asked the President of the Board of Trade the cost of wages per ton of coal at the pit's mouth, the number of persons employed in the coalmining industry, and the output per person for the years 1913 and 1919, respectively?

The cost of wages per ton of coal raised at the pit's mouth was 6s. 4.01d. in 1913 and 18s. 7.68d. in 1919; the numbers of persons employed in the industry were 1,110,884 in 1913 and 1,163,000 in 1919, and the output per person (above and below ground) was 259 tons for 1913 and 197½ tons for 1919.

Is it not a fact that the output during last year was some 50,000,000 tons less than in 1913?

Did the hon. Gentleman say that the cost of labour was 18s. per ton?

18s. per ton net.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the shortage of output?

I am fully aware of it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state what is the total yearly sum represented by the most recent increase in the wages of those employed in the coal industry; whether this sum will be met by an increase in the coal subsidy or by increased charges on the users of coal for household and industrial purposes; and, if by the latter alternative, what is the estimated advance in price per ton for household and industrial coal?

In answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question, the recent increase in wages is estimated to cost approximately £31,500,000 apart from certain incidental and consequential increases. The other parts of the question relate to matters which are under consideration, and I hope to make a statement at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage of domestic coal and of anthracite for use in gas engines in the town of Ballymena, County Antrim; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am informed that a complaint of shortage at Ballymena has been received by the Irish Branch of the Coal Mines Department, but that a request for information to show which sources of supply were failing has not produced any reply. The normal supplies of coal to Ireland have recently been augmented considerably, and a substantial proportion has been sent to Belfast for distribution in the Northern Area. With regard to anthracite, the available supplies are being distributed to the best advantage, priority being given to householders, public utility undertakings and to food-producing industries.

Is it not a fact that this supply of coal relatively is still very much smaller in Ireland than in other parts of the United Kingdom?

It is a smaller average everywhere; I cannot say for Ireland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the shortage for the three months ending March this year is not 50,000 tons in excess of that for 1917?

I cannot say off-hand, but the hon. Gentleman can put down a question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the serious shortage of coal at Broughton, near Kettering; whether he is aware that workmen from the neighhouring ironstone pits during this spell of wet weather have had to keep putting on wet clothes because of no coal in the homes; that these men are feeling the effects of this unhealthy practice and that unless the position is at once relieved there is likelihood of serious trouble; whether he is aware that a letter and an urgent wire have been sent to the Department concerned, both asking for immediate replies as to what is being done, and still remain unanswered; can he state what he is doing in the matter; and does he intend to try and maintain the proper registered supply?

There has been a shortage at Broughton, but the position is now relieved and the latest reports received show that normal conditions prevail as regards ordinary supplies. Action was at once taken upon receipt of the telegram and letter referred to. Assistance was obtained from a local industrial firm and industrial coal is being held in reserve until the emergency supplies now on order are received.

Why was there no reply sent to the letter or the urgent telegram calling attention to important facts affecting the health of the place?

I am sorry if that is so, but I think action in the matter is more important than a reply.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this district sickness is rampant, and in many homes where sickness prevails they have not a bit of coal even in cases of bronchitis?

No reply to a telegram could have prevented that.

The telegram was sent more than ten days ago.

My information is that action was taken immediately the letter and telegram were received. Action cannot be taken instantaneously in a matter like this.

It is ten days ago and it is scandalous.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Coal Controller to increase the price of coal not less than 10 per cent. per ton; and when the rise is expected to take place?

These questions are under consideration, and I hope to make a statement at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that it became necessary for the directors of the Wrexham Gas Company, which is a statutory undertaking, to apply to the Board of Trade for powers to increase the maximum price of gas from 4s. to 5s. per 1,000 cubic feet owing to the increased price of coal, labour, and materials; that an order, dated 29th September, 1919, was granted, but at the same time restricting the dividend to 3¾ per cent. per annum; that the company's accounts for the year ended 31st December, 1919, have been submitted to the Board of Trade for approval, and the directors recommend the payment of 5 per cent. per annum for the first nine months of the year, i.e., to the date of the Board of Trade order, and at the rate of 3¾ per cent. per annum for the last three months of the year; and that a notification has now been received from the Board of Trade stipulating that the dividend for the whole of the year 1919 shall be at the rate of 3¾ per cent. per annum only, notwithstanding the fact that the order came into force as from the 29th September, 1919; and whether, as this action of the Board of Trade will affect the financial position of the company, he will give the case further consideration?

