this stage.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state why the Montenegrin Government is not represented at the Peace Conference?

That does not arise on this question.

I beg to give notice that I will refer to this question on the Motion for the Adjournment on Monday.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that Mr. W. F. Dixon, an artist in stained glass, of European reputation, whose work is to be found in many cathedrals and other public buildings in England and abroad, who had been resident in Munich for twenty years before the War, left that place on the outbreak of war at the instance of the Foreign Office, communicated to him through the American Consul; that by so doing he was compelled to abandon real and personal property of a value of many thousand pounds which was promptly seized and confiscated by the German authorities; that since his return to England Mr. Dixon and his sister have been subsisting at Herne Bay on £1a week allowed him by the trustees of the Prince of Wales' Fund; and that the Treasury have refused to assist this artist on the ground that his claim can only be settled after the War; and whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Dixon lost his property and was reduced to subsist on charity through his prompt obedience to the Government on the outbreak of war, and that some time may still elapse before claims against enemy Governments can be liquidated, he will take steps, either by influence with the Treasury or otherwise, to provide sufficient alimony for Mr. Dixon to enable him and his sister to live in decency until his claim can be settled?

Mr. W. F. Dixon has been in communication with this Department in regard to the order he is said to have received from His Majesty's Government to leave Munich. No such order was sent through, the United States authorities by His Majesty's Government. It seems probable that the order emanated from the German authorities. I understand that Mr. Dixon has been in communication with the Public Trustee in regard to his claim for loss of property, but he has not registered a claim with the Foreign Claims Office, though he applied for the necessary forms in December, 1917, and they were sent to him at that time with an explanation as to the manner of registering a claim. There are no funds at the disposal of this Department from which an allowance could be granted to Mr. Dixon in the manner suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that great inconvenience is caused by the lack of accommodation at the Passport Office, causing a block on the pavement in Victoria Street and many hours of waiting for the public desiring to get passports; and whether he will make arrangements for those who go there merely to obtain an application form to enter and leave the building by a different door from those who have to wait for the issue of their passports?

The insufficiency of accommodation at the Passport Office has been engaging the serious attention of His Majesty's Government for some time. Great, difficulty was found in securing suitable premises, but arrangements have now been made to remove the office to No. 1, Lake Buildings, St. James's Park, on Saturday next. The increased accommodation there provided will enable the very large number of applicants to be dealt with expeditiously, and arrangements will be made there as suggested in the latter part of the hon. Member's question. I would add that there is no occasion for persons who only want forms to call at the Passport Office. Such forms can be obtained through the post or from any of the shipping agents or banks.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the claim made by the insurrectionary royalists of Portugal that a British cruiser has arrived at Oporto to prevent the Portuguese fleet bombarding the rebel town; whether any British cruiser has been sent to Oporto; and, if so, why this was done in view of the misunderstanding to which it might well give rise?

All communication between Oporto and the South having been cut, at the request of British subjects in Lisbon, which received the support of His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon, H.M.S. "Liverpool" was instructed to call at Oporto on her homeward voyage from Gibraltar, in order to protect, if necessary, British persons and property. Explicit instructions were given to her commanding officer to take no part in political affairs. As the situation at Oporto was normal, H.M.S. "Liverpool" did not remain for more than a few hours, and proceeded to this country. The Portuguese Government are aware of the facts of the case.

asked whether His Majesty's Government were consulted as to the visit of the Crown Prince of Sweden to this country; and, if so, on what grounds it was sanctioned?

The visit of the Crown Prince of Sweden on the present occasion is promoted exclusively by private family reasons, and has no official character; but it is welcome both to His Majesty's Government and to the people of this country.

"Is he not a pro-German?"

Order, order!

In view of the fact that the Royal Family of Sweden and the whole of the aristocracy there have been bitterly anti-English during the War—

The hon. Member is speaking of a neutral and friendly country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any information as to the treatment which British prisoners are receiving in Russia?

The reports which are received in regard to the present treatment of British prisoners in Russia are conflicting. As far as can be ascertained, those civilian prisoners who are in Petrograd are imprisoned in the Kronstad fortress where their condition naturally causes anxiety, although we are without definite information as to the facilities afforded to them for receiving food and other comforts from friends and relations outside.

asked what progress has been made in the reform of the conditions of appointment to the Consular Service, so as to secure its recruitment from persons of greater acquaintance with economic, industrial, commercial, and labour matters, and also the better training for their duties of the persons selected for appointment?

