asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement with regard to the export of coal from the Humber district; whether he is aware of the distress caused by the continued embargo; and is he can state when some share of the coal for export will be allotted to the Humber ports.

The Committee referred to in the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. and gallant Member for the S.W. Division of Hull on the 8th June sat at Hull on Wednesday and Thursday, the 23rd and 24th June, and received deputations during those two days from all the interests affected. The Committee are now considering the question in the light of the statements made by the various deputations; and they will report as soon as practicable. I am unable to anticipate the contents of their Report.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the Committee expects to report, and when he expects to come to some decision of this urgent matter?

I am afraid I do not know.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Joint Committee of the Cardiff branches of the National Union of Railwaymen, representing 6,000 railwaymen, have passed a resolution protesting against the Order restricting the export of coal, and putting on record that in their opinion the restrictions will prove disastrous to trade and cause widespread unemployment; whether he is aware that in consequence of the Order hundreds of ships are lying idle in the Bristol Channel for lack of cargoes; that thousands of trucks are standing full of coal in the South Wales area and elsewhere; and that the Order is most seriously affecting the export trade; and whether he can now consider the revocation of it?

My attention has been called to the resolution mentioned. As I informed the hon. and gallant Member on the 16th June, the Government policy concerning the export of coal was adopted after careful consideration of all the circumstances, and no alteration in that policy can be agreed to at present. I am informed that in the last three weeks the number of shifts per week lost in the South Wales coalfield from all causes is very considerably less than the average number of shifts lost per week during recent months when exports were much higher. This goes to show the present arrangement has worked satisfactorily.

What results are intended to be secured by curtailing the export of coal to foreign countries?

The result intended to he secured is that the home market will be supplied with all the coal we want before we allow any more to be exported.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a glut in coal already?

I am not aware of that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Swansea district and Cardiff they have refused to handle this coal because their storage is more than full and wagons to the extent of 20,000 tons have been waiting since last Friday for cartage in the Cardiff district?

I am not aware whether those statements are correct, but we are watching the whole position.

Has the hon. Gentleman made any inquiries with regard to Swansea?

Yes, and it is owing to those inquiries that I have been able to say that there are less men out of work than usual.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to hasten the activities of the Clearing House for Enemy Debts at Cornwall House now that the German clearing house has been at work for a number of weeks past; and whether he can name an approximate date upon which the British clearing house will begin to disburse to British creditors that which is due to them by German debtors, in accordance with the terms of the Peace Treaty?

Under the provisions of the Treaty the debtor clearing office is allowed three months within which to deal with a claim from the date of notification to it. British claims to the number of 34,806 were lodged with the German clearing office in Berlin on the 15th May, within a few days of its establishment, and a further batch of over 10,000 will be despatched next week. Debts will be paid by the British clearing office upon the receipt of notification of their admission by the German office. I am satisfied that there will be no avoidable delay at the British clearing office in making payment of debts owing to British creditors, as soon as the necessary notification has been received.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Polish Government have been invited, or are going to be invited, to attend the Spa Conference; and, if so, what are the subjects which they are to be asked to discuss, and will the Lithuanian and other Baltic Governments be also asked to attend?

The issue of invitations to the Spa Conference rests with the Belgian Government, subject to the expressed desire of the Allies. I understand that if any question affecting Poland arises, it is probable that the Polish and other Governments concerned will be asked to send representatives, but this depends on the agenda, which will be decided by the Conference itself.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in point of fact the Polish Government have been invited, and, if so, whether he will suggest to our representatives that it would be very unfair for the Polish Government to be there unless the Lithuanian Government were there also?

And the Russian Government?

I asked that question, and was told that they had not been specially invited.

asked the Prime Minister what is the position of the negotiations between Poland and CzechoSlovakia as to Teschen; and what is the policy of the Government on the subject?

I understand that such conversations as have taken place between the Czechs and the Poles on this matter have not led to any satisfactory solution. The Conference of Ambassadors have meanwhile addressed to the two Governments a formal invitation to submit the matter to arbitration. The subsequent attitude of His Majesty's Government must of necessity depend on the nature of the replies returned to their invitation.

