asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received representations urging that cheaper travelling facilities shall be given at Easter; whether he has consulted the Railway Executive upon the matter; and whether any concessions can be made?

Representations to the effect mentioned have been received, and the Railway Executive Committee have been consulted; but, as I informed the hon. Gentleman on Monday last, the position of the railways does not admit of cheap travelling facilities being given at Easter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received a petition, signed by several hundred people who reside in his Parliamentary division, calling attention to the overcrowded state of trains on the District Railway; if he is aware of the seriousness of the position; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

Several petitions on the subject addressed to Members of Parliament have been forwarded to my right hon. Friend, who is in communication with the railway companies concerned in the matter. The railway authorities are aware of the overcrowding, which is mainly due to the lack of sufficient rolling stock which, owing to the War, the company has been unable to obtain. Every effort is being made to provide additional equipment, but until it is received the company regret being unable to materially improve the service.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that long before the War we were labouring under the same conditions in the East End of London, and that the evil is growing every day in consequence of the increased population in the East End?

Yes, Sir; but the difficulty is that the War has made it worse and not better.

You are not trying to improve it either!

Yes, we are!

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a report as to the conditions on the Underground and District Railways as regards overcrowding, especially during the busy hours of the day; whether scenes amounting almost to violence occur sometimes at the important junctions and that in consequence public danger is caused; and whether he proposes to take any measures to improve the facilities so that workpeople and business people can return to their homes in some degree of comfort?

As stated in reply to previous questions on this subject, I am aware that overcrowding occurs on underground railways to an undesirable extent. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer already given to-day to a question by the hon. Member for Plaistow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the underground and tube railways in London are under the control of the Railway Executive Committee; and, if not, to whom complaints of passengers as to overcrowding of the trains on these services should be directed with the object of securing extra passenger services on these lines?

The Metropolitan and Metropolitan District Railways are under the control of the Railway Executive Committee, but not the tube railways. The Railway Companies concerned are primarily responsible for providing necessary travelling accommodation, but as previously explained it is difficult for them under present conditions to make arrangements that are altogether satisfactory in this respect.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (l) the amounts paid to the Railway Executive Committee under the agreement for the last four financial years ending March, 1918, and up to 28th February, 1919; and if, in these amounts, the 50 per cent. increase in fares is taken into account; (2) if he can give an estimated percentage of the Government traffic on railways since August, 1914?

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Hornsey Division on the 19th February, the Government are considering in what form figures showing the cost of running the railways can best be made public. Pending the preparation of these figures I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the information as to payments through the Railway Executive Committee given in the published Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General on the Vote of Credit Appropriation Accounts. Any additional receipts resulting from the 50 per cent. increase in fares reduce the amount payable by the Government under the agreement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the railway authorities have recently sent out instructions that goods stations are to be open for receiving and delivering goods only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; whether this causes difficulty to farmers who, in many instances, wish to send to their station when the horses first come out, and who, if living at a distance will be unable to send there twice on the same day; and whether he can arrange for the goods stations to be opened from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.?

I am aware that the railway companies have recently found it necessary to revise the hours during which certain goods stations are open, but I do not think that the particular difficulty to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers has been brought to my notice. If-however, he will let me know what stations he has in mind I will look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the rate of special holiday fares that were granted to munition and other war workers on the railways last year; and approximately the number of passengers carried at these special fares at Easter, Whitsun, and August Bank Holiday in 1918; (2) the rate of railway fares charged to soldiers and sailors who were granted leave from home ports or camps during last year; and approximately the number of men carried at these special rates on the railways during the year 1918?

I am asking the Departments concerned and the Railway Executive Committee whether they can supply the information which the hon. Gentleman desires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the members of the Railway Executive Committee the number of the staff they employ, and the buildings they occupy; if the cost of the Committee is borne by his Department; and what the cost has been during the War years and the estimate for the present year?

I am sending the hon. Gentleman a list of the members of the Railway Executive Committee. The Committee occupies offices at 35, Parliament Street and 16, Great George Street, and employs a staff of thirty-three persons, male and female. All these persons were employés of the railway companies or the Railway Clearing House, and are still on the books of those corporations. The cost of the Committee is not borne by the Board of Trade, but forms part of the working expenses of the railway companies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will favourably consider the inclusion, in the terms of reference to the Committee on Industrial Insurance, the terms and conditions of service of all grades of the outdoor staffs of life insurance offices; (2) if, in appointing the Committee on Industrial Insurance, he will reconsider his previous decision and appoint a representative of the agents and collectors to serve on such Committee, in view of the proved value of having those actively working in a business directly represented?

