asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Egypt will be invited to send a representative to attend the first meeting of the assembly of the League of Nations; and, if not, what is the reason for her different treatment in this respect to that of the Empire of India?

The status of Egypt in relation to the League of Nations can only be determined when the details of her future Constitution under the Protectorate and her position in relation to the British Empire have been finally settled. Her present position offers no analogy; to that of India.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state whose duty it will be to summon the first meeting of the assembly and the first meeting of the council of the League of Nations in view of the refusal of the United States Senate; to ratify the Treaty?

Article 5 of the Treaty of Peace stipulates that the President of the United States of America shall summon the meetings. I do not understand that this will be in any way affected by the refusal of the United States to ratify the Treaty.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what meaning the Foreign Office attaches to the word "Soviet"; and whether the present form of authority in Russia answers to this description?

The word "Soviet" means "Council." The name is commonly applied, both by themselves and by others, to the Bolshevik Government in Russia.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of either an armistice or peace being agreed to between the Baltic States and Soviet Russia, we will place any hindrance in the way of the transit of goods to Soviet Russia by way of Libau, Win-dau, or other ice-free ports in the Baltic?

I do not think it is desirable to answer hypothetical questions in reference to the highly difficult and complicated situation in Russia. I have already stated that the British Fleet cannot undertake to resume their patrol of the Baltic.

asked the Prime Minister when the International Conference which is to discuss the future of Russia will be convened; what Powers or de facto Governments will be represented; what sections of the former Russian Empire will be represented; whether representatives of the Soviet Government will be invited; and what will be the terms of reference to this Conference?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state when and where the Conference of the Allied and Associated Powers which is to meet to discuss and, if possible, settle the Russian, question, is to be held?

I cannot add anything to what I said on Thursday last in reply to questions on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state at what date Great Britain will cease sending supplies to any of the belligerent bodies in Russia?

I can add nothing to the information already given to the House on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have any information as to a revolutionary movement at Vladivostok, supported by the Czecko Slovak General Guida and the Socialistic parties, which is alleged to have as its object the opening of negotiations with the Soviet Government; whether this movement was suppressed by the representatives of the Allies; and, if so, why?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and, as to the second part, in the negative.

The revolution was not suppressed by the; Allies?

No.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will say what Governments are signatories of the Treaties of Peace with Germany and with Austria-Hungary, respectively?

The name of the States whose Governments are signatories to the Treaties of Peace with Germany and Austria are contained in the copies of the Treaties which have already been laid before the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what Treaties or arrangements which confer most-favoured-nation rights upon other countries are still in force, and also if any such treaties have been denounced; and, if so, when?

The greater part of the information required by the hon. Member will be found in the "Return of Most-favoured-nation Clauses in Existing Treaties of Commerce and Navigation between Great Britain and Foreign Powers," which was laid before Parliament as Cd. 3395, Commercial No. 3 (1907).

Since the date of that Return, commercial Treaties containing most-favoured-nation Clauses have been concluded with Bolivia, Honduras, Japan, Portugal and Serbia. The former commercial Treaties with enemy Powers have lapsed owing to the War, and those with the Congo Free State and Corea have disappeared upon the annexation of those countries. The Treaties with Russia, Salvador and Uruguay have terminated upon denunciation, and the Treaties with France and Greece have been denouncd, but remain operative subject to three months' notice of denunciation on either side.

asked the Prime Minister what action has been taken or will be taken on the Report of the Committee on Trusts?

I have been asked to reply. Section 3 of the Profiteering Act empowered the Board of Trade to make investigations into Trusts and Combinations, in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee; and a number of investigations are now being conducted by the Central Committee established under that Act.

asked the Pensions Minister if his attention has been called to the fact that magistrates and judges are frequently embarrassed by the present pensions rule that imprisonment for a certain period of time of an ex-soldier in receipt of pension automatically deprives that soldier of pension rights; and if, in view of the fact that soldiers' pensions are now regarded as of right and not of grace, he will consider the advisability of taking steps to remove what would appear to be an anomaly?

I am considering this question with others, of which it forms a part.

Is it not a fact that the soldier's pension now is a right and no longer a grace?