As no replies have been returned, can the right hon. Gentleman say when the invitation was sent by the Ambassadors?

Within the last week or ten days. I cannot say more than that.

Has the idea of a plebiscite been definitely abandoned?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Dutch Government refuse to surrender the ex-Kaiser for trial, he will, in concert with our Allies, endeavour to have an Allied Court set up in Holland for the purpose of such trial?

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is, I fear, impracticable.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether one of the stipulations of the Treaty of Peace was that the bronze astronomical instruments taken by the Germans from Peking after the Boxer rebellion should be restored to China; if so, whether this restoration has been carried out; and, if the restoration has not been effected, will the British Government use its influence to ensure the due carrying out of this provision of the Treaty, which would be much valued by our Chinese ally?

The restoration of these instruments is provided for by Article 131 of the Treaty of Versailles. I have no information that the restoration has been carried out, and as China has not signed the Treaty it is difficult to see how His Majesty's Government can take any action in the sense indicated in the last part of this question.

Is it possible for us to use our influence to get these instruments removed to some neutral country, so that they can be in safe keeping?

That is being considered.

Is is not a fact that these instruments are of great beauty and historic interest, and could they not be restored to the walls of Peking where they had been for centuries?

That is so, but it is very difficult for His Majesty's Government to interfere in this particular instance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any investigation has taken place into the profits made by the Bell Spinning Company, as promised on 10th May last; and, if so, can he now state the decision?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Brighton on the 21st June. The investigation to which I then referred is not yet completed.

When may we expect the completion of this Report?

I have been doing what I can to get it as soon as possible, but I cannot say definitely.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accelerate it?

I am willing to do anything in my power towards that end.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present position with regard to the import of fuel for internal combustion engines from all sources; and if there is reason to fear a very serious shortage of such fuel in the near future?

Imports of petrol appear to be substantially maintained, and I see no reason to anticipate a shortage in the immediate future.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that out of 145 oil concerns in America, no fewer than 125 are unable to obtain any oil whatsoever?

I am not aware of those facts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the crisis due to the shortage of foundry pig-iron in Scotland still continues, and in an aggravated form; that, notwithstanding the steps now being taken, the quantity of English pig-iron available for Scotland has since been materially reduced, instead of being increased; that the Scottish iron founders are being forced to place contracts for American pig-iron at a cost almost 50 per cent. more than that of English pig-iron; and, if so, whether he can indicate what further steps will be taken to secure an increase in the output of foundry pig-iron from the English blast furnaces?

I am aware of the general conditions indicated in the question, which are causing me serious concern. I have met the iron founders and the ironmasters in conference, and am satisfied that the latter are doing all in their power, by restriction on export and by increased production, to meet domestic requirements, but they are encountering serious difficulties, which can only be overcome gradually.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what were the difficulties?

They arose out of a number of causes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has definite information to the effect that the Excess Profits Duty is preventing the quotation of prices by British manufacturers and traders to overseas customers and is preventing the stability and progress of British trade?

The answer is in the negative.

Is it true that the increase in Excess Profits Duty has caused a general slump in trade throughout the whole of the country?

I have no doubt that is the hon. Member's opinion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Combine of Farriers and Iron Merchants, whose activities were reported on by the Farriery Sub-Committee, are now refusing to supply iron and nails to farriers who will not join their association; that as a consequence farriers, who must have their raw material, are being forced to join the association and, on joining, are ordered to at once advance their price 25 per cent. to the standard pool price; and what action he proposes to take to protect the consumer?

I was not aware of the matters alleged in the question, except in so far as they appear in the report referred to by my hon. Friend. I am advised that in the present state of the law it is not possible for the Board of Trade to take any action, but the question will not be lost sight of when legislation of a permanent nature dealing with monopolies and combinations is under consideration.

Has the Board of Trade not pledged itself to do what they can to stop profiteering, and is there not here a primâ facie case of profiteering?

The question of profiteering is dealt with by the Central Profiteering Committee, but this raises a much larger question.

If I furnish the right hon. Gentleman with the particulars of this case will he take action in regard to it?

I will promise to consider it.

Is the free importation of nails allowed or is it still under licence?

