asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he would publish a statement giving a complete list of all existing import restrictions?

A complete list of existing import restrictions was given in the statement issued by the Board of Trade for publication in the Press on the 23rd August, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend. The list has not been altered in any way since that date.

Would it not be a good thing to publish this list as a White Paper, in view of the fact that the Press does not always publish the list which his Department sends out, and that, in consequence, the list has a very limited circulation?

The list has been published in the "Board of Trade Journal." If it were considered desirable, I should be happy to arrange for publication. The substance of it will be embodied in the Schedule of a Bill which I hope to be able to introduce at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department could state whether British exports, including services rendered and interest receivable, were balancing British imports; and, if not, what was the difference between exports and imports for the present year?

It is a matter of extreme difficulty to get figures which can be relied on implicitly. According to the best estimates available, however, British exports, including services rendered and interest receivable, are not balancing this year's British imports. It is important to remember that the amount of our imports is at present increased by the re-establishment of stocks of industrial raw materials which were depleted during the War. I hope to toe able to make a further statement on this subject at an early date.

In making that calculation is the right hon. Gentleman including freights earned by British shipping?

That is implied in the answer to the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Wool and Leather Control Councils were still in existence; and whether there were still in existence any other control councils of a similar character?

I understand that the Wool and Leather Councils, though still in existence, now act only in an advisory capacity to the Ministry of Munitions. The only other operating control council, of which I am aware, is the Flax Control Board.

Hay I inquire whether any consumers, other than representatives of the wool and leather trades, are on these councils?

Any question with regard to these councils should be directed to the Ministry of Munitions, in connection with which they work.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was aware that the subsidised dye manufacturers were supplying to woollen manufacturers dyes which were not fast to milling, and that in consequence quantities of good material were being spoiled weekly; and whether he would take steps to enable woollen manufacturers to obtain dyes that could be guaranteed?

I have received a complaint to the effect described from one firm, but I have at present no reason to suppose that it is representative. If dye-users cannot obtain dyestuffs of suitable kind or quality from domestic sources it is open to them to apply for licence to import.

The right hon. Gentleman has received one complaint. Can he say whether he has investigated it?

In all these cases investigation is at once undertaken. I am not in a position to say whether the complaint is accurate or not. There is always inquiry made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was aware of the concern operating amongst all classes in Lancashire owing to the activities of syndicates who were purchasing cotton factories at inflated values; whether he was aware that the effect of such activities would tend towards maintaining the present high prices for cotton goods, and also react against the cotton operative from participating in the benefits accruing from the prospective boom in the cotton trade; and what action, if any, was being taken to prevent any further operations of these syndicates?

I am aware that a number of spinning mills in Lancashire have recently been acquired by syndicates at what appear to be very high prices, and in so far as these prices are speculative it is obvious that such transactions may have very undesirable consequences; but as at present advised I do not think that His Majesty's Government has any power to interfere.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the volume and value of our export and import trade with Germany since the Armistice and the nature of such exports and imports?

A statement is being prepared giving the information asked for and I will have it circulated as soon as possible with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he could report any further progress in the borings for oil in Derbyshire; if the boring which struck oil near Chesterfield was continuing to flow; if so, whether the oil was being stored; and if any further tests had been made of the quality of the oil?

I have been asked to answer this question. Progress in the Derbyshire boring operations has recently been somewhat delayed by unavoidable accidents and difficulties in getting material. The boring at Hardstoft is still flowing at the rate of about 260 gallons a day, and the oil is being put into storage on the spot. There are about 36,500 gallons in stock. No further tests as to the quality of the oil have been made, but there is no reason to suppose that there has recently been any appreciable change in its character.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any further information with regard to any of the other borings?

I will send my hon. Friend a statement.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the prospects of gaining oil are as good as they were supposed to be some months ago?

I should like to reflect on that before giving an answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he had seen the statement made by Mr. Finlay Gibson, secretary of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Coal-owners' Association, to the effect that the coal-owners' profits were not limited to 1s. 2d. per ton; and, if so, would he at once take steps to give effect to the statements made both by himself and the Leader of the House on this point, and thus clear up this misunderstanding?

asked the Prime Minister whether he could state when a Bill would be introduced limiting coal-owners' profits to 1s. 2d. per ton?

