asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet concluded any arrangements for providing long-term credit facilities in European countries which are not in a position to pay at present by means of exports for essential imports; whether he is aware of the urgency of this question if the United Kingdom is to retain its good will in those countries and to foster its export trade; and whether he will state what stops it is proposed to take?

Yes, Sir. I am fully aware of the urgency of re establishing British export trade to the countries which my lion. Friend has in mind. A scheme has bean prepared in consultation with banking and trading interests under which the Government will set up an office to provide sterling credits in approved class where it is found impossible to obtain sufficient facilities through the ordinary business channels. It is hoped that certain representatives of those interests which have already been consulted will be willing to assist the office in an advisory capacity. Full particulars of the scheme will be made public as soon as certain outstanding points of detail have been settled.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say up to what extent it is proposed to assist this office; what amount of money is it proposed to set aside for the purpose?

Does my hon. Friend mean the amount, of money that will be actually lost, or money used from time to time?

I mean the money that will be guaranteed—in the shape of a guarantee; for I suppose the scheme will take the form of a guarantee?

Not a State guarantee in the ordinary sense, but actually accepting the business which the banks, on account of political risks, cannot deal with?

Will the Estimate be laid before Parliament?

I think I must have notice of that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we shall not be able to compete in the export trade unless we can decrease the cost of production by increased production?

Yes, Sir; I am very well aware of it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when the outstanding points to which he has referred are likely to be settled?

Yes; I had hoped that they would have been settled last week, hut there are still a couple of points out standing which, I hope, will be settled to-day or to-morrow, or, at all events, by Wednesday.

If I put a question down for Thursday, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me an answer?

I hope so; but of course, the actual details of the scheme are far too long to give by way of question and answer here. Certainly the whole scheme will be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade under what Statute or Statutes embargoes are placed on imports other than munitions of war.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I made to a similar question by the right hon. Member for South Molton on the 19th May, and of which I am sending him a copy.

Is it the ease that in certain circumstances the prohibi- tions are being disregarded, and the Board of Trade are not instituting proceedings against offenders; and, if that is) so, does the Board of Trade think the provisions are ultra vires?

T have no knowledge of any disregard of the prohibitions; if my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular facts in mind and will communicate them to me I shall be grateful.

To what date beyond 1st September will the prohibitions be continued?

As the House; is aware, the interim policy on which we are working is limited in time to 1st September. Be fore any change is made there will be a statement in the House.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to declare the Government trade policy?

As I stated on Wednesday last in reply to a supplementary question (arising out of a question by my hon. Friend the Member for the St. Rollox Division of Glasgow), I hope that it will be possible to make a statement before the Recess.

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Hoard of Trade if he is aware that the purchasing of goods abroad for importation after 1st September is being checked by the fact that importers are afraid of more severe restrictions on imports, and if he is prepared to make some definite announcement as to the rate of importation that will be permitted after 1st September.

I am not yet in a position to state what import policy will be in operation after 1st September, but I am prepared now to give assurance (hat if restrictions are still in existence the permissible rate of importation of Articles now restricted will be no less between 1st September and the end of the year than it is at the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly bear in mind that those engaged in trade cannot postpone their operations until other people make up their minds. They cannot proceed only from day to day, as the Government appears to do.

The reply I just gave appears to me to help those who desire to make up their minds what their action is to be in the way of ordering goods in the next few weeks. I have stated that the amount allowed to be imported will be no less between 1st September and the end of the year than it is at present.

What is the reason for postponing the announcement of policy?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put that question to the Leader of the House.

Is it proposed to set up another advisory council to advise the Hoard of Trade as regards importations?

No Sir.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to reply that the Board of Trade will act entirely on their own responsibility and not consult; manufacturers and those who are interested in this question?

No. The hon. Member asked me whether we were going to set up another advisory body. I replied in the negative.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to reappoint the Council which has recently advised him in these matters, and which I understand is being dissolved?

No, we have an advisory body in connection with the Board of Trade but, as I have said in reply to more than one question to-day, it is anticipated that a definite announcement of trade policy will be made before the House rises.

Is the right hon. Gentle man prepared to announce whom the advisory committee consists of, so that the public may know?

