asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which now exists with regard to the distribution of coal in the North Wales area, it would be possible to provide for representation of the consumers' interests on the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committee at Wrexham, seeing that at present constituted the entire body, with one exception, is interested in collieries, and that the addition of one consumer from each county in the area would be a satisfaction to the whole community?

In view of the decontrol of the inland distribution of coal, the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committee—including the committee for North Wales—have been re-constituted to cover the representation of coalowners, coal factors, coal merchants, and consumers. As the committees are executive bodies, it is not considered desirable to increase their membership.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether control, except as regards price, of household and industrial coal has now come to an end; whether users of coal, whether for household or industrial purposes, will no longer be obliged to accept seaborne or rail-borne coal of the quality and quantity decided on by the Coal Controller, but will be allowed to make their own arrangements; and will he say what sum will be saved annually by the abolition of the Coal Controller's Department?

The Departmental control of the inland distribution of coal has been terminated. The maximum price at the pit-head continues to be fixed under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, 1915, but the orders regulating intermediate and public prices have been suspended. Consumers will be free to make their own arrangements regarding supplies of coal, subject only to the directions given to collieries by the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committees. It should be borne in mind that the work of these committees will be helped if consumers will continue to use for the time being their present channels of supply. It is not proposed to abolish the Coal Mines Department, but, as a result of the step now taken, considerable economies will be effected, including the cost of the contributions to local authorities in connection with the administration of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, which have amounted to £400,000 per annum.

Is it the case that coal consumers will not be obliged to accept sea-borne coal in future?

That is not the question on the Paper. It all depends on how far it is possible to get coal in any other way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to prohibit the export of coal from this country to Argentina and other South American countries; and, if not, can he state the monthly quantities of coal which the Government will permit to be exported to Argentina and other South American countries, giving the respective amounts for each South American country?

It is not proposed to prohibit the export of coal from this country to South America. The quantity expected to be available for export to South America is approximately 80,000 tons per month, and directions have been given that coal may be released for export to South America to this extent from the South Wales district. It is not considered feasible to sub-divide this quota in advance among the several importing countries in South America. The distribution of the estimated quantity is to be worked out by the local coal and coke supplies committee from time to time, having regard to the necessarily varying conditions of business.

Is not my hon. Friend aware of the great importance of supplying Argentina with coal, with a view to obtaining supplies of wheat from that country in exchange?

I am fully aware of that.

Why is this export of 80,000 tons being confined to South Wales? Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that wheat comes to other ports besides those in South Wales, and that this will mean extra freight on ships going out in ballast?

South Wales ports are the main ports from which coal goes out to South American ports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is by his instructions that the Coal Controller has limited the shipment of bunker coal in Glasgow to about 500 tons for large ocean steamers when these steamers subsequently call at Liverpool to complete loading, entailing the procuring of bunker coal for the voyage at Liverpool, at an increased price of 45s. per ton over the Glasgow price, thereby greatly increasing the expenses of the voyage to South America and necessitating higher homeward freights on foodstuffs than if the whole of the bunker coal was procurable at Glasgow; and whether he will give instructions to the Coal Controller that steamers may obtain their entire bunkers at Glasgow?

The position remains as stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for the Tradeston Division of Glasgow on the 1st March. The shortage of coal for inland consumption in Scotland is still such that full bunkers even for regular liners and other vessels loading full cargoes outwards from Glasgow can only be supplied with difficulty. If home supplies are to be maintained it is essential to restrict the quantity of bunkers to be supplied to vessels which in the course of their voyage are about to call at Liverpool, where adequate supplies of South Wales coal are available.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that this order involves an increase of £3,000 or £4,000 in the cost of a ship's voyage?

I am quite aware it is very inconvenient, but I do not know the exact cost.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any means are taken to allocate fairly among different purveyors of butchers' meat what home-killed beef and mutton is available; and is he aware that in the meat departments of leading stores of the West End of London no fresh meat is available, and customers have for some time past been forced to accept frozen meat of inferior quality, while in Ireland fresh meat can be obtained without limit?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The system under which retailers receive their allocation of home-killed meat is based on the number of customers registered with them in October, 1919. The Food Controller is not aware of any case in which no fresh meat was available for a retailer, as there has been no difficulty for some time past in supplying London retailers with the amount of home-killed meat to which they are entitled. Ample supplies of frozen meat of excellent quality are available, and the Food Controller cannot agree that there is any compulsion to accept inferior frozen meat. There is no restriction on the amount of home-killed meat which can be obtained by individual consumers in Ireland, as the Food Controller's system of distribution has never been in operation in that country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the cause of the increasing price of sugar; if any attempt has been made to corner the supply in the West Indies or elsewhere; and what effort is being made to secure a greater supply of beet sugar from Germany and Austria in part settlement of the indemnity?

