asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what was the amount of flour calculated in sacks of 280 lbs. purchased, but which had not left the country of origin on the day the Armistice was signed, in all countries other than the United Kingdom and full details respecting quantities from each country; how much flour calculated in sacks of 280 lbs. has been shipped since the day the Armistice was signed, and the balance of contracts remaining undelivered to date; and what is the quantity calculated in sacks of 280 lbs. of imported flour, that is flour other than has been manufactured in mills in the United Kingdom, now in the United Kingdom on this date?

I have been asked to reply. It is difficult within the limits of a Parliamentary answer to deal adequately with the lion, and gallant Member's question, in view of the number of figures involved. I am accordingly causing a full statement on the subject to be sent to him, and will also have this statement printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the importation of German goods into the United Kingdom is being permitted without any marks of origin being placed on the goods?

asked the Prime Minister whether German goods are now being imported to the United Kingdom without any marks or origin; and, if so, whether this is being dune with the sanction of the Government?

The requirements in regard to the marking of German goods are the same in every way as those applicable to goods imported from any other country. They are set out in a Memorandum issued by the Commissioners of Customs which I am sending to my hon. Friend. Speaking broadly, goods are only required to bear on importation a definite indication of their country or origin when they already bear marks which without that indication would be calculated to deceive. I have recently appointed a Committee, under the chairmanship of the hon. Member for Wells, to inquire inter aliainto the question whether the law at present in force in regard to this matter requires any extension or amendment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that only one-tenth of the cigarette orders in this country can be executed; and whether, in view of this fact, he will state the monthly export of cigarettes to the British Army in Germany and also to German firms?

As regards the first part of the question I have no information. In the month of June, 1919, no cigarettes were exported to Germany. In July, August and September the registered exports of cigarettes to Germany (excluding those for the British Army) were as follows:

1919	British Cigarettes	Cigarettes of Foreign Manufacture.
	lbs.	lbs.
July	5,500	Nil.
August	54,500	8,500
September	254,500	26,000

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that one of the reasons for the reduced output of coal is that many miners are unwilling to produce a quantity sufficient to render their wages liable in Income Tax; and, if so, what remedy lie proposes?

I have no official information bearing out the suggestion in question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are over sixty reinsurance companies registered abroad or with foreign headquarters now carrying on business in this country; and how many have made the deposit of £20,000 required by law from English companies?

If my hon. Friend will furnish me with a list of the sixty reinsurance companies referred to in his question, I will make inquiries as to the nature of the business carried on by such companies, with a view to considering whether they are liable to make a deposit of £20,000 under the Assurance Companies Act, 1909. Information has been obtained as to the twelve companies of foreign origin carrying on reinsurance business to which my bon: Friend drew my attention in his question of the 4th June, and I am now obtaining legal opinion as to which of those companies are liable to make the deposit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether full Reports of the Proceedings of the Coal Commission will be published; and, if so, whether lie can say when the public may be able to obtain copies?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the Stationery Office hope to be in a position to place the Reports on sale at the end of this month.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is in a position to inform the House the number of cities, towns, villages, and boroughs that have so far failed to set up profiteering tribunals; if he can inform the House of the reasons why these tribunals have not been set up; and what action he proposes to take in those places where there is no tribunal to which the public can appeal when they have evidence of profiteering?

One hundred and eighty-seven local authorities out of 2,042 to whom invitations were sent have failed to appoint local committees under the Profiteering Act. Among those who have given a reason for their refusal some allege that either there is no profiteering in their district or that they dislike the provisions of the Act requiring that the expenses be met out of the local rates and not out of funds voted by Parliament. If the public in any district consider that a local committee should be established it is for them to bring pressure to bear on the local authority to appoint a committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the fact that the present working of the Profiteering Act is not proving an effective deterrent to profiteering; and what action lie proposes to take in the matter?

