asked the Secretary of State for India whether warning is given in time to allow the removal of women, children, and other non-combatants before bombing raids by aeroplane are carried out on frontier towns and villages?

Warning was given to the Wazirs and Mahsuds, after they had rejected our terms, that they would be subjected to bombing from the air, after time had been allowed for the removal of women and children.

Is this the practice always followed in these operations?

And how long are the combatants likely to wait for the bombs after this warning?

I think there is great objection to the use of aeroplanes for bombing women and children, and if the desired military results can be obtained without that, so much the better.

But have we always followed followed this humane practice?

So far as my memory serves me, since aeroplanes have been invented for bombing purposes this is the first time they have been used on the North-West frontier, and I am sure hon. Members will be glad it has been found possible to give the warning.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position to state the new pension rates for Indian Army officers; and, if not, when he expects to be in a position to make such a statement?

I am still awaiting the proposals of the Government of India. I have asked when I may expect to receive them, and hope they will not be much longer delayed.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the list of Central subjects on pages 45 and 46 of Volume III. of the Appendices to the Government of India Bill and referred to on page 9, Sub-section (e), of Clause 10 of the Government of India Bill, is a fixed list and not subject to alteration by any local authority; and whether it secures that no Provincial Government of India has any power to alter or change in any way the currency of its own particular province, either as regards gold, silver, paper, or subsidiary coinage, and that a uniform currency and coinage is ensured for the whole of British India by the Bill?

As regards the first part of the question, the list of Central subjects, when embodied in rules made under Clause 1 of the Bill with the sanction of the Secretary of State in Council, cannot be varied except by rules similarly made, and will, therefore, not be subject to alteration by any local authority in India. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information to the effect that the Greek landing at Smyrna and its consequences have aroused anti-British feeling in India?

The Greek occupation of Smyrna has certainly led to grave apprehensions lest the Entente contemplated a division or partition of Turkish Turkey—a policy which Indians, both Mùssulman and Hindu, and the Government of India and we who represented them in Paris have always opposed.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Prime Minister's pledge of 5th January, 1918, with regard to the future Peace settlement with Turkey is known in India; and whether unrest in India is due to the fact that the Moslems are not certain if British policy adheres to or repudiates the pledge of the Prime Minister?

Yes, Sir; and I have continually urged upon the Peace Conference the importance to India of a Peace consistent with the policy contained in the speech to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the complaints made by the crews of certain of His Majesty's ships in the Baltic owing to the lack of fresh provisions and of canteen. supplies; and whether any steps have been taken to improve matters?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many seamen now serving in the Baltic are ill-informed as to the objects of their service; whether he will consider the expediency of having the men enlightened as to the vital national interests involved; and whether he can hold out any hope of rewarding their service by the grant of an extra bar to the War medal or of a gratuity?

The necessary steps have already been taken in regard to this matter. The grant of a clasp to the War medal for service in the Baltic has been approved.

May the House be informed what are the vital national interests involved in this matter, seeing that although the seamen of the Baltic fleet have been given full information the House has been told nothing?

I have dealt with the question on the Paper, and if the hon. Member wants other information he suggests he had better apply to those who framed the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what Royal Naval forces it is proposed to keep at Murmansk and the Baltic and Black Seas, respectively, during the winter?

No naval force will be kept at Murmansk during the winter. The strength of the force in the other areas mentioned, will be governed by circumstances, but in any case it is not likely to be large.

Is it proposed to keep naval forces in these seas during the winter?

I have already stated that our action in this matter will be governed by circumstances. If forces are kept there for precautionary purposes, I think the hon. Member will see I cannot add more to what I have said.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the official account of the Battle of Jutland will be published?

It is hoped to publish this account shortly.

Having regard to the fact that the log has been lost, will the officers responsible for sending the signals be asked to supply, from memory if possible, a résumé of what the signals were?

My hon. Friend is mistaken. The logbook which was temporarily lost has been recovered.

Will it form part of the Report?

That I cannot say.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what has been decided with regard to the ultimate fate of His Majesty's ship "Vindictive" at Ostend?

The "Vindictive" has practically broken her back. She has been moved out of the way of navigation; but I am advised that anything more in the way of salvage will be impracticable, and her disposal is now under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will cause the Committee set up to investigate into the question of the adaptation of the Royal dockyards for the building of mercantile ships to consider the special circumstances of the Forth, and to take no action that will in any way interfere with the development of shipbuilding at Grangemouth and Alloa, but rather to consider how best to provide the necessary transport arrangements to enable workers at Rosyth to be employed at the existing mercantile shipyards?