I shall be quite pre pared to announce them. They have been announced more than once.

Is any person on that advisory board qualified to advise on the effect of restriction on unemployment

That is a very wide subject, and it would be very difficult to define what qualifications a person should have to be able to give complete advice on that. There are several people on the Advisory Board who can give partial advice, but whether they cover the whole ground between them or not I am not in a position to say.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of consulting the electorate before they define their trade policy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (l) whether he is aware that the London Traffic Branch of the Board of Trade was established to examine into and report upon schemes for the betterment of London s traffic conditions; whether Mr. Gattie submitted his scheme to the then President of the Board of Trade and, on the recommendation of Sir William Preece, was sent to Sir Herbert Jekyll, chief of the London Traffic Branch of the Board of Trade; whether Sir Herbert Jekyll refused to examine into and report upon the said scheme; whether, at, the suggestion of Mr. Sydney Buxton (now Lord Buxton), President of the Board of Trade, Mr. Gattie again submitted his scheme to Sir William Mar wood, chief of the Railway Department of the Board of Trade, whether Sir William Mar wood refused to examine into and report upon the said scheme;

(2) whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which exists in wide commercial and scientific circles on account of the way in which the Gattie goods clearing house scheme has been dealt with by public Departments and various Select Committees during the past twelve years, and the important benefit to the community which will result if the claims of its promoters are substantiated, he will consider the urgent desirability of the Government, bringing to the notice of the Chairman of the Committee of Inquiry recently appointed the necessity of the utmost publicity being given to the Committee's pro- ceedings, and of Mr. Gattie being given facilities to call witnesses and, further, for the latter to be examined by counsel, in order to ensure the Gattie scheme receiving fair treatment on this occasion?

I do not think that any useful purpose whatever can be served by adverting to the past history of Mr. Gatties communications with the Board of Trade. The hon. Member's suggestions as to publicity and the procedure of the Committee of Inquiry have been conveyed to the chairman.

In view of the unsatisfactory reply of my right hon. Friend, I beg to give notice that I shall refer to the matter on the Adjournment of the House to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Midland Railway Company have refused to issue to the workmen employed on the night shift by Messrs. Harwood, Cash and Company, Limited, of Mans field, Notts, weekly tickets from Notting ham to Mansfield, and that this refusal entails hardship upon these men, who are all demobilised soldiers living in Notting ham, and for whom no housing accommodation is available at Mansfield; and whether, seeing that, for day workers tickets are issued available to travel from Nottingham in the morning and returning in the evening, and in view of the fact that the refusal to issue weekly tickets not only presses hardly on the men affected, but prevents others being employed, the Railway Executive Committee propose to take any action to secure facilities for these workmen?

I am in communication with the railway company in this matter, and I will let the hon. Gentleman know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any excursion trains were run to South end by the Midland Railway Company during the time the Fleet were in the Thames; and, if ho, will he state how many trains were supplied and what fares were charged to passengers?

The Midland Railway Company inform me that no excursion, trains were run on the occasion referred to, but that the ordinary trains were duplicated as necessary. Ordinary fares were charged.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what principal extra trains are provided for stations available for race meetings; whether the matter is decided by the Railway Executive Committee or by the particular railway company concerned; and, if the latter, whether they have to obtain the consent of the Railway Executive Committee or of the Government before they are permitted to supply the extra trains?

The matter is one for the individual companies, who, in providing extra trains for any purpose, have regard to other public requirements. The consent of the Railway Executive Committee is not required.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Manchester goods stations are congested with goods awaiting delivery, while teams belonging to local team owners are idle; and whether the Rail way Executive Committee will take steps to ensure that these available teams are used to assist in relieving the congestion?

I am fully aware of the circumstances in question, but I am making inquiries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman at the same time inquire why the goods are collected from the ware houses twice a week instead of daily? The warehouses are stored with goods.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give a reply immediately—this week?

I cannot, of course, give any undertaking as to that; there may be complicated investigations to make, but a reply shall be given as soon as possible. In regard to the point raised by the hon. Member for Manchester, I am fully aware of the difficulties existing in Manchester, but it would do no good to transfer the congestion from the ware houses to the railway companies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the scarcity of hay and other feeding-stuffs and whether, in order to increase the supplies of offals for next winter's feed and promote home employment in the milling trade, he will instruct the Wheat Com mission to increase the proportion of whole-grain imported and decrease that of flour?

