asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the average cost of coal at the pit mouth for the year 1919, showing the amount attributable to labour, materials, and other costs, and owners' profits and royalties, comparing these costs with the year 1913, as given in evidence before the Coal Commission?

I regret that sufficient material is not yet available to enable me to answer this question. However, it is anticipated that by the end of this month a sufficient number of returns for the December quarter will have been received by the Coal Mines Department from colliery owners to enable provisional figures for the year 1919 to be furnished.

Before Easter?

I said by the end of this month, which is before Easter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the high prices which are now being paid for gas coke and foundry coke for export, he will inform the House of the total export of coke during February; the average price per ton; the average amount of coal required to produce 1 ton of coke; and the average price of such coal per ton to the producer of coke?

During February 80,320 tons of gas coke and 149,914 tons of coke of other sorts were exported, and the average value per ton f.o.b. was £4 13s. 9d. for gas coke and £5 0s. 6d for other sorts of coke. The average amount of coal required to produce 1 ton of coke is not precisely known, but it is usually assumed that 5 tons of coal are consumed for every three tons of coke made. The average price of coal used either for coke or gas making in this country cannot be stated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the cost of sea-borne Durham coal delivered at Torquay is 65s. per ton as compared with 45s. for rail-borne coal; and will he take steps to remove this embargo, which has to be met by consumers of gas, electricity, and coal, &c., by reverting to transport by rail?

I am aware of the circumstances to which my hon. and gallant Friend calls attention, but I regret that it is not possible at present to alter the arrangements under which, in order to relieve the congestion on the railways, a considerable quantity of coal must be conveyed by sea.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are many complaints not only about shortage of quantity, but also of quality, and that the coal they are receiving is not fit for anything?

That raises another topic.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the price of bunker coal at Devonshire ports is £7 6s. 6d. per ton?

I know it is very high.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the amount of coal supplied to the towns of Brighton and Hove has for some weeks been quite inadequate to the needs of the population; that the present supply in the town is only sufficient to last for one day; whether he will give instructions to the Coal Controller to take prompt measures to forward an adequate quantity of coal to relieve the present situation, and will also release the wagons belonging to local coal merchants which have been taken over by the Controller;

(2) whether he is aware that, owing to the short supply of coal to the town, the electricity undertaking of the Hove Corporation is carrying on the supply of electricity for domestic and industrial purposes only with the utmost difficulty and that there is a considerable risk of a complete failure of its operations; whether he is aware that the coal from the colliery which usually supplies this undertaking has been diverted elsewhere and that not a single truck has reached Hove since 28th February; and whether he will take immediate steps to see that the requirements of the district are reasonably met?

The difficulties which have existed at Brighton have been largely due to congestion on the railways. As regards household coal, I am informed that at present the stocks held by merchants and the local authority amount to about a week's supplies and arrangements have been made for additional quantities of coal to be sent into Brighton and Hove by sea, while a special consignment has been forwarded to the electricity works. The wagons recently requisitioned are now being returned to the local merchants.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any scheme has been formulated to ameliorate the difficulties as to the allocation and distribution of household coal, and whether there is any possibility of re-allocation of supplies where at present they are inadequate to meet the required needs of the people?

A scheme is in force for the supply and distribution of household coal, and in any cases where deliveries are temporarily delayed for any reason, steps are taken to send forward emergency supplies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state when the price of industrial coal will be reduced?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a fleet of upwards of 60 steam trawlers belonging to Dutch ports are daily landing their catches at English ports and are getting supplies of coal for bunkers, while some of our own steam trawlers are laid up owing to lack of coal; and whether the Coal Controller will take steps to remedy this state of affairs?

My attention has recently been called to the case of the Dutch steam fishing trawlers at Grimsby, and as a result of careful inquiries made by the Coal Mines Department it was found that Dutch vessels receive no preference in the matter of coal supplies. I have no reason to believe that the position is not the same at other fishing ports.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that preference is not the point; the question is whether they should receive any coal while British trawlers are lying idle for want of coal?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the diversion of supplies, several steam fishing vessels belonging to the Boston fishing fleet are laid up in dock for want of coal; that the consequent dislocation renders the stoppage of the whole fleet imminent; and whether the Coal Controller will take steps to furnish immediately the necessary supplies of coal and so prevent the further unemployment and loss that will result from such a stoppage?