The facts of this case are as stated by my hon. Friend. The matter at issue is one which depends on the legal interpretation of the Statutory Undertakings (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1918, of the Order made by the Board of Trade there under, and of the Company's Special Act. I shall be happy to give further consideration to the case, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

Why, in the first instance, was the rate of interest restricted to 3¾ per cent.?

I am afraid the matter is too elaborate to go into in answer to a question, but I may say briefly, that according to the Regulations that deal with such matters as this, we have to take a particular rate of interest over the appropriate period for which the average dividend is paid. What the firm did not do was to inform us of the fact that they were entitled to pay half-yearly dividends. Now that the matter has been brought to my notice, I am prepared to consider it from the point of view of the half-year.

I am much obliged.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now call for a Report, in regard to the high prices for Scottish building stone charged at the quarry mouth, from the Sub-Committee appointed under the Profiteering Act to investigate the question in February last?

The Scottish building stone to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers is being investigated by the Sub-Committee in conjunction with other building stone, and I understand it may be some little time before the Committee are in a position to render their Report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the fact that watches and clocks and other articles of this nature which are manufactured in Germany are brought into this country without any mark, either on the box or the clock itself, which indicates its point of origin, and that these clocks and watches and other classes of goods are being sold in this country as British made; and whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation, if necessary, so that every article coming from Germany is identified as having been made in that country, for the protection of the people in this country who do not want to buy German goods, particularly in view of the fact that the Merchandise Marks Act only requires goods of foreign make to indicate the country of origin in the event of that article having some English wording printed on the article or the box or box labels?

I am aware that these goods are being imported, but I do not know that they are sold as British made. The Merchandise Marks Committee, which my predecessor set up to consider the desirability of amending or extending the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act relating to indications of origin, is now considering its report, and I must await that report before considering the question of the introduction of legislation.

rose —

One at a time!

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this Clause is not confined to watches and clocks, but includes gloves and a large number of other articles which are now being regularly brought into this country, and sold as of British manufacture?

When will the Antidumping proposals of the Government, of which we heard so much at the General Election, be laid before the House?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how, if we do not buy German goods, we can expect, as hon. Members do, an indemnity from Germany?

The last two queries do not seem quite relevant to the question. As to the first supplementary question, I am not aware that there is the large importation going on referred to by the hon. Gentleman. I hope the House will recollect that legislation is necessary to deal with these matters, that at present there is a Committee of the House sitting, and that it would be extremely undesirable if I were to introduce legislation before I saw their Report.

Would the right hon. Gentleman send to the Committee particulars of the importation to which I have referred?

Certainly; I will do that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the marking of goods made in Germany is often regarded by the Germans as an excellent advertisement for their manufactures?

I know it used to be. [An HON. MEMBER: "Not now!"]

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can say if any, and what, steps are being taken to restrict the importation of German clocks before the Merchandise Marks Committee's Report is received?

It is not possible to restrict the importation of these clocks without introducing legislation for that purpose. In view of the fact that the Report of the Merchandise Marks Committee is expected shortly, I cannot see my way to take any action before I receive the Report.

asked the Prime Minister whether the allocation of ex-German ships to our Allies and to Great Britain so far decided can now be stated; and if he can state whether any ships and, if so, which still remain to be allocated?

I have been asked to reply. No ex-enemy vessel has as yet been allocated to final ownership by the Reparation Commission. The Maritime Service to the Reparation Commission has, however, announced that they will proceed to the division of the ex-enemy tonnage on the 15th June. The present division of ex-enemy ships delivered under the terms of the Armistice, is only a temporary allocation to management pending a decision as to final ownership.