It is a right, and it is not a grace, and I am considering the reaction which follows from that fact.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will state the number of medical men permanently employed in his Department who have not served in His Majesty's forces overseas during the War, the number so employed who have served overseas, how many who have not served overseas now hold high administrative rank, including deputy commissioners of medical services and assessors, the number of medical men who have applied for permanent appointments, and how many have been granted; if he is aware that many, if not most, of the well-paid posts have never been advertised in the medical or other Press; if he can give any information as to how these posts were filled; if the official in charge of the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Pensions (Director - General's Department, 14, Great Smith Street, S.W.), Dr. R. M'Queen, has served overseas in His Majesty's forces; and if he will take steps to see that ex-Royal Army Medical Corps and naval medical officers get preference for all appointments before the appointments are made permanent?

In reply to that part of the question which relates to Dr. M'Queen, I may inform my hon. Friend that this officer was mobilised on the first day of the War and served, continuously until four months after the, signing of the Armistice, when he was invalided with a 30 per cent, disability resulting from service in France, Belgium, and Macedonia. In appointments to the; Medical Services Division of the Ministry it is the invariable practice to give preference to men who have seen war service overseas.

The answer to the remaining parts of the question is of such length and involves; so many figures that I am circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will state the grades and average salaries of the 283 officials removed from his Department during the month of September; and how many, if any, of them were transferred to other Government Departments?

The net reduction in staff at Headquarters in September was 497. Against this the staff in the Regions and in medical institutions showed a net increase of 214, giving a net reduction for the whole Ministry of 283. The reduction was practically entirely in the clerical grades with wages averaging about 46s. a week. No transfers were made to other Government Departments.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Ernest Butcher, who was injured in the Royal Navy in 1888, and who was awarded a pension of £13 10s. per annum (pension certificate No. N.G.B. 3,078); whether he is aware that Mr. Butcher received this pension for one year only; that after repeated applications the pension was renewed in 1915, stopped again in 1916, and finally in 1917 a lesser amount was awarded for life; and whether, in view of the fact that this man's disability is permanent, he will give instructions for the payment of the pension for the period during which it was withheld?

The pre-war Regulations under which this pension is granted, are based, not on the extent of disablement, but on a man's ability to contribute to his own support. Mr. Butcher's original pension of £13 12s. a year was awarded by the Admiralty for one year only, its renewal depending on further survey. Mr. Butcher, however, went to Australia, and made no further application until August. 1914. He was then re-examined and found ineligible for continuation of pension, but was informed that, should he lose his employment as-a result of his disability, his case would be reconsidered. On a further application in March, 1915, reconsideration took place, and pension, at the rate of 3s. 6d. a week, again awarded for one year. In view of the medical report at the end of that period, the pension was not renewed, but as a result of a further later examination, pension was granted at the rate of 3s. 6d. a week for life. Mr. Butcher is not eligible for an award in respect of the periods during which the pension was discontinued.

asked the Pensions Minister if he can state the reason why disabled men in receipt of service pensions are only being paid disablement pensions under the scales laid down in the 1918 warrant instead of the higher scales, with wife allowance, as laid down in the warrant of September last; whether he is aware that disabled service pensioners who have received disablement pensions under the last-named warrant are now being asked to refund the overpayments; and if he will state the authority for this action?

The facts are not quite as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. The scales of service pension have been increased for certain classes of pension to meet the increased cost of living. As following the recommendation of the Select Committee on Pensions, the rates of Disablement Pensions were increased for precisely the same reason, the Government deciding that in cases where both disablement and service pensions were payable, payment should not be made at the increased rates for both classes of pensions concurrently. The new warrant will, therefore, provide that in cases where the service pension is payable at the higher rate, the disablement pension shall be based on a maximum of 33s. instead of 40s., but the allowance for a wife and the new rates of children's allowances will be payable.

It is not intended to ask for a refund from future issues of pension in any of the few cases where, prior to the Government's decision, payment at the higher rates both of disablement and service pension may already have been made. If my hon. and gallant Friend can give me particulars of any cases where repayment has been claimed, I will investigate them.

In respect to the general principle, is not the Government doing exactly what is objected to in private individuals, namely, reducing a man's wages by asking what is the amount of his disability pension?

I think not. It is only with regard to the element of increase in cost of living that it is taken into account at all.

Does not that apply-equally to wages?

As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, wages are not taken into account at all, but these are both payments from public funds which overlap with regard to the cost of living.

asked the Pensions Minister if he can state the reason why a widow who remarries is only entitled to draw a gratuity based on the rates of pension laid down in the Pensions Warrant of April, 1918, instead of at the higher rates as introduced on the 3rd September, 1918?