It is not anticipated that any action will be taken at Rosyth which will interfere with the development of shipbuilding at Grangemouth and Alloa, as the staff at that yard will be kept fully employed on the repairs and refits of His Majesty's Fleet. The latter part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to give the House any information as to the result of the Prime Minister's conversations with shipowners interested in this question?

The House has already been informed of the result of the interview between the Prime Minister and certain representatives of those interested in shipbuilding, by the appointment of a Committee resided over by Lord Colwyn. That Committee is sitting now, and I have every reason to hope it will shortly make its Report.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the fact that an applicant for relief to the Lambeth Board of Guardians was employed in home work on stringing cotton bags, for which the rate of pay was 2s. 3d. per 1,000, and that the employer has admitted the correctness of this rate, and that the person concerned has earned at the rate of 2s.9frac34;d per week; and if he will order an inquiry to be made into the conditions and wages of the cotton bag-making industry, with a view to placing it under the operations of the Trades Boards Act and preventing the sweating now existing?

My attention has not previously been called to the particular case referred to in the question, but I have already instituted inquiries into the conditions prevailing in certain textile making-up industries, including sack and bag making, with a view to the application of the Trades Boards Acts, if the inquiries show that course to be advisable.

If I give the right hon. Gentleman particulars of specific cases will he cause inquiry to be made into them?

If the hon. Member will supply particulars it will be very helpful to us.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the action of engineering employers in Letchworth in continually importing men from other centres and discharging them shortly afterwards for various reasons; whether he is aware that men are induced to transfer to Letchworth, taking their families with them, with no guarantee of permanent employment; that, in consequence of the discharges taking place, and the fresh arrivals of workmen, an acute house famine exists; that there is reason to believe the existence of a compact between the engineering employers in Letchworth not to engage any man previously employed by a Letchworth firm; and whether he can take any action in this matter?

My attention has been called to a resolution which was recently forwarded by the Letchworth Trades and Labour Council to the Letchworth Employment Committee with regard to this matter. The Letchworth Employment Committee have appointed a sub-committee of three, consisting of the chairman and representatives of workpeople and employers respectively, to investigate and report upon the subject. I will communicate further with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will inform the House of the main causes of the delay in granting training facilities to the many ex-soldier applicants; and if, in view of the disastrous results produced by these delays, he will take drastic steps in the direction of expediting this training?

The main cause of the delay in providing training for disabled ex-Service men is the lack of sufficient training institutions. Every endeavour is being made to expedite the acquisition of the additional premises required.

asked if more than 6,000 ex-soldiers have applied for grants for training in agriculture, if only 2,000 have been sanctioned, if steps of any kind were taken to assist the unsuccessful applicants; and what were the general grounds which prompted the Department to refuse sanction to such a large proportion of applicants?

The total number of applications received under the Officers' Agricultural Training Scheme for England and Wales is 5,380; grants were made in 1928 cases, or almost exactly 40 per cent of the applications. The number of grants is restricted, partly on financial grounds and partly because the openings in agriculture in this country are not unlimited, especially for applicants with little or no capital.

The Board notify the Ministry of Labour of every case in which a grant for agricultural training is refused, in order that the applicant may have an opportunity of being trained for some other industry.

The Board are considering whether the Treasury should be approached to authorise an increase of the number of training allowances, in view, particularly, of the openings in agriculture overseas.

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate number of ex-soldiers now awaiting training under his Department; if the object of this training is to enable them to earn their livelihood; and what allowances are made to them whilst they are awaiting training?

The number of names on the list of disabled ex-Service men awaiting training is about 20,000. The object of the training is to enable the disabled men to be absorbed in skilled industries at standard rates of pay. No training allowances are made by the Ministry of Labour to men awaiting training. During this period the disabled man is, however, entitled to unemployment donation, together with his disability pension.

asked the Minister of Labour if many officers nominally in receipt of training grants who accepted training in reliance on pledges given to them, and who are entirely dependent upon grants promised, are not paid in some cases for lengthy periods of time; and if he will take such steps as will render the continuance of hardships of this description impossible?

I am not aware that, as a general rule, serious delays are now occurring either in giving decisions on applications for training grants or in making payment by monthly instalments of the grants awarded for maintenance. 1t is true that such grants are not normally paid in advance, but in necessitous cases half the first month's grant may be so paid. If the hon. and gallant Member will give me particulars of any specific cases which he has in mind, I shall be glad to make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour if the period of instruction for disabled Service men in commercial education can be extended beyond the three months laid down by regulation?

