asked the Minister of Pensions if he will give the number of persons who, having been granted pensions owing to injuries or disease caused by the late War, have died since the pension was granted them?

The approximate number of officers is, I regret to say, 800, and of other ranks, 30,000.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the fact that Engineer-captain Griffith Owen, of paddle-steamer P.T. 12, whose eyesight has failed owing to an accident while escaping from his burning vessel, is now receiving no pension; and will he immediately inquire into this case and see that this gallant officer, who is now 60 years of age and without means of subsistence, will be compensated as he should be?

I regret that no papers can be traced in my Department regarding Captain Owen, and I am informed by the Service Departments that they are unable to identify the officer from the particulars given. If, however, my hon. Friend can supply me with further information, including Captain Owen's address, I will gladly have further inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention had been called to the case of James Talbot George, of 33, Banyard Road, S.E., formerly sergeant in the Royal Munster Fusiliers (regimental No. 5914), who was granted a 20 per cent. disablement pension on 27th January, 1919, and who after being unable to get his identity certificate for several weeks has now received it, but is still owed six weeks' arrears of his pension, although this has been applied for by the local pensions committee, and also by the pensioner himself in registered letters and by personal calls; and whether he will expedite the payment of these arrears in view of the fact that the pensioner is in straitened circumstances and has already been put to much inconvenience owing to the treatment of his case?

I am glad to inform my hon. Friend that authority for payment of the arrears due was issued on the 9th July.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any assurance to the House that the affairs of the Pension Issue Office are now straighter and in better order?

Yes, I can.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since he took office there has been considerable delay, which is increasing, in the settlement of these cases?

I cannot understand that, because there are fewer questions down than at any other time.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is prepared to publish the new standard rates for various classes of disabilities, showing where there has been any alteration from the standard published in 1917?

The rates of assessment for certain specific disabilities as given in the Royal Warrant of March, 1917, have been somewhat improved, and in their latest form are contained in the First Schedule to the Royal Warrant of 6th December last.

Is it the fact that in the case of certain disabilities a lower standard of payment is established by the scale now brought into force?

I am not quite sure, but I shall be very happy to give my right hon. Friend any information I have.

asked the Minister of Pensions if it is the case that for the three southern provinces of Ireland the only institution for the treatment of discharged soldiers suffering from neurasthenia is Leopardstown Park, county Dublin; if the accommodation is limited to 35 patients; if there are at present awaiting admission there 248 men for whom treatment in that place has been recommended; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to provide adequate accommodation for these distressing cases?

The facts are substantially as stated in the question. Arrangements are, however, in progress to provide accommodation at Leopardstown Park for an additional 50 patients, and the question of providing further facilities for the treatment of this class of patient is engaging my earnest attention. I need scarcely remind my hon. Friend that there are considerable local difficulties to be contended with, but I can assure him that everything possible will be done to meet the situation.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to the callous manner in which neurasthenic cases are treated by the Manchester medical board; will he issue instructions that greater consideration be extended to these shattered men in future; and meanwhile will he assure himself that someone with special knowledge and sympathy for such cases is represented on that board?

No complaint whatever has been received by the Ministry at headquarters or by the Regional Director which would support the suggestion made by my hon. Friend, that the Special Boards which examine neurasthenic cases in Manchester deal otherwise than with tack and consideration with the cases that come before them. If, however, my hon. Friend has any specific instances in mind, I shall be glad to inquire into them at once, if he will communicate the particulars to me.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that there are more than 2,000 disabled men awaiting training in Yorkshire, of whom nearly 1,000 are in Leeds and nearly 500 in Hull, while only 1,800 are actually being trained; and whether he can take steps to increase the facilities for training or otherwise improve the system?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that the situation is approximately as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. A number of Instructional Factories, however, either have already opened or will be opened in the course of the next few months in this area, which will provide accommodation for nearly 1,000 additional trainees. Every effort is being made to complete the equipment of these buildings in order that the number of men in training may be increased as rapidly as possible.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of making applications to existing factories and of getting them to take a certain number of these men, and so avoid the expense of setting up special factories?

We survey the field with every care, and get the assistance of the polytechnics and of the technical and secondary schools for which we are grateful. With regard to our own factories, we endeavour to obtain accommodation as expeditiously as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are in accord with the declared policy of organised labour in preventing a man who has served in the War from becoming an apprentice, resuming an interrupted apprenticeship and obtaining suitably paid employment while in his apprenticeship, unless he becomes a member of a recognises trade union and is able to prove that he is working or has worked at a minimum trade union rate; and, if not, will they insist that men disabled or otherwise shall have full liberty of action to enable them to earn a living?

