asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if all the Allied Military Missions in the Baltic States have now been placed under the supreme direction of a French officer; why General Marsh has been recalled.; and whether any change of policy in that part of Europe is in contemplation?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The object of the Inter-Allied Mission in the Baltic, of which General Niessel is Chief, is to enforce the evacuation of German troops from Latvia and Lithuania. General Marsh has been recalled and his services dispensed with, as the British Representative on the Inter-Allied Commission is able to perform the duties of Chief of the British Military Mission in the Baltic in addition to his duties with General Niessel. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

Is this French officer the senior Allied representative in the Baltic?

Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the progress made in the negotiations for an armistice, or for peace, between the Governments of the Baltic Provinces and the Soviet Government of Russia.; whether the Polish, Ukranian. and Finnish Governments, or de facto Governments, are taking any part in the negotiations; and whether the Governments of the Baltic Provinces are still left complete freedom of action by the Allies in these negotiations?

According to the latest information which has been received from the Baltic, no decision has yet been reached in the negotiations now proceeding at Dorpat. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and to the third part in the affirmative.

asked whether the British military mission in South Russia, or any part of it, is or has been engaged in military operations against the Soviet Russian forces?

A few individual officers in the Royal Air Force and Tank Corps have voluntarily taken part in the fighting against the Bolsheviks. Otherwise the duties of the Mission are confined to advise and supervision in the distribution and use of British materials.

Are we responsible for the payment of these officers?

Certainly.

Those who are making these attacks?

Yes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions for these men not to be so employed in the future in view of the statement made by the Prime Minister?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question will he see, in view of the fact that the remainder of the Allies have left detachments there, that we do not alter in any way the very small number we have there?

I will not restrict in any way the praiseworthy and gallant. activities of those officers.

Are these officers employing our tanks in warfare?

I said that a certain number of these officers who have trained the Russian personnel of the tanks we sent to South Russia, and they have gone into action with those tanks. They have carried their instruction to that extent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this conduct is a violation of the statement made, by the Prime MinisterMdash;that we as a country were not intervening in Russian affairs?

It is no violation. On the contrary, the Prime Minister has repeatedly affirmed our intention to continue these Missions for a certain period to afford such assistance to the forces of General Denikin as it is in their power to give, and which our resources enable us to give, and there is not the slightest intention to limit them in any way.

asked in which areas of Russian territory, if any, Allied troops are being employed, the numbers so employed, and which of our Allies are involved?

As the House is aware the only British troops employed in the territories of the former Russian Empire, apart from Missions, are those garrisoning the Port of Batum. The principal Allied forces in Russia are the American and Japanese contingents in Siberia, but there are also detachments of French, Italians, Poles, Czecho-Slovaks and Serbs. Without the consent of our Allies, I do not feel at liberty to disclose their numbers, but in the case of the Japanese they are considerable and increasing.

asked the Prime Minister whether. he can send urgent instructions to the hon. Member for South-East Leeds to demand, as a preliminary in the negotiations (which he stated were likely to be protracted for at least six weeks) for the exchange of prisoners with the Bolsheviks, that British prisoners be treated with some humanity; whether he is aware that naval prisoners captured at the attack on Bolshevik battleships have now been moved to Moscow, where the conditions are really terrible: cold (zero Centigrade inside, 10 degrees below outside), no blankets, no mattresses, nothing but ¾lb. black bread and hot tea without milk or sugar, and nothing but the clothes they have on; that they are all slightly wounded, and their wounds will not heal under these conditions; that the conditions under which they are suffering cannot be exaggerated, and if exchange is delayed it will be death to a large number; and that the exchange must be for all British in Russia, not only for military prisoners?

In reply to the hon. Member's question, I can assure him that the hon. Member for Leeds has already been instructed to take such steps as are practicable to ensure the welfare of the British prisoners in Russia As far as I am aware the naval prisoners to whom the hon. Member has referred are at the Androniev Monastery. In view, however, of the cold weather which has now set in, and the lack of heating and food (even though M. Litvinoff affirms that the rations of the prisoners are already superior to those of the Red Army), the conditions in which they live must be deplorable. M. Litvinoff states that before leaving Russia he visited the places where the prisoners live, and saw some of their representatives. They were all well in health, excepting in so far as some of the wounded needed special surgical attendance.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make any statement about the Mission of the hon. Member for South-East Leeds before the Adjournment?