The terms of reference to the Committee to be appointed to inquire into the question of industrial assurance have not yet been finally settled, but the suggestion that the inquiry should include the terms and conditions of service of all grades of the outdoor staff of industrial life offices shall receive consideration. As regards the insurance agents and collectors having a direct representative on the Committee, I am not able to add anything to the answer which was given to the hon. Member on the 13th March.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether large quantities of Swedish doors, sash-bars, etc., are being imported at very low prices; and whether many joinery works in the North of England are being closed down for want of orders?

I am not aware of any such importations. The articles mentioned would require import licences, and none have been issued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he consulted the Interim Industrial Reconstruction Committee of the Paper Trade before he decided to allow increased imports of manufactured paper?

The Interim Industrial Reconstruction Committee was not consulted, but the Paper Control Department has always kept in touch with the interests concerned and was aware of the views of the trade. The Interim Industrial Reconstruction Committee has been invited to be represented when a deputation from the Paper Makers' Association is being received at the Board of Trade to-morrow, Tuesday.

As the hon. Gentleman has just promised in the case of cotton hosiery that the restrictions will not be removed, why is no similar treatment meted out to paper dealers?

The Paper Control was set up before the Interim Industrial Reconstruction Committee was formed. They have their own advisory council, from which they derive information. In this particular instance, I do not know when it was, they should have been consulted. I am sorry they were not.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the interests of the paper trade in the same way in order to prevent unemployment?

They have been and are being considered, and a deputation on the subject is coming to-morrow.

Will these imports be stopped, or, at any rate, to some extent restricted?

No. A decision has been come to on that subject, and I do not think it can be reconsidered.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether, in view of the dissatisfaction and loss caused to newsvendors by the retention of the No Returns Order, he can see his way to explain to the House the reason for continuing to enforce this Order?

Notice has already been given in the Press of the withdrawal on 31st March of the Paper Restriction (Prohibition of Returns) Order, 1918.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether many British, firms have large sums of money owing to-them by Germans debtors, and that fre- quent requests for payment or recognition of their claims have been made to the Government without results; and what steps the Government propose to adopt to see that these just debts are paid?

This question should be addressed to the Treasury, but my right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. He is fully aware of the importance of this matter and is now receiving consideration in conjunction with the Allied Governments at the Peace Conference.

Now that communication with Germany is easier than it was during the War, would the hon. Gentleman consider whether the Courts could not pay out the large sums they have under their control to meet the just claims of British creditors?

The hon. and learned Gentleman had better address that question to the Treasury.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will make representations to the French Government for permission to increase the amounts of British imports into France from the small amount now obtaining?

Negotiations are about to be undertaken for the revision of the Agreement which at present regulates this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a number of allotment holders cultivating land at Fife Road under the Cultivation of Lands Order, held from the Barnes Urban District Council, have received notice to quit their allotments; for what purpose this land is required; and whether he will secure that these holders shall have security of tenure of their plots until this land is required for some better purpose than that to which it is at present being put?

This land is required by the owner for immediate build- ing, and the district council have other land available which will be offered to these allotment holders.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a number of allotment-holders under the Bognor Town Council have received seven days' notice to quit their allotments, which are held under the Cultivation of Lands Order, this notice expiring on 25th March; whether he will secure the withdrawal of the notices until an investigation has been made into the case; and whether, seeing that these holders have spent much time and money in preparing for the coming season's crops, and in view of the hardship involved in having to give up their plots, he will see that they are made secure in their tenure to enjoy the fruits of their work?

The Board have been in communication with the district council on this matter. The land in question has recently been sold and the purchaser desires to use it at once for food production and eventually for building. In these circumstances the allotment-holders were warned that they would probably have to be disturbed, but it is hoped that arrangements will be made to enable them to remain in occupation till Michaelmas next in any case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst disabled soldiers who have become allotment-holders in remote districts owing to their inability to market their produce because of excessive freight rates; and whether, with a view to helping these men and further encouraging others to settle on the land, steps can be taken by his Department to provide easy and cheap facilities on some co-operative basis for conveyance of produce to market?

The Board fully recognise that for the successful prosecution of small farming transport and marketing facilities are essential. Although they have no power of themselves to provide these facilities they hope to put into operation some experimental schemes at an early date. The subject is receiving every consideration, and the Board will maintain the closest touch with the new Ministry to ensure that the requirements of agriculturists are met.

Is there going to be any legislation on the subject of allotments, and is the policy of the Government to encourage them?

Yes, in the Land Settlement Bill, which will be introduced shortly, there is to be legislation to encourage allotments.

Could some temporary arrangement not be come to? A large number of soldiers who have taken allotments think of giving them up. Seed time is right on them now. Naturally they cannot be expected to incur a great deal of expense unless they are to have some guarantee with regard to their products. Is it not possible to have some temporary arrangement simply anticipating the provisions of the Bill?

