asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the question of re-registration of coal consumers in Glasgow has been under consideration by the Board of Trade for the past six months; and whether he will state when it is proposed to come to a decision in the matter?

Yes, Sir. But, as stated in the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on the 29th March, the question of decontrol of internal distribution is under consideration, and until this is settled it is not considered desirable to proceed further with re-registration. A decision on this matter will be made as soon as possible after consultation with the interests concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the allocation of household coal to merchants in Hull is based on the amount supplied to coal merchants in the years 1917 and 1918; whether he is aware that this bears hardly on men in the coal trade who were fighting abroad during 1917 and 1918; and why the allocation cannot be made pro rata on the coal supplied to merchants in 1913 and 1914?

The supplies of household coal to merchants in Hull are based on the quantities supplied to the coal merchants in 1917, in accordance with the arrangements obtaining generally throughout the country. When it became necessary to impose rationing in 1918, conditions were so abnormal that it was impossible to base supplies on 1913 quantities. The flow of coal had also been altered by the Transport Reorganisation Scheme, and it was necessary to maintain the flow in its new channels. It is not proposed to make any alteration at present, especially as steps are being taken which it is hoped will result in decontrol of household coal shortly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, without altering the whole basis of rationing, which I appreciate, see that men who were broad fighting during 1917 and have now come back and wish to set up in business receive some ration of coal?

Every effort is made to suit those cases of possible applicants for coal. I am hoping, as I have already said in answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's question, to have this matter dealt with on a new basis very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the alarm and apprehension prevailing amongst responsible authorities in the Midland Division, owing to the fact that supplies under the Fuel and Lighting Order during the first 11 weeks of 1920 were less by 7,250 tons per week than during the corresponding period of 1919, when they were barely adequate for private and public needs; whether, as a result of this shortage, there are practically little or no reserves of fuel throughout the division, some towns having none at all; whether he is aware of the consequences that would ensue in the event of cessations of work on the part of those engaged in furnishing supplies; whether he is aware that 36,000 tons of household coal are diverted from the Midland producing area to other districts every week, much of it going to London; if he will say whether supplies to the Metropolis are now 12,000 tons per week above the quantity there delivered at the corresponding date last year; and whether he will order an immediate inquiry into the whole matter with a view of affording speedy relief by augmenting the supplies, and thereby removing any risk of jeopardy either to householders or business undertakings in the Midland Division concerned?

The supplies to the Midland Division have already engaged the special attention of the Coal Mines Department; 3,000 tons per week of industrial coal in the division has been diverted to household purposes, and a further 1,500 tons per week diverted from another area. In addition, all collieries are being pressed to maintain full supplies. The Staffordshire and Warwickshire coalfields have always contributed to the London supplies. The Metropolitan position, both as regards supplies and requirements, has been so difficult that additional coal has had to be found. This has not been diverted from the Midland producing area, but has been provided from the Northumberland and Durham coalfields and conveyed both by rail and sea.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that some works in the North have been closed down owing to lack of coal, and will he forbid the export of any more coal until our own needs are supplied?

I am not aware of any works in the North having had to close as a result of the diversion of coal for export. Coal from the Northumberland and Durham area is being absorbed inland to the full extent to which it can be dealt with by railways and by coastwise shipping. Export is only permitted where either the coal is unsuitable for home use or where it cannot be transported to a destination in the United Kingdom.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the gas companies have only one week's supply of coal in hand?

I regret to say that that is not an unusual condition for gas works in the United Kingdom, and I think that the cases in which my hon. and gallant Friend is interested are not more remarkable than others.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that several works are actually closed down owing to shortage of coal?

I am not aware that any have been closed down.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great shortage of coal in Oxfordshire, and that several villages have not had a supply for seven or eight weeks, and will he undertake to look into the question of the coal supply for Oxfordshire?

I will be very glad to get particulars of the cases to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers I am not aware of the condition which he describes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very large number of letters about the shortage of coal and the closing down of works is sent to the Coal Controller, and do those letters come under the personal observation of the right hon. Gentleman?.

If all the letters sent to the Board of Trade were to come under my personal observation I should never be able to attend in this House.

That shows the emergency of the case

The Coal Controller deals expeditiously with every application that comes before him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the export of coal is of vital importance to this country, and that the shortage of home consumption is due to the reduced output of the mines, and is he aware that the output last year was 20,000,000 tons less than the output of the year before the War, though the number of men employed is larger than in 1913?