I have been asked to reply, and would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the Noble Lord the Member for Aldershot on the 17th instant.

asked how much sugar was imported into the United Kingdom in the year 1918; and how much of this was the produce of sugar cane, how much the produce of beetroot, and how much of palm or maize or other substances?

I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it anticipated that there will be an increase in the production of beetroot sugar?

I do not quite follow what my hon. Friend means. Does he mean over last year or over pre-war years?

Yes, I think there is an. increase over last year, but we are still a long way below pre-war years.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the Dried Food Controller is by profession a barrister; that his advisory committee consists of members of the Dried Fruit Association, and that 50 per cent, of them are members of one and the same firm; that any advice given by large operators is vised and considered by this advisory committee; and that the advisory committee recommended, and such recommendation was acted upon, Greek gentlemen to act for the British Government to buy Greek currants, and that one of these buyers had his brother in Greece acting as a selling contractor?

The Assistant Secretary in charge of the Provisions and Miscellaneous Foods Division of the Ministry is a barrister who has rendered excellent administrative service during the War. The officer responsible, for the direct ad ministration of dried fruit supplies was a gentleman with wide experience of the trade. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. No firm is represented on this committee by more than one member. All suggestions are duly weighed from whatever quarter they may proceed. In 1917 a Commission consisting of four gentlemen was sent to Greece to purchase currants on behalf of the Minister of Food. The British Consul at Patras was appointed an additional member before the Commission reached Greece. One member of this Commission was a Greek subject, the remaining four being British subjects. A brother of the Greek subject, to whom T have referred, is a currant shipper in Greece, but the member of the Commission had no interest in the firm.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the arrangements carried out as mentioned in this question mean £12 to £14 per ton to the consumer, which would be saved if they had people in the business who understood it?

No, T am not aware of that. I should be glad to make inquiries, if my hon. Friend would furnish me with any information to substantiate the statement made in his question.

You can find that information in the City of London to-day in five minutes.

Would the lion. Gentleman see that in future, in order to save misunderstanding, these committees sit in public and have their proceedings reported?

No, Sir. I do not think it would be possible for me or any Minister to give an undertaking that the multifarious Departmental Committees constantly sitting from day to day to ad- vise Ministers upon matters, which are really minor matters, should be given publicity.

Are we to under- stand that this hole-and-corner business, which was necessary during the War in order that information should not be conveyed to the enemy, is to continue during peace?

asked the Minister of Food if the quality of jam made in this country is to be improved this year; if jam made from particular fruits without the admixture of vegetable or other substances is to be sold; and if the very good supplies of cherries, raspberries, goose- berries, and currants are now being made in to jam?

It is proposed to eliminate from the schedule of varieties of jams certain mixtures, the manufacture of which was necessary last year owing to the failure of the fruit crop. The fruits referred to in the last part of the question are being bought so readily by the public for immediate consumption that the quantities being used for jam manufacture are below the average.

Can the hon. Gentleman say of what those mixtures consisted?

I should like notice of that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the report recently presented by a commission appointed in Germany to inquire into nationalisation of the coal-mining industry: whether copies of this report are available; and, if not, whether he will take steps to obtain it with a view to laying it as a Parliamentary Paper?

A translation of the majority and minority reports of the German Socialisation Commission was published in the Economic Supplement to the Review of the Foreign Press, dated the 26th March last, which may be purchased from the usual agents for the sale of Government publications.

Would my right hon. Gentleman send a copy of it to the hon. and gallant Gentleman whose question this is?

With pleasure.

asked whether the extra cost of getting coal involved in the new proposals to the miners was included in the recently imposed addition of 6s. per ton; and, if not, whether any further increase of price is contemplated?