I am not aware that the period of instruction for disabled ex-Service men in commercial education is limited to three months by any of the regulations governing the schemes administered by the Ministry of Labour. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will write to me explaining what particular regulation he has in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it has been decided to increase the hours of training to eight per day of trainees at the Caudron Works, Cricklewood; if so, whether many of the men have to travel long distances and, in consequence of their disabilities, experience great difficulty in getting to and fro, especially during the busy hours in the morning and evening; that the institution of an eight-hour day will mean that many of the men will be from home thirteen hours per day; and whether he will have this matter reconsidered?

The decision to fix a forty-hour working week at the Cricklewood Government instructional factory was arrived at in consultation with the London Local Technical Advisory Committee for the Building Trades. It is essential, in the interests of the trainees, that the conditions of training should prepare them for the conditions of employment. The hours of work and other conditions of training are considerably lighter than those current in the trades in which the men will be employed upon the completion of their training. The forty hours are divided into five days of eight hours each, thus leaving the whole of Saturday free. In allocating trainees to training centres every endeavour is made to place men as near to their homes as possible. The hon. Member will realise that employés in the building trade often have to undertake considerable daily journeys to and from work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the addition to Section 8 of the Industrial Courts Act which definitely classes clerical workers as workmen, it is the intention of the Government that these Section 8 clerical workers shall receive the increased cost of living bonuses ordered to be paid to workmen to assist them to meet the increased cost of living?

Advances in wages to meet the increased cost of living have been granted to numerous classes of workers, including certain clerical workers, by arbitration awards. These awards, as the hon. Member is aware, apply only to the parties to the arbitration. There is no power under the Industrial Courts Act by which the Government can direct that the various bonuses or advances shall apply to all clerical workers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will order an inquiry into the cause of the very serious decrease in the production of jute canvas in Dundee, in view of the fact that the lack of adequate supplies of canvas is causing serious dislocation and unemployment in other industries dependent upon this material?

Some decrease in production may have followed the recent reduction of hours, but matters will, I hope, be adjusted as the industry by degrees adapts itself to the new conditions. If the hon. Member considers that other causes are operative in reducing output I shall be glad to have further details which will be immediately investigated by my Department.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reduction in output amounts to 33⅓ per cent?

No. I have had no particular figure put upon it.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can tell the House the present position of the moulders' strike?

This strike, as the hon. and gallant Member will recollect, is a strike against an award of the Court of Arbitration, and began on 20th September. On the 10th October negotiations took place between the Engineering Employers' Federation and the societies, and a Memorandum of proposed terms of settlement was arrived at and signed by the federation and by the members of the executives of the societies, who undertook to submit the proposed terms to their members. A ballot took place, and the proposals were rejected. I understand the present position is that the employers have offered to meet the representatives of the societies to resume the discussion at the point at which it was left at the conclusion of the negotiations on 11th October. The employers have suggested that, in view of the adverse ballot which took place after the October conference, the representatives of the unions should place themselves in a position to be able to make a recommendation to their members in the event of any further conference arriving at a basis for general resumption. This suggestion has not yet been adopted by the societies. The whole position has been under my constant and careful consideration, and I can assure the hon. Member that no opportunity will be lost of taking any steps which might appear likely to lead to a settlement.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman wrong when he says that the moulders' strike is a strike against an award? That is not true.

This may be a matter of controversy, but I have never heard it disputed before. Undoubtedly it was a strike against an award of the Interim Court of Arbitration, and was so recognised by the other societies which were involved.

Is it not a fact that the iron moulders gave notice to withdraw from the original agreement, and asked for an advance of 15s., according to the instructions of their own executive?

I think my hon. Friend is confusing two things. They appeared before a Court of Arbitration and got an award which was operative for the next four months. Some time after that award had been granted they presented a subsequent intimation that they were going to withdraw from their agreement, but that withdrawal could only begin to be operative after the expiry of the award.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Hours of Employment (No. 2) Bill is to he proceeded with before the Adjournment?

It will not be practicable to proceed with this Bill before the Adjournment. Conversations are still taking place with regard to some of the trades affected.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make any statement as to the constitution of the Industrial Courts?

I regret that I am not yet in , position to make an announcement on this matter.

asked the Minister of Labour the amount of funds which have accumulated under Part II. of the National Insurance Act?

The amount of funds which have accumulated under Part II. of the National Insurance Act is £19,075,000. Payments totalling this amount have from time to time been made to the National Debt Commissioners for investment on account of the Unemployment Fund pursuant to Section 92 (3) of the Act.

