asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the shortage of glass bottles; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent some of our export trades being hampered through lack of glass containers?

I am aware that, although considerable efforts have been and are being made to develop the production of glass containers by British factories, the output is at present insufficient to meet requirements. Licences are, therefore, being granted to import glass containers when there is evidence that adequate supplies of British-made goods are not available, and in the consideration of applications for licences particular attention is given to the requirements of the export trades.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what steps the Government are taking about the indentured apprentices-who were called up during the War; and whether the Government proposes to ex- tend the period of apprenticeship and to make up to men's earnings the wages of the apprentices in order that they may be efficiently trained?

A scheme for assisting these persons, whose apprenticeship was interrupted by service in His Majesty's Forces, to complete their apprenticeship, has been approved by the Government. Among other provisions, the scheme provides: (i.) For a reduction of the unexpired period of apprenticeship; (ii.) For a State Grant to the apprentice of one-third the journeyman's rate as soon as the apprentice has reached the age when, but for the War, his apprenticeship would have been completed; (iii.) For such contributions on the part of the employers as will, with the State's allowance, make up the apprentice's wages to not less than three-quarters of the journeyman's rate for the first year of training, and to not less than five-sixths for the second year; (iv.) For the scheme embodying these and other provisions, to be drawn up by national industrial councils or by other committees representative of the industry; (v.) For a maintenance allowance, under certain conditions, to allow of training in a technical school or institution. Negotiations with such councils and committees are now being carried on, and I am glad to say that I hope to reach agreement in the near future.

May I ask if that information will be widely spread, so that those affected may know of it?

I will endeavour to take such steps as will make it known.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a large number of men who are serving and who are proprietors of one-man businesses have found it, since the signing of the Armistice, very difficult to retain the support of their customers; and whether, in consequence of the hardship that attaches to such men, he will agree to their being released from military service provided that they are able to obtain a certificate from the clerk to the local tribunal and another from the local advisory committee indicating that, in their opinion, such men should be immediately released in order to carry on their businesses, in view of the fact that many of these concerns will otherwise have to be closed in consequence of the increasing competition of larger firms?

It is regretted that the Regulations at present in force governing eligibility for demobilisation cannot be altered. There may be instances of hard cases, but it is not desirable to make individual distinctions. Men who are eligible under current instructions are being demobilised as rapidly as circumstances permit. As I stated, however, on Tuesday last, I hope as time advances it may be possible to make more liberal the construction placed upon compassionate cases.

Is the Government not prepared to leave a matter of this importance in the hands of the tribunals and local committees—cannot you rely upon them?

The whole question of these one-man businesses has been extremely carefully gone into, and it was found impossible, in view of all the circumstances, to extend the exemptions to one-man businesses.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman prepared to include in the compassionate cases some of those one-man business troubles?

The latter part of my answer indicates the hope that we shall be able to do so—at a later date possibly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that although the price of yarn and cloth utilised in the Lancashire cotton trade has declined about 50 per cent, during the past five months no corresponding reduction in the price of the finished product has been evidenced, he will extend the present system of control by his Department to the control of retail prices of commodities necessary to the comfort and use of the poorer classes?

There is a natural tendency for movements in the retail prices of finished goods to lag behind the corresponding movements in the market prices of the materials. This happens equally whether prices are moving upwards or downwards, and I would remind the hon. Member that at various times during the War it was possible to purchase cotton goods retail below the actual cost of manufacture of the day. My right hon. Friend is convinced that no control of the retail prices of such commodities would be either feasible or beneficial at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Coal Controller agreed to make good losses resulting from the working of collieries from the date on which he assumed control thereof, and that so far he has refused or delayed to do so to any other than those working smithy coal; whether he is aware that profits have been made only by those who can get shipping business to neutral nations at prices ranging from 60s. to 90s. per ton f.o.b. shipping ports, while those to the extent of 60 per cent., who have had to sell their outputs for home consumption only at 25s. to 27s. per ton (free on trucks) at the pit-head, have made losses; and whether he will take steps at once to fix a price for all coal (free on trucks) at the pit, whether for land sale or for shipment business, adequate to cover working cost plus a reasonable percentage on the capital involved, the difference between such fixed prices and the price obtained for neutral and other foreign shipments to be made payable to the Coal Controller to equalise the position of coal masters?