I will answer this question together with No. 55, to which the Prime Minister has asked me to reply. I would refer the hon. Members to my reuly to questions by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Newcastle East, on 6th November, as well as to the reply given by the Leader of the House on 29th October, to a question by the hon. Member for the Ogmore Division.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he would consider the removal or relaxation on the purchase of anthracite coal, in view of the fact that those householders who by advice purchased stoves to burn that coal during the coming winter now found themselves unable, owing to the restrictions imposed, to obtain it?

Restrictions on the quantity of anthracite allowed to consumers wore removed in June last, and the Controller of Coal Mines is now prepared to allow anthracite to be purchased from any merchant, whether the consumer be registered with that merchant or not. As I have previously informed the House, the difficulty with regard to supplies of anthracite is mainly due to lack of transport facilities. The attention of the Ministry of Transport has been directed to the position, and they have the matter in hand.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say what, if any, efforts are being made to continue the supply of anthracite coal to the Cornish clay district; is he aware that mines are being flooded through the want of anthracite coal; and when may the workers in this district expect the supplies promised to avoid a total stoppage of the industry, the majority of the pumping plant in the district being fitted only for the burning of anthracite coal?

The only application that has been received for assistance in obtaining anthracite for this purpose is one which was made by the Hensbarrow United China Clays, Limited, St. Austell, on the 23rd October. Arrangements were made to send forward a consignment immediately. As I have already stated in the House, the difficulty is one of transport, and is receiving the attention of the Ministry of Transport.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the revision of piece rates consequent on the Miners' Seven Hours Act has been settled in each coalfield; what advance has been agreed to for each coalfield; and the number of piece-workers affected by each settlement and the number of pieceworkers whose length of working day and piece rates are unaffected by the Seven Hours Act?

I am obtaining the information asked for, and shall be glad to send it to the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the output from the coal mines in Great Britain for the week ending 1st November, 1919?

The figures of output of coal for the week ending 1st November will not be available until to-morrow; when I will see that they are sent immediately to the hon. Member and circulated to the House in the usual way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how far the present excessive cost of necessaries of life was caused by a shortage of supply or by an inflation of the currency; and whether a statement showing the supply of wheat, meat, wool, cotton, hides, and timber in pre-war years and the present year could be given?

It is impossible to state at all precisely the extent to which the present cost of necessaries is due to conditions of supply on the one hand and currency causes on the other hand. With, reference to the second part of the question, I will have printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT information with reference to those of the commodities named for which it is practicable to furnish figures of world production. Even for these, information regarding the production of the current, year is not yet to hand for a considerable part of the world.

Has the right hon Gentleman considered the effect upon the inflation of prices of the non-funding of the floating debt and the unlimited credit thereby created?

Yes, I have considered that among many other influences.

Is not that the chief cause?

I could not agree.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it desirable to have a real expert inquiry into the point raised in the first part of this question, and to lay before the House some real definite statement as to what is the Government's view as to the inflation of the currency, and a statement as to what course it is proposed to take?

I am not quite sure in my own mind what my Noble Friend refers to when he speaks of "expert inquiry." In so far as inquiry can be made by experts of the Board of Trade, that is now proceeding.

Is it not a question to be considered apart from the interest of the bankers concerned—as to whether this creation of public credit should be indefinitely extended?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question, on the subject.

May I ask whether the findings of the expert committee of the Board of Trade will be made public?

If the hon. and gallant Member said a "committee" he was wrong. It is the experts of the Board of Trade working as experts in the Board of Trade. In the usual way, any information which is really worth publishing, and sufficiently reliable to be published, will be published.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the fact that, since the passing of the Profiteering Act, the prices of certain articles of Food had been advanced; that whereas in most cases retailers had not advanced, or only slightly advaned, their prices, manufacturers and wholesalers had been found to have advanced theirs by 100 to 150 per cent.; why the latter had not been proceeded against; whether he would give the number of complaints made to the local tribunals, the number of persons summoned, and the number of offenders fined or imprisoned; and whether the experience already gained showed conclusively that the Act required to be greatly strengthened if the public were to get that relief which was promised when the measure was introduced to the House?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that this rise in prices is mainly due to seasonal increases in the cost of certain articles of food, and as the principal articles of food are controlled, these do not come under the Profiteering Act. I am unable to admit the accuracy of the second part of the question; the question of profiteering by wholesalers is dealt with by the Central Committee and in proper cases proceedings will be taken against wholesalers in the same manner as against retailers. At present only a small percentage of returns have been received from local committees showing that 466 complaints have been heard and determined, prosecution having been ordered in seventeen cases, and in one case a fine has been imposed. As I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on the 27th October last, the question of extending the Profiteering Act is now under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what procedure his Department adopts before they allow London gas companies to increase their charges to consumers under the Statutory Undertakings Temporary Increases of Charges Act, 1918?

