asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Committee set up to consider the question of the grant of spare limbs and the repair of artificial limbs to officers as well as to men has now reported; and, if so, with what result?

The Committee on Artificial Limbs, the appointment of which I announced last month, has not yet reported.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it will report?

It has hardly had a chance yet. It has had one or two sittings.

asked the Pensions Minister whether it is in conformity with his instructions for parish doctors to certify a discharged soldier or sailor for a lunatic asylum; and, if so, whether he will abolish this practice, which attaches a taint of pauperism to the patient, and will order that before a discharged man is removed to an asylum he shall be certified by a medical board of not less than three members?

The Lunacy Acts require a certification to be made by registered medical practitioners; the medical practitioner may happen also to be the parish doctor, but it would only be as registered medical practitioner, and not as parish doctor, that his services would be required. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of a circular issued to local committees last year, in which the procedure to be adopted for certification is explained.

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise to consider the proposal suggested in the last part of the question with regard to discharged men having to be certified by a board of not less than three doctors?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will do me the honour of reading the circular, he will see that steps are taken to keep the patient from all Poor Law taint.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has now inquired into circumstances relating to the pension to the widow of Lance-Corporal William Tenniswood, No. 501153, of the Isle of Wight Territorial Section of the Royal Engineers, who was killed on active service on the 17th May last; whether he is aware that this woman received full separation allowance for herself and three children up to 18th November last; whether he is aware that as from that date she has been awarded a pension of only 15s a week for the duration of the War and 12 months after; and whether he is aware that, despite repeated applications to the Ministry to have the matter put right, no satisfactory reply has been received?

The circumstances of this case have been fully reconsidered, and, although the events which led to the soldier's death are still somewhat obscure, it has been decided to give the widow the benefit of the doubt, and to regard her as eligible for full pension, with allowances for her children, under Article 11 of the Royal Warrant.

Will that be paid up to 18th November last?

I cannot carry the dates in my mind.

The date is in the question.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will take steps to make a man's pension statutory when he has been before three medical boards and still found to be suffering from the disability for which he was discharged?

The course proposed by my hon. and gallant Friend would not be practicable. A disablement pension is based on the existing degree of incapacity, and can only be made permanent when the disablement has reached its final condition.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of First-class Stoker Robert Clint, who was accidently drowned at sea and whose widow has only been granted a temporary pension on the ground that his death was not attributable to naval service; and whether, in view of Article 11 of the Order in Council of 30th March, 1917, that a widow is entitled to a full pension if her husband has been killed while in the performance of naval duty, he will cause further inquiries to be made into this case so that a permanent pension may be given to the widow and an allowance for the child?

I have reconsidered this case, and decided to grant the widow the full pension under Article 11, with allowance for her child

asked the Pensions Minister (1) whether the Government have any intention of paying a war bonus on officers' pensions on the same lines as on the men's pensions; (2)whether he is now able to announce a decision with regard to war bonus on officers' pensions and alternative pensions?

If the House will permit me, I will take this opportunity of announcing the decision of the Government with regard generally to war bonus on pensions.

The present bonus of 20 per cent. payable to disabled men and the widows and children of deceased men, which was awarded until the end of June next, will be extended until the last pay-day in September next. This extension applies to all pensions and allowances in respect of which the war bonus was granted by the Cabinet decision of December last.

As the House is aware, the question of granting a similar bonus in respect of officers' pensions and alternative pensions for both officers and men and their widows has been for some time under consideration, and I am glad to say that a decision has now been reached.

For the period from 1st January last to the end of September next, a bonus of 20 per cent. will be added to the disability retired pay of officers, and the disability pensions of nurses and Naval Warrant officers, and to the pensions and children's allowances of widows and relatives of officers granted for service in this War. In the case of Regular officers and certain other cases, the retired pay awarded is a composite sum covering service and disablement. In these cases the bonus will be confined to the latter element—that is, it will be payable only in respect of the amount of disability retired pay which would have been awarded to a temporary officer of the same rank and having the same degree of disablement.

The bonus will be added also, for the same period, to the alternative retired pay of officers, the alternative pensions of men, and the alternative pensions of the widows of all ranks.

In the case of officers and their widows or relatives there are, however, money limits which the pension and bonus combined must not exceed. These limits are at the following rates:

Is it only the alternative pension exception that is now being included, and will the other two cases which were excepted from the bonus—I think it was the case of people in institutions and separated widows—be included or not?