I cannot tell, but the answer I have given shows that the Government realise the terrible hardships of these men, and will certainly do everything in their power to put an end to them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to state when the hon. Member for South-East Leeds will be back home again?

No. The negotiations are still proceeding.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statements in the question are taken from a letter from one of the prisoners who himself, although, a military prisoner, presses for the exchange of all prisoners?

The hon. Member is making a statement. He is not entitled to do that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the further Note handed by the Allied representatives to the Esthonian Government on the 28th November asking for assistance to reorganise the defeated Yudenitch Army by means of troops from the German Army under Colonel Bermondt; if this request was initiated with the concurrence of His Majesty's Government; and, if not, will he take the opportunity of disassociating His Majesty's Government from these proposals?

I have made inquiries and am informed that no Note was handed by the Allied Representative to the Esthonian Government on the 28th November At a later date a proposal was put before the Esthonian Government to allow those Russians amongst Bermondt's force who were prepared to renounce the Germans and were considered to be loyal to the Russian cause, to join General Yudenitch's Army. The situation was one which had to be handled without incurring the delay necessarily imposed by reference to London, and, had events rendered the execution of this proposal possible, I can see no objection to it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to the effect that the Socialists Herren Schneller and Toller are in prison in Bavaria; and whether, in view of the recent action of Sir George Clerk in Budapest in successfully demanding the release of Socialists imprisoned there, any action is contemplated in these analogous cases?

My information about Schneller is that as Commissary of Finance in the Bavarian Soviet Government he attempted to confiscate the deposits in the banks and plate and other valuables lying there. From Press reports it appears that he is in prison in consequence. My information about Toller is that after the Armistice he started a revolutionary students' club at Heidelberg. During the Spartacist Revolution of last April he became head of the Council of Workmen and Soldiers at Munich, and ultimately chief of the socalled Red Guard. For this he was sentenced to several years' detention in a fortress. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Were not similar charges made against the Socialists imprisoned at Buda-Pesth; and if we can try officers in Buda-Pesth, why cannot we try these men, in view of the fact that we are considerably controlling German politics at the present time?

Well, Sir, I have no information in regard to the first part of the supplementary question. In regard to the second, I do not think it is incumbent on the part of His Majesty's Government to take the action suggested.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what is the last Report received from His Majesty's representative at Vienna regarding the economic situation in Austria; whether the reports of large numbers of women and children dying of starvation are confirmed by these dispatches; and whether there is anything to prevent His Majesty's Government, upon lines already suggested, instructing the British special commissioner on his arrival in Southern Russia to get in touch with the central union of Russian co-operative societies, which are the sole organisations in touch with the agricultural classes, with a view to arranging the exchange of manufactured goods for wheat which could be shipped to Central Europe by the Danube?

As regards the first part of the question, it is intended to lay Papers on the economic situation in Austria as soon as possible. The latest dispatches from His Majesty's representative at Vienna and other reports indicate that the food situation in Austria is critical. As regards the last part of the question, British representatives are in touch with the South Russian co-operative societies, but it has not been found practicable to make any arrangement of the kind indicated. His Majesty's Government are doing everything within their limited resources to relieve a situation which calls for the co-operation not only of His Majesty's Government, but of the Allied, Associated, and other Powers.

Is it true that all the food supplies in Austria will come to an end on:31st January? What steps will be taken?

Arrangements have been made which, I think, will deal with the situation until the end of January; after that the prospect is extremely doubtful.

Is it true that there will be no food whatever after 31st January?

Unless further arrangements are made, I think it will be true to say that.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether hospitals have been closed in Vienna owing to lack of the necessary supplies: and, if so, whether the Government is taking any steps to assist in their relief?

The hospital situation in Vienna is undoubtedly serious, and medical work has been and is still being hampered by shortage of supplies, but no reports are to hand to show that hospitals have actually been closed. The coal shortage has interfered with the supply of hot water necessary for sterilisation, whilst there has been a shortage of linen required for surgical purposes. Moreover, the shortage of milk and other invalid foodstuffs has been felt severely.

Efforts to mitigate this situation have been made by the Allied and Associated Governments, and by voluntary societies in this country, assisted by the —1 for —1 grant, but the question cannot be fundamentally dealt with apart from the whole question of credits for the supply of coal and foodstuffs to Austria from neighbouring countries and overseas, and this matter is now receiving the urgent consideration of the Government and of the representatives in Paris of the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy.