The whole question of the coal-mining industry is now before the Coal Industry Commission, and until a further Report is received from that Commission it is not proposed to make any changes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of coal in Manchester and that the amount of emergency and reserve coal does not now exceed 540 tons; and if lie will say what action he proposes to take thereon?

asked whether his attention has been called to the coal short- age in Manchester; and whether he can so increase the coal supply for Manchester that householders will receive their full rations?

asked whether he is aware that the average quantity of coal coming into Manchester for household purposes does not exceed 12,000 tons, and that such quantity is 6,500 tons short of the amount required to provide each house with its minimum ration of 2 cwts. per week; and what action he proposes, to take?

asked if he is, aware of the shortage of coal which exists in Manchester, due to the fact that during this year the average amount of coal going into the city for household purposes has not exceeded 12,000 tons, whereas for a minimum ration of 2 cwts. per week for each of the 185,836 rateable premises a quantity of 18,583 tons per week is required; and if he will say what steps are being taken to remedy this deficit?

I am informed that during the last four weeks the supply of coal to the Manchester area has been at the rate of over 25,000 tons per week, and that this should be more than sufficient to meet current demands.

Will that supply continue?

I cannot prophesy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can say how many of those employed in the coal-mining and allied industries are now on strike; and whether the action of this section of organised labour is responsible for the further drastic curtailment of the amount of coal available for the householder?

As regards the first part of the question, the number of coal-miners in the whole of the United Kingdom on strike on Saturday morning was 115,127.

With regard to the second part of the question, the recent temporary curtailment in the amount of coal available for domestic supplies in London and the Southern and Eastern counties is due to the fact that, in addition to the 43,000 miners still on strike in Nottinghamshire, a number of miners recently came on strike in Derbyshire and Warwickshire, from all of which areas the coal supplies for these counties are chiefly drawn. I am glad to say that these men have now returned to work.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Metropolitan householder has, by direction of the Coal Controller, been limited to a supply of 224lb. of coal; is he aware of the inconvenience and hardship during inclement weather that this further limitation of the coal supply is causing, and will he give the reasons that have compelled the Coal Controller to make this Order?

Owing to the stoppage of work in certain Midland coalfields the supply of coal to the Metropolitan area and the Southern and Eastern counties is reduced by over one-third. Relief measures have been taken, but without a drastic curtailment of deliveries to the consumer it is impossible to supply coal to everyone in need. The inconvenience referred to can only affect the larger consumers, many of whom have private stocks of coal on hand sufficient to meet this temporary emergency.

Is that order still in force?

I believe so, but I should not like to give a definite answer without notice.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if we are exporting coal from this country at present?

I should like to have notice of that question, but I rather think we are exporting some.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there has been a further shortage of coal in London during last week; can he state if there are any reserve stocks held by the Coal Controller for the use of London consumers; and will he state what arrangements have been made during the existing strike so that the small weekly buyers and consumers shall be able to obtain supplies?

The restriction of deliveries of coal to private consumers to 2 cwts. in the week has resulted in a sufficiency of coal being available for all small consumers up to date. Relief trains of coal have been worked into London and other affected districts from coalfields in full work. Certain cargoes of seaborne coal have also been brought into the Thames and other Southern ports. The Controller of Coal Mines still has appreciable reserve stocks of coal at his disposal.

Under these circumstances, may I ask whether the hon. Member will cease the export of coal until the bare necessities of this country are served?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present high price of olive oil per ton as compared with pre-war prices, a commodity of great importance to the textile trade, he will consider the advisability of granting more freely import licences, thereby reducing the price per ton and enabling the manufacturers to compete against foreign trade?

The question of admitting olive oil more freely is now under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the estimated loss to the State of £100,000,000 a year on the present working of the railways was arrived at after crediting the cost of the transport of troops and all other work for the public service; and, if not, whether he can give the figure of estimated profit or loss as thus corrected?

The estimated loss to the State on the working of the railways during the present year was arrived at after taking into account the net value of Government traffic as far as that can at present be estimated.