Is it not a fact that we are consuming more coal inland to-day than we ever did at any period of our history?

Both hon. Members have raised very interesting questions which cannot be dealt with in replies to questions. It is perfectly true that a very large amount of coal is being consumed at home to-day owing to prosperity of trade. It is equally true that the more coal you have to export the more benefit you confer on the country, and it is obvious from both those facts that the more coal you produce the better the country finds itself.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that prior to the War the difference in the price of coal at Grimsby and Yarmouth was 5s. per ton, whilst at the present time the difference is 19s. per ton on rail-borne coal, and to add to the difficulties of the Yarmouth fishing fleet the Coal Controller has issued an order compelling the fleet to use 50 per cent. of sea-borne coal, which increases the price to 28s. a ton in favour of Grimsby; and what steps he proposes to take to do away with this hardship, which must ruin Yarmouth as a trawling port if it continues?

The pre-War difference in the price of coal at Grimsby and Yarmouth is correctly stated at 5s. per ton. The present difference on rail-borne coal is not 19s., but 6s. 5d. The extra cost entailed by the use of sea-borne coal is approximately as stated by the hon. Member. The reduction in the quantity of rail-borne coal permitted to be supplied for use as bunkers by the Yarmouth fishing fleet was necessitated by the heavy unsatisfied demand upon the Midlands coalfield for household purposes. It was therefore necessary to supplement the bunker requirements of the ports by sea-borne coal. The hardship thereby occasioned to the port of Yarmouth is recognised, and the Coal Controller hopes shortly to be able to permit the resumption of rail-borne supplies with the expected summer slackening of the household demand.

While this new arrangement with regard to coal is being made, will the right hon. Gentleman do something to get over the difficulty?

The difficulty is being borne in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the great hardship inflicted on towns that receive sea-borne coal and that have to pay considerably more for their gas and electric light owing to the increased cost of transit of the coal; and will he take steps to get the cost of coal delivered by sea in excess of that sent by rail divided amongst the various gas undertakings throughout the country?

I am aware that the cost of coal conveyed by sea for gas and electric light undertakings is in excess of that conveyed by rail. Owing, however, to the congestion on the railways, and to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient wagons, it is not practicable to make any change at present. I am not prepared to take the steps indicated in the concluding portion of the question.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it a great hardship that certain towns have to pay so much more for their gas owing to the price of coal, and if coal is carried at present by rail to Newton Abbot and delivered there why cannot it go on to Torquay, which is only five miles further on?

I am afraid that my hon. and gallant Friend does not entirely understand the question. He sympathises with the places that are situated on the sea, but they are obtaining the advantage at present of getting coal by rail, and consequently cheaper than in the old days when they had to get it all by sea.

Is the coastwise service not still subsidized?

Yes, it is.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether authority will be given to the Controller of Enemy Debts at Cornwall House to disburse without any longer delay the money owing to British holders of due and unpaid interest coupons on British-owned German Government bonds, provided all requirements of the Controller as to proof of British ownership have been complied with?

I regret that I am unable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. Under the procedure laid down by the Treaty of Peace, claims of the nature of those referred to in the question must first be submitted to the German clearing office, and on their admission payment will be made by the Controller to the creditors.

Why is this system of the German clearing office required in connection with this question of German Government debts? Surely they have nothing to grumble at in the coupons?

The arrangements under the Treaty of Peace are that all these cases have in the first instance to be submitted to the German clearing office.

asked when the Committee on Merchandise Marks may be expected to report?

I understand from my hon. Friend the Member for the Wells Division of Somerset, who presides over the Merchandise Marks Committee, that the Committee have finished taking evidence and hope to complete their Report in about six weeks.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while this delay is taking place in legislation with regard to imports large numbers of German clocks and other German goods are being imported under false pretences, and a great number of manufacturers are giving up business, and cannot the matter be expedited in some way so that German goods can be marked as German?

I shall be glad to do everything in my power. I shall also be very glad if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of any cases of the kind to which he refers of which he is aware.

asked what is the total tonnage of enemy mercantile shipping which has been taken over by Great Britain; what is the tonnage still held by the United States; and whether the Government have any information as to pending negotiations for the re-transfer by America to German interests of certain ships formerly under German control?

I have been asked to reply. In addition to prize and detained ships amounting to approximately 450,000 gross tons, Great Britain has been allotted 1,330,000 gross tons of enemy shipping for temporary management. With regard to the second part of the question, the United States have about 575,000 gross tons of ex-enemy shipping. As regards the third part of the question, my attention has been called to paragraphs which have appeared in the Press, but I am not in a position to make any definite statement.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman made any inquiries with regard to the last part of my question?