Are they war-ships or commercial ships?

Commercial.

Is the report true that 155,000 tons of merchant shipping which was to have been allotted to this country has been handed over to the French, and, if so, by whose authority?

I cannot answer that without notice. It does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a report of an explosion in the munitions factory at Rothenstein, resulting in the death of more than 94 persons; whether he can say what munitions are being made at Rothenstein; and whether the manufacture of such munitions infringes on the Peace Treaty with Germany?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I am mak- ing inquiries into this matter, and will communicate with the hon. and learned Member as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information as to the approximate number of Russian prisoners of war in Germany; whether any steps are being taken for their repatriation; and whether His Majesty's Government are putting any obstacles in the way of the return of these men?

I am informed that there are some 200,000 Russian prisoners of war in Germany. I understand that the matter is engaging the serious attention of the German Government, who are in communication with the International Red Cross and the Soviet Government on the subject. The answer to the third part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the negative.

In view of the fact that these men were taken prisoner fighting by our side, are we interesting ourselves in their return and doing anything to alleviate the great hardships they are suffering?

Could the hon. and gallant Gentleman propose some useful means by which we could intervene?

Why not address a Note to the German Government in view of the fact that these men were our former Allies?

It is a matter, not for the German Government, but for the Soviet Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state what were the average prices of best-quality 22 oz. worsted suitings for the years 1914 and 1919; and what are the corresponding prices at which these goods are now being bought by tailors from the manufacturers for delivery next winter?

I am informed that such a cloth as is referred to in the question was sold by manufacturers at about 6s. per yard in 1914 and at about 23s. per yard a year ago. For delivery this year, about 35s. per yard is reported to be the price. I may add that I am also informed with regard to worsted suitings that the great demand at present is for a lighter cloth than that named; that the kind of cloth referred to is special and made in very limited quantities, and that the grades of wool needed for manufacturing this class of cloth are scarce and difficult to obtain.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the present total weekly consumption in carcases of Colonial meat as compared with a corresponding week in 1913–14; whether he has been able to arrive at the probable increase in the consumption of Colonial meat if the price was reduced to the pre-War figure; and would such increased consumption be warranted by the supply of meat in store, or on board ship, or awaiting shipment to this country?

Figures of the pre-War weekly consumption of Colonial meat are not available to enable the comparison asked for to be made. The increase of consumption which might result from a reduction in price is a matter of conjecture; the supply would fully warrant an increased consumption. The whole matter is engaging the attention of a Committee of the Cabinet.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a decision that the taxpayer of this country shall be allowed to cut his loss, and that the glut of Colonial meat now in store be offered for sole at pre-War prices rests with the Board of Trade, the Ministry of Food, or the Treasury, or has the matter to be referred to the Cabinet for final decision?

The position as regards imported meat is being carefully examined by the Departments mentioned and also by the Cabinet.

Which of the Departments investigated this matter?

The Ministry of Food, the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Shipping.

Are any steps taken to inquire who is responsible for the administration which causes these things, or is it simply taken as read?

The War is mainly responsible for many of these things.

But the War has been over for nearly two years!

Has the hon. Gentleman seen a report in the newspapers that Colonial frozen meat is to be released at once for consumption?

No, I have not seen that report.

Is it not a fact that the Government has been profiteering in meat?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to re-impose the control on wool; and, if so, will he endeavour to give due notice of the fact so that purchasers at the present uncontrolled price may not suffer unjustifiable loss through having to sell at the controlled price?

It is not intended to re-impose the control on wool. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked what action it is proposed to take in connection with the finding of the Sub-Committee set up under the Profiteering Act which investigated the electric lamp industry?

Certain representations have been received from the Electric Lamp Manufacturers' Association of Great Britain, Limited, concerning the Report of the Sub-Committee appointed by the Standing Committee on Trusts to conduct an investigation into the Electric Lamp Industry.