May I ask if the Government are bearing the same ratio as other people with regard to costs of carriage?

I do not know how the calculation was made.

I will put a question down on the point.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state what powers his Department have as to overcrowding on railways from the point of view of public safety and if any action has been taken against the Metropolitan and District Underground Rail-ways and the various tube railways in London on the dangerous overcrowding of their trains on mornings and evenings?

The responsibility for taking such steps as are possible to prevent undue overcrowding on railways rests with the railway companies concerned, who, I think, are doing their best in the present difficult circumstances. The Board of Trade have no statutory powers in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Rail-Way Executive Committee propose to reopen any of the closed stations in South London on the Victoria to City line; and, if so, can he state what stations will be reopened, and at what date?

I am making inquiries and will let the hon. Gentleman know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst workers in the outlying districts of Belfast at the increased weekly fares on the railway; whether he is aware that the workmen's train has been changed from 5.10 a.m. to 7.20 a.m. to meet the new conditions of work, but that the fares on this train have been considerably increased in view of the comparatively short distances travelled; and whether he will take action to remedy this grievance?

I am afraid I cannot add to the reply on this subject given to the hon. Gentleman on the 10th March.

May I ask whether, as the workers are compelled, owing to the lack of housing accommodation in Belfast, to live at considerable distances from the city, he will ask the railway companies to revise the railway fares?

We have been in communication with the railway companies, but I cannot add anything to what I have already said.

Can he say how long his Department has been in communication with the railway companies?

I cannot say how long.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the railway companies to speed this matter up?

I will ask them to give further consideration to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to a Motion on the Order Paper in the name of several hon. Members asking that a Select Committee should be set up to consider and report upon what steps should be taken to relieve the present congested condition of transportation in the London area; and whether he can make any statement on this subject?

In view of the fact that a Bill to establish a Ministry of Ways and Communications is before the House, my right hon. Friend doubts whether it is desirable that a Select Committee should be set up to deal with one phase of the transportation question.

In view of the inadequacy of the reply and the importance of the question, I will raise the matter at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a Commission will be set up to inquire into the whole question of the textile industries, the wages, hours, and conditions of labour, and especially the question of woman and child labour in these industrial concerns?

There are in the textile trades joint bodies of employers and employed who have under consideration the subjects mentioned by the hon. Member. In the woollen, silk, hosiery and elastic web trades, joint industrial councils are at work, and in the cotton trade joint committees of employers and employed already exist, and the formation of an industrial council is being considered. In the case of linen, jute and flax, trade boards are being set up. In these circumstances I do not think that a Commission is necessary at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Captain W. R. Crow, late of the Timber Supply Department, has gone to Canada on behalf of Messrs. Spencer, Lock and Company, in order to arrange for supplies of box-boards from Canadian shippers, and that this gentleman before entering the Timber Supply Department had no knowledge of the box-board business; and whether he is aware that the knowledge Captain Crow possesses of this specialised branch of the timber business was acquired in the course of his duties in the Timber Supply Department, and that it was as a result of early information which he received at the Timber Supply Department that severe restrictions were to be placed on the importation of Scandinavian box-boards which led to his exploring the possibility of the Canadian source of supply before private firms were in a position to take similar steps?

Captain W. R. Crow was the head of that section of the Timber Supply Department dealing with the distribution of home-grown and imported timber in this country, and resigned, together with many other members of that section, when permits for the purchase of such timber were abolished, and he could be released. The announcement that all restrictions were to be removed in regard to the importation of all goods from within the British Empire was made in the House of Commons on the 7th March, which was some time after Captain Crow had retired from the Department. No knowledge that such freedom was to be granted was in the possession of the Department prior to the announcement in the House of Commons, and it therefore follows that Captain Crow was not aware before his retirement that the relaxation in question was to be made. The Timber Controller had no knowledge of Captain Crow's arrangements with the firm of Spencer, Lock and Company, other than an announcement in the "Timber Trade Journal," after his retirement, that he had joined that firm.

May I ask whether or not it is the fact that Captain Crow had no knowledge at all of that particular branch of the timber business except what he obtained in his capacity as a servant of the Timber Supply Department?