The answer to this question is very lengthy, and with the permission of the House I will have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May we take it that there will be no increase in the statutory charges without the House being consulted?

The House passed the Statutory Undertakings Temporary Increase of Charges Act, 1918.

The following is the statement referred to:

The Board of Trade require that notice of any application made to them under the Act in question shall be served by the company upon all the local authorities within their area of supply. The application is also advertised in a local newspaper. The advertisement and notices must state that any representations in regard to the proposed increases of price should be sent to the Board of Trade and copies to the company within fourteen days. The Board also require the company to supply them with detailed statements showing the financial state of the undertaking, and estimates of the effect of the increased charge. The financial statements and estimates are carefully examined by the Department with the assistance of an accountant with a view to compliance with the requirement of the Act that no modification of the charging powers shall be authorised which is more than sufficient with due care and management to enable the dividend allowed by the Act to be paid. Any representations made to them by local, authorities or persons interested are considered, and if the Board of Trade are satisfied that the company are entitled to relief under the Act an Order is made accordingly. Provision, is made in the Order that no dividend shall be paid by the company until a certificate has been furnished to and accepted by the Board of Trade, signed by an accountant approved by them that the accounts of the company are correct and are compiled in accordance with the statutory requirements relating thereto; that the revenue account has not been debited with any expenditure of an. improper nature or different in character from those usually debited by the company in the revenue account for any previous year, and if the amount carried forward to the following year is greater than the corresponding item in the preceding year, the certificate must contain a statement explanatory of the increase.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that many men have been discharged and many more under notice in the china clay district near St. Austell, Cornwall, in consequence of the shortage of railway wagons to take away the china ready for shipment and transport to the potteries; and what efforts, if any, are being made to relieve the position, as most of the men, through unemployment, are compelled to accept the unemployment donation, a particularly serious matter in view of the country's finances and the men's anxiety for continuous employment?

I am aware that the china clay district near St. Austell, is, together with many other districts, suffering from the shortage of railway wagons, and the possibility of improving the situation is engaging the attention of the Ministry of Transport.

The position is extremely serious. I had a telegram to-day of about fourteen sheets—

Order, order!

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a number of laden barges have boon lying idle for two months or thereabouts in the Regent's Canal Dock, Stepney; and, if so, whether he will take steps to facilitate the release of such barges for trading purposes.

I am informed that seven or eight sailing barges have been lying in the Regent's Canal Dock, Stepney, for a considerable time, laden with wine and other merchandise discharged from steamers, for which the traders have no storage accommodation. These barges are privately owned, but representations have been made with a view to securing their more efficient use. The Ministry of Transport has no powers to do more.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now make any statement as to the composition of the Railway Advisory Committee and on the immediate problems on, which it will be called upon to advise; and whether it is his intention to obtain from that body a review of railway policy in general so as to guide the Government in its future attitude towards the railways?

The composition of the Advisory Committee to take the place of the Railway Executive Committee for the purpose of giving advice to the Government is under consideration, and I regret that it is not possible for the present to make any statement on the subject.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when we can have that information?

As soon as it can be done.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us some idea of the time?

I am afraid I cannot.

asked the Minister of Transport how many women were employed on the British rail ways on the 11th November, 1918; the number employed at the present time; and whether, considering the number of demobilised soldiers and sailors who are out of employment, he will forthwith take steps to dispense with the services of women employed on work generally recognised as men's work replacing them as far as possible by discharged soldiers and sailors?

The number of women employed by the fourteen principal British railway companies on the 11th November, 1918, was 55,797. On the 30th July, 1919, which is the latest date for which the figures are available, the number has been reduced to 34,545. Most of the women still employed are only retained temporarily pending the return of the men who left the companies' service to join the Army and have not yet been demobilised, but who have been promised that the positions which they left shall be kept open for them. The desirability of giving employment as far as possible to demobilised sailors and soldiers is fully realised.