I have said we are attempting experimental schemes, and I hope it may be possible to make some arrangement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether any reply has now been received from the Treasury as to the scheme of reorganisation of the Board of Agriculture?

Sanction has already been received for one portion of the scheme. As to the remainder the matter is still under consideration.

Shall we be able to have an answer as to the remainder on Wednesday evening, when this subject comes up for debate?

I could not possibly say.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the present prevalence of contagious abortion amongst cattle herds in this country, immediate steps can be taken to set up a Committee to investigate and report?

A Committee appointed by the Board in 1905 dealt very exhaustively with the subject in all its aspects and the Reports of this Committee are available. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by further inquiry.

In view of the evidence given by Sir Stewart Stockman before the Committee on Production and Distribution of Milk within the last three months has not the position so altered as to demand further inquiry?

No. I am informed that though the complaint in question has got worse in certain districts it is better in others. There is no evidence that it is really worse in the aggregate than it was.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the evidence before the Committee was to the effect that 40 per cent. of the herds of this country were now suffering from it?

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to take action on the original Report?

Every step is being taken to act on the original Report and to make the recommendations known to farmers.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the bonus granted with effect from the 1st February to British officers of the Indian Army is to be granted in addition to the ordinary field service batta, and will it be granted to the next-of-kin of those officers of the Indian Army who have died of wounds or disease on service during the War?

Any gratuity which may be granted to British officers of the Indian Army on the termination of the War would be independent of the bonus increase of pay from 1st February last, which has already been sanctioned. The former, being a grant based on the length of each officer's active service in the War, would be payable to the estates of deceased officers, but the bonus is an allowance drawn with pay.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any of the opinions of the provincial governments on the Report of the Secretary of State and Viceroy have been officially received from the Government of India?

The reply is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Mahomedan population of India is being consulted as to those matters under consideration by the Peace Conference which affect the interests and aspirations of the Muslim world?

The Indian delegation at the Peace Conference is fully cognisant of the special interests of Indian Mahomedans in the peace settlement, and the Secretary of State would take this opportunity of assuring his hon. and gallant Friend that he and his colleagues have charged themselves with the advocacy of Indian Mahomedan interests in the conviction that these form an essential part of the interests of India.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps are being taken to feed and care for Albanian refugees from Serbian attacks who are now taking refuge at Scutari and Zadrima?

I am not aware of the arrival of the refugees at the places named, but there is every reason to anticipate that they would be looked after, should the need arise, by the British detachment quartered at Scutari.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information showing that bands of Greek comitadjis, under the command of Vassili Kolovas, Vassili Stilara, and Stepho, are preparing to invade Southern Albania with a view to forcing the population of that district to express themselves in favour of the Greek claims; and whether any steps are being taken to protect the inhabitants from this infraction of the declarations which have been made in Paris that fighting is to cease until the frontiers are delimited?

I have received no information confirming the report mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has been any change in the composition of the Mission proceeding to study the condition of the Roumanian oilfields?

Owing to business engagements, the hon. and gallant Member for Wandsworth Central found it impossible to accompany the Commission to Roumania. Mr. A. C. Hearn was therefore nominated as chairman of the Commission. Should, however, the Commission find the assistance of the hon. and gallant Member to be absolutely indispensable, he has undertaken to proceed te Roumania.

asked the Under-Seretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether telegraphic, telephonic, and railway communication between Alexandria and Cairo has been interrupted by riots arising from political unrest, and whether immediate steps have been taken to restore such communications, and with what results?

The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the affirmative. The latest reports show that railway communication between Cairo and Alexandria has been restored and telegraphic communication between Cairo and Tanta Wireless telegraphy is being used between Cairo and Alexandria.

How long is it now that telegraphic communication has been interrupted between Cairo and Alexandria? Is it not over a week, and is not the situation very serious?

I could not answer my Noble Friend's detailed question, but the situation gives cause for some anxiety, as he knows.

Will my hon. Friend or the Leader of the House make a statement on the whole situation in Egypt at an early date?

I will make that suggestion to my right hon. Friend.

Will that statement be allowed to be discussed?

That also will be for my right hon. Friend to determine.

asked the Under - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether General Sir Reginald Wingate, British High Commissioner in Egypt, is still being detained in this country at the request of the Government; and whether, in view of the serious political crisis which has arisen in Egypt in Sir Reginald Wingate's absence, he will be allowed to return to Egypt forthwith and given a free hand by the Foreign Office to deal with the situation?

The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the affirmative. Sir Reginald Wingate is remaining here to afford valuable advice and assistance to His Majesty's Government. In the meantime, as already announced, General Allenby is proceeding to Egypt as Special High Commissioner with supreme civil and military authority, and will receive the full support of His Majesty's Government in dealing with the situation.

