asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the tonnage of coal per annum supplied to the miners for their personal use free, or for the cost of carting, or at a lower price than that paid by the ordinary private consumer?

The quantity of coal supplied to the miners during the year 1918 on the terms mentioned in the question was 5,850,000 tons.

In view of the altered conditions, is it not advisable to reconsider the question of these terms and, while doing justice, see that they only consume what they pay for?

Do not the miners now pay for the coal that they get?

Some miners pay a small sum for their coal—a few shillings a ton. Some pay rather more than that. I know of no case where the miners are supplied and are paying the same for coal as other people. The whole question has been most carefully considered, and it is not possible to deal with this coal, which constitutes, in many cases, part of the miners' wages, in the way suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can explain why the schedule price of coal for export from South Wales to Argentina for the use of British-owned railways in that country should be for Monmouthshire coal, 51s. per ton, and the actual selling price to-day should be 70s. per ton, Cardiff coal 80s. per ton; whether these prices are named by the collieries, at the instance or instigation of the Coal Controller that they should get as much as they can over the minimum prices; whether these prices are killing the export trade in coal, resulting in grave national loss, and driving consumers in South America to purchase American coal, which can be purchased f.o.b. at 25s. per ton or less; and can he state what price the Admralty is at present paying for Cardiff coal?

The current export prices are those established in the open market in the ordinary way, and the fact that consumers in South America are driven to purchase American coal is duo to the very restricted amount of coal which can be released for export, the total quantity available for South America being only about one-seventh of the prewar quantity. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Seeing that the higher prices of coal in South Wales is killing our export trade, can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government does not control these prices, and will he state whether it is the fact that the Government are profiteering in coal in the same manner as they did in food, shipping freights, and shipping tonnage?

I do not think the Government is profiteering in coal. The Government has been making up a loss. I do not know whether the hon. Member would call that profiteering. The position is this, that such profits as there are on the export of coal are going in relief of the cost of domestically-consumed coal.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see that he is killing the export trade of the country, upon which this country depends for its existence?

It is not I who am killing the export trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the price of coal in Kent is 6s. per ton more than in London; whether the bulk of the coal supplies in these areas along the Thames is sea-borne; and can he state the cause of this extra charge?

The price of coal in Kent is higher than that in London, even in the case of rail-borne coal, because of the higher railway rate from the Midland coalfields. The amount of the difference in prices varies on account of variation in railway rates to different places. In the case of coal carried coastwise to places in Kent, the difference, as compared with London rail-borne coal, will be still greater and may in some cases considerably exceed the sum of 6s. per ton mentioned by the hon. Member, the reason being the higher charges for transport and handling on sea-borne than on rail-borne coal.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what is the increase in the price of freightage for sea-borne coal?

That would be quite impossible without notice, and without the ports being given in which the hon. Member is interested.

Does the right hon. Gentleman settle this question of rail-borne and sea-borne traffic or is it settled by his right hon. relative; and in case of any difference arising who arbitrates?

The question of arbitration has never arisen in any shape or form.

asked what profit has been made by the Coal Controller's Department on bunker coal sold to steamers in the United Kingdom for the six months ending 30th June last; and will he state the profit during the same period made on coal sold to manufacturers in the United Kingdom?

I regret that I have no information as to the profits on bunker coal sold to steamers or coal sold to manufacturers in the United Kingdom during the six months ended 30th June.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people who are buying Welsh coal for bunker purposes are charged 20s. a ton move than people who buy the same coal for inland purposes? If not will he make inquiries?

That is the point which we were discussing in question and answer. The coal which is going outside the country even for use in British steamers is sold at the market price. Coal used inside the country is not. It is sold at an artificial price which is controlled by the Government.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the high prices of bunker coal, combined with the absence of cargoes of coal, increase greatly the prices of food and every other commodity?

Indeed I am.

The hon. Member must not enter into argument. The object of questions is only to elicit facts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to prevent the import of plumage into this country the export of which has been prohibited from any portion of the British Empire?

