asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has been requested by the Association of Manufacturers of Wickless Stoves and Blow Lamps for an opportunity of discussing with him the position of this industry; and, if so, why such request has not been granted?

I am afraid I never heard of the Association of Manufacturers of Wickless Stoves and Blow Lamps, nor can any request from a body with that name to send a deputation to see me be traced. The hon. Baronet will, I am sure, realise that it would be physically impossible for me to receive deputations from every small sectional organisation existing in industry which wishes its particular article of manufacture to be classified as the product of a, key industry. I have been in communication with the Petroleum Lamp and Stove Trade Association of the United Kingdom on the subject of wickless stoves and blow lamps, and shall be glad further to consider any detailed statement in writing which they may care to make.

asked what was the total value of wickless stoves and blow and brazing lamps imported into the United Kingdom in September and October last?

Wickless stoves and blow and brazing lamps are not separately distinguished in the particulars of imports furnished to the Customs and Excise Department but are included under "Hardware." It is, therefore, not possible to give the information which the hon. Baronet desires.

Why is it not possible to get out details of these imports and exports?

It is quite impossible for the present because of the way in which the trade returns are drawn up; in future it could be done.

asked what was the total value of manufactured goods imported into this country from Japan, during the first nine months of this year and for October last?

The approximate value of the imports into the United Kingdom of goods classified as "wholly or mainly manufactured," which were consigned from Japan, was, for the first nine months of 1919, £11,235,000, and for the month of October, 1919, £1,000,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of whisky exported from Liverpool and Glasgow from 12th July, 1919, to 31st October, 1919, to the United States of America and Canada, respectively?

As my right hon. Friend the Food Controller informed the hon. Member on Tuesday last, whisky is not distinguished from other spirits in the official records of the Board of Customs and Excise. I am, accordingly, unable to furnish the desired information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that clog soles are being imported into this country at the present moment from Germany: whether he is aware that the price for these clog soles works out at 5s. per dozen pairs against the cost price for the same soles in the United Kingdom of 11s. per dozen pairs; and whether it is the intention of the Government to take any action to prevent the dumping of German goods into this country?

I am not aware of the facts cited by my hon. Friend, but I shall be glad to consider any evidence he may be in a position to send me in support of his statements. As regards the last part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend of the statement made a few days ago by the Leader of the House that a Bill dealing with this matter would be introduced at a very early date.

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he can say quite definitely when this Bill will be introduced?

I anticipate that notice will be given to-morrow that the Bill will be introduced thereafter; and the Second Heading taken some time next week.

Is it intended to include wooden clogs as one of the key industries of this country?

I hardly like to anticipate the terms of the Bill, but I do not think I would be divulging any secret if I stated that wooden clogs would not be included in the list of key industries in the Bill.

If the facts are as stated and there is the difference between the 11s. and the 5s., will the manufacturers be charged with profiteering?

It is quite impossible to answer a question of that nature without investigation.

Without regarding it as a key industry—

We must pass on; we have a large number of questions to get through.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the arrival of the steamship "Weimar" at Leith from Hamburg, containing a large quantity of German manufactured goods, including toys and musical instruments; whether he will state what is the Government policy as to the importation of German manufactured goods; and, if the policy is contained in the Prime Minister's speech on trade policy, whether he will inform the House the page in the OFFICIAL REPORT where that policy is declared?

My attention had not been drawn especially to the cargo mentioned, but I understand that it includes goods of the nature indicated. There are at present no special restrictions on the importation of German goods, except in so far as they are the products of the "key industries" specified in the list which appeared in the Press on the 22nd August. The proposals of the Government as to the prevention of any Hood of imports consequent upon collapsed exchanges were outlined by the Prime Minister on the 18th August (column 1299 of the OFFICIAL REPORT).

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to control the importation of goods of this character?

If the hon. Member will look at the Return which I gave to the House last week on the value of imports from Germany, he will see that it is a mere bagatelle.

Are they not increasing in volume?

Can the right hon. Gentleman not see his way to prohibit the importation of German and Austrian toys, with a view to fostering the development of the toy industry in this country, which is now providing employment for disabled men?

The total amount of German toys coming to this country and available in Germany is so small that if they all came here it would not seriously damage the British toy trade.

Would not the prohibition of these imported foreign toys foster our home trade?

asked the President of the Hoard of Trade whether he is aware that the uncertainty as to the continuance of the 33⅓ per cent, duty on imported foreign motor cars is hampering British motor manufacturers in their efforts to set up new and up-to-date machinery for the manufacture of motor cars; and if he will state what is the policy of the Government as to the continuance of this duty?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Barrow on the 12th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the restrictions on the importation of all classes of feathers have been removed?

There is at present no restriction on the importation of feathers of any kind.

Is it considered desirable that these useless and unnecessary luxuries should be imported here in view of the danger of increasing the indebtedness of the country; and does the right hon. Gentleman remember a deputation on this subject where very different assurances were given?

As I have already answered, I think, on more than one occasion in this House, a Bill has been prepared in regard to the plumage trade, and it is ready; but, in view of the shortened available Parliamentary time, we have been unable to bring it in, nor can I hold out any hope of it being brought in in the near future.