Does that total sum include the interest upon investment or is it plus the interest on investment?

It includes everything. It is the whole fund at the present time out of which unemployment benefit can be paid.

In face of that huge sum, is not the right hon. Gentleman in a position to extend the proposal before the House and make it 15s. a week?

No. My hon. Friend will understand that the 11s. which is proposed to be paid is based upon the accumulated funds which are in existence.

asked the Minister of Labour when the system of licences for retail traders is to be abandoned; and what object can now be served by a continuance of a system which impedes the progress of business?

It has been decided to bring the operation of this Order to an end on 31st December next.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is taking any action in respect of the proposals for the construction of concrete cottages which are being submitted to him?

Yes, Sir. An expert committee appointed by me to consider and report on the questions of standardisation and methods of construction in house building have approved twenty-five different methods of building cottages in concrete, and I am urging local authorities to adopt concrete construction where suitable materials are available. Tenders for some 400 concrete houses have been approved by my Department, and a number of other proposals for the erection of houses to be constructed of concrete are included among the house plans which have been approved but which have not yet reached the stage of tenders.

asked the Minister of Health the respective prices before the War of bricks, cement, and other materials required in the building of houses and the prices at present prevailing?

Owing to the extent to which prices vary according to locality and quality of material, it is impossible to do more than make a very general comparison, but I shall be glad to furnish my hon. Friend with such information as the Department possesses.

Is it not a fact that the prices of building materials have doubled within the last eight months, and in those circumstances, having regard to the fact that that has happened after the War, will not the Department see if something cannot be done to ascertain the reason for this doubling of prices?

The question asked was with regard to pre-war prices and present prices. I should require notice as to the prices eight months ago.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the dis- cussions which will shortly take place in the House relative to the standards of housing construction, he will place in the hands of each Member of the House a copy of the Manual prepared by the Ministry of Health for the guidance of local authorities in the preparation of housing schemes?

Copies of the Manual have already been supplied to all members of the Housing Group, which comprises a large number of Members of the House, but I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Vote Office, so that other hon. Members may obtain copies if they so desire.

When will the Second Reading of the Housing Bill take place?

That is not a question for a mere Paymaster-General, but for the Prime Minister.

Does that give the number of cubic feet in the standard house, and is there any alternative to the standard house in case we find we have not money enough to build the standard house?

The object of the Manual is not to provide specific plans to which everyone must build, but to give a guide to the method of design, and each architect is expected to use his intelligence to adapt the particular method of design to the locality in which the houses are to be built.

Will the standard which will be submitted to these architects for their guidance be a standard of cubic feet, and will the Department permit any alternative scheme to their standard?

The standard is not one of cubic feet, but of accommodation—so many rooms of a certain size.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the had effect produced upon native opinion by the report of the outrage committed in broad day in Liverpool upon three British citizens of the Gold Coast, followed by no reparation, the Government are prepared to consider whether it would be most expedient to allay the feeling thus aroused by making an offer of reasonable monetary compensation?

Yes, Sir; the Government are considering the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the reasons for the removal in 1918, before the Armistice, of Lieutenant-Colonel G. S. Haines from the active list?

I do not think it is desirable, as a general rule, to state, in answers to questions, the reasons for the removal of officers from the active list, and I see no reason to make an exception in this case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of church parades -which now exist in the Army; and whether, in view of the objection of both officers and men to this form of Sunday duty, he can see his way to abolish the present practice or whether it can be modified in any way so that men are not compelled to attend this duty?

It is not considered desirable to amend the King's Regulations as regards compulsory attendance at church parades. I will see, however, whether anything can be done to shorten the perliminary inspection.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a statement that Belgian soldiers have recently arrived at Mons who have only just escaped from a German prisoners of war camp at Quedlimburg, in the Harz Mountains; and whether, in view of their statement, that there are still a number of Allied prisoners of war in that camp, he will have immediate inquiries made?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that hopes have been aroused in the families of missing soldiers by an allegation published in the Press on the 28th November, to the effect that a number of Allied prisoners of war were still confined at Quedlimburg, in the Harz Mountains; and whether he will make a definite statement on this subject?

The British Military Mission in Berlin has been asked to investigate immediately this story about Quedlimburg, but I am afraid it is most improbable that anything will come of it—at any rate so far as British prisoners of war are concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Army Order 365, of the 17th October, 1919, provided for the release of men in the Signal Service by a date not later than the 15th instant; whether he is aware that expert Post Office telegraphists are being retained with the Royal Engineers at Maresfield Park camp quite unnecessarily, and that many of these men are being employed upon useless fatigues and have performed no signal work for over twelve months; whether these men are held to be covered by an amendment to Army Order 365, which excluded men of the Signal Service personnel; and whether, in view of the waste of force which is taking place in this camp, he will order their immediate demobilisation?

