asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the arrests and summary executions which took place at Odessa by the anti-Soviet authorities, which led to the refusal of the French troops in Odessa to support these counter-revolutionaries, thus necessitating the evacuation of Odessa?

His Majesty's Government have no official information supporting the allegations contained in the question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these statements were made in the French Chamber in a debate last week, and have His Majesty's Government no report of what goes on in that Chamber?

Oh, yes, Sir; but I said the Government have no official information.

Will official information be obtained?

I will endeavour to get it without delay.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to a train of Bolshevist prisoners in Siberia which is reported to have left Samara when the Czecho-Slovaks were forced to evacuate that town; whether some 800 prisoners died on the journey as the result of overcrowding and other appalling conditions; whether the women prisoners were kept for the use of the officers on the convoy; whether the Foreign Office knew of these facts at the time; and whether it took any steps in. the matter?

My attention has recently been drawn to articles appearing in the Press on this question, but the Foreign Office have received no information on the subject. Inquiries are, however, being made.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the childless wives of soldiers who have re-enlisted after the expiration of their demobilisation leave for service with the relief force for Russia have been denied by local war pensions committees the special grant of 6s. 6d. per week, in spite of the fact that the War Office advertisements appealing for men state that they would receive pay, allowances, and bonus as now given to men in the Armies of Occupation; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Joint Patronage Secretary on behalf of the War Office to my hon. Friend the Member for South Salford on the 28th May, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

If I give the right hon. Gentleman the information upon which this question is based will he look into it?

Of course I will look into it; but it is really a matter for the War Office.

As the 6s. 6d. is really separation allowance can my right hon. Friend say why the Ministry of Pensions are not paying it to the childless wives of the men who have re-enlisted in Russia?

That question was answered by the Joint Financial Secretary, and I refer to that answer in ray answer to-day. It is a long story that of re-enlisted men, but they are not entitled to this supplementary separation allowance.

By what authority has the payment of this 6s. 6d. been stopped in the case of the childless wives of the men who re-enlisted in Russia?

The payment has not been stopped; the terms of re-enlistment do not provide for payment.

Is a re-enlisted man worse off than another man?

Yes!

The men have re-enlisted under the terms of a certain Army Order to which reference is made in the answer of 28th May. A re-enlisted man receives what he is entitled to under that Army Order, that does not include the 6s. 6d.

Is that an inducement for re-enlistment, Sir?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Oversea Trade Department whether his Department arranges to obtain copies of all laws and decrees affecting commercial matters which are adopted by foreign and Colonial Legislatures and Governments, and if translations of such laws and decrees are available for the use of British manufacturers and trade organisations?

The overseas officers of the Department are instructed to report all legislation enacted in their areas so far as it affects British commercial interests. In the case of documents in foreign languages, translations are made available for British manufacturers and trade associations. In the few cases where the length of the document makes it impossible to provide the full translation, the Department is always ready to supply information as to any specific matters.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Oversea Trade Department whether he is aware of the successful methods adopted by the Germans before the War of establishing clubs in every centre of the world where a German community existed; that every piece of information, commercial or diplomatic, which could be of value to Germany was brought to the notice of the German authorities through these clubs; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps without delay to promote a movement of this kind in the interests of British trade abroad, or to improve the present organisation of British chambers of commerce in foreign countries by the setting up of a central intelligence office in London?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; it is probable that valuable assistance was afforded to the German Government by commercial and other information supplied to them by clubs of German residents in foreign towns. Inquiries have been and are being made of His Majesty's Diplomatic Representatives in various countries abroad as to the possibility of encouraging similar institutions among the British colonies in foreign countries, and a Committee has been set up for the purpose of expressly examining this and certain other kindred questions. The hon. and gallant Member is doubtless also aware of the existence of the. Overseas Club, which is a most valuable unofficial institution serving as a connecting link for bodies of this kind abroad.

Is it the policy of the Oversea Trade Department adequately to support chambers of commerce abroad, as asked in the question?

Certainly; and the whole question of the better utilisation of all forms of organisation of British citizens abroad is one of the subjects specially referred to the Committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government has any information as to any steps, Governmental or otherwise, that are being taken in the United States by means of granting long term credits to facilitate purchases in that country by Europeans of raw materials or manufactured goods; if so, whether he will state what these steps are; and, if not, whether he will cause inquiries to be made and inform the House what steps are being taken in. that country?

The powers of the War Finance Corporation in the United States have been extended by statute to enable it to promote commerce with foreign nations through the extension of credits. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the relevant portion of the statute in question.

Will the hon. Gentleman not publish that for the information of the House?