I am unable to admit the premises of my hon. Friend's question. In view of the short time which has elapsed since the passing of the Act it is too early to say whether the Act has been or will be an effective deterrent to profiteering.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the action of certain gas companies in raising the rents for meters, stoves, and apparatus let on hire by 50 per cent., even when such meter, stove, or apparatus was installed prior to 1914; and, as local committees are in doubt how to act in these cases, will fie take the necessary action to stop this profiteering?

My attention has been called to the matters referred to in my hon. Friend's question. As the hire of a gas-meter or a gas-stove is not a sale or offer for sale of an article, I am advised that the Profiteering Act cannot be applied to the rentals charged for the hire of such articles.

Is there any chance of having the Act amended—possibly by leave of this House—to include such cases?

I think in fairnees I may inform the House that we have been considering very carefully whether the Profiteering Act requires any amendment to extend the powers granted under it. That is at present under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state how many tons of coal were sold for export and bunkers during the months of August and September; and what was the average profit per ton?

The tonnage of coal exported in August, 1919, was 2,170,813 tons valued at £5,337,508 f. o. b. and in September, 2,677,189 tons valued at £7,732,919 f. o. b. As regards coal for bunkers (Foreign and Coastwise), 1,256,227 tons were sold during August, 1919, and 1,232,550 tons during September, but the values are not stated. I regret that there is no available information as to the profits on export or bunker coal during the months of August and September.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman say that he is considering whether the price of coal can be altered and if that is so, how can he do so without knowing the profit on exported coal and bunker coal, which is a material part of the profits?

The need for continuing the, consideration, and the impossibility of arriving at an immediate decision is that we have to get this information. I have stated in my reply that it is not immediately available and that we are now getting it.

in view of the importance of this subject I beg to give notice that I will call attention to it on the Adjournment of the House to-night.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of anthracite coal is being exported and is he aware that the Government advised people to get anthracite stoves, and is it not desirable that some restraint should be put en the export of anthracite coal and to see that the people who have anthracite stoves receive a supply of anthracite coal?

I shall certainly look into the point about anthracite coal to see whether the facts are as suggested.

I have been asked to postpone these questions, Mr. Speaker. May I ask whether, in postponing them till Wednesday, as I have been asked to do, I can then ask questions already down on the Paper in my name for that day, in addition to these?

I think one or other of the two sets of questions will have to yield. I cannot allow the hon. and gallant Gentleman more than four.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if certain clerks of the Board who have attained the age of sixty have been asked to retire, or have voluntarily retired and have accepted their pensions, while juniors have been advanced to their posts on full salary; if such has been done in the interest of economy or of efficiency, or both; if he can give any reason why the usual Civil Service rule for age has not been followed, or why the new plan has not been given universal application at the Board; and if the retirement volun- tarily or otherwise of clerks under the usual age to pension is uneconomical and suggests the possibilities of favouritism?

Any established Civil servant who has reached the age of sixty is entitled to retire on a pension, and this right has been exercised by certain officers of the Board in response to the President's desire to stimulate the flow of promotion in the Office. In these circumstances no questions arise of the character suggested in my hon. Friend's question, and there has been no departure from the usual practice. Five established officers who have passed the age of sixty will remain in the service of the Board, but they occupy technical posts in which they could not be replaced at present- without serious detriment to the work on which they are engaged, and in their cases, therefore, the President is satisfied that it would not be in the public interest that they should exercise their right to retire at present.

May I ask if these gentlemen were retired at sixty in the interests of economy?

They were retired at sixty at their own request.

Is it a fact that those particular gentlemen were retired at their own request, or is it that they have been practically pushed out?

No, I cannot agree with that at all. They exercised their right.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what was the total number of persons employed at Gretna Factory immediately prior to the declaration of the Armistice; what is the total number employed there now; and whether he will state the approximate number of ex-Service men and of women now employed at Gretna factory?

The total number of persons employed at His Majesty's factory, Gretna, immediately before the signature of the Armistice was 11,477. The number employed there on 15th October was 1,111 men and 208 women. Three hundred and forty-four of the men were ex-Service men.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Report of the Gretna Factory Committee can now be made public?

