asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an application for the renewal of a licence granted by a German company to an English company under a German patent (which licence is deemed cancelled under Article 310 of the Treaty of Peace) has to be made to the mixed tribunal referred to in Articles 304 and 310 of the Treaty in default of agreement between the parties; whether the tribunal will sit in England or elsewhere; whether such tribunal has been appointed and whether any rules of procedure exist; and, if not, when is it proposed to set up the necessary machinery to enable an English licensee to compel the renewal of a licence under a German patent.

A British company, which was at the outbreak of War a licensee of a German company under a German patent, has the right under Article 310 of the Treaty of Peace to demand from the German company, within six months after the coming into force of the Treaty, the grant of a new licence, the conditions of which, in default of agreement between the parties, shall be fixed by the mixed arbitral tribunal. It is not yet decided at what place or places that tribunal will sit; it is being established and will, I hope, shortly be fully constituted. Under the Treaty the tribunal will lay down its own rules of procedure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what measures, if any, have been taken against the import of German manufactured goods; what has been the amount in tonnage or quantities of such imports during the last three months; whether such imports are being paid for by raw materials; and to what extent are they to be regarded as part payment of the War indemnity?

There are at present no restrictions upon the imports of German goods. The registered imports from Germany during the last three months for which details are available, namely, February to April, were valued at £5,460,000. Of this total, goods classed as wholly or mainly manufactured accounted for approximately £4,000,000, and weighed 33,000 tons. Complete information as to exports to Germany during the same three months is not available, but the total value of the principal exports (including re-exports) was £5,400,000, of which 9 per cent. represented foodstuffs, 46 per cent. raw materials, and 45 per cent. manufactured goods. No imports from Germany during this particular period were to be credited to reparation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the increasing extent to which incandescent gas mantles are being imported into this country; whether in the month of November, 1919, the total import, valued at £1,880, was increased during the two succeeding months to £25,619; whether, from the 1st February to the 8th May in the current year, the import reached a figure of £35,804; and whether, in view of the serious consequences of this import to the employers of British workpeople, he will take appropriate steps to safeguard the industry and prevent unemployment?

The statistics quoted by my hon. Friend are substantially accurate. The Government is carefully watching the position, and I hope to be able to make a statement shortly as to this and cognate cases.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one British company has practically a monopoly of gas mantles, and that their shares have risen from 2s. 6d. before the War to 35s. at the present time?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the hardship inflicted on English workpeople caused by the French Government decrees of 25th April placing an embargo on English crêpe, practically the only English silk fabric imported into France, with the result that the Essex silk winding mills are running short time and are having to close on Saturdays and Mondays; whether Italian manufacturers have succeeded in getting concessions on their silks from the French Government; and whether he will make representations to secure similar concessions to Great Britain considering that we import from France something like £20,000,000 worth of French silk?

I am aware of the serious effect on the English crêpe industry of the French import prohibitions. Inquiry has been made as to the admission into France of silk fabrics from other countries, but a definite reply has not yet been received. Representations have already been addressed to the French Government regarding the admission of English crêpe, and I am hopeful of the result.

Is it not a fact that the Italian manufacturers have secured concessions?

I am afraid that I am not in a position to tell my hon. Friend the exact particulars with regard to that point.

Would that not be a pertinent matter to raise with the French Government?

No doubt it would if the facts be as suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any agreement has been entered into by the Government with those of France, Italy and other European Powers that this country shall supply them with a percentage of oil obtained within the British Empire or countries under British protection; and whether such agreement, if any, is for general, commercial, and other purposes, or is only to cover their naval and military requirements?

I have been asked to reply. Certain reciprocal arrangements have been entered into with France in regard to oil supplies. No restriction has been placed on the use to which oil covered by this arrangement is to be put. No agreements are in force with other European Powers.

When will the House of Commons be informed of the particulars of this reciprocal arrangement?

I cannot say now.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Committee appointed under the Profiteering Act have reported as to the reasonableness of the increase in the price of Messrs. Coats' cotton?

A Report has been received from the Sub-Committee appointed to inquire into the reasonableness or otherwise of the increased price of sewing cotton. The Report, which is at present receiving the consideration of the Board of Trade, will be published at an early date.

Will the conclusions of the Board of Trade be published with the report?