Is that any reason why these useless luxuries should be paid for, thus affecting the financial situation, and could the right hon. Gentleman not, in this case at any rate, consider the discontinuance of the licences?

The total amount involved is very small. Our policy has two sides—the financial and the natural side, the latter the preservation of valuable and beautiful bird life. As to the former, the thing is so small that it would not be worth while reimposing the restrictions.

asked what restrictions are at present imposed on the importation of lithopone, and for what reason the restrictions are continued?

The importation of lithopone is prohibited except under licence. As a general rule licences are granted to firms who imported it during the three months preceding the 1st September allowing them to import it now at the same rate as during that period. Licences for importation of further quantities, however, are granted if producers in this country are unable to supply the demand. The restriction is intended to shield this "unstable key industry" from, excessive foreign competition.

Why are these licences so difficult to obtain? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one important firm's business has been almost brought to a standstill on account of the lack of this raw material, and how can manufacturers who are asked to increase our export trade do so under restrictions which make this impossible for want of raw material?

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is lithopone?

I am not prepared to enter into a chemical discussion as to the exact formula which represents lithopone, but it has to do with the manufacture of paper. I was not aware that there was any difficulty with regard to getting licences, but if the hon. Gentleman will bring any cases of that kind to my notice I will look into them.

Under these circumstances how can this be described as a key industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that German dyes are moving freely into France, Belgium, Holland, and the United States; and that British dye-users are losing trade to foreign competitors through being compelled to import their dyes through a Government Department?

The export of dyes from the occupied territory of Germany, in which the German dye-making works are chiefly situated, is allowed only under licence from the Inter-Allied Rhineland Commission. The importation of German dyes into France and the United States is permitted only under licence. As regards importation into this country, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the announcement which appeared in the Press on the 13th November as to-the steps which are being taken to safeguard the interests of consumers.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to allow commercial travellers cheap week-end railway tickets to enable them to visit their homes; and, if so, when will this privilege be granted?

The Minister has already given very careful consideration to similar requests, and he regrets that in the present financial position he does not feel justified in according exceptional privileges to commercial travellers.

Is the hon. Gentleman able to say when the railways will be made as convenient to the travelling public as they were before the War?

As soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade for what purpose it is intended to use the overhead rope railway at Goodwood, in view of the fact that it has now broken down, and that several of the metal trollies are lying rusting on the ground; if he will inform the House how long this railway was actually in use; and what amount of timber, if any, was actually transported by it?

In reply to the first part of the question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given him on 18th August last. As regards the remainder of the question the ropeway has been in use for over a fortnight and has transported about three hundred tons of timber. I may add that this ropeway was specially inspected on Monday last and found to be working satisfactorily. No breakdowns have been reported.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number of local fuel officers appointed to administer the Household Fuel and Light- ing Order; what is the amount of the salaries of these officers; and what is the total cost per annum of the administration of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order?

The total number of local fuel overseers appointed under the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1919, is 1,905. I am unable to state the amount of their salaries, as these officers and their clerks are appointed by the local authorities, who pay them and recover part of the cost from the Treasury. The estimated contribution from the Treasury for this year is £400,000, but no claims have yet been received from the local authorities. The total cost to the Treasury of the administration of the Order for this year, i.e. to 31st December, 1919, is estimated to be £449,200, which includes the £400,000 previously mentioned. In respect of next year there will be a very considerable reduction in expenditure.

Would it not be in the interest of economy to abolish these Fuel Controllers?

That is a matter with which we are dealing at the present moment.

Are there many of these local fuel officers who hold dual appointments; if so, will the right hon. Gentleman make the necessary inquiries and—

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to reopon the Mercantile Marine office at Clydebank which was closed in 1917 owing to so many Civil servants enlisting?

If the interests concerned think that there is now sufficient shipping work to justify the reopening of a separate Mercantile Marine office at Clydebank, and will place their arguments before the Board of Trade, the matter will be fully considered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the matter was placed before the Board of Trade in 1917, and the answer was similar to the present one? Seeing that shipping is very much more than it was in that year, and has been increasing, would the right hon. Gentleman consider the reopening, almost immediately, of that office?

I need more information, I think, before incurring the expenditure necessary for keeping the office open.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the total amount of property held by the Public Trustee in this country belonging to German, Austrian, Bulgarian, and Turkish subjects, respectively; the total amount of the debts due by British subjects to German, Austrian, Bulgarian, and Turkish subjects, respectively;

(2) The total amount of British property held by Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, and Turkey, respectively, and the total amount of the debts due to British subjects by German, Austrian, Bulgarian, and Turkish subjects, respectively?

I will answer these questions together. As the answer involves a statistical table, I will, with the permission of the House, have a statement circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer referred to:

Statements obtained from the Public Trustee giving the information asked as far as it is available:
	Total amount of property held by and recorded with the custodian in this country, belonging to persons resident in	Debts due by persons in the United Kingdom to persons resident in
	£	£
Germany	98.766.018	11,884.803
Austria and Hungary	17.693.807	2.194,358
Bulgaria	780.863	156.391
Turkey	4,258,504	897,049
	Total amount of property belonging to persons to resident in the United Kingdom and situated in	Debts due to persons in; the United Kingdom by persons resident in
	£	£
Germany	42.692,626	54.906,238
Austria and Hungary	17.554,678	15.115,163
Bulgaria	377,593	1,205,481
Turkey	4,189,283	4,781,516

The figures relating to property situated in Germany, Austria, Bulgaria and Turkey do not include the proceeds of sale of property liquidated.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to match British creditors and German debtors, and vice versa, so far as these German-English and English-German debts are concerned?