Am I to understand from that reply Sir Reginald Wingate is in any way superseded? This arrangement is only temporary, is it not?

I do not think Sir Reginald Wingate is in any way superseded?

Is the Government accepting the advice of Sir Reginald Wingate?

My answer is, I think, a sufficient reply.

You said they were taking advantage of hearing his views. Are they accepting the views he puts?

Is it not rather unfortunate that General Allenby and Sir Reginald Wingate should be away from Egypt at the same time?

General Allenby is proceeding to Egypt as fast as he can.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as soon as order has been restored in Egypt, the Government will set up a Royal Commission to examine and report on what constitutional and departmental changes are necessary, if any, to give effect to the declared policy of the Government in regard to the future development of the administration of Egypt; and whether, in the event of such a Commission being set up, the evidence of responsible Egyptian public opinion will be taken and the present composition and functions of the Egyptian Department of the Foreign Office and its relation to the Egyptian Government and the Anglo-Egyptian Civil Service reviewed?

It has always been the intention of His Majesty's Government that as soon as possible a full inquiry should be made on the lines indicated in the first part of the question, and at such inquiry the evidence of responsible Egyptian public opinion will have every opportunity of being heard.

It would be premature, however, to decide at the moment whether a Royal Commission will be the most suitable machinery for the purpose, and the last part of the hon. and gallant Member's question does not therefore at present arise.

Are we to understand that the Government are considering the alternative of a purely Departmental Committee of the Foreign Office?

No; the Government is considering everything relevant to the issue.

May we have an undertaking that whatever Committee is set up it will not be purely of the Foreign Office?

Can we have an answer to that question?

I will confer with my Noble Friend on that point.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of British soldiers in Egypt are absolutely against the policy that is now being pursued?

I must have notice of that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the fact that commercial representatives from the United States of America (of every section of manufacture) are selling goods without licence in Scandinavia, he will take the necessary steps to either cancel the Order for licences now required by British manufacturers and merchants for the sale of goods in Scandinavia or remedy the delay which frequently obtains in the granting of such licences?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I have no evidence that commercial representatives from the United States are selling goods without licence in Scandinavia. If the hon. Member can substantiate his allegation with any specific instances, I shall, of course, be ready to make inquiries.

With regard to the necessity for obtaining licences to export goods to Scandinavia, I must explain that the export of goods from this country may be prohibited for one or both of two reasons, namely, the necessity for conserving home supplies and the necessity for regulating imports into neutral countries contiguous with Germany Presumably the hon. Member is not referring to the former of these categories. With regard to the latter, I would refer him to the Debate of the 10th instant in this House. I am unable at present to add anything to what was said on that occasion, and to what I said on the 20th instant in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Rusholme with regard to the general policy of His Majesty's Government towards the blockade. As regards the alleged delay in obtaining export licences, the hon. Member is doubtless aware that the War Trade Department—and not the Foreign Office—are responsible for the issue of licences to export goods from this country. I am calling the attention of the former Department to this allegation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he has, in conjunction with the President of the Board of Agriculture, arranged for release for export of certain quantities of superphosphate and compound manures; if firms desirous to export these articles have to obtain a licence from the War Trade Department; if, as a condition of the licences being issued, manufacturers in quoting export prices are required to make allowance for the payment to the Government of £4 a ton in the case of compounds and £3 17s. 6d. a ton in the case of superphosphate, on the ground that these payments represent the equivalent of the total loss incurred by the State in respect of raw materials and bags used in the manufacture and packing of the articles in question; if he will explain in what way this loss arises and on what basis, by whom it was calculated, and if the trade was consulted before the arrangement was made; if he can state how many licences up to the present time have been granted as the result of this concession, and the amount of revenue that has accrued to the Government thereunder; and if, in view of the handicap which these conditions place upon British manufacturers of compounds and superphosphate, he will take immediate steps for the matter to be reconsidered, and have the advice of practical experts taken, in order that British trade may not suffer from this disability?