I have been asked to reply. The increasing price of sugar is mainly due to the world's shortage in supply, brought about by lowered production and increased consumption, particularly in America. I am not quite clear as to the exact meaning attached by the hon. Member to the word "corner." There is no doubt that an attempt has been made by sugar producers in some parts of the world to obtain as high a price as possible for their produce. As regards the last part of the question, the present price of sugar offers every inducement to producers in Germany to increase their output, but so long as the amount of sugar produced is no greater than the requirements of that country, no export can be expected. Austria is now a sugar-importing country.

Is not the hon. Member aware that a good deal of our sugar before the war came from the Ukraine, and will he use his influence with the Government to hasten supplies from there?

My impression is that the imports into this country of sugar from Russia altogether were never very large.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that 6000 tons of sugar have recently been exported from this country? Was that with the consent of the Food Controller?

I am not aware of that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information to the effect that the Argentine Government intend prohibiting the export of wheat from Argentina; and, if this prohibition is enforced, can he state from which countries it is intended to draw the supplies of wheat we require in this country?

The Argentine Government introduced a Bill on 1st June imposing an additional export duty of five dollars per 100 kilogrammes on wheat and flour, the proceeds to be used for the purpose of lowering the price of bread in the Argentine. The Bill does not provide for prohibition of export, but it authorises the Government to expropriate when necessary wheat and flour as articles of public utility.

The question of safeguarding our wheat supplies is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that on Friday last the Argentine Government prohibited the export of grain. In view of the shortage of grain in all foreign countries, and the vital necessity of increasing our home production, can he say what the Government intend to do?

I cannot say what the Government intend to do, but the explanation which I got from the Wheat Commission recently was that prohibition had not yet been made, and the Bill introduced with regard to that had not yet been passed.

Have not the Government made large purchases of wheat in the Argentine, and will they take steps to see that no law is passed in that country to prevent that wheat coming to this country?

I should like to see notice of that question on the Paper.

Will the Government take steps to prohibit the export of coal to the Argentine, if we cannot get wheat from there?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can yet make any statement with regard to the abolition of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic); whether he is aware that the Prime Minister gave a promise in 1918 that restrictions should be done away with at an early date; that in July, 1919, the early dissolution of the Board was promised; whether he will state what steps will be taken in the matter and how soon the abolition of the Board may be expected; and whether he will, as a first instalment, remove entirely the restrictions on working men's, as well as on all other, clubs?

I would suggest that my hon. and gallant Friend should address this question to the Leader of the House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present position of this country so far as the supply of fuel for internal combustion engines is concerned; whether there exists now or is likely to exist a grave shortage of liquid fuel; and what steps the Government are taking to meet such a situation and, if possible, to prevent its arising by the opening of fresh sources of supply and by encouraging the manufacture and use of alternative fuel, and with what prospects of success?

I have no reason to think that there is any immediate danger of a shortage of liquid motor fuel in this country. As regards the latter part of the question, my Noble Friend will have seen from the recent annual report of the Fuel Research Board that the whole question of the production and use of fuel in its widest sense is being systematically investigated by that Board.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great shortage of liquid fuel for internal combustion engines, and that in some parts of the country it is almost impossible to get it?

I shall be very glad if my Noble Friend can give me information on that subject to pass it on to the proper quarters.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the total value of bird feathers imported into the United Kingdom during last year; and if he will state what was the value of ostrich feathers out of the total, and the value of the same received from India and the British Dominions and Colonies?

The total value of feathers and down registered as imported into the United Kingdom during the year 1919, was £1,519,448. Of this amount, £961,777 represented the value of undressed ostrich feathers, including £959,322 imported from British Dominions and Colonies, none having come from India. The value of other kinds of feathers, including down, imported from India, was £100, and that from British Dominions and Colonies, £91,655.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether import and export licences are still required by manufacturers and merchants for all kinds of goods and for all countries; and, if not, if he will state what goods and what countries are exempt from this restriction to trade?