A clearing house has been established in Germany in connection with this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the various Scottish Members who were asked to join the Central Board under the Profiteering Act were wholly prevented by the railway strike from attending the first meeting of the Board on the 1st October, and consequently the the various Standing Committees were constituted in the absence of all Scottish representatives; whether he is aware that only 46 members out of 143 were present; and, as no effective administration of the Profiteering Act is possible without adequate representation of Scottish producers, whether he will at once call another meeting of the Central Committee to adjust these deficiencies?

I am aware that owing to the railway strike a number of gentlemen who had kindly consented to serve on the Central Committee under the Profiteering Act were, unfortunately, unable to attend the first meeting of the Committee on the 30th September. I would point out as regards the remainder of the question that every member, whether in attendance at the first meeting or not, has been appointed to one or more of the three Standing Committees, including the hon. Members for the Both-well and Springburn Divisions, and nine other gentlemen representing Scottish interests.

asked what are the salaries of S. H. McQuown, Secretary to the Profiteering Act Department, D. G. MacKail, Assistant Secretary to the Profiteering Act Department, S. F. Wickinson, A. C. Comfort, L. Marcan, and G. W. H. Jones, officials of the Profiteering Act Department, also Mr. S. Marcan and Mr. White, Secretary and Assistant-Secretary to the Complaints Committee; who is Secretary to the Investigation of Prices Committee and the Committee on Trade Combinations and Trusts; what is the amount of their remuneration; and whether he will explain, as the two main Committees only held thinly-attended meetings during the railway strike and have not met since, what is the object in employing so many secretaries and officials?

With the permission of the House I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the Secretaries to the Central Committee, the Investigation of Prices Committee, the Complaints Committee, and the Trusts Committee. I do not understand to what the hon. Member refers in the latter part of his question. I would point out that since the 30th September, no less than forty-six Committees and Sub-committee meetings have taken place in connection with the investigation of "Prices," "Trusts," and "Complaints." The small staff employed has been fully occupied with the work involved in these investigations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the proceedings of the Newcastle Profiteering Committee on the case of Lorre and Moor-house, Limited, Blackett Street, New-castle-on-Tyne, who were dismissed, after it being proved and admitted that they had charged over 50 per cent, profit on a child's ready-made coat sold for cash; whether the inquiries of the committee adduced no evidence as to the firm's total earnings, and presented in the acceptance by the committee that the firm's pre-war earnings were on a similar basis, but no demand was made that books should be produced in support of these contentions; whether he recognises that such inquiries are a farce, bringing the Act into contempt; and whether he will summon a meeting of the Central Committee under the Act, and confer with them as to the issue of a set of instructions to local committees as to the facts to be definitely and primarily ascertained before dismissing the cases?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that there is no such firm in Newcastle-on-Tyne as Messrs. Lorre and Moorhouse?

My attention had not previously been called to the case referred to in the hon. Member's question. The functions of local committees under the Profiteering Act are to hear and determine cases with regard to the price charged for the retail sale of the particular article concerning which a complaint has been made and to decide whether the price charged was reasonable having regard to all the circumstances of the case. It is for the local committee to decide what evidence is necessary to elucidate the facts of the particular case under investigation, and I am unable to agree that the suggestion made in the hon. Member's question would really assist local committees.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the number of prosecutions which have taken place under the Profiteering Act; and in how many cases such prosecutions have been successful?

The reports which have up to the present been received from local committees show that prosecutions have been ordered in forty-one cases. Out of the four cases so far reported to have been heard, in three fines were inflicted and the fourth was dismissed with costs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if in order that the consumers of coal may have information as to whether the rise of 6s. per ton was justified, he will direct that a small impartial expert body shall examine the calculations of his Department?

I propose to submit the figures affecting the price of coal to an independent accountant for examination and report.

asked whether in all localities the local fuel overseers have been authorised to fix the price of coal as between merchant and dealer; whether this had been done in every case; and, if not, whether he will take action to repair the omission?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second in the negative. Clearly in some districts such action is unnecessary, but if my right hon. Friend has any special cases in mind where action could be taken with advantage but has not, I shall be grateful if he will let me have particulars.

asked what steps he is taking to remedy the widespread in convenience and loss which is obtaining in many parts of the country because unsuitable types of coal are being rationed to manufacturing establishments and improper and too common varieties supplied to many households?

Owing to the shortage as compared to pre-war quantities of certain types of coal some inconvenience of the nature indicated is, I am afraid, inevitable. I have the matter under special consideration to sec if anything more can be done to reduce this inconvenience.

asked the reason why, under the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, the offence for over charging for coal is confined to sales to consumers, and is not applicable to any purchaser so as to include merchants' sales to the hawker and dealer?

The right hon. Member is, I think, under some misapprehension. The price of household coal is controlled from the pit to the consumer without regard to the number of intermediaries.