I cannot say.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to facilitate the import of feeding-stuffs for the use of home-grown poultry by providing transport at present engaged in bringing foreign eggs to Great Britain; and also to prevent undue prices being placed upon damaged wheat and other produce used for the feeding of poultry?

I have been asked to reply. No further shipments of foreign eggs are being made to Great Britain on Government account; and I may add that plentiful supplies of imported feeding-stuffs are now available. As regards the last part of the question, there is already an Order in existence (the Damaged Grain, Seeds and Pulse (Prices) Order, 1917), which prevents undue prices being placed upon damaged wheat and other produce used for the feeding of poultry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture (1) whether His Majesty's Government have considered the extent to which the poultry industry of Great Britain may be developed as a source of food supply; whether the organisation now in existence for the promotion of the poultry industry is much inferior to that which has been set up in various foreign countries; and whether he will take steps to provide such State assistance to this industry as will enable British poultry keepers to compete successfully with foreign rivals; (2) whether he has considered, in view of the importance of the home poultry trade, the advisability of setting up a poultry husbandry department for discharged and demobilised sailors and soldiers and others; whether, in the event of such a department being set up, steps will be taken to carry out research and educational work for large and small owners; and whether, to stimulate the home-grown poultry trade, steps will be taken to prevent foreign eggs, by marking them as such, from competing in public markets with fresh home-grown eggs?

In the reorganisation of the Board, it is intended that provision shall be made to ensure adequate representation on the staff of poultry experts, and it is proposed to establish a poultry institute for the purpose of education and research. The Board believe by these means, and by the better organisation of the industry, that British poultry keepers will be able more successfully to compete with their foreign rivals. The suggestion that foreign eggs should be marked as such is under consideration.

The Board do not propose generally to encourage discharged and demobilised soldiers and sailors, lacking in the necessary experience, to take up small holdings devoted exclusively to poultry keeping, but they are, nevertheless, anxious to encourage the more general keeping of poultry by those who take up small holdings.

If it is found that foreign competition is preventing home development, are the Government prepared to consider a tax on eggs?

The whole matter is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will grant to those Government contractors, who in the majority of cases have not been granted such extra cost, the extra costs incurred on such contracts as were entered into before the shortening of hours of labour in certain engineering trades, and which in the majority of cases represent an extra minimum cost of 11 per cent, on production, having in mind the fact that such contracts are subject to costings investigation by the Government Departments concerned?

I would suggest that my hon. Friend should address this question to the particular Departments, concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the importation of matches from Norway and Sweden is now permitted by the Match Control Board and the importation of matches from Belgium prohibited; and, if so, will he say why Discrimination is made favourable to neutral countries and prejudicial to an ally the revival of whose industry we are under every obligation to encourage?

The importation of matches from Scandinavia was arranged for at a time when Belgium was in enemy occupation. The question of the restrictions on the importation of matches is now before the Consultative Council on Imports.

Can he give any indication how long it will take to make this investigation; can he not hurry up?

The Committee is at this moment considering the matter.

Is the British match industry encouraged by a tax on all foreign imported matches, and is there any reason why this country should not supply itself with sufficient matches in its need?

I cannot answer that without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering that the present scale of pensions for members of the uncovenanted services of India was fixed so long ago as in 1855, in the light of the cost of living and rate of exchange at that time; that the Royal Commission on the Public Services in India recommended in 1912 that the present maximum pension for officers with more than twenty-five years' service should be increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6,000, with special pensions for certain high appointments; that the Viceroy and the Secretary of State, in their Report on Constitutional Reforms in India, have confirmed this recommendation, and that much hardship is known to exist in consequence of the inadequacy of the present scale of pensions to meet the enhanced cost of living, he will take an early opportunity of redressing this acknowledged grievance?

The Secretary of State expects to have the definite proposals of the Government of India on the subject before him very shortly, and will then deal with it without loss of time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether about 120,000 Egyptian Fellaheen were enlisted during the War in the Egyptian Labour Corps, Camel Transport Corps, and Donkey Transport Corps; whether complaints were made that the medical service was inadequate; and if he will say how many died on service?