I am not aware that the policy of organised labour is as described in the question, and perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will send me the particulars of the information on which his question is based.

asked the Minister of Labour if all disabled ex-service men in Oldham have been found employment, and which other towns or cities have a like record?

Through the courtesy of my hon. Friend, I have been enabled to read the record of the Oldham Corporation. There are now no disabled ex-service men residing in Oldham on the live register of the Oldham Employment Exchange, with the exception of one or two men who are undergoing treatment or training. I heartily commend the example of Oldham to other parts of the country. I am sure my hon. Friend will be glad to know that in the case of seven other Employment Exchanges, namely, those at Harrow, Hebburn, Hebden Bridge, Neath, Sandycroft, Sheerness and Willington Quay, there are, I am advised, no disabled men at this moment registered as unemployed. But notwithstanding this, there still remain some 22,000 disabled men seeking employment, and I trust that the sequel to the fine record of Oldham and the other places mentioned, may be the rapid reduction and early disappearance from the ranks of the unemployed of the 22,000 men who are still registered at our Exchanges.

In view of the terms of his answer, can the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to give practical effect, in the case of other towns, to their following what has been done in Oldham?

I have asked, and again ask, here and now, that what Oldham has said to-day, the rest of the country shall say to-morrow. I will do all I can.

If the rest of the country says to-morrow what Oldham says to-day, will it be necessary to continue the Ministry of Labour?

Oh, yes; we have several other functions to perform.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will state the total estimated cost of the property destroyed by Sinn Feiners in Ireland for the years 1919 and 1920, including Government property, in the provinces of Ulster, Munster, Leinster, and Connaught, respectively?

The estimated cost of the property destroyed by Sinn Feiners in Ireland up to the 14th instant is as follows:—

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what is the estimated loss of life owing to the activities of the friends of the right hon. Gentleman opposite in the last few days in Belfast?

That does not arise out of this question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Sinn Feiners in Ireland have been advised that the maximum penalty for destruction of property is three months, and what steps have the Government taken to strengthen the law in that respect?

The hon. Gentleman should give notice of that question. It does not arise on this one.

How is it that this enormous amount of property is destroyed and, apparently, no effective steps are taken by the Government to prevent it?

The right hon. Gentleman has given a complete answer. The hon. and gallant Gentleman should give notice of his question.

On a Point of Order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the fact that a few months ago, in answer to a question of my own, the Prime Minister stated that the Government were taking steps to strengthen the law in this respect, I respectfully ask what steps the Government have taken?

I have already pointed out that that does not arise out of this question. If the hon. Gentleman will take the trouble to put his question on the Paper, I have no doubt there would be an answer forthcoming.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a Vice-Regal Commission has recommended that the Royal Irish Constabulary Fund, which has arisen from subscriptions and deductions from pay and pensions of members of the force, should be wound up and distributed; and when this recommendation will be carried into effect?

This fund was created by Statute for the benefit of widows and orphans of subscribers, and it cannot be diverted from that purpose. It is true that a Vice-Regal Commission on the reorganisation and pay of the Irish police forces recently recommended that the fund should be wound up, but the Committee did not give any reasons for this recommendation, or suggest any method by which effect could be given to it. After careful consideration of several suggested methods of winding up, it has been decided that the fund must for the present, at least, continue on its existing basis.

May I ask whether in the circumstances existing in Ireland, provision ought not to be made for the widows and orphans of these men without their having to subscribe to a fund?

If my right hon. and learned Friend refers to the widows and orphans of constables who have been killed during duty——

All of them?

——killed during duty, I should say that already special arrangements have been made to meet the case, inasmuch as two-thirds of the pay of the constable, who has gone down in the course of his duty at once becomes payable to his widow, and special arrangements are made to look after the children.

After providing for existing liabilities, could not the surplus be distributed?

I must have notice of that.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state who is charged with the duty of co-ordinating the energies of the naval, military, and police forces in Ireland, in view of the fact that, though twice within the last few months the mails for the Lord Lieutenant and Chief Secretary have been stolen by armed men and that over 300 abandoned police barracks and coastguard stations have been destroyed by fire and other means, there has been no reported case in which the assailants have been surprised or captured?

Co-ordination between the naval, military, and police forces in Ireland is effected by means of personal consultation between the responsible officers of the several forces.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why the consultation with these responsible officers does not result in something being done in view of the fact that 300 police barracks have been destroyed and nobody arrested?

I think that question could be fairly raised in Debate this afternoon.

It will be.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that between the 16th June and the 8th July, while British judges were on circuit throughout Ireland, 47 Sinn Fein republican courts of arbitration and courts martial were held in public and 115 arrests by republican police were made; and whether the Government propose to re-establish the authority of the Crown by issuing a proclamation that those who hold such courts and attend them shall be held to be guilty of high treason?