The general increase in the rates of widows' pensions consequent upon the high cost of living is not considered to afford any ground for a corresponding increase in the amount which is given to a widow gratuitously, and not for current maintenance, on her remarriage. The new Royal Warrant which is shortly to be issued will, accordingly, provide that these gratuities shall continue to be paid at the rates laid down in the 1918 Warrant.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that officers in receipt of disability retired pay, after winning their commission from the ranks, are subject to a deduction from this pay of the amount of service pension earned for service in the ranks; and whether he is prepared to introduce an Amendment to the Warrant which will make it possible for such an officer to receive his retired pay in full independent of any pension which he may have earned by reason of long service in the ranks before the War and under an entirely different and distinct engagement?

As I explained in reply to a question put to me on the 11th August, an officer holding a temporary commission receives disability retired pay made up of his service pension as a soldier, with an addition, according to the degree of disablement, varying from £100 for total disability. In cases where the rate arrived at is less than the disability rate in the prescribed scale he receives retired pay at that rate. The ques- tion has, however, been before the Select Committee, who may possibly deal with it in their next Report.

Is not the Government doing the same thing here again, namely, taking into consideration the rate of service pension in assessing disability?

I think not. We are following the principle which has been applied right through pensions for both officers and men. So far as it affects officers, it is before the Select Committee, and I shall, of course, consider any recommendation they may make on the subject.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will explain why he has closed the banking account of the East Ham Local War Pensions Committee and withdrawn their powers; and whether he is aware that the committee have in the past made themselves liable to surcharges amounting to £100,000?

From the reports of the inspectors of my Department it appeared that the East Ham committee were making, and threatening to make, unauthorised payments out of public moneys committed to their charge. As a precautionary measure, I, therefore, stopped their power to draw upon public moneys. I ordered a local inquiry to be held into the action of the committee, and this is now proceeding.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the scale of expenses allowed to a member of a local war pensions committee is 1s. per hour for time lost through attending meetings of the committee; whether he is aware that, in comparison with the present earnings and the high cost of living, 1s. per hour does not meet the loss incurred; whether he is aware that members of local advisory committees under the Ministry of Labour are entitled to the actual wages lost up to a maximum of 20s. per day; and whether he will consider the advisability of adopting the same scale for members of war pensions committees?

I regret that am not yet in a position to make an announcement on this subject, which is being considered in consultation with other Departments.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the practical failure which has so far attended all his other schemes for the establishment of convalescent training centres, he proposes to go on with the further scheme at the Beacon and Lickey Hostels, Birmingham, which does, as a matter of fact, deprive; 1,500 people of employment and housing at Longbridge, and which offers no better prospects of success than any of his previous schemes?

I cannot usefully add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the subject of these hostels on the 5th instant.

asked the Pensions Minister the result of the special medical examination on Lieut. G. A. M. Leathern, No. 13030–, L. 3, Royal Irish Rifles, at Whitehall Buildings, Ann Street, Belfast, on the 21st October last; whether, as the result of this examination, this officer is now entitled to his wound gratuity which has been refused by the War Office; and will his temporary pension of £35 plus twenty per cent., which expires in; January, 1920, be extended till January, 1921.

I must refer the hon. Member to the War Office for information as to the wound gratuity. Following the consideration of the medical board's reports the grant of retired pay has been revised. An award has now been made at the rate of £52 10s. a year, with bonus, for the period from 25th March, 1919, to 29th April next. Before the expiration of this period the question of renewal will be considered.

asked the Pensions Minister the number of pensions which have been awarded under Article 15 of the Royal Warrant on Pensions; whether these are of a temporary nature and amount to 15s. weekly to widows and no allowances for children are provided for in this Article; and whether the pensions will be assessed on a proportionate basis to widows whose pensions are awarded under Article 11 or a war bonus added owing to the increased cost of the necessaries of life?