I will consider that.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government has the intention of setting up in this country any organisation whereby European countries which are not in the position to pay at present by means of exports for requisite imports, and which cannot become exporters until they obtain certain necessaries, such as seeds, farming implements, rubber, pit-head gear, machinery, cotton, jute, and belting, will be granted credit facilities for the period necessary to enable exportable articles to be produced in repayment for the facilities given; and whether he will outline any steps it is proposed to take to meet this situation?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The question of financing trade with such countries is receiving consideration, but I am not able to make a statement at present.

Does the Government realise the urgency of this question?

Yes, Sir.

What is the cause of the delay in the statement of the Government policy?

Does it ever come to a decision on anything?

May I put down a question on this subject next week?

Questions as to business should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any scheme providing for a grant of pensions or gratuities to clerks employed by the Congested Districts Board, as directed under Section 52 (2) of the Irish Land Act of 1909, has been put in force; what is the position at present of such clerks in relation to pensions or gratuities; whether the said Section of the Act of Parliament has been allowed to remain in abeyance for ten years; and who is responsible for this default?

Correspondence has proceeded for some time past in this matter between the Congested Districts Board, the Irish Government, and the Treasury. The Treasury have stipulated that full provision must be made in a pension scheme for the Board's staff under the Section of the Act referred to for meeting out of the Board's annual income during their continuance prospective pension charges which would accrue under the scheme. The Congested Districts Board, on the other hand, are seeking Treasury agreement to a scheme which would not throw the whole pension burden on their annual income. The Congested Districts Board are anxious for a speedy settlement and it is hoped that the question will be brought to issue very shortly.

Is it not a fact that, by reason of disputes between the Treasury and the Congested Districts Board, ten years have elapsed without setting up this compensation authority?

I am not in a position to state that that has been the reason, but I hope that very soon it will be settled.

Meanwhile, are no pensions being given, although the Act of Parliament ten years ago provided that they were to be given?

asked when the promised Bill dealing with Irish education will be introduced?

The preparation of the Bill is being advanced as quickly as possible, and it will be introduced shortly.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has any information to give the House relative to the reported murder in cold blood of a district-inspector of the Royal Irish Constabulary at Thurles, county Tipperary, on his return from a local race meeting?

Hon. Members arc already aware through the Press of the wilful murder of District - Inspector Michael Hunt, of Thurles, who died within a few minutes of receiving two revolver bullet wounds in the back whilst returning through the streets of the town from Thurles races about 5.30 p.m. on 23rd instant. The murderer has not been identified, but every effort is being made to trace and bring him to justice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also cause to be conveyed to the House of Commons full particulars of the twenty-seven murders which have taken place in Great Britain during the last month?

Oh, oh !

No, Sir. That is a very different matter.

It is only Irish cases that matter.

Are the Irish Government doing all they can to help this sorely tried body?

Yes, and they will continue to do so.

Is it not a fact that when the murder was committed the people standing about jeered at the man when he was dying?

I have seen such a statement in the newspapers, and I believe it was stated in the evidence at the inquest.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement on this immensely important subject?

I cannot say, but I shall communicate as soon as I can with my hon. and gallant Friend.

When shall I be likely to get an answer? Shall I put down my question again next week?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many girls were arrested in Killarney on a recent occasion for selling flags, and how many soldiers and policemen were employed in this operation?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that four young ladies have been arrested in Killarney on a charge of selling flags on labour day; whether, after the magistrates had dismissed the cases on the ground that the Defence of the Realm Act was never intended to operate in such a case, the young ladies were re-arrested, and on the same charge were sent to prison in default of giving bail to be of good behaviour; whether there is any precedent in England or Scotland for such proceedings; and whether the young ladies are still in prison?

Five females were summoned to ordinary Petty Sessions at Killarney on the 20th May last on a charge of selling flags without a permit. The magistrates by a majority dismissed the charges without prejudice. The prosecution was not brought under the Defence of the Realm Act, but under the Act 6 and 7 George V., Chapter 31, Section 5. As there was a clear breach of the law directions were given that the defendants should be brought before a resident magistrate. This was done on the 3rd June, and an application was then made to bind them to the peace. As the defendants refused to give bail they were committed to custody for fourteen days. They were released on the 14th instant.

Is there not a danger that this policy of petty persecution will drive the Irish people beyond all endurance?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question as to whether there is any precedent in England or Scotland for such a proceeding?

I have not looked up precedents, but I should think there is no doubt whatsoever that where a case has been dismissed without prejudice other proceedings may be taken.