The hon. Gentleman must put down a question. I have made a complete statement. If, when he has read it, he thinks there is something omitted and puts down a question, I will answer it.

Is there any limit in money to the alternative pension of a man in the ranks or his widow?

There is no money limit to prevent the bonus arising. There are limits to the alternative pensions generally.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the general Regulations under Section 5 of the War Pensions (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1918, have now been drafted; and, if not, whether he can state how soon they will be laid before the House?

The general Regulations have been drafted, and are at the present moment under revision. As my hon. and learned Friend will recognise, they cover a wide field, and need to be carefully considered. They will be laid on the Table at the earliest possible moment.

Are the local authorities being consulted in the matter?

Yes, I am consulting the representatives of the local committees.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the German officials, bankers, etc., are still residing in the British Concession of Shameen, in China, or whether they have now been turned out?

All Germans have been turned out of the British Concession of Shameen.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what grounds Philips Price was granted passports to reach Russia; whether he is a man with property in this country; and whether steps have been taken to ensure that none of this property is transferred to him in Russia by indirect means?

It is understood that Mr. Philips Price left this country for Russia in November, 1914, when the passport control was not as stringent as it subsequently became. I am not aware as to the exact amount of property owned in this country by Mr. Price, but all practicable steps are being taken to ensure that funds will not reach him from here.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that he has no control over his property in this country and that the Bolshevist Government do not reimburse him in Russia in order that his property may be used for propaganda in this country?

I will take note of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the anti-British propaganda which is being developed throughout the United States; and whether what steps, if any, are being taken to offset such propaganda?

I am aware of a certain recrudescence of hostile expression in some not very important quarters, in the Press and elsewhere, in the United States.

The Foreign Office has at present under consideration the future of British propaganda in the United States, in which some change from the methods of publicity adopted during the War will necessarily require to be introduced. At the same time it is of the first importance that accurate information on all subjects connected with the British Empire should always be available to American inquirers, and this will be borne in mind.

I would impress on my hon. Friend that the best "propaganda" for us is often undertaken by American citizens themselves, and I am confident that we have no lack of such champions, with knowledge and ability for the purpose, in that friendly country.

Are the Hearst newspapers still barred telegrams from this country; and can any steps be taken to cement or improve the relations between the British people and Mr. Hearst?

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Naval and Military Attachés at Madrid of our Allies have accepted Spanish decorations, while our own are not allowed to accept them; whether he is aware that the offer of the highest decoration for the Naval Attaché was refused over the telephone by an Embassy servant; whether there is a rule against our attachés accepting Royal honours; and, if so, will it be brought to the knowledge of foreign Governments in some other way?

The hon. And gallant Member's information as to the offer of Spanish decorations to the British Naval and Military Attachés at Madrid is correct, but I have difficulty in crediting the statement contained in the second part of his question. The Regulations respecting the acceptance and wearing of foreign decorations by British subjects precluded the acceptance of these decorations by the officers concerned. Foreign Governments are well aware of the strict character of the Regulations in question.

Will the hon. Gentleman look into the statements in the question if I give him the name of my authority, who is a distinguished writer in Madrid?

I shall be pleased to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has information regarding the number of men, women, and children murdered by the Bolshevist Government in Russia since Lenin and Trotsky assumed power; and whether he has further information that Chinese are utilised by this Government as executioners and torturers?

Accurate statistics in regard to the number of men, women and children murdered by the Bolshevik Government in Russia are at present unobtainable. It is known, however, that the number of victims has been very great. We are credibly informed that the Bolshevik Government are employing some of their considerable force of Chinese troops to act as executioners. Bodies of Bolshevik victims which have been recovered show that they died under torture, but it is uncertain whether this was the work of Chinese or of the Bolsheviks themselves.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the manifesto of the social revolutionary party and the Menshivik party of the Russian people protesting against foreign armed intervention in Russia; whether this manifesto opens the door to consultation with Russians representing these groups with a view to a peaceful settlement of the Russian problem; and what action His Majesty's Government propose to take in view of the manifesto?

On 11th February a Bolshevik official wireless message reported what purported to be a resolution passed at a conference of the social revolutionary party in Moscow, and which was to the effect that Russia could only be restored by her own forces independent of any foreign pressure.

On 15th February a second Bolshevik official wireless message announced that several prominent members of the above-mentioned party had been arrested and imprisoned at Moscow owing to the discovery of their "subterranean enterprises; against the power of the Soviets."