I do not think, speaking from memory, that there are any restrictions on the importation of nails.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received any reply to his representations regarding the decree of the French Government prohibiting the importation of British silk goods into France; whether he is aware that serious hardship is being inflicted on over 1,300 workpeople in Great Yarmouth, Norwich, Braintree, Halstead, Frome, and Bocking, including ex-soldiers; and if he is aware that, unless concessions are made promptly, the old British industry of the manufacture of mourning crépe, which can scarcely be called a luxury, and which is practically the only silk fabric imported into France, is not only threatened with a temporary stoppage, but with permanent extinction?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can yet state the progress made with the negotiations between the British and French Governments as to reciprocity in duties on the import and export of silk crépe, with a view to prevent further damage to the crépe manufacture in Braintree and other British towns?

No official reply has yet been received from the French Government to the representations which have been made to them in favour of the withdrawal of the import prohibition in respect of silk mourning crépe, but as I stated in reply to a question put by the hon. Member for Frome on the 28th June, I have been given reason to hope that silk mourning crépe will not be included in the revised list of prohibited goods which the French Government are about to issue. I am fully alive to the very serious effect which the maintenance of the prohibition would have on this important branch of the British silk manufacturing industry.

Would it not be possible to have a little deal as between silk and champagne?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is owing to the decisions of the Supreme Council that there is war in Asia Minor and that, consequently, hardly any corn or foodstuffs have been exported during 1919 for consumption in this country and that exports have ceased in 1920; and if this has added to the cost of living in Great Britain?

In the last calendar year before the War, 1913, the imports into this country from Turkey in Asia (including Asia Minor) in the class of food, drink and tobacco were, by weight, 1.1 per cent. of our total imports of foodstuffs. In 1919 our imports of foodstuffs from Turkey in Asia were 0.5 per cent. of our total imports of foodstuffs. A prohibition of the exportation of foodstuffs from Smyrna has been put into force, and there have been no imports of these commodities during the present year. My right hon. Friend does not consider that the cessation of these imports from Turkey in Asia has had any appreciable effect on the cost of living in the United Kingdom. It cannot be assumed that there would have been a normal export in the absence of disturbance. My right hon. Friend does not agree with the suggestion of my hon. Friend as to the cause of the war in Asia Minor.

asked whether it is proposed to take any steps for the protection of British merchants' stocks which are being confiscated in the Rhineland by the German authorities without recompense for payment?

No reply has yet been received to the representations of the British Government upon this subject.

How long ago were these representations made?

I cannot say direct, but I will find out.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Metropolitan Electric Tramways Company, Limited, recently approached the Middlesex county council to approve the company's application to the Ministry for the issue of an interim order authorising an increase in tramway fares by 50 per cent. under the provisions of the Tramways (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1920; that the details of the increased fares have not been agreed between the company and the county council; that the revised charges on some of the stages between Finsbury Park and Edmonton represent an increase of 100 per cent.; and if he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter, and give some explanation as to why the Ministry sanctioned a 50 per cent. increase without the concurrence of the Middlesex county council?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley on the 1st instant. The Interim Order has been referred to the Tramways Charges Advisory Committee set up under the terms of the Tramways (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1920, and the representations made by local authorities have also been referred to the Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport what has so far been done by the Ministry to carry out the recommendations of the Committee on London Traffic?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for Hornsey on the 24th June.

Has the right hon. Gentleman nothing to add to that?

Nothing.

asked the Minister of Transport whether anything can be done to lessen the number of taxicabs crawling for hire along the principal streets and through the points of greatest traffic congestion during certain hours, in view of the danger thereby caused and the obstruction to traffic created.

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this Question. With regard to the general subject of crawling cabs, I would refer the noble Lord to the Report of the Select Committee of 1906. Legislation would be necessary to deal with the subject, and the Committee declined to recommend legislation. The Commissioner reports that he has no information before him to suggest that the nuisance is now of serious dimensions or indeed amounts to anything like what it did in the days of the horse cabs.

Did the Committee on London traffic make any recommendation on the point?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to raise the passenger fares of season-ticket holders on the railways and, if so, when and by how much; and whether, in making any change, account will be taken of the fact that season-tickets available for distances in excess of 12 miles have already been increased in price by 20 per cent.?