No licences are required for any imports into the United Kingdom other than arms, ammunition, opium, and cocaine. All exports from the United Kingdom to Soviet Russia are still subject to licences, and licences are required for export to all other countries of the limited number of commodities specified in the list of export prohibited goods issued fortnightly by the Board of Trade, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether many old railway servants, including guards and porters, who after 40 years' service are only entitled to pensions which do not amount to 12s. a week, have reached the age of 65 years, are liable to be retired on this small pension; and whether he can, in view of the services they have rendered to the public, take any action to try and procure for these old railway employees a more adequate pension?

I have been asked to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a somewhat similar question by the hon. Member for the New Forest and Christchurch Division (Mr. Perkins) on the 4th June.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the public inconvenience, danger, and loss of time caused by existing level crossings over public highways; and whether he is taking steps to ensure that all proposals which are put forward in railway bills for making additional level crossings are being carefully examined and reported on by the Roads Department of his Ministry?

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

Will the right hon. Gentleman try and get the railway companies to carry out the promises they made before the War with regard to level crossings?

I shall be glad to go into the matter if my right hon. Friend will send me particulars of any cases.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the immediate restoration of pre-War special facilities to the annual excursions of Sunday schools, seeing that otherwise the only outing enjoyed by a large number of children, especially town-dwelling children, will have again to be abandoned, these facilities to include special trains and reduced fares both to scholars, who in Wales include a number of adults as well as children, and their teachers?

The railway companies are granting (in so far as their traffic position permits) reduced fare facilities in connection with the annual day outings for recognised school treats, subject to certain conditions of which I am sending a copy to the hon. and gallant Member. It may not be possible to meet all applications for special trains, and I regret that it is not possible to extend the concession of cheap fares to parties of adults.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only one adult is allowed to every 12 children at the reduced fare, and that this makes it impossible for children to be properly controlled, and, therefore, for many of these Sunday-school excursions to be carried out? Could not at least two adults be allowed to every 12 children?

I think my hon. and learned Friend is misinformed. It is 10 per cent. of adults, and, so far as I am advised one adult to 10 children should prove sufficient.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any experience of Sunday-school treats?

Many years ago.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can see his way to reconsider his decision to grant reduced railway fares to only 10 per cent. of adults accompanying Sunday-school children on their annual day excursion trip to the seaside, and whether he is aware that this percentage of adults is inadequate to superintend the safety of the children?

Excursion tickets are suspended, and in the circumstances I regret that I see no justification for making any alteration in the conditions laid down in regard to the number of adults who may travel at reduced fares when they accompany Sunday school children on their annual outing. I have no reason to suppose that a greater proportion of adults are in ordinary circumstances required to take proper care of the children.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this 10 per cent. will mean that tens of thousands of children in the mining areas of South Wales will be unable to visit the seaside this year?

No, Sir, I am not aware of that. As I have already stated in reply to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Bristsl (Mr. Inskip), I am told that one adult to 10 children is sufficient.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman also say that he had not attended a Sunday-school treat for many years?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that the rapid growth of motor traffic of all kinds is exercising a very prejudicial effect on the roads of the country, which were not constructed to deal with it; and whether he has called, or is calling, the attention of the various local authorities to the need for taking the problem into their immediate consideration?

The matter referred to by my hon. Friend has for a long time been receiving close and anxious consideration, both on the part of the officers of the Ministry of Transport and of the highway authorities concerned. The financial proposals now before the House have been framed with a view to assisting the highway authorities to put all the more important roads in the country as rapidly as possible into a condition to bear the heavy increase of motor traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is in a position to inform the House if the rapid growth of motor traffic is exercising any effect on the competitive services of the railway companies, either as to passenger or goods traffic?

The railway companies are carrying a greater passenger and general goods traffic than ever before. Road motor services have attracted to road some traffic which might otherwise have travelled by rail; but they have undoubtedly also created new traffic. I see no reason to suppose that such competition is at present exercising any appreciable effect on the services of the railway companies, and in any case the needs of the country are likely to require all the facilities which the various agencies of transport can afford.

May I ask, if the railway companies are carrying such vastly increased traffic, whether they cannot possibly do something towards lowering some of the fares?