Are we to understand that 38,000 railway employés are still not demobilised?

That question should be addressed to the War Office.

May I ask if any steps have been taken by the Ministry of Transport to secure the demobilisation of these men in order to get on with the making of vehicles that will remove the congestion of traffic in the country?

That question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for War.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the damaged lorries landed at Richborough are towed from that place to Slough or to what other place; what is the distance and what is the average cost of towing a damaged lorry between those places, including the return journey of the towing lorry; and will he give the number of damaged lorries so towed from the 1st of August to the 1st of November last?

Damaged lorries landed at Richborough are towed to Slough, a distance of 120 miles. It is estimated that the average inclusive cost of towing between these two places is £15 per vehicle. During the period between 1st August and 1st November the number of lorries so dealt with was 3,200.

Is it a reasonable and businesslike proceeding to tow these lorries 120 miles and make no preparation for their repair on the spot?

The towing was an emergency measure. There are no facilities at Richborough for repairing anything like this number of lorries.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are no end of buildings at Richborough, and that all that is required is machinery, and how long is this towing going on?

Yes; all that is required is machinery, and it is an exceedingly difficult business getting machinery.

Can my hon. Friend say what is the difference between taking them by road?

The answer is that they are being taken by road.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the reason for the presence of British and Indian troops on Persian soil; when it is intended to withdraw these troops; and, if they are there for the protection of Persian interests, when it is expected that Persia will be able to look after her own interests?

British and Indian troops were required in Persia in order, to protect her frontiers from external invasion and to secure internal tranquillity. Neither of these menaces has as yet altogether disappeared, but the House may rest assured that the troops will be withdrawn as soon as it is found possible. The date at which Persia will be able to look after her own interests will depend upon the degree of rapidity with which the provisions of the recently concluded agreement are put into effective operation, and on neither side is there the least desire for delay.

Why is it necessary to pay any attention to the internal state of Persia as distinct from protecting the frontiers from external pressure?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give notice.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs who are the officers appointed to form the joint commission of military experts to estimate the needs of Persia in respect of the scope and strength of the Persian military and police forces under the terms of the recent agreement; and which of these officers have practical knowledge of Persia and of the Persian language and people?

The names of the officers in question are Major-General W. E. Dickson, Colonel Moens, General Huddleston, Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, Major J. B. Steele, Brevet-Colonel J. W. Lament, Acting Lieut.-Colonel Irvine Fortescue. General Dickson has spent much time in Persia, and has, I believe, a proficient knowledge of the language; of the other officers' linguistic attainments I am unaware. All have, however, been selected in consultation with the Persian Government who attached much greater importance to general attainments than to previous service in Persia, and I am confident of their ability to meet the requirements of the case.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when we sent a Mission to Persia on a similar errand a century or more ago, about 1800, we selected the very finest Persian scholars, and will not the same be done now?

Notice should be given of any question to the Minister as to what happened a hundred years ago.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British Consuls abroad have been instructed to refuse visas to foreign passports except an undertaking has been given that the bearer will not seek employment in this country; if so, under what Statute or Regulation is this condition enforced; and is the view held at the Foreign Office that only rich aliens are to be allowed in Great Britain?

The answer to the first and third paragraphs is in the negative. Instructions issued with regard to visas are designed to save foreigners from making fruitless journeys to this country. It is necessary at the present time to prevent an undesirable influx of alien labour into this country. For this purpose, in pursuance of the Aliens Restriction Act, 1914, and the Aliens Order, 1919, made thereunder, leave to land in the United Kingdom must, as a general rule, be refused to aliens who have come here merely to look for work, or who have been recruited by an employer in this country otherwise than with the approval of the Minister of Labour. In these circumstances, it is proper and in the interests of the aliens to prevent them, so far as possible, from starting on the journey, and instructions with regard to visas are framed accordingly.

Does that mean that French or American people are not allowed to come to this country to look for work, and that thus no poor people can come except under contract with employers?

I do not understand the hon. Member's distinction between poor and rich, and the rest of the question is answered in the reply already given.

Do not the United States exercise even more rigid regulations?

Will any of the men now to be deported from the United States be allowed to come into this country?

