asked the Pensions Minister whether there have been several schemes under consideration for the establishing of convalescent training centres for disabled Service men; and, if so, how many are in operation, how many men are undergoing such training, and at what cost up to date?

The establishment of convalescent centres for the concurrent treatment and training of discharged disabled men has engaged my earnest attention for some time past. Labour and other difficulties have hindered progress, but a centre at Blackpool, to accommodate from 600–1,000 men, will be opened on the 25th November, to be followed by others in different parts of the country. Another large centre at Epsom has been delayed for nearly six months owing to a wage difficulty which has stopped all progress. In addition to these large institutions, smaller centres have been established. So far the number of men undergoing concurrent treatment and training is negligible, but with the establishment of the larger centres it is hoped within the next few months to have full facilities for 2,500 cases. It is proposed, in addition, to increase the number of smaller centres. Figures of the cost to date are not at present available as the Office of Works is still engaged in the necessary structural alteration of premises.

How many men are there for whom no provision has yet been possible?

I am afraid it is impossible to make any estimate of how many could be treated in the convalescent training centres until we are able to sort out the men suitable for those centres.

Has there been any difficulty in preparing the necessary buildings for setting up these training centres?

I think the answer to the original question shows that there have been grave difficulties, which I hope are being overcome.

asked the Pensions Minister if he has been able to establish in regional areas the special inspection or inquiry department recommended by the Select Committee on Pensions, to which all cases unsettled within a fixed time should automatically go, and whose duty it would be to find the cause of delay and punish defaulters?

Among the duties laid upon the regional directors is that of personally investigating causes of complaint and delay in their departments. They are further required to keep accurate statistical returns and progress reports and to furnish copies regularly to headquarters. By means of this statistical check, the regional directors can at once locate any defects in their machinery and take the necessary steps to provide remedies.

asked the Pensions Minister how many women were discharged from His Majesty's forces through being declared medically unfit owing to wounds, injury, or disease; whether these women are entitled to gratuities or pensions on the same principle as those granted to men; and, if not, will he consider placing them under the same rule as soldiers discharged for similar reasons?

asked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that many women who served their country in various capacities on different fronts during the War, and were thereby incapacitated by sickness and other causes, are not in receipt of Government aid; and if he can give any information in regard to any contemplated action on his part?

Women discharged from the auxiliary corps attached to the Army, Navy, and Air Service are not pensionable by my Department. They are, I understand, granted compensation in some cases under the Workmen's Compensation Acts, and in others under the Injuries in War Compensation Acts. The grants are administered by the Service Department concerned—that is, by the Admiralty, War Office, or Air Ministry, as the case may be. I must refer hon. Members to those Departments for more authoritative or detailed information as to the schemes of compensation and for particulars of the numbers of women concerned. I have received representations on this subject from many quarters within the last few weeks, but I have had no satisfactory evidence that the legitimate claims of these women cannot be met under existing arrangements. I am in communication on the matter with my right hon. Friends the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for War.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that many of these women, who before their gallant service were quite fit, are now totally incapacitated and in many cases destitute, and will he use his influence in the way of bringing them, if possible, under one Department?

Of course I am not aware of that officially, because I have nothing whatever to do with these claims. If the women referred to were attached to the Army that ques- tion must be addressed to the War Office, and if to the Navy to the Admiralty, and so on.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that James Menzies, 51, Alexander Parade, Glasgow, made an application to the Civil Liabilities Commission for a grant to enable him to buy furniture to set up his home which had been broken up owing to his absence on military service; that the Commission admitted his claim and advised him to buy on the hire-purchase system and offered to contribute at the rate of £26 per annum for three months; and whether, in view of the disadvantage of this system, he will instruct the Commission to make the applicant a grant of a reasonable lump sum down to aid him to buy furniture for cash?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The facts are substantially as stated. I recognise it as an anomaly that the Regulations governing the award of grants out of the Civil Liabilities Fund should in certain circumstances admit of assistance towards buying furniture on the hire-purchase system, but should not admit of lump sum grants for this purpose. The Ministry are, as a matter of fact, in communication with the Treasury as to the propriety of making any grants at all for such purposes. I will let the hon. Member know as soon as a decision is reached.

Is it not a fact that buying furniture on the hire-purchase system is a thriftless method and that you are actually giving this man less than if you gave him nothing at all, and is not the total sum you are giving him here only enough to buy a superior kitchen table or one single bed without a mattress?