Army Order 365 does not provide for the release of any men by a date not later than the 15th November, but a letter was issued concurrently ordering the immediate demobilisation of Royal Engineer personnel at home with certain exceptions, including the Signal Service. This restriction, which does not in any way override the provisions of the Army Order, will be removed as soon as possible.

I understand that there are two Post Office telegraphists employed at Mares-field Park camp. One of these has just been withdrawn from a camp post office and is awaiting posting to a unit where he will be employed at his trade. The other is being employed on regimental duties.

asked the Prime Minister why a wine merchant is not allowed to deliver wine or spirits to a customer till the amount due for the goods has been received?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am informed by the Central Control Board that the prohibition in question has for some time past formed part of the standard Order of the Central Control Board. As I have previously stated, I understand there will be no change in the policy of the Board pending the establishment of the new Authority, which it is proposed to create by legislation.

Seeing that the Armistice was concluded many months ago, what possible justification is there for this autocratic ordinance during peace, that a man cannot order a dozen of port from his wine merchant without sending the money beforehand?

I speak for the Central Control Board only by accident. I will inquire what is their reason.

Will my hon. Friend convey my remarks to the Central Control Board?

Certainly.

Does my hon. Friend realise that the continuance of the Regulation causes inconvenience to people who desire to give presents to people who are ill?

I have myself experienced the inconvenience of the Regulations, but as a humble member of the Government I thought I ought not to complain.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the members of the Central Control Board want the Board dissolved as speedily as possible?

asked the Prime Minister whether the shortage of food and conditions of living are much worse in Cologne and in the German territory occupied by the Allied forces than in other parts of Germany; whether the German Government are themselves responsible for those conditions and have helped to create them, with a view to rendering the occupation and the occupying Allies unpopular; and whether the British Government can adopt measures to remove the impression that it is owing to any action of the Allies that the people in the occupied territories are compelled to live under such unfavourable conditions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. On the contrary, our information tends to show that the conditions are better in Cologne and in the occupied territory than in unoccupied Germany, and have been since our occupation. This also applies to the territory occupied by our Allies.

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to be able to announce the policy of the Government with regard to the creation of a Ministry of Supply; and whether he will take into consideration the expenditure involved by the creation of this new Ministry?

No decision has yet been taken on this matter.

Will the House be given an opportunity of discussing the question before a decision is taken?

Our announcement of intention will be made in time to enable the House to have an opportunity if it so desires.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has been able to arrange that questions to the Chief Secretary for Ireland shall in future be taken first on Thursdays?

It has been arranged that on Thursdays, questions addressed to the Chief Secretary for Ireland shall be taken second on the Paper—after those addressed to the Minister of Pensions.

Will that give a clear opportunity for verbal answers to the questions before the Prime Minister answers his questions?

I have looked through what happened previously, and judging by that there will be such an opportunity.

As the question of the Ministry of Health was also discussed at the same time, does the fact that the questions addressed to the Ministry of Health come early on the Paper to-day mean that they will regularly be taken early on Wednesday afternoons?

That was the arrangement that was proposed.

asked the Prime Minister if any pledge of any kind was given by him to the American representatives at the Peace Conference, that, in consideration of the question of Irish self-government not being dealt with at the Conference, the Government would as soon as possible after the signing of the Peace Treaty settle the Irish question on the basis of Home rule?

The answer is in the negative.

Are we to understand that no pledge of any description was given with regard to Ireland to the President of the United States?

The answer I have given is a most definite reply to the supplementary as well as to the original question.

Why was this assurance not given?

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to take the Second Reading of the Imports and Exports Bill?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can yet state the date upon which the Second Reading of the Imports and Exports Regulation Bill will be taken?

I am not able today to name the day.

In view of the very great importance and interest which is being taken in this matter can the right hon. Gentleman arrange to give it a very early date?

In view of the large amount of business which the House already has before that will the right hon. Gentleman not favourably consider the suggestion of postponing the Bill?

I am quite aware of the interest and also of the importance. We have not yet come to a decision and I cannot give a date until we do.

Would it not be better for the Government to acknowledge now that this is a bad Bill and climb down gracefully by dropping it?

I should be quite ready to make that acknowledgment if I thought so.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is the intention of the Government to allow the Imports and Exports Regulation Bill to be discussed in Committee of the whole House?