I understand that there has been a discussion by the Committee of Commerce in the United States, and it has been decided by them that none of the vessels in question shall be sold unless and until specific instructions and authority has been given by Congress.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the two Scottish steel mills which principally supply the steel plates required for the manufacture of motor chassis frames are now controlled by a shipbuilding combine, which may utilise the products of these mills for the manufacture exclusively of plates required for shipbuilding; that the motor vehicle industry, which even at present is obtaining but much smaller quantities of these plates than is required, may be placed in the position of having to close many works with corresponding unemployment; and will he state what steps he proposes to take to prevent such a condition arising which would particularly affect Coventry, the workpeople of which depend so largely on the motor vehicle industry?

I am aware of the facts in the cases of the two concerns referred to in the first part of the question, and my attention has also been called to the adverse effect of a shortage of steel plates on the motor industry. I have been in communication with the National Federation of Iron and Steel Manufacturers on the subject, and have every reason to believe that the importance of an equitable distribution of the output of steel plates is fully recognised by the manufacturers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of rationing?

I should enter very reluctantly upon the question of rations. If I remember aright the attitude of all the manufacturers in the House, their previous opinion has been directly against any form of Government control. What I find to-day is a recrudescence of the old idea of control and rationing on the part of people for all the things they consume, but always of decontrol of the things they produce.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on the 12th November, 1919, the Southwark Profiteering Committee referred to his Department an alleged case of profiteering in lamp glasses; that on the 10th April the Committee were informed that a preliminary investigation would be held on the 23rd April; whether he can give any explanation of this delay of over five months in dealing with the matter; and whether the investigation of such cases can be expedited?

I regret that owing to the very large number of cases which the Central Committee has been called upon to investigate, there has been some delay in dealing with this case. The delay was originally created by the fact that the complainant himself was not prepared to appear. The subsequent delay was occasioned by the fact that owing to other cases being brought to the Committee's attention, the Committee considered it desirable that a general inquiry into the costings of the particular trade should be undertaken before proceeding with the investigation of the individual case.

asked the Minister of Transport when he anticipates being able to provide facilities for the conveyance of livestock to the agricultural shows?

I am not aware that there is any special difficulty regarding the rail conveyance of live stock to agricultural shows.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has forgotten the promise he made at the last General Election that he would supply an improved transport service for agricultural districts? When does he intend to do it?

The service for agricultural districts has been steadily improving since the last General Election.

Can you give me any evidence?

I shall be glad to supply it to my hon. Friend.

Thank you very much.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give some assurance as to the immediate pro vision of further railway trucks at the stations of Bishops Stortford, Stansted, Dunmow and Castle Hedingham; what steps is he taking to deal with the numerous complaints made to him from the districts served by these and neighbouring railway stations; whether he is aware that many hundreds of tons of hay and other produce have been lying on the farms in North Essex for several months, such produce having been sold to the traders but never delivered owing to lack of transport; and whether such a failure in the railway service greatly adds to the prices paid by the ultimate consumer?

I am aware of a shortage of trucks at the stations named. It is aggravated by the fact that until recently loaded wagons with barley for malting were going into the station and thus provided empties. Special steps are being taken by the Great Eastern Railway to ameliorate the difficulty complained of.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the new omnibus stopping places are considered to be satisfactory; and, if so, whether they are to be permanent?

It is assumed that the hon. and gallant Member refers to the experiment mentioned in paragraph 6 of the Report of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic. The results of this experiment are considered to be satisfactory by the Technical Sub-Committee dealing with it. The Sub-Committee have in hand proposals for the continuance of the system and its extension to other routes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that numerous stopping-places for buses are exactly abreast of places of refuge in the streets?

I was not aware of it, but I shall be glad to look into it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in cases where "stop by request " posts are put up, and buses are requested to stop, they do stop?

asked the Minister of Transport whether any steps are being taken to compile an up-to-date census of all motor vehicles of various categories in Great Britain?

The answer is in the negative. I hope, however, that if and when the new proposals for the taxation of mechanically-propelled road vehicles come into force, a satisfactory system of registration of such vehicles will result therefrom.

Will this House have the opportunity of seeing the report in connection with this at an early date and before the Budget is passed?