Is there any control of bunkerage coal, and, if not, can coal vendors sell household coal and receive bunkerage prices?

No, Sir. Bunker prices are not controlled. They are now at the world level. There is a certain check kept by agreement amongst vendors that prices are not allowed to rise quite to the full extent of the world price, but there is substantially no control.

Would an engineer or a shipowner have a case for profiteering against a firm if he is charged £a 12s. per ton for bunker coal?

I will look into that, but probably I think not.

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has written a letter to the right hon. Member for West Fife to the effect that the accountant of the Coal Control Department had not prepared complete estimates and that Board of Trade figures were therefore not up to date; and whether he can make any statement on the matter?

The statement that a letter of the nature indicated was written by me to the right hon. Member for West Fife is without foundation. I may add that the consequential statements are equally misleading. The figures which I gave on Thursday are, to the best of my knowledge and belief, absolutely accurate, and can, I think, be checked by anyone interested, as all the necessary data have been officially published.

When will the independent accountant begin his operations on the question of coal consumption?

As soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to introduce any legislation at an early date to revise and consolidate all Acts of Parliament affecting the use of motor and other vehicles in Great Britain?

The Minister is appointing a Committee to advise him upon the necessity for new legislation to deal with the use of motor and other road vehicles.

Is it not a fact that the Minister of Transport has recently been had up on three Sundays running for offences against the Motor Acts?

No, Sir; not on three Sundays running.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the question, of what is the best method of preparing and maintaining the surface of streets and roads in order that, without impairing its suitability for motor transport, it may be such as not to render horses, especially when pulling heavy loads, liable to slip and damage themselves, and that the continuous strain to which the present slippery character of asphalted streets and roads exposes horses may be lessened; and, it so, to what conclusion he has come?

The Minister is continuing the investigations which have been carried on by the experts on the staff of the Road Board, and fully realises the importance of the problem. No definite conclusions as to the best methods to be adopted to meet all cases have yet been, reached.

When that conclusion is arrived at will it at once be forwarded, to all the rural authorities?

Yes; it will be put into operation at once.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a number of quarries in Devonshire, Cornwall, (Somerset, and Gloucestershire are working short time due to the want of wagons; if he is aware that men at some of the quarries have been discharged and that plant is idle in consequence; if he is aware that public authorities are waiting for road material to make and repair roads; and if he is aware that there are a number of trucks on railway sidings in Devonshire and Cornwall which, if repaired, could be used for the various quarries mentioned?

I have received representations on this subject from the District Joint Industrial Council for the Granite and Roadstone Quarrying Industry. The railway companies have no obligation to provide wagons for this class of traffic, for which traders, as a rule, provide their own wagons. I am, however, in communication with the railway companies concerned to see whether improved facilities can be afforded without prejudice to other essential traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any reply from the Midland Railway Company with regard to the reopening of the closed exit to Station Street opposite Trent Street, it not, whether he has the power to order it to be reopened; and, if so, will he do so at once in order to allay the admitted feelings of irritation and indignation amongst the thousands of the travelling public who suffer daily inconvenience and loss of time?

Yes, Sir; I have received a reply from the Midland Railway Company and a special report of an investigation conducted by the Ministry. I am advised that the facilities as at present provided for passengers at the main entrance from Carrington Street to the Midland Railway Station at Nottingham are sufficient to meet reasonable requirements, and that an enlargement of the facilities by the reopening of the side entrance in Station Street cannot, therefore be regarded as a necessity, and in view of the need for strict economy it is not considered desirable that the annual expenditure involved should be incurred.

Could my hon. Friend say why this exit could not be opened experimentally for two or three months?

An exhaustive inquiry was made, and, as a result, it was not considered necessary.

asked the Minister of Transport whether instructions have recently been issued by the Midland Railway Company in Nottingham limiting the deliveries of goods to a radius of one and a-half miles from the great market place, and that Mr. F. Day, of 545, Mansfield Road, Nottingham, whose goods have previously been delivered, now receives advice by postcard from the Midland Railway Company intimating that parcels must be fetched from the station; and will he take steps to see that the present restriction is removed without delay?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the action of the railway authorities at Nottingham, who have within the last few days issued an order limiting the radius within which goods will be collected or delivered to 1½miles from the market place, Nottingham; will he state by whose authority it was made; whether the interests of the locality were consulted; and whether he as aware that this action is causing indig- nation, inconvenience, and loss to the traders and residents in West Bridgford, who number some 16,000 persons, and adds materially to the cost of living in this important district?

I will answer these two questions together. No alteration has been made in the radius of collection and delivery of goods traffic at Nottingham, but, owing to the introduction of the eight-hours day, it has been necessary to limit the radius for collection and delivery of parcels. If the curtailment of the delivery facilities referred to at Nottingham involves inconvenience to some sections of the community it is to be regretted, but it is, I fear, inevitable in view of the present transport difficulties.

In view of the great importance of this question, could my hon. Friend say when the railway company will be in a position to resume their former collecting and delivery of parcels, and whether one may rely upon the hon. Gentleman giving this matter his personal attention?

I could not give the exact date, but the question will be considered very carefully and will not be overlooked.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the condition of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Poland; and whether he will call for a Report from our representative in Poland?