His Majesty's Government do not propose to take any action in the sense indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Has the hon. Gentleman, seen the manifesto of the Menshivik party as well as that of the social revolutionary party, and have the manifestoes any signatories behind them?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me notice of that.

Is it a fact that you have not seen these manifestoes; and has the Foreign Office no cognisance of these manifestoes, which were published in the "Manchester Guardian" and all the French Press?

I must ask for notice.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the leader of the party to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers is a German named Cederblaum?

These matters are better settled in the Lobby.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what methods of propaganda have been adopted by the News Department of the Foreign Office to stimulate British trade in Allied and neutral countries and if cinematographic films of a similar or better kind than those now being distributed by the United States Government are part of their propaganda programme; and, if not, will he state the reason?

The reports furnished by His Majesty's representatives abroad of the exhibitions of British Official cinematograph films during the latter part of the period of hostilities showed an appreciable diminution of interest in most foreign countries; but the films are now being used to excellent effect in countries recently opened up, such as Belgium, the Balkans, and Turkey. For purely commercial purposes, I am not inclined to exaggerate the value of propaganda conducted by the cinematograph; but I think that it is a useful adjunct to other methods, and I can assure my hon. Friend that it is not being lost sight of by the Department of Overseas Trade, and such important unofficial organisations as the Federation of British Industries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the French Government have lately been large buyers of green tea in Shanghai through an American firm; and, if so, whether either English or French houses were approached by the French Government before this contract was given to an American firm?

I have received no official report on this matter, but I am informed unofficially that an order for a large quantity of green tea has been placed by the French Government with an American firm, and a large portion of the tea has already been given. So far as I am aware, the London market was not approached by the French Government, but I cannot say whether or not that Government has approached any of its own nationals for quotations.

Can the hon. Gentleman kindly give me an assurance that endeavours will be made to retain that important trade?

I will do everything I can in the case of such offers being forthcoming in the future. It is one of the duties which the Commercial Attachés are asked to bear in mind.

asked the Food Controller what action is being taken with regard to the attitude of the local authority in Highbridge in refusing to admit three Labour representatives on the local food control committee?

There are already three Labour representatives on the Highbridge Food Control Committee who were members of the Committee previous to its reappointment in November last. Representations have been made to the Food Controller by local Labour organisations who take exception to the appointment of two of these Labour representatives, and complain that their nominees were not appointed to the committee. The Food Controller has addressed a letter to the Highbridge Urban District Council bringing these representations to their notice, and he will consider on receipt of a reply from the council what, if any, further action may be necessary on his part.

asked the Food Controller whether Commissioners were appointed on 19th July, 1918, for the purpose of fixing prices at and from 1st November, 1918, for the whole of the potato crop in England and Wales, except those sold as and for seed; whether such Commissioners reported on the 18th October, 1918, that they had done so; and what was the price fixed for blighted and damaged potatoes respectively?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. No price was allowed or fixed for damaged or blighted potatoes.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that a leaflet, L.G. (Potatoes) 9, issued by the Ministry of Food instructs growers that they may sell blighted potatoes within the maximum prices to be fixed by the Commission; that if the growers could not sell the Ministry would purchase the same; and whether he will now state when and at what price the Ministry will purchase such potatoes?

The leaflet in question, which was issued prior to the report of the Potatoes (Growers'Prices) Commission, informed growers that they could sell seed or under-sized potatoes or blights at the best price obtainable subject to the operation of a maximum price, and further stated that the Ministry of Food would purchase only the surplus of those potatoes at a price to be determined by the Joint Commission. The Commission, in fact, fixed no separate price for blighted potatoes, but took the prevalence of blight into account in fixing the price to be paid for the total crop.

:asked the Food Controller whether the Potatoes (Consolidation) Order, 1918, permitting blighted potatoes to be sold at the same price as sound ware potatoes; and whether the Potatoes (Consolidation) Order ((No. 2), 1918, now in force, still permits this to be done?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Food Controller if he will say how many factories are in existence under Government control for the manufacture of potatoes into flour, farina, etc.; where the same are situated and what is the total consumption of raw potatoes by each factory since 1st November, 1918; and whether, in view of the impossibility for these factories to absorb the large quantities of blighted potatoes, he will state to what use his Ministry proposes to put such potatoes?