The report, I think, was published as a White Paper on the 13th.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the event of an assessment committee determining that there must be a revaluation of the rate able hereditaments in their union, the Government will provide the necessary data for the revaluation of the railways in the same way as the railway companies would have done before the Government worked or controlled these undertakings?

I have to draw the hon. and gallant Member's attention to the reply given to him by the Prime Minister, in answer to a question on the 8th March, when he stated that the Government is of opinion that, in view of the abnormal conditions which at present exist, any general revaluation is undesirable. The necessary data for a re- valuation of the railways is not in the possession of the Government, nor is it within their powers to provide it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received the Interim Report of his Advisory Committee on the Taxation of Road Vehicles; and, if so, whether he will arrange to have it published forthwith?

The Interim Report of the Departmental Committee on the Taxation of Road Vehicles was presented to the House of Commons on the 13th instant and copies of it can be obtained at the Vote Office.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the steel workers in the North of England have introduced three eight-hour shifts per day; and can steps be taken to adopt the same system as regards the mineral, metal, and goods traffic?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply on this subject given to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough West and the hon. and gallant Member for Henley on the 12th instant.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is the fact that railway fares in this country in numerous cases remain the same as they were before the War; as the expenses of running trains have gone up in every case, if he will say why this is allowed to continue; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy it?

Railway fares throughout the country have been increased generally by 50 per cent., though the increase has not extended to workmen's fares, and the principal exception is the case of the short distance fares on the London Electric Railways in regard to which there is a Bill before the House promoted by the proprietors.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can issue an order to the railway companies to extend the age of children's half-price tickets from 12 to 14 years of age; and, if not, whether, in view of the increased cost of living to the working classes, he will ask the companies to favourably consider this two years' age extension on children's cheap tickets?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Barnard Castle (Mr. Swan) on the 15th instant.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the negotiating committee of railway general managers and the representatives of the railway police have yet met to consider the conditions of service; if not, whether it is proposed to fix an early date for that purpose in view of the discontent amongst the railway police whose conditions of service compare unfavourably with those of other police forces; and whether he has yet decided to apply the Desborough scale of pay to the railway police?

The representatives of the railway police are now appointing a small committee to negotiate with the general managers, and so soon as this has been done, arrangements will be made for a meeting to consider the conditions of service, including the rates of pay of the men concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Advisory Committee on London Traffic has yet reported as to the re opening of the Victoria to City line on the South Eastern and Chat ham Railway: and, if not, whether he will press them to do so in view of the urgency for more traffic facilities in South London?

The Technical Committee of the Advisory Committee have considered the matter, and are unable to recommend the re-opening of any of these stations. This report will be brought up for consideration at an early meeting of the Advisory Committee when it resumes its sittings.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British chargé d'affaires in Berlin has informed the German Government that supplies of food and raw material will be prevented from entering Germany in the event of a Communist Government being set up; and whether we are prepared to bring similar pressure to bear to prevent the restoration of the Hohenzollerns or the setting up of a military dictatorship in Germany?

The actual terms of the statement made by the chargé d'affaires were that such possibility as might exist of help being afforded by way of foodstuffs, raw materials or credits could be destroyed by violent action from any quarter.

Why was it not made at the time of the Kapp-Luttwitz camp? Why did we wait until several days after that had been demolished?

As the House knows, it is not usual to make any statement of this kind. It is made now because there were rumours that another ministry was to be formed.

asked the Prime Minister whether a body of about a thousand German Reichswehr troops, under the Command of General von Gillhausen, was driven into the British Occupied Zone during the Kapp-Luttwitz Revolution; whether these troops were supporting the constitutional Government or the Kapp-Luttwitz movement; whether they have been released; if so, whether they were first deprived of their arms; whether they have been allowed to enter the Ruhr Valley Zone; and what is our policy towards German troops retreating into the Occupied Zone?

I understand this question is to be answered by the War Office.

MR. CHURCHILL has furnished the following reply: —

A body of about 1,500 German Reichswehr troops, under General von Gillhausen—which were supporting the constitutional government, were driven by the Red Forces into the British occupied territory on the 19th March.

They were disarmed and interned, and have now been repatriated to unoccupied Germany without their arms.

The policy as regards treatment of German troops which enter the British occupied territory is first to disarm and temporarly intern all such troops and subsequently to repatriate them without their arms to an undisturbed part of unoccupied Germany, under arrangements made with the German Authorities.

asked the Prime Minister what progress, if any, has been made during the last three months in bringing the ex-Kaiser and other War criminals to justice; if the refusal of the Netherlands Government to surrender the first-named has been accepted by the Supreme Council as final; if the said Government have promised to take effective measures against his escape and conspiring with persons from Germany to promote unrest in that country; and if the Netherlands Government have given any undertaking that they will intern the ex-Kaiser in one of their Colonies under an effective guard?