In reply to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, I have seen a Report, though not of a recent date, on the various camps in which Ukrainian prisoners of war are interned. Conditions generally were described as good, but there was complaint of overcrowding. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a Return giving the information in his possession with regard to pogroms of Jews in territories formerly composing the Russian Empire, giving separate particulars with regard to Poland and the parts now occupied by General Denikin, together with some estimate of the total number of Jews who have been killed in these territories?

As regards Poland, I should prefer to postpone making any statement as to the manner in which Jews have been treated until the return of Sir Stuart Samuel, who is at present making a thorough inquiry into this question in Poland on be-half of His Majesty's Government. The Foreign Office are not in a position to give either an estimate or a Return of the total number of Jews killed in other parts of the former Russian Empire, and in the present condition of those territorities such a Return could not be produced without a prolonged investigation made on the spot by a special Commission of Inquiry.

May we understand that the British representatives with General Denikin's Army are watching the situation very carefully with regard to the Jews and are taking all possible steps to use their influence to prevent any excesses?

Yes, I can confidently say that is so.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that General Denikin has made it a court-martial offence to commit any sort of persecution against the Jews in the territories which he has occupied?

I am prepared to believe it, but I have no information.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Jewish synagogue is the only form of religious building which the Bolshevists have spared?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Mission to arrange with the Soviet authorities for the exchange of prisoners has left for Denmark; if not, when does it leave; and who are the Commissioners?

The hon. Member for East Leeds (Mr. O'Grady) left London on Saturday for Copenhagen to meet the representatives of the Soviet Government for this purpose. He is accompanied by Mr. Nathan as assistant, Mr. Gall as secretary, and a typist.

Having regard to the great public interest in this matter, can the hon. Gentleman say whether a verbatim report will be kept and be available to Members of the House?

I hope that a report will be issued to the House, but whether a verbatim report or not, I cannot say.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of it, having regard to the various attacks on the Government for having leanings towards the Bolshevists?

I do not know about that.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the cold weather and the scarcity of food in Petrograd, the Foreign Office will arrange by wireless for permission to send a barge with provisions to Petrograd for the use of our prisoners pending their exchange, such provisions being sent from Admiral Cowan's fleet?

As the hon. Member for East Leeds hopes shortly to meet the representatives of the Soviet Government in Denmark with a view to arranging the release and repatriation of the British prisoners in Russia, I have requested him to raise this question with the Russian delegate.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have any knowledge of an attempt by the Polish Government to summon a conference of all the contending factions and nationalities now fighting on territory belonging to the former Russian Empire, to be held at Warsaw, with a view to establishing peace; whether, if such a conference is held, His Majesty's Government will be represented; and whether, in view of the distress in Central and Eastern Europe, every encouragement will be given to the Polish Government in this work of humanity?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the rest of the question does not, therefore, arise.

If such a conference is held, will this Government be represented at it?

It will be time enough to consider that if the proposal materialises.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a declaration in the Press by the friendly States of Esthonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to the effect that they are driven to the necessity of making peace with Soviet Russia; whether, in view of the sufferings of these States and their gallant fight against German and pro-German Russian forces in the Baltic provinces, any obstacle will be placed in their way by His Majesty's Government; and what is the Government's present policy towards these States?

I have seen several statements in the Press regarding the overtures that have been made to the Baltic States by the Soviet Government. No obstacle has been placed by His Majesty's Government in the way of such negotiations, which are clearly a matter for the States themselves.

Can I have an answer to the last part of my question?

I have said that no obstacle is being placed in their way.

asked the Prime Minister whether any negotiations have taken place between any representative of the Allied and associated governments, directly or indirectly, with the German Government with a view to joint action against the Russian Bolsheviks; whether at any time any agreement was arrived at; whether German troops have in fact co-operated against the Bolsheviks; and whether, in consequence of that co-operation, supplies were allowed to pass from Germany to Von der Goltz's army?

By paragraph 12 of the Armistice, certain German troops then in the Baltic States were to remain as a defence against the Bolsheviks until the local Baltic armies had been enabled to organise themselves. As regards the third part of the question, German troops co-operated with the local forces in driving out the Bolsheviks from Riga in the spring. The answer to the fourth part is in the affirmative. It is, however, now no longer the case that supplies are allowed to pass from Germany to the German troops in the Baltic States, and, as I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on 13th November, a number of strongly-worded Notes have been addressed by the Supreme Council to the German Government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of all German forces.

Has the policy of co-operating with the Germans against our former Russian Allies been abandoned?

asked the Prime Minister whether an agreement was made at Riga on or about 28th August between the Esthonians, Letts, Lithuanians, Poles and Colonel Bermondt for a joint attack upon the Bolsheviks; and whether the protocol embodying that agreement was signed by General March on behalf of the British Government?

This point will, I understand, be raised in Debate this afternoon, and it is, I think, preferable that it should be dealt with then.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any and what steps are-being taken to protect the Armenian population resident in Asia Minor from massacre and starvation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on 29th October and 3rd November to similar questions regarding the Armenians in the Caucasus, which apply partly, at least, also to the Armenians in Asia Minor. Many thousands of these latter are temporarily refugees in the Caucasus at the present time. With regard more particularly to Asia Minor, His Majesty's High Commissioner at Constantinople continues to do all in his power, through relief officers appointed for the purpose, to secure the safety of the Armenians. Colonel Haskell, Allied High Commissioner for Armenia, has now reached Paris, and his report is doubtless under consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a great responsibility will rest upon, this country if massacres occur?