That question does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is at present a British Military Mission in Finland, and, if so, how many British officers and men are attached?

My hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. There is a British Military Mission in Finland which is a branch of the Military Mission to the Baltic States. The present strength is six officers and six other ranks.

Can my hon. Friend say who is in charge of this Mission, or is it under the orders of the Admiralty in the Baltic?

Not that I am aware of?

Will he say what they are doing?

Their functions are varied and responsible. If the hon. Member wants detailed information, I shall be glad to give it if I can.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether steps can be taken to make further copies of the German Peace Treaty available for Members and the public; and when copies of the Austrian Peace Treaty will be similarly obtainable?

The Treaty of Peace with Germany of the 28th June last and the Agreements signed on the same date will be republished in about a. fortnight's time, and the Treaty of Peace with Austria will be laid before Parliament shortly afterwards. Should the House desire it, and if it will overlook the breach of etiquette, I will have six copies of the latter Treaty without the map placed in the Library of the House this week.

May I ask whether, in view of the steps which are being taken to arouse further interest in the League of Nations proposals, my hon. Friend will consider the advisability of having, at all events, the League of Nations portion of the covenant printed as a separate part from the main body of the Treaty in a cheap edition?

I will consider that.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to his statement on the 1st of July, 1919, that the object in. sending Count de Salis to Montenegro was to ascertain the real desire of the Montenegrin people as to their own future and that he would consider the suggestion that the Report, when received, should be laid before the House, he will say whether his present refusal to let Parliament and the country know Count de Salis's Report as to what has been happening in Montenegro is due to any official or unofficial request by the Serbian Government?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will say for what purpose Serbian troops still occupy Montenegro, after Peace has been signed between Austria-Hungary and the Allies; if he is aware that the Montenegrin people is in danger of being exterminated by the Serbians; whether Serbia has the sanction of the Allied and Associated Powers in treating the most defenceless of our Allies as conquered territory; whether such treatment is to be allowed to continue indefinitely in spite of the conclusion of Peace; and what steps have been taken to carry out the frequent pledge of His Majesty's Government that the people of Montenegro should not be deprived of their independence except by their own consent?

The question of Montenegro is at present, engaging the attention of the Supreme Council in Paris, who are considering the whole subject of South-Eastern Europe. In these circumstances it would obviously be undesirable to deal seriatim with the controversial points raised by the hon. and learned Member.

Can my hon. Friend deny that the Salis Report gives a most appalling description of the proceedings of the Serbians in oppressing the Montenegrins?

I have already slated that the Salis Report can scarcely be published, and I should not like to divulge its contents.

How long has the Supreme Council been considering the question of Montenegro? Did they not begin last February?

I am disposed to think my Noble Friend knows more about it than I do

Would it not be better to give some publicity to these controversial questions, so as to give public opinion in this House an opportunity of deciding?

When may we expect some statement in this House of the Government's policy as regards South-Eastern Europe?

My hon. and gallant Friend fails to observe that it is not a matter for His Majesty's Government but for the Supreme Council in Paris.

Have not the French and American representatives in Parliament had a full statement made to them and an opportunity for discussion? Surely each democracy looks after its own interests?

May I ask whether this Report which we have been asking the hon. Gentleman to lay on the Table does not deal with a mere statement of facts as to the condition of Montenegro and the desire of the Montenegrin people as to their own future; does it not consist of facts rather than of policy, and why cannot the country know what the facts are?

I cannot carry in my mind at the moment every detail of this Report. Intended as it was for the guidance of His Majesty's Government, it is not suitable for general publication.

Cannot my hon. Friend make some kind of extract from the Report giving the facts? Does he not realise that it is really becoming little short of a scandal, the lack of information we have on foreign affairs?

This House in my recollection of it has not been favourable to expurgated reports, but I shall be glad to consider the point of my Noble Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to lay upon the Table of the House the Report of Count de Salis on the treatment of Montenegro by the Serbians; and, if not, whether he will provide an opportunity for the House to discuss the matter at an early date?

In a matter of this kind the Government must act in concord with our Allies, and, in view of the difficult situation in that part of Europe, the conclusion reached at Paris was that it would be undesirable that the Report should be published at present. For the same reason I do not think that it would be right to have a discussion in the House of Commons.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that for more than two years past some Members of this House, including myself, have put questions upon this subject to the Government, and refrained from pressing those questions because they were told that it was not in the national interest during the War, and is that state of things to continue indefinitely? Are the House and the country not even to have the facts that exist in South-Eastern Europe?

