asked the Minister of Pensions if he can state the number of those receiving pensions for causes arising out of the War in the United States of America; and if he can state the number of persons engaged in the administration of such pensions in the United States as compared with this country?

I have caused inquiry to be made of the United States Government, and if the hon. and gallant Member will repeat his question in a fortnight's time, I hope to be in a position to give him the information he requires.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he can give the reason why the death of Bugler Victor Edward Stimpson, No. 37,591, Royal Engineers, cannot be accepted as having occurred while in the performance of military duties, seeing that this lad of 17 was swept off the Dover breakwater whilst on duty, and that the verdict of the Coroner's jury was accidentally drowned?

The evidence in this case is not conclusive one way or the other, and I propose personally to investigate it further.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the increased delay in settling pensions, and of the irritation and restlessness arising therefrom; and is he aware that letters and telegrams from local committees to administrative area headquarters frequently remain unanswered?

Unfortunately, it is the case that in certain areas some delay has occurred, principally on account of the fact that an increasing proportion of pension claims are now made by men who allege disablement by war service tong after their demobilisation, and this class of case necessarily requires fuller investigation than does that of men who are known to be disabled at the time of discharge. Every effort is, however, being made to deal with these cases promptly, and with increased experience the staffs of the more recently constituted regions will acquire facility in dealing with cases. I will be glad to inquire at once into any specific cases brought to my notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great part of this delay is due to the fact that, after a pension is determined by the regional authority, payment cannot be made until the consent of the Pensions Issue Department has been obtained; and will he look into the question of delays at the Pensions Issue Department, in order that these payments may be expedited?

I am looking into all cases of delay. I know my hon. Friend has sent me a good many, and if he sends me any more, I shall look into them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the real crux of the difficulty is the dispute in existence in the Pensions Issue Department, and will he undertake to give that his personal attention, so that these claims may be met promptly?

I am not aware of any dispute in the Pensions Issue Department, but I will have the whole case considered myself personally.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a totally disabled man of the British West Indies Regiment is entitled to a maximum pension of only 17s. 6d. per week as compared with 40s. per week to which a totally disabled man in this country is entitled; and that no provision is made for the wife and children of totally disabled men of the British West Indies Regiment; and whether, in view of the high cost of living in Jamaica, he will take steps to secure an adequate pension for the disabled men of this regiment and for their wives and children?

The maximum rate of pension payable from Imperial funds to a totally disabled man of the British West Indies Regiment is 14s. a week, or in special cases 17s. 6d. a week, but, with Treasury sanction, higher rates may be given if pre-War earnings exceeded those amounts Colonies which desired to grant pensions at higher rates from local funds have been authorised to do so. No representations have been received from any Colony that there are wives and children of disabled men for whom provision should be made. The Governor of Jamaica will be asked to report whether he considers that the rates of pension have become inadequate owing to the increase in the cost of living.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether steps have been taken to give pensions or otherwise compensate the relatives of those Government officials who lost their lives through enemy action against the Irish mail boat "Leinster," which was torpedoed in the Irish Channel in the winter of 1918; and whether he is aware that a civilian who was employed as an inspector of contracts by the War Office lost his life on that occasion, and that his relatives received no compensation whatever, because he was not actually in receipt of pay, although he applied for pay some months beforehand, and was informed that the rate of pay that he would receive was under consideration?

The widows and children of salaried civil officials of the Government who lost their lives in the "Leinster" while travelling on duty are entitled to the benefits of the Warrant of the 16th September, 1887, framed under Section 1 of the Superannuation Act of that year. There is no power to make an award under the Warrant in the case of a man doing voluntary service. I understand that the Treasury did not agree to assign a salary to the person in question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this officer worked for one year without pay for the War Office, and would not accept payment until he realised that he was earning a salary, when he asked for pay, which was under consideration for six months, during which time he lost his life, his wife and children being in receipt of the small sum of £600 a year?

It is the case, as the hon. Gentleman states, that the officer in question did not receive any pay. Therefore, he was ineligible, as I have stated. The case could only have been met by this House making a specific vote or by an application being made for Royal Bounty. The circumstances, into which I carefully looked, are that his means are not such as to make him eligible for Royal Bounty, and I do not consider there is any case that could have been brought before this House for special consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he was worth £4,000 a year, and that he left his wife only £600 a year?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that some 35 members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police have been killed and twice the number wounded since 1st January last, he will institute a medal or decoration to be granted to the officers and men of these two forces who have shown special gallantry in the execution of their duty under circumstances dangerous to life and limb; and, if so, whether, to avoid delay, power will be given to the official heads of these two forces to bestow this medal or decoration on their own initiative?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to a precisely similar question on Thursday last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend said the matter was under very favourable consideration, and can I not now have an answer?

