Written Answers
Yorkshire Collieries (Naval Stokers)
asked the Lord Privy Seal how many naval stokers it is proposed to send to the Yorkshire coalfields in connection with the strike, and how many already have been sent?
The present number of naval ratings available in the district is 80 officers and 1,486 men. As this is in excess of the number at present necessary to meet the demands for assistance in pumping, no additions will be made at present.
Exchange Rate, United States
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can do anything to improve the present unfavourable rate of exchange with the United States of America?
I do not think that in present conditions it would be wise to return to the policy of giving artificial support to the dollar exchange which was abandoned several months ago. I need hardly say that the question of financing essential imports from the United States of America and the general economic and financial causes underlying the adverse foreign exchanges are engaging the constant attention of the Government.
Food Supplies
Railway Stations (Free Buffets)
asked the Food Controller whether, with a view to effecting a considerable economy in the consumption of foodstuffs, he will now bring to an end the system of free buffets at railway stations which, however useful during the continuance of hostilities, do not now appear to serve any purpose which could not be equally well served by the existing refreshment rooms?
Free buffets at railway stations are maintained by voluntary charitable organisations and not by any Department of State. The value of these buffets has naturally diminished with the cessation of hostilities, and I understand that the buffets are being closed gradually as the demand for refreshments at unusual hours is noticeably reduced.
Battle Of Jutland
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the numbers of armour-piercing and common shell or, failing that, the total number of salvoes fired by each capital ship at the Battle of Jutland, distinguishing the ships belonging to the Rosyth force, the remainder of the battle-cruiser squadron, and the twenty-four battleships brought into the battle under Lord Jellicoe after six o'clock; and whether he can state the time when the German battle-fleet was last seen by the battle-cruiser squadron?
As the official record of the Battle of Jutland is now being compiled by an officer especially detailed for the purpose (Captain Harper), it is considered undesirable to publish portions in advance until the whole has been completed and checked.