Yes; I think probably that will rest upon all the Allied countries.

asked the Undersecretary of State for foreign Affairs whether he has any official information to the effect that Count de Salis, after the Report on Montenegro was dispatched to London, was interned at Cettinje, together with Colonel Cheke and other British officials, and were only permitted to go when a British cruiser arrived at Cattaro to take them home; and whether any reparation has been demanded by His Majesty's Government?

The statement contained in the first part of my hon. and learned Friend's question has no foundation. The second part of the question, therefore, docs not arise.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that statements have seen so published in America, and, if there is no foundation for them, has he taken any steps to let it be known that this insult has not been offered to His Majesty's Government?

My hon. Friend's question was the first information that I had of anything of the sort.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether his attention has been called to a dispatch dated from Trieste on the 25th of October, and published in the "Chicago Tribune" on the 1st of November, which contains a summary of the Report of Count de Salis on Montenegro; if he will say why a document concealed from the House of Commons was allowed to be published in the American Press; whether, in view of such publication, he will reconsider his decision not to lay the Report upon the Table of the House; (2) if he is aware that the summary of the De Salis Report published in America contains the statements that the Pod-goritza Assembly was a bogus one from beginning to end, that Montenegro is in the grip of Serbia, that the Serbs are murdering the Montenegrins wholesale, and that the people of Montenegro are eager to maintain their independence of Serbia; whether the summary gives correctly the substance of the Report; and, if not, in what particulars is it inaccurate?

I have not yet seen the newspaper report, and until it has been received and examined within, I hope, the next few days, I can offer no comment on the subject.

Is the hon. Gentleman able to say whether the statements made about this Report, which are correctly set out in this question, are or are not accurate?

I must ask my hon. Friend not to seek by a process of exhaustion to ascertain what is in the De Salis Report.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the forthcoming National Terrier Show in December, he will relax the existing Regulations to enable an owner to take his dog home when the show closes instead of the dog having to remain shut up in a box without food or water for twenty-four hours as after the recent Great Joint Terrier Show?

All shows in a. Control of Dogs District have to Toe authorised by licence of the Board subject to conditions agreed upon by the Board and the Kennel Club. The Board have not yet received any application for the holding of the show mentioned. The conditions under which a licence is issued are being reviewed. I regret to learn that, owing to congestion at the railway stations, there was considerable delay in returning some of the dogs from the Great joint Terrier Show to their owners' premises, and I hope that in future this may be avoided.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Epping Forest Commissioners have decided to evict the allotment-holders from the Wanstead Flats at the end of this year; whether such decision is causing widespread dismay and a feeling of deep resentment; and whether he will use his good offices with the commissioners to induce them to reconsider the matter?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of this decision of the Epping Forest Commissioners which the Board think is most regrettable, but as stated in the answer given on the 5th instant to my hon. Friend the Member for West Woolwich (Sir Kingsley Wood) the Board have no power to control the discretion of the City Corporation under their Defence of the Realm Powers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the West Ham Corporation, of which I happen to be a member, are considering the advisability whether they will or will not issue these orders for eviction?

I have heard that, and it is a matter that is within the duty of the West Ham Corporation.

Well, we have given you warning.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many instances the allotments do not interfere at all with the playgrounds and football green on Wanstead Flats, and could not a compromise be effected between the football players and the allotment-holders?

I have already said that we regret this decision, but we have no power to compel the Epping Forest Commissioners to alter it. As far as we are concerned, we think that open spaces should be for the general public for sports and recreation, but in this particular case we believe that there is room for both.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how long it is proposed that the Munitions Housing Department shall continue their management of huts and houses?

I agree with my hon. Friend that the responsibility of the Ministry of Munitions for the management of the houses and hostels erected during the War for the accommodation of munition workers should cease as soon as possible. It is hoped that local authorities will take over, in connection with their housing schemes, a large number of the houses and hostels which are situated in congested areas. Active negotiations towards this end are proceeding between my right hon, Friend the Minister of Health and certain of the local authorities concerned.

asked what is the annual rent obtained from the houses and huts under the management of the Munitions Housing Department?

The rents received from houses under the control of the Ministry of Munitions Housing Department during the twelve months ending 30th September, 1919, amounted to £68,564. It should be noted that during the greater part of this period the Belgian village at Birtley has been unoccupied, while the houses at Woolwich have only been under the control of the Housing Department since 1st April, 1919.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he realises that the fact that he holds 11,000.000 yards of cloth has affected and is seriously affecting the price of clothing; and why he does not at once offer the same for sale by public auction and in reasonable quantities throughout the country?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the reason why the 11,500,000 yards of Government cloth, now handed over by the War Office to the Ministry of Munitions, are being disposed of so slowly; whether, in view of the gravity of the shortage of clothing material and the high price of clothes, it still remains the policy of his Department to sell at the highest possible figure; and whether any offers have been rejected which would have covered the cost to the Govrnment?