The number awarded is approximately 1,000. The temporary pension granted under Article 15 of the Royal Warrant to a widow whose husband's death was in no way connected with his military service is a gratuity given in circumstances which cannot be said to justify a claim for assistance from the State. It was not intended to be a maintenance grant, and was, therefore, excluded from the scope of the 20 per cent, bonus.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Private James Law, No. 2013, 5th Black Watch, died at a camp at Hawick in April, 1915, through being choked while at a meal; that he was buried with full military honours; that his widow, Mrs. Law, Smithy Croft, Arbroath, is in receipt of a temporary pension of 15s. weekly, while no allowances are given for his child; and that the deceased soldier heroically rescued from drowning, at great danger to his own life, a comrade who had fallen into a rushing mill tide; and whether he will explain why Mrs. Law is not receiving full pension?

Private Law's death could not be ascribed to his military service, and, therefore, it was only possible to grant to his widow the temporary pension under Article 15 of the Royal Warrant.

called upon Sir Clement Kinloch-Cooke to ask question No. 25.

Before this question is put, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, as the first question answered by him on Thursday is No. 25, the effect of it is, as I stated last week, that no Irish question can be answered verbally?

That is not relevant to the question on the Paper.

On a point of Order. May I ask you, Sir, how I can raise this point?

If the hon. and gallant Member will put his question down in the ordinary way, as other Members do.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the fact that many women who served in various capacities in forward areas during the War, and were incapacitated owing to such service, do not come within the scope of any pensions scheme; and will he consider the advisability of instituting an Inquiry into the whole system under which these pensions are administered, with a view to the removal of grievances and bringing under one Department the whole administration?

I have been asked to take this question, but I have nothing to add to my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 20th instant.

Could the right hon. Gentleman reply to that part of the question in which I ask him if his attention has been, called to the fact that many of these unfortunate and gallant women do not come within the scope of any pension, and also the other part of my question in which I ask him if he will consider the advisability of bringing the whole administration under one Department?

I told my hon. and gallant Friend on the 20th instant that these cases either came under the Workmen's Compensation Act or the Injuries of War Act, and that was in communication with the First Lord of the Admiralty and with the Secretary of State for War with regard to the matter. I really cannot add anything to that statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether approximately 400 disabled men are still awaiting hospital treatment as bed cases in the London district?

I have been asked to answer this question. There are at present about 130 discharged disabled men awaiting hospital treatment as bed cases in the London area. The surgical cases will be admitted forth with, and other cases with as little delay as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that during the War many soldiers were sentenced to terms of imprisonment for offences other than criminal; is he aware that these men were not then imprisoned but were put in the firing line, and those who were not killed or maimed were sent to prison after the Armistice was signed; and, in view of the fact that nearly all the Great Powers have released their military prisoners, is he prepared to advise similar action so far as British soldiers are concerned?

This question only reached me a short time before the House assembled. The terms of the question do not at all represent the actual facts, but I am anxious to make a full statement, and if the hon. Member will put a question down early next week I will answer him.

I will be very glad to do so, and to supply the right hon. Gentleman with a case which bears upon what I have said.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have this year at any time considered the question of preventing unemployment, other than the question of insurance against unemployment; and, if so, what is their intention on this matter?

The policy of the Government with regard to the prevention of unemployment has been to do everything in their power to hasten the return of industry to normal lines. The general question of the prevention of unemployment was considered by the Provisional Joint Committee of the Industrial Conference in the early part of this year, and so far as this could be done by Government action, the Minister of Labour has done his best to have the recommendations of this Conference carried into effect.

asked the Prime Minister if he is in a position to make any statement as to the existing state of affairs at Fiume; and what further steps are contemplated, if any, by the Supreme Council to deal with the situation?

This matter is receiving the close attention of the Supreme Council, but I regret I am not in a position to make any further statement at present.

Is it a fact that this irresponsible adventurer is preparing an attack on the Dalmatian coast and also Montenegro? Would not the British Navy be called in to deal with that?

I am afraid that is not the way to deal with it.

Have we any ships in the Adriatic to protect Spalato and the other Dalmatian towns from this adventurer?

I must have notice of that.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of pending legislation with regard to the drink trade, the Government will provide facilities to enable Members of the House of Commons who desire to visit Carlisle and acquaint themselves with the facts of the experiment in direct control that has been made there to do so?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am informed by the Central Control Board that any Member who may wish to visit Carlisle, for the purpose indicated in my hon. Friend's question, should communicate with their local representative, Sir E. C. Sanders, 19, Castle Street, Carlisle, who will provide all necessary facilities.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is hardly possible for a Member or anybody else to avoid visiting Carlisle, and that it is extremely hard when you arrive there to get anything to drink anywhere, at any time?