I have already admitted that it is an anomaly.

Have any grants been already made for the purpose of purchasing furniture?

Does the hon. Member mean in a lump sum or by the hire purchase system?

In a lump sum.

Not that I am aware of.

asked the Under-secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. Namier, who is now employed in the Foreign Office, is a Polish subject and has been recognised as such by the Polish Government?

No, Sir. Mr. Namier, as explained in the answer given on the 6th, is a naturalised British subject. The statement in that answer that he becomes a Polish subject, and has been acknowledged as such by the Polish Government, was meant to apply not to Mr. Namier, but to his father. Mr. Namierowski.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an agreement has been made between Sir George Clerk and the present Hungarian Government conceding the Hungarian railway system to Great Britain or to British concerns?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what compensation has been or will be made to Sir William Wilkinson, late His Majesty's Consul-General at Hankow, China, who is officially declared by the Foreign Office to have rendered valuable service to His Majesty's Government for having, at the request of the Secretary of State to facilitate thereby a scheme of reorganisation, submitted, at great loss and inconvenience, to forego his right under the Orders in Council to remain ten years longer in the service?

It is incorrect to say that any Consular officer has a right under Orders in Council to remain in the service till the age of seventy. The Secretary of State can, if he deems it desirable in the general interests of the service, call upon a Consular officer to retire at any stage of his career. This does not, however, apply to the case of Sir W. Wilkinson who, at the time of his retirement, had completed the requisite number of years' service qualify- ing him for full pension. He was accordingly awarded a pension of £583 6s. 8d. a year, together with a lump sum of £2,135, under the provisions of the Superannuation Act of 1909. Sir William Wilkinson is only one of several Consular officers who, by reason of the scheme of reorganisation now in progress, have been called upon to retire. The Secretary of State has no power to grant special compensation in addition to the award of full pension to which the length of service entitles a Consular officer on retirement.

What is the Order in Council by which you could force him to retire below the age of seventy?

I will send the hon. and gallant Gentleman a copy of the Order in Council.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Count de Salis, envoy at Rome, was sent to Montenegro to inquire into the conditions of that country and to ascertain the desires of the people regarding their annexation by Serbia; whether Count de Salis has now returned and has placed his Report before the Foreign Office; and when the Report will be laid before the House?

It has already been explained fully, in reply to the question raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Canterbury on the Motion for the Adjournment on 11th November, why Count de Salis's Report cannot be laid. I have nothing further to add to this statement.

Is it a fact that Gabriele d'Annunzio is preparing an attack on Montenegro?

I cannot answer that question.

Is it the purpose of the Foreign Office to permit a nation which was one of our Allies to be annexed by another of our Allies, contrary to the wishes of the people of that nation?

This question only refers to the Report of Count de Salis.

It also refers to the desires of the people regarding annexation by Serbia.

That is what Count de Salis was sent to ascertain.

asked why Montenegro, who declared war unreservedly on the Austrian and German Empires, is now allowed to be in the military possession of Serbia for whom she fought, and whose Army she protected in its retreat; why she was not given a seat at the Peace Conference and did not sign the Peace Treaty; who finances the Greater Serbia propaganda, which is directed to the annexation of Montenegro; when the Report of the Count de Salis, Britain's envoy, reached the Foreign Office; and when it will be laid upon the Table of this House?

His Majesty's Government are not responsible for the continued occupation of Montenegrin territory by Serbian troops. Montenegro has not been a signatory to any of the Peace Treaties so far concluded at Paris, which did not directly concern the Montenegrin people. The Supreme Council had decided in principle last January that Montenegro should be represented at the Peace Conference, but the decision was left open as to how her representatives should be chosen. I have no information as to who finances propaganda in favour of the annexation of Montenegro to Serbia. Count de Salis's Report reached the Foreign Office on the 4th September, and it has more than once been explained that the document is of a confidential nature, and is not suitable for publication.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether General Denikin has arrested the chiefs of the Danish Red Cross Mission at Kiev, as is stated in a wireless message purporting to come from him; and whether he will take steps to see that they are immediately released?

His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of the alleged incident referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Under-secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has any evidence that Lenin and his associates are opening direct communications with Turkestan?