My right hon. Friend asks about conclusions, and I am not sure exactly what he means, but any action which the Board of Trade thinks it necessary to take will undoubtedly be made known at that time.

Will this report include any review of these figures by a form of chartered accountants?

All the figures put before the Committee have been reviewed by the Committee itself with the assistance of chartered accountants.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Central Committee on Profiteering has yet reported on the profits of the Bell Spinning Company?

As I promised in my reply to the questions put by the hon. Members for Kettering and Plaistow on the 10th May, the attention of the Central Committee under the Profiteering Acts has been called to the case of the Bell Mill Company, Limited, of Oldham. The Central Committee are obtaining detailed information from the company as to their profits, but I am informed that the investigation is not yet completed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government propose to continue the subsidy on coastwise shipping after this month and, if so, for what period; and what is the present cost of such subsidy to the country?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Coastwise Subsidy Scheme will terminate definitely on 30th June, 1920, and a notice to that effect appeared in the public Press on the 17th instant. The amount of tonnage carried under the scheme up to the end of May was approximately 1,200,000 tons and the average refund in respect of claims already settled has been about 15s. a ton.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the annual cost of salaries and allowances of all kinds paid to the Government officials concerned in the control of the railways during the War.

I have been asked to reply to this question. The working of the railways of which possession was taken on the outbreak of War was controlled by a Committee of General Managers known as the Railway Executive Committee, who acted on behalf of the Board of Trade, which had no staff for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the event of the Committee on the Lighting of Motor Cars failing to find any solution of the problem of dazzle from the headlights of motor vehicles, he will take steps to prohibit the use of headlights in areas where adequate street lighting exists.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can arrange for the issue of a police regulation prohibiting the use of dazzling headlights in well-lighted streets pending the introduction of the proposed legislation.

As the hon. Member is aware, the Minister of Transport has no power under existing legislation to make any order prohibiting the use of headlights. The Interim Report of the Committee on Lights on Vehicles recommended that pending the solution of the dazzle problem the candle power and size of apertures might be limited. Experiments are still proceeding on the subject of dazzle.

Have we to wait until some indefinite date before anything can be done to put an end to this abuse?

If my Noble Friend means by an "indefinite date" one very far ahead, I do not think that is an accurate assumption.

Cannot the police issue a regulation prohibiting the use of dazzling headlights?

The police have no power to do so.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of Lord Ashfield that experiments were being carried out, and probably a large number of public service vehicles would be equipped in the near future with pneumatic tyres; whether his Department is represented at such trials; and whether special attention will be given to the possible grave danger resulting from the bursting of such tyres on public service vehicles?

The Minister of Transport is kept informed of the progress of the experiments referred to in the first part of the question, though my Department is not represented at the trials. The point referred to in the last part of the question has not been overlooked.

asked the Minister of Transport whether there is any limitation to the size of the motor chars-a-bancs which are permitted to make use of the narrow country lanes in Great Britain; and whether, in view of the great inconvenience and danger caused by this form of traffic, he can see his way to give an undertaking that motor vehicles above a certain size should be strictly limited to the main roads of the country?

The size and weight of chars-a-bancs, as of other heavy motor vehicles, are regulated by the Heavy Motor Car Order, 1904. Highway authorities are empowered under Section 8 of the Motor Car Act, 1903, to make application to the Minister of Transport for an Order prohibiting the use of such vehicles on roads which do not exceed 16 feet in width, or on which ordinary motor-car traffic would, in his opinion, be especially dangerous.

In the absence of any movement by any particular council, has the ordinary user of the road no redress against these gasolene juggernauts?

I must not be taken to assent to that description of them. The ordinary user of the road has redress in case of negligence on the part of owners or drivers.

Has the Ministry of Transport, of its own volition, power to restrict the use of these chars-a-bancs in country lanes?

No, Sir; only on the application of the county council or local council concerned.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these "gasolene juggernauts" are the ordinary method by which common people take their holidays?

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether, in order to promote the utility of the Parliamentary discussion of the Estimates of his Department, he will circulate to Members of the House, before those Estimates are discussed, a draft of his proposals for dealing with the railways, so that they may have ample opportunity of carefully considering it;

(2) whether he expects to be able to recommend to Parliament this Session the future policy of his Department with regard to railways generally; and whether, in view of the economic and financial position of these undertakings, he can expedite his announcement?