That is probably the explanation why so many Members have not yet visited it.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the immediate withdrawal of the Black Sea Army, which is costing the country £24,000 a day, and the employment of the money formerly spent on the Black Sea Army on building houses or other reconstruction schemes to provide employment and alleviate distress?

As what is termed the Black Sea Army includes troops at Constantinople and the Straits, it is not possible to adopt the suggestion in the question till Peace has been made with Turkey.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a working-class protest demonstration held on 20th November outside a building in which the shareholders of Messrs. J. and P. Coats were meeting in Glasgow; whether the protest was against the high price of thread and the great increase in the profits of the firm; and whether, in view of the discontent, which is extending, because of high prices and enormous profits, he can take some step, by legislation or otherwise, to reduce both or make effective use of the Profiteering Act in this case?

I have been asked to reply. My attention had been drawn to newspaper reports of a demonstration of the kind referred to. With regard to the last part of the question, would refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to a question by the hon. Member for South Salford on 13th November, in which it was explained that prices, costs and profit in all stages in the manufacture of sewing cotton have been for some time under investigation, through machinery established under the Profiteering Act.

Is it possible for the Profiteering Act to be applied in a case of this kind?

At any rate, it is possible to have it applied so far as investigation goes.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, after investigation, the Act can be applied by any act of the Government, instead of it being on the initiative of an aggrieved person?

I think I should like to have notice of that.

Is it not the case that even under the Act a fine of £100 can be imposed?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it will be possible to make a statement about the investigation, seeing the matter has given rise to a great deal of unrest?

I am afraid it cannot be very soon, because figures from abroad as well as at home have to be collected.

asked the Prime Minister what effect the delay in the ratification of the Treaty of Paris by the United States Senate has had on the Plebiscite and Missions under Clauses of the Treaty; whether the guarantees to Belgium will be carried into effect by His Majesty's Government should the United States fail to ratify the Treaty; whether the British and French Governments have already conferred on this possible eventuality; and whether he is in a position to indicate what effect, if any, a decision by the United States not to ratify the Treaty of Paris will have on the Tripartite Treaty defending France in case of wanton attack?

As regards the first part of the question, the Supreme Council have decided that the German Delegation should be informed that all Commissions to be constituted by the Allied and Associated Powers should be duly composed and should function regularly with the representatives designated by the Powers ratifying the Treaty, or who, without having ratified, have agreed to designate representatives. The only effect which the delay in ratification by the U.S.A. has had on these Commissions has been an indirect one due to the necessity, thereby falling on the other Powers, of finding a larger quota of representatives. As regards the second part of the question, I do not know what the hon. Member has in mind. As far as His Majesty's Government is concerned, the Treaty of 1839 remains in force until it is abrogated, and the British and French Governments are at present considering the position of Belgium should that contingency arise. As regards the last part of the question, the ratification by the British Government of the Tripartite Treaty is contingent on the ratification by the U.S.A., but the refusal of that Government to ratify the Treaty of Peace will not necessarily affect the Treaty of Peace provided that they ratify the tripartite part separately.

asked the Prime Minister whether such representations to the Allied and Associated Powers can now be made as will enable the Peace Treaty with the Ottoman Empire to be considered and ratified in London, since the interests of the British Empire are so deeply concerned by the conclusion of an early peace with Turkey, and so far no progress in this direction has been found possible?

asked the Prime Minister whether steps will be taken to accelerate the conclusion of peace with Turkey, in view of the fact that the United States of America cannot now be expected to accept a mandate for any part of the Turkish Empire?

The British Government are anxious to have an early meeting for the settlement of the Turkish problem. They are in communication with the Allied and Associated Governments with that object. I quite agree with my hon Friend the Member for Clackmannan and Eastern Stirling that the conclusion of an early peace is in the interest not only of the British Empire, but of the whole world.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a petition praying that an immediate inquiry may be instituted into the existing methods of the collection and presentation of public statistics; and whether he would be prepared to fix an early day for the reception of a small deputation to urge the prayer of the petitioners?

I have not yet received the petition in question. Perhaps those interested might send me their views in writing, and I could then judge whether a deputation would be necessary.