There are no factories for the manufacture of potato flour under Government control. For the manufacture of farina an experimental factory has been established at King's Lynn, and three others are in course of erection at Hull, Boston, and Monikie. There are no figures available to show the consumption of raw potatoes by the factory at King's Lynn. The Ministry permit and encourage the feeding to stock of such blighted potatoes as are suitable for that purpose.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the present moment there are many hundreds of tons of potatoes which are becoming blights in the possession of growers which growers are not permitted to move?

Ask Barrie!

asked the Food Controller whether an agricultural costings committee has been set up by the Board of Agriculture and the Ministry of Food to report on all questions as to the cost of production of agricultural produce which may be required by the Ministry of Food, the Wages Board, and the Board of Agriculture; and whether he can state the number of practical farmers placed on this committee, and how many of the committee have ever had to gain their living by producing the agricultural crops the cost of which they have to report on?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Of the six members of the Committee representing the Ministry of Food, Lord Bledisloe, Mr. Anker Simmons, Mr. C. B. Fisher, and Mr. McDougall, are all practical agriculturists with an exceptionally wide knowledge of the cost of production. Of the two members representing the Board of Agriculture, the Hon. E. G. Strutt is well known as a practical agriculturist of very wide experience. Of the remaining ten members of the Committee, Professor Orwin has made a special study of agricultural costing for many years; Mr. E. W. Langford is a farmer of broad experience in Herefordshire; Mr. A. Batchelor is a typical representative of Scottish farmers; while Sir Henry Row, Sir Robert Grieg, and Mr. J. R. Campbell are recognised as practical and highly informed agricultural representatives.

Can the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, namely, how many of the Committee have had to earn their living out of the crops on which they have to report?

asked the Pensions Minister whether local pensions committees are only authorised to pay £5 to meet the expenses of indigent discharged soldiers, their wives, and dependants; whether, in the event of the expenses exceeding this amount, the expenses have to be met by the Poor Law guardians; and whether, if this is the case, local committees can be authorised to incur a greater expenditure in order that no Poor Law taint should be attached to the funerals of discharged soldiers and their dependants?

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has now arranged to increase the grant in cases of discharged soldiers and sailors dying from disability due to service so as to render unnecessary application to the Poor Law authorities in respect of the expenses of their funerals?

I am not yet able to make a statement with regard to an increase in funeral grants.

In the interval have grants to be applied for to the local Poor Law authorities in respect of funerals of deceased soldiers and sailors, and when will the hon. Gentleman be able to come to a decision in the matter, inasmuch as this question has been put down during the last four weeks without a reply?

I am very well aware of the circumstances, and I have every sympathy with the object, and I hope within the next week or two the matter may be settled.

asked the Pensions Minister if he can give any indication when the scheme approved by the Government for the training of officers and men, including disabled men, of good educational promise is likely to be sufficiently organised to enable him to make a statement on the subject?

I dealt with this matter at some length two days ago on the Committee, and I have nothing to add to what I then said.

asked the Pensions Minister whether any and, if so, what effective steps have been taken for the general open-air treatment of tuberculous and shell-shock cases by means of farm colonies or otherwise; whether he has approached the Board of Agriculture in the matter; and, if not, whether he will consider, with the Board of Agriculture, the appointment of a small Interdepartmental Committee, with an outside chairman, to consider the whole matter?

I am making arrangements for the treatment of shell-shock cases on the lines suggested. At present disabled soldiers suffering from shell-shock are admitted to military neurological hospitals, where in nearly every case land is available and is utilised for this treatment.

With regard to tuberculosis, I am taking steps, in conjunction with the President of the Local Government Board, to appoint such a Committee as my hon. Friend suggests.

Would it not be desirable, also, to take into consultation the Board of Agriculture?

All the Government Departments concerned are being taken into consultation.

:asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many houses have been erected in Ireland under the

:asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has ascertained what sum is to be given to Great Britain by the Treasury for housing pur- provisions of the Congested Districts Acts up to the latest date available; how much such houses have cost the Government; and what percentage the net rents received have returned on the investment?

With the hon. Member's permission I will publish in the Official report a detailed statement in reply to this question.

The financial arrangements for the housing schemes in Ireland will not be finally settled for a day or two. Different arrangements are necessary for Ireland as the circumstances are not the same as in Great Britain. There will, of course, be an equivalent in money for Ireland.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman undertakes that there will be an equivalent Grant for Ireland for housing?

There will be an equivalent in money. I do not know whether you would call it a Grant or not. I should like the hon. Member to wait until I got the opportunity promised by my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast of discussing this and other problems.