No, Sir, I am afraid they cannot. There is an increasing quantity of traffic offered, increasing number of passengers are travelling, and the wages are continually increasing also.

asked the Minister of Transport what representation the travelling public have on the Railway Commission or other body now considering what increase of fares may be necessary to meet the increase of salaries of railway employés; and will he say by whom such representatives were appointed?

Any additional expenditure resulting from the grant of increased salaries to railway employés will have to be taken into account in the systematic revision of all railway charges which is now under consideration by the Rates Advisory Committee set up in accordance with Section 21 of the Ministry of Transport Act. The composition of the Committee is fixed by the Act, and was the subject of considerable discussion during the passage of the Bill.

May I ask who are on the Committee now? Has it been appointed?

Yes, it has been working for nearly a year.

Could I have the names?

I will send them to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the need still exists for persuading the public not to indulge in unnecessary railway travelling, and whether the present scale of fares was imposed for revenue purposes, and not as a deterrent?

The increased fares, although originally imposed for the purpose of restricting travelling, are now required to meet the additional expenditure of railway companies arising from the increased cost of labour and materials.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that season ticket holders on local railway services in Scotland are, under recently-imposed regulations, subjected to inconvenience and delay by being compelled to show their season tickets to railway officials as often as six or twelve times a day; and whether, in view of this system of checking being not only financially burdensome to the railway companies, but the cause of serious delay to railway patrons, he can state the reason for the continuance of this War-time practice?

The more stringent examination of tickets by the railway companies throughout the country is rendered necessary in order to prevent fraud, which, I regret to say, is still too prevalent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on these branch lines every passenger is known to the local officials, and that this vexatious and irritating system leads to very great delay and must be extremely burdensome to the companies; and will he not see if some modified regulation can be issued?

The only modified regulation that one could issue would be that when a passenger was supposed to be honest he need not be asked to show his ticket. That would create a discrimination which I am not prepared to recommend.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that on the Dearne Valley Railway, running from Wakefield to Edlington, near Doncaster, a distance of about 20 miles, and which is used for passenger traffic, there is neither platform accommodation nor shelter of any kind available for passengers at any of the various stopping places; if he is aware that this lack of facilities and accommodation is dangerous and detrimental to health, and prevents the line being of that public service which is desirable and necessary; and if he will take steps to have proper station accommodation provided at the various centres at an early date.

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the facts as regards accommodation on the Dearne Valley Railway, but this line is primarily a mineral line and the only service available for passengers is that of rail motor cars. There are no ordinary fully equipped stations and no staff. Increased cost of operating and construction are making it increasingly difficult to operate such lines, and economies must be faced if such lines are to be maintained at all.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very great feeling there is in the district on the matter? The railway provides practically no facilities at all.

I am afraid the feeling will have to continue to exist if the railway cannot be run at a profit.

asked what steps have been taken, or are going to be taken, to improve the traffic arrangements in London and the suburbs.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Streatham on the 1st instant. A number of improvements have already been carried out with the co-operation of the transport operating authorities. The Report of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic which makes important recommendations for the control of London Traffic is under consideration by the Cabinet, and as stated by the Leader of the House on the 1st instant regard is being had, in considering the legislation for the remainder of the present Session, to the need for legislation in regard to London Traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport, whether he is aware that a number of ordinary trains were suspended for the convenience of race-goers during the Epsom week, and whether similar consideration will be shown to holiday makers of the poorer classes and school children by the provision of cheap seaside and other excursions at week-ends when rolling stock is available without the dislocation of ordinary traffic.

I am aware that special railway arrangements which involved the suspension of a number of ordinary trains were made to deal with the exceptional passenger traffic during the Epsom race meeting, but none were run at less than the ordinary fares. The railway companies similarly strengthen train services to deal with holiday traffic at ordinary fares during the summer months. I can hold out no hope of cheap week-end tickets under the present working conditions and financial position of the railways. As stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for Pontypridd on the 20th May, reduced fare facilities are being granted for the annual day outings for recognised school treats.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that loss is being caused to the Scottish fish trade through the failure of the railways to provide covers in all cases for wagons in which fish is conveyed to England; and whether he will take steps with a view to removing the cause of the grievance?