The question of the fares chargeable to season-ticket holders on the railways has been referred, according to Statute, to the Rates Advisory Committee, and, until their report is received, I am not in a position to give a definite reply to the first part of this question; as regards the second part, the Committee will no doubt take into account the increases which have already been made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman call the special attention of the Committee to the specific point raised in the second part of my question?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the cost of the special train and steamer which were provided to take the Prime Minister and other British representatives to the Continent for the Conference at Brussels?

The railway company report that a special train was provided at the ordinary charge of 10s. per mile (£38), plus fares for passengers travelling between Victoria and Dover. The steamer, I understand, was provided by the Belgian Government.

Will any charge be made for the steamers?

I have no knowledge of that.

In view of the excellent double daily service which runs to Ostend, does the right hon. Gentleman consider it economic for a party of 50 persons to have a steamer to themselves?

I have nothing to do with that.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the great inconvenience caused to the inhabitants of Newmarket by the lack of any train running from London later than 7.2 p.m.; and whether he will arrange to run a local train to Newmarket in connection with the 8.22 p.m. train from Liverpool Street to Cambridge?

I am informed by the Great Eastern Railway Company that, commencing on Monday, the 12th July, a local train will leave Cambridge for Newmarket at 10.30 p.m. running in connection with the 8.22 p.m. train from Liverpool Street.

asked the Minister of Transport, (1) whether he is able to inform the House as to the various branch lines in England and Wales which have been worked at a loss for the first three months of the current year, giving the locality of such branch lines, together with their respective deficits;

(2) whether during the forthcoming winter months he can see his way to closing Sunday traffic, from the point of view of saving expenses, on the minor branch lines which are being worked at a deficit?

The railway companies do not maintain separate record of the results of working each section of their line, and the information for which the hon. Member asks is not available. In regard to his suggestion for a curtailment of facilities for travelling on Sundays, it is the general policy of the railways not to keep lines open on Sundays unnecessarily, but they must consider the convenience of the public.

Is it not rather difficult to know which branch lines can be kept open if no statistics of their working are available? Further, if the Ministry is to co-ordinate road and railway transport, instead of running half-empty trains, would not one or two motors run between particular points be equally convenient and save considerable expense?

The amount of statistics which it is possible to keep is limited by the amount of money we feel we can spend on that work, and also by the carrying capacity of the railways.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the proposal that the railway companies should grant special cheap fare facilities during the slack hours and days of traffic during each week; whether this proposal has been considered by all or any of the companies, or by his Department; and, if not, will he ask the companies to do so in view of the great demand for cheaper tickets for families and children during the holiday season?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to the hon. Member for Wood Green on the 7th June. The matter is under consideration in conjunction with the railway companies.

asked the Minister of Transport whether pilferage on goods in transit on railway companies has increased during the last year; whether this is largely due to want of a proper police force; whether the railway companies have not yet adopted the pay and conditions recommended for the police by the Des-borough Committee; and, considering that some dock authorities have adopted this Report, if he will urge on railway companies the desirability of doing the same as soon as possible?

I have no direct evidence that there has been an actual increase in pilferage during the last year. The rates of pay and conditions of service of the railway police are under consideration, and will be the subject of further negotiation between the general managers and the representatives of the men.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company has arranged that during the high-pressure holiday traffic from Manchester to Blackpool and Southport tickets are issued in advance for certain trains, which trains are limited to a number of passengers; and, as this has saved overcrowding, guaranteed each passenger a seat, and equalised the load on each train, he will ask the London companies to adopt the same scheme for some of the popular holiday places near London for which there are large crowds of traffic during the holiday season?

The system adopted by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway is specially suitable for passenger traffic between two terminals, without intermediate stops. it has also been adopted by at least one London company for its long-distance holiday traffic with success. The question of its adoption by other London companies is one for their own consideration, but I would point out that there must be, of necessity, greater difficulty in operating this system in London than in smaller cities, in view of the hardships which would be inflicted on passengers who are only passing through London from remote parts, and the inability of Londoners themselves who live at distances from the termini concerned to effect their bookings without considerable inconvenience.

asked the Minister of Transport if any persons on the staff of, or connected with, the Ministry of Transport have been granted the privilege of free railway travelling facilities; and, if so, will he state the number of such persons, their names, and the positions they occupy in the Ministry?.