As the House is aware, the surrender of the ex-Emperor under Article 227 of the Treaty of Versailles has, during the last three months, been the subject of an exchange of Notes between the Supreme Council of the Allies and the Netherlands Government. The Netherlands Government have not been able to see their way to comply with the request of the Allied Governments in this matter. They have, however, undertaken full responsibility for the safe custody of the person of the ex-Emperor and the control of his correspondence and relations with the outside world. For this purpose they have assigned him a place of residence within a specified portion of the Province of Utrecht.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where the ex-Kaiser is at present?

In some part of the Province of Utrecht.

Could not the Dutch Government send him to the Isle of Cayenne, and will a recommendation to that effect be made to that Government?

May I ask why it was that during the War we were able to bring successful pressure on the Dutch Government with regard to imports, and now we are apparently helpless in view of this great danger to Europe?

May I ask whether from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman we are to understand that the Allies have given up all hope of fulfilling the Prime Minister's election pledge that the ex-Kaiser would be brought to trial?

All the facts are well known to the House.

No; they are not.

The Allies have done their best to induce the Government to take action. They have not succeeded, and they do not propose to use force.

If the whole of the Allied Powers cannot insist on the Dutch Government doing this, what possible hope is there for the League of Nations?

The League of Nations does not propose in the first instance, or except as a last resort, to use force. The alternative for the Allies in this case is to use force.

Would not an economic boycott have the same effect?

Are we to understand if an arch-criminal takes refuge in Holland it is not proposed to use force?

That does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister if he can give the House any information with regard to the progress which has been made with the arrangements for the trial of war criminals in Germany; if he will state when the trials are to take place; and whether an official shorthand writer will be present on behalf of Great Britain, whose soldiers and prisoners in Germany suffered most from German barbarism.

I can add nothing to the statement which the Prime Minister made in the House of Commons on this subject on 29th March last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have had no official information from the Government at all on this subject as to what is going to be done, and that we only know what we have to gather from the papers, and can he under the circumstances give a fuller reply to my question?

The statement made by the Prime Minister was that negotiations were going on, and that arrangements had not yet been completed.

Will they be completed, or have they been completed, or are they likely to be completed very soon?

I can express a hope as regards the last.

If these War criminals succeed in escaping to Holland, as the ex-Kaiser has, and if Holland on application refuses to give them up

That is a doubly hypothetical question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the strong feeling there is all over the country on this subject?

Are there any officers on the black list at present under detention in this country?

I should like notice of that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking to this House that the Government will insist on Germany producing the criminals named, having regard to their possible escape, and will he give them a time limit to commence their trial and put them under arrest in the meantime?

The subject has been very fully discussed, and I can add nothing.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in the note addressed to the German Government with regard to the arrest of and assault upon a British journalist, Mr. Voigt, at Essen, a demand was made for the punishment of the Prussian officer responsible for these acts; and if the text of the notes on the subject which have passed between the two Governments will be published?

I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to be good enough to refer to an answer which I gave in the House to a similar question addressed to me on this subject on April 14th, and to which I have nothing to add.

Does the hon. Member recognise the fact that the last part of the question was not asked previously, and can he give me a reply on that point?

I will consider that.

But does not my hon. Friend recognise the necessity, at all events, of protecting the people of this country against these Prussians?

asked the Prime Minister whether any cases have recently occurred of attempted gun-running into Ireland; and, if so, whether any particulars can be given?

There have been numerous rumours recently regarding the illegal landing of arms, and no doubt small arms are being surreptitiously smuggled into Ireland as occasion offers, but nothing is known of any recent attempt at gun-running in this country.

May we take it that there is no truth in the statement with regard to the two ships detained in the Forth?

A question is down on that subject, and I understand the Admiralty will answer it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will cause a Report or Reports to be forthwith presented to this House describing the actual state of things in Ireland, including particularly the extent to which the machinery of government is paralysed there?

I am communicating the suggestion of my Noble Friend to the Irish Government, but I hardly think that a general Report, such as is asked for, could be usefully given.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not think it is really of very great importance to bring before the people of this country in an authoritive way the real condition which apparently prevails in Ireland?