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the policy indicated in his speech at the Guildhall on the 8th instant, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to continue the form of blockade now in force against Soviet Russia during the winter; and whether he is aware that this form of blockade will cause and is causing intense suffering to innocent women and children in Soviet Russia?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any intimation that the blockade of Soviet Russia will not be continued when the ice leaves access to Petrograd open, so that shipments can be arranged beforehand?

asked when naval operations in the Baltic against the Bolsheviks are to cease?

asked the Prime Minister whether the blockade of Russian ports is still in force; if not, when orders were given for its removal; and what were the terms of those orders?

The maritime policy in the Baltic is that of the Allied and Associated Powers, not of this country alone. There has been, in the strict sense of the term, no blockade of Russian ports. We have been engaged in helping the Baltic Provinces in the struggle against Bolshevik Russia which involved the use of the naval forces of the Allied and Associated Powers, to prevent the Bolshevik ships of war from bombarding Baltic ports, and assisting Bolshevik troops and to hinder supplies useful to those troops from entering Bolshevik ports. But this problem is being solved by natural courses as with the formation of ice, both the ships which might have traded with Petrograd and the Allied war ships which might have turned them back, must go elsewhere. It is not proposed that the British Fleet should undertake the patrol of the Baltic in the spring.

Can. the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in case of arrangements between the Baltic States and Soviet Russia, any hindrances will be put in the way of traffic between the ice-free ports and Soviet Russia by our Navy?

If the hon. Member will take note of what I said he will see that it is not proposed that our Fleet should patrol the Baltic.

Has the attention of the Prime Minister been drawn to the answer given yesterday by the First Lord of the Admiralty with regard to our intervention in Russia, and can he say whether there has been any change in the policy of the Government as declared by himself in his speech of Monday last?

I discussed this very answer with my right hon. Friend this morning before I gave it, and I cannot imagine that there is any change of policy.

Has it not been the practice of this House for right hon. or hon. Members not to refer to an answer given by one Minister in putting the same kind of question to another?

Are we to understand that the policy enunciated by the Under-secretary for Foreign Affairs that this blockade was to continue until there was a democratic Government in Russia, which, we can trust, is not now the policy of the Government?

I do not know to what answer the right hon. Gentleman refers. He must give me an opportunity of studying these things.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the policy of the Government is based on principle or expediency?

asked the Prime Minister whether British subjects are being recruited by the Russian Embassy for service in Russia under the various Russian Governments; whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the matter; and whether he will ensure that the terms of the Foreign Enlistment Act are being carried out?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 11th instant to the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme, which still holds good. I shall be very pleased to send my hon. Friend a copy of it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the answer merely stated that the Government knew nothing about it?

I am not aware of that, and I do not accept that interpretation of the answer.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the importance to this country of the special Mission to South Russia which is being undertaken by the hon. Member for the Camlachie Division of Glasgow, he will invite accredited representatives of the Labour party and of the Trades Union Congress to accompany the Mission;

If one particular party is represented on the Mission, then others can claim a similar privilege, and I do not think it would be advisable that a Government Mission to a foreign country should be accompanied by accredited representatives of political parties.

asked the Prime Minister whether any and, if so, what British munitions have fallen into Bolshevik hands, whether by secret trading or surrender; and whether, before more munitions are sent, he will take the probability of their loss into consideration?

The Government have no information with regard to the first part of the question. The consideration referred to in the last part has bus always been borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government are being kept informed as to the negotiations for Peace at Dorpat; and whether he can give the House any information as to how the negotiations are proceeding?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Governments of the Baltic States have made a declaration in favour of peace with Soviet Russia?

A Conference is actually taking place at Dorpat, attended by representatives of the Provisional Governments of the Baltic States to decide on their attitude with regard to the peace proposals of the Soviet Government. The British High Commissioner will keep His Majesty's Government informed of the progress of the negotiations, but no information has yet been received.

Are any States represented besides Esthonia, Latvia, and Lithuania? Is Poland represented, or Finland?

I do not think that Poland is represented. I am not sure about Finland, but I understand that they are watching the proceedings.

May we take it that these States are left perfectly free to conduct negotiations?

I have already said so.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of a prompt settlement of the Russian question and the delay which will be incurred if we waited for this matter to be dealt with by the League of Nations, he was prepared to take the initiative in calling an Inter-Allied Conference to consider and, if possible, to settle the Russian question?

asked the Prime Minister when the International Conference which was to discuss the question of Russia would take place; what Powers or de facto Governments would be represented; and what would be the terms of reference to this Conference?