The whole question of the retention of Gretna and certain other national factories to form a nucleus of munitions manufacturing capacity is being considered afresh in the light of recent developments. Meanwhile no decision can be come to as to the publication of the Departmental Report referred to in my hon. and gallant Friend's question.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why this Report should not be published for the guidance of the House?

I have not said the Report would not be published, but it was a Departmental Report for the information of the Ministry, and until a decision is taken upon it I think it is undesirable to publish it.

Would it not be wiser to publish the Report and allow the House to give guidance to the Ministry?

I think it might very well prejudice the decision which will have to be taken. It covers a number of factories.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether it is necessary that Army clothing sold under the Disposal Board should always be sold in large quantities; whether he has considered the possibility of selling such clothing in small lots which could be purchased by ex-Service men's organisations, in turn to be delivered to branches of the organisations which are prepared to take them; and whether, in view of the great benefit to ex-Service men to be derived from this system, he will take steps to institute it at the forthcoming sales?

It has been, and will continue to be, the practice of the Disposal Board to offer small lots of clothing and similar stores for sale, whether by auction or by tender. In a recent advertisement, dealing with the disposal of 5,750,000 yards of cloth of various descriptions, it was announced that tenders for five pieces and upwards would be considered. The present arrangements seem to offer every opportunity to ex-Service men's organisations, such as those referred to in my hon. and gallant Friend's question, to obtain what they require.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he can arrange for sales of Government stores to be held in the smaller country towns, so as to enable the rural population to obtain such stores direct instead of through intermediate purchasers, to whom they often have to pay a large profit?

Sales of surplus Government stores are being held in all parts of the country at or as near as possible to the places where the material is stored. All sales are extensively advertised and are so arranged as to ensure, so far as possible, that all classes of prospective purchasers may have an opportunity of buying.

Is it not a fact that there are practically no towns with populations of from 5,000 to 10,000 where these sales are being held?

I should not think so, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will see a copy of the circular which gives full particulars of all the sales he will see how very widespread they are. If he will call my attention to any place where a sale might be held with advantage, I shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, whether he will consider the advisability of selling stocks of clothing and clothing material released by the War Office and other Departments by public auction rather than by tender?

Very large quantities of clothing are in fact disposed of by auction throughout the country from time to time. It would not be in the public interest to exclude sales by tender. Apart from other considerations, the experience of the Disposal Board shows that sales by tender attract a larger public and afford wider opportunities for purchase.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Government policy with regard to the Slough depot has undergone any modification; and, if so, in what direction; and will he also state the total annual cost for running this depot?

There has been no modification of the Government's policy with regard to the Motor Transport Depot at Slough. As the depot has not been running for a year, it is not possible to give an estimate of the total annual cost.

Does not that create a record in continuity of policy in regard to Slough?

The policy of the Government is based on the recommendation of the Select Committee, which expressed the opinion that at the end of two or three years, when it becomes necessary -to take a decision as to the future of the depot, the Government as a whole should carefully re-examine the question. That the Government propose to do.

Will he give us the monthly cost of running this depot?

I will see if that can be done, but I am not sure that very useful conclusions could be formed from the monthly costs.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that a deputation representative of ordnance factories draughtsmen was received on the 25th March last relative to the claim of these draughtsmen to be placed on the pensionable establishment, and that up to the present no reply has been given to the representations then made; and whether he is now in a position to state his decision?

It is intended that consideration of the claim referred to in my right hon. Friend's question shall fall within the scope of a Departmental Committee, which will consider questions relating to the pensionable establishment of various factories under the Ministry of Munitions. As the Association representing these draughtsmen has already been informed, similar claims have been received from other classes of clerical and supervisory grades.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that in February last representations were made to his Department in favour of a reduction in the working hours of employes in the. Royal Parks from fifty-one to forty-seven per week; whether these representations have yet been considered; and whether he is now in a position to state the result?