The whole question has been thoroughly investigated both personally and by Committees appointed to inquire into special points. A comprehensive scheme of reform dealing with the whole conditions of the salaried Consular Service, including the points mentioned by the hon. Member, is in the hands of the printer, and will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration within the next few days.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Consular Service propose to limit their appointments to British-born subjects?

The salaried Consular Service has been limited to British-born subjects of British-born parents, and it will be so in the future.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many proclaimed enemy firms in Scandinavia and Holland have been taken off the statutory list since the signing of the Armistice; and whether, seeing that the police of taking these enemy traders in neutral countries off the statutory list is unfair to other loyal neutral traders, he will take steps to afford trading facilities to these loyal neutral traders during the Armistice?

Since the signing of the Armistice, 101 names out of a total of 552 have been removed from the statutory list for Holland, and 215 names out of a total of 744 from the statutory list for Scandinavia. These names are, however, those of neutral traders. All enemy firms are retained on the statutory list.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of those proclaimed enemy firms are at present dumping German goods in this country?

No, Sir; I am not aware of it, but inquiries will be made.

Is it not premature to abandon any methods that we have of bringing pressure to bear upon Germany pending the peace?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of persons who are in receipt of unemployment pay in Ireland, and the approximate amount which is being paid out weekly to such persons?

The number of persons in receipt of out, of-work donation in Ireland during the first week in February was approximately 82,500, and the amount paid approximately £110,000.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of un employment donations now being paid in Ireland; by whom these donations are granted; and what, check there is to ensure the proper grant of such donations?

On 31st January, the latest date for which complete figures are available, the number of out-of-work donation policies lodged for payment in Ireland wan 59,093. Details of the scheme under which this donation is administered are given in a published leaflet, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to an article in this morning's papers regarding the demoralisation of Ireland, and will be answer the last part of the question and say what checks there are on the improper grant of these allowances?

I have not seen the article to which my hon. Friend refers. I will make inquiries, as I will do with regard to the last part of the question.

Are there no checks then?

The same checks as there are in this country.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are at this moment a very large number of persons receiving these donations who have no right whatever to receive them?

If there are such cases and particulars are sent to me, I will have inquiries made at once.

Does not the same fact apply to England?

May I ask whether it does not apply much more to Scotland?

I am prepared to give the same answer to both questions.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the alleged practice among Dublin dock labourers of ceasing work at a given time daily to go and draw their out-of-work donation?

The practice referred to in the question would render those, who adopted it liable to prosecution for obtaining money by false pretences, and I am not aware that it exists. I shall be, glad if my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with any particulars in his possession, in order that inquiries may be made.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that sufficient inquiries are made in individual eases to place obstacles in the way of such malpractices?

As far as I know they are.

Will the hon. Gentleman, let the military forces in Ireland look after this matter?

asked the Minister of Labour the amount expended in out-of-work donation in Ireland during the first week in February?

Complete returns of the amount paid in out-of-work donation in Ireland during the first week in February are not yet available, but it is estimated that the amount was £110,000.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Form U.I. 85 which sent out to verify the claims of those applying for an out-of-work donation states that, if the recipient considers the circumstances under which the claimant left were not any ground for disqualification, the form need not be returned; whether in Ireland these forms are often sent at the direction of the applicant, not to the late employer but to a foreman, or ever a friend of the applicant, in whose employment he has never been; and whether he will take steps to alter the form and to ensure that its non-return is no longer to be considered as sufficient evidence that there is adequate reason for unemployment?

The Form U.I.85 is in substantially the same terms as that which has been used for the last seven years in connection with unemployment benefit under the Insurance Acts, and contains the statement referred to in the first part of the question. An applicant for out-of-work donation is required to give the name and address of his last employer, and Form U.I.85 is sent to the employer so named. If my hen. and gallant Friend is aware of any case in which an applicant has fraudulently given in. correct information with regard to his previous employer in order to obtain donation, I shall be glad if he will give me particulars so that a prosecution may be instituted. The question of revising the form is under consideration, but my hon. and gallant Friend will recognise that it would not be just to deprive a workman of donation merely on the ground that his last employer has failed to answer questions concerning him.