After railways were taken over by the State the President of the Board of Trade held passes over all railways, and a certain number of passes were held by officials. Inasmuch as I regarded this as desirable, I arranged that passes over the principal railways should be held by ten senior officials. Passes have also been provided for the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary, who decided that under existing conditions they would not use them, but pay their fares in the ordinary way. The passes have, therefore, not been issued to them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is in consequence of this question that neither the right hon. Gentleman nor the Parliamentary Secretary are going to use passes for which they had previously asked?

No, Sir. The decision was taken some months ago that the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary would not use the passes. In fact, I was arrested at Sheffield Station barrier on Friday because I had mislaid my ticket and at that time had not heard of the hon. and gallant Member's question.

Will this inroad on the right hon. Gentleman's pocket for these travelling expenses prevent him from going to various parts of the country to see the chaotic condition of his Ministry?

If it has been decided not to use these tickets why were they applied for?

Because originally, when the railways were controlled, the President of the Board of Trade had a pass, and it was thought quite proper and in order that when the Government controlled the railways these passes should be provided.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the names for which I asked?

I should be glad to send the names to the hon. Member.

Why does not the right hon. Gentleman order a special train, as he did when he was First Lord of the Admiralty?

No, Sir. I never ordered a special train.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state why railway workers, who have just had a further advance in their recently-increased wages, are still allowed free railway passes for themselves and their families when on holiday, in view of his statement that the losses being incurred on the working of the railways would not allow the resumption of cheap holiday tickets for the general public?

Certain privileges in regard to cheap travel have long been recognised as part of the conditions of service of railway workers, and in view of the temporary relationship existing between the railways and the Government, the matter could not conveniently now be brought under review.

Have they still to get up on foggy mornings at 5 o'clock?

Are we to understand that directors and workmen and their families are allowed to use the railways free of charge?

The conditions as regards free passes for railway employés and directors have not been altered so far as I know.

Are not these facilities part of the conditions of service, and can the right hon. Gentleman say what difference there is between the ordinary individual in the service having a pass and a director having one enabling him to travel anywhere and on any company's lines?

asked the Minister of Transport whether the proposals outlined in Command Paper No. 787 mean that the dividend of the shareholder will be equivalent to that paid at a pre-War date to be decided by Parliament; that the salaries of employés will be paid on a post-War scale irrespective of any return to a pre-War basis in the cost of living; and that the State shall have the control of any surplus revenue that should normally be the property of the shareholder; and, if so, will he say what are the chances of the owner of stock which at the determined pre-War date was earning an insignificant or no dividend getting a fair return on an investment which he genuinely made on the prospects of his property developing and becoming more remunerative in the future?

The hon. and gallant Member raises points which it is not possible to discuss conveniently by way of question and answer. I would, however, remind him that the financial proposals outlined in Command Paper 787 relate, not to dividends, but to net revenue on some pre-War basis, and they indicate the ground on which the State may claim to share in surplus revenue. The wages of railway employees at present vary on a sliding scale in relation to the cost of living, and the general nature of the proposed machinery for dealing with questions of wages in future is also indicated in the White Paper.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the statement made by Lord Ashfield on 30th June, before the Select Committee considering the London County Council Tramways Bill, to the effect that if the increased fares the Traffic Combine are seeking power this Session to charge on the London railways are brought in, and from that source an income is obtained which will pay the expenses of the undertakings, then to that extent the subsidy decreases; and if, in view of the variation between this account of the arrangement and his own statement on the subject, he will state what is the correct interpretation of the understanding arrived at.

I have nothing to add to the full statements made in the recent Debate.

How is it that the statement made before the Select Committee on Private Bills on 20th June differs from the statement made in the House?

I did not give any evidence before the Select Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether an appointment of Commissioner of Transport for Wales and Monmouth has been made; if so, who has been appointed; what his duties are; what is the amount of his remuneration; and what qualifications he possesses for the position?