No feathers beyond those specified in the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member on the 20th February last have been made the subject of absolute embargo. As the hon. and gallant Member will realise, the object he has in view would more properly be attained by special legislation for the purpose than by an adaptation of the import restrictions. The whole matter is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number of persons who were employed by his Department in the Imports Restriction branch on the 31st December last and the number that are being employed to-day; what buildings they occupy at the present time; and what the estimated cost of this branch of his Department will be for the present year?

The number of staff employed at the London offices of the Department of Import Restrictions was 123 on the 31st December last and 108 on the 1st August of this year. The Department occupies fifteen rooms at No. 22, Carlisle Place, Westminster, and six rooms at No. 16, Carlisle Mansions, Westminster. In addition, the Department has a Paris branch accommodated at No. 10, Place Edouard VII., the staff of which numbered nine on the 31st December and eight on the 30th June. The estimated expenditure for the current year is £22,525. I am arranging to amalgamate the Import Restrictions and Export Licence Department and hope to make a considerable reduction in the joint staff as against the number employed separately by the two Departments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the names of the members of the Committee who advise him in matters concerning the restrictions of imports and exports?

The Committee which is at present considering these matters is composed as follows: Chairman—President of the Board of Trade; Members—the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Secretary of State for War and Air, President of the Board of Education, Minister of Labour, Minister of Pensions, First Commissioner of Works, and my right hon. Friend the Member for the Gorbals Division in his capacity as Minister without portfolio.

Does it meet?

Oh, yes; twice last week.

Are we to understand that these men are trade experts?

No, Sir; but they judge the evidence given by those who are trade experts.

Is the First Commissioner of Works employed by reason of his office or by reason of his economic views?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is prepared, when granting licences in connection with import restrictions, to fix a reasonable mar gin of profit in order to prevent excessive profiteering?

I venture to suggest to my hon. Friend that he will find that the statement to be made by the Prime Minister to-day will, in fact, give a much fuller answer than would be possible within the limits of a reply to a question.

asked the President of the Board pi Trade if the Consolidated List of Import Restrictions, revised to date and published in the "Board of Trade Journal" of 31st July, 1919, applies to all countries, or if special exceptions are made concerning imports from France and Italy; and, if so, can all variations be published in the "Board of Trade Journal"?

The list applies generally to all countries, but special concessions have been given to France and Italy. In the event of a further edition of the list being published, I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind.

Could the variations week by week be given in the "Board of Trade Journal," so that those traders who are interested may know what concessions their competitors are getting of which they have no knowledge?

I will consider that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether a licence to import 200 tons of muriate of potash has been applied for by the West Norfolk Farmers' Manure Company, Limited, a farmers' co-operative association; whether such licence has been refused, the applicant being referred to the British Potash Company; whether any valid reason exists for the restriction of trade liberty in the importation of this fertiliser; and whether, in the event of the applicant being forced to buy from the rival concern named, he will undertake that the cost of this fertiliser in King's Lynn to the applicant shall not exceed its contract price with the Alsace-Lorraine trading company for the 200 tons in question;

(2)the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that muriate of potash is required for the manufacture of compound root manures; whether the West Norfolk Farmers' Manure Company, Limited, whose output is 20,000 tons of manure per annum, is not permitted to import muriates for their manufacture; whether, in order to get the required production for next year's crop, its manufacture must be at once proceeded with; and whether any shortage in production must have a detrimental effect on the 1920 crops of potatoes and other roots;

(3)the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the West Norfolk Farmers' Manure Company, Limited, of King's Lynn, is unable to employ its plant and men owing to its inability to obtain a licence to import muriate of potash already contracted for and now awaiting shipment at Rotterdam; whether its works are on the point of being closed down in consequence, entailing a large number of men being thrown out of employment; and whether he can take any steps to avert this calamity?

The application from the company was dated 11th August, and has not yet been replied to. The requirements of the company will be filled by the British Potash Company, who hold a licence for the higher grade of potash salt referred to. The Alsace-Lorraine Trading Company do not import the higher grade salts, and if the West Norfolk Farmers' Manure Company, Limited, have contracted to buy an import-prohibited article they should have first assured themselves that a licence would be issued. At the same time, it is probable that the muriate, which will arrive in the course of the next day or two, will be delivered at a price at least as favourable as that at which it could be obtained from the Alsace company. That price will be the f.a.s. price at Rotterdam, as fixed by international agreement, plus incidental expenses.