As I gave notice of this question, and as the right hon. Gentleman is a lawyer, can he not answer the question as to whether there is any precedent for putting people on trial for the second time on the same charge as that upon which they were acquitted the first time?

These people were not acquitted, but the case was dismissed without prejudice. I do not think it is necessary to search for precedents.

There is none, and you could not find one.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a Gaelic League festival for the promotion of the Irish language has been suppressed in Killarney; whether similar festivals were held in previous years without any disorderly incident; and whether the prohibition of the Irish language is a settled part of the policy of the Irish Government?

A Gaelic League open-air meeting which was to have been held at Killarney on 8th June was prohibited. The reason for adopting this course was that the Government had good grounds for believing that speeches of a seditious nature were to be delivered. Meetings solely for the promotion of the Irish language are not interfered with.

Is the Attorney-General aware that when the Chief Secretary was appointed he gave out a paragraph to the newspapers announcing his love for the Irish language, and is this his method of showing his love for it?

He does not love sedition in the Irish language.

How does he know what speeches are going to be delivered? Has he started as a thought-reader?

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of the subsidy paid in connection with the supply of bread, he will resume the campaign of propaganda directed towards encouraging the economical use of this commodity?

The weekly output of flour is under the constant survey of the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies, and there is no evidence of uneconomical consumption. I do not propose, therefore, to take any official action of the kind suggested, though I desire to emphasise the advisability of continued economy in the use of breadstuffs.

asked the Home Secretary why the Order prohibiting the sale of bread under twelve hours old is being maintained to the public inconvenience; and why bakers in Nottingham who are endeavouring to serve the public and to comply with local demands are being prosecuted for infringing a War regulation which the Ministry of Food has no desire to enforce?

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that magistrates are imposing merely nominal fines upon bakers for breaches of the Bread Order, and that several Courts of Summary Jurisdiction have expressed the opinion that the time has arrived to repeal the provision prohibiting the sale of bread that has not been made for at least twelve hours; whether, whilst some bakers are strictly adhering to the provisions of this Order, others are generally flouting it; and if he will consider the desirability of repealing it at an early date, in view of the public feeling against it?

I have been asked to reply, and will answer the two questions together. I am fully aware of the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member for Tottenham. At the request of the War Cabinet, the Minister of Labour recently appointed a Committee to inquire into night work in the baking industry, and decided that, pending the Report of this Committee, the twelve-hours Clause of the Bread Order should be maintained. So long as the Order remains in force it should not be contravened by any member of the trade to the disadvantage of his competitors.

asked the Food Controller the present estimated percentage of increase in the cost of living as compared with last November, and also with June, 1914, basing it on the same commodities as in previous Returns issued by his Department?

The records compiled by the Ministry of Labour show that since 1st November there has been an actual fall in the level of food prices. On the basis of a constant schedule of articles, representing approximately the average consumption of a working-class family in 1914, the increase since July, 1914, was 104 percent. on 1st June, as compared with an increase of 133 percent. on 1st November, 1918. Commodities other than food are not included in these calculations.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell me how I can ascertain the increase in the cost of boots, clothing, and such things?

Obviously, that is not a question of food consumption, and therefore it is not competent for me to answer it.

asked the Food Controller who is benefiting by the 2d. deducted from the price of every gallon of milk produced in the Southwestern counties?

asked the Food Controller if he will make a statement as to the ultimate destination of the fund which is being formed from the 2d. per gallon extra paid to the producers of milk in the four Western counties?

I will answer these questions together. In the case of milk produced in the four South-Western counties and sold by retail within the area, the benefit of cheaper supplies goes to the local consumer. Where the milk produced in these counties is exported to other districts the purchasers pay to the Ministry of Food the difference of 2d. per gallon between the price of such milk and that of milk produced in the rest of the country. The money collected in this way is paid into a fund which is to be utilised for the benefit of consumers throughout the country. The precise application of the fund is under consideration.

What is going to be the name of the fund that is going to help consumers all over the country?

I have not yet been able to christen it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman certain that he is getting all these twopences?

I have grave doubts of being certain about anything in these matters, but I am as certain as it is possible to be.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that two officials of the Ministry of Food hold licences for the sale of Grade A milk, one of them being the Director of Milk Supplies himself; and whether, under the circumstances, he proposes to advise that the grant of these licences be withdrawn so long as the holders occupy an official capacity?

I have been asked to reply. With regard to the first part of the question, only one official of the Ministry of Food, the Director of Milk Supplies, holds a licence for the sale of Grade A milk. This licence was issued in accordance with the general conditions laid down by the Local Government Board and after investigations which lay outside the control of the Director of Milk Supplies. The system of milk production employed by this gentleman is generally admitted to be of the highest value as showing what can be done by scientific methods, and I am satisfied that there are no grounds on which the licence should be withdrawn.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the Regulations governing the demobilisation of men on foreign stations; whether these men are given preference to those in home waters; and whether he is aware that the feeling is general among them that they are not even being demobilised at the same rate as those at home?