The Government do not propose to take the course suggested in the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider this matter ought to be discussed on the floor of this House, and not upstairs?

No, I do not, and for this reason: There is an amount of legislation still in front of us to which the Government, and the Members who support the Government, are pledged, and it would make it impossible to carry it through if Bills were taken in Committee on the floor of the House.

Is there any precedent for a taxing Bill being sent to a Committee upstairs?

I fancy there may be. I think there are precedents even in this Session, for many Bills have been sent upstairs.

Perhaps Mr. Speaker might give his opinion in regard to this, as to whether that part of the Bill falls within the scope of Bills arising in Committee of Ways and Means?

That question reminds me that Mr. Speaker has said he would consider this. Any answer I give is based on the intention of the Government; but, of course, we shall be ready to acquiesce in any decision of Mr. Speaker.

Will the right hon. Gentleman leave to a free vote of the House whether this Bill should be taken here or upstairs?

Certainly we would not do that. The Government is responsible for carrying through the legislation to which they are pledged, and they would not do anything which prevents them from redeeming their pledge.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to consider a modification of Article 1,236 of the Royal Warrant, so that medals earned in the Great War shall not be necessarily forfeited in the case of a man found subsequently guilty by court-martial of desertion or fraudulent enlistment, unless the offence occurred on active service; and if his record in the Great War makes him worthy of this consideration?

The question of the forfeiture and restoration of medals is at present under consideration.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if Germany has declined to agree to the terms imposed by the Allied Supreme Council in reparation for the sinking of her battleships in contravention of the provisions of the Armistice; if in this and other respects the German Government are seeking to repudiate their responsibilities under the Peace Treaty; if this attitude has been most marked since it became known that there was a probability of the American Senate refusing to accept the Treaty; and whether, notwithstanding the position taken up by the United States in the matter, the Allies intend to take practical steps to enforce compliance with the Treaty, as repeated verbal protests have failed to compel Germany to observe her obligations?

His Majesty's Government have no further information beyond the statements which appeared in the Press yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men serving in Mesopotamia who enlisted early in 1916, and should have been on their way home by the 1st November, are still beinp refused any information as to their date of embarkation; whether the return of men in Mesopotamia who are eligible for demobilisation, is being carefully watched; and whether he will have a close inquiry made on the spot?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Blackpool.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to reduce the number of Dragoon Guard Regiments from seven to four; and, if so, in what way this redaction is to take place?

The answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many ships are at present employed in bringing back Army stores and salvage from France and the tonnage of these ships; and whether he will arrange for a conference with the Minister of Shipping and the Minister for Food and leading grain importers with a view to the suspension of these ships' employment at their present task that they may be sent to the Black Sea with merchandise, whereof the populations in these parts are in urgent need, and freighted on the return journey with grain with which the granaries of the Black Sea ports are overloaded?

This is a matter for the Ministry of Shipping, and I should be glad if my hon. Friend would address his question to that. Department.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the necessity for securing a full supply of superphosphates, he will take steps to enable phosphate rock from Algiers being imported, instead of the low grade and inferior quality of phosphate rock at present being brought in from America?

Arrangements have already been made for the importation of phosphate rock from Algiers and Tunis which will bring up the total deliveries from these countries to the United Kingdom, to 277;000 tons during 1919. Arrangements have also been discussed with the French authorities for the delivery of a substantially larger quantity during 1920. The matter is receiving the close attention of the Board.

asked the Food Controller (1) what has been the cost to the nation both from the deterioration in quality and from depreciation in value through the renewed control of bacon;

(2) what is the average price paid by the British Government for bacon prior to 9th August; and what is the price paid since that date;

(3) what were the reasons for re-controlling bacon on 9th August?

There has been no deterioration in the quality or depreciation in the value of bacon which can in any way be attributed to the renewal of control. The reasons for renewing control in August were set out fully in an answer given to the hon. Member for Plaistow on 27th November. Briefly, control was renewed in order to break the continued increase in prices against the consumers in this country which was a feature of the period of decontrol and the saving to the consumers, after allowing for all wastage caused by the un-co-ordinated shipments arranged by private importers during that period is immeasurable. As the Ministry is now buying bacon in open competition on the American market, it would not be in the public interest to give the hon. Member details as to the average, price paid for bacon prior to the 9th August, and the price paid since that date.

Has the right hon. Gentleman an Advisory Committee to advise him on this question?

Yes.

Did he take their advice before he de-controlled bacon?