Will the hon. Gentleman anyhow leave out this direct invitation to employers not to return the form, as it is often sent out by the agency in Ireland with these words underlined in red?

I will consider that.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of women now unemployed and the total weakly amount which is being paid to them for unemployed pay?

The number of women and girls unemployed at 31st January, as indicated by donation policies lodged at Employment Exchanges at that date, was 425,464, of whom 400,102 were women and 25,362 girls. It is not possible at present, without an elaborate analysis, to state the total weekly amount paid to these women and girls. The weekly rates of donation are 25s. for women and 12s. 6d. for girls, together with supplementary allowances in respect of dependent children of women over eighteen years of age at the rate of 6s. per week for the first dependent child and 3s. per week for each additional dependent child.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total sum that up to to-day has been given in Ireland to persons out of employment or said to be out of employment; and under what Statute and under what Vote this sum has been given?

The total sum paid up to 11th February in Ireland in respect of out-of-work donation is estimated at £550,000. These moneys are being provided from the Vote of Credit.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can see his way to amend the Lighting Regulations in regard to bicycle, motors, and vehicles so that they are restored to their pre-war conditions.

I presume the Noble Lord refers to the requirement of a red rear light on bicycles, and to the restrictions (now considerably reduced) on powerful lights on motor cars. These restrictions are important in the interest of safety, especially under the present condition of the roads, and I think they should remain in force until there is time to consider the question of permanent Regulations to take their place.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what bearing the condition of the roads has on the rear lamps of bicycles?

In view of existing difficulties, would it not be possible to relax the restrictions with regard to bicycle lights?

I am advised that would not be wise. If one comes suddenly on a bicycle, it is more difficult to get out of the way.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman on no account to relax that Regulation?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the names, nationality, ages, and war service of the leaders in the strikes which have recently taken place in Belfast, on the Clyde, and in London?

I have no official information, and as some of the persons referred to are awaiting trial I do not think it would be desirable for me to say anything which might prejudice their trial.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, for the purpose of obviating trouble regarding the question of the hours of labour and of eliciting public opinion in each trade on this subject, he will, with a view to legislation, take steps to arrange a conference in each representative trade and industry?

The question of hours of labour has within the last few weeks formed the subject of discussion between employers and workpeople in a large number of the principal trades of the country, and already about 3,000,000 workpeople are covered by agreements for reduced working hours which have become operative since the 1st January of this year. A further 2,000,000 workpeople are concerned in negotiations that are now in progress in the various trades. The negotiations have taken place between the organisations of employers and workpeople in each trade, and the matter is clearly one which the trades must be allowed to endeavour to discuss and settle for themselves. If there is failure to settle, the services of the Ministry of Labour are at the disposal of the parties.

May I ask whether, when the discussion took place, attention was given to the enormous increase in the cost of articles compared to the extra wage given?

I have not been present as the discussions, which have been between the representatives of employers and workpeople, who presumably know what they are doing.

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will give the matter careful attention.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to renew the Order as regards Summer Time for this year; and, considering that the Order commenced on 24th March of last year, and in view of its success, if he proposes to fix the same dates for the Summer-Time period in which the Order is in force this year?

I propose to advise that an Order in Council should be made applying the Summer Time Act this year. The duration of the period is under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether the promised committee of inquiry into the administration of the Workmen's Compensation Acts is now to be set up?

Yes, Sir. I hope to complete the arrangements for this inquiry at an early date.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the release of the whole of the hotels in London and also in the country can be effected without delay?

Hotels in London and the country which have been taken over by my Department are being released as rapidly as is possible, and before any other types of accommodation. The rate at which this can be effected must depend on the demobilisation of Government staffs over which I have no control. The Victoria Hotel in Northumberland Avenue is being vacated to-day. The Hotel Cecil and the Grand Hotel will shortly be surrendered. I have been bringing for some time, and am continuing to bring, all the pressure I can on the various Departments to release accommodation at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether, in view of the fact that Employment Exchanges do not supply labour unless the proper district rates and other conditions are to be observed, any measures are taken to ensure that before an employer can obtain labour through the medium of an Exchange he guarantees that the proper trade union rates and conditions will be observed by him?