These men were recruited on short term contracts, and the greatest number recorded as serving at any given period was 95,829. The medical arrangements were under the control of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, and the two last parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's question should therefore be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.

asked the Pime Minister what steps are being taken to send out a Commission of Inquiry to Egypt to inquire into the causes of the recent rioting; and will such an inquiry be authorised to inquire into the treatment of the Egyptian fellaheen who enlisted for service as well as into the causes of Moslem unrest?

The attention of His Majesty's Government must for the present be concentrated upon the restoration of law and order in Egypt, and I am unable to state as yet whether a Commission of Inquiry will be dispatched to Egypt or not. But I should like to make it clear that His Majesty's Government intend to institute at the proper moment the fullest inquiry into the causes of the recent rioting.

Is it possible to establish law and order in that country unless you get down to the causes of the present outbreak? Can we put that right first? May I ask for an answer to the question as to whether we shall have this inquiry within the next month?

It must be obvious to the hon. and gallant Member that we must restore law and order before proceeding to the inquiry.

Why is it necessary to re-establish law and order before appointing a Commission to be ready to go out and take evidence?

Cannot we have law and order in every country by basing law on the consent of the governed?

When will my hon. Friend begin to apply Liberal principles?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any persons of enemy nationality, other than prisoners of war, have been allowed to enter this country since the signing of the Armistice?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply on this subject returned by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department to the hon. Member for Elland on 11th March.

Could the hon. Gentleman not say "Yes" or "No" to that question?

No; it is a Home Office question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what is the number of British residents who are now imprisoned or detained in Russia by the Bolshevist Government; what representations have been made to that Government with regard to the treat- ment and safety of British citizens; and whether any, and, if so, what response has been received to such representations?

The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is that some eight British subjects are understood to be at present imprisoned by the Russian Bolshevik Government. The exact number of British subjects detained is uncertain, but it is not believed to be very large.

As regards the second and third parts of the question, the Russian Bolshevik Government have been informed that the Bolshevik leaders will be held personally responsible for the maltreatment of any British prisoners in their hands. To this the Bolshevik Commissary for Foreign Affairs, M. Tchicherine, has replied denying that these prisoners are being in any way maltreated by the Russian Bolshevik Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give a day for the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme with reference to the war in Russia?

The following is the Motion referred to:

"That, in the opinion of this House, British troops should be withdrawn from Russia at the earliest opportunity, peace be made with the de facto Governments of that country, and the blockade raised so as to admit food into Russia."—[ Colonel Wedgwood .]

The Government are not prepared at present to give a day for this purpose.

In view of the action taken by the South Wales miners in urging that we should withdraw our troops from Russia, could not this House have the privilege of debating this question at an early date?

I think we have discussed it pretty often.

We have had no chance at all!

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to a Report to the County Council of Lanark, in which it is stated that the results of the work done under the council's scheme for the free vaccination of dairy herds in the county to prevent the spread of contagious abortion are very promising; whether he will consider the advisability of taking the necessary steps to encourage such schemes throughout the country; and whether, as a preventive measure, he will schedule contagious abortion as a notifiable disease?

I have not seen the report to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. The treatment of abortion by vaccination was initiated, and is strongly advocated by the Board, who issue the anti-abortion vaccine to any veterinary surgeon applying for it. About 30,000 doses were issued last year. The success obtained in Lanarkshire would appear to be due to the services of a whole-time veterinary inspector of the local authority, a system which results in diminished fees. The Board do not consider it desirable that contagious abortion should be made notifiable except in those cases in which the local authority have asked for this to be done.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why the Board did not consider it desirable?

Because without the support of the local authorities it is practically impossible to carry it out, and the results obtained so far have not been at all satisfactory.

Will he circulate the local authorities of the country as to whether they desire to have this made notifiable or not?

I think that has been done, but I will look into it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a number of allotment-holders have received notice to quit the Willow Lane allotments, Watford, which belong to the urban district council, for what purpose the land is now to be used; and whether he will take steps to secure such allotment-holders in their holdings?