This question with others relating to service in the Royal Parks has been receiving the careful consideration of my Department, and I hope soon to be in a position to recommend to the Treasury a scheme which will ensure to all men concerned an average week of forty-eight hours.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the. Scottish Board of Agriculture have given notice of eviction to Mr. McNaught, a discharged soldier, at present in possession of a small holding at Braeside Gagie, by Dundee; that Mr. McNaught is a married man with a family of seven; that he is to be evicted to make room for another man without family, to whom it is proposed to let fifty acres, which would provide a living for at least three families; and whether, before the eviction takes place, he will have inquiries made into the matter and arrange for this discharged soldier to retain the holding?

Mr. McNaught, who was an engine fitter before joining the Army, was allowed temporary occupation of the cottage on the holding referred to, to prevent him from suffering hardship on his removal from a cottage on another estate. There was a clear agreement that his tenancy was not to exceed six months, and no promise of a holding was given to him. The Board must make the most suitable sub-division of lands which they have acquired for small holdings, and their scheme provides for a holding of about fifty acres attached to the cottage. Mr. McNaught would not have the qualifications for a holding of the kind, and the fact that he was given temporary occupation of the cottage gives him no prior claim over other ex-Service men of better qualifications to one of whom it is proposed to allot the holding.

asked the Prime Minister whether Forestry Commissioners for the United Kingdom have been appointed; and whether their names can now be made public?

The names of the Commissioners will be announced shortly —I hope this week.

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been brought to his notice that the German Government proposes to pay 1,500,000,000 marks to German shipowners as compensation for their war losses; and can he state the amount Germany will be made to pay to this country as compensation for the loss of British tonnage through German action during the War?

I have no definite information about the first part of the question. I would refer my hon. Friend to Articles 235 and 236 of the Treaty with Germany and to Annexe III. to the Reparation Clauses of the Treaty. These provisions may be summarised as follows: Within two months of the coming into force of the Treaty, Germany is to deliver to the Reparation Commission all the German merchant ships which are of 1,600 tons gross or upwards, and a proportion of those under 1,600 tons. Within five years from the coming into force of the Treaty Germany is to build merchant ships in German yards to an amount to be laid down by the Reparation Commission. Apart from these special provisions, the loss of British tonnage through the action of Germany and her Allies during the War will form part of the damage which Germany undertakes to make good under Article 232 of the Treaty.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the total amount of indemnities, compensation, and reparation which Germany has to pay to France and Belgium, respectively; whether any instalments in money or material have been paid to either or both of these countries; and, if so, the amounts of the same?

In reply to the first part of the question, under Article 233 of the Treaty with Germany, the amount which is to be paid by Germany by way of reparation is to be determined by the Reparation Commission to be set up under the Treaty. This Commission does not begin to function until the Treaty has been ratified by at least three of the principal Allied and Associated Powers, but I understand that certain deliveries in kind haired-ten provisionally arranged by agreement to with the German Government, and are the ready taking place. Particulars of three deliveries will not be available until the Reparation Commission itself has met and determined what statements are to be published from time to time.

Perhaps my hon. Friend and the House will allow me to remind them that the Reparation Commission is, of course, not a British Government Department. It is an international body, and I cannot answer for it or on its behalf, as I can for a Department under my own control.

Is there any provision as to indemnity, apart from the question of reparation? I did not gather that my right hon. Friend said anything about indemnity.

If my hon. Friend will look at the Treaty, he will find all the information available.

But the question particularly asks what indemnity Germany is to be made to pay, and when?

Whatever we may have to come is under the terms of the Treaty.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us who is going to get the money when it is paid?

The British Government will get it for the British nation.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the total amount of money it has been decided shall be demanded from Germany as indemnity, compensation, or reparation to Great Britain; and when the first instalment is due and the amount of the same?