As the answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's question is a lengthy one, I propose to circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the Answer referred to:

Arrangements have been made with the President of the Board of Agriculture for the release of certain quantities of superphosphates and compound manures for export. Firms desiring to export these commodities have to obtain a licence from the War Trade Department. Manufacturers to whom licences are issued have to pay the amounts notified in each instance by the Ministry of Munitions as being equivalent to the total loss incurred by His Majesty's Government in respect of raw materials used in the manufacture and packing of the exported goods. The figures £4 per ton in the case of compounds and £3 17s. 6d. per ton in the case of superphosphates were maximum figures, and manufacturers have been informed that the average amount recovered by the Government would be £3 7s. 4d. for compound fertilisers and £3 0s. 4d. for superphosphates, a deduction of 18s. 4d. from these amounts being made in each case where the bags are provided by the manufacturers. The loss arises from the issue by the Government to manufacturers of pyrites, phosphate rock and bags at prices below cost, and the figures above quoted were calculated from data in the possession of Explosives Supply Branch of the Ministry and the finance branch attached thereto. The exact amount repayable would of course vary with the nature of the material exported. The trade have always been aware that the Government incurred a loss on the import of raw materials for fertilisers and that accordingly an appropriate proportion of this loss would be recoverable in case of export. Four licences have been granted for export and the amount recovered is estimated at £1,000. I cannot agree with the statement that the condition in question imposes any handicap upon British manufacturers of compounds and superphosphates and no complaints to this effect have been received by the Ministry. The principle of recovering loss on the export of subsidised materials has been followed in the case of numerous commodities, and I therefore see no reason to reconsider the position.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the Fertiliser Manufacturers' Association has refused to negotiate with the organised workers in the trade for the purpose of dealing with their conditions? Will the question be taken into consideration?

I will inquire into that aspect of the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will request the Director-General of Food Relief to issue a statement giving the amount of food which has been dispatched for the relief of the populations of Germany and of Austria, and the amount which has reached the areas for which they are intended?

I have been asked to reply. No food has yet been sent into Germany, except into the areas occupied by Allied forces, and food will not be sent into that country until the German Government have fulfilled the preliminary conditions as to shipping and finance which have been laid down. Supplies are already at Rotterdam ready for delivery in the expectation that these conditions will be fulfilled. As regards German Austria, the Food Controller is informed by his representative on the Supreme Economic Council that about 45,000 tons of foodstuffs have been sent from various sources to this area and have reached their destination.

Has any gone to Hungary yet?

I should like notice of that.

asked the Food Controller whether the Wheat Commission is imposing on corn dealers an obligation to take a proportion of beans and Irish oats when buying maize for horse feeding; and, if not, whether, seeing that this practice is contrary to an undertaking given by the Director of Contracts on 22nd January, he will say what action he proposes to take to prevent corn dealers imposing this obligation on their customers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. No such obligation has ever been placed upon horse owners, the arrangement to which the hon. and gallant Member refers having been introduced for cattle-feeding purposes only as a temporary measure. This arrangement has now been withdrawn, and no dealer is authorised to insist upon the sale of beans in combination with maize, except where he holds stocks already bought under this obligation; it is believed that the stock of beans so held is now very small. I may add that there is still a marked shortage of maize and that strict economy is necessary in its use.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that, under the Regulations for duty-paid goods only, i.e., spirit upon which duty is paid at the time of purchase, large merchants purchase the greater portion of their stock in bond and pay duty when the same is required for use; if he is aware that, prior to the issuing of amended Regulations controlling the price of spirits bought in bond, spirits were plentiful at the high price then asked, but since the price became controlled the distillers are holding on to their goods and the merchants cannot force their hands under present Regulations; and if he intends taking action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the latter part, the Food Controller is aware that prior to the issue of the Order fixing maximum prices whisky changed hands at speculative figures; but he has no information to show that distillers are not now releasing any stocks in their possession.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that wine and spirit merchants are compelled to supply their customers with 50 per cent. of their 1916 consumption, and that there is nothing to make the distillers and blenders supply the wine merchants with that quantity, and will he take some action in the matter?

I will inquire.

asked the Food Controller if he can see his way to remove at once all restrictions on the sale of feeding stuffs for cattle and pigs, including millers' offals, which are at present being charged a high price?

The Food Controller has already removed the restrictions on the distribution of feeding stuffs in this country. The only other restrictions imposed in connection with the sale of feeding stuffs are those set out in the Cattle Feeding Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order, and, in view of the importance of preventing any increase in the prices charged, he does not yet propose to rescind this Order. I may add, however, that a temporary reduction of £2 per ton in the price of Millers' Offals has recently been made.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that uncertainty exists in Scotland as to the policy he is to follow in regard to the-distribution of sugar for jam-making purposes; and whether, in view of the approach of the fruit season and the commercial and domestic interests involved in this matter, he can now, or at an early date, indicate what decision he intends to promulgate?

In view of the continuing stringency of sugar supplies throughout the world it will be necessary to limit strictly the issues of sugar to jam. manufacturers. An arrangement as to the issues which will be possible for the current year will be made very shortly. As regards sugar for domestic preserving, I regret that it is not possible at present to make any statement more definite than, that issued to the Press on 31st January, 1919, in which all persons desirous of making jam for home consumption were recommended to reserve as much sugar as possible out of the increased weekly ration in order to supplement such limited supplies as may be available from any surpluses in the hands of retailers during the fruit season.