Yes, I think there is some advantage in that, and, as I have said, I have communicated the suggestion in the question to the Irish Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the administration of the ordinary law has entirely ceased in the South and West of Ireland, and its place is being taken by self-constituted Sinn Fein Courts?

The hon. Gentleman should put that question on the Paper.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister what conditions, if any, were made at the release of prisoners from Mountjoy Prison; whether the prisoners gave any under taking and, if so, what were its terms, and whether it was in writing or orally; whether the prisoners went into hospital or to their own homes, and whether they are now under police guard or supervision?

Before any prisoner was released the following statement was read to each, and was not objected to: You are being released on parole to return to this prison on [ the date is specified in each case, ] and we trust to your honour to do so. The majority of the prisoners went to hospital, a few to their own homes. The police are aware where each prisoner is.

The Irish Executive does not anticipate that the parole of any prisoner will be broken. Past experience goes to show that this conclusion is justifiable.

May I ask, if the Government can take steps to recognise the honour of these men, and trust to their recognising such a statement as was read to them, whether it is reasonable to treat them as criminals?

I do not see the relevancy of that question, for this reason—amongst others—that they have not given, and I do not suppose would give, their parole to abstain from action on account of which they were imprisoned.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Attorney-General for Ireland if he can make to the House a statement with regard to the unfortunate events in Milltown Malbay, where three people were killed and several were wounded by the soldiers and, I believe, by the police 1 [HON. MEMBERS:" No !"]

On the night of the 14th instant a patrol, consisting of six constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary and seven soldiers, was fired on by a crowd consisting of about 250 persons. The military returned the fire, with the result that three men in the crowd lost their lives and a number were wounded.

May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether the origin of this unfortunate happening was that as a body of the people in Milltown Malbay were celebrating the wisdom of the Government in liberating the prisoners on hunger strike, and were themselves gathering for a peaceful and a perfectly laudable purpose, they were interfered with by this body of soldiers and police before any other incident occurred, and whether it is desirable in a case of popular demonstration of this kind that the police and soldiers should not abstain from any interference unless there is a clear case of an attempt to violate the law?

No, Sir; my information is that the first act of violence proceeded from the crowd, and the firing was merely the result of a discharge of firearms by members of that crowd.

Was not the firing which is alleged on the part of the crowd subsequent to an attempt on the part of the soldiers and police to break up this meeting?

No Sir; that is not my information.

Is it only the Sinn Feiners who are to be allowed to fire?

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this subject again on the Motion for the adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any information regarding the conscription of labour in Russia by the Soviet Government and the approval of it by the organ of extreme opinions in this country; what action he is prepared to take in order to demonstrate to the working classes the threatened attack on their individual and collective liberty; and if the Government will keep the people fully informed by means of pamphlets, etc, as to the progress of the Soviet conscription of labour?

My attention has been called to various messages issued from Moscow on the subject of the " labour armies" now organised in Russia, and I am surprised to learn that certain organs in this country have expressed their approval of the system which amounts to enforced labour. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, I hardly think that any Government action is necessary to demonstrate to the British public the undesirability of introducing a similar system into this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is consistent and persistent agitation and propaganda being carried on in this country at the present time for the purpose of establishing in this country a system similar to that of the Soviet Government in Russia, where industrial conscription prevails?

I am aware generally of what has been said by my hon. Friend, but I would rather welcome any encouragement of knowledge of that

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be a very good thing to make all the idlers in this country work?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Govern- ment has yet repatriated all Russian civilians in the British Empire, or any territory where His Majesty's Government exercises direct authority, who are willing to return to Russia, under the exchange of prisoners agreement; and, if not, how many have been repatriated?

His Majesty's Government expressed their willingness to repatriate all Russians in the United Kingdom who were willing to return to Russia, and have afforded facilities for Russians to proceed from Denmark and Switzerland to their own country. As regards Russian civilians in this country, none have so far been repatriated owing to the fact that the Soviet Government has expressed the wish to limit the number of persons to be repatriated to 125, and insists on their being selected by an organisation called " The Russian Delegates Committee." His Majesty's Government do not see their way to agree to such conditions.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information about Russian civilians in other parts of the British Empire besides this country?

No, except that His Majesty's Government expressed their willingness to return all Russian civilians so far as they could.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has official information to the effect that the Ottoman Government has disavowed the Nationalist movement and the action of the Nationalist party in Anatolia, and that the Sheikh-ul-Islam has issued a proclamation to the same effect; and whether such outrages as have occurred have been caused by or with the express or implied approval of the Nationalist party?