These representations have been referred to the Sub-Committee in order that they might consider whether they desire to modify their Report in any respect in consequence of the representations.

The Sub-Committee's reply was only received on Saturday afternoon, and until I have had an opportunity of considering it, I am unable to make a definite statement on the matter.

Does it agree with the original Report?

I cannot even say that.

asked what action it is proposed to take in connection with the findings of the Committee set up under the Profiteering Act which investigated the sewing cotton industry?

The Sub-Committee appointed by the Standing Committee on Trusts are further investigating the subject of sewing cotton, and it is proposed to await their Report before deciding whether any, and if so what, action should be taken.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this Committee is likely to report? Is he aware that, in the meantime, the consumers of cotton have to pay 2½d. per reel?

I think my right hon. Friend will recognise that when a rejoinder is put in by a firm whose conduct is being inquired into which goes to the very root of the matter it is impossible to do anything until the Sub-Committee has dealt with it, and reported upon it. I have no way of compelling a Sub-Committee to act more expeditiously. They are doing voluntary work and we must await their decision.

Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite their decision?

I am not aware how I can expedite the decision of a Committee which is doing voluntary work.

Could not a committee of reliable salaried officials be set up. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh."]—you have a good many to spare and could they not expedite this Report?

That does not arise.

asked what action it is proposed to take in connection with the findings of the Committee set up under the Profiteering Act which investigated the supply and prices of worsted yarns.

If the hon. Member will refer to page 4 of the Report on Worsted Yarns (Command Paper No. 550), he will observe that the Report does not purport to be a final Report, but that the Sub-Committee appointed by the Standing Committee on Prices of the Central Committee which has already investigated wool has been asked to pursue further the investigation into worsted yarns. The question of what action, if any, should be taken will be considered when the Report of the Sub-Committee is received.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state what action it is proposed to take in connection with the findings of the Committee set up under the Profiteering Act which investigated the prices for motor fuel?

I am at present unable to add anything to the answer which was given to the hon. and gallant Member for Barnstaple by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade on the 22nd March.

asked whether, in view of the recent increase in freight rates, he will institute an inquiry under the Profiteering Act into the profits of ship-owners and the justification for any increase in freight rates at the present time?

I will bring the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of the Central Committee.

Is it not a fact that there has been a very serious fall in freights throughout the world?

Having regard to the fact that there is no hope of reaching the end of questions, will you rule, Mr. Speaker, how many questions one hon. Member may ask? Nearly all the questions up to now have been asked by two hon. Members on the Labour Benches.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give any further information respecting the attempts to find oil by boring in Derbyshire and other counties; if the Derbyshire well continues to flow; and what is being done with the oil pumped up?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to a reply on this subject which was given on 8th March to the hon. Member for North Newcastle-on-Tyne. The position is unchanged since that date. The well at Hardstoft continues to flow at the same rate, and the crude oil is for the present being held in storage.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, roughly, how many gallons have been collected up to date?

I cannot answer that without notice.

asked what total imports have been recorded as entering Great Britain from the United States of America and France, as also from Germany and Austria since the Armistice.

The answer will involve giving a Statistical Statement, and, with the permission of the House, I will have this printed in the Official Report as soon as the figures have been prepared.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number, and what was the value, of motor cars and motor chassis imported from the United States during the months of January, February, and March, 1920; and what Customs duties have been collected on these imports?

During the months of January, February and March, 1920, the registered imports into the United Kingdom of motor cars consigned from the United States of America were 5,244 in number, and the declared value of these cars was £1,799,184. The number of chassis for motor cars registered as imported from the United States during the same period was 1,879, and their declared value was £809,974. These figures include imports of motor cars and chassis exempt from Customs duty. The amount of the Customs duty collected on the imports of which I have given the number and value was £580,985 16s. 10d.

What proportion were commercial vehicles and pleasure vehicles?

I am afraid that I cannot answer that question offhand.