I carefully considered the advice given to me, but I reserved to myself the right to accept it or not.

I beg to give notice that I shall refer to this question on the Adjournment this evening.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people would rather pay more money and get better bacon?

asked the Food Controller what is the name of the present director of supplies in the cattle foodstuffs section of the Ministry of Food; what is the date of the resignation from this office of Mr. Lionel Lillico; what is the amount of tonnage of foodstuffs transferred or sold to the firm of Messrs. W. Lillico and Sons, of London, prior to his resignation and since; and what are the reasons for such transfer or sale?

There is now no director of supplies in the cattle feeding-stuffs section of the Ministry of Food. This section was incorporated in the oils and fats branch of the Ministry last June. Mr. Lionel Lillico did not resign the office of director of supplies. He became chief technical adviser to the section in an honorary capacity when the section was merged in the oils and fats branch. At the time when the distribution of cattle feeding-stuffs was under Government control allocations to the trade were made by a committee of the trade, and Messrs. William Lillico and Sons received a proportionate allocation. Since controlled distribution ceased this firm has, in competition with the trade, purchased some 2,000 tons of cotton meal from Government stocks at market prices.

Have Messrs. W. Lillico and Sons ever dealt in cattle foodstuffs previously?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Food Controller whether it is still the policy of His Majesty's Government that local authorities should be empowered to undertake the supply of milk within their areas; and whetthe Inter-Departmental Committee whose appointment was announced on 2nd July has yet reported on the subject?

I have been asked to reply to tins question. The Committee referred to will, I am told, be in a position to report shortly. In the meantime, I have nothing to add to the reply given on 2nd July to the hon. Member for Horncastle on the same subject.

asked whether, in the event of milk prices being reviewed, the Associated Milk Producers' Council will be consulted before any final decision is arrived at?

I shall he very glad to consider any views; with regard to the cost of production winch the Associated milk Producer's Council may wish to Communicate to me.

asked the Food Controller what was the total amount of the potato crop this year; what was the average price paid to the grower in 1914 and 1919; and what was the price charged by the Government to the wholesale potato merchant?

Figures of the total amount of the potato crop this year are not available; but I am informed that the acreage under potatoes this year was 476,050 acres in England and Wales and 154,550 in Scotland. The average growers' price in 1914 was about 70s. per ton, and in 1919, about £ per ton. The Government have not bought potatoes from wholesale potato merchants.

asked whether any exports from Russia have reached these shores through the Black Sea during the present year; if so, what is the total tonnage and total value of such Russian exports; and whether an increase of such trade is expected in the near future?

During the first eleven months of the present year, 11,605 tons of merchandise valued at £1,368,207, consigned from Russia and shipped from ports on the Black Sea, were registered as imported into the United Kingdom. There is reason to hope that, in the near future, there will be a considerable increase in this trade.

Is Russia in a position to ship grain from the Black Sea ports?

No, not in heavy quantities. There have been one or two small parcels, more in the nature of samples, but there are internal difficulties in Russia which prevent grain export.

asked the Secretary for War whether the three soldiers recently released from captivity in Moscow were arrested by a military policeman on their arrival in Hull; whether they were confined for the night in cells in the police station; whether they were refused newspapers and their freedom; and, if so, what is the reason for this treatment, and will these men be set at liberty?

I will answer at the same time two private notice questions on the same subject. I regret that a mistake should have been committed in this case owing to a misunderstanding of the expression "escaped prisoners" which occurred in the telegram received from Helsingfors about these men, and was repeated in the War Office message. Orders were, of course, issued at the earliest moment to send these men on leave to their homes.

To ask the Prime Minister whether Privates Richards, pickard and Davison, ex-prisoners from Russia, on arrival at Hull on 29th November, were handed over to the military police; whether they were then kept over the week end in military cells at the police station; whether for two days they were allowed no papers, were fed on Army rations, and were not allowed to smoke, or to see their friends and relations; whether these men are now detained in hospital, and for what reason; and whether the arrest and detention of these men represents the considered policy of His Majesty's Government towards returned prisoners of war, or was it the act of an irresponsible official; and what steps is it proposed to take in this matter?

To ask the Secretary of State for War if he has knowledge that the three Privates, Davidson, Pickard and Richards, who have recently been released by the Bolshevists and handed over to the British authorities by Mr. Litvinoff, have been detained by tine Military Police, and are not permitted either to see or communicate with their relatives, and does he consider such action is justifiable or lawful?]

Is it possible for a. Minister to answer a private notice question at the same time as a starred question? Is it not the rule that private notice questions cannot be given on a subject covered by a question on the Paper?