The Imperial Decree appointing the new Grand Vizier, who took office on 5th April, condemned the Nationalist movement in outspoken terms as a rebellion which had gravely damaged the interests of Turkey and might still further endanger them. A further proclamation issued on the 10th April in similar terms gave the rank and file one week in which to submit to the Sultan, and threatened with condign punishment the leaders of the Nationalist movement and any Moslems guilty of excesses against Christians, and vice versa. Similar decrees have also been published by the Sheikh-ul-Islam. There is little doubt that the outrages which occurred were caused by, or at least had the approval of, the Nationalist party.

In view of the fact that these outrages are attributed to the deliberate action of the Turkish Government, should not stress be laid upon this repudiation from official sources?

I think it is desirable, and I hope the answer to this question will help in that direction.

asked the Prime Minister whether two steamers, the one a German and the other a Russian, are at present under arrest off Grangemouth, Firth of Forth; whether their cargo consists of a small quantity of coal and a large quantity of small-arm and artillery ammunition; whether these ships were passed by the Customs authorities in the Downs as having loaded at a Continental port to proceed to Esthonia; and if he can state what are the facts as now known to the Government and what action it is proposed to take?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The answer to the first two points is in the affirmative. As regards No. 3, the s.s. "Algieba" called at the Downs, but was diverted by the owners to the Firth of Forth. The ships' cargoes were reported as destined for South Russia. H.M. Customs did not examine nor pass the vessels. As regards Nos. 4 and 5, the "Algieba" is transferring her cargo to "Olga" and will then be free. In view of the changed situation in South Russia, the disposal of "Olga's "cargo is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to say what decision he has arrived at with a view to increasing the pensions granted to the police prior to 1st April, 1919?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to give the House any further information regarding the progress of the Special Committee set up by the Cabinet to inquire into necessitous cases amongst pre-War pensioners?

I am sorry that I can as yet add nothing to the answer given on Wednesday last to the hon. Member for Kettering.

In view of the greatly increased cost of living and consequent distress to those poor old pensioners, if I put down a question for next Monday, will the right hon. Gentleman be then able to give a definite answer on this matter?

I communicated with the Chairman of the Committee and I am afraid it would not be possible to give an answer as soon as that.

If I put it down for the following Monday?

We shall do our best.

May I asked if these inquiries also include the promises that were given to the Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners?

I think so.

Having regard to the opinion of this House, as expressed when it had the opportunity of doing so, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will give the House an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the whole question of pre-War pensioners?

I am quite aware of the feeling of the House but I think the House will also recognise the difficulty of it and that it is quite right to give us a reasonable time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the name of the Chairman of this Committee?

He is a member of the Cabinet and it is not usual to give the individual name.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the physical deterioration consequent upon the experiences during the War, instructions will be given to discontinue the practice of medically examining the applicants for employment under the various Government Departments?

The Order in Council of 22nd March, 1918, adopted the recommendations of Viscount Gladstone's Committee (Cmd. 34) in regard to the conditions under which Civil Service certificates for permanent appointment should be issued to candidates whose health has been impaired by War service, and gave power to relax to a very great extent the ordinary physical standard for certification. The power of relaxation has been largely used, and I think it will be generally agreed that these concessions go as far as can reasonably be expected.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state which Minister now performs, in respect of the oil industry and of questions relating to oil, the functions recently discharged by the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland?

It is intended that the duties in this respect performed by the Chief Secretary while he was head of the Department of Overseas Trade will be undertaken by his successor.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if he is aware that there is considerable uneasiness amongst ex-service men employed in the Ministry of Munitions owing to the changes pending; if, in view of the general importance of rehabilitating ex-service men, he can hold out any hope that any considerable portion will be absorbed in the permanent Civil Service;

(2) if he is aware that ex-service men are still experiencing difficulty in obtain- ing rehabilitation, and that throughout the country their position is prejudiced by the fact that men of the same age who did not serve have captured and consolidated the main positions of tactical advantage in the professional world; and if, in view of these difficulties, he will consider the advisability of limiting the present system of competitive examinations for the Civil Service until such time as ex-service men competent to fill these vacant positions have been absorbed?