One instance of alleged damage of fish owing to its being forwarded from Scotland to London in an unsheeted open wagon has been brought to my notice, and I am now investigating this case. I am informed, however, that many senders of fish object to its being sheeted during the summer season, as they are of opinion that this causes the fish to heat.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Waterloo and City Tube Railway have recently abolished return tickets, which will increase the fare on the double journey by 33⅓ per cent.; whether this increase was submitted to his Department before being put into force; if he has made inquiry into the reasons for the increase; and if he approves it?

I was not aware that the Waterloo and City Tube Railway had recently abolished return tickets. The authority of the Minister of Transport is not necessary for any increases within the statutory maximum powers of this undertaking. I am making inquiry into the circumstances, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Minister of Transport how many of the 23,600 wagons and 260 locomotives that have been sold to foreign Governments could have been converted for use on British railways; and whether any more British rolling stock abroad is to be sold to foreigners?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many wagons of the same gauge as the British railways and also how many engines have been disposed of by His Majesty's Government; whether the Ministry of Transport was consulted before they were sold; and also the price or average price per wagon and per locomotive realised?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he can now say what proportion of the railway wagons and locomotives sold by the Disposals Board to the Belgian Government and the French Northern Railway Company were serviceable on English railways?

I have made further inquiry into this matter, and am assured that none of the wagons or locomotives sold by the Disposal Board to the Belgian Government and the French Northern Railway Company were suitable for English railways. I cannot give the average prices per wagon, as some of the sales included other material; but I shall be glad to furnish hon. Members with details of the prices. The Ministry of Transport has been consulted in respect of all such sales effected since that Ministry began its function. The question of further sales abroad or at home will be considered when more rolling stock is thrown up for disposal; but it is unlikely that there will be any great quantity available, and part of such rolling stock will be in distant theatres.

I regret that my former answer on this matter contained a substantial error. The number of wagons sold by the Disposal Board to the Belgian Government is 9,250.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what has become of the great amount of rolling stock sent over to France at the beginning of the War?

I am only concerned with that which has been declared to be surplus.

Is it a fact that miles of permanent way were pulled up in this country, and thousands of wagons were sent over? Having regard to the shortage, can something be done towards tracing some of this material?

The functions of the Ministry of Munitions is merely to sell material which other Departments say they do not want.

Is it not a fact that a large number of the wagons and locomotives which have been sold were used on British railways before the War?

May I ask the Minister of Transport whether he will not take this question up with the various Depart- ments interested in transport during the War, and see if he cannot trace some of this stock?

Every British railway wagon, as far as I know, which was sent over from here and still exists, is either back in this country or coming. All the locomotives belonging to British railways have been brought back, and are, I think, in service.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that a quantity of ammunition still remaining undisposed of in France and Flanders is rapidly reaching a condition of considerable danger through deterioration and climatic agencies; whether, should this ammunition explode, the British Government will become liable to large sums of money for damage done to life and property; and whether he will cause united action to be taken by the Departments (War Office, Ministry of Munitions and Foreign Office) concerned in order to remove these 120,000 tons of ammunition to be broken down or sunk without delay?

Every endeavour is being made by Departments concerned to accelerate disposal or removal of surplus ammunition remaining in France and Flanders. A considerable quantity remains in dumps which conform to French Safety Regulations and which are regularly inspected by French experts, and in any cases where danger is suspected special precautions are taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that trucks and barges are lying idle in French ports because they are unable to get the ammunition to take it away?

I am not aware of that. I will inquire into it.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the work of clearing up in France and Belgium those financial and other obligations is greatly hindered, so far as the military authorities are concerned, by the fact that it is impossible to settle outstanding Army claims so long as the Ministry of Munitions Disposals Board still hold surplus stores unsold; and whether, under these circumstances, the Government will authorise the financial branch of the War Office to settle all Army claims forthwith, and instruct the Ministry of Munitions to settle all other claims affected by the operations of the Disposals Board from and subsequent to 1st July.

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. There is no connection between outstanding Army claims and surplus stores held by the Disposals Board.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the Surplus Disposal Board have offered for disposal a quantity of 65,000 unused solid tyres, and 25,000 unused pneumatic motor tyres, at present lying at the Slough depôt; that with the exception of 8,000 of the pneumatic tyres, which have been sorted, the officials of the Board have no record of the sizes, types, or makes of these tyres, and that consequently they can only be sold at a heavy loss; that large quantities of tyres are still being bought from tyre manufacturers for current requirements, and as there is no record of the sizes of the tyres lying at Slough, it is probable that the Department may be buying the same sizes and types as are now lying at Slough; and whether he is aware that the present approximate cost of such a quantity of tyres would be from half to three-quarters of a million sterling, and if he will cause an investigation to be undertaken as to the persons responsible for such wasteful lack of system?