Notice to quit was given because the land is required by the district council for building under the Housing Scheme. As building, however, may not begin at once, negotiations are in progress with the view to ensure possession to the allotment-holders until such day as building operations are immediate.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether administrative machinery can be introduced under the Agricultural Holdings Act whereby, in those cases where arbitration was taken before an umpire, the issue of his award should be made compulsory within three months of his having investigated the case?

An arbitrator under the Act referred to is required to make his award within twenty-eight days after his appointment unless the time is extended by the Board. Frequently an extension of time is necessary without any default on the part of the arbitrator.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if his Department has made any financial Grants to the Agricultural Organisation Society; if so what the amounts have been for last year and this year; if any conditions are attached to such Grants; and, if so, what the conditions are?

I would ask my hon. Friend if he will allow me to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT as it is necessarily long.

The following is the Answer circulated:

The approved Grants to the Agricultural Organisation Society for the financial year 1918–19 are £7,000 from the Food Production Department, £4,000 from the Small Holdings Account, and from the Development Fund a block Grant of £5,800, to- gether with a Grant equal to four times the amount of the Society's income from, contributions from affiliated farmers' societies during 1918–19, and a Grant equal to the amount of the subscriptions received in the same period. The Agricultural Organisation Society expect to be in a position to claim approximately £20,000 in all from the Development Fund (including the block Grant of £5,800) under this arrangement; but they cannot yet tell the sum precisely. The total Grant will, therefore, be approximately £31,000. The Grants from the Development Fund are not made by the Board and are not borne on their Estimates.

The Grants for 1917–18 were £2,000 from the Small Holdings Account, and £13,240' from the Development Fund.

The conditions under which the Grant from the Development Fund was sanctioned for 1918–19 were:— (1) That except with the consent of the Board the Society's expenditure shall not substantially depart from the estimate submitted, and that the rate of expenditure for the expenses of the governors and their attendance fees shall be subject to the approval of the Board. (2) That the Society shall not enter upon any new scheme or extensions of work (even though their initial expenses can be defrayed from their income from the current year), which shall commit it to an increase of expenditure in 1919–20 without the previous consent of the Board. (3) That the Grant be paid over to the Society in whole or in part at such times as may seem fit to the Board on the understanding that if the actual expenditure incurred by the Society and appearing to be reasonable and necessary is less than the amount so paid over the balance will be returned. (4) That in carrying out this work the Society shall be careful not to interfere in any way with the work of the constituted authorities in relation to education or food production. (5) That the Society use its best endeavours to obtain regular contributions from the affiliated farmers' societies by urging them to subscribe ¼d. in the £ on their turnover, and also to make a levy of 6d. per member. (6) That within a fortnight the Society submit a full Report to the Board on the steps taken to secure contributions by the affiliated farmers' societies and the results, obtained. 859 (7) That the Board shall be represented upon the Executive Committee of the Society by two nominees.

As regards the Food Production Department Grant, the Agricultural Organisation Society are required to send monthly reports of the work done (and annual audited accounts) to the Food Production Department, while the Department hold constant conferences with the officers of the Society.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, arising out of the taking over of the engine and shell works of the Ailsa Craig Motor Company, Limited, now known as the Ailsa Craig National Projectile Factory, he will state by what means the factory was acquired, and what arrangements have been made with the company and its staff to obtain their assent to the retention of the factory by the Government; and whether any, and, if so, how many of the company's skilled staff are still employed at the factory, and what arrangements he is making to enable the company to reemploy its old staff?

The premises known as the Ailsa Craig National Projectile Factory consist of two parts, the old factory and the new factory. The old factory was taken possession of under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and will probably be returned to its original owners. None of the company's skilled staff are now employed there, and I am not aware what arrangements the company are making to reemploy their old staff. The new factory was built at Ministry expense upon land of which possession was taken for that purpose under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. Three of the company's skilled staff are now employed there.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether in connection with the closing of certain manufacturing depart- ments at Woolwich Arsenal for stocktaking, certain employés who, as a consequence, are being stood off from work are being directed to apply to the local Employment Exchange for out-of-work donation, whilst others are receiving remuneration in accordance with the regulations of the ordnance factories; and whether he proposes to take such action as will secure equality of treatment for all employés?