Is it not a fact that already £7,000,000 has been allotted for housing the labouring classes in Ireland, while nothing has been allotted in England?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many sections of the Belfast Prison have been damaged and rendered uninhabitable by the violence of the Sinn Fein prisoners detained there; whether the damage took place in the presence of the responsible officials of the prison; why the soldiers and police who were present at the time were not utilised to prevent such destruction; whether it is a fact that, these mutinous Sinn Fein prisoners were at the time being specially fed by direction of the prison authorities; what is the cost of their maintenance up to the present; and what is the monetary value of the damage done to the prison wings in question by the uncontrolled violence of these men?

Three of the blocks of Belfast Prison allocated for special prisoners were damaged. The damage took place in the presence of the officials of the prison. Steps were taken as far as possible to prevent such damage. These prisoners were being specially fed, as, owing to a serious outbreak of influenza, it was necessary to convert the prison itself into a hospital, and it was whilst these prisoners were convalescent hospital patients, and therefore not under the customary penal conditions, they elected to mutiny and damage public property. The cost of maintenance of the Sinn Fein prisoners in Belfast Prison in the period from 1st April, 1918, to 1st March, 1919, was £4,44918s. It is not possible to give an estimate of the actual value of damage done.

Is this policy still being pursued in the administration of the Belfast Prison, and is it consonant with the general policy which the Government intends to pursue in the treatment of prisoners in Ireland?

I have just received Mr. Justice Dodd's Report, and am considering what attitude I shall adopt in regard to the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in introducing housing reform in Ireland, he will so amend the Small Dwellings Act that applications may be extended from houses of £400 value to houses of £1,000 value; whether he will consider the advisability of reducing the qualifying deposit from 20 per cent. to 5 per cent.; and whether, at the same time, he will recommend the Treasury to make a Grant to the local authorities to stimulate private individuals to build houses?

The points referred to by my hon. Friend will be taken ito consideration when the Irish Clauses of the Housing Bill are being prepared.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the Irish Land Commission has not exercised its powers to any extent of carrying through purchases of estates and town lands coming within the provisions of Section 20 of the Irish Land Act of 1909?

During the War the cash available for land purchase has been necessarily limited, and has been applied in payment of estates as reached in their order of priority and in respect of which purchase agreements have been entered into. In dealing with these cases the Estates Commissioners have, where they considered it desirable, applied the provisions of the Section referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a number of estates purchased under the Irish Land Purchase Acts, where the vendors agreed to take payment in cash only, are being unduly delayed in completion, to the loss of the vendors and the purchasing tenants; and what steps he proposes to take to have the sales of those estates completed?

Estates pending for sale under the Land Purchase Acts are dealt with in their order of priority under the Regulations made under Section 4 of the Irish Land Act, 1909. During the War the funds for land purchase have been necessarily limited, but it is hoped that increased funds will be available on the conclusion of peace.

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree to an inquiry into some cases to which I could draw his attention where there has been undue delay?

Certainly.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to a speech delivered by Mr. H. T. Barrie at Limavady, on the 24th February, in which that gentleman said that the completion of Irish land purchase was one of the immediately pressing problems, and with a little pressure he thought there should be no difficulty in bringing in the Irish Convention purchase scheme as one of the schemes that should form part of any well thought-out system of Irish reconstruction; and whether, having regard to the fact that Mr. Barrie is Vice-President of the Irish Department of Agriculture and a member of the Government, this statement represents the view of the Government on this vital Irish question?

My attention has been called to the speech. My hon. Friend has informed me that the speech only expresses his personal view, and that this was made quite clear by him.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it a proper thing for a respected Member of this House, who has been appointed to a Government position, to speak in his personal capacity about a matter of national importance?

I cannot pass any personal comment upon that.

May I further ask whether the Gentleman referred to in this question is not more intimately connected with potatoes than with politics?

All that I know is that he is an extremely efficient Civil servant.

You do not know yet.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, with reference to the "Grammar of Anarchy" and the "Handbook of Rebels" which have been suppressed by the Government, whether he can state the passages which are seditious and tend to the promotion of anarchy?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply already given to his similar question on this subject by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General for Ireland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these two publications consist exclusively of extracts from speeches delivered by members of the Government and their friends, and that there is absolutely nothing original in either of the volumes—that they consist entirely of the reports of those speeches?

The decision, with which I agree, was taken before I was at the Irish Office, but I saw those books this morning. I only got as far as the preface—that was enough for me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the question? Is it not a fact that these two volumes consist exclusively of the reports of speeches delivered by members of the Government and their friends?