By Article 233 of the Treaty with Germany, it is provided that the Reparation Commission shall determine the amount to be paid by Germany and the times and manner of payment. Article 235 of the Treaty provides that, pending the full determination of the claims of the Allied and Associated Powers, Germany shall pay in such instalments and in such manner as the Reparation Commission may fix during 1919, 1920, and the first four months of 1921, the equivalent of 20,000,000,000 gold marks, which sum is charged in the first instance with the cost of the Armies of Occupation and of such supplies and raw materials as may be the Governments of the Allied and Associated Powers to be essential to enable Germany to obligations for reparation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Prime Minister, and practically every Coalition candidate, at the General Election assured the electors that Germany would be made to pay the full costs of the War to the uttermost farthing?

I am not aware of that. My hon. Friend has a greater knowledge of his own speeches than of mine. It does not correctly represent the speeches of the Prime Minister or his colleagues.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not remember that the Prime Minister made that specific declaration?

No, Sir; he did not.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under these indemnity clauses Germany is already terribly in arrear with her contribution for the cost of the Army of Occupation; and what steps dues he propose to take to enforce at least this mild provision?

I would remind my hon. Friend what I have just brought to the attention of the House, that the Reparation Commission is not a British Government Department, and I cannot issue instructions to it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of present financial conditions, it is still proposed to set up new authorities in the place of existing boards of guardians?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the financial position of the country, he will take no further action at present in connection with the proposal to set up new authorities in the place of the boards of guardians, which proposal must involve an addition to existing expenditure, but will ask the present boards of guardians to deal with all matters which would come within the purview of the new authority?

In view of the clearly defined policy of the Government, I am unable to accept the suggestion conveyed in these questions, but I can assure my hon. Friends that in any proposals that we may submit to Parliament on these subjects the importance of economy will be fully recognised.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to introduce a Bill during this Session extending the National Unemployment Insurance Acts?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Plans for an extended scheme of compulsory unemployment insurance on a contributory basis have been under active consideration in the Ministry of Labour during the summer. I had hoped to be in a position to introduce a Bill for the purpose early in the present Session, but I regret that it is not possible to do so.

Have any of the representatives of the trade union organisations been consulted in the matter?

No; none of the unions have been consulted in this matter up till now. The matter was referred to the Provisional Committee of the National Industrial Conference, but they did not see any ground upon which to arrive at a considered conclusion upon the subject; and there the matter remains.

Is not this as important as the Aliens Bill? Have not private Members of the House been called into consultation with the Government on that?

I am afraid that is a question I cannot answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, if lie intends to extend the unemployment dole after next month, give the House of Commons the opportunity of considering it?

That question was asked me a few days ago, and I said, before any extension of the unemployment donation took place, the House would undoubtedly be consulted.

In view of the fact that this measure will affect about 6,000,000 organised workers in all parts of the country, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of consulting the representatives of the various organisations about the matter?

I am quite well aware of the large number of people involved in the Bill.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the inefficiency, public discontent, and financial loss to the nation under State ownership and management of the telephone system, and before any further burden is placed upon the taxpayers by reason of proposed additional expenditure, the Government will consider the alternative of inviting tenders for private ownership and control: and (2) whether there is any immediate prospect of greater efficiency in the telephone service whether it is proposed to have any further capital outlay in this branch of the service; and, if so, what is the proposed amount and from what source it will he derived?

The defects in the telephone service are principally due to the suspension of construction work and to the diversion of trained operators to other occupations during the War. A con- siderable number of new exchanges and of underground cables are necessary to meet the requirements of the public in areas where the existing spare plant is exhausted. I hope to be able to spend about £3,000,000 on the development of the see vice during the current year if the various contractors arc able to deliver the plant. The money required will be provided from the sum authorised by the Telegraph Money Act, 1913. The financial loss on the service is due to the increased cost of labour and material, which is felt by all undertakings, and can only be met by an increase in the rates charged to the public. If the telephone service were in private ownership similar difficulties would be experienced, and I see no reason for reversing the policy which has been followed by previous Governments and re-transferring the undertaking to a private company.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared to reconsider the question of the application of the Excess Profits Tax to capital appreciations and accumulations since August, 1914?