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest the placing of a duty on American cars?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there will be opposition to that?

asked the Minister of Transport whether anything is being done, or will be done, to revise and to standardise all road signs now in use throughout Great Britain with a view to eliminating those now proved to be unnecessary or erecting others where required, in view of the experience gained since their erection?

The County Surveyors' Society, at my request, have appointed a committee to consider and advise on the question of road signs generally. I hope to receive a report from this committee in the near future.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will draw the attention of the Road Transport Committee of his Department to the excessive noise made by certain road vehicles, especially road steam-tractors of an old design; whether he is aware that under present circumstances the police have but limited powers to deal with this matter; and whether, in view of the distress caused to many householders living on main thoroughfares by the passage of these vehicles at night and the alarm to horses generally, he will consider what steps can be taken to check this nuisance?

The question referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is included in the terms of reference of the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles, and will be considered by them in due course.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider the early advisability of doubling the main line from Truro to Falmouth, in view of the growing importance of Falmouth as a ship-building and ship-repairing port, coaling station, and port of call for steamers landing and embarking passengers, seeing that the want of better railway facilities is seriously felt and has a great retarding effect on the growth and development of the port?

I am not aware that existing railway facilities have had any retarding effect upon the development of Falmouth as a port; but the Great Western Railway Company have under consideration additional running facilities on the line from Truro, and they have recently decided to add to the siding accommodation at Falmouth.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, during the forth coming holiday months, the railway companies will grant the pre-War privileges of tourist tickets, namely, permission to break the journey at any station, and to return by alternative routes, on long distance and holiday resort return tickets which are now issued at the present rate of fares?

I am in communication with the railway companies on this matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now announce the decision of the Government as regards the Report of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic recommending the setting up of a traffic committee for Greater London; and whether the Government propose to introduce legislation this Session on the subject?

The Government has considered the Report of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic, and, while accepting in principle the recommendation to set up a Central Traffic Authority for London, recognises that complicated questions in regard to finance and the relationship of the Authority to the Departments of State and to the local authorities are involved. These require and are receiving close attention.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that until the whole question of London traffic has been decided you cannot deal with the transport of the whole country, because it all converges upon London?

Obviously you cannot deal with the transport of the whole country until you consider London, but I do not see why progress should not be made.

Why is there this delay in the matter of London traffic?

Because the report of the Committee over which my hon. Friend presided is a very long and important one, and requires consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman's Department do all they can to do away with the enormous congestion that we have in London, and not wait?

With that object a Committee was appointed to consider, for the fourth time in 15 years, the London traffic problem, and I am doing my best to give effect to it.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps have been taken by him to utilise the canals of the country for slow-going traffic?

With one or two exceptions (such as coal traffic) which are subject to abnormal conditions, the canals are carrying traffic to the full capacity of the craft available, having regard to the effect of the 8-hour day.

asked the Minister of Transport when he will be able to give details of his plans for assisting endeavour and progress in civil aviation?

As I stated in my speech on 24th March the Ministry of Transport is not responsible for civil aviation. The question is therefore one which should be addressed to the Air Ministry.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the panel of experts to act as advisory committees under Section 23 (1) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, has yet been set up; and whether he has considered the advisability of inviting the British Rubber Tyre Manufacturers' Association to nominate one of its members to act on this panel?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. I shall be glad to invite the association referred to to nominate a member to act on the Panel set up under Section 23 (1) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is a body known as the Women's Central Advisory Committee for the selection of women magistrates in existence; if so, under what law or Act of Parliament was this body set up; what are its powers; what are the qualifications for its members; and why is there such a body for the selection of women magistrates and not for the selection of men magistrates?

In February last the Lord Chancellor invited the assistance of certain ladies to act in Committee for the purpose of advising him in the selection of women as Justices of the Peace. Its members have been selected, because, in the opinion of the Lord Chancellor, they are best qualified to advise him.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of my question?