The right hon. Gentleman gave that reply in the first instance.

With all respect, he has not answered the question.

That was the statement made by the Chief Secretary for Ireland in reply to the first question—that they are extracts.

Since the right hon. Gentleman has only read the preface, will he read the whole book, and then give an answer to the question?

I have far too much to do.

Is it not a fact that this publication—composed of extracts, if he likes, from speeches of members of the Government, including the present Lord Chancellor—was circulated to the extent of 37,000 copies in the recent strike in Glasgow, and is there any reason why it should now be censored as regards the rest of the country?

Why was it passed by the Censor before publication?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has seen the official announcement as to the large Grant by the Treasury for roads in Great Britain; and whether an equivalent Grant has been made to Ireland?

I have seen the announcement referred to. The question of an equivalent Grant for Ireland is under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why a decision has not been arrived at in regard to Ireland, seeing that a decision with regard to England was arrived at nearly two months ago?

I know that there has been some delay—necessary delay—because of the change of office. I have just had my attention drawn to this particular point, and will engage to see that attention is directed to it at once.

Will the right hon. Gentleman deal with this matter also in the discussion?

I will try.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether all the owners of property destroyed in the Dublin rebellion have been paid the ex gratia contribution promised them in respect of loss of rent; and, if not, when will they be paid?

Some of the claims received for ex gratia Grants in respect of rent are still outstanding. They will be disposed of as quickly as the pressure of work in my Department permits.

Soon, I suppose?

I hope so.

asked the Home Secretary if he will say what were the circumstances under which De Valera and other Sinn Fein prisoners were permitted to escape from Lincoln gaol; and what disciplinary measures, if any, have been taken with regard to the governor and officials of the gaol?

asked the Home Secretary whether any disciplinary action has been or will be taken as a result of the escape of certain Sinn Fein leaders from Lincoln prison; what steps have been taken to effect their recapture; and whether he has any reason to suppose that any of the escaped prisoners have left Great Britain?

As regards the circumstances of the escape, I beg to refer to my reply to the hon. Member for Mid-Antrim, on the 3rd March. As regards the governor and officials of the prison, it must be remembered that the Irish internees are not ordinary prisoners, and are not subject to the strict regulations of the Prison Code. Had they been so, the preparations for escape either could not have been made or would have been detected. The Prison Commissioners are, nevertheless, of opinion that, owing to the demeanour and good conduct of these men, the governor was led into an error of judgment in considering that the existing supervision was sufficient; for which he has been admonished. The other officials of the prison are not to blame, as there was no breach of any Order entrusted to them. Warnings were sent out to the police and the ports immediately the escape took place. I understand that one man has appeared in Dublin, but have no information that any of the others have left Great Britain.

:asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) whether he is aware that some weeks ago the Lord Mayor of Dublin was informed by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland that the Irish political prisoners would be released immediately and that their relatives might be so informed; and whether he can state why this pledge has not been redeemed; (2) whether the release of the Irish political. prisoners has been recommended by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by the Chief Secretary for Ireland, and by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, who is the ex-Chief Secretary for Ireland; if so, what stands in the way of their recommendation being acted upon; and will they now be released?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer these questions. It has now been decided to release the political internees in this country.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the average output of coal per person employed in America is four times greater than that of Great Britain; and if he can state the reason?

Taking the period of five years before the War, 1909–1913, it appears that the average annual output of coal per person employed in the United States is rather less than two and a half times the average output of mineral raised in coal mines in the United Kingdom, and the same result is obtained if a comparison is made between the figures for 1916 which is the latest year for which the American figures are available. I will publish the figures in the Official Report. As regards the main reasons for this difference I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question on this subject asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Greenwich last Monday.

Is it not a fact that the figures have been published for 1917 and 1918 for America, and that Pennsylvania alone shows 1,000 tons per man per annum, as against 240?

The hon. Member is giving the information, and there is no necessity to ask for it.

asked the Home Secretary if, seeing that not more than six inspectors are appointed to inspect the pit ponies in our coal mines, he will state the number of mines and the approximate number of pit ponies to be inspected; and will he see that an adequate number of inspectors are appointed so that the provisions of the Mines Act of 1911 are carried out?