Mr. E. H. Swain was appointed Area Transport Commissioner for Wales and Monmouth in January last at a salary of £800 a year, plus the usual Civil Service War Bonus. As regards the remainder of the question, I beg to refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer to the question of the hon. Member for Cardiff Central on the 19th February last.

asked the Prime Minister whether the permanent Mandates Commission, to be constituted under Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations to receive the annual reports regarding the carrying out of the provisions of the various mandates and of other representations in regard to mandated territories, has been set up; and, if not, when will steps be taken to create it?

I gave an answer on this subject on Thursday last to a question by the hon. Member for Chesterfield, to which I would refer my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a Commission has been set up by Council of the League of Nations to investigate the question of armaments; and who are the British representatives on this Commission?

The Council of the League of Nations resolved during its recent session in Rome, to set up a permanent Advisory Commission for military, naval and air questions, in accordance with Article IX. of the Covenant. The following British representatives have been appointed to the Commission:

Naval Representative. —Admiral the Hon. Sir Somerset A. GoughCalthorpe.

Military Representative. —Brigadier-General G. S. Clive.

Air Representative. —Group Captain P. R. C. Groves.

Are these representatives of Great Britain provided with full information as to our naval and military plans, and at liberty to communicate it to other members of the League of Nations?

I require notice of that question?

Is it not part of the Covenant of the League of Nations that there should be an interchange of information?

Would my hon. Friend be prepared to make a full statement as to the powers of the Commission?

Certainly, if opportunity be provided.

I will put down a question.

May I ask the Leader of the House whether, having regard to the gravity of the question just raised, he will give this House an opportunity of debating this question, as to whether the representatives of this country are at liberty to give to the League of Nations information as to our naval and military policy?

I am sorry that I was not listening to the discussion.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Greeks were allowed to occupy Smyrna before the presentation of the peace terms to Turkey; and, if so, whether such action is a breach of the spirit of the Armistice?

The Greek Government were permitted by the Supreme Council to land troops at Smyrna in May, 1919, for the protection of their nationals. The peace terms were presented to Turkey in May, 1920. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Are the massacres perpetrated by the Greeks in harmony with the spirit of the Conference?

I cannot accept the statement of my hon. Friend as to facts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Report, when received, is published?

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister what are the terms of the Allied guarantees of assistance to Greece in her attacks on Turkey?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Allied Powers have promised any military or naval support to the Greek Forces operating in Asia Minor; and whether the reinforcements being despatched to Constantinople and that area are not solely intended to be adequate to resist any attacks by Turkish Nationalists rather than to co-operate with the Greeks in any offensive operations?

The naval and military support afforded by the British is to be confined to that which is necessary to ensure the freedom of the Straits and the fulfilment of the Peace Terms. The reinforcements despatched to Constantinople are intended solely for that purpose.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Allies are assisting in this matter, and whether it is with the idea of eventually arriving at Peace Terms with Turkey that it is being carried out?

The Allies are, of course, assisting in resisting an attack.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what "fulfilment of the Peace Terms" means?

It means what it says.

Will a Supplementary Estimate shortly be presented for this new War?

I do not admit the new War. The other question has already been answered.

Are we sure these troops have not been sent in order to facilitate the withdrawal of those who, are there at present?

I wish it were possible to have that object immediately in view.

Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say "protection of the States"? What States?

"Straits."

Have the Greeks and Allies informed the Turks what they are fighting for in view of the fact that the Turks have not yet signed the Treaty?

I do not think it is necessary. If someone attacks you, you do not need to explain to him why you hit him back.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many Turkish prisoners are detained at Malta charged with crimes against the laws of war; will he state before what court; and when it is-proposed to bring these men to trial?

I understand that 24 Turks are detained at Malta in connection with alleged complicity in crimes against the laws of war. I am not yet in a position to reply to the rest of the question.

Does not the Turkish Treaty provide for the surrender of these Turkish war criminals?

Yes, it does.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state the Government's policy as to the advisability of granting seamen the 48-hours week.

I have been asked to reply. This question is now under discussion by an International Conference at Genoa, at which the Government is represented. Until this Conference has made its Report, I am not in a position to make a statement.

What instructions have been given to the British Government representatives at this Conference on this matter?