I am much obliged.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any indication as to when the new insurance scheme, against unemployment is likely to be ready for submission to the House of Commons, and how many months from the present time he anticipates it will take before the scheme can be brought into force?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As I stated yesterday in reply to the hon. Member for Lincoln, it is hoped to introduce a Bill dealing with this subject very shortly. It is not possible to say what period is likely to elapse before the scheme comes into operation, since this must depend on the nature of the scheme as finally adopted and the date of its adoption.

May I ask whether, when the Government decided to repeal the unemployment doles to civilian workers, they had any definite idea in their heads as to how long it would take to bring in this unemployment Bill?

I think they have a very definite idea of how long it will be, because the Bill is now being prepared.

Does "very shortly" mean before Christmas, or after Christmas?

I think so!

Which?

Before!

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to reconstitute the Egyptian and Soudan Civil Services, in view of the depleted condition of those services through casualties in the War and the suspension of recruiting during the War; whether the existing situation is one of the main causes of the present disturbed condition of Egypt, since adequate supervision of native officials was, and is, impossible; whether the new obligations of this country to other Arabic-speaking countries necessitates a new system by the formation of a Civil Service responsible for assisting in the good government of all Arabic-speaking countries under a British Protectorate or Mandate; and whether, without improved conditions of service, chances of promotion, and rate of pension on retirement, it is considered probable that suitable individuals will offer themselves for employment in the Civil Service of Egypt, the Soudan, Palestine, etc.?

A selection board representing the Egyptian and Soudanese Governments assembled in London during August and appointed candidates to fill vacancies in the Civil Service of the countries. As regards the second part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, it is impossible to analyse all the causes contributing to bring about the present disturbed condition of Egypt, but it is undoubtedly the case that the absence of sufficient British Civil servants during the War rendered the inspection and control of the work of minor Egyptian officials almost impossible. As regards the third part of the question, the proposal will receive consideration when the extent of our new obligations towards Arabic-speaking countries is determined. As regards the last part of the question, substantial improvement in the conditions of service in Egypt and the Soudan has already been effected, and further improvements are being considered.

Arising out of the question, may ask the hon. Gentleman whether Lord Milner's Commission, before they proceed to Egypt, will be able to consider the future government of Egypt with the knowledge that the British Government are prepared to set up a Civil Service which will embrace all Arabic-speaking countries over which we have either Protectorate interests or a Mandate.

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

May ask whether the Milner Commission will be competent to inquire into the grievances, either individual or collective, of the existing British Civil servants in Egypt? Will that be one of their instructions?

I am afraid cannot answer that question. Notice should be given.

Cannot we have an answer to the question—it is a very important matter?

The Noble Lord must be aware that the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs is abroad on public business, and that the hon. Member for Southampton is only answering on his behalf.

But cannot we have an answer from the Prime Minister?

I think notice should be given of these questions in reference to Egypt. As my Noble Friend is well aware, this is a very delicate matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether Roumania has agreed to the requirements of the Allied Powers with reference to Bessarabia; and what steps are being taken to enable the population to determine their future government?

The question of Bessarabia has still to be discussed at the Peace Conference.

asked the Prime Minister whether his Majesty's Government have any information with regard to the establishment of Messrs. Krupp in Germany; whether this firm is continuing to produce large quantities of munitions; and whether any steps are being taken to ensure that adequate supervision is exercised to avoid any possibility of secret production of munitions on an extensive scale?

Our information does not confirm the suggestions in the first two parts of the question. It is the duty of the Supreme Council to have regard to such questions, and this, I am sure, is being done.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British High Com- missioner for Austria has reported that unless speedy assistance is given to Austria the day is not far distant when the whole of the Republics from the Swiss frontier to the confines of Hungary will dissolve into total anarchy; whether His Majesty's Government share that view; and whether the Supreme Council in Paris, including the United States of America, or His Majesty's Government are taking steps to deal with the situation?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, with a view to restoring the economic life of Europe, the Government will propose that international credits be given for the purchase of raw materials by those countries of Central and Eastern Europe which are at present suffering from inability to purchase such materials, owing to the breakdown of their exchanges;

(2) whether he is aware that considerable suffering exists in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Jugo-Slovakia owing to the fact that the economic and financial breakdown is preventing the exchange of food, raw materials, and manufactured goods; and whether His Majesty's Government will endeavour to bring together the responsible statesmen of these countries with a view, to making the adjustments necessary for securing the free exchange of goods between them?