A Conference is to be held of the Allied and Associated. Powers, but the date is not yet fixed. I can make no further statement.

May I ask where the Conference will be held?

That is not; settled. I was hoping it would be held in London. That is one of the subjects for discussion.

Are we to assume that the Conference is as to whether we shall recognise the Soviet Government?

That is not in the question. The reference is to Allied and Associated Governments.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that it is not the policy, and never will be the policy, of the Government to recognise the Soviet Government?

Are we to assume that it has not yet been decided what factions of Russia will be called to the Conference?

There is another question in reference to that later on.

asked the Prime Minister whether he would consider the advisability of inviting to a conference representatives of the so called border States, formerly appertaining to the Russian Empire, namely, Finland, Esthonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Bessarabia, Don, Kuban, and the Caucasian Republics, as well as representatives of General Denikin, with a view to their endeavouring to compose territorial, political, and economic differences on federative lines?

This, no doubt, will be considered amongst other suggestions at the Inter-Allied Conference.

Will the Ukraine also be included in this list?

I am referring only to the list on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he had any information that M. Brotkin, formerly Russian Ambassador in Rome, had gone on a special mission from Admiral Koltchak to Berlin?

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to M. Botkine, formerly First Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Berlin. If this is the case, I understand that this gentleman has been entrusted with the protection of Russian interests in Germany, and has been instructed by M. Sazonoff to act in full accordance with the representatives of the Allied Powers in Berlin.

Does that mean that peace has been made between Admiral Koltchak's Government or Sazonoff's Government and Germany?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether any agreements were made by or on behalf of the British Government or by the Allied and Associated Governments with Admiral Koltchak, General Denikin, or General Yudenitch; and, if so, whether the agreement or agreements will be laid upon the Table of the House; and (2) whether any undertakings were given or promises made, by or on behalf of the British Government, to Admiral Koltchak, General Denikin, and General Yudenitch, respectively; and, if so, will he state what were their terms?

The only promise made by the Allies to the combatant forces in Russia was contained in the Allied Note to Admiral Koltchak of July last. This has already been fully published.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say "Yes" or "No" as to whether it is the intention of the Government to recognise the Soviet Government?

That does not arise out of any of these questions. I have already made two or three clear statements.

asked the Prime Minister whether any photographs, official or otherwise, were known to have been taken of the state of Odessa after its capture by General Denikin's force; and, if so, whether the photographs could be seen, and where?

Although it is quite possible that such photographs may have been taken, the War Office is not in possession of them and has no definite knowledge of their existence. I under- stand that the same is true as regards the Foreign Office. I have seen photographs of Bolshevik atrocities in other towns in South Russia, which are the private property of officers who have returned from the front. A good many of these have been given to the newspapers, and some have been published. If my hon. and gallant Friend would like to see the photographs I will put him in touch with the officer who has them. They are of a very painful nature.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he proposes to establish throughout the country cliniques for the treatment by means of psychotherapy of functional nervous affections (including so-called shell-shock); whether, if he is to do so, he will issue instructions that all pensioners recommended to these cliniques for treatment will be informed of the nature of psycho-therapy, that it is a form of treatment in which more or less hypnotic suggestion is used; and whether, in the event of pensioners refusing to accept psycho-therapeutic treatment, he will ensure that the pensioners in question will not be prejudiced by such refusal, but that all pensioners will have offered to them the alternative of ordinary therapeutic treatment?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that psycho-therapy is a comprehensive term, including many forms of treatment of which hypnotic suggestion is the form least frequently used. If in any case hypnotism should be proposed as the most desirable form of treatment the man would be perfectly free to refuse it, and no penalty whatever would attach to his refusal.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) how many local authorities have power to submit schemes under the Irish Housing Act; how many of these have so far done so;

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the delay in carrying out, the housing scheme in Ireland; if he will give the number of local authorities who are applying the Act; and what progress they have made in the erection of houses?

The number of local authorities affected by Section 1 of the Housing (Ireland) Act, 1919, is 127, and of these ninety-nine have submitted schemes for the purposes of the Section. Two houses are almost completed. The number of houses proposed to be provided ultimately is 51,317. There has been no undue delay. The Act became law only on 15th August last, and since then the local authorities have lost no time in considering the possibilities offered by the financial arrangements.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the scheme is working satisfactorily in Ireland?