Will the price added to the f.a.s. price Rotterdam be the freight price direct Rotterdam to King's Lynn, or will it be freight Rotterdam to London plus freight from London? Cannot it be imported direct to King's Lynn?

I should require notice of that before answering with absolute certainty, but I know of no reason why it should not be brought direct to King's Lynn.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether iron is being exported from, this country to foreign ports, including those of Japan; if so, for what purpose this iron is being supplied; how long its exportation has been in progress since the Armistice, and the approximate weekly quantities so dealt with; whether he is aware that numbers of our own home workers in the iron industry are out of employment through shortage of supplies; and will he take steps to ensure that their requirements are adequately satisfied, first of all, before any more iron is allowed to leave the country?

The exportation of pig-iron was in progress before the Armistice, and has continued since, but on a reduced scale. It is supplied for general purposes, including foundry work and steel making. The average weekly export for the seven months ended on the 31st July last was 4,500 tons; about 90 per cent, of the total was to Allied countries for reconstruction purposes, and the remainder consisted mainly of grades for which there is no ready sale in this country. Exportation is allowed only under licence, and the position as regards supplies and requirements here is carefully watched.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that Cheviot wool has been sold at recent sales at Hawick at prices varying from 79s. to 80s. per stone of 24 lbs., while the maximum price allowed by the Government last year was 40s., at the last open market in 1915 the price was 40s. to 41s., and in 1914 the price was 24s. 6d. per stone; and, if so, whether his Department will deal with such sales under the Profiteering Bill?

I understand the facts are as stated by the hon. Member. The whole question of wool prices will require careful examination, but I may point out the prices quoted were realised at open auction, which, if the Profiteering Bill were to become law in the form it left this House, would exclude such transactions from its provisions.

When the right hon. Gentleman says "require consideration," does he mean that he is going to give the matter consideration?

Yes.

Do farmers selling their produce at market price, otherwise than by auction, come within the scope of the Profiteering Bill?

It is quite impossible for me to predict what will be the terms of the Profiteering Act. The Bill, as it left this House, excludes from its provisions sales by public auction and prices fixed by open public tender.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now publish the Report submitted by the Council of Reconstruction, which recommended that effect be given to the suggestion of the Committee on Trade after the War to the effect that steps be taken to prevent competition of goods made by sweated foreign labour with those produced by higher-paid labour in this country; and can he state the action the Government propose to take concerning the recommendation?

I will consider the right hon. Member's proposal. The Government's trade policy will be announced by the Prime Minister.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Oversea Trade Department whether, with a view to re-establishing and improving the trade of the United Kingdom in the Latin-American Republics, he will send a Special Commissioner, fully acquainted with the manufacturing conditions of this country, to inquire into and report upon the particular requirements of all the Republics in question, so that British manufacturers may be encouraged to increase their exports to Latin-America?

(Department of Oversea Trade): Steps have already been taken to secure the ends indicated in the question. It is impossible for any one Commissioner to cover the whole of South America. Six Commercial Secretaries have already been appointed to Latin-American countries, and the appointment of three more is in immediate prospect. It is the duty of these officers, assisted by the members of the British Consular Service, to study these countries for the purposes suggested in the question. In addition, special Commissioners are already engaged, under the joint auspices of the Department of Oversea Trade and the appropriate trade associations, in investigating the possibilities of Brazil and Chili for the sale of British engineering products, and in studying the South American market for jewellery, electroplate, and confectionery.

May I ask whether those Commissioners are additional to the Commercial Attachés who, I understand, have been appointed to Chili, the Argentine, and Brazil?

The Commercial Secretaries take the place of what were formerly known as Commercial Attachés, but in total throughout the world they are more numerous than the Commercial Attachés were.

Will similar Commissioners be sent to European countries?

Many have been sent, and others are going.

Will the hon. Gentleman make it a condition of the appointment of those officials going to South America that they shall devote the few months necessary to acquire the language of each country, so as to be able to compete with their German rivals, who never arrive in South America without knowing the language of the country?