May I ask if the hon. Gentleman can hold out any hope of an early decision being taken?

I may say that the stock of white sugar in the country is very limited. As soon as we can see any surplus available for the purpose the Ministry is desirous of supplementing the supply for that purpose.

Is it at all likely that domestic growers will receive a great deal more sugar than last year?

That I could not say.

asked the Food Controller if he can state why, since there is an ample supply of oats in Scotland, the price of oatmeal continues to be 50 per cent. higher than flour in that country; and whether he is aware that the present price bears hardly upon the poorer classes of the community?

According to the Food Controller's information, the price of oats in Scotland is declining at the present time. The question of reducing the price of oatmeal is now under consideration, and I hope to make an announcement on the subject within the next ten days.

Will the same announcement apply to Ireland where there are great complaints about the price?

I will inquire.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that no Department of the Government is now adequately supplying information regarding the habits, efforts, and resources of the United Kingdom to the peoples of allied and neutral countries, he will consider the advisability of immediately setting up a Department of public information, in order that we may efficiently carry out a programme of propaganda, at least as equally efficient as that now being conducted by the United States Government in the countries mentioned?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Frome on the 27th February.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of placing the Department of Overseas Trade on a better footing and housing it in proper and adequate quarters in order that it can, with efficiency and speed, supply British manufacturers with all the information they desire so that they may be in a better position to meet foreign competition in overseas markets, and thereby increase the output of British factories and workshops?

The question of "placing the Department of Overseas Trade on a better footing" is not one for this Department. As regards the remainder of the question, the subject of the rehousing of the Department has been under consideration for some time, but no more suitable premises are available at present to which is can be transferred.

If this is not a question for his Department, can the right hon. Gentleman say why he was asked to reply?

I can answer that question, because I asked the right hon. Gentleman to reply. I understood that the question as to putting the Department on a better footing meant better housing.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have now recognised Poland as a neutral and sovereign State, and whether, accordingly, persons born in Poland of parents who were then domiciled there are regarded by the British Government as neutral subjects and are entitled to that status?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part is that persons who desire to be recognised as "alien friends" by His Majesty's Government must obtain certificates from the Polish National Committee in London.

asked the Prime Minister if a Report has been submitted by the Ministry of Reconstruction to the War Cabinet dealing with the proposals for the reconstitution of the electrical power system of this country; and, if so, if this Report will be laid before Parliament before the introduction of the proposed Electrical Power Bill?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Report will be laid before Parliament as soon as it can be printed.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the posters on the offices of the Silver Badge party at 4, Spring Gardens; and whether any action can be taken to prevent public persons from being subjected to such insinuations by a body which purports to represent a section of His Majesty's Forces?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in a shop window in Spring Gardens there is a large poster denouncing one of the members of His Majesty's Government as a traitor to this country; and whether the Government purposes to take any and, if so, what steps to put an end to what appears to be a gross reflection on the honour and reputation of one of His Majesty's Ministers?

My right hon. Friend has himself taken legal action in the matter, and the subject is therefore sub judice.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the high prices which are being demanded from the working classes, especially in the East End of London, for articles of domestic furniture, the charges being in many instances 200 to 300 per cent. above the pre-war standard; and whether he proposes to institute any and, if so, what legislation to deal with the situation?

I do not think that any action By the Government is possible.

asked the Prime Minister if he is prepared to take immediate steps to so curtail the import of manufactured paper into the United Kingdom that the paper trade may be enabled to resume its normal condition at the earliest possible moment, by restarting paper machines at present idle, and so re-employing former employés now returning from the front?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. My right hon. Friend has arranged to receive a deputation of the paper making industry at an early date. My hon. and gallant Friend will, I am sure, bear in mind that manufactured paper forms the raw material for many descriptions of industry in this country, and the question of restricting imports has to be considered from this point of view as well as from that of the paper manufacturing industry.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Budget will be introduced before Easter; and, if so, on what date?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he is not yet in a position to make any definite statement on the subject.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he expects to be in a position to say when the Budget will be introduced?

I will ask my right hon. Friend.

asked the Primes Minister whether any steps are being taken to earmark the private fortune of the Kaiser as a possible source of contribution to the cost of the War?

Every possible source of payment by Germany is under consideration. I will refer the hon. Member's specific suggestion to the British representatives on the Reparation Committee.

Has the right, hon. Gentleman seen a report in the papers this morning that the Germans have sent 1,000,000 marks to the ex-Kaiser?