I think it will work very satisfactorily.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many urban councils, having considered this scheme, have found that the requirements of the Local Government Board as to the type of house to be built are of such a character as to prohibit these councils from proceeding with a scheme? Will he instruct the Local Government Board to amend their proposals, so that by reasonable expenditure the urban councils may be induced to proceed with the houses which are so badly needed?

I will instruct the Local Government Board to reconsider the proposals which they have sent forward, and I will endeavour to get them to consider buildings such as they are anxious to erect.

Is it not a fact that the Housing Act in Ireland has been found utterly unworkable, just as the Housing Act in this country has been found likewise; and is it proposed to come to the assistance of the Irish authorities to the same extent and in the same way us the Government are coming to the assistance of the English authorities, according to the announcements in the Press this morning?

I cannot agree that the Irish Housing Act has been found unworkable. It is a very remarkable fact that ninety-nine local authorities out of 127 have already submitted schemes.

Is it not a fact that, although they have submitted schemes, those schemes have been found to be unworkable, either by the authorities or the Local Government Board?

I cannot accept that statement.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many applications for houses under the Labourers Acts have been received since the Armistice; how many of such applications have been granted; and in respect of how many houses have building operations been started?

The records of the-Local Government Board are not compiled in such a way as to enable the information asked for in the first part of the question to be given. The information could only be obtained by applying to each of the rural district councils. Assuming, however, that what my hon. and gallant Friend requires relates to matters, of which the Board have cognisance, it appears that no improvement scheme proposing to provide new cottages under the Labourers Acts has been lodged for confirmation with the Board since the Armistice. The finance of such schemes out of land purchase funds is limited at present to cases where an urgent necessity exists for providing additional housing accommodation.

asked the Prime Minister how many of the statues to distinguished statesmen in the Lobbies were provided from public or private funds; whether the most recent statue to the late Sir William Harcourt was provided by private subscription; and whether, in view of this practice, the Government will reconsider the decision to provide a statue from public moneys to the late Mr. Joseph Chamberlain?

It is the fact as implied in the question that the statue to Sir William Harcourt was paid for by private subscription, but a large number of statues have been erected at the public expense. In recent years statues provided out of public funds have been erected to Mr. Gladstone, Lord Beaconsfield, Lord Salisbury, and Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, and, in my opinion, it would be the wish of the House of Commons that the statue to Mr. Chamberlain, who was for so long one of the greatest figures in this House, should be erected by the nation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange that one shall be erected to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh?

asked when the Supplementary Estimates for the Royal Navy will be presented?

I hope that it may be possible to introduce the Navy Estimates at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the sittings, now proceeding, of Mr. Speaker's Conference on Devolution and to a right understanding of the people of Wales and Monmouthshire of the financial responsibilities involved in any scheme constituting such an area a self-governing unit, he will direct the Treasury to prepare such a financial Return as will indicate, approximately, the total revenue received, and the total contributions made, by the Imperial Exchequer under each county, showing the particular source and service affected in respect of Wales and Monmouthshire?

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the sittings, now proceeding, of Mr. Speaker's Conference on Devolution and to a right under standing by the people of Wales and Monmouthshire of the financial responsibilities involved in any scheme constituting such an area a self-governing unit, he will direct the Treasury to prepare such a financial Return as will indicate approximately the total revenue received and the total contributions made by the Imperial Exchequer, under each county, showing the particular source and service affected in respect of Wales and Monmouthshire?

If the Conference desire this information the Treasury will do their best to supply it.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think it absolutely essential for the Welsh party to have this information in order to consider the whole subject and give instructions to their representatives on the Royal Commission?

Certainly. I agree with the hon. Member, but I would warn him that it will be very difficult to get very accurate figures of the nature he desires, and there will be a large element of error; but we will do our best.

The question asks for approximate figures. Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that we have made representations to the Treasury for this information, which is absolutely essential, in order to consider this very important question, and the information has been refused?

I think my answer covers the point.

asked the Prime Minister whether the sums to be paid by Germany to the Allied and Associated Powers, in accordance with Article 259 of the Peace Treaty, would be handed over to liquidate the currency notes issued by the Ottoman Debt against the German Government guarantee?