The Disposal Board have now no tyres at the Slough Depôt, which was sold, with all surplus transport and spares, on the 7th April last. No purchases of solid tyres have been made by the Ministry of Munitions on behalf of the Government since the Armistice, but 38,000 pneumatic covers of various sizes were required by the War Office in June, 1919, and as no supplies were available from surplus stocks, contracts were placed with the trade.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some £750,000 worth of these tyres were lying in stock at Slough, and will some inquiry be made as to who was responsible for buying 36,000 tyres, when there were three times that number of the same size lying in the country?

The War Office said that they wished to have these tyres, and an examination by the Ministry of Munitions and the Disposal Board revealed the fact that they had not the particular tyres that the War Office required.

Is it not a fact that the War Office wanted the ordinary standard tyres, and that there were stocks of standard tyres, and who was responsible for telling the War Office that they had not got them, when they had got them?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether any date has been fixed by which the French Government will be in a position to decide which of the railways laid down in France for war purposes it is proposed to retain, in order that those other railway tracks, which at the request of the French Government have also been left, may be removed forthwith, and the claims for the land being reconditioned and rents settled proceeded with without further delay?

The answer to this question is in the negative. I am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend an extract from the agreement under which the sale of transportation assets in France was effected to the French Government in so far as it relates to the compensation payable for the occupation of land.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman to inquire, in respect of such arrangements, how much it is now costing the War Office?

I think that question ought to be addressed to the War Office, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that, during the last few weeks, three hangars on a common known as West Marlands, Southampton West, measuring each about 50 yards by 40 yards, which were erected less than two years ago, have been left without a caretaker, with the result that destruction has been caused by the tearing and ripping away of the canvas which is used by children to make swings within the hangars; that in one hangar dozens of wings of aeroplanes have been broken and thrown about; that men visit the place with barrows and tear linen from the wings which they stuff into sacks; that an immense quantity of iron and steel bolts has been stolen; and that every available piece of wood has been torn down and removed; and if he will state the cost to the State of these hangars, erected as a temporary collecting house for aeroplanes brought over from France, and who is responsible for this failure to protect public property and the consequent waste of public money?

The hangars in question were notified to the Disposal Board by the Air Ministry as surplus early this year, and were sold on the 4th May. The size of the hangars is 66 feet by 79 feet. The responsibility for custody, previous to the date of sale, rested with the Air Ministry, and since that date rests with the purchasers. I have no knowledge of the original cost to the State of the hangars in question.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what price was paid for them and who bought them?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the approximate amount of khaki cloth which has been disposed of since the Armistice; what is the average price obtained per yard; and what is the amount of khaki cloth now in the hands of the Disposal Board?

The amount of khaki cloth disposed of since the Armistice is 9,500,000 yards. The average price obtained per yard is 9s. No khaki cloth now remains in the hands of the Disposal Board.

asked the Prime Minister if Mesopotamia is under the India Office, and if a British policy has been decided upon; and whether the consent of the House of Commons is to be obtained to sanction this policy?

No decision as to the future administration of Mesopotamia will be taken until the Peace Treaty with Turkey has been signed, and the terms of the Mandates settled.

How long is it likely to be before the Mandate is settled?

I am not sure when the Peace Treaty will be signed. I hope the Mandate will be settled soon. The hon. Member knows the difficulties which have arisen in connection with it.

Is it likely to be quicker than the settlement of the Mandates for East Africa and the Cameroons—a year overdue?

I hope so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a state of indecision is one of the things which is contributing to high prices?

We are pressing for a settlement as rapidly as we possibly can, but my hon. Friend must realise that there are several Peace Treaties which have to be negotiated separately, one after the other, and the amount of work that has been got through is prodigious, considering what was to be done.

asked the Prime Minister whether a civil administrator has been appointed to carry out the policy agreed upon at San Remo in regard to Palestine; when he will take over from the military authorities, and whether he will be directly responsible to a British Government Department and, if so, which, or whether he will be in any way dependent on the British High Commissioner in Egypt?