I am having special inquiries made on the subject, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the prices paid by tanners for ox-hides are firsts 1s. per lb. and seconds 11d. per lb., while the prices paid to the owners of the hides are firsts 9½d. per lb. and seconds 9d. per lb.; and to what fund are these differences of prices credited?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The differences of prices are credited to the Central Live Stock Fund of the Ministry of Food.

May I ask what is the Central Live Stock Fund?

I think the question should be more properly addressed to the Ministry of Food, but I understand it is a fund of receipts from live stock, and that a contribution such as this is applied in aid of the expenses.

Why should hides, and therefore leather goods, be dearer in order that the live-stock stock should be maintained?

If, as I understand, the Ministry of Food—though I do not speak with authority for them—have to control the inside of the animal, they should control the outside too.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the administrative reforms now pending relating to local government and other matters, the Government are prepared to introduce legislation enacting that Wales shall henceforth always be understood to include Monmouthshire, and thereby render historical association and racial affinity more nearly coincident with geographical delimitation?

In my opinion, this matter chiefly concerns Monmouthshire, and any representations that may be made by the inhabitants of that county to the President of the' Local Government Board will, I am sure, be sympathetically considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what the Prime Minister thinks of it?

In answering in his name, I have tried to express what he thinks.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the coming legislation on land reform, he will grant a Return of the number of Commons Enclosure Acts that were passed in the early years of the last century, accompanied with the number of acres so enclosed?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a Return published in 1914 giving a list of the Enclosure Acts in England and. Wales with the parishes concerned, and the acreages, so far as that information is available.

Will that be printed in the Official Report to-morrow, for the information of all Members of the House?

In the Parliamentary Papers. I will endeavour to have it printed.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that only two Members representing Irish constituencies voted for the Second Reading of the Local Government (Ireland) Bill; and whether, in these circumstances, it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the further stages of this measure?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Will the Government proceed with a measure applying to England and Wales under similar circumstances?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the facts pointed out are the strongest evidence of the necessity of the measure, because the hon. Member for Rathmines (Sir M. Dockrell), who voted for it, represents over 400,000 Southern Unionists?

I hardly think it is necessary to go into that debating point.

Will this most admirable principle, sanctioned by Parliament, be applied to England and Scotland? [An HON. MEMBER: "And Wales."]

We have come to no decision in the matter.

In view of the fact that the Government have put all the force into carrying this Bill, and the admirable principle has been accepted and sanctioned by Parliament, would it not be well to give its beneficial advantage to England?

I am sure that the hon. and learned Gentleman will realise that this is only another example of the universal practise of giving Ireland the preference in good things.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Ireland is so unselfish that she is quite willing to give to England those advantages which England confers on her?

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps are being taken to carry out the recommendations contained in the Ninth Resolution of the Imperial War Conference of 19l7 to the effect that the readjustment of the constitutional relations of the various parts of the Empire should form the subject of a special Imperial Conference to be summoned as soon as possible after the termination of hostilities?

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that all the Governments of the Empire are pre-occupied with the great problems of Peace and Reconstruction, and are not in a position to consider general constitutional problems at the moment. The Prime Minister will no doubt have an opportunity, before his Dominion colleagues return to their respective Dominions, of consulting them as to the most convenient time and method for giving effect to this resolution.

asked the Prime Minister whether intoxicating liquors can now be old in residential clubs up to 11 p.m.; whether working men's clubs are precluded from the sale of same after 9.30 p.m.; and, if so, whether, in view of the hardship that this differentiation involves he will at once take the necessary steps to permit the same regulations for sale up till 11 p.m. to be extended to the working men's clubs?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the second part in the negative. The rest of the question does not therefore arise.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that an enormous number of small clubs particularly are asking for this legislation, and is no attention to be given to the demands that they put forward?

I do not think my hon. and gallant Friend has grasped my answer. It is that there is no preference between one club and another.

Then will no power be given to these clubs in regard to the purchase of liquor up to eleven o'clock?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will look at the answer he will see that that question is answered.

Could my right hon. Friend see his way to take the sense of the Houston this question?