The Chief Secretary has returned to Ireland in the interval, and is still dealing with the matter.

I give notice that I shall put the question down for this day week, and I hope I shall have an answer.

Cannot the police under the existing regulations be granted a decoration pending the decision?

I think so.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who left the force on small pensions and who are anxious to get employment in civil life are utterly unable to do so in the whole of Ireland outside Ulster owing to Republican domination and hostility; and will he press on the Government the necessity of making immediate increased provision for these men who are being made to suffer because of their previous calling?

Recent inquiries were made in every county in Ireland regarding the difficulty of Constabulary pensioners in obtaining employment, and the results of those inquiries showed that there were comparatively few cases. I am aware the number has since increased, and the Chief Secretary is doing all in his power to press the question of increased provision for these men.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assist these ex-Constabulary men, who leave Ireland for employment in England, and their families, to come across?

If any case comes before the Government we shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the great gallantry of the ten men of the Royal Irish Constabulary who defended the police barracks at Kilmallock for five hours against an overwhelming number of desperadoes armed with rifles and bombs; if he is aware that the police only evacuated the barracks when two of their number had been killed and several others wounded and when the building was in flames; and that, notwithstanding the casualties they had sustained, the survivors made a bayonet charge upon the attackers who were eventually scattered; and whether, under these circumstances, the Government will make a public acknowledgment of their services to the State and recommend the survivors for decoration by His Majesty?

The gallant conduct of all members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, in defending their barracks at Kilmallock, County Limerick, against a prolonged and determined attack by a large number of raiders, has been fully considered by the Constabulary Reward Board. Each of the members of the force concerned has been awarded the Constabulary medal, which is only granted in cases of pre-eminent valour and bravery. They have each been promoted to higher rank in the force, and have also been awarded favourable records and money grants from the Reward Board.

Are the Government taking steps to ensure that the lives of these men are not unnecessarily risked? They are undergoing great trouble in Ireland in defending these scattered places.

I quite agree with my right hon. Friend that we ought not merely to recognise their gallantry when they put up a defence of this kind, but that every step ought to be taken to protect them and make them more secure. I had a very prolonged discussion with the representative of the Irish Police three or four days ago as to the best method of securing the protection for them, and he assured me that such steps were being taken. At present, I do not think it right to indicate what are those steps.

Has the right hon. Gentleman ever looked at the miserable scale of pensions awarded to the widows and children of those police constables who are killed in the discharge of their duty?

Perhaps my right hon. Friend will put down a question on the subject. I know that matter has been discussed.

I have a question down for Monday.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government are aware that a notice was recently posted in Brosna, county Kerry, to the effect that any person found entering the Court to-day would be shot dead, and signed I. R. A., and that 63 persons had been summoned to attend petty sessions but none of them appeared in Court; and whether the Government are taking adequate steps to see that the law of the land is enforced and to compel obedience to summonses to attend petty sessions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A large number of persons were summoned charged with larceny of timber. The defendants did not attend, and owing to the absence of a representative of the landlord to prove the case the resident magistrate was, therefore, obliged to adjourn the cases to the next petty sessions at Castleisland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the evidence given on 27th May before the coroner's jury which inquired into the death of James Dalton at Limerick on 15th May last; whether Joseph Dalton, a brother of deceased, gave evidence that he was present at a Dail Eireann inquiry into allegations against James Dalton of having relations with the police, and produced a document which was called Dail Eireann official verdict in the case of James Dalton; whether the coroner accepted this document and handed it to the jury for their consideration; and whether it is proposed that the verdicts of illegal courts should be accepted by officials of the Government sitting in a judicial capacity and treated as material evidence for the consideration of the jury?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It appears that a brother of the deceased man produced a document to the effect mentioned in the question, which was read. The coroner is not an official of the Government, and the document in question was at once seized by the district inspector.

Is there no control by the Government over the proceedings of coroners' courts?