The disposal of the sums in question will in due course be determined by the Allied and Associated Powers in accordance with Clause 7 of Article 259. It is impossible at the present moment to forecast what decision will be taken.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Ambassador was instructed in 1918 to inform the French Government that His Majesty's Government was prepared to enter into an agreement with regard to reciprocal payment of compensation in respect of damages caused by the War, and to inquire in what form the French Government would desire such an agreement to be concluded; whether such agreement has ever been entered into, and what prospect there is of the British sufferers, whose claims amount to many millions, being able to obtain adequate compensation for their losses in France; and whether His Majesty's Government is aware of the loss being suffered by British traders in France owing to delay in settlement of this question, and that they have to stand by whilst their French competitors are ousting them from their positions?

I understand that a suggestion was made to the French Government that an agreement should be arrived at in which British subjects who had suffered damage in France should receive compensation from the French Government on the same terms as French subjects, while French subjects who had suffered damage in the United Kingdom would reciprocally receive compensation on the same terms as British subjects. No such agreement has, however, been made, but a proposal was in fact made by the French Government that they should advance compensation to British subjects in France on the same basis as compensation payable to French subjects in return for an advance by His Majesty's Government to French subjects in this country. This proposal would, in effect, result in giving preferential treatment to one particular class of claimants amongst those British subjects who have legitimate, claims against Germany under the Reparation Clauses of the Treaty, and it is, for this reason, impossible to entertain it.

asked when it is proposed to take the next stage of the Government of India Bill?

My right hon. Friend (Mr. Bonar Law) will answer when he makes his statement as to the Business of the House.

I beg to ask the Leader of the House whether he can give me a reply to the question, of which I gave him private notice yesterday, to this effect: What time is to be allowed to the House for the perusal of all the Papers published with the Report of the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill before the Bill is brought up for consideration in Committee of the Whole House?

I have considered the question of my hon. and gallant Friend, and we have decided that this will not be taken at the beginning of next week, as contemplated, but on Thursday of next week.

Does my right hon. Friend think that one week is sufficient for us to study this document, which was published yesterday, and are we not to be allowed to have any opportunity of hearing the opinions of the Governors and the peoples of India on the Report of the Joint Committee, seeing that that Committee entirely amended the Bill? Will he not give further time?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is already disappointment in India at the delay which has occurred in carrying out the policy announced by the Government, and accepted by Parliament?

As my hon. Friend presents the document, it looks very formidable, but that big; volume is mainly composed of evidence which has largely appeared in the Press, and, therefore, those who are interested in it have, I am sure, followed it closely. The fact is, as I said yesterday, if this Bill is to be carried at all, and if it is to do any good, it is essential that there should not be delay. We must therefore press it forward, and I do hope my hon. Friend and the House will realise that it is necessary to get the Bill before the House adjourns.

May I ask you, Sir, whether I shall be in order to move the Adjournment of the House on this very important question of what procedure it will be proper to take to enable the House to have sufficient time for this?

As I pointed out to the hon. and gallant Gentleman yesterday, I think his proper procedure is, when the Committee is called and the House starts work, if he thinks sufficient time has not been given, to move to report Progress in order that the House may have more time.

Thank you, Sir; I will do so.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government intend to give effect to any and, if so, which of the recommendations of the Committee which has recently reported on the machinery best adapted for dealing with and promoting foreign trade; and if, in view of the disadvantage under which this country has laboured in the past in competition with foreign rivals owing to the defective organisation of and the unsatisfactory business experience demanded for the Consular service, the Government will arrange for appointments to this service to be primarily controlled by the Department whose main function is to promote foreign trade?

If, as I assume, the reference is to the majority Report of the Committee of which Lord Cave was chairman, I am happy to be able to say that, in so far as the recommendations in that Report required action, the necessary action has been or is being taken, and in particular that the administration of the Consular Department of the Foreign Office has been transferred to the Department of Oversea Trade. In this connection I may also refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given on the 18th instant to the hon. Member for Newcastle.

Will the Department of the hon. Gentleman pay sufficient salaries to enable them to secure the services as commercial attachés of first-class business men instead of superior office boys as at present.

While I cannot admit the last part of my hon. Friend's question, it is for this House and the Treasury to increase salaries which I think are inadequate.

When are the recommendations of this Committee likely to be put in force?

It is part of the answer which I have given my hon. Friend. The recommendations have been or are being put into force.

In view of the passing of the Aliens Act, is it desirable that we should trade with aliens at all?

asked the Prime Minister if he can arrange for the Government to receive the advice of the War Office and Admiralty on the question of the Channel Tunnel in time to render the deposit of the Bill in Parliament this December possible, so that it may, if the Standing Orders are dispensed with, proceed next Session, and, if passed, save a whole year's time in the construction of the tunnel?