I do not know what the question is.

Is there any reason why these restrictions, so evidently necessary during the War, should be continued to-day; and are the Government in a position to state when the whole of this grandmotherly legislation will be abolished?

I am afraid not.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the sense of the House will be taken on this question and a Division forced, whether the House wants it or not?

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that the Government of the United States intends loaning to American exporters. £200,000,000 of Government money to permit these exporters to sell on credit in Allied and neutral markets, he will state what amount of money this Government proposes to set aside for this purpose that our traders may be in no less an advantageous position?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The hon. Member must bear in mind that the War has taxed the financial resources of the British Government more severely than those of the Government of the United States. The Government are fully alive to the importance of the question of credit facilities, which in the case of some markets is at present, perhaps, the chief problem to be solved in connection with export trade; but the solution cannot be a matter either wholly or mainly for the Government.

Do not these credit facilities benefit those who import goods more than they benefit the American exporters?

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will reconsider his decision in regard to retaining, for a period of two years or longer, the premises in Kingsway now occupied by Aircraft Departments of His Majesty's Government; and whether, in view of the high rental of these premises, he will consider housing the Departments mentioned in hutments in the outlying areas of London and thus decidedly reduce the cost to the public of housing these Departments?

The decision of the War Cabinet Committee on Accommodation to warn the Kingsway tenants of the necessity for retaining the premises requisitioned by the Government in Kings-way for a period of two years, or possibly longer, was arrived at after the fullest consideration of all the facts. The following important public Departments are or are about to be housed in these premises, namely, the Air Ministry, the Commission International de Ravitaillement and the Inland Revenue Department, Super-tax Commissioners and Repayment Branch. The Aircraft Production Department now forms part of the Air Ministry, and I am informed by the latter that it is important that the Aircraft Production Department should carry out its work in close co-operation with the Ministry at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister if the Ministry of Information still exists; and, if so, who is the Minister in charge, what are the present duties of the Ministry, and is it the intention of the Government to continue this Ministry and, if so, for what purpose?

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

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intends to introduce legislation at an early date in order to give effect to the recommendations of the Joint Committee appointed by the National Industrial Council to establish a forty-eight hour week, a legal time-rate for the wages of adults and juveniles, and also a representative industrial council?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer which was given on the 26th March to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Hornsey.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to encourag- ing private Members in the work of initiating legislation, he can see his way to consent to a weekly ballot for the introduction of a Bill under the Ten Minutes' Rule?

The Government are not prepared to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the recent demonstration in Edinburgh of the counting of votes upon the principle of proportional representation in connection with which 5,000 ballot papers were issued, the result of the poll, conducted under the auspices of the Scottish Education Department, being Bottomley 1, Lloyd George 2, Hogge 3, Balfour 4, Asquith 5; and whether, in view of this result, the Government will reconsider the question of adopting the system of proportional representation in future elections?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and in spite of a result which must commend itself to my hon. Friend, the Government are not prepared to adopt the course suggested in the last part of the question.

Has that decision been arrived at by any reference to the fact that, by some freak or other, the right hon. Gentleman himself and several of his colleagues were much further down on the poll than I was?

I can only say that we were not influenced by that, nor by the fact that the hon. Member was at the head of it!

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the first trial my hon. Friend was at the other end of the poll?

In view of the fact that I propose shortly to introduce a Bill giving proportional representation to England and Scotland, will the right hon. Gentleman secure sufficient time to carry it through?

I am afraid my hon. Friend must use his own energies for that purpose.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman introduced a Bill and afterwards passed it for Ireland, is it not now desirable that I, a private Member, should propose the same beneficial advantage to this country, and that the right hon. Gentleman should ensure the facilities in the House to get it through?

If we decide to do it, we shall do it ourselves.

In view of the fact disclosed in the question, will the Government refrain from inflicting this treatment on Ireland?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member for the Falls Division (Mr. Devlin) did not vote for this beneficial measure for Ireland?

I will answer that my self—

asked the Prime Minister when he will be prepared to make a statement on the question of indemnities and the enemy countries' capacity to pay?

I cannot say when it will be possible to make any new statement on the subject.