The coroner sits in a judicial capacity and is entitled to decide what documents he will receive or refuse to receive in evidence.

Does the Government assume any responsibility in connection with the verdicts brought in by coroners' courts?

That depends entirely on the verdict.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will state if under the Public Libraries (Ireland) Bill the Local Government Board will have power to approve the amounts paid for free lectures and delegation expenses to library association meetings, seeing that most of the libraries in Ireland are provided with suitable lecture halls; and whether this was the intention of the Carnegie Trust when these libraries were being built, namely, to run free popular lectures during the winter evenings?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether service in the Royal Irish Constabulary disqualifies applicants for appointments as collectors of Income Tax; and, if so, whether the rule will be altered so that they may become eligible?

The Board of Inland Revenue have given instructions that in filling vacancies in collectorships of taxes preference is to be given to discharged and particularly disabled sailors and soldiers who have the necessary qualifications for the post. Subject to the priority accorded to ex-service men in accordance with these instructions, ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are eligible for appointment on the same terms as others.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers have been given to understand that they are definitely precluded, and in view of these men having served under conditions not far removed from war service will he let it be known to the Royal Irish Constabulary that they are eligible?

I am only aware of the answer I have just given.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether national school teachers in Ireland have to pay pension premiums, whereas English and Scottish teachers have not; and whether he proposes to put the Irish teachers in the same position as British teachers?

Irish national school teachers are required to pay pension premiums which are deducted from their salaries in quarterly instalments. I understand that owing to recent legislation England and Scottish national school teachers are no longer obliged to pay pension premiums. With regard to the last part of the question, the Chief Secretary is considering the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland for how long the Irish History written by the late Reverend Denis Murphy was in use in the Irish Roman Catholic national schools, and on what grounds its further use was eventually forbidden; whether the Commissioners of National Education are satisfied that this book and the other historical text books, the use of which has recently been forbidden, were in all respects proper and suitable works on which to educate the youth of Ireland at the expense of the British Exchequer; and, if so, why their use has been forbidden?

The "Short History of Ireland" by the Reverend Denis Murphy appeared on the Lists of Books sanctioned by the Commissioners of National Education for use in national schools between the years 1900 and 1911. The Commissioners are not in a position to say to what extent this particular work was actually used in the schools inasmuch as it was one of a number of text-books in history on the sanctioned list, and the selection of books from the lists rested with the school managers in each case. It is believed, however, that very few schools used this book. No order forbidding the use of this work was made, but owing to being out of print it was removed from the lists of sanctioned books published after 1911. With regard to the last part of the question I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the replies given to previous questions on the subject.

Why has no answer been given to the question as to why the use of this book was first permitted and afterwards forbidden?

I have referred my hon. and learned Friend to the previous answers given on this subject, and he will find there a statement by the late Chief Secretary dealing with that question.

Was it not prohibited because it gives the Irish view of Irish history instead of the English view?

I really do not know, because I have never read the book.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now in a position to state when the Government propose to take the Second Reading of the Irish Education Bill; and whether any decision has yet been come to to alleviate the financial difficulties of the teachers in Ireland?

I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given to the question asked by my hon. Friend on this subject on the 13th May.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say if he has yet come to a decision with regard to the financial position of the teachers in Ireland?

That matter is occupying the attention of the Chief Secretary.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that at a recent meeting of the Cork County Council the solicitor to the Council stated that claims for compensation for malicious injury for the months of April and May alone, amounting to £206,157, had been presented to the Council; whether this sum would mean a charge on the county at large of 3s. in the £; and, in view of the fact that the majority of the large ratepayers are opponents of the Irish Republican party, is it proposed to make them suffer for the illegal actions of their opponents?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The question of exemption of any ratepayer from the levy is for the Courts to, determine under the provisions of the Act of 1919

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what are the considerations which the Court should take into consideration when a man applies to be exempted? Is it whether he is a loyalist or not?