No instructions which would have the effect of diverting coal supplies from Boston have been issued by the Coal Mines Department. I understand that the Coal Controller has met a deputation introduced by the hon. Member and that the misapprehension which existed locally on this subject has been cleared up.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that, misapprehension notwithstanding, the coal was not forthcoming and the trawlers were laid up?

I am very sorry to hear that, but I shall be very glad if the hon. Gentleman will speak to me about it, and I will do what I can.

I hope the hon. Gentleman does not forget that on the 2nd March I approached him on the same subject?

Yes, but I hope my hon. Friend will not forget that I have been doing all I can since then to try and get it put right.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade if the Estimates on which the 6s. increase and the 10s. decrease in the price of coal were based included a sum to cover the cost of control; and, if so, will he take care that the sum so included or such sum as may be necessary for the purpose is credited to control expenses before the surplus profit for distribution is arrived at?

The Estimates referred to by my hon. Friend were based on the assumption that the cost of control would be met out of the profits of the coal mining industry and not out of public funds. Clause 7 (3) of the Coal Mines (Emergency) Bill, as amended in Committee gives effect to this intention by providing that the cost of control shall be debited to the Controller's account, and it will thus constitute a charge against the share of the anticipated surplus which will inure to that account.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that the goodwill and patents of the British Dyes, Limited, and Levensteins, Limited, has been valued at £980,044, he will say whether this value depends upon the continued assistance of the Government being given to this industry; if so, whether this value should have gone to the State giving the assistance; and, if not, why assistance should be given to companies whose goodwill and patents are declared to be of the value stated above?

The value of the goodwill and patents of any industrial undertaking necessarily depends largely upon the amount of capital available for carrying on its operations. In this particular case it is not considered that the State is entitled to share in the value of the goodwill and patents, except in proportion to its participation in the whole subscribed capital of the company. The general reasons for State aid in this case have been fully stated on several occasions in this House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the steamship "Dufferin," which sailed recently from Southampton to Bombay, was in an insanitary and crowded condition; whether a serious outbreak of illness, affecting 500 persons, occurred on board; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The ship was thoroughly disinfected by the Clayton process before sailing, and the passengers were berthed on the lines adopted on passenger steamers sailing to India. In view of the shortage it is not possible to give passengers as much space as in normal conditions. I understand that a certain amount of sickness occurred during the latter part of the voyage. There is no reason for thinking that the outbreak was serious, but enquiry will be made of the Government of India.

asked the Prime Minister whether it would be possible to place surplus stocks of food upon the market, even if a loss is thereby incurred, with a view to reducing the cost of food?

This is a question which would, I think, be more appropriately dealt with in Debate this afternoon.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that if the bread subsidy is reduced, and the price of flour advanced to 19s. 3d. per sack, it will mean the advancement of the price of the quartern loaf from 9½d. to over 1s., which will mean that thousands of families will have to pay 4s. at least extra for the bread per week; if he is aware that the workers will be compelled to petition to various employers of labour for an advance in wages equivalent to the extra cost of the bread; and if he will take action in the matter?

The considerations referred to in my hon. Friend's question were all taken fully into account before coming to the decision which I announced last week.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether, when the question of reducing the bread subsidy was being considered, account was taken of the fact that according to the figures published by the Board of Inland Re-venue the farmers' capital of the United Kingdom had increased during the period of the war by £290,000,000?

I have been asked to reply. The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade what effect the partial abolition of the bread subsidy will have on the average cost of living, as recorded in the "Labour Gazette"; and what corresponding increase it is proposed to make in the minimum wages fixed by the Trade Boards?