His Majesty's Government are fully conscious of the very serious economic situation existing in Central Europe, and, in conjunction with the Supreme Council in Paris, are taking all possible means to alleviate the difficulties. They have reached the conclusion that only a comprehensive arrangement for a large international credit would adequately meet the situation, and it is essential for the success of such a proposal that the United States should contribute that part of the expenditure which has to be incurred in dollars. Urgent representations have accordingly been made to the United States Government in this sense. The Noble Lord's proposal for free exchange of goods between the various countries would undoubtedly tend to make conditions easier, and His Majesty's Government will certainly lose no opportunity of promoting such an arrangement, as they feel that the seriousness of the situation is such that all possible measures should be taken.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the refusal of Austria to surrender the ex-Soviet leaders; whether the surrender of these leaders meets with the approval of His Majesty's Government; and, if not, whether he will inform Sir George Clerk accordingly?

Unless the hon. Member refers to the same incidents as the hon. Member for Kingswinford in the question which have already to-day answered, have no information on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister the entire cost of the British Mission to the Vatican; whether he is aware that the presence of such a Mission is a violation of the Act of Settlement; and whether, in view of the attitude of the Vatican, towards Great Britain and her Allies during the War, he will consider the advisability of bringing the Mission to an end at the earliest possible moment?

The total cost of the Mission from its inception until 31st March, 1919, is £16,920 19s. 2d. I have not yet received figures for the period subsequent to 31st March. His Majesty's Government are carefully considering the question of the maintenance of the Mission and will take a decision in the near future.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great political value this Mission has been during the last five years?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there will be considerable opposition to the Mission being withdrawn?

I am aware of both facts; that is why we are taking them into serious consideration. I fully realise the point put by the hon. Gentleman (Sir S. Hoare), that the Mission has been of great value during the War.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will kindly inform the House what was the "attitude of the Vatican towards Great Britain and the Allies during the War"? It is stated hypothetically in the question.

I do not think there is anything arising on that point out of the question.

"In view of the attitude of the Vatican "—what was it?

asked the Prime Minister if he will give the figures for the number of people earning £3 per week and under employed in the Government's clerical and administrative work discharged during the last six months who were not in Government employ before the War, and the number still employed; the correspondng figures for those paid over £3 per week; the number of permanent Government officials not employed before the War and being paid over £400 per year who had been discharged, and how many were now employed; if those Government Servants whose salaries had been raised because they were in charge of large staffs, or because they were heads of Departments, have now had their salaries correspondingly reduced, the reason given for such increase no longer holding good; how many complete clerical and administrative staffs have been abolished, and whether any of the permanent Government servants formerly in charge of these had had their salaries reduced; and how many officers in receipt of retired pay are still being employed by the Government, and of these how many are being paid over £500 per year?

The various particulars desired by the hon. Member could only be obtained by calling for detailed returns from Government Departments, the preparation of which would involve an expenditure of time and labour altogether out of proportion to the value of the information obtained. If the hon. Member has a particular case or cases in mind, perhaps he will address a specific inquiry to the Minister concerned. As regards the fifth part of the question, temporary increases of pay to permanent Civil servants for extra duties or responsibilities are withdrawable when those extra duties or responsibilites cease, and have no reason to doubt that this condition is duly observed.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he does not think that the process adopted by the Pensions Ministry would relieve the situation, and that the easiest way would be to sack all the low-paid officials, rather than trouble about their wages?

I understand that it is the desire of the House, as it is the desire of the Government, to dispense with any officials whose services are no longer required.

Is it only those who are getting low salaries who are not required? Are there none who are getting large salaries who are not required?

Certainly. The question of whether the salary is high or low does not affect the usefulness or necessity of the services rendered.

Then why sack all the low-paid ones?

The hon. Member is singularly unfortunate in insinuating as a statement of fact something which is not the case.

asked the Prime Minister whether he gave any undertaking to President Wilson at the Peace Conference that he would endeavour to settle the Irish question?

The answer to this question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister when steps will be taken to make peace with Hungary?

The Allies have been ready for some time to present their terms of peace to Hungary. Unfortunately, there was no Government in existence that could be fairly held to represent that country. At last, however, largely owing to the exertions of Sir George Clerk, a Government, representative of all parties in Hungary, has been formed to hold elections immediately. I trust that this will be the prelude to an early peace between Hungary and the Allied and Associated Powers.