The Minister of Transport proposes to lay before the House a statement on the policy which the Government intends to submit to Parliament with reference to the future of railway undertakings, when the Estimates are discussed on Thursday next. I regret I am unable to accept the suggestions of my hon. Friend.

As these Estimates will come newly to many Members of this House, will there be another opportunity of discussing them?

No doubt there will be many opportunities, as the policy will necessitate legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Essex county council, through which the Government is making its road grant to Walthamstow, proposes to allocate only £12,500 to the Walthamstow urban district council, subject to that body spending a further sum of £65,000 upon improving the road surfaces of their district; if he can state why the East Ham borough council is to receive £72,000 for the same purpose, seeing that, while the respective populations of both districts are about the same, the road surface of Walthamstow is considerably greater than that of East Ham; and if he will state why Walthamstow is treated in this manner?

No true comparison can be instituted between the grants made to an urban district council which is only responsible for the maintenance of district roads and those made to a county borough which is responsible for the maintenance of all highways within its administrative area. The grant of £12,500 made to the Walthamstow urban district council is towards the improvement of district roads, and forms part of a total grant of £351,000 made to the Essex county council towards the improvement of main and district roads within its area. East Ham, being a county borough, is responsible for the maintenance of all highways within its area, and it was in respect of this that the grant of £72,000 was made.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why such a great distinction is made between two authorities which are on practically the same level?

That raises the question of the distinction between main roads and secondary roads. The classifying of main roads is now being undertaken, and it is the policy of the State to subsidise main roads at a greater rate than bye-ways which are district roads.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before any increase in railway charges for passengers and goods is sanctioned by the Government, a full statement will be presented to and the approval of Parliament obtained?

It has been decided by the Government, with the approval of the House, that the railways must pay their way, and, in our opinion, the necessary rates must be imposed as soon as the Advisory Committee has reported.

Is the House to have no voice whatever to the Government making arrangements which result in railway rates being increased to all the traders of the country?

I think this was fairly fully discussed, and it was decided that an Advisory Committee should be appointed to state the rates which were necessary to make the railways pay their way. That policy is being continued.

Has the Government considered the point that raising the rates may possibly diminish the revenue?

Oh, yes. It is obvious that there is a point where the increase of rates will defeat its own object. In the meantime, we must impose rates which will prevent a charge on the Exchequer.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect the Advisory Committee to report as to the necessity or not of an increase in railway charges?

The Committee, I understand, is now sitting. I expect their Report immediately.

asked the Minister of Transport whether workmen's fares on the railways have been increased proportionately with those of other classes of passengers to meet the increased cost involved by the various increases in wages granted to railway workmen?

No increase has been made in the fares charged in respect of work-people travelling on the railways. The matter was referred, at the instance of the Cabinet, to the Rates Advisory Committee for their consideration on 5th May, 1920.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether he thinks it is fair that workmen should be exempted from paying their fair share of the increase due to the raising of wages to men in their own class, and that the members of the middle classes should always have to pay the piper and never be allowed to call the tune?

That is a matter for argument.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in any further increase of railway fares which may be made on the advice of the Rates Advisory Committee the same consideration will be given to those whose business or profession entails constant and long-distance travelling as is given to those privileged to use workmen's tickets?

The Rates Advisory Committee will, I am sure, take into consideration all relevant considerations affecting the various classes of the community which travel on the railways when the question of any further increase in fares is under review. As regards workmen's fares, I refer the hon. and gallant Member to Question 69 on the Order Paper to-day.

Is not the question of the raising of fares being considered at the present moment?

The same Committee is considering it, but whether they will be able to arrive at a conclusion on both matters simultaneously I cannot tell.

Have you asked them or will you ask them to consider the question of workmen's fares?

That was referred to them.

Will they also be empowered to consider the charging of fares to railway directors?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that the railway general managers and the representatives of railway police failed to come to an agreement at the conference held recently to consider conditions of service and the formation of an organisation similar to the Police Federation, he is prepared to appoint a committee on the lines of the Desborough Committee so that both sides may have an opportunity of presenting their case to an independent tribunal?