Yes, Sir. The Right Hon. Herbert Samuel has been appointed head of the administration. He will be directly responsible to the Government. An announcement as to the date when he will assume office will shortly be made.

What salary is he being paid?

On which Vote will the salary come?

asked the Prime Minister whether the expert appointed at the Hythe Conference to investigate, in conjunction with a representative of the French Government, the question of the German indemnity was a member of the Committee appointed in November, 1918, which reported that Germany could pay £24,000,000,000?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether the invitation to the President of the United States to delimit the boundaries of Armenia under the Turkish Treaty, which Mr. Wilson has accepted, was in any way contingent on the United States agreeing to accept the mandatory for Armenia; and whether, in view of the failure of the United States to accept that mandatory, the question of President Wilson's assistance in the task of delimitation will be reconsidered by the Allies?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not, therefore, arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been stated that America has accepted the duty of delimiting the boundaries?

indicated dissent.

asked the Prime Minister whether one of the decisions come to at the Hythe Conference was that, in the event of Germany failing to carry out the terms of the Versailles Treaty, there would be an Allied occupation of further German territory?

There was no discussion of this question at Hythe, and therefore no change made in the Allied policy as set forth in the San Remo Declaration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that M. Millerand stated in the French Chamber that this decision had been come to?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Prime Minister if legislation is necessary before the increase in the police pensions (pre 1st April, 1919) can be given; and, if so, when he proposes to introduce a Bill?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A Bill will be introduced at the earliest possible date.

Can the same procedure be followed in this case as was followed in the increase of Old Age Pensions—done at one sitting—and has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that since the declaration was made of the increase of pensions by the Leader of the House many deaths have occurred amongst these poor old pensioners whose lives might have been prolonged if the increase had been given earlier?

It will be pressed through at the earliest possible date, but the procedure of the House, of course, has to be complied with. In the other case the orders of the House were suspended because there was only one day left.

Will it be retrospective to the date the Leader of the House promised the increase should be given?

I will consider that.

asked the Prime Minister what steps, if any, are being taken to bring to an end the hostilities between the Wahabis under the Emir Ibn Saoud and the Kingdom of Hedjaz?

As to the relations between Emir Ibn Saoud and the King of the Hedjaz, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply returned to the hon. Member for the Wrekin on 3rd June. His Majesty's Government are using every endeavour to bring about a settlement of such differences as are outstanding between the two rulers.

Is the matter being dealt with by the India Office or the Foreign Office?

I am not sure it is not Marshal Allenby.

Does a state of war exist between these two potentates?

There has never been a state of peace.

asked the Prime Minister when it is intended to introduce a Bill for the regulation of the liquor traffic?

I can add nothing to what my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House said in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, East, on the 2nd June.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation from the Christian Churches last October, and did not he promise to introduce this legislation before last Christmas?

Would it not be easier to introduce a measure of this kind, if it were not for the continued obstruction of the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Central Hull?

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot give us the date, can he say whether the Bill will deal with the traffic as a whole from the view of the vested interests, or whether it will be a continuation of limited control?

I do not think it is desirable to enter into any details. The measure will be introduced as soon as there is any chance of its being carried through, but the pressure is very great; and, as every Member of the House knows perfectly well, more legislative work has been carried through in the last two or three years than ever within living memory. We cannot carry them all.

Am I correctly informed about this important deputation that waited on the right hon. Gentleman last October?

I see so many deputations that I cannot bear in mind everything they say to me and that I say in reply. I am doing my best to live up to them all.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the desire existing in Scotland that the question of the articles of the Church of Scotland and the question of endowments should be treated in one comprehensive measure so as to make clear the position as a whole; and whether any representations in a contrary sense have been received from the Church of Scotland or the United Free Church?

The desire referred to in the question found no expression so far as I know in the General Assemblies. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Leader of the House on Wednesday last said the two Assemblies specially affected made it perfectly clear that they desired two Bills instead of one, and is he further aware that there is no foundation for that statement?

Does the hon. Member say that I said anyone desired two Bills instead of one? If so, I have no recollection of making any such statement.

I have looked at the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT, and I think we must have been at cross-purposes.