I cannot agree that the Government cloth referred to by my hon. Friend is being disposed of slowly. The bulk of this material was only recently handed over to the Disposal Board, and sales were delayed pending the decision on the Standard Clothing Scheme. Three million yards of the 11,500,000 yards of cloth have already been disposed of, and negotiations are proceeding for the sale of the balance. It is the policy of the Board to dispose of this material at prices approximating to the current market values. No offer has been rejected which would have covered the cost of the material to the Government.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that small people are complaining that they cannot buy so much cloth as he is offering, and that what they want is to buy a small quantity in order to make it up for their own household purposes; and why does he deprive them of such an opportunity, seeing that they are paying as much for the cloth as anybody else?

The question is a complicated one and to state the reasons for the particular course taken would require more time than I could possibly give in the course of an answer. One difficulty at once occurs to me. It is that the great bulk of this cloth requires to be re-dyed and a small purchaser is not in a position to have that done economically.

In view of the large number of questions on the Paper, I would ask the hon. Member; to give notice of any further question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if the 250,000 lounge suits and other articles of clothing now offered for disposal by his Department can be sold to retailers at a fixed price subject to a guarantee that they will be again sold to private purchasers at a fixed percentage of profit; and if, as the minimum number of suits which according to the advertise- ment can be tendered for is twenty-five, this method of sale places the opportunity of direct purchase out of the reach of the consumer and provides no security that they will not eventually be purchased by him at an excessive price?

It is the duty of the Disposal Board to dispose of surplus property to the best advantage in the interest of the taxpayer. The suggestion made by my hon. Friend has been considered by the Disposal Board, but in view of the necessity for securing rapid disposal and keeping staffs down to a minimum it has not been found practicable. Retailers have an opportunity of tendering for the purchase of surplus clothing, and provision has been made by the Government against profiteering.

Are these suits among those which have to be re-dyed?

I do not think that applies to this case. A very large proportion of these suits are of abnormal sizes and will require re-making.

Can they be sold at a controlled price at a reasonable profit?

That is the question put here. The answer is that it is not practicable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the date at which the towage of damaged lorries from Richborough to Slough commenced; how many lorries have been so towed from that date to the present; how many more he estimates there are to be towed; will he give the total cost to date of the towage and an estimate of the further cost to be incurred; and will he state whether the figures include the damage to the 120 miles of road?

The towing of lorries from Richborough to Slough commenced on 9th August. Up to the present 3,905 lorries have been so towed. The estimated cost of £15 per lorry, which I gave in reply to my hon. Friend's, question on 10th November, covers all contingencies, including possible damage to the roads. I am unable to give even an approximate estimate of the number of lorries still to be dealt with.

Have 70,000 yet to be brought from France?

I regret that I cannot give even an approximate estimate.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he had, or has, any machinery in France or in this country which could have been transferred to Richborough for the purpose of repairing the damaged lorries; and if he will make, or has made, any inquiry of the Admiralty, Army, or Air Force as to whether they could place any works at his disposal suitable for the repair of the lorries, or undertake their repair, e.g., at Harwich, Dover, Sheerness, Chatham, Woolwich, or Kingsnorth?

In view of the facilities which exist at Slough for the repair of motor vehicles, the cost of transporting plant and setting up separate repairing depots at Richborough or elsewhere would not be justified.

Has the hon. Gentleman made inquiry of any other Government Department—the Admiralty and the Dockyards—to see what can be done there? The machinery exists.

I am aware that the machinery exists, but the policy of establishing depots for repairing motor vehicles would be an extremely wasteful one.

Was not the object of purchasing Slough to engage in mass repairs in the same way as mass production, and is it not more economical?

As usual, my hon. Friend is well informed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions, with reference to the payment between 1st April, 1919, and 30th September, 1919, out of the Ministry of Muntions Vote, how much of the sum of £121,125.000 represents payments in liquidation of contracts running at the time of the Armistice, and supplies to other Government Departments, respectively; will he also give the particulars of the sum of £35,200,000 expended on services outside the Ministry of Munitions Votes, showing with amounts in the purchase of what goods the money has been expanded; will he refer to the figure of receipts on trading accounts, £86,292,000, and show with amounts the receipts in respect of the sale of the goods so purchased; and whether he is receiving the whole or what portion of the difference between the £35,200,000 and £86,292,000 from other Government Departments or from the public?

The reply to my hon. Friend will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the reply referred to:

Of the £121,125,000 mentioned in the question the sum of approximately £100,000,000 was expended in liquidation of contracts running at the time of the Armistice and on supplies to other Government Departments, as follows:—

	£
Payments on contracts which have been terminated	65,000,000
Payments on War contracts continued for supply to other Government Departments; and on contracts made since the Armistice for supplies required by other Government Departments	35,000,000
	£100,000,000

Of this total the whole amount of £35,000,000, and part of the £65,000,000 estimated at approximately £12,000,000, making £47,000,000 in all, represents the value of goods supplied to other Government Departments.