The County Court Judge, and the Judge of Assize have the widest possible discretion.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many robberies of the mails in Ireland there have been since the beginning of the year and how many last month; whether it is possible to see that the postmen are in most cases accompanied by an armed guard; and whether it is better to reduce the number of deliveries and collections and ensure their safety rather than endeavour to maintain normal conditions without due protection both of those who carry the letters and those who write them?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. As stated in reply to previous questions, I have called for a return, but cannot at present give the numbers asked for. The robberies, however, though serious enough, are not so numerous and extensive as the hon. Member seems to suggest. I do not think it is possible to accompany every postman by an armed guard, even if the number of deliveries and collections were reduced.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that all the Irishmen interned in Mountjoy Prison and nearly all the Irish- men interned in Wormwood Scrubs Prison have now secured their liberty; whether any reconsideration has been given to the case of the hon. and gallant Member for West Wicklow, now undergoing a sentence imposed by a court-martial of three years' penal servitude in Portland Prison; whether he is aware that the hon. and gallant Member was sentenced, not by reason of any action taken by him, but because of his conviction on a charge of hypothetical incitement to murder; and whether, in view of this hon. Gentleman's gallant services in the War, he will recommend His Majesty to pardon and release him?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is not proposed to release the Member for West Wicklow, whose offence was of a much more serious nature than that described in the question.

What was the difference between the offence of the hon. Member for West Wicklow and that committed by the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Duncairn (Sir E. Carson) a short time ago?

With reference to that observation, which is a very impertinent one, may I say that I have never sided with the enemies of this country.

Where did you get the rifles from?

I must warn the hon. and gallant Gentleman that, if he does not control himself, I shall have to ask him to withdraw. [An HON. MEMBER: "The sooner the better."]

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the results of the County Council Elections in Tyrone and Fermanagh; and, if so, whether, in view of the defeat of the supporters of the right hon. Member for Duncairn, the Government will reconsider its decision as to including these counties in Northern Ireland under the Government of Ireland Bill?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the last part in the negative.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will not give consideration to the altered circumstances?

I do not thing there are any altered circumstances. At any rate, all the circumstances can be passed in review on the discussion of the Bill—from which, I understand, the hon. Member has withdrawn.

Is it not a fact that I have attended the Debates regularly and that the right hon. Gentleman has been conspicuous by his absence?

If I had had any question to raise on the Debates I certainly would have been present. I am only inviting the hon. Member, if he has anything to say on the subject, to do it on the proper occasion.

Has not the House already decided this point upon the information then before it? Will the Government now consider that the circumstances have altered since the decision of the House was reached?

May we take it that in all cases when the Prime Minister is not present he dissociates himself from the actions of the Government?

That is too subtle a point.

It is unnecessary to ask this question, as the information has been promised.

asked the President of the Board of Education if national school teachers who may transfer their services from Ireland to Great Britain, or to any of His Majesty's Colonies, will receive credit for their years of service in Ireland for pension, taking into account their payment of pension premiums in Ireland?

Service as a teacher in an educational institution in Ireland receiving grants from the Government is "qualifying service" for the purposes of the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, and will therefore be credited to a teacher who performs 10 years of "recognised" service in England and satisfies the other conditions of the Act. Qualifying service is not pensionable in itself, but is accepted in completion of the period of 30 years' service required under the Act as a condition of the award of pension. The benefits receivable by teachers in respect of their Irish service are a matter within the administration of the Commissioners of National Education, Ireland, and not of the Board of Education.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government will give any particulars regarding the Ulster Volunteer patrol who, acting in place of the police near Enniskillen, encountered a large party of Sinn Feiners, who fired upon them; and whether any were killed or wounded?

No reply was given.

( later ): On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the fact that I last night forwarded the question which I put a little while ago, addressed to the Chief Secretary for Ireland, and marked "Private Notice Question," can I have an answer to it? The matter is a very important one.

I believe the Chief Secretary is in Ireland. [HON. MEMBERS: The Attorney-General!]

May I have an answer from the Prime Minister? According to Press reports, there has been a pitched battle, in which several Sinn Feiners have been wounded. I am, I may say, delighted to hear that.

I very much regret that my right hon. and learned Friend is not here. He was here earlier in the proceedings. I am afraid notice of the question of the hon. Member must have miscarried, for my right hon. and learned Friend is the last man in the world to pay no attention to a matter of this sort. Therefore, I am very much afraid that this very interesting piece of information may not have reached him. Later, I shall be very glad to convey what information there is to the hon. Member.

As this matter is a very important one, and may lead to very serious consequences, may I ask my right hon. Friend that if any information be received during the day, we may, at the adjournment, have an announcement as to what really occurred.