The Excess Profits Tax is a tax on the excess profits of businesses. Its machinery is not, and could not be made, applicable to the taxation of capital appreciations and accumulations.

asked the Prime Minister whether instructions have been given to Departments to form Whitley Councils; if so, the date such instructions were issued; and what steps have been taken in the direction of establishing Departmental Councils?

I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the Treasury Circular of 25th August last with enclosures from which he will see that instructions on this subject were issued to Departments on that date. Departments are now engaged in establishing Joint Councils on the lines suggested in these documents.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any steps have been taken to form a Council in connection with the Ministry of Pensions; if not, what is the reason of the delay?

No; I cannot answer for individual Departments without inquiry. Perhaps my right hon. Friend would put a question to the Ministry itself?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to deal with the menace to the safety of the realm and the prosperity of the Country of lightning strikes?

I can assure my hon. Friend that this matter has not been overlooked, but I am not in a position to make any statement at present.

Is the organisation of Civic Guards to meet this case to be perfected openly or in secret?

What organisation I do riot understand the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

I refer to the organisation of the Civic or Citizens' Guard, set up by the Government a few days before the end of the railway strike.

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers to the organisation set up by the Government to enable the life of the nation to go on, it is intended to continue it. I do not think it would be desirable, and I am not prepared—I have not the information—to go into details. I can only repeat that whatever organisation we consider necessary for that purpose will be retained.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to consult the House before any steps are taken in this matter, time same as in the other?

No, no‡

Sit down ‡

Why should I sit down? I will not for you. When Mr. Speaker tells me to sit down, I will.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to form a combined Imperial Defence General Staff, comprising experts from the Navy, Army, and Air Force, and including Dominion representatives, to consider problems of the defence of the Empire as a whole, including questions of establishments and garrisons, with a view to obtaining a considered economical policy of defence; and, if so, whether the policy and estimates under consideration at the present time for the Navy, Army, and Air Force will 'be submitted to this expert body as soon as it can be formed?

During the War and up to the present time the co-ordination of naval, military and air effort has been concentrated in the War Cabinet to which experts from the General Staffs of the three Departments were regularly invited. The precise method by which similar coordination will be secured on the reversion to the normal Cabinet system has not yet been decided.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received representations from the Consumers' Council in favour of the establishment of the Ministry of Food upon a permanent basis; whether this matter has been considered; and whether he proposes to give permanence to the Ministry of Food as a Department of the national administration with widely increased powers?

The Government have come to the conclusion that the Ministry of Food must be continued for some time and can at present give no date for its termination, nor can they state to what extent or in what way some of its functions may be continued.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Ministry of Munitions is still the Ministry of Munitions or has it become the Ministry of Supply; and whether it is intended that it shall be called the Ministry for the Disposal of Surplus Stores until the period of its final demobilisation?

There has been no change in the name of the Ministry referred to.

asked the Prime Minister whether any representation has been, or will be, given to British labour that does not form part of what is known as organised labour at the forthcoming International Labour Convention in connection with the Peace Treaty at Washington; how were the members to represent the United Kingdom at the Convention chosen or selected; and are the expenses of the mission borne by public funds?

The representatives of Labour from the United Kingdom at the International Labour Conference in Washington were nominated by the Government in consultation with the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress, in accordance with the principles laid down in Article 380 of the Peace Treaty. The travelling and subsistence allowances of the delegates are borne by public funds in accordance with the provisions of the International Labour Convention.

What Vote will these expenses come under?

I have not considered that. Probably the Labour Vote.

asked the Prime Minister what precautions are at present being taken to guard the ex-Kaiser and the ex-Crown Prince?

His Majesty's Government are unaware of the precise nature of the precautions which the Netherlands Government are taking for this purpose. They have, however, no reason to doubt that all necessary measures are adopted.

Has the hon. Gentleman any knowledge of the statement that there constant telephonic and telegraphic communication between the ex-Kaiser and his country?

No, Sir; I have no knowledge of that.

asked the Prime Minister when those enemy commanders, officers, and officials who are known to have committed crimes are to be brought to trial?

As soon as possible after the ratification of the Treaty of Peace.