Nobody is accredited as a Commercial Secretary or Consul to any country unless he is a master of the language of that country.

Has that applied in the past?

I am not responsible for the past, but it applies now.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that some of them have commercial experience?

All these Commercial Secretaries have had commercial experience before they got the appointments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the evidence submitted by the Chamber of Commerce, the Corporation of Nottingham, and the petition to the Midland Railway Company, signed by over 1,000 season-ticket holders, as to the great inconvenience suffered by the travelling public in Nottingham arising from the closing of the entrance to the Midland Station opposite Trent Street, he will make such representations to the Railway Executive Committee as will at once meet the demand for the reopening of the entrance in question, and also avoid the necessity of taking the chief inspecting officer of railways from his more important duties in order to visit Nottingham?

As the hon. Member has already been informed by letter, the chief inspecting officer of railways is to-day visiting Nottingham in connection with this matter.

How long does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate it will take to make up his mind and report, so that it can be acted upon, and will he bear in mind that the people of Nottingham sent me to support a Do-it-now Government in preference to a Wait-and-see one?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the great shortage of railway wagons in the Port of London; whether he is aware that this shortage is causing grave congestion at the London docks, as it is making it impossible to get goods cleared after arrival in the port; and will he urge on the Railway Executive Committee the importance of the matter and see if, by obtaining wagons from France or elsewhere, something can be done to relieve the present situation?

I am aware that there is at present considerable congestion in the Port of London, as well as at other ports, and that the difficulty of obtaining an adequate supply of railway wagons is one of the factors in the situation. The Railway Executive Committee and other authorities and Departments concerned are doing all that is possible to improve matters, and wagons are now being brought back from abroad.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what number of wagons have been brought back from France up to now, and what numbers will be brought back in. the immediate future?

No, Sir. I shall require notice of that question. I shall be pleased to communicate the facts to my hon. Friend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether there has been any speeding up in the making of wagons? Is he aware that there are 80,000 wagons short, and have been for a long time? Are the wagon-makers working at full speed, and could not some of the Government Departments start making wagons and find work for a great many men who are out of work?

Wagons are being made by the Government. I understand that all those wagon-makers who make wagons of the type required by railways are fully employed.

Is it not a fact that railway material is being sent from France to South Africa?

Yes. I understand that there is some railway material from France being sent to South Africa. There is a good deal of railway material in France which could not be used in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the Order he has made as regards diverting traffic from railways to coastwise steamers; if the Order means in effect a payment or subsidy on every ton of goods that will be carried in this manner; can he give any approximate figures of the allowance per ton of goods carried by coastwise steamers; and what is the estimated cost of such subsidy for the present financial year?

No Order has yet been issued owing to the extraordinary complexity of the problem of how best to relieve the strain on the railways by the resuscitation of coastwise shipping. I am hopeful that a satisfactory agreement may be reached at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will forthwith secure the reduction of the enhanced rates charged by railway companies for the carriage of cycles, seeing that such rates are oppressive, and often quite prohibitive in the cases of the poorer users of cycles; and if he will state why the Railway Executive Committee has declined to receive a deputation from the Cyclists' Touring Club, who have twice endeavoured to obtain the opportunity of laying before that committee the views of the cycling public and their protests against these increased rates?

I understand that the question of the revised charges introduced last March for conveyance of cycles by passenger train has been very carefully considered by the railway companies and I am afraid that in present circumstances I could not press them to make a reduction in the charges. I understand that the Railway Executive Committee informed the Cyclists' Touring Club that in view of the full consideration that had been given to the matter they did not think that there would be any advantage in receiving a deputation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these charges on the part of British railways are grossly excessive, not only as compared with the charges before the War, but as compared with the charges in other countries; and in view of the fact that 5,000,000 people in this Kingdom are affected, can he see his way to make this concession, and as the summer holidays are now on will he make it quickly?