Certainly it would be very wrong that that state of things to which my hon. Friend refers should continue, but he knows, and the House knows, it is not a matter which we can decide by ourselves. As I said, it was considered in Paris, and it was unanimously agreed that it would be undesirable that the Report should be published at present.

Is it not possible for the Government to give us any of the facts? I recognise the undesirability of discussion, but surely we ought to know what is going on in this and other parts of the world?

Is not that a different question? It is hardly possible for me to make a statement as to facts without going into policy. No one knows better than my Noble Lord how very difficult the situation really is in Serbia and those other countries.

In consequence of my right hon. Friend's answer, I give notice that I shall raise this on the Motion for the Adjournment to-morrow.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Oversea Trade Department if he is aware (1) that, owing to the claims of parties to market rights under monopolies, created several hundreds of years ago, who have refused consent to the Port of London Authority for the holding of sales of food by auction on their own premises, there is fear that large supplies of Colonial fruits may be again diverted to Hamburg or other Continental ports from the Port of London, as happened for some years previously to the War; whether he proposes to take any action in the matter;

(2) that parties claiming market rights under monopolies, created several hundreds of years ago, have refused consent to the Port of London Authority for the holding of sales of food by auction on their own premises, thereby interfering with the free sale of fresh fruits imported from our overseas Possessions in great demand by the British public, considerably increasing-the existing congestion of London traffic, and adding substantially to the cost paid by the consumer for such fruits owing to the fact that such produce has under present conditions to be transported across the City of London, received and delivered from warehouses, and subjected to additional tolls and expenses; and if he will say if he is prepared to promote early legislation to remedy this state of affairs?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. The Food Controller is having inquiries made into the position, arid has referred the matter to the recently constituted Departmental Committee on Wholesale Food Markets for investigation and early report.

Can the hon. Member name the markets referred to in this question?

The markets are Covent Garden and Spitalfields.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries formerly granted the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Committee authority to incur, for a period of ten years, an annual expenditure not exceeding £1,000, under the provisions of the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Regulation Act of 1894; whether he is aware that permission is now only granted from year to year, and that such permission when granted is occasionally so delayed that the period to which it refers has partly elapsed before the permission is obtained by the committee; whether the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries will now return to their former practice of granting this permission for a ten-yearly period; and, if not, what are the Board's reasons for departing from their former practice in this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Since 1915 the Board's authority has, as stated, been renewed only from year to year. The maximum period of delay occurred in 1916 and amounted in all to twenty-eight days, when the pressure of war work on the Department was extremely heavy. Expenditure under the authority is restricted by Statute to the stocking or restocking of public fisheries for shellfish. Before the question of renewing the authority arises again, the Board hope to discuss the question of further expenditure with the committee in the light of the results hitherto achieved and of other relevant considerations.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if the Department are not prepared to consider the disturbing influence of this yearly limitation of the work of the Board, inasmuch as they obviously cannot enter into contracts from year to year?

I think my hon. Friend will gather from the end of my answer that they are prepared to consider that with all other relevant considerations.

But consideration does not amount to much.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the council of the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent asking that steps be immediately taken to ensure, as far as possible, that food shall reach the consumer with the minimum risk of it becoming spoiled in transit, and that the Government arrange for the more speedy clearance of food by means of the railway, and insist upon the provision of properly equipped cold-storage carriages on the railways for the conveyance of food; and whether he will indicate the steps the Government have taken in the matter?

I have received the resolution referred to, but I can add nothing to the answer given on Monday last by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport when he stated that every effort would be made to meet cases of the nature indicated in the question.

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that there are a number of fat cattle in Devon that, owing to the orders of his Department, cannot be disposed of, thereby involving a loss in the condition of the cattle, decreasing the meat supply, and causing considerable loss to the graziers of cattle?