I understand that negotiations are still proceeding.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to apply to the railway police the recommendations of the Desborough Committee with respect to the appointment of chief officers; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that the committee recommend that no person without previous police experience should be appointed as chief constable in any force unless he possesses some exceptional qualification or experience which specially fits him for the post, any opportunity has been given railway police officers to apply for the position of chief officer in the police department of the Great Central Railway and the detective department of the Midland Railway, to which new appointments are to be made?

The conditions of service of the railway police are at present the subject of negotiations between representatives of the railway companies and of the men concerned. The appointment of chief officers is a matter within the discretion of the individual companies, and I have no knowledge of the circumstances of the two cases to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken by his Department to deal with the question of dangerous and blind corners in rural and urban areas; and can special attention be given to the use of reflecting devices, such as mirrors, in cases where it is impossible to remove the danger by other means?

Highway authorities have been invited to submit proposals to the Ministry of Transport for the improvement of dangerous and blind corners, and as funds become available grants will be made in aid of such improvements. Reflecting devices have been tried by highway authorities, but have usually failed in their object owing to the difficulty of preventing their destruction.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Rates Advisory Committee is composed of members nominated by himself or other Government Departments and is designed to stand between the travelling and trading public and their right to have matters of vital importance to themselves decided on the floor of the House; and will he consent to a member being added to the Committee nominated by the Middle Classes Union and Association of Commercial Travellers?

The Rates Advisory Committee, in its functions and composition, was determined by Section 21, Sub-section 1, of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, and it was in every sense the creation of the House. It is not open to me to adopt the suggestion contained in the second part of the hon. and gallant Member's question. I do not, however, agree with the description of the Committee's functions as indicated in the first part of the question, and I do not think that any Committee has more fully commanded the general confidence of the travelling and trading community.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give a list of persons to whom, in the course of this year, licences have been granted for the export of munitions, stating in each case what was the destination of the goods in question?

As the number of licences issued amounts to several hundred, a very large proportion being for export to British possessions, and for single weapons, such as sporting guns, revolvers, etc., I fear it is not feasible to take the course suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.

I presume the right hon. Gentleman will have no objection to the list of licensed exporters being inspected?

None whatever.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what sum has been realised by the sale of insulators (both glass and china), telephone and telegraph cables, telephone and telegraph instruments, and telegraph poles thrown up by the Army for sale by the Disposal Board since the Armistice; whether the Disposal Boards intends to take any action for the collection and sale of such material at present in position in many parts of France and Flanders; and what has been the reason for these articles not being placed at the disposal of the Post Office authorities?

The reply is rather lengthy, and with the hon. Member's permission I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer referred to:

The total sum realised since the Armistice by the sale of the material in question in this country is £68,484. A considerable amount of telephone and telegraph material which complied with the specifications laid down by the Post Office has been purchased by that Department. With regard to such stores in France and Flanders, it is not possible to give the amount realised by the sale of specific articles, inasmuch as for the most part they have been sold in bulk with other stores. The cost of collection and the shortage of personnel available precluded the possibility of dismantling the material in fixed routes, and most of it has been sold to the French Government. I understand that a quantity of the stores in dumps and depots has already been transferred by the military authorities to the United Kingdom. The remainder has been collected by the Disposal Board in France, and will be offered for sale if not required by the Post Office.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the inequitable distribution of disposal business with regard to surplus Government property among those auctioneers qualified to undertake it; and if he will say for what reason the firm of Messrs. Morgan, Short and Company, of Harrogate, a town endowed with excellent train and other facilities, has so far been denied a share in this business, in spite of repeated applications?

I cannot admit the assumption in the first part of the question. Special care has been taken by the Disposal Board to obtain accurate information through the Auctioneers' Institute, and otherwise, as to the qualifications of auctioneers throughout the country; but it is necessary for the Board to rely on their Controllers for the selection of the firms best qualified to dispose of particular classes of material. I can assure my hon. Friend that the firm of Messrs. Morgan, Short and Company, of Harrogate, will not be forgotten if a suitable opportunity for their employment presents itself.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether records are available showing the productive capacity of the industrial establishments of the country at the time of the Armistice for each class of war material and equipment; whether such records have been kept up to date; and whether any provision has been made for their being periodically revised in the future?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The records were complete at the time of the Armistice, but have not since been revised. The third part of the question should be addressed to the War Office.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the position of Russian sailors in Cardiff and other sea ports who belong to British unions; whether these men are not permitted to serve on English steamers sailing for America and Canada; and whether they are prohibited from returning to Russia?