I will take steps immediately to communicate with the Irish Office, and will see that the House is informed on the subject.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the interruption in the training of pensioners even after successful probation and, in many cases, the prolonged delay in paying these men their authorised allowances?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am not clear what my hon. Friend means by the interruption in the training of pensioners, even after successful probation, and I am not aware that there is now any undue delay in the payment to trainees of the allowance to which they are entitled. If, however, he will speak to me or send me details of any particular instances he may have in mind, I shall be glad to investigate them.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of a personal letter from Field-Marshal Earl Haig, appealing for £5,000,000, to assist 33,000 disabled officers, 10,000 officers' widows, and 25,000 orphans and children of officers; whether he is aware that the sum mentioned could be immediately saved by a more drastic cutting down of redundant Government offices and officials; and will he promise on behalf of the Government that if the public subscribe £1,000,000 within six months, the Government will make up the balance required?

As regards the first and third sections of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 19th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Maldon, to which I have nothing to add. It is not the case that £5,000,000 could be immediately saved by a more drastic cutting down of redundant Government offices and officials. Constant attention is being given to the reduction of staffs, but savings under this head can only accrue gradually.

May I have an answer to the last part of the question?

I could not give an undertaking of that kind.

Could not the Disposal Board be abolished, as a means of saving some of this money?

The Government have done a very similar thing in offering to double any money raised for the children of our late enemies. If they could do that, surely they can do it in this case?

That offer was temporary and special, and is now at an end.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether officers and men of the Navy, Army, and Air Force who are not demobilised before the 30th June next are to be deprived of the benefits of the Government scheme to assist ex-service men to complete their interrupted education; and, if so, why they are to be thus penalised for the extended service they have given to their country?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Government has definitely decided to discontinue any grants to demobilised officers after 30th June; and, if so, what rights will remain to officers who have fought during the War and are not yet demobilised or in a position to avail themselves of the Government provision?

There is nothing in the Regulations governing the award of these grants to prevent intending applicants from applying for an award before they are demobilised, but if an applicant, submitting an application after 30th June, 1920, can show that circumstances of his military or naval service prevented him from lodging his application before that date, the Board will be prepared to consider it.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will consider the question of ex-service teachers being recognised as certificated teachers from the date they would have been recognised as such but for their period of training being interrupted by war service?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on the 17th of February to the hon. Member for Cardiff, East (Sir W. Seager).

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman intends to reply to the petition which I presented to him on behalf of the ex-service teachers of this country?

I am receiving a deputation on this subject to-morrow, but I am not in a position to make any further statement now.

Why cannot I have a reply to the petition which I presented about three weeks ago?

asked the Prime Minister whether any co-ordinating authority exists to minimise departmental conflict over the newly-acquired spheres of influence in the Middle East?

Matters of common interest are discussed by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Eastern Affairs, presided over by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government has any information regarding a dispute between the republics of Poland and Czecho-Slovakia; whether either party to the dispute has requested the League of Nations to arbitrate or intervene; whether His Majesty's Government has instructed the British representative on the Council of the League to take any action; and whether it is proposed to suggest the calling of a special meeting of the Council to consider the situation?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government of Czecho-Slovakia has asked that the dispute between that Government and the Polish Government with regard to Teschen shall be referred to the League of Nations; and, if so, whether the League of Nations will deal with the matter?

The difficulties which have arisen between Poland and Czecho-Slovakia are at this moment being attentively considered by the Ambassadors' Conference at Paris, who are in communication with the representatives of the two republics. The Czecho-Slovak Government have also drawn the attention of the League of Nations to the dispute. In either case, His Majesty's Government will use every endeavour to secure a peaceful settlement of this dispute.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he can inform me if the League of Nations is going to settle this question, or whether it is to be settled by the Ambassadors' Conference or the Supreme Council?

The League of Nations, I believe, has been summoned to meet in the course of the next few days, but what action they may take it is not for me to say.

Is it the intention of the Government to officially represent this case to the League of Nations and ask them to decide it, or is executive action, if any, going to be taken by the Supreme Council without further reference to the League?

We took the most effective method of securing a peace able settlement between these two friendly Republics, and I do not think it would be wise for me to commit the Government

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what troops there are on the border?

I could not possibly do that without notice. The circumstances are very unfortunate, but I am very hopeful of a peaceful settlement of the dispute.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to declare 19th July, the date chosen last year for the official celebration of the signing of Peace, a national holiday?