I have not seen that. If it is true, I should like it for ourselves.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is prepared, to make any statement with regard to the reasons for Lord Emmott's resignation as. Chairman of the Consultative Committee on Import Restrictions; and whether he will give an early opportunity for a discussion on the effect of those restrictions on the trade and commerce of the country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. As already announced in this House, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has appointed a Consultative Council to examine the question of the prohibition of imports. The Consultative Council consists of representatives of manufacturing and distributing interests (including the co-operative societies and the retail trades), representatives of Labour, and of the Treasury and Board of Trade. It will be purely advisory, the ultimate decision in each case resting with the Government.

At a meeting of the Council on the 18th March a resolution was adopted>to the effect that, in view of the magnitude of the task and the necessity of carrying it through rapidly, the Council should work in Sub-committees, To the great regret of my right hon. Friend, Lord Emmott, who had accepted the chairmanship of the Council, finds himself unable to continue in that capacity, mainly owing to what he understands to be the view of the Council that the representatives of the interests affected should be in the majority on each Sub-committee. There does not, however, appear to be anything in the resolution of the Council to warrant this interpretation; what my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade understands the resolution to mean is that each Sub-committee should be so constituted as to be representative of the various interests, manufacturing, distributing, and consuming, which are represented on the Council itself. In view of the facts that, as already stated, the Council is only an advisory one, and that no question of permanent policy is involved, the Government see no reason for making any change in the procedure determined upon.

If there be a general desire in the House for a discussion, I am authorised by the Leader of the House to say that he will try to find time for it.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if it is the view of the President of the Board of Trade that on these Sub-committees the interest affected by that particular Sub-committee should be in a majority?

I do not think it can be. There is no desire that any Sub-committee should be loaded by a majority of any particular interest. The object is to get an impartial decision on each point. The Council will meet again tomorrow and the whole question is to be raised, including the point which has been raised by my right hon. Friend.

May I ask the Leader of the House whether he cannot put this Vote down for Wednesday or Thursday, as on Thursday the Slough question is coming up, and on Wednesday that question is also coming on in another place it will not be necessary for us to take so much time for it on Thursday?

We have no desire to avoid discussion on this subject or any other which the House wishes to discuss. As regards Wednesday, the time will be required, I think, for the further stages of Bills to be taken to-day and to-morrow. With respect to Thursday, I think the suggestion is a possible one and I shall consider it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Government hold stocks of leather in this country or elsewhere; and if they are now making or have recently made further purchases of leather in the United States, India, or elsewhere?

The Government hold in this country stocks of certain classes of leather mainly of a quality suitable for Army requirements and war-time boots. They are now purchasing in the United States, in agreement with the leather trade, a limited quantity of those qualities of high-grade upper leather, of which supplies are very short, and which are essential for the revival of the boot-manufacturing industry. The only other leather being bought consists of Indian tanned hides, the three months' notice necessary for the termination of the buying arrangements in India not having yet expired.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the Government buildings in Great George Street are still in occupation of the Controller of the Navy; how long this occupation is likely to last; and to what Government Department they have been allocated in future?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is impossible at the present time to state how long this occupation is to last, or to whom the premises are to be allocated in future, but this matter is now under consideration.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will state whether, in engaging men for service in his Department, he is reserving at least 75 per cent. of these appointments for ex-soldiers and ex-sailors; and whether he can state what percentage of the total number engaged by his Department since the Armistice are ex-soldiers and ex-sailors?

No definite percentage of appointments is being reserved, but ex-Service men are always given preference. Seventy-eight per cent. of the total number of men engaged directly by my Department since the Armistice are ex-soldiers and ex-sailors.

asked the Under secretary of State to the Air Ministry what was the total expenditure incurred at Loch Doon; whether the saleable plant and other assets have been removed; and what was the amount of the proceeds of sale arising therefrom?

The total expenditure to 19th February, 1919, was £484,433. In this figure I do not include the cost of land and compensation to tenants is not included. The saleable plant and other assets have already been largely removed, being either transferred for Government purposes elsewhere, or sold to other purchasers. The value of materials disposed of in these ways will amount, when removal is completed, to an estimated total of, approximately, £210,000.

What was the amount of sacrifice that the landlords have made?

I have not got the figures for the land.

asked the Under-secretary of State to the Air Ministry what measures he is adopting to carry out his undertaking to keep in touch with aviation progress in the Dominions; and whether, seeing the vital part taken by Canada and other Dominions in the air triumphs of the War, and the necessity of developing inter-Imperial commerce and communications by aviation, he can devise means to bring the Governments of the Dominions into intimate working association with his Ministry?

The Dominions have been asked for suitable officers to be appointed for liaison between their respective Governments and the Air Ministry. Certain of these officers have taken up their duties and are the channel for assisting a complete interchange of information and views.