The Regulations governing the demobilisation of men, both at home and abroad, are contained in Admiralty Monthly Order 921, which is too long to quote, but of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy. Reliefs are allocated for men abroad in preference to men at home; but, as circumstances admit of the reduction of services at home more quickly than those abroad, demobilisation has proceeded more rapidly at home. Every effort is being made to relieve as early as possible all demobilisable men abroad and at home, and men-of-war are being used to convey reliefs to foreign stations. The Admiralty are aware of the feeling of men abroad on this matter, and have taken, and will continue to take, every possible step to remove legitimate causes of complaint.

asked the Prima Minister whether any steps have yet been taken to give effect to the recommendation of the Imperial Colonial Conference of 1911 that a line of steamers between Great Britain and Canada should be established on the basis of an annual subsidy from the Governments of Great Britain, Canada, and Newfoundland; whether he is aware that two Royal Commissions, one in 1846 and the other in 1884, strongly urged the equipment of a port on the West Coast of Ireland; that such a scheme has been approved by the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and awaits only the approval of the British Government; and whether, in view of the international importance of the subject, he will without further delay make definite proposals to the Government of Canada?

I have been asked to answer this question. I think the hon. Member will find that the Resolution of the Imperial Conference of 1911 in regard to Imperial shipping services was to the effect simply that Great Britain should be connected with Canada and Newfoundland (and with Australia and New Zealand) by the best mail service available; it did not refer to subsidies for such a service nor to. Ireland. No action has been taken upon it.

I am aware that proposals have been made for the establishment of a Transatlantic Terminal Port in Ireland, but I am not aware; of any recent authoritative recommendation in favour of such a project being embarked upon by His Majesty's Government. I may add that the establishment of an Imperial Investigation Board in pursuance of the Resolution of the Imperial Conference of 1918 is being proceeded with, and any question of developing Imperial shipping communications would fall to be dealt with by that body.

What is the good of holding Imperial Conferences if you take no notice of the Resolutions passed?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Captain Bather's Committee, which wag appointed under Admiralty Weekly Order No. 1,339 to consider the pay and conditions of officers' stewards and cooks, has not invited any suggestions from loyal lower deck committees representing these classes of ratings; and whether he will take steps for this to be done before their Lordships accept the Report from this Committee?

The Committee had before it the requests placed by representatives of this branch before the Jerram Committee, to which also Officers Chief Steward Penny was attached as advisory representative. As these requests were of quite recent dates and exceedingly comprehensive, it was not considered necessary to call upon representatives again. I might add, however, that the Committee visited Portsmouth Naval Barracks and interviewed the messman at great length as regards the position of the class. The Board have not yet considered the Committee's Report.

Is it the deliberate intention of the Government to ignore this Report?

It is not. These men were interviewed at length.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has yet had an opportunity to consider the letter addressed to him by the members of the Dockyard and Naval Parliamentary Committee asking that the new scale of pay may be antedated to 1st October, 1918; that the revised scale of pensions may apply to all pensioners on the rolls; that in certain conditions widows' pensions and compassionate allowances be granted; and that the limitation placed by the Government upon the removal of discharged or invalided men be changed from one to three months; and whether he can say what course he proposes to take in the matter?

My hon. Friend has doubtless received the reply to this letter. As stated therein, the Board have decided to revise the conditions applying to the free conveyance of men and their families to their future place of employment on being discharged to pension or invalided, so as to admit of such conveyance within a period of six months from the date of final discharge or invaliding, providing that the man's intention to avail himself of the privilege is notified within one month of his discharge or invaliding. Further, as I have informed my hon. Friend, the position of the older pensioners is under consideration. As regards the other matters, the Admiralty are not in a position to announce any change in the decisions arrived at by His Majesty's Government.

Is the compassionate allowance under consideration?

No. All the other points are covered by the last sentence—that is to say, I am not in a position to announce any change in the decisions arrived at by His Majesty's Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the Government's decision with regard to pay and pensions of officers in the Royal Navy will be circulated?

The Admiralty recommendations are before the Cabinet, and my hon. Friend need not apprehend any delay in the announcement of their decision.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the date when he expects that decision?

I am afraid I cannot do that. The matter is not in my hands. But I hope it will be an early date

Before we are asked to discuss the Naval Estimates?

Oh, certainly!