I do not think that it would be desirable to adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has received any communication from the Government of China with regard to the prospective renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance; and, if so, what is the nature of the communication?

The answer is in the affirmative, but His Majesty's Government are not in a position at present to publish its terms.

Have the Chinese asked that the dispute regarding Shantung be referred to the League of Nations?

asked the Prime Minister whether any agreement or treaty between Great Britain and Japan is under consideration; whether any protest has been received from the Chinese Government in connection therewith, whether the Anglo-Japanese agreements of 1905 and 1911 infringed the integrity of Chinese territory without the consent of the Chinese Government; whether, since the signing of the Austrian Peace Treaty, China is not now a member of the League of Nations; and whether before any further treaties or agreements are made they will be referred to the League of Nations?

With regard to the first part of the question, I have to refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on the 3rd instant to the hon. Member for Lincoln. Similarly with regard to the second part of the question, I have to refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply already given to-day to the question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative, and to the fourth part that the Chinese Government have signed, but not yet ratified, the Treaty of Peace with Austria. The Covenant of the League of Nations is Part I of this Treaty. With regard to the fifth part of the question, His Majesty's Government have every intention of adhering strictly to Article XVIII. of the Covenant of the League of Nations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in the negotiations for an armistice or for peace between the Russian Soviet Government and the followers of General Count Wrangel; whether British officers or representatives are assisting these negotiations in any way; and whether His Majesty's Government is still using its good offices to bring about peace by negotiation in the Crimea and South Russia?

There is little to add to the reply which I have made to the hon. Member for East Leyton on 10th May. The proposal of His Majesty's Government was that British representatives should assist in negotiations with the object of bringing about a peaceful settlement in South Russia. I regret to say that I am not hopeful of such a settlement being arrived at in the near future, though every endeavour has been and is being made by His Majesty's Government to bring about a cessation of hostilities.

May I ask the Prime Minister how he can reconcile the fact that when General Wrangel's army was being defeated we appealed to the Bolshevists for mercy towards them, and then we supplied them with munitions, and how is it that they are now advancing and restarting the whole war in South Russia again?

I am sorry to say that my attention has not been called to this particular question on the Paper. I do not know how it has arisen, but we are not in the least responsible for General Wrangel's offensive.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that our warships have been supporting this General from the sea, that we have 300 military officers serving with him, and that we have been supplying munitions to him? How does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile that with his declarations?

We are not supplying munitions. We did our best to mediate between the Soviet Government and General Wrangel's forces, in order to secure good terms for the refugees. But we made it absolutely clear to General Wrangel that we should not be responsible for himself and his army if he undertook offensive operations. He has done so, and the responsibility is entirely his.

Is it not a fact that, since the Prime Minister made the statement about saving the refugees, we have in fact assisted General Wrangel by sea and by land, and with munitions, according to the statement of the War Secretary himself?

We have not gone beyond that.

Yes, we have.

If the hon. and gallant Member knows more about it than I do, why should he ask? The facts are exactly as I have stated, and it is important that that should be known, because, whatever may be the merits or demerits of our policy, it is very important that whatever action we take should be straightforward and above board, and in this case it has been. [AN HON. MEMBER: "It has not been!"]

Does the answer of the Prime Minister mean in connection with this offensive that British arms and British war materials are not being employed with the knowledge of the British Government?

I have no doubt at all that of the war material which we supplied, with the sanction of this House, to General Denikin's force up to 30th March, General Wrangel has still got a certain quantity. We have supplied no material, and the mission has been withdrawn since we heard of the offensive being resumed.

I shall ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House on this matter at the end of questions.

At the end of Questions:—

I ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the advance of General Wrangel in the Crimea, and the responsibility of the Government in connection therewith.

After what was said at Question time, I can hardly accept this as a "definite" matter of urgent public importance. The Prime Minister distinctly said the Government were not responsible in any way for the advance of General Wrangel. The hon. and gallant Member has assumed something which the Government say is non-existent, and has founded upon that a demand to raise a discussion. I am afraid I cannot accede to his request.

With great deference may I remind you, Sir, or refresh your memory with the answers given in this House during the last fortnight by the Secretary of State for War to the effect that 300 British officers were organising General Wrangel's army, and by the First Lord of the Admiralty to the effect that British ships were supporting him in the interests of humanity? May I submit that, in view of the fact that the Government requested the Bolshevik Government to hold their hands off from General Wrangel's army in the interests of humanity, that our responsibility is very real at the present time, and until the matter is cleared up we will stand discredited throughout the world?