I have no recent information to indicate that Russian sailors are meeting with exceptional difficulty in getting employment, but I will make inquiries and will inform the hon. and gallant Member of the result.

Is it a fact that they are not permitted to sail for America or Canada in British ships?

Not, according to my information.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British commander at Batum is supported by or is supporting soldiers of the old Denikin White Government against the Georgian Government; and whether the Georgian Government, in reply, have arrested some members of the Entente Mission at Tiflis?

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

Is it not a fact that the Russian Government have made peace with the Georgian Government and come to a settlement?

I have seen a statement to that effect.

Is there no official information?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to issue a statement concerning the progress of negotiations with the Russian Soviet representative, M. Krassin?

I have no further information to give on the subject.

Has an ultimatum been presented to the Soviet delegates, and if it prove unacceptable will this House be given an opportunity of knowing all the facts and discussing the matter before the delegates are asked to leave the country?

I am not aware of any ultimatum.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the question of Captain Cromie's murder by the Bolsheviks in Petrograd has been formally discussed with M. Krassin; whether M. Krassin has expressed disapproval of this murder on behalf of his Government; and what steps M. Krassin proposes to take in order to compensate Captain Cromie's family?

The question referred to has not been included in the formal conversation with M. Krassin, to the negotiations with whom at the present stage it does not appear to appertain.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Mr. Boris Goldinger, who was attached to the British naval armoured cars in Russia as interpreter, was recently murdered by the Bolsheviks in Russia; whether he is aware that his wife, who is an Englishwoman, was left with a young child in a Bolshevik prison in Moscow; whether the Bolshevik authorities have refused to move in the matter; and whether M. Krassin has been urged to secure her immediate release and the return of herself and her child to this country?

My information is to the effect that Mr. Goldinger was shot in the spring of this year, but I am not aware that his widow is in prison in Moscow. As regards the third and fourth parts of the hon. and gallant Member's question, the case of Mrs. Goldinger, who is a British born widow of a Russian subject, has been brought to the notice of the Soviet Government's representative at Copenhagen. His Majesty's Government have every sympathy with Mrs. Goldinger, and will continue their efforts on her behalf.

( by Private Notice ) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give any information regarding the report that British naval prisoners at Baku are being subjected to brutal treatment?

The only information available is that which has just been given by the Prime Minister in reply to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Battersea South.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the House any information with regard to officers and men of the Royal Navy captured at Baku, and reported to be retained there in a condition of slavery by the Soviet Government; whether, in the event of the receipt of reliable information to the effect that they are not being accorded proper treatment as prisoners of war, he will at once take steps to arrest and accord similar treatment to all members of the Soviet forces who may now or in future fall into our hands, and will he at once take steps to terminate all negotiations with the Soviet representative, pending satisfactory treatment being accorded to our men?

The information available is only irregular and intermittent, but we have reason to believe that the British prisoners in question have not been properly treated. His Majesty's Government are taking all possible steps in the matter, and M. Krassin has been informed that the unconditional release of all British prisoners is a condition precedent to any result of the negotiations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now been made aware of the fact that certain collieries in South Wales and elsewhere have been, or are about to be, closed down in consequence of the recent Order restricting the export of coal; and, if so, whether, to prevent the unemployment and loss involved, he will consider the advisability of revoking or modifying the Order?

The Coal Mines Department is aware of only one colliery, situated in Northumberland, which closed down in view of export restrictions. The matter is in the hands of the local Coal and Coke Supply Committee, and it is understood that the colliery has re-started. As regards the remainder of the question, I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to him of 16th June.

asked the Minister of Transport what increases he has directed in the rates, dues, and charges of the Port of London Authority; and whether any steps have been taken to ensure that such increases are not more than are required to enable the authority to meet its increased working expenses?