The new proposals referred to are presumably those, relating to the adjustment of miners' piece-work rates. These rates will be increased by an amount which on the average will be that necessary to correspond to a 10 per cent, reduction in output. Tin's amount was taken into consideration in the recent addition of 6s. per ton to the price of coal.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government is giving or will give very careful consideration to the recommendations made by Sir Arthur Duckham in his Report of the 20th June, 1919, printed as No. 4 in Command Paper No. 210, as fulfilling the reasonable aspirations of labour, safeguarding the interests of the community, and so affording a preferable alternative to the nationalisation of the coal industry?

I have been asked to answer this question. Sir Arthur Duck-ham's proposals are receiving most careful consideration, as are the other proposals put forward in connection with the future of the coal-mining industry by other members of the Commission.

Is there any truth in the report that the Government have adopted the policy of nationalisation?

I need only refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Leader of the House a few minutes ago.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that on the 4th July, 1919, the President of the Board of Trade estimated that the reduction of output in the coal industry due to the reduction of working hours recommended by Mr. Justice San-key's Commission might well be more than 10 per cent.; and whether that estimate is accepted by His Majesty's Government;

(2) whether it is the considered view of His Majesty's Government that whatever else may lead to a shortage in the output of coal the reduction of hours proposed in the Coal Mines Bill cannot, have that effect?

I have been asked to answer these questions. The Government have accepted Mr. Justice San keys estimate of a decrease in output of 10 per cent, in view of the reduction in hours. It is impossible to say at this date what the actual reduction will be.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government would be prepared to consider the taking of a referendum upon the subject of the nationalisation of coal?

I do not think that my hon. Friend's proposal is practicable.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is a fact that the United States of America are advancing money to Germany at certain rates of interest to enable the Germans to pay for sup plies of food and other materials which are being shipped to Germany from the United States?

So far as I am aware, the United States Government has made no advances to Germany. I have no knowledge as to negotiations which may have taken place for private credits in the United States to finance exports to Germany.

asked the Prime Minister when he will be in a position to announce the policy of the Government in regard to the question of the nationalsation of the mining industry?

I cannot add any thing to what I have already said on this subject

Have the Government, in fact, made up its mind on a policy on this question?

As a matter of fact, when we have made up our mind we shall announce it to the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to announce it in plenty of time before the Recess to give the House an opportunity of discussing it?

In the answer 1 previously gave I certainly contemplated there would be a discussion when our decision was announced.

Can the Leader of the House give us the latest information with regard to the coal settlement?

In Yorkshire there is practically no change. There has not been a resumption of work. No more pits are likely to be flooded within the next twenty-four hours, but five are in danger of flooding within the next few days if action is not taken. As regards other districts, I am glad to say in Lancashire and Cheshire miners are back to work through out the coalfield this morning. In Not tinghamshire the same is true with the exception of some pits in the Worksop area, which are under the Yorkshire Union. In Derbyshire the Miners' Council on Saturday accepted the Government agreement, and I am informed that work has with a few exceptions, been resumed. In the other coalfields the situation is normal except in Staffordshire, where the Cannock Chase miners are still out, owing to the action of the surfacemen.

Has the right hon. Gentle men seen the rumour in the papers about the difficulty of the coal-owners and the miners' representatives getting into touch and is there any truth in that?

I hope not. There will be nothing to prevent a meeting between the miners and the men to carry out the agreement made by the Government on Friday.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the report in the Press this morning that my hon. Friend (Mr. Hogge) indicates that this is a roundabout process? Someone has to take the step, either the Government or the employers or the miners' as sociation in Yorkshire. Having regard to these circumstances, will the Government themselves endeavour to bring about negotiations between the mine-owners and the Yorkshire miners?

Certainly. We should not allow any technical questions to interefere with trying to get back to work, but it must be obvious to the hon. and gallant Gentleman that having made an agreement with the Miners' Federation, we thought we had settled the dispute.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have regard to the fact that the miners in Yorkshire declare that the employers have broken off negotiations? The employers themselves, I think, disagree with that. Having regard to these circumstances, does not the right hon. Gentleman think some steps ought to be taken to bring the two bodies together to effect a settlement and a resumption of work?

Before the hon. and gallant Gentleman asked the question I had myself discussed this with my right hon. Friend, and we shall certainly do what we can not to allow the stoppage to continue for want of the people getting into touch.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of making a clear and impartial statement exactly what is the quarrel between the men and the mine-owners in Yorkshire?