The following are particulars of the receipts of £86,292,000 and the payments of £35,200,000 in Trading Accounts:—

	Receipts.	Payments.
	£	£
Fertiliser account	823,000	586,000
Boring for oil	—	76,000
Wool	67,612,000	28,193,000
Kips and raw hides	5,829,000	2,657,000
Leather	4,851,000	128,000
Tanning materials	188,000	52.000
Flax and flax seed	2,030.000	l,196,000
Manilla hemp	966,000	74,000
Raw jute	2,694,000	1,638,000
Chemicals and drugs	444,000	285,000
Cotton and cotton fabric	822.000	292,000
Food containers	33,000	23,000
	£86,292,000	£35.200,000

The difference cannot be clearly allocated as between Government Depart- ments and the public without considerable research, but it may be stated that wool and jute to the value of £10,000,000 have been sold to Foreign Governments; the greater part of the balance represents sales to the public. In connection, however, with the credit balance of £51,000,000 in the Trading Accounts for the six months to 30th September, 1919, it should be noted that this sum does not represent profit, since in past years the position has been:—

	Expenditure in excess of receipts.	Receipts in excess of expenditure.
Financial year —	£	£
1916–17	30,381,000	—
1917–18	35,033,000	—
1918–19	—	4,000,000
	65,414,000	4,000,000
Debit balance 31–3–19	—	61,414,000
	£65,414,000	£65,414,000

It will be observed that the debit balance has not yet been recouped.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, in certain cases, only 80 per cent, of a contractor's accounts are paid by the Ministry, and that, before the remaining 20 per cent, of such accounts is paid, contractors are compelled to carry out the same elaborate process that is required for the payment of the original 80 per cent.?

In order to assist contractors, payment to the extent of 80 per cent, of the value of the goods has been made in a large number of cases where delivery has been proved but inspection has not taken place. The balance is paid after the necessary inspection has taken place and the consequent inspection notes received. I do not think that the precautions taken in these cases are unwarranted.

Are there any instructions, with reference to the inspection, that they should not be passed, so that really contractors have been deprived of their back money which they should receive?

I think not; but if my hon. and gallant Friend will communicate any cases he has in mind, I will have them gone into.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Accountancy Branch of the Ministry of Munitions conducts its bookkeeping on the system of double entry; whether the delivery of any single article by a contractor involves the use of the following documents: six copies of an issue warrant, six copies of an advice note, six copies of an inspection note, and four copies of a railway transit note; whether he will state the number of sections into which the Accountancy Branch of the Ministry of Munitions is divided; and in how many different buildings these sections are housed?

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." As regards the second part, separate issue warrants are used for each bulk allocation only from the contractor's works; advice notes and inspection notes are required for each separate consignment of goods; and railway transit notes are only used when, the cost of carriage is a direct liability falling upon the Ministry. The necessary number of copies of these notes are obtained by one operation. In answer to the third and fourth parts of the question, at the time of the Armistice the staff was distributed in thirty-four different buildings. This was done largely because it was found that efficiency was greatly increased by housing the various sections of accounts in close contact with the services of Supply and Contracts on which they depended. The Department is now divided into nine sections and is housed in nineteen buldings, but arrangements have been made to concentrate them into three.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many contractors' accounts were paid during, say, the month of August last in respect of goods delivered before the Armistice; and what is the average period of time required by the Accountancy Branch of the Ministry of Munitions to ascertain the precise position of any contractor's account?

Twenty-nine thousand four hundred and three claims were paid during the four weeks ending 27th August. The number of these claims, which were in respect of deliveries prior to the Armistice, could only be ascertained at considerable loss of time and labour, and in view of the depletion of staff in the Ministry, I hope my hon. Friend will not press for the information to be supplied. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer him to the answer I have given to the hon, and gallant Member for Ashford. I may add that the final reconciliation of a contractor's accounts with those of the Ministry is dependent on the contractor furnishing certain necessary information which in many cases has not been forthcoming.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state who will be the British representatives at the first meeting of the Assembly of the League of Nations; whether the House of Commons will be allowed any voice in their selection; whether it is intended that political parties other than the Government's party shall be represented in any way in the Assembly; and whether the proceedings will be conducted in public or in private?

No date has been fixed for a meeting of the Assembly of the League of Nations, nor is one likely in the near future. The Government has therefore come to no conclusions on the points raised by the hon. and gallant Member. As to the last part of the question, this matter will be one for the Assembly itself to decide.

Having regard to the American action in this matter, has not the time come to review the whole question of continuing the League of Nations at great public expense?

I hope the time has not come to take that action.

May I ask whether, in view of the purpose for which the War was carried on in Europe—the defence of small nationalities—the object of the League of Nations has not materialised long since?

I do not think so.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have prepared any definite proposals to lay before the Council and Assembly of the League of Nations for a general and simultaneous reduction of armaments by the nations of the world; and, if so, what steps are being taken to educate public opinion in this matter?

I can add nothing to the reply which I gave on Monday, the 27th October, to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow.

asked the Prime Minister if, with a view to getting rid of the long interval between the casting and the counting of votes at an election, he could arrange that men at present serving abroad on land or sea should be given the opportunity of nominating someone as proxy, and that all those detailed for service abroad in future should be given this opportunity before leaving the country?

The subject raised in this question has been carefully investigated by the representatives of the Departments concerned, and, as at present advised, the Government are not prepared to recommend any alteration of the existing system.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the nature of the replies, given to questions concerning our pledges in the Near East, a day will be given for discussion?

The subject can be discussed to-day.