I have been asked to reply to this question. With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 11th March by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food to the hon. and gallant Member for Lewisham, East. With regard to the latter part of the question, the variation of minimum rates of wages fixed under the Trade Board Acts is a matter within the discretion of the several Trade Boards, and any increase in the cost of living would doubtless be one of the factors to which the Boards would give consideration.

asked the Prime Minister if he has decided what further steps can be, and should be, taken by the Government in view of the high and increasing cost of living; and whether further action is being taken to make known the chief cause of such high prices, and of the extent of their range in the post-war period?

This subject is being discussed to-day, and can, I think, be better dealt with in Debate than in answer to a question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that high prices are being artlessly attributed to the action of the Government, and docs he not think it is desirable that the saddle should be put on the right horse—that pains should be taken to that end?

I hope that will be the effect of the discussion this afternoon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the conditions on which export licences are granted to tea merchants; whether licences are granted only for the same quantities and for the same countries as the merchant shipped in pre-war times; whether merchants can apply for export licences for any country; and, if not, if he will state for what reason such restrictions are imposed?

The export of tea is permitted at the rate of 7,000,000 lbs. per month. Licences were originally granted to exporters based upon their average yearly export during the period 1913–1915, but as the quantity allowed was not fully taken up by exporters who had an export trade during the period named, licences are being granted freely up to the prescribed maximum to all applicants. Export licences are granted for all destinations with which trading is permitted.

Can the hon. Gentleman say under what power these export licences are granted?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have considered the serious inequalities now being caused by the operation of the Rent Restriction Acts as between the owners of small houses who are unable to raise their rents to meet the increased cost of upkeep and the depreciation of money, while their tenants are able by sub-letting to profiteer with impunity at the owners' expense, and the owners of business premises who are, in many cases, demanding exorbitant and unjustifiable increases to the great injury of small traders and professional men; whether he has any statement as to the policy of the Government in regard to the competing claims of owners and tenants; and, if not, whether time will be allotted for a discussion of the whole Question?

I regret that I cannot add anything to previous answers on this subject. Until the Committee has reported, I think that a discussion would be premature.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication of the description of the Committee and when it sits, because I have many applications to make?

I rather think the information has been given, but I will find out and let my hon. Friend know.

asked the Primo Minister where regulations of trade unions prevent the entry of workmen into the trade and industry with which the union is associated, the nature of such regulations and the unions involved, and the extent to which the regulations have retarded the development of the industry concerned?

It is not possible for me to give a detailed account of such regulations or their effect. The extent to which craft organisations have, on the one hand, stimulated, and, on the other, retarded industry, is a matter of opinion and the subject of controversy, and is not suitable for treatment by question and answer.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman make a definite charge against these organisations a few weeks ago. Surely there most be some data in existence to warrant such a statement being made?

I have to answer a question on that particular point later. We have got the data—certainly!—and are prepared to publish it.

asked the Prime Minister whether his statement that the delay in the country's housing programme is due to the policy of the trade unions was based upon any statistical information; and, if so, will he publish the information in the Parliamentary Report?

I will circulate a statement compiled from the reports of local officers of the Ministry of Health, to which I referred in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds on the 11th March, and also a copy of the statement which was placed before the Building Resettlement Committee. It will be seen that there is a marked shortage of skilled labour available for housing schemes and other essential building work, and that it is particularly acute in the case of bricklayers, slaters, and plasterers. It is evident that the shortage cannot be made good unless the trade unions agree to a relaxation of their rules.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that at the Ministry of Labour in relation to 40,000 unemployed, in connection with building construction, nearly 600 are bricklayers?

dissented.

It is published in the "Labour Gazette."

asked the Prime Minister whether any arrangements have been made with Germany by the British and French Governments as to the law and principles which the Leipzig Court will administer and apply in the trial of Germans accused of War crimes; and whether there is any foundation for the statement that the Leipzig Court will refuse to find Germans guilty of War crimes in cases where the crimes complained of were committed in the interests of Germany in the course of the prosecution of the War?

In reply to the first part of the question, the arrangements with Germany for the trial of the Germans accused of War crimes are not yet complete, the legislation under which the trials are to take place having only just been passed in Germany. I have no reason to suppose that there is any foundation for the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

May we rest assured that this Leipzig trial will in no way prejudice the surrender of German War criminals for trial?