The hon. Member is asking the same question over again.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in spite of repeated representations with regard to the delay in the transport of fish from the ports to the markets and notwithstanding the appeals to him on the subject, the transportation of fish only from King's Cross Station to Billingsgate Market often takes no less than nine hours; and whether he will, in the interests of fishermen, fish merchants, and consumers, take immediate measures to alter this state of affairs?

Any delays in the delivery of fish at Billingsgate Market are brought about largely by the arrangements existing at the market. As the result of a conference which I called last month between representatives of the Corporation of London and the railway companies, steps are being taken to improve the situation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that through these delays in transportation it is impossible in many cases for the fishermen to sell their fish; and also because of the high price of coat many trawlers are being laid up; and can he see his way to use his good offices with the Coal Controller to reduce the price of coal to the owners of steam trawlers?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that officers of the Indian Police in presidencies and provinces are not yet enjoying the benefit of the improved scale sanctioned as from 1st January, 1919, be cause the local accountants-general have not yet had instructions to pay the higher rates; and whether he will now cause the necessary action to be taken in this behalf?

No, Sir, but I am making inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Report the Government of India was asked to submit to him regarding the position of Burma in regard to constitutional reforms as arising out of the Montagu Chelmsford Report has been received; and whether the Joint Committee now sitting will be given an opportunity of considering the claims of Burma to be included in such reforms as are introduced into the constitution of the British-Indian Empire, of which the province is a highly-developed member?

I would refer my hon. Friend to paragraph 198 of the Montagu-Chelmsford Report. I understand that the proposals of the Government of Burma have only just reached the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the treaties to be filed and published by the League of Nations include all financial and economic concessions made by the States which are members of the League?

I can only refer to the text of the Covenant of the League. Whether in any particular case a financial or economic concession constitutes an international engagement under Article 18 will no doubt have to be decided on its merits.

Does the new Anglo-Persian Treaty come under this head?

I am not sure of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether several thousands of Jugo-Slavs, including members of the national council, judges, mayors and dignitaries of the Church, have con deported by the Italian authorities from the Dalmatian and Crotian coast and islands and from the Slav districts of Istria and the Slovene countries east of the Isonzo; and, if so, whether any representations have been made to the Italian Government by the Foreign Office?

I am unable to give any definite reply to the first part of the question, as I have received no reports from independent sources. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the translation of the original English text of the Peace Treaty into French, Armaments are reduced is translated as Les armaments sont réduits; whether Calculated to disturb is translated as Calculé pour troubler; whether Understandings is translated as Ententes, whether Control is translated by Contrôle, which has an entirely different sense; and whether he proposes to take any steps, educational or otherwise, to remedy what is characterised in the French Press as the exotic syntax of the British Foreign Office?

As this question is of academic rather than Parliamentary interest, I will circulate the answer. [Hon. MEMBERS: "No!"] As the hon. and gallant Member does not indicate where the expressions he criticises are to be found in the Treaty, it is a little difficult to answer his question. I have so far been, unable to find in the Treaty either "armaments are reduced" or "les armaments sont réduits," but, in any case, I am unable to see that the one expression is not a perfectly accurate translation of the other. The expression "calculated to disturb" is found in the English text of Article 44, but the French text is not "calculé pour troubler," but "cherchant à troubler." In Article 21 the French text has "ententes" and the English "understandings," and I am unable to see that the one is not in the context a perfectly accurate translation of the other. The word "control" occurs so often in the Treaty that I am unable to say to what extent it is translated by "contrôle," but if the hon. and gallant Member is of opinion that the sense of the two words is always entirely different I must respectfully differ from him. I do not quite understand how the exotic syntax of the Foreign Office can be held responsible for what the hon. and gallant Member appears to regard as mistakes by those responsible for the French text, but in any case he will understand that no alterations are now possible in the text of the Treaty.

Will my hon. Friend permit me to send him a copy of a distinguished French newspaper which deals with all the points mentioned in the question?

Will the hon. Member undertake to have it translated into Tootingeese, so that hon. Members can understand if?

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he was aware that some misgivings were felt by the unofficial British community in Egypt as to the methods being adopted by the Committee of Information which had been set up by the Egpytian Government to collect information to place before the Commission to be sent out; and whether, when the Commission came to take evidence, unofficial British, foreign, and Egyptian witnesses would be encouraged to come forward?