I must accept the statement which has been made by the Prime Minister that the Government have no responsibility for any advance, and that, on the contrary, they have done their best to bring about a peaceful settlement.

May I point out that in answer to a question which I put to the Prime Minister, he stated that British materials and airmen were being used in connection with this advance, and does not that denote some responsibility on the part of the Government?

I understand that was sent before the 31st of March.

With the authority of the House, may I say?

May I submit that this is a matter of definite and urgent public importance?

I have just ruled that it is not.

Have you not ruled Sir, that the British Government were not responsible. But that does not alter the fact, I submit, that it is a definite matter of public importance. The question of the responsibility or otherwise of the Government is, I think, a matter for argument, and that is definite certainty, and urgent certainty. On these grounds I think that according to the rules of this House the Motion for Adjournment should be accepted. It would be a new interpretation of the Order of the House if a matter could be prevented from being debated, because you have decided that it is a matter which the Government is not responsible for.

The hon. and gallant Member has misunderstood me. I began by saying that the matter was not definite. I said it was indefinite because the Prime Minister had himself announced to-day that the Government were not responsible for any advance on the part of General Wrangel. On the contrary their policy was the other way, and they had endeavoured to bring about a peaceful situation. That being so, how can it be said that it is a definite matter?

rose —

I wish the hon. Gentleman had himself to decide these matters. It is unfortunately my lot to decide them, and I have decided.

I beg to give notice—[ Interruption ].

asked the Prime Minister whether America has given her consent to any form of recognition of the Soviet Government by the negotiations now in progress in this country; and, if not, whether steps are being taken to ascertain the views of the American Government?

The American Government have been consulted as to whether they would desire to be represented at the meetings with M. Krassin, but a reply has not so far been received.

asked the Prime Minister whether the matter of Russia's external debts has formed the matter of any conversations between the Government and the Soviet representative?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Will not the claims of the Soviet Government for damages done by intervention greatly exceed the external pre-War debt?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government know exactly what funds are at the disposal of the Soviet delegation in this country; whether he has any information as to the source of such funds and as to how they are spent; and could the surplus Government accommodation at the Hotel Petrograd be devoted to providing for this accommodation?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative, but His Majesty's Government have no reason to suppose that such funds as are at the disposal of the Russian Trade Delegation are being improperly spent.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the terms of the decision of the Supreme Council on 24th February, the Government have arrived at the conviction that Bolshevist horrors have come to an end and that the Government of Moscow is ready to conform its methods and diplomatic conduct to those of all civilised Governments; and whether, in consequence of that conviction, he has received M. Krassin as Minister of the Soviet Govern- ment and acting in its name and authority?

The quotation in the hon. Member's question referred to a general resumption of diplomatic relations. The decision of the Supreme Council is confined to trade.

asked the Prime Minister whether in the negotiations at present taking place for the opening of trade relations with Russia there has been any discussion regarding the hostilities between Poland and Russia and the position of General Wrangel's forces in the Crimea?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether any difficulties will be placed in the way of workers who desire to leave this country and settle in Russia under a Soviet form of Government?

There are no indications at present of the least desire on the part of workmen to leave this country and settle in Soviet Russia.

Can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to encourage lovers of this form of Government to emigrate there?

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to encourage certain Members of this House to go there.

May I ask if any Members of this House have asked for permission to go and fight with the White Armies in Russia?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Prime Minister when he can make a statement as to the Government's policy with regard to oil, and in particular with regard to the exploitation of the oil resources of Mosul?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 6th of May to the hon. Member for Walsall. As regards the second part, the present position as to the mineral resources of Mesopotamia is stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for Stafford on the 3rd of June.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement made by His Majesty's Ambassador in the United States that we had nationalised the oil supply of Great Britain?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the price of oil has reached as high a figure as £19 per ton; if so, will the decision of the Admiralty to transform ships of His Majesty's Navy into oil-burning vessels be reconsidered; can he state the number and tonnage of private shipping which is being transformed in the same way; and whether this will have the effect of seriously raising the cost of all freights carried and thus increase the price of all goods brought into this country?