Apart from the help is being afforded by the Italian Government in railing up foodstuffs from Trieste, and caring for a number of Viennese children, the British Government have granted a credit of —25,000 for the provision of coal from the United Kingdom for Vienna, and arrangements are now being made to ship up to 1,000 tons of fats from the United Kingdom to Vienna.

Is it suggested that the British taxpayer should put down —I for every —I subscribed by voluntary agencies for hospitals in Vienna?

There must he a limit to what we do. I should be greatly surprised if the country does not approve of the efforts we are making to help these hospitals.

Is there any limit to the amount the Government is going to cover, or is it unlimited?

:I think a limit was set upon it, but in any case I am afraid a limit will be set by the amount of the voluntary contributions.

asked what is the total number of guns and aircraft which has been handed over by Germany in accordance with the conditions of the Armistice; and how do these figures, compare with the numbers laid down?

The total numbers of guns and aircraft which have been handed over by Germany in accordance with the terms of the Armistice are as follows:

5,000	guns,
25,000	machine guns,
3,000	trench mortars.
1,700	aeroplanes.

Are the guns of proper quality, and useful—not worn out?

I believe they are.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all the rolling-stock agreed to be handed over by Germany at the time of the Armistice has now been received; and whether the total munitions of war under the Armistice have also been handed over?

There is an undeliverable deficiency of forty-two locomotives and 4,460 wagons remaining to be delivered by the Germans under Clause VII. of the Armistice Convention. The munitions of war demanded under the terms of the Armistice have been handed over.

What steps are being taken to obtain these wagons in view of the shortage in this country?

I do not think these wagons are suitable for British railways; they are a different gauge. The Germans have already delivered an overwhelming portion of the railway material arranged for.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question, No German toys until the German engines have been handed over?

No; I do not take that view. I think the Germans have made a tremendous effort to comply with the severe conditions imposed upon them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the difficulty experienced by demobilised soldiers or their dependants in correctly interpreting the amount of war service gratuity to which they are entitled under the December, 1918 Army Order and the consequent frequent requests for an explanation, he will issue instructions that, on each form sent out to a soldier or dependant on which is intimated the net sum due on account of war gratuities, the amount already credited to the soldier's account under Articles 1117 and 1118 of the Royal Warrant will also be stated?

Yes, Sir; I have given instructions that this shall be done.

asked the Secretary for War if his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction amongst ex-Service men as to the inadequacy of the grant when compared with that allowed to the soldiers of the great Dominions; and if he can hold out any hope that the scale will be revised in the shape of more generous help to demobilised unemployed soldiers?

The grants of both war gratuity and of unemployed donation have been very fully considered by His Majesty's Government, and I can hold out no hope of an increased scale.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Lieut. W. M. Snowden, 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles, who has served twenty-one years 309 days, and was promoted on the field, has received no money from the Government since his demobilisation on 24th October, 1919; whether it is the case that a cheque was received by this officer on 19th November, 1919, and returned on the same day; whether it was disallowed by the War Office; whether he can state the reason; and, in view of the urgent need of this soldier, will he take steps to have this case satisfactorily settled immediately?

Orders were given on the 6th instant for payment to this officer of a gratuity on retirement of —1,500.

Was the gratuity disallowed, and has this officer since received anything?

Orders were given on the 6th instant for payment. This officer's gratuity on retirement was —1,500.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the release of all men in the Army who are undergoing sentences for military offences committed during the War?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on Wednesday last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Pontypridd, and to the full statement which I made on the subject of the suspension and remission of sentences generally.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that a man with two or three years' service to his credit is more entitled to release than a conscientious objector?

I do not quite realise what my hon. Friend has in his mind. Does he mean that a man who has committed a murder with two or three years' military service is more entitled to release than a conscientious objector?

No; I meant men having two or three years' service to their credit, although they have committed some military crime, are more entitled to freedom than conscientious objectors.

The men who are in prison still have committed the most serious military crimes—crimes which in war time are practically within the area of the death sentence. I do not consider it is possible to deal with such men in any other way than the way we have done.

asked (1) what is to be the full establishment of the corps of military accountants; what number of permanent appointments have been made; how many temporary officers are serving in it; from what sources it is proposed to complete the establishment;

(2) whether he will consider the possibility of appointing combatant rank officers to the corps of military accountants, provided they can attain the necessary standards in accounting, and thereby enable them, by continuing their service, to earn an adequate retiring allowance?