It rests with the Lord Chancellor.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that passports have been refused to Miss Evelyn Sharpe and Mr. Arthur Watts, British subjects, who are anxious to proceed to Poland in connection with the work of the Society of Friends in fighting the typhus epidemic there raging; what office or Department is responsible for these refusals; and what are the reasons for this action?

I am informed that the applications for passports in these cases have been approved.

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?

The Irish Government have been instructed to prepare a Report on the condition of Ireland recently, and as soon as it has been considered I hope to be able to announce that it is being presented.

Is it not a fact that the Government, as well as the machinery, is paralysed?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication to when this Report will be issued?

It is being prepared, and I hope it will be circulated within a day or two.

Will the Report show the extent to which the Government itself is responsible for the paralysis?

The Report I have in mind is one stating exactly what are the conditions in Ireland now. When it is presented, the House will be able to draw its own inference.

Is it not a fact that for some days last week a Soviet Committee was in complete charge of the City of Waterford?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have yet come to any decision in regard to the limitation of Debate on the Government of Ireland Bill?

As announced to the House, the Committee is now engaged in allocating the time, and the Government await their Report.

Do the Government seriously intend to go on with this Bill? Could not the time be better applied to the Blind Bill?

I suppose the hon. Member meant that by way of a joke. The Government are entirely pledged to go on with it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of not having the guillotine for the first two days of the Debate, in order to see whether after that it is necessary to have any guillotine at all?

The matter has been very carefully considered, and if my hon. Friend had been present in the House when I announced the arrangement, he would have been aware that it met with, if not complete, at any rate, general assent. He will understand therefore that the proposal must be adhered to.

If the Committee recommend an extension of the time allowed will the right hon. Gentleman accept their Report?

The Committee was appointed to allocate the time agreed to by the Government. But I am by no means prepared to say that if the Committee recommend a day or two more the Government will not acquiesce.

Will it not be necessary to have a specific motion to allow the Bill to be considered by a Committee of the whole House? Must not steps be first taken to remove it from the Standing Committee to a Committee of the whole House?

A general motion will be made as soon as the Committee report, and it will be in the form which is rendered necessary by the Report.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to take the Committee stage of the Government of Ireland Bill?

I cannot give a date to-day, but I hope to do so later in the week.

asked the Prime Minister whether, to encourage the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, he will reconsider the scale of pre-War pensions granted to ex-members of the force, many of whom are now in a state of semi-starvation?

The case of pre-War pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary is being considered along with the case of other classes of pre-War pensioners by the Cabinet Committee.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say when we are likely to receive the decision upon this matter, which has been going on for many months and causing great disappointment?

I said in reply to the question last week that I hoped to be able to give an answer on Monday next.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is in a position to announce any change in the Government's Irish policy, whether raids and arrests in connection with political offences are to cease; whether Sir John Taylor has been dismissed, or suspended; and whether Lord French has been invited to resign?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, will he give any information as to the two police contables who were shot yesterday?

Information regarding the question of the hon. and learned Member (Sir E. Carson) has been asked for by the Irish office. The Irish policy of His Majesty's Government is to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens, and whatever steps are, in their opinion, necessary to carry out that policy will be taken. Sir John Taylor has neither been dismissed nor suspended, but has been granted a month's leave at his own request. There is no foundation for the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

At what date do the Government propose to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens?

I said the Government are doing, and intend to continue to do, everything in their power with that object.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know what is happening in Ireland?

Yes.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether he can give any information about the reported murder of two policemen at Upton, in County Cork, on Sunday; the wounding of a policeman at Ennis on Saturday; the attempt to blow up a police barracks at Armagh on Sunday; a raid on a post office at Kerry on Saturday; and whether any other serious outrages have occurred in Ireland during the week-end?

The Divisional Commander of Bandon reports as follows: On Sunday a patrol of one sergeant and two constables when passing near Upton Railway Station, County Cork, were ambushed at 5 p.m. by an armed party in a wood. Sergeant Train and Constable Goldrick were shot dead. The third man, Constable Power, escaped uninjured. The police were armed. Their arms were not taken by the murderers.