No, Sir. I am not aware that the current price is as stated in the first part of the question, and the second part does not therefore arise. With regard to the third part, I have no official knowledge as to the conversion of private shipping.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of the United States Government has advised the heads of the Navy and other ship Departments to transform ships so as to provide for coal burning?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Hungarian workers of Pecs, which is now in the occupation of the Serbian troops, have petitioned for the retention of the Serbian occupation so long as the present régime continues in Hungary; and if he will use the influence of Great Britain to prolong at present the Serbian occupation of the district of Karanga?

I understand that certain petitions have been received from workmen in the Pecs region asking for the continuance of the Yugo-Slav occupation, but I have no information as to whether this represents the general feeling of the population of that province. In answer to the second part of the question, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that there could be no good reason for prolonging the occupation of Hungarian territory when once the Treaty of Peace with Hungary has come into force.

Will the Government make any inquiry of the workpeople of Pecs and find out their opinion as to the retrocession of this district to the present Hungarian régime?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of the British Labour delegation on the terror in Hungary; and will he call the attention of the British High Commissioner in Hungary to this Report and obtain his comments upon the Report?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but the Secretary of State has not yet had the time to study the Report or to decide what action could properly be taken in connection with it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the allegations respecting the state of the Hungarian military prisons and particularly the internment camp at Hajmasker, His Majesty's Government will approach the Hungarian Government with a view to obtaining the supervision of some British or French civilian over these prisons?

The British High Commissioner at Budapest visited this camp early in May last, and reported on it in fairly favourable terms. He drew the attention of the Prime Minister of Hungary to various points in which he considered the conditions of the camp could be improved, and his observations met with a favourable reception. We have no later information regarding this camp. It is no part of the duty of His Majesty's Government to supervise the prisons of a foreign country, nor could they press upon a foreign government the appointment of British officials for such purpose.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when the British High Commissioner went to Hajmaskar Camp the people whom it was not wished he should see were sent into barracks 24 and 3 in order to be out of the way of the inspection, and further is he aware that we have special responsibilities for these people in Hungary, because Sir Thomas Cunningham and Mr. Boehm arranged the terms of surrender of the Commune, and those terms have not been carried out?

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to assisting applicants for old age pensions, many of whom are not conversant with the regulations applying to their particular circumstances, a circular will be prepared setting out the rates of pensions and simple particulars of the Old Age Pensions Acts; and, if so, whether copies will be available at all Post Offices for those who require them?

A claimant can always obtain full information respecting his title to an old age pension from the local Pension Officer, and it would not appear that the probable benefits which would arise from adopting the hon. Member's suggestion would be sufficient to justify the expense involved.

Would it not simplify matters very much if the claimant to an old age pension could have in a handy form particulars which would enable him to make a claim without the necessity of a visit to the office?

There are so many details in connection with old age pensions that I doubt if a handy form could be prepared. In the second place, I would rather get my information verbally than to try to discover it from any Government publication.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to transfer to the Privy Council matters connected with the rela- tions between Great Britain and the self-governing Dominions, leaving to the Colonial Office the administration of the Colonies properly so-called; and whether the Government has under consideration a special Department to deal with the territories in the Middle East over which this country exercises a protectorate or administrative mandate?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the frequent references in the Press to the intention of the Government to transfer from the Colonial Office the administration of dominion affairs, he is prepared to make a statement on this important proposal?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given on Thursday last to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Stafford.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received a letter, signed by a large number of Members of this House representing all parties, by Noble Lords in another place and by experts outside, and is he prepared to receive a deputation?

I shall certainly be very glad to meet any Members of the House who have any representations to make.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I sent myself to Sir Maurice Hankey a letter signed by Members of all parties in this House, by Members of the House of Lords and by experts outside? Has he not received it?

I am quite aware of the position on this subject. I can assure my Noble Friend that it was considered very carefully by the Government.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state what steps have been taken to reconstitute the Committee of Imperial Defence, with a view to a proper co-ordination of the sea, land, and air defences of the Empire?

The Committee of Imperial Defence is so constituted to enable it to deal with the co-ordination of the sea, land and air defences of the Empire, that is to say, experts from the three services will attend meetings of the Committee as required. It is hoped that a meeting will be held shortly.

May I ask when the right hon. Gentleman expects to be in a position to do so. We were told it would be completed shortly a month ago, and it is rather a long time in a matter of such vital importance?