The number of mines employing pit ponies and the number of pit ponies employed are approximately 1,880 and 65,000. There are eight, not six, special inspectors of horses, and practically every mine employing ponies is visited by one of these inspectors at least once a year, some of them several times. The ordinary inspectors also constantly inspect horses and stables. The inspectors find, generally speaking, that the horses are in good condition and well treated, and that the provisions of the Act of 1911 are satisfactorily complied with; and I do not think there is any need at present for an addition to the number of horse inspectors.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman thinks that eight inspectors are sufficient to inspect 65,000 ponies?

Yes, that is what my advisers tell me. I understand that they do the work quite efficiently.

Is that what the Act of 1911 lays down?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Edmund Howarth, a conscientious objector who has been in prison considerably over two years, and is now serving a sentence of two years' hard labour in Maidstone Prison, has been suffering very severely from rheumatism, which is now affecting his heart; and whether he will now call for a report?

This prisoner has been temporarily discharged from prison on account of the ill-health he brought on himself by persistent refusal to take food. Before this he had complained of rheumatism, and was given treatment for it, but according to a report I received on the 12th February, his general health was good, and his heart was not affected.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that A. D. King, conscientious objector, who has been in prison or detention for two years and five months, is now in Winchester Prison hospital in a serious state of health; and whether he will have inquiries made into this case with a view to his release from prison on health grounds?

I have had a report in this case. The prisoner had an attack of influenza, but is making satisfactory progress towards recovery.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the average cost per week of a prisoner in His Majesty's prisons in the United Kingdom?

I would refer the hon. Member, so far as England and Wales are concerned, to Appendix VII. of the Annual Report of the Prison Commissioners. He will see that the answer to his question depends on the class of prison and the items taken into account. Taking into account the cost of staff, maintenance, and all miscellaneous charges, but not the cost of prison buildings, the weekly average for convict prisons is 35s. 4d., and for local prisons 24s. 1d. These figures are considerably reduced if allowance is made for the value of the prisoners' labour.

asked the Home-Secretary if Sir R. Redmayne is no longer acting as chief inspector of mines; and if he will state if he receives his salary from the Home Office besides a salary from the Coal Controller's Office?

Sir Richard Redmayne is not at present acting as Chief Inspector. He has been temporarily lent to the Coal Controller to act as the Controller's Chief Technical Adviser. He continues, as is usual in such cases, to receive the salary of his permanent appointment, and he is paid, I understand, an additional allowance of £300 by the Coal Controller's Department.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the number of inspectors of mines on the staff in 1907; the total underground inspections made; the number made by the inspectors in charge of the twelve districts; the total cost, including travelling and allowance expenses and clerical allowance; the number of inspectors of mines, quarries, and horses on the staff in 1914; the total underground inspections made; the number made separately by the six divisional inspectors and the chief inspector; and the total cost, including travelling and allowance expenses, salaries for clerks for divisional inspector and chief inspector's office, and allowances for divisional inspectors' offices rents?

I regret that the information as to the number of inspections is not available for the two years in question. The number of inspectors on the staff in 1907 was 39, and in 1914 89. The total cost of the inspectorate for the financial year 1907–8 was £31,365 odd, and for 1914–15 £48,786 odd.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to hold a national conference at an early date to discuss the unrest that at present exists in the shipbuilding and engineering industry throughout the country on questions relating to hours, wages, and general conditions of employment, unemployment and its prevention, and the best method of promoting co-operation between capital and labour?

I have been asked to reply to this question. A National Industrial Conference, at which representatives of the shipbuilding and engineering industries were present, was held on the 27th February last, and a provisional joint Committee was then set up to consider and report to a further meeting of that conference on the causes of the present unrest and the steps necessary to safeguard and promote the best interests of employers, workpeople, and the State, and especially to consider

1. Questions relating to hours, wages, and general conditions of employment.

2. Unemployment and its prevention.

3. The best methods of promoting co-operation between capital and labour.

This Committee has commenced its sittings, and it is intended that a Report shall be presented by them to a further meeting of the Industrial Conference on the 4th April. The purview of this conference is not limited to any particular industries, and it is not intended that it shall interfere in any way with any negotiations which are now taking place in separate industries.

Are there any Irish representatives on this Committee?

I am afraid that I cannot answer that question.

Who was the official responsible for the issue of the invitations to this conference?

It was an official of the Ministry of Labour, and I am responsible for all officials of the Ministry of Labour.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has given consideration to the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the extent and gravity of the evils of dental practice by unqualified persons; and whether he pro- poses to introduce legislation prohibiting the practice of dentistry by such persons and the establishment of a public dental service?