I am aware that embarrassment is being caused to graziers by the fact that all the cattle and sheep which they desire to send forward at the present time cannot be accepted for slaughter. The reason is that at this season of the year the supply of homegrown cattle ready for slaughter is always at its maximum, and the available supplies of home-killed meat, taken in conjunction with recent arrivals of imported meat, at the moment are, and will for a few weeks be, in-excess of requirements. I would point out that the guarantee to farmers is not that the Ministry of Food will take over all the beasts which they desire to sell, but that it will take over at fixed prices all the beasts which, can be passed into consumption. The object of this guarantee was to stimulate home-production and to stabilise prices, and in these respects it has been eminently successful. If farmers think that a reversion to free imports and normal methods of distribution would relieve their embarrassment, I can only say that the Food Controller and the President of the Board of Agriculture are willing to consider the proposition. I desire to repeat that if all restrictions and controls are removed at the end of this year, and the consumptive demands of this country reach their prewar standard, there must be a world shortage of meat next year, in view of prospective Continental and North American requirements.

Do I understand my hon. Friend to say that, if the farmers desire it the Food Controller will remove all restrictions connected with the price of agricultural products!

What I said was that if the farmers desired it the Food Controller and the President of the Board of Agriculture are willing to consider the proposition of the removal of all restrictions upon agricutural prices at the end of the present year.

Why is it the Food Controller does not synchronise the imports of foreign meat with the maximum production of home-grown meat?

My hon. Friend's question contains an implication of fact which is not warranted. He has no ground for the suggestion that the Food Controller has failed to synchronise the arrival of foreign meat with the home market.

Has not my hon. Friend just told us that the imports of foreign meat are at their maximum, or very largely in excess of the normal, at the present moment?

No, Sir; what I said was that this was the period of the maximum supply for home-grown meat. In regard to the importation of foreign meat, my hon. Friend must not assume that the arrangements are made by the Food Controller.

Is the statement true that the supply of home-grown meat in the market during the last few weeks is lower than any corresponding week for the last six or seven years?

I see no reason, on the facts known to me, to challenge that statement. But I have no information on the point.

asked the Food Controller what are the articles of food upon the cost of which is based the official percentage of rise or fall in the cost of living; is the controlled price of these articles that which is taken at the time of computing the cost of living; how is controlled price determined; is it treated as a mean between maximum market price and minimum market price, and how frequently are controlled prices changed; and, in view of the fact that the cost of food is so high and is a potent factor in retarding industrial recovery, can he arrange that controlled prices shall promptly respond to each improvement in shipping and other conditions?

The official figures, which are published by the Ministry of Labour, are based upon the prices of the following articles of food: Meat (various cuts), both home-killed and imported, bacon, bread, flour, tea, sugar, milk, potatoes, margarine, butter, cheese, eggs, and fish. The prices from which the figures are compiled are the actual prices paid by the working classes for the articles generally bought by them, and are not necessarily maximum prices. The necessary particulars are collected by the Ministry of Labour throughout the country. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative. Retail prices are fixed after the fullest inquiry into the costs at the various stages of production and distribution and are continually being revised in the light of changes in any of these factors.

I do not think the hon. Gentleman has answered that portion of my question in which I ask is the controlled price of these articles that which is taken at the time of computing the cost of living? Having regard to the fact that these figures as to the cost of living are so constantly used in trade disputes it is most important that we should know this.

Yes, Sir. I think when the hon. Gentleman reads my reply he will find that I have given a very precise answer to the question he put to me.

asked the Food Controller whether his attention has been called to a resolution of the council of the county borough of Stoke-oil-Trent asking for the renewal of control prices for fodder; and if he can indicate the intentions of the Government respecting the same?

I am informed that no resolution from the council of the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent, asking for the renewal of control prices for fodder, has been received either by the Ministry of Food or by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. As regard the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Hanley, on Thursday last.

asked the Food Controller, whether has attention has been called to complaints from householders-in Stoke-on-Trent respecting the unsatisfactory distribution of sugar; that, whilst confectioners are allowed ample supplies for their purposes, the supply to house holders is very much reduced, causing much inconvenience and suffering, especially so in the case of infirm and old people and mothers and young children; and whether he can arrange that adequate supplies for the use of house holders shall be made available in the early future?