This House may be a suitable authority for dealing with the endowments of the Church of Scotland, but it is possible the people of Scotland might prefer to have the question of the Articles of the Church of Scotland dealt with in another way.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be surprised to learn that in Scotland the question of Church reunion depends not merely on the question of the abolition of State control over policy and over doctrine, but also on the abolition of State control over funds?

Will the right hon. Gentleman postpone the whole question till it can be settled by a Scottish Parliament?

This is a very dangerous question for a mere Southerner to express any opinion upon.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the second article of the draft articles declaratory of the constitution of the Church of Scotland in matters spiritual contains the provision that the government of the church is Presbyterian; whether he is aware that the eighth article provides that the Church has the right to interpret, modify, or add to those articles, but always consistently with the first article, which does not stipulate that the government of the church should be Presbyterian; whether he is advised that these articles would not set the Church of Scotland free to abandon Presbyterianism and become Episcopal without the consent of the State and at the same time to retain all the privileges and emoluments of an established church; whether he is aware that many members of the Church and others believe that the articles would have this effect; and whether, before committing the Government to promote legislation embodying these articles, he will consult the legal advisers of the Crown as to whether they would have this effect?

I am aware that the articles have been criticised in the sense and on the assumptions indicated by my hon. Friend. The Government will, of course, have the assistance of their legal advisers in framing or interpreting any legislation of the kind referred to.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the "Glasgow Herald," one of the most responsible and influential newspapers in Scotland, not merely consents to accept this interpretation of the articles, but justifies it and defends the articles on the ground that they would have that effect, and if it is proved to his satisfaction or to the satisfaction of the Government that they will have that effect, will it influence their decision in any way?

Is it in Order for an hon. Member to refer to a newspaper in this way when asking a question?

It is not for us to give characters to particular newspapers.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Finance Committee of the Cabinet has yet made any estimate of what this country, taking its income into consideration, can really afford in the way of public expenditure?

In presenting the Estimates which have been laid before the House, the Cabinet must be taken as approving the expenditure therein provided, and in sanctioning the Budget proposals they show that they are of opinion that the country can provide the resources necessary to meet it.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it very important that we should have some kind of estimate of what this country can afford?

I take it the Budget Estimate presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer represents an inquiry of that sort.

Would it not be a good idea to appoint Committees of business men to go into the whole business, and to examine the Estimates of Departments?

Can the country still afford the Disposal Board, and if not, can it be wound up at an early date?

asked the Prime Minister if the Bolshevists have, at different times and at various ports, seized large quantities of flax, timber, &c., the property of His Majesty's Government; and, if this is so, will he say what guarantee can be given that, in the event of trading relations being entered into either directly or indirectly with the Bolshevist Government, such stores shall not be tendered in payment of goods supplied from this country?

This will be one of the subjects for consideration when the experts meet.

asked the Prime Minister why any negotiations have taken place with a representative of the Soviet Government while British officers and men are held prisoners and hostages, and are reported to be used as slaves at forced labour; whether His Majesty's Government have the full concurrence of our Allies in opening any sort of negotiation with Soviet Russia; whether such negotiations do in fact involve recognition of the Soviet Government; and is it intended to continue them irrespective of the present and further acts of the Soviet Government, and the past declaration of the Prime Minister?

I cannot add anything to the statement made on this subject on Thursday last.

Does America stand with us on this question of recognising Soviet Russia?

That does not arise out of this question.

Have all these prisoners yet been released?

I believe a good many have been released. I am not sure the majority have not been, but I should like to have notice, and I will give the accurate figure.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the prisoners in Siberia—18 officers and men—are under Soviet Governments, which are not in communication with Moscow, or under their orders at all?

Does the reply refer to naval prisoners?

That was one of the questions addressed to me on Wednesday last. The demand we put forward certainly extended to naval prisoners.

Will it be possible to ask Dr. Nansen, who, I understand, is proceeding to Siberia in connection with prisoners, to look into the question raised by my hon. and gallant Friend?

I have had the privilege of a conversation with Dr. Nansen a few minutes ago on this and other subjects.

asked the Prime Minister whether a day will be given or other opportunity afforded this House to consider the Russian negotiations before this country is committed to any engagements or understanding with the Russian Government?

I have no reason to believe that there is any general desire for such a discussion. If there were such a desire, the Government would endeavour to find time for it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to ascertain if there be any general desire?