It is very complicated. I do not think it is a dispute which could be stated clearly in a few sentences, but I think now everyone understands it.

asked whether or not 320,000,000 roubles was paid in gold by the Bolsheviks to Germany under the Brest-Litovsk Treaty; whether this gold was subsequently deposited in the Bank of France for account of the Allies; and if, now that General Koltchak has been recognised by the Allies, a certain amount of this money will be placed at the disposal of Generals Koltchak and Denikin to enable them to purchase necessary supplies?

Since my hon. Friend asked a question on this subject on 16th July, I have made inquiries in Paris, and I am now in a position to answer the first and second parts of the present question in the affirmative. It is incorrect to describe Admiral Koltchaks Government as having been formally recognised by the Allies, and the answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

Is it not a fact that General Koltchak is recognised by the Allies?

My hon. Friend knows that the word "recognition" has a certain technical meaning. I cannot go into that matter now.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement with regard to the position of the British forces in North Russia.?

I understand that the subject is to be raised in Debate to-morrow, and that will be a better opportunity than the answer to a question for a statement on the part of the Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman wee that an Estimate of our expenses in Russia is issued in time for the Debate tomorrow?

It is quite impossible for such a statement to be prepared.

Will the Secretary for War start the Debate to-morrow?

I thought I would first hear some of the criticisms.

If the Prime Minister says to-morrow affords a better opportunity of making the statement, can we have it before the Debate commences?

The policy of the Government has already been very clearly stated on the subject.

Cannot some information as to the amount of assistance given to General Denikin be afforded to the House before it meets to-morrow?

I do not think it would be possible. My Noble Friend will know that the House has already been in-formed of the exact scope of what we arc doing in Russia. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"] Yes, it has, but any further details that can be given shall be supplied to-morrow. I trust that, so far as North Russia is concerned, the House will extend the same indulgence to the military operations there as it has done in other cases where operations have been in progress.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Bullitt and his companions have gone on another mission to Bolshevik Russia?

I have more that once stated that we have nothing to do with these men, and know nothing about them.

If not by to-morrow, can we later on have some estimate of the cost of our operations in Russia?

My right hon, Friend has, I think, promised it, but to extract the accounts is a matter of very considerable difficulty.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the two Americans mentioned have nothing to do with the United States Government?

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes Lo take, to obtain the opinion and suggestions from local authorities as to proper provision for outdoor recreation for the people to be incorporated in the housing schemes and for the formation of athletic clubs to put such suggestions into practical effect?

It is open to local authorities under Section II. of the Housing Act, 1903, to provide and maintain recreation grounds which will serve a beneficial purpose in connection with the requirements of the persons for whom dwelling accommodation is provided.

Every care is being taken in considering the lay-out schemes of authorities in con- nection with new housing proposals to secure an adequate provision of open spaces to which, with the hon. Member I attach great importance.

asked the Prime Minister whether a Government Bureau of Information is still in existence; if it is intended to use it in making known to the mass of the population the economic and industrial danger with which the country is faced; and if he will consider the advisability of such propaganda work being undertaken by persons and bodies not connected with any Government Department?

I have been asked to reply. This answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part of the question, accordingly, does not arise. In regard to the last part of the question, it is for such persons and bodies as the hon. and gallant Member mentioned to decide for themselves as to the necessity and expediency for such propaganda, and it is hardly necessary to say that the Government would welcome all help from such bodies in expounding to the country the farts of the economic and industrial situation.

asked the Prime Minister whether trade is permitted with Germany, and, if so, under what conditions; if it is intended to appoint British Consuls and Vice-Consuls to the principal German towns and cities; if so, when this will be done; and whether German Consuls and Vice-Consuls will be permitted in this country?

Trade is permitted with Germany subject to the terms of the General Licence of the Board of Trade published in the "London Gazette" on the 15th instant. The reestablishment of Consular posts in Ger many is being dealt with, and Consular officers will proceed on the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which relations will be established when the Treaty of Peace has been ratified by Germany and three of the principal Allied and Associated Governments.