The War Office and Admiralty are examining this question as quickly as possible, and I shall let my hon. Friend know when I am in a position to answer his question.

May we have some hope that this will be done in time to enable the Bill to be deposited in December this year?

I can quite see the force of my hon. Friend's appeal, and I will certainly do what I can to have a decision in time to enable the promoters to give the necessary notice this year.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statements made by or on behalf of the Ministry of Food that there will be a great shortage of food during the coming months; whether the Cabinet have considered the matter of such shortage; and whether, if it is coming, he will take steps, as in war-time, to urge all the nation to grow more food?

I am not aware of the particular statements to which my hon. Friend refers, but I do not anticipate any serious shortage of essential foodstuffs in this country during the coming months. I have, however, recently and repeatedly urged upon all food-producers the importance of increased production, and the necessary legislation to promote this end will shortly be introduced.

Will the Prime Minister undertake that some statement shall be issued similar to that which was issued during the War?

If my hon. Friend means with regard to food production I did make a special appeal to agriculturists a short time ago, and I propose to repeat that to the Scottish agriculturists later on. I agree with him that it is very important that all those are who concerned with food production should exert their powers to the utmost.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Food Controller is going to give a better quality of bacon, otherwise there will be plenty of it left over?

asked the Prime Minister whether he could state when the Anti-Dumping Bill would be introduced?

asked the Prime Minister when it was definitely intended to introduce the promised Bills for the prevention of dumping and for the protection of key industries; and whether the Government proposed to make every effort to pass them into law before Christmas?

asked the Prime Minister when the Second Reading of the Anti-Dumping Bill would be taken?

It was introduced yesterday. I hope that it may be possible to pass the Bill this Session. The Second Reading will, I understand, be taken in the week after next.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no Bill obtainable yet at the Vote Office?

Will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to attach to the Bill a list of the key industries referred to in the Bill?

I think my hon. Friend will see that they are attached to the Bill and are in the Schedule. I am sorry that there is no Bill available. It was introduced yesterday and I hope it will be in the hands of Members shortly. It is purely a question of printing.

asked the Prime Minister how long imports would be restricted by proclamation under the Customs Consolidation Act; and whether provision for an indemnity against this illegal action would be taken in the Anti-Dumping Bill?

It is contemplated that the Proclamations issued under the Customs Consolidation Act which impose prohibitions of importation will remain in force until they are superseded, so far as may be necessary, by orders under the Imports and Exports Regulation Bill which was introduced yesterday. His Majesty's Government are not prepared to admit that the issue of Proclamations prohibiting imports under the Customs Consolidation Act has been illegal.

Was the opinion of the Law Officers taken on this matter?

Naturally, yes.

asked the Prime Minister when the Bill giving security of tenure to farmers will be introduced?

This matter is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to state when the new Bill will be introduced.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this Bill is not introduced soon there will be very few tenant farmers left to secure?

asked the Prime Minister whether the attention of the Government had been called to the present situation in Vienna; whether urgent appeals from the Government in Vienna had been recently received making further demands upon this country for food and wearing material; whether these demands, which were the concern of all the Allied Powers, would impose a heavy extra burden upon the Treasury; what was the approximate aid that had already been given to the Government in Vienna by the British for the relief of the distressed population of Austria, both in money and goods; and what was the immediate policy of His Majesty's Government in this matter?

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the fourth part, the British share amounts to £3,500,000. As regards the last part, as discussions are still proceeding with our Allies, I can make no statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that no further supplies will be sent to Vienna in preference to our loyal Allies in Russia?

Could not an arrangement be come to whereby we supplied raw material to the people in Vienna, so that they could feed themselves, instead of supplying them merely with food, which keeps them alive without any definite possibility of reconstruction?

There is another question by the same hon. and gallant Member later on. We cannot undertake the whole responsibility. Unless the United States is prepared to come in to assist, it is quite impossible for us, much as we sympathise with the distress in that part of Europe.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that if the Soviet Government goes into the world market to buy, there will be so much less for Bulgaria and Turkey?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the reports of the very serious economic conditions in Vienna; whether the Government have received any information on the subject; and, if so, whether they can make any statement thereon to the House?