I am unaware of any such misgivings, but the Noble Lord may rest assured that every encourage- ment will be given to unofficial witnesses, whatever their nationality, whose evidence is likely to be of value.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that all the important British interests in Cairo have protested strongly against this method of collecting information and have demanded that information should be got first-hand from all witnesses?

No. I understand that the Commission will get first-hand information from all who can give it.

When will the Commission start?

I cannot give the exact date.

What is the object in setting up this Committee?

The object was to make certain preliminary inquiries on the subject before Lord Milner arrived, to assist him in his later operations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to state what were the terms of reference of the Milner Commission, to Egypt; when the Commission will begin to take evidence in this country; when it will proceed to Egypt; and whether he will now give the names of those gentlemen who have so far accepted an invitation to serve on the Committee?

The terms of reference of Lord Milner's Mission are:

"To inquire into the causers of the late disturbances in Egypt, and to report on the existing situation in the country and the form of constitution which under the Protectorate will be best calculated to promote its peace and prosperity, the progressive development of self-governing institutions and the protection of foreign interests."

Lord Milner does not propose to take evidence in this country before the Mission goes out, which, it is hoped, will be early in October. All the gentlemen invited to form part of the Mission have accepted, with one exception, and that place has still to be filled. I should prefer not to give the names until the Mission is complete and can be judged as a whole.

Are we to understand that the Foreign Office evidence will be taken, after the Commission comes back from Egypt, and not before it leaves this country? Are we to understand that the cause of the outbreak is to be inquired into? Does not that affect the Foreign Office conduct of the negotiations up to the time of the outbreak?

I think we can really leave that matter to Lord Milner.

asked the Under-secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a censorship on private letters to and from British unofficial residents in Egypt still existed?

The censorship of civil mails in Egypt, other than civil mails to and from occupied enemy territory, was abolished on the 24th July. The answer to the question is, therefore, in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether ho was aware that large consignments of arms and ammunition, as well as military instructors, were being dispatched from Germany to Bolshevik Russia viâ East Prussia; and whether the Government proposed to take steps to put an end to this traffic under the powers conferred on them by the Peace Treaty?

I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that definite statements are repeatedly made in the Press to this effect? Am I to understand that they are quite untrue?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the answer I have given.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that the same applies to Ireland?

That does not arise out of this.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether the rate of exchange for the rouble in the Caucasus was 80 to the pound sterling at the time when our forces arrived there and in a few months depreciated to about 475 roubles to the pound sterling; whether this abnormal depreciation was due to the fact that the military authorities when requiring funds sold exchange on London by auction to a ring of local speculators; and whether, in order to safeguard the interests of British merchants, he would take steps to ensure that such delicate financial operations should be conducted by properly qualified financial experts in future, and not by military authorities;

(2) whether he was aware of the discontent caused among our troops in the Caucasus owing to the fact that while they were being paid at the official rate of 200 roubles to the pound sterling the sailors serving on British cruisers in the vicinity were being paid in sterling, which they could sell at the much higher current rates in the bazaar; and whether he would take steps to put this exchange question on a proper businesslike basis?

(3) Whether he was aware of the speculation which was taking place in roubles in the Caucasus owing to the fact that while the rouble rate in the bazaar was between 350 and 450 roubles to the pound sterling, the staff paymaster had fixed the official rate at 200; and whether he was aware that officers having money in Lon don could, accordingly, sell their cheques at the current rates, and with the proceeds buy transfers on London at the military post office at the official rate, namely, 200 roubles to the pound sterling; and whether he would say what he pro posed to do in the matter?

I have been asked to answer these questions. I am not prepared to admit the correctness of my hon. Friend's suggestion as to the responsibility of the military authorities for exchange difficulties in the Caucasus, but, as stated in my answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Abingdon on the 8th August, I am inquiring into the position there. As regards the rate at which soldiers are paid, I would refer my hon. Friend to the same reply of the 8th August. The payment of sailors in sterling has been discontinued. With regard to question No. 123, I will inquire and communicate with my hon. Friend.