The appointment of German Consular officers to reside in the United Kingdom would seem to be a natural consequence of the resumption of diplomatic rotations between the two countries, and is so regarded by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has official information to the effect that the, supply of milk in Germany is insufficient to supply the needs of invalids and young children there; whether the cession, under the Treaty, of 140,000 head of milch Cows will seriously increase this insufficiency; and whether, in these circumstances, His Majesty's Government will use their influence with the Governments of France and Belgium to postpone this cession?

Would the right hon. Gentleman also tell us how many Belgian and French children have suffered and are suffering owing to the invasion of Belgian and French towns by the Germans?

Supplies of fresh milk are unfortunately scarce in many parts of Europe-, including Belgium, Northern France, and Germany. Efforts have been made to supplement these sup plies by the importation of condensed milk, and it is hoped that arrivals of feeding-stuffs will ease the situation during the coming winter.

The cession of 140,000 head of milch cows was demanded in partial replacement of milch cows requisitioned by Germany from Belgium and Northern France. I understand that the fulfilment of this Clause of the Peace Treaty is not automatic, but depends upon the findings of the Reparation Commission, which will consider all material facts.

asked the Prime Minister if the cost of the Army of Occupation in Egypt is being defrayed by the Egyptian Government; and if payment of the cost of the defence of that country will be demanded of Turkey as one of the conditions of Peace?

The whole cost of the Army of Occupation in Egypt is borne by this country, subject, as in peace, to a contribution by the Egyptian Govern- ment of £150,000 per annum. As regards the last part of the question, as I have stated before, I cannot give details of this kind in answer to questions.

Docs the right lion. Gentleman think that the defence of Egypt, which we saved from ruin, is satisfactorily paid by a contribution of £150,000?

That, is rather a complicated question, which I do not think can be dealt with by way of question and answer.

asked the Prime Minister if the cost of the Army of Occupation | of Mesopotamia is being paid by Turkey, by India, or by this country; and if the payment of the whole cost of this expedition is to be demanded of Turkey as one of the conditions of Peace?

The whole cost of the Army of Occupation in Mesopotamia is borne by this country, subject to a contribution from India representing the normal cost of certain Indian units which are included in the Army of Occupation. As regard the last part of the question, it is not possible to give any details as to the Treaty of Peace with Turkey.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that gratuities arc not allowable alter the 3rd August next to officers and men serving in the Army of Occupation, he will cause payment to be made of the amounts due up to that date as soon as possible and not hold ii over until the expiration of their service?

War gratuities become payable on 4th August, and will be paid with the least possible delay. I hope it will be generally recognised that, owing to the very large numbers concerned the process of payment will necessarily occupy some time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among the people of Belgium regarding the choice of Rotterdam instead of Antwerp as the base of supply for the British Army of the Rhine; and whether, in the circumstances, ho can see his way to change the base to Antwerp in view of the importance of helping Belgium in her economic reconstruction?

My right has Friend has asked me to answer this question. The present tonnage carried through Rotterdam on behalf of the War Department is not more than 900 tons per month, but the policy is to concentrate the bulk of the traffic upon Antwerp, in the pro portion of three to one.

Is there any reason why Antwerp should not be entirely used instead of Rotterdam, and are not the facilities at Antwerp greater than at Rotterdam?

The whole process of supplying the Rhine Army is a very complicated and technical matter, and I cannot see what inducement the military authorities have but to choose the most easy and convenient method of victualling the Army. That, I gather, is that it should be three-quarters through Antwerp and one quarter through Rotterdam.

Should we not assist those who have fought alongside of us rather than neutrals, however friendly they may have been?

I think there is a great deal to be said for that. There is also a great deal to be said for victualling the Army by the best means, having regard to the expense involved.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for the Torquay Division; and will he give a day for the discussion of this matter?

["That in the opinion of this House, men serving in his majesty's Forces who, at the expiration of their Colour service, are appointed to the Civil Service, should be allowed to count towards their civil pension the period during which they have served in the Army or Navy."]

I do not think it will be possible to grant an opportunity for this discussion before the Recess.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of this to the men concerned, and will he give the earliest possible day for the discussion?

The Government did consider this matter and gave their decision in April last. It must be obvious to my hon. and gallant Friend that if the House is to rise at a reasonable time there must be a limit to new subjects for discussion.