The permanent establishment projected for the corps of military accountants is 110 officers and 900 other ranks; but owing to the novelty of the work and other elements of uncertainty, these numbers are subject to revision. No permanent commissions in the corps have yet been granted; but at the present time 298 officers with professional qualifications are employed on temporary commissions. No question of further appointments to complete establishment therefore arises.

asked whether any decision has been taken regarding the future use of St. George's Barracks, London; whether these barracks are now fully occupied or used for purely military purposes; and, if so, for what purpose and by whom are they occupied?

The site of St. George's Barracks was handed over to His Majesty's Office of Works in 1912, in. exchange for other premises. The buildings with certain minor exceptions were removed, and the site is now under the control of that Department.

asked whether any decision has yet been arrived at to return to the pre-war system by which the Army, when not travelling on duty, paid the same railway fares as the general public, instead of receiving their tickets for one-third of the usual rateunder certain conditions as at present?

No, Sir; the question is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of major-generals on the Active List on 4th August, 1914, 11th November, 1918, and at the present time?

The number of major-generals on the Active List on the dates mentioned were: 4th August, 1914, 86; 11th November, 1918. 172; 12th December, 1919, 147.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of lieutenant-generals on the Active List on 4th August, 1914, 11th November, 1918, and at the present time?

The numbers are as follow: 4th August, 1914, 19; 11th November, 1918, 34; 12th December, 1919, 48. The increase is due to promotions as rewards for distinguished service in the field. Of these officers twenty-five are unemployed.

asked how many people are employed by his Department in France and Belgium on salvage work; to what nationalities they belong; what are the rates of pay per day; what is the total result of their work during the last twelve months; and how long he anticipates that the work will last?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies to questions by the hon. and gallant Member for the Clackmannan and Eastern Division on 28th October and 3rd December. Since the former answer the numbers have been reduced considerably, and are decreasing daily. The British troops receive the ordinary rates of pay, and the Chinese about 2s. 2d. a day.

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that there are many officers whose names have gone forward for Regular commissions who have no knowledge as to when, if ever, their services will be called upon; and whether, in justice to those gentlemen, who are unable to take up any occupation, he will cause definite statements to be made to each officer concerned as to when he is likely to be gazetted to Borne unit?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply on 27th November to the hon. and gallant Member for Buckingham. I regret that the proposal contained in the last part of the question is impracticable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the very greatest distress has been caused by these gentlemen being led to understand that they were going to be seconded to Regular units and they have no knowledge whether they are going to be employed?

My hon. and gallant Friend will see the difficulty on account of the numbers involved. I agree that the uncertainty must be settled at an early date. I hope before Parliament meets again, when I lay my scheme for the new post-war Army before the House, the matter will be dealt with.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that numerous officers have recently been demobilised without any notice whatsoever; whether he is aware that in one unit many officers were demobilised at two hours' notice; and, in view of the distress created in such cases, he will cause notice of at least one month to be given to any officer whose services are likely to be dispensed with in order that they can make some attempt to secure civil occupation?

As explained in answer to questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Tonbridge on the 18th August last, Army Order 122, of March, 1919, lays down that all officers who are to be demobilised are to be given notice in writing of their prospective demobilisation prior to being sent for dispersal, and that this notice should be given as early as practicable. I regret it is not possible to do more than this. Where an officer's demobilisation is approaching, but the actual date cannot be fixed, every help is given to enable him to make arrangements for civil employment, but no special leave for this purpose can be granted.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that in one unit no less than fourteen officers were warned to leave their units in one day?

I would like to have the particulars of that case. I assume that there was demobilisation leave and that they were not struck off pay and allowances on that day and they had their regular periods. I should, however, like to have the facts. I have no doubt a great deal of hardship is being caused to officers by the pressure of demobilisation.

Can he say what is the period?

I would not like to say offhand, but I should be glad to answer a question on the subject.

Is it not a fact that these officers must return to civil life, considering the great necessity of reducing the Army from what it was in war-time?

That is so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will furnish figures showing the daily average number of telegrams dealt with at the Signal Office at General Headquarters, Great Britain, during the two weeks ending 27th Septem- ber and the two weeks ending 6th December; whether he will also state the daily average number of telegrams dealt with between the hours of 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. during the same periods; how many Post Office telegraphists are retained at this office; what are their ranks; how many are eligible for demobilisation under current Regulations; what are the special circumstances requiring their retention in the Army; whether he will state the average cost of these men in military pay and allowances, and also in civil pay to the Post Office authorities; whether there is any reason why this office should not be staffed by one or two civilians with a great saving to the Exchequer; and whether, having regard to the great waste of money and force which has taken place at this office since March, 1918, when the Signal Office was transferred to the military authorities, he will insist on a searching investigation being made into the reasons for the retention of civilian telegraphists on military duties?