As the Report of the Committee only became available a week ago, there has not been sufficient time for its consideration by those interested.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the six members appointed by the Government to serve on the Coal Commission consist of a member of the Committee on War Munitions, a Director-General of aircraft production, a member of Shipping Control Committee, two teachers of Socialism, and an unsuccessful candidate of the Independent Labour party at the recent General Election; and will he say which of these members represents the interests of private consumers of coal, who are feeling severely the effects of shortage and high prices?

Consistently with the necessity of keeping the numbers of the Commission within reasonable limits, the members of the Commission have been selected so as to represent varying interests, and I feel sure that the personnel of the Commission is such as to ensure that all interests, including those of private consumers of coal, will receive due consideration from the Commission in framing their reports.

On a point of Order. I desire to ask why this question has been most materially altered from the form in which it was handed in? The form in which it was handed in was—

Because it contained insinuations and expressions which, I thought, were offensive. I hope that the hon. Member will not read it.

This question was drafted by myself with full knowledge and responsibility, and was also submitted to other Members, of the House who are also responsible Members, and who considered that it was a proper question.

Unfortunately, the final responsibility rests with me.

In view of the fact that the alteration of the question has made it absolutely unintelligible, I do not propose to put it.

asked the Prime Minister when the agricultural policy of the Government is to be communicated to the House; and whether he realises the urgency of this question, in view of the altered circumstances since the passage of the Corn Production Act?

The Government quite realise the importance of the question, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement in regard to it.

Can we have an answer to this before the introduction of any Land Settlement Bill or any proposed legislation dealing with the agricultural community?

I cannot give a definite promise to that effect, but a decision will be taken as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish and circulate to Members of this House a full statement of the Whitley Report, including the constitution of the joint councils already established?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Arrangements have been made for the circulation to Members of the House of documents containing the particulars mentioned.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the objections urged by impor- tant organs of public opinion in France to the proposed destruction of the interned German fleet; and whether, in the event of the French Government desiring to take over a portion of that fleet, he can give an assurance that the views of our French Ally will be supported by the British representatives in the Peace Conference?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I cannot add anything to the previous replies which I have given on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the statements contained in publications issued by the Ministry of Labour that the Government would be guided by the views of the large numbers of joint industrial councils set up under the Whitley Report; and why there has been no consultation with, or reference to, the joint industrial council for the road transport industry with respect to the powers of control of road and road traffic which it is sought to confer upon the proposed Minister of Ways and Communications in the Bill down for Second Reading on Monday next?

The Government is very anxious to have the benefit of consultation with and advice from joint industrial councils on matters relating to their respective industries. The joint industrial council for the road transport industry has not yet been finally constituted, although the negotiations are in an advanced stage, and it is hoped that it will meet at an early date. Any representations which it may wish to make in regard to the Ministry of Ways and Communication Bill will receive careful consideration from the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the serious delays taking place in personal and business correspondence between this country and America, owing to the action of the censorship; whether he can state what reason now remains for censoring the letters between two of the principal contracting parties to the League of Nations; whether, in view of the magnitude of the trans-Atlantic mail, the examination of all letters is a substantial item in containing the high war burden which this country is bearing; and whether he can state the numbers of men and women engaged in this work?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am informed that delays in postal correspondence to America are mainly due to less frequent mail sailings and to the fact that the voyage is considerably longer than in pre-war days. I understand that the censorship is not responsible for more than forty-eight hours' delay as a maximum, and that the bulk of the mail is cleared in time to catch the same posts as those by which mails would be transmitted if they were not censored. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Putney, in answer to a question last week, the Government is very desirous of abolishing the censorship as soon as it is possible to do so, but it is obvious that so long as the blockade exists, and the Orders for the prevention of capital and securities being transmitted out of the United Kingdom are in force, the censorship must be maintained. Two hundred women and sixty men are engaged in the censorship of the American mails, and the cost is £845 per week.

Are the Americans themselves keeping on a censorship too?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the average death rate per 1,000 persons employed underground, and surface and underground, for the years 1907 to 1918, inclusive; and the number of tons of mineral raised per person killed underground, and surface and underground, for the same period?

I will have the figures printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is proposed to resume the practice which was established before the War of setting up an Estimates Committee?

As I have already stated, it is intended without delay to set up the Select Committee on Expenditure, but I am doubtful as to the usefulness of the Committee suggested in the question, and will consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is at present in Paris, in regard to it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any estimate of the value of the Income Tax reliefs due for 1914–15 but not claimed?