No complaints of unsatisfactory distribution of sugar have been received from the Stoke-on-Trent district. The recent decision to fix the sugar ration at 8 ozs. per head per week instead of 12 ozs., at which it formerly stood, was arrived at on account of the shortage at present existing in the world's supply of sugar, and the resulting necessity that consumption in this country should be reduced. Allotments of sugar to confectioners have, in common with those to other manufacturers, also been substantially reduced. It will, however, be understood that any undue restriction on the use of sugar for manufacturing purposes would inevitably give rise to unemployment in the industries affected; and in the case of the confectionery trade in particular, would cause very serious hardship to the large number of small traders who mainly depend for their livelihood upon the sale of sweets and chocolate.

Are we to understand that the confectionery trade and the manufacturers have not had their supplies reduced pro rata with the ordinary consumer of sugar, and is he aware that that gives the impression that the manufacturers by bringing pressure have been able to keep up their supplies?

The reduction to manufacturers is not pro rata with the reduction to the domestic consumer. The reduction in the case of manufacturers amounts to 25 per cent., and the reason why it has not been a larger reduction is because in the case of manufacturers it must inevitably lead to unemployment and to greater hardship for all classes of the community who are dependent for their livelihood upon the supply of sugar. In the judgment o the Food Ministry, their case is much Larder than that of the consumer.

We have already had the same question twice.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware of the fact that, since the controlled price of milk has been advanced to 11d. and 1s. per quart, in many cases against the wishes of farmers and dealers, the consumption of milk has been reduced by at least one half amongst the working classes and that it is the chil- dren of tender age who are the chief sufferers; and if he can see his way, in view of the serious effect on infant mortality, to revise the scale with a view to a reduction in price?

The Food Controller is aware that the consumption of milk has been reduced, but the reduction does not approach the extent suggested by the hon. Member. The decrease in consumption reported during the month of October varied from 5 per cent, to 30 per cent., according to the district. As regards the last part of the question, the prices fixed by the Ministry are, as the hon. Member will be aware, maximum and not fixed prices. They were decided upon after the most careful investigation of the cost of production and distribution, and the Food Controller does not, in all the circumstances and on the information before him, consider that he would be justified in modifying them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that from time to time we have asked whether the Food Minister would issue a statement showing the reason why the price of milk is so high at the present time?

The whole of the figures and facts with regard to the cost of the production of milk upon which the present price was fixed by the Controller are at the present moment before a Committee of the Divisional Food Commissioners of this country for investigation, and their Report is expected very shortly.

Will that Report be published?

Is it not a fact that in consequence of the difficulties in regard to distribution large quantities of milk are at present being made into cheese?

I do not think there is any doubt that the conclusions which will be arrived at by the Committee now sitting for the purpose of investigating in a critical spirit the figures upon which the Food Controller has arrived at his decision will be published at an early date.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the report that some farmers in places where there is a surplus of milk have been giving it to the pigs instead of sending it to the market, and, if so, is there any way of dealing with them?

Is it true that at an inquiry held on Friday last in Ireland it was stated that there was plenty of milk there, and that the difficulty was that of collection and distribution, and that the same difficulty existed in England; and, if that is so, is the hon. Gentleman in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, so as to facilitate the transport of milk, in order that it can be used for the children who are dying for the want of it?

No, Sir; I have had no notice of the evidence laid before the Departmental Committee in Ireland, and, so far as I am at present aware, the difficulties with regard to milk at present are not difficulties of distribution.

Would the hon. Gentleman say whether the figures of the cost of production upon which the Ministry based the price will be published?

Yes, I have explained that there was a large conference of representatives from all parts of the country appointed to challenge the decision of the Food Ministry with regard to the price of milk, and the whole of the figures were laid before them for that purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the National Cattle Food Trade Association can be represented on the Royal Commission to investigate existing agricultural conditions; and, if not, whether permission will be granted to a representative of the association to be present during the sitting of the Commission to hear the evidence?

As regards the first part of the question, I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for North-West Hull on the 27th ultimo. As regards the latter part of the question, the sittings of the Royal Commission are held in private. The full evidence is, however, published in instalments by His Majesty's Stationery Office. Three volumes have already been published, and can be obtained by the association from any bookseller.

In view of the dissatisfaction felt by this very important cattle food trade, could not one of their representatives be allowed to be present to hear the evidence, under the pledge of secrecy, if required?

No. The question of whether the meeting is private or not depends on the Commission, and not on the Board, and they have decided to hold their meetings in private.

When may we expect the Report of the Royal Commission on Agriculture?

I hope shortly.