Did the police use their arms?

Police-Constable Power reported that he fired, but naturally, as it was an ambush in a wood, he saw that his return fire would be ineffective. The reports proceeds: At 10.45 p.m. on Saturday, while Constable Sam Swanton was on his way to his lodging, having reported off duty, he was attacked by a number of men, one of whom fired a revolver, the bullet passing through the fleshy part of his thigh, about four inches above the knee. The constable made his escape, when he was fired on again. The wound is clean and no complications are feared. The constable made a statement, and three men have been arrested in connection with the outrage. As to the report in the Press regarding the attempt to blow up a police barracks at Armagh, where a bomb was used, I can give no further information. A raid seems to have been made on a post office in Kerry, but I am unable to give further information in regard to that. In addition to the matters referred to by the Noble Lord, there was also an attack on a police barrack at Feeny in County Londonderry, where a bomb was used. Last night an attack was made at 2 a.m. on Clonroche Police Barracks, in County Wexford, by 200 armed men, who used hand grenades. They were beaten off at 4.20 by the constabulary. No injuries were sustained by the police.

Has there been any lessening of crime in Ireland since the introduction of the Home Rule Bill?

No, I cannot say that there has been.

Will the men who have been arrested and been imprisoned for the murder of these police be given their freedom if they threaten to go on hunger-strike?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, if there is any truth in the report that on two or three days last week an Irish Soviet Committee took over complete control of the City of Waterford?

No, I cannot say.

They would keep order, anyhow.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the disorderly scenes which occurred outside Wormwood Scrubs prison last night, and to the public feeling aroused by the hunger-strike there of Sinn Fein suspects imprisoned without trial; whether in order to remove any legitimate grounds of public agitation steps will be immediately taken so to relax the prison rules as to insure that these hunger-strikers shall no longer be treated as if they were persons who had been tried, convicted, and sentenced?

I also gave notice to the Home Secretary of a private question. Most of the ground has been covered by the question which has been asked by my hon. Friend, but I do not think that he has asked how many of these prisoners are convicted, how many are deported without trial, and how many are on hunger-strike?

May I ask the Home Secretary, in the case of these men who who have been untried and unconvicted, if there is any evidence against them, why they are not put upon trial, and if there is no evidence against them why they are not released?

There are 179 interned Irish prisoners in Wormwood Scrubs prison, and there are five other prisoners in another prison. A hundred and seventy-nine of the prisoners in Wormwood Scrubs are now refusing: food. The policy now followed in Ireland of giving special ameliorative conditions to such men has always been followed in this country. I do not understand that any demand is now being made by the men or their friends for any improvement in the conditions of the men interned in the country. They have not been brought to trial nor is it proposed to bring them to trial. As perhaps hon. Members are aware the fear of being murdered prevents truthful evidence being given in Ireland even upon the most atrocious crimes.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to a recent case in which one of the witnesses was proved to have committed perjury and to be a man of no character whatever, and a verdict of innocence was brought in, and that being the case, will the Government reconsider this question before these men are starved to death?

The case referred to was brought to my notice, and may I remind the House that it was the Crown itself which disclosed the fact that the witness in question was a man of no character.

Are these men detained under an Order of the Home Office or under an Order of the Irish Office, and, in addition to never being tried, have they never been told what was the charge brought against them?

They are there by order of the Irish Government.

Have they been informed of the charge laid against them, and if they persist in their hunger strike what will the Government do?

They are all told that they are arrested on suspicion, and that they can bring their case before the judicial tribunal.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of setting up an Advisory Committee under the Defence of the Realm Act, before whom these cases could be brought, under precisely the same procedure as before?

We cannot bring them before such a tribunal now, but they can, if they choose, be brought before a tribunal, if they ask for it themselves.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that these men, under the previous procedure, were always brought before the Committee without having to apply for it?

I will consider that, but as the law stands it has to be at their request.

Will these men be allowed to die, or will the Government at the last moment give way as they did at Mountjoy?

I cannot make any statement on that point.