We have reserved all our rights in the Treaty meanwhile.

May I ask whether the present; crisis in Germany is likely to affect the matter?

asked the Prime Minister if he can indicate to what powers the mandates in Asia as well as those in Africa have been allocated, and by what instruments or conventions the allocation was made; and with what authority it rests to settle the terms of the mandates?

Under Article 22 of the Treaty of Versailles the following allocation of mandates was decided upon by the Supreme Council in Paris last summer:

May I ask whether it is a fact that, failing a decision by the Supreme Council before the Treaty was signed, the decision as to the terms of the mandates rests with the Council of the League?

Did my right hon. Friend say the mandate, or the terms of the mandate?

The terms of the mandate.

I should not like to answer that without notice.

Why did the right hon. Gentleman make no reference to Togoland and the Cameroons in his reply? Are these mandates not yet allocated?

Yes, they are allocated, but the boundaries have not yet been defined. So far as Togoland is concerned, I think there is division between Great Britain and France.

And part of the Cameroons?

And part of the Cameroons also.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Soviet Government of Russia has requested permission to send representatives to this country to discuss the opening up of Russian trade or whether His Majesty's Government has invited the Soviet Government to send such representatives; in either case what names have been submitted; what reply has been sent by His Majesty's Government; and what is the present attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the question of trade representatives abroad to act on behalf of the Soviet Government and to assist Russian trade with this country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Following upon the Allied declaration of January last, the Central Board of the co-operative organisations of Russia has requested permission to send representatives to this country to discuss the re-opening of Russian trade. The names submitted by the Russian cooperative organisations were: Krassin, Litvinoff, Nogin, Rosovski, Khintchouk. After consultation with its Allies, His Majesty's Government has stated that it is ready to receive in this country the delegates mentioned above, with the exception of M. Litvinoff, whom it cannot admit because on a previous occasion he took advantage of diplomatic privileges to engage in political propaganda in this country. It has also indicated that it would be ready to receive other prominent officials of the Russian co-operative societies as well as the experts and staff which the delegation would naturally require to accompany them, subject to its right in the case of individuals to refuse admission into Great Britain. It has further throughout made it clear that the representatives of the co-operative societies must confine themselves to commercial dealings, and no representative will be allowed to remain who attempts to engage in political propaganda. It has further indicated that it will be prepared to give all the facilities in its power both for the journey to England and for the unhindered return to Russia of the delegation and for the speedy and satisfactory transaction of business in this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that M. Litvinoff is markedly pro-English in his attitude, and that there is a change in the situation since he was last here; and will this matter be reconsidered in our own interests?

Why has the right hon. Gentleman allowed the Foreign Office to overrule his better judgment so far as M. Litvinoff is concerned?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman he is quite wrong. This is not only the judgment of the Foreign Office, but it is also mine. M. Litvinoff has undoubtedly abused his privilege, and had the Ambassador of a friendly Power acted in the same way, and there was any attempt to send him back, we should have acted exactly the same.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British representatives, Captain Crombie and Mr. Lockhart, abused their privileges in Russia?

"Withdraw."

On a point of order. Is it in order for a retired officer to make an allegation against a dead officer who was murdered by the Soviet power while performing his duty for this State in Russia?

I feel sure that the hon. and gallant Gentleman, on reflection, will perceive that the statement which he made was a very improper one. May I point out that the difficulty arises through the fact of these supplementary questions being fired off without any proper reflection? Had the hon. and gallant Gentleman had time to reflect he would never have put that question.

"Withdraw."

I have said what I have to say.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Supreme Council, when considering the declaration on economic conditions issued on 8th March, 1920, discussed the necessity of opening normal relations with the Russian Soviet Government and of an international loan to Germany; and on what grounds no reference to these matters was contained in the declaration as issued?