The practice of the Employment Exchanges is not as described by the hon. Member. Their procedure is to bring to the notice of applicants for work the terms and conditions offered by employers. For these they take no responsibility. They are, however, in a position to give applicants information as to district rates and conditions. The hon. Member will understand that grave difficulty might arise if the procedure which he suggests were followed, but it will have my consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether his attention has been drawn to the difference between the education committee of the Lancashire County Council and the school caretakers with regard to their conditions of labour; whether in December his Department was notified of the dispute; and whether any action will be taken to use the good offices of the Department in securing a settlement?

The Department is in communication with the parties to this dispute and efforts are being made to arrive at a satisfactory settlement. I will communicate with my hon. Friend on this matter and let him know the result of the action which is being taken.

asked the Minister of Labour if a number of protest meetings have been held at Chepstow, and have passed resolutions against the sale of the shipyards in that district; if the same people have protested against the Government giving out contracts for the erection of cottages to contractors on a percentage basis rather than under the direct, control and management of local governing bodies; and if he intends taking any action on the question?

This is not a matter which has come before the Ministry of Labour. Perhaps my hon. Friend would repeat the question, and put it to the Ministry of Shipping one day next week.

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government have taken to initiate the housing and land settlement schemes forecasted during the General Election?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the two Bills, notice of presentation of which were given in the House on Tuesday last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is proposed to introduce these Bills?

At the earliest possible moment.

Will the Housing Bill apply to Ireland?

No, this Bill does not apply to Ireland?

What steps does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take in regard to this most important question in relation to Ireland?

I believe that is being considered. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question. [HON. MEMBERS: "Wait and see."]

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have nobody here to put down a question to?

The hon. Member is mistaken. If he puts down a question to the Chief Secretary for Ireland it will be answered by my right hon. Friend the Irish Attorney-General.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when the Chief Secretary for Ireland will be here?

That does not arise out of this question.

Does not the absence of Irish representatives from this House show that they do not take any interest in the housing of the working classes?

At any rate, we have Guinness's stout represented!

I called on the hon. and gallant Member (Lieutenant-Colonel W. Guinness) to ask the next question on the Paper, not to ask an offensive question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the total cost of the War to the British Empire has yet been assessed; and whether a claim for compensation will be pressed at the Peace Conference rot merely for direct war damage, including cost of war pensions, but also for all outlay on armaments, munitions, personnel, and all other extraordinary expenditure in connection with the War?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the promises made at the recent election, he is in a position to make any statement with regard to the payment of indemnities by Germany and the Central Powers?

asked the Prime Minister whether the British claim for an indemnity from Germany and other enemy countries will include a claim for all military expenditure in connection with the War on all fronts or only a claim for actual damage done, such as ships funk by submarines and destruction by aeroplane bombs, etc.?

asked the Prime Minister whether figures have yet been prepared, or are in course of preparation, showing the amount to be claimed by this country from Germany in respect of the War; and whether the claim will include not only actual damage done, but the cost we have been put to in carrying on the War?

The British delegates on the Commission are definitely instructed to claim an indemnity which will include the costs of the War as well as damage actually inflicted, and the Commission are now considering the amount to be claimed, the method in which payment can be made, and the means of enforcing payment.

asked the Prime Minister if he proposes, during this Session, to introduce legislation on the lines suggested in the Reports of the Committee presided over by the hon. Member for the Exchange Division of Liverpool relating to the acquisition and valuation of land for public purposes?

Legislation for the purpose named in the question will be introduced, but the exact terms of the Bill have not yet been determined.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have come to any decision as to the payment of Income Tax on officers' war gratuities?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will extend to gratuities payable to officers of the Army and the Air Force under Article 497 of the Pay Warrant, and to any other similar gratuities payable to members of the Navy. Army, and Air Force, the exemption from Income Tax which already obtains as regards gratuities for wounds and gratuities granted on compulsory retirement before eligibility for pension?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he in aware that gratuities on demobilisation originally were authorised for officers of the Territorial Force on mobilisation in order to reimburse some portion of the loss necessarily sustained by them on being suddenly taken away from civil employment; and why, as these gratuities are granted as compensation for loss sustained owing to serving their country, officers are charged Income Tax by the Treasury?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the Army gratuities to officers in connection with the present War are now, or have at any time, been assessed for Income Tax; if Income Tax is now to be paid on these amounts will he state when such arrangement will be made; if this is the present practice will the Government forthwith give instructions that it is to be altered in order that gratuities made to officers on discharge may be given free of Income Tax; and, if such alteration is to be made, will the Government refund the amount charged for Income Tax to such officers who have been debited with the same?