In order to enable them to meet the increase in dockers' wages, the Port of London Authority applied for further increased charging powers. On the recommendation of the Rates Advisory Committee, a direction was issued taking effect on the 10th of May increasing the authority's charges by a maximum of 135 per cent. and, in the case of grain, 150 per cent. over those in force on the 22nd of April, 1917. The increases represent a 65 per cent. additional to the percentage increases already in force at the time of the direction. The Committee recommended that any direction should be subject to reconsideration in case it should appear from the Authority's accounts that the increases were more or less than sufficient to provide the income necessary for the proper working of its undertaking and for satisfying its legal obligations. The Minister of Transport has called upon the Authority to furnish statements at an early date, showing the actual effect of the increases both in cost of working and in revenue.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to indicate the results of the inquiry to the House when they are received? When does he expect the Port of London Authority to supply the necessary information?

Certainly, a statement will be available for Members of the House. The Ministry are pressing the Authority to expedite the information.

asked the Prime Minister if the granting of concessions for oil getting in Mesopotamia is conditioned by the terms of the mandate and the League of Nations; if so, in what degree; if it is under consideration to grant concessions to other than companies registered in the United Kingdom; if so, to what companies, to what extent, and under what conditions; if he will state when he will be able to declare the oil policy of the Government in Mesopotamia; and what opportunity will be given this House to discuss such policy before it is put into execution?

The terms of the mandate have not yet been formulated, and it is therefore impossible to state the conditions which it will impose. Until the future Government of Mesopotamia is constituted there can exist no authority competent to grant new concessions.

Is Mesopotamia the subject of the reciprocal arrangements referred to by the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade in an answer this afternoon?

I do not know.

Is it true that the future Government of Mesopotamia has been communicated to our representative in Mesopotamia to be published this week?

No, Sir. I believe some general statement similar to that made in 1918 will be made.

What opportunity will the House have of discussing the Government policy?

Many opportunities. I believe one will occur on Wednesday.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as the expenditure on the military forces in Mesopotamia and Persia, to be borne by the British taxpayer, is at the rate of £475,000 per week, or £24,700,000 a year, as against an estimate of £16,000,000, he can give some idea of the commensurate value that will accrue to Britain through this great expenditure?

It would not be possible to discuss the general policy to be adopted in Mesopotamia by question and answer. An opportunity for such a discussion will, I understand, occur on Wednesday.

Will it be in order to discuss the general policy as to the future of Mesopotamia on the Army Vote?

I do not know whether it will be in order, but I think it will be very difficult to prevent any general discussion, owing to the fact that it is in military occupation.

Do the Government propose to go on spending at the rate of £24,700,000 a year on Mesopotamia?

I can answer that at once by saying "No."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an intense public feeling against this excessive military expenditure in the Middle East?

I know there is a very strong feeling, which is probably shared by the whole House, that it is desirable to cut down expenditure, where possible. The question as to where it is possible must be considered in each case on its merits.

Will it be necessary to introduce a Vote supplementary to the Vote already presented to the House for Mesopotamia?

It is impossible to say now. The hope was that the military forces in Mesopotamia would be gradually reduced during the year. Whether that hope will be realised or not I cannot say.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the information contained in the German wireless of 10th June with reference to the progress of disarmament has now been checked by the Inter-Allied Military Commission of Control; whether the Zeitfreiwilligen (Reichswehr Reserves) and Einwohnerwehren (Civic Guards) have actually been disbanded; what answer has been given to the German Government with reference to their request to retain the Sicherheitspolizei (armed constabulary);

(2) whether he is satisfied with the progress that has been made by the German Government in the surrender and destruction of artillery, machine guns, small arms, and small arms ammunition; and, if he is not satisfied, what steps are being taken by the Supreme Council to ensure the effective carrying out of the Peace Treaty in these respects?

The Inter-Allied Military Commission of Control have not yet been able to report as to the truth of the statement made in the German wireless, but they are examining into it. Official orders have been issued by the German Government for the disbandment of the Reichswehr Reserves and Civic Guards, but these orders have not so far been completely obeyed. In regard to this subject, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made by the Prime Minister in this House on the 29th April. Since then, some progress has been made, but this question, as my hon. and gallant Friend will have seen in the official communique from Hythe, is engaging earnest attention of the Allies.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let the House know as soon as the inter-Allied Commission has reported whether the conditions have been carried out in view of the great anxiety which prevails on the subject?

Not only this Government, but all the Allied Govern- ments attach the utmost importance to the complete disarmament of Germany.

asked the Prime Minister what steps have been taken by the German Government to carry out the terms of the Peace Treaty with reference to the surrender and destruction of aircraft?