Attention has been drawn to the situation in Vienna. The Government are in receipt of information from the British representative (Mr. Lindley) and from the British Relief Mission on the spot. The general economic situation in Austria is at present under discussion by the Allied Governments, in consequence of a report which has been received from the Sub-Commission of the Reparations Commission at Vienna. For the moment it is not possible to make any detailed statement on the question to the House, but I think it right to say that I see no hope of adequate relief of the situation in Vienna without the cooperation of the United States.

And Russia!

May I ask when the right hon. Gentleman will be able to have Papers laid on the Table on this subject, because he will realise that it is a matter which affects not only Austria, but possibly the peace of the whole world?

I should like to confer with the Foreign Secretary before answering that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether Mr. Hoover, the American representative charged with the investigation of famine conditions in Europe during the recent War, had reported that the present starving condition of Austria, Hungary, and certain parts of the Balkans called for immediate relief; and whether the British Government intended to continue to bear the greater part of the burden of this relief, or whether the Government intended to represent to the United States Government the advisability of encouraging the American public, as advised by Mr. Hoover, to subscribe to the relief of this distress, on account of the financial position of this country?

No statement has been received from Mr. Hoover since he returned to America in the early part of September. His Majesty's Government do not intend to continue to bear the greater part of the burden of this relief. Whether the American public should be officially encouraged to subscribe to funds for the relief of Austrian distress is a matter solely for the consideration of the United States Government, and is one in which I am sure that the hon. and gallant Member will understand that it is not possible for His Majesty's Government to intervene.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not understand the futility of feeding the people when they cannot get work? It might go on for ever.

asked the Prime Minister whether he could state when the Bill dealing with the government of Ireland would be introduced?

asked the Prime Minister whether he was in a position to say when a statement would be made by the Government of their policy with regard to Ireland?

The Government hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to a raid made by armed Sinn Feiners on the British ship "Minna Horn" whilst discharging a cargo of grain at Cork; whether the first; officer, accompanied by his wife and child, were held up by armed men pointing revolvers at their heads on the ship's deck; if any arrests were made; and will he take steps to protect British seamen coming into. Cork and Dublin by putting armed blue jackets on board on these ships' arrival?

The facts are, unfortunately, substantially as stated in the question. The first officer, hearing a noise, came to the door of his berth, and saw standing at the end of the passage with a revolver in his hand a man, who called to him to stand back and shut the door. His wife and child remained in the berth, and were not held up or otherwise interfered with. No arrests have been made. The matter referred to in the last part of the question is one for my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether an undertaking was given by the Irish Government that prisoners whose offences were definitely political should be treated under the rules known in England as the Churchill rules; how many prisoners at present in confinement are receiving the benefit of this treatment; whether such treatment, once accorded, has been in any case withdrawn; if so, in how many instances, for what periods, and for what reasons; and whether any difference is made in respect of such treatment between the different gaols in which political prisoners are confined?

The Churchill rule was promulgated in Ireland on 24th October, 1910, by the Irish Government, and since that date it has been automati- cally and invariably applied in all appropriate cases; 63 prisoners are receiving special ameliorative treatment, involving more extensive privileges than could be granted under the Churchill rule. This special treatment is applicable to all prisoners who in the popular phrase are "political prisoners," and who have not been guilty of acts which are criminal per se. Ameliorations have been withdrawn for misconduct in 282 cases, in 101 of which ameliorations were restored within periods varying from seven days to five and a half months. The treatment is uniform as far as possible, consistent with varied structural and other circumstances of different prisons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he received on the 5th November, 1919, a copy of a resolution passed by the Belfast Corporation on 3rd November, registering their intention to appoint a local committee under the Profiteering Act; whether it is a fact that no acknowledgment of the receipt of the resolution was sent to the corporation; whether he has also received an urgent telegram from the corporation protesting against the delay in this matter; and whether he will take immediate steps to have the request of the corporation expedited?

I am afraid, Sir that I have no personal knowledge of the matters referred to in this question, and I regret that as notice of my hon. Friend's intention to ask it did not reach me until a few minutes before I had to leave my office to come to the House, I have not had time to make the necessary inquiries. I will look into the matter immediately and communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister when the Bill is to be introduced which is to provide for the limitation of coal-owners' profits to 1s. 2d. per ton?

I hope it may be possible to introduce this Bill next week.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state when the Bill will be introduced for the purpose of giving effect to the proposals which he announced for the future organisation of the coal industry?

I cannot at present state the date when the Government will be ready to introduce this Bill.