With regard to aerial commerce and communications within the Empire representations of the Dominions and India in Paris are assisting the air section of the British Peace Delegation and their cooperation has been of great help in the consideration of the International Aerial Convention and the regulations and rules, of the air. The Dominions concerned are also being consulted by the Department of Civil Aviation on the subject of aerial communication and routes and every endeavour is being made to keep in close touch on these subjects.

asked the Postmaster-General if male telephonists are the only Post Office servants who are compelled to work a fifty-four hour week; whether he is aware that Sundays, Bank Holidays, and Christmas Day are included in this fifty-four hour attendance without extra pay or time in lieu thereof; and whether he will, in view of the strain which is imposed upon these men by the nature of their work, consider the necessity of bringing this staff into line with ordinary Post Office conditions?

Male telephonists are employed during the night and attend for fifty-four hours a week, but their net working hours, deducting intervals for meals and rest, are generally below forty-six weekly. The work through the night is, as a rule, light and intermittent, and involves no special strain. The conditions of service were fixed in accordance with the recommendations of the Select Committee on Post Office Servants which reported in 1913, and my right hon. Friend is not at present prepared to alter them.

asked the Postmaster General if he will at once make application to the Secretary of State for War for the services of all signal sections of the Royal Engineers stationed in Great Britain to assist his staff in the re-establishing of telephone communication in large industrial areas in the North of England, where for over two months such communication has been interrupted?

Military assistance has been extensively given to repair the damage due to snowstorms. The damage was very considerable and was not confined to the North of England. Every effort is being made to complete the repairs as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make concessions in the rental of telephone service to those who, by reason of facilities not being efficient and effective, have for a period of over two months been unable to use the telephone service?

The Post Office is not liable for any loss occasioned by interruptions of telephone service, which must inevitably occur from time to time; but consideration is given to an application for rebate of rental when communication has been totally interrupted for any considerable length of time.

asked whether, while full civil pay is paid to all members of the staff who joined Royal Engineer units, Army pay is deducted from the civil pay if any other branch of the Service is joined; and, if so, what is the reason for this differentiation?

The case is as stated by the hon. Member. The reason is that use was made in the Royal Engineers of the special postal and telegraph qualifications of Post Office servants. In other units of the forces the special qualifications of Post Office servants had no particular value.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed at a meeting of organised sub-postmasters, Stoke-on-Trent, protesting against the instructions now being issued to open sub-offices at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., as at present, as a retrograde step; whether he is aware that this action is viewed with concern as it requires sub-postmasters to be on duty eleven hours a day and upwards, and is opposed to working-class movements for shorter hours; and if he will inquire into the matter with a view to removing the cause of dissatisfaction?

I am aware that some dissatisfaction has been caused by the order referred to by the hon. Member, and a deputation is being received from the Sub-Postmasters' Federation on the subject.

Does this refer to Stoke-on-Trent or to the whole country?

The whole country.

asked the Postmaster-General why the post office at Perranarworthal, near Truro, is closed; and, in view of the inconvenience in the neighbourhood, if he will now reply to the letters from the district, and the inquiry of the hon. Member for Penryn and Falmouth if the office can be again opened for the convenience of the residents of the district, who are now many miles from a post office?

The office was closed on the resignation of the sub-postmistress, because no successor could be found. Provision has been made for the telephone work attached to the office; and as regards its postal work, I am still prepared to appoint as sub-postmaster any person, willing to provide the necessary accommodation and service on the usual terms. All letters will be replied to as soon as the information can be given.

asked the Post master-General if he is aware that before installing a special wire between the Dublin Stock Exchange and London a money guarantee was required that the line would pay its way; is he aware that no call has ever had to be made in respect of the guarantee, and will he, having regard to this fact and to the large transactions in Government and other stocks which are passing between Dublin and London, restore this special wire, which during many years proved itself to be a paying proposition?

In 1884 an agreement was made between the Postmaster-General and the Dublin Stock Exchange to continue in force for one year only under which the Postmaster-General undertook to set aside a special wire between the Dublin and London Stock Exchanges for the use of those exchanges, while the committee of the Dublin Stock Exchange undertook that if the revenue from the telegrams handed in there should fall short of £1,200, they would make it up to that amount. At the end of the year the wire was continued without a further guarantee being required, but the Postmaster-General reserved to himself the right to withdraw it at any time.

It is not expected that the telegrams to be handed in at the Dublin Stock Exchange would produce a gross annual revenue of £1,200, but I shall be glad again to reserve a wire for the use of the Dublin Stock Exchange as soon as I can do so without prejudicing the interests of the general public in Dublin.

Has the hon. Gentleman any idea as to when that will be?

As soon as possible. I cannot give a definite date.