I have been asked to reply. This matter was raised on the 15th instant, and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies which my right hon. Friend then gave to questions put by the hon. Member for Dulwich (Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. Hall).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the previous answer was by no means a definite one, and can he not add anything to it?

No, Sir, I cannot.

asked the Prime Minister whether Bulgarian troops who surrendered to the Allied Army commanded by General Franchet d'Esperey in accordance with the terms of the Armistice of 29th September, 1918, and were retained as hostages for Bulgaria's good faith and also for the purpose of repairing the railways in Macedonia, were handed over by the Allies to Greece and Serbia; whether, at the present moment, although the railways have been repaired and the Treaty of Peace has been signed seven months ago by all the belligerents concerned, Greece still retains in captivity some 15,000 Bulgarian soldiers and Serbia 12,000; and whether he can give any information as to the conditions and treatment to which these prisoners are subjected and as to the reasons why they are not released?

There is, I am informed, no record in the War Office as to whether these prisoners were handed over by General Franchet d'Esperey to the Greeks and Serbians. The matter was one for arrangement between the supreme command of the Allied Armies of the Orient and the Bulgarian Government. With regard to the last two parts of the hon. Member's question, I understand that the Council of the League of Nations have decided to refer this matter to Dr. Nansen for unofficial inquiry and for such action as he may find it possible to take.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether any provisions exist in the Treaty of Peace with Turkey regarding the future sovereignty and government of the former Turkish provinces of Yemen and Asir respectively; whether there still exists any treaty between this country and the Said Idrissi of Asir; if so, whether this treaty recognises his authority in Asir and, if so, throughout the province of Asir; whether the subsidy paid to the Said Idrissi during the war for his co-operation against the Turks has now ceased; whether he is now free to enter into treaties with other Powers;

(2) whether the Imam Yahya of Sanaa has been recognised by the Allies as the successor of the Sultan of Turkey to all rights hitherto possessed by Turkey in the province of Yemen, including control of the commercial ports, the Yemen, Hodeidah, and Mocha; whether steps are being taken to arrange a treaty with the Imam Yahya regarding trade between the Yemen and the Aden protectorate; whether the good offices of the British Government will be offered in securing a peaceful settlement between the rival claims of the Imam Yahya and the Said Idrissi in Western Yemen; and whether the Indian battalion will be retained at Hodeidah until some friendly arrangement between these two rulers regarding the government and use of that port has been reached.

The answer to the first and last parts of the first question is in the negative; to the remaining three parts of the question in the affirmative. The future of the Arabian Peninsular, exclusive of the Hejaz, is now under discussion between the principal Allied Powers, in favour of whom Turkey is, by the terms of the Peace Treaty, to renounce all rights and title therein. Until a decision has been reached by the principal Allied Powers as to the future of the Arabian Peninsula, exclusive of the Hejaz, it would be premature to say more than that the good offices of His Majesty's Government will always be offered in securing a peaceful settlement between the independent rulers of Arabia.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Leader of the House whether he could make any statement as to the decision of the Government to accept the military aid of Greece in dealing with Turkish Nationalists?

There is no special statement to be made on the subject. As a matter of fact, it is now under discussion at Boulogne. Greece is one of the Allies, and Greek troops will, if necessary, be used, like others of the Allied nations concerned, by general agreement of the Allies and acting on the advice of their military advisers.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet have yet come to any decision in respect of the Unemployment Insurance Bill?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on the 12th May.

May I ask when the Government will be able to give a definite reply?

My answer on the 12th May was that the natural time for that decision is when the Bill comes on, and it will be given then.

asked the Prime Minister the terms of Sir Herbert Samuels appointment to Palestine and the salary allocated to the office?

asked the Prime Minister whether the appointment of Sir H. Samuel as administrator of Palestine will involve any expense to the British taxpayers; and whether he will give an undertaking that no expenditure whatever in this connection shall be incurred without the sanction of Parliament?

Sir Herbert Samuel has been appointed High Commissioner in Palestine for the purpose of instituting a civil administration to replace the existing military administration. His salary has been been fixed at £E4,000 a year; the question of granting him in addition an allowance as frais de representation is still under consideration. These emoluments will be paid from the Palestinian revenues.

On what Vote will it be taken?