My right hon. Friend has no power to take the course suggested without legislative sanction, but he will seek Parliamentary authority to give the relief in the Finance Bill. He will propose that the relief should be given in the case of the gratuities as from the outbreak of the present War.

Pending legislation, will any steps be taken to exact this Income Tax?

I will convey the hon. and learned Gentleman's suggestion to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In respect of the reply to Question 138, which I put on the Paper, may I ask whether in cases where Income Tax has already been deducted it will be reimbursed after the matter has been discussed on the Finance Bill?

That will be done.

asked the Prime Minister when the Government propose to appoint a Minister of Health?

It is the intention of the Government to proceed with a Bill setting up a Ministry of Health at the earliest possible date.

Pending the appointment of a Minister of Health, who will advise the Government in regard to the health side of housing?

That will be done in the meantime by the Local Government Board, I presume.

Will that scheme apply to Ireland?

I can only give the same answer I gave before.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now order the publication of the evidence tendered before the Mesopotamian and Dardanelles Commissions respectively?

asked the Prime Minister if he will now give instructions for the publication of the evidence given before the Mesopotamia Commission?

The Government do not consider that it would be in the public interest to publish the evidence at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate whether it would not be in the public interest because of diplomatic considerations, or is it necessary to shield individuals?

It is not at all because it is necessary to shield individuals. The whole subject was minutely considered by the Cabinet, and they were quite clear that, at all events until peace is signed, it would not be advisable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the public look with the greatest suspicion on the Government's refusal to publish this Report; and would it not be in the public interest that the facts should be known?

The hon. Gentleman is asking exactly the same question.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the uncertainty and anxiety prevailing in industrial and commercial circles throughout the country as to the policy of the Government with regard to key industries, he will at an early date be in a position to make a definite statement with regard to the protection of such industries?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the passage of the Gracious Speech from the Throne dealing with the subject referred to in the question, to which, in the meantime, I cannot add anything.

Can my right hon. Friend give any indication as to when a further statement will be made?

As soon as possible; but I am sure no one knows better than my hon. and gallant Friend, however much we should like to do it, that we cannot do everything at once.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of suggesting at the Peace Conference that an Excess Profits Tax shall be levied in all enemy countries, the revenue derived there from to be allocated to the payment and redemption of the Allied national war debts?

The best means of securing payment is now being considered by the Inter-Allied Committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the feeling in commercial circles that Government control of commodities has resulted in increased prices; and whether he will consider if the time has now come when trade should be allowed to resume its usual course?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Everything is being done to facilitate the return as rapidly as possible to normal conditions of trade.

Is it not a fact that continued Government control is keeping up the price of foodstuffs?

I think that is open to question. The Government is considering at this moment the best way in which to lower prices, and there is absolutely no foundation for the suggestion that the Treasury is interfering with the selling prices.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of the Government granting some recognition to the relatives of those who have fallen in the War, similar to the diploma of honour granted by the French Government?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. It has already been decided to present a memorial plaque and scroll to the next of kin of those who have fallen in the War. Specimens of the plaque may be seen in the Tea Room of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether the international treaty embodying the League of Nations will be submitted to the judgment of Parliament before it is concluded?

asked the Prime Minister if the British Delegation to the Peace Conference in Paris will have plenary powers to bind this country in the matter of peace terms, or whether such terms will be subject to the final ratification of Parliament?

The Treaty will be signed by the delegates of the Powers concerned, but so far as the British Government is concerned, it will not be ratified until it has been laid upon the Table and Parliament has an opportunity of expressing its opinion.

Will Parliament have the power of altering the Treaty when it is laid upon the Table?

I am really rather surprised that the right hon. Gentleman should put that question. Does he really think it possible that any Treaty could ever be arranged in the world if something like twenty Powers are to discuss the details of it? It seems to me quite impossible.

Will it be submitted to Parliament before it is presented to the enemy countries?

Oh, no, I cannot say that. The Treaty will presumably, after it has been arranged by the Allies, be signed by the enemy countries.