The declaration referred to contains the conclusions arrived at by the Supreme Council as a result of its discussions on every aspect of economic conditions, and I have nothing to add to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to appoint a Committee to investigate the claims of British firms and individuals against Russia now registered with the Foreign Office; and whether it is desirable to follow the example of other countries and prepare all documentary evidence and proof in readiness for the time of presentation?

I doubt the desirability of appointing a Committee of the kind at the present moment, as the investigation of such claims would, in most cases, necessitate enquiry being made in Russia.

As regards the second part of the question, I understand that steps are already being taken in the Foreign Office to collect and put in suitable form such documentary evidence as is available in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what recommendations he is making to British companies with Russian connections who are finding that bearer bonds deposited with the Russian banks by their clients prior to the Bolshevist régime are now coming back to them from other countries, and who are wishful to know whether they should be recognised and honoured or interest paid on the coupons?

I am not aware of any applications for advice having been made to the Board of Trade in the circumstances referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister if he will instruct the Ministry of Munitions, the War Office, the Ministry of Food, the Coal Controller, the Ministry of Shipping, the Disposals Board, and any other Ministry or Government Department engaged in transport to prepare, in each case, a return of the full number and cost of the staff employed in transport and storage on 1st August, 1919, and 1st March, 1920, respectively, the return to show separately that portion of the staff employed continuously at any warehouse or storage area; and, if the returns are ordered, if he will say in what form they will be presented to the House?

I am not prepared to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion in view of the labour which would be involved, and the fact that the staffs of the Departments referred to are already much overworked. To undertake the preparation of the Return asked for would tend to increase rather than diminish the present congestion by diverting a certain proportion of the energy of the Departments from the very pressing needs of the situation.

In view of the pressure of the Prime Minister for economy and efficiency, will he allow me to see him and explain to him viva voce what is intended?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to statements in the Press foreshadowing an increase in rates of freight; and whether the Question of freight rates will be submitted to an appropriate Committee for investigation, in view of the fact that the matter does not come within the scope of the Profiteering Act?

I have been asked to reply. My attention has been called to the statements to which the hon. Member refers, and I would suggest that if the rise in freights does take place, he should put down his question again.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is yet in a position to allocate sufficient extra wagons for the special purpose of relieving the congestion of timber at the port of Hull; whether he is aware of the situation at the port owing to this congestion, and that there are 100,000 tons of timber awaiting removal; and whether he can give an assurance that the congestion will be relieved before the next importing season, in order that timber merchants and importers can arrange their business?

The position at Hull during the last week has considerably improved as a result of the railway companies having taken special steps to work wagons into that port. The whole question of re-allocation of wagons by the companies is actually in process. The question of wagon supply at Hull is receiving special consideration by the railway companies, and every endeavour will be made to reduce the accumulation of timber before the next importing season. The Hull position is a most difficult one, owing mainly to altered flow of trade, and I am proposing to have a meeting with the representatives of the railway companies concerned shortly and will invite the hon. Members representing Hull in this House to be present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Metropolitan police have or can be given power to divert slow-going traffic from the more important and congested streets to less important parallel routes during the hours of greatest congestion?

The existing powers are given by Section 11 of the Metropolitan Streets Act, 1867. The Advisory Committee have the question of additional powers under consideration in connection with a review of the proper control of London traffic.

Has the hon. Gentleman contemplated the possibility of prohibiting anything but mechanically propelled traffic?

I do not know. That will appear on the Report of the Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the increase of over 130 per cent. in the rate on bicycles as passengers' luggage for short distances as compared with the pre-War charge is a serious handicap to cyclists wishing to get away from large towns into the country on half-holidays, and will he favourably consider a reduction of this increase so that this class of traffic shall not boar a higher rate of increase than that imposed on industrial traffic?

The charges on bicycles accompanying passengers who travel short distances by rail have been fixed in accordance with the recommendations of the Rates Advisory Committee, and I regret I am unable to make any exception to meet this case.

Is this recommendation of the Rates Advisory Committee made in the interests of the motor car owners or the bicycle riders?

It is made in the interests of the finance of the country.

Is that a reason for penalising bicycle riders more than any other class in the community?