I cannot say.

Have any instructions been given?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by the secondary school teachers in Ireland regarding the critical position of teachers in Ireland and the urgent need for passing the Education (Ireland) Bill; whether he is aware that unless something is done very soon many of the schools will be compelled to close down for want of competent teachers, many of whom are going to England and Scotland; and whether, regarding education, it is the intention of the Government to treat Ireland as well as it has treated England and Scotland?

I can add nothing to what has already been said in reply to questions on this subect.

When will the Government be in a position to answer my ques- tion? Has it yet come to any decision with regard to giving financial assistance to these teachers, many of whom are on pre-War salaries?

We have stated that we intend to deal with the matter, but much depends on the state of the business. I should like notice of the second part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister when the Government intend to proceed with the Irish Land Purchase Bill; and whether its passing is in any way dependent on the fate of the Government of Ireland Bill?

The answer to the first part of the question is that I cannot name a definite date, and to the second part in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister if Colonel Spurrier is still employed as a controller under the Disposal Board?

I have been asked to reply. Colonel Spurrier's connection with the Ministry ceased when his work was finished by the sale of all surplus mechanical transport vehicles.

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have yet been taken to ensure that officials in various Departments are forbidden to take part in negotiations in which their private interests might clash with their public duties?

I cannot add anything to previous replies on this subject.

In view of the facts which were given to the effect that the state of affairs was continued owing to the needs of the War, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is not now advisable to make some statement on the subject?

I do not think any statement is necessary. It goes without saying that people will not be employed unless in exceptional circumstances where by any possibility it can be avoided.

asked the Prime Minister whether the negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the representatives of the Soviet Republic of Russia have broken down; if so, what is the cause; and when does he propose to make a statement on the subject in this House?

There is no change in the situation since my reply on Thursday last to the question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Burton, to which I have nothing to add.

Has M. Krassin's staff accompanied him back to Russia, or are they still here?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Russian trades union leaders are alleged to have been arrested at Batum by the British Forces and deported to Constantinople; whether he is aware that great indignation has been aroused in Russia by this alleged arrest; whether the allegation is correct; and, if so, on what grounds were the arrests made and was approval given by His Majesty's Government before the step was taken?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to this question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer last Thursday was that he had telegraphed to find out? Has no information yet arrived?

Yes, we did telegraph, but there has not been time to get a reply. At any rate, we have received none.

May we take it that His Majesty's Government were not asked for their approval before the arrests were made?

Certainly not.

Are there any real trade union leaders in Russia?

There are leaders of some kind.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the negotiations and communications which have taken place between the Secretary of State for War and certain persons who have taken part in the campaign against Soviet Russia; and if the policy outlined therein received the consideration and approval of His Majesty's Government, or whether the policy of the Secretary of State for War was carried out without the approval or knowledge of the Cabinet?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been drawn to the report made by General Golovin of his interviews last year with the Secretary of State for War; and whether the Cabinet was at any time aware of these negotiations or approved them?

I have seen the statements which appear to have been published in several newspapers. They refer to a conversation which is said to have taken place between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War and a Russian general in May of last year. My right hon. Friend informs me that the report gives a very inaccurate account of the conversation, especially as regards the actual words and expressions employed. The statements, for instance, that my right hon. Friend said that he was carrying out Admiral Koltchak's orders and that the sending of reinforcements for the purpose of withdrawal was a pretext are obviously absurd, and my right hon. Friend informs me quite untrue. On the other hand, the policy which the Government pursued throughout last year of aiding the anti-Bolshevik forces is well known and has often been debated in Parliament. Very full statements were made by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for War, in regard to the whole of these operations on the 29th July and also on the 5th November of last year. Anyone who cares to read the reports of those speeches in the OFFICIAL REPORT will see that the policy then being pursued by His Majesty's Government was stated quite clearly.

Were the negotiations between the Secretary of State for War and General Golovin carried on with the assent of the Cabinet?

That is a surprising question to me. The general policy of the Government was well known and was carried out. Of course, my right hon. Friend saw many generals connected with the anti-Bolshevik forces, and I should have been very sorry if he had to inform the Cabinet of every conversation.