The answer to this question is too lengthy to read out, and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL. REPORT.

The following is the reply mentioned: The number of telegrams dealt with at the Signal Office, General Headquarters, Great Britain, during the periods mentioned was 2,013 and 819. It is not possible to give the number of messages dealt with during specified hours of the day, as all the messages are destroyed after a few days, in accordance with military Regulations. Seven Post Office telegraphists are employed at the office including one company sergeant-major, one corporal, two second corporals, and three sappers. All are eligible for demobilisation, but have volunteered to defer their demobilisation until their services can be dispensed with. The cost of the military emoluments of the staff (including pay, allowances, rations, etc.) is approximately £1,500 per annum. I cannot say without inquiry the amount of civil pay issued by the Post Office authorities. As regards the necessity for the employment of military telegraphists in the office in question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Members for Houghton-le-Spring and Barnard Castle on 18th August and 29th October, respectively, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the number of men serving in His Majesty's forces in June, 1914. and the number serving to-day?

The numbers serving on 1st August, 1914, exclusive of the military wing of the Royal Flying Cope, was 238,644. The numbers serving on 1st December, 1919, who are comparable with the above figure is about 229,000. This figure excludes all demobilisable personnel, men who volunteered for one year's service and special enlistments for one year. The two latter classes become time-expired during the next three months. The total number of personnel serving with the Forces on 1st December, including all classes, was approximately 485,000.

asked whether the Volunteers were considered to be part of His Majesty's Forces for the purposes of the War; and, if so, whether they were paid for their services by a grant to the Volunteer battalions or in any other way?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, Volunteers did not receive military pay, apart from the Special Service Companies who were engaged on whole-time duties for a limited period in 1918. An allowance of 5d. (latterly increased to 6d.) per six hours was made in lieu of rations for Volunteers engaged on temporary services (e.g., guarding vulnerable points) under the orders of General Officers Commanding the Military Commands. No grants were made to Volunteer battalions as such, but grants for clothing and administrative expenses of Volunteer units were made to Territorial Force Associations.

asked what is the reason for maintaining the anti-aircraft station near the reservoir on Putney Heath; if the lorries employed there and the guns are of any possible use; and when will the station be closed down?

The anti-aircraft station near the reservoir on Putney Heath has been maintained as it is the headquarters of the West London Anti-Aircraft Defences, and is responsible for closing down the forty-six stations in these defences. This work is nearing completion, and it is hoped to vacate Putney Heath in the early part of January next. The headquarters will then be transferred to one of the stations which it is proposed to maintain under the new scheme. The lorries referred to are employed on work conected with the clearing of the stations mentioned. There are no permanent guns at the headquarters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private J. Mills, No. 75820, 1st battalion Highland Light Infantry, is under eighteen years of age; whether his mother has made application for his release and been refused; whether he can state the grounds for this refusal; and whether, in view of the number of such enlistments and the subsequent applications for their release, he can give any assurance that the desires of their parents for the release of boys under eighteen will be granted?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The application for the discharge of Private Mills was refused as no reasonable grounds existed for authorising his discharge. I regret I cannot give the assurance asked for in the last part of the question. If the hon. Member will call on the Director-General of Demobilisation, War Office (St. James's Park), details of this particular case and the method of dealing with all such applications will be fully explained to him.

Does the right hon. Gentleman wish us to understand that the safety of the country depends on the retention in the Army of boys under eighteen years of age whose homes are in a state of destitution and who are required at home to maintain their mothers and families?

There are Regulations covering these cases enabling the review of cases of young soldiers who, on enlistment, made a false statement as to their age. The making of a false attestation is an indictable offence, but if the youth is a well grown lad and physically fit and strong it is the practice, within certain limitations, to hold him to the undertaking he enters into when he enlists.

If it is an indictable offence, and if, under military Regulations, you could keep a lad who lied about his age at a time when he is supposed to be patriotic—that is, during the War—why should the mother of that boy be penalised? It is not the boy who is penalized but his home. I should like to ask further, under what military Regulations he can hold a boy under eighteen years of age when the parents make application for his release?