The uneasiness to which the hon. and gallant Member refers must exist among all temporary staff of the Ministry, whether ex-Service or not. It was made clear, however, to each officer on his engagement that the position to which he was appointed was purely temporary. Whilst the utmost has been done to retain ex-Service men in the Ministry's employment, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer cannot hold out any hope that those remaining in the employment of the Ministry can, for that reason alone, be transferred to permanent positions in the Civil Service. The Government is alive to the necessity of assisting in every way possible the rehabilitation of ex-Service men, and special arrangements have been made to increase the employment of such men in Government Departments. Consideration is now being given to the possibility of reserving vacancies in the permanent clerical grades, for a period, for competition among persons serving temporarily in Government Departments, the major portion of such vacancies for men being reserved for candidates who have served with the Forces, provided a sufficient number reach the qualifying standard

I would like to ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware that speaking generally ex-Service men hold temporary and low-paid posts in the Civil Service, and that they have the mortification of seeing these permanent and more highly-paid posts in many cases held by men of the same age who did not serve during the War?

Is it not a fact that every man retained in civil employment at home was deemed to be kept at home because he was of more use there than in the Forces?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a number of the branches of the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers have carefully considered the reply to the deputation on 6th February, and record with dissatisfaction the result, and are of opinion that the discontent still existing can only be remedied by the prompt action of all branches in pressing their claim with greater determination: that they declare their firm intention of having nothing to do with the new Territorial Force; and will in no way support a Government unwilling to meet its obligations and which has failed to fulfil its pledges; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am aware that resolutions expressing the views set out in the question have been adopted by some branches of the Federation, but I am reluctant to believe that members of the Federation will not join with other ex-Service men in giving support to the Territorial Force

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Federation of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers met the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister admitted the justice of their claims, but said that the nation could not afford them, and in view of the fact that the nation cannot afford to discharge their debts to the discharged men, will the Government abrogate the interest that is paid on the money lent to the State for the War while these men are unrewarded for the services they rendered?

I am aware that the Prime Minister met the body referred to, but I do not accept the hon. Member's account of it as a correct statement of what he said. He did recognise the justice of the claims of these men, but I think the House will feel, as the Government does, that we have done everything in our power to meet them.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the Prime Minister did not say that the only reason he could not meet them was that the nation could not afford it?

I cannot remember the exact words used by the Prime Min- ister, but I am convinced that in substance he said what I stated just now.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will define the exact policy of the Government with respect to the future position of the Jews in Palestine?

The policy of His Majesty's Government remains as defined in the Balfour Declaration of the 2nd November, 1917.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether it is still quite clear that the British Government will be ready to accept a mandate for Palestine?

I should prefer to have notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the claims of the Arab nation to the sovereignty of Palestine is resented by the Jewish population, and was largely the cause of the recent riots in Jerusalem; and, in view of the British protectorate of that country, what steps, if any, are being taken to adjust the racial difficulties?

I cannot say whether the facts are as suggested by the hon. Member, though there can be little doubt that the recent disturbances were caused by racial feeling. Palestine is not a British protectorate, but in British military occupation. The military authorities will take all possible steps to prevent any recurrence of similar incidents, and to allay racial feeling pending the final settlement of the future of the country by the Peace Conference.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the system of qualification of interpreters in foreign languages followed in the Foreign Office is correlated with, or tested by, comparison with that in force in the Army, Navy, and Indian Civil Service; and whether the examinations passed by the members of the diplomatic service in various languages are of equal, inferior, or superior severity as compared with those held by the Civil Service Commissioners?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; it would be impossible to answer the second part without very detailed and laborious enquiries, as the examinations passed by members of the Diplomatic Service, in order to qualify them for the allowances referred to in my answer to the question which my hon. Friend addressed to me on 31st March, are all conducted locally, under the supervision of a competent expert in the language of the country in which the examination takes place.

Without asking my hon. Friend for any enquiry at all, may I ask whether it is to be understood that these tests for the Foreign Office hold good and are recognised outside diplomatic circles?

I have always understood they are the highest possible tests.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state how many bureaux de control or passport offices now exist; how many officials are employed; what revenue is received from fees; and what is the total cost.

There are twenty Passport Control Offices and five Sub-Passport Control Offices. All salaried British Consular Officers also are authorised to grant visas to persons wishing to enter British territory. One hundred and twenty-seven persons are employed in this service. The revenue received from fees is approximately £6,700 a month. The expenditure for the first three months of the year was at the average rate of £5,461 a month.

Is it not a fact that the present system, though it is a great inconvenience and expense to the travelling public, is really no effective prevention of undesirable immigration, and will the hon. Gentleman take steps to represent to foreign countries that this system may be amended or relaxed?