It will not appear on any Vote; it will be paid out of the Palestine revenues.

Supposing that the Palestine revenues be not sufficient to pay it, will it fall upon the British taxpayer?

That is a supposition which I do not like to anticipate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman content to go out and rely upon his salary being paid out of the Palestine revenues?

Cannot we have an opportunity of discussing Palestine affairs on the Foreign Office Vote, as in the case of Egypt?

Undoubtedly, if the House desire it.

Are we to understand that the Mandate has already been settled for Palestine?

No.

Then how can you appoint a Governor?

You must take preliminary steps to set up a civil administration. I should have thought that that was desirable from every point of view.

Will a special Bill be laid before the House, as in the case of Naura?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can state the estimated annual cost of the High Commissioner for Palestine and staff, and what sum or sums are to be spent in setting up the new regime in Palestine; will that cost fall upon the British taxpayer; and, if so, under what Vote will discussion be possible in this House?

It is not possible to give actual figures, as no decision has been arrived at as to the composition of the staff of the High Commissioner, but I hope that no part of the cost will fall upon the British taxpayer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the long Sundays which the public naturally spend out of doors, thereby postponing till the last moment their evening meal, he will consider the desirability of changing the times in which alcoholic refreshments can be supplied from, as at present, 6 p.m. till 9 p.m., to 7 p.m. till 10 p.m.?

I can add nothing to what has already been said on this subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Prime Minister has communicated with the Control Board, as promised, and, if so, what answer has been given?

I cannot communicate the answer, but I am sure the promise my right hon. Friend made has been carried out.

In view of the urgency of the question, would the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Liquor Control Board at the earliest possible moment?

The Prime Minister promised the other day, when I was present, that the representations made would be communicated to the Board, and I am sure that has been done by the right hon. Gentleman himself.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the quantities of beer, spirits, and wines sold by retail upon licensed premises in the city of Carlisle during the years 1917, 1918, and 1919, respectively, and the total retail prices received in respect thereof during the same years?

I regret that I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Bedford on the 3rd March last to the hon. Member for Clay Cross.

Why is it impossible to give the information? Surely it must be in the possession of the Ministry?

We have no information in the possession of the Ministry, and the Central Control Board are of opinion that the labour involved would be out of proportion to the advantage to be gained.

Can the hon. Gentleman say that no such figures are returned immediately by the Ministry referred to?

I cannot say. I can only go by the information supplied by the Central Control Board.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the seditious propaganda which the hon. Member for South Dublin County has been carrying on in Paris for the last twelve months or more, he has given orders that the passport issued to him shall be withdrawn?

For the reasons mentioned by the Prime Minister in answer to a Question on this subject, the Government have not adopted the course suggested in the Question.

Are we to understand that any subject of King George, whether loyal or disloyal, is entitled to a passport?

That is not the question. The question is whether it should be withdrawn. That would be useless unless we simultaneously asked the French Government to expel this gentleman. In my view, to take that course would be to attach an amount of importance to this matter which it does not merit.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the numerous successful surprise attacks in Ireland on despatch riders, sentries, and small bodies of military and police, the Government intend by temporary orders under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, subsequently to be confirmed by legislation, to confer on the military and police in that country such powers of initiative as will place them at least on an equality with the forces of disloyalty and sedition who attack them?

The answer is in the negative.

May I ask whether some steps cannot be taken to give the policemen and soldiers some opportunity of defending themselves before they are attacked, in view of the fact that they are so often attacked unawares, and killed before they have an opportunity of doing anything?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very great shortage of light motor cars at the disposal of the police forces in Ireland, and that the only means available are to send heavy Army motors, which are heard miles off; and will he see that light cars, which can take soldiers and police to the scene of action quickly and silently, are obtained?

I will represent to the proper quarter the hon. Gentleman's views on the question of motor-cars. As regards the other question, it is obviously impossible to define by a Defence of the Realm Regulation who shall shoot first.

Would it be wise to send over to Ireland the motors now used by the Ministry of Transport?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement regarding the new court for the trial of Irish political suspects; will the court try those already detained; will the proceedings be public; and will the evidence of witnesses be given on oath?

I am not in a position to make any statement with regard to this matter at present.

In the meantime will those detained on suspicion only be detained, or will they be released?

If my recollection serves me aright, no one is at present in prison.