We certainly have the power to do so, and in many cases, the boy wishes to stay. The pay which is given him in the Army enables him to make a considerable remittance to his home.

I want the Regulations and not a general statement. In this case the boy is not willing to remain in the Army, he wants to get out.

Will the right hon Gentleman resist the desire apparently entertained on the part of Labour Members to force young men against their will to retire from the profession of arms?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is building up his Army under false pretences?

I cannot admit that. Here are young men who joined the Army and have since got older and stronger. We have spent money on their training and feeding, and general development, and we are entitled to hold them to the undertaking which they made in their attestation papers. But if any special circumstances are brought to our notice we give them consideration. As soon as the Conscription Act lapses it will be quite possible for anyone interested to buy them out of the Army.

If we had no Army where would the Labour party be?

I have asked the right hon. Gentleman to quote the Regulation under which he holds this boy.

I cannot give chapter and verse off-hand, but if a question is put on the Paper I will state the authority under which we act.

asked the Food Controller whether he is now in a position to make a statement in regard to any possible reduction in the present retail price of milk, particularly in reference to Glasgow?

I have carefully reconsidered the maximum retail price of winter milk, in view of the opinion expressed by the Milk Prices Investigation Committee. Their opinion was based on the assumption that the average yield per cow in milk was 2 gallons a day, whereas my advisers had estimated that it would not exceed 1½ gallons. I told them that if their estimate was correct I would alter the prices. If the opinion of my advisers was correct, I would adhere to them, and I deferred my decision until I could receive some 80,000 returns of milk production for the week ending Saturday, the 6th December. These returns have now been received, and the summary of results, subject to checking, shows an average production per cow per day as follows:

England and Wales	1.33	gallons.
Scotland	1.68	"
Great Britain	1.35	"

In the circumstances, I am unable to modify the maximum prices, which were fixed in agreement with the Department of Agriculture after the mast exhaustive investigation into the cost of production that has ever been effected in this country. With one recommendation of the Investigation Committee I was always in strong sympathy—namely, that steps should be taken to secure for children under five years of age and for nursing and expectant mothers adequate supplies of milk. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health agrees with me that all practicable steps should be taken in this direction, and I am, with his concurrence, issuing an amendment of the prsent Order which governs the price and distribution of milk in these cases.

What is the yield of an Irish cow?

What is the price of milk in Scotland and in this country?

I cannot say from memory, but Scotland is subject to the maximum price which prevails in the country.

What is the amount? Is it less than in this country?

If my hon. Friend puts down a question I will make inquiries.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been called to a statement by a farmer that they had the whip hand and intended to keep it, while discussing this very problem of food prices?

I have seen many statements.

You have not seen that?

No; nor should I have had an opportunity of testing it if I had seen it.

In what respect is the right hon. Gentleman going to amend this Order with regard to mothers' milk?

A strong objection has been advanced to the use of the word"necessitous"in the Order, and that has been interpreted to restrict the supplies of this cheaper milk to cases which have to be proved after investigation to be necessitous. We propose now to invest the local authority with power to give it in such cases where they feel the local circumstances warrant it.

When will the new Order come in?

I am in consultation with the Minister of Health, and I hope we shall be able to do it this week.

asked the Food Controller how long he anticipates the control of the principal articles of food will last; what steps are being taken to release essential articles; and what are the profits received by his Department on meat, bacon, butter, sugar, and cheese during the last twelve months?

It is extremely difficult to forecast with any accuracy the future of the world food supplies, and consequently to set a limit to a continuance of some degree of control. Generally speaking, I propose to free all home agricultural products except wheat during the first six months of next year. As I have already stated, so long as there is a world shortage of sugar and of butter some method of organised distribution of these commodities must be maintained. The rigid measures of control appropriate to war conditions are, in my opinion, unsuited for a period of transition; but I am clear in my own mind that some degree of supervision of our food supplies will have to be exercised for at least three years to come. What powers will be necessary to enforce this supervision and to what Department of State the appropriate functions should be entrusted will be for Parliament to determine.

The latest available accounts of the trading transactions of the Ministry of Food, namely, those for the financial year ending 31st March last, are published in Command Paper 286, to which I would refer the hon. Member. It is not possible at the present stage to give figures for the financial year ending 31st March next, but I may say, that, so far as it is possible to estimate in advance, I anticipate that over the three years ending 31st March next, the margin of profit made by the Ministry will amount probably to not more than one-tenth of 1 per cent. over the whole turnover during this period.