Are we to understand that peace with Hungary cannot take place until after there has been a general election in Hungary?

I do not think it would be possible to negotiate peace until there is in Hungary a Government that is really representative of the people.

And does that depend upon the election?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has information to the effect that the Catholic extremists are co-operating with Admiral Troubridge to retain the pro-Hapsburg Friedrich in power in Hungary in opposition to Sir George Clerk; whether this is contrary to the policy of His Majesty's Government; and will he have Admiral Troubridge informed of the necessity of supporting Sir George Clerk in all things?

No, Sir. I have information that the rumour referred to is without foundation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this statement has been made in the Austrian Press?

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether £1,000,000 has been placed to the credit of General Yudenitch in a London bank; if so, whether this money has been advanced by the British Government; and whether General Yudenitch will be entitled to withdraw it now that his expedition is a failure?

His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of such a transaction as that alleged. The last two parts of the question, therefore, do not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether food coming from the Overseas Dominions will be subject to-the provisions of the Exports and Imports. Regulation Bill?

I have been asked to reply. If the hon. and gallant Member will study the provisions of the Bill he will find that no article of food is included in the list of key industries; and that the powers to prohibit the import of goods on the ground of collapsed exchanges relate only to foreign countries. The only provisions which restrict importation from the Overseas Dominions into this country, therefore, are those to prevent dumping. These are confined to no particular class of article, but may be applied to any goods coming from any source. The application of these provisions, however, will in all cases take place only with the authority of a statutory body on which hon. Members of this House will be in a large majority.

(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that there are 2,000 tons of best Dutch butter awaiting export to this country; that unless this butter be shipped to this country this week it will go elsewhere as the permits for export to this country expire on the 29th instant; whether it is a fact that the Treasury have refused to sanction the necessary expenditure for the purchase of this butter through the Food Ministry, and, if so, whether, in view of the present great scarcity of butter—a scarcity which will become accentuated—he will state the grounds upon which the Treasury refused to sanction the expenditure?

Treasury sanction was given some time ago for the purchase of Dutch butter at a price not exceeding £283 a ton, c.i.f., which may be taken as approximately equivalent to the price of 2s. 6d. a pound, which is the selling rate to the public in the United Kingdom. The price now asked is understood to be £330 a ton, f.o.b., and the Treasury has refused to sanction purchase at this price.

In view of the condition of the foreign exchanges it is not in my opinion desirable that this country should make competitive bids for imported butter at prices which not only tend to cause further exchange difficulties but also a loss to the Exchequer when the butter is resold to the British consumer. It is essential that the available purchasing power of this country in foreign markets should be conserved to the utmost extent possible for the purchase of absolutely essential foodstuffs and raw materials.

asked the Prime Minister whether the legal termination of the War will not take place until the ratification of the last of the Treaties with countries which have been at war with His Majesty and his Allies?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what will happen if Turkey, or Hungary, or any other country refuses to ratify the Treaty?

The War cannot come to an end until there is a Treaty of Peace.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great hardship that is being caused by the continued uncertainty as to the legal termination of the War?

I have already said so with special reference to Turkey.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government, in placing orders on Home, Colonial, or Indian account, will have regard to the special hardships under which towns such as Barrow-in-Furness, which were engaged almost exclusively in the manufacture of material for the War, are now suffering; and will he ensure that so far as possible some clear priority in the allocation of such orders be made promptly to enable the workers in those places to weather the coming winter?

The Government have devoted a good deal of attention to the case of industrial centres which have been engaged in the production of war material where dislocation and suffering have been caused by the termination of war contracts. Much has already been done to mitigate the evils which inevitably arise owing to the change from war to peace conditions, and, in consequence, there has been little actual distress, and the conditions compare very favourably with those which ensued after previous great wars in which the country has been engaged.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the locality in question approximately 10 per cent, of the adult working population are out of employment to-day; and will he, considering that, give a reply to the second part of the question?

I shall certainly bear in mind the statement of my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now make any statement as to the steps which the Government feel able to take to facilitate the use of the Prince of Wales' Fund for the relief of cases of distress due to the cessation of the unemployment benefit; and whether he can recommend greater decentralisation of authority in dealing with purely local cases?

I cannot add anything to the replies which have already been given on this subject.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to consider the setting up of a Committee to consider what is the best use to which these funds can be put?