Private notice was given of two questions with regard to a matter already on the Paper. I do not see anything improper in it.

Has an apology been sent to the men in question?

No.

Will any consideration be given to these men in the form of some recompense?

I am not prepared to give any undertaking. I share my right hon. Friend's feelings of regret that men returning from hard service and misfortune abroad should have met with so unceremonious and chilling a welcome on their arrival in their native land.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what actually happened?

I have done so. By mistake they were detained in Hull by the police authorities, but as soon as the mis- take was known and telegrams could be sent stating the facts, they were released on leave and sent to their homes.

Are any steps being taken to punish the people who made this mistake?

I do not quite understand how the hon. Member can at one moment be so fall of sympathy for these men, and so full of malevolence towards people who may unwittingly have made a mistake.

If these men were escaped prisoners from Russia, what reason was there for arresting them and putting them in the cells?

If they had been described as escaped prisoners of war escaping from the enemy, no doubt the mistake would not have arisen; but they were described as escaped prisoners.

Was not the whole thing caused by the belief that these men were in Ireland?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries will be prepared to make Grants from money placed at their disposal by the Treasury from the Development Fund for the purpose of aiding local sea fisheries authorities in England and Wales to extend and systematise fisheries education in their districts?

The Board have no Grants at their disposal for the purpose mentioned by the hon. Member, but they are considering the whole question of the training and education of fishermen, with a view to discussing it with the Board of Education.

Can the Department not treat agriculture and fisheries alike, seeing that they are responsible for both? You have found money for educations for agricultural purposes, and refused it to the fishery side. Does the hon. Gentleman think that is fair treatment?

We have not refused it. We have taken up the question with the Board of Education.

asked the Pensions Minister whether Private A. Robertson, No. 2619, 4th Black Watch, died on 5th December last of pneumonia; whether he was wounded an inch from the heart in May, 1915, and so severely wounded in the leg at the battle of Loos in September, 1915, that it had to be amputated; whether a Dundee doctor has certified that the hardships he had undergone during the recent War and the wounds received lowered his resisting powers and so contributed towards his death; whether that certificate and a recommendation by the Dundee War Pensions Committee that the widow should receive full pension have been ignored and the widow awarded a pension of 8s. 3d. weekly; whether no provision is being made for the deceased man's six children, the eldest thirteen years of age and the youngest twins two years of age; whether he is aware that the widow, who is unable to work, has been compelled to apply for Poor Law relief; and whether he will take steps to ensure that Mrs. Robertson and her children will be adequately provided for?

The case of Private Robertson has been carefully considered by my medical advisers, who are unable to find any connection between his death and the wounds he had received many years previously. In these circumstances, the only award that can be made is a pension under Acticle 17 of the Royal Warrant, at half the rate of the pension held by the husband in his lifetime.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will state the number of pensions which have been awarded under Article 17 of the Royal Warrant on Pensions; whether there is no provision made for the children of deceased ex-Service men in that article; whether widows and children in Dundee are being forced to seek Poor Law relief because of the inadequate provision made for them; whether strong protests, have been received by the Minister of Pensions from the Dundee Parish Council against widows and children of ex-Service men being thrown on the mercy of the Poor Law instead of being provided for by the Government; and whether, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction which is being expressed at the treatment of the dependants of men who have fought for the country, it is proposed to amend the Royal Warrant on Pensions?

Up to 30th September 318 pensions have been granted under Article 17. These pensions are granted to widows of men who have died after discharge from causes unconnected with their service.

asked the Pensions Minister, in view of the fact that the question has been under consideration for some months, whether he is now in a position to announce that half-fare vouchers will be issued to discharged men undergoing treatment to enable them to return home on leave?

I regret that I cannot make any announcement on this question.

If I put down a question next week, could I have an answer?

I will try, but this is a matter which affects other Government Departments as well as the Pensions Ministry, and I am not sure that I can answer next week.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the fact that disability pensions are similar in nature to payments made under the Workmen's Compensation Act, the Government has now decided to take steps to free such pensions from liability to forfeiture on the recipient being convicted of a serious offence?

I have now considered this matter, and I have given directions which will ensure that, while the pension of the man himself will be suspended during the term of imprisonment, the wife and children of the pensioner will continue to draw their allowances. I also propose to modify the present practice with regard to the probationary period which, in many cases, is required to elapse before the pension is restored. In future, except in the extreme case of conviction for treason, the pension will be restored immediately on the man's release from imprisonment.

When will it come into force?