I cannot confirm the figures given by my hon. and gallant Friend. The holding of unauthorised courts is already an offence under the law, and in all oases in which sufficient evidence is available, appropriate action will be taken.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether anybody has been prosecuted and convicted for holding these illegal courts?

I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will not press me to make an answer, but I can assure him that every step that can be taken is being taken.

Have not many of these courts succeeded in preventing agrarian crimes by adjudicating between the parties successfully?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the salaries of any officials of such bodies who have accepted the authority of the republican assembly in Ireland are being paid in whole or in part by moneys voted by Parliament; and, if so, whether such payments will cease forthwith?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Leader of the House to a question asked on this subject on Monday last by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for the Duncairn Division of Belfast.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer referred to simply dealt with the sum of money handed over to public bodies? Are we paying money to any officials of public bodies who repudiate the authority of this Parliament?

I am not aware of any official who has repudiated the authority of this Parliament being paid. Grants made are paid into the account of the public authority and any part or it may be the most part of it may go to an official of that local authority, but I am not aware of any public grant going directly to an official of any authority who has repudiated the authority of this Parliament.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps, either directly or indirectly, to prevent any sums of money going to these officials?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is a very dangerous precedent to say that public officials who have at any time recognised an illegal tribunal shall be deprived of their salaries?

Why?

I have already said that no money is now being paid to any local authority which is not acting in accordance with the law.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the use of motor cars is prohibited in Ireland except by permit; if so, whether this is being strictly enforced by confiscation of cars or other means; and, if so, how is it that assassins are able to move about the country in motor cars?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Definite instructions in regard to the enforcement of the Order have been given to the police and military. Investigation has shown that cars used for criminal purposes have in many cases been taken from the owners forcibly, or hired on pretence of lawful business.

Have any of these cars which have been used for improper purposes been captured by the police and confiscated?

A great number of cars have been captured and confiscated, and any cars that are found without permits are confiscated.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is the intention of the Government to establish martial law in Ireland?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Leader of the House to a somewhat similar question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington on Monday last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Bill has just passed a Standing Committee, which will greatly strengthen the hands of the law in Ireland with respect to firearms, and will he approach the Leader of the House with a view to having that Bill passed through this House as quickly as possible?

I have done everything in my power to that end already.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman full power under D.O.R.A. to confiscate firearms and prevent their use? Why has he not been more successful in getting possession?

I regret that we have not been more successful, and I pray the aid of my hon. Friend to seize all arms now carried illegally by any people.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and other police forces in Ireland have been murdered since the 1st January, and how many murderers have been convicted and executed?

I regret to say that in the period from 1st January, 1920, up to and including 20th July, 1920, five members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police and 46 members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, including Divisional Commissioner Smyth, have been murdered. No person has been convicted or executed for the murders.

Have any murderers or suspected murderers been arrested?

Yes. Several murderers or suspected murderers have been arrested.

Have they been tried?

I will deal with that question, if I may, during the Debate this afternoon, because it involves the whole question of civil jurisdiction in Ireland.

Is it not a fact that the number of these murders has been greater in the last few weeks than at almost any other period in the year?

The number of murders in the last week have been greater than in any preceding week.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in view of this condition of affairs, any leaders or inspirers of these murders have been arrested? How can you stop it unless the instigators are arrested?

If one had evidence that any leader or any other person not a leader was an instigator of murder, of course, such person would be arrested and prosecuted for murder. I have said many times that I regret that the evidence has not yet been forthcoming.

Has Mr. Arthur Griffith, the declared Vice-President of the Irish Republic, been arrested for high treason?

No.

Why?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the last 10 days 12 policemen have been murdered?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government will consider taking immediate steps to commandeer all stocks of motor fuel in Ireland?

This matter is under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether steps are still being taken to ascertain the where abouts of Brigadier-General Lucas; and if the Government have as yet any clue to his whereabouts?

All possible steps have been and will be taken, but up to the present there is no clue.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate what steps have been taken to find General Lucas and to arrest the people concerned?

My hon. and gallant Friend, as an ex-service man, will see that if I give the House information as to the steps that we have taken, the chance of securing the release of General Lucas would be still more remote.

What has happened to the Secret Service in Ireland? Have we no Secret Service?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the restriction of the hours of opening of licensed premises, while a source of increased profit to the licence holders owing to diminished on-cost and therefore not objected to by them as traders, is considered by the democracy, other than the cellared classes, who are not affected thereby, as an interference with their personal liberty, and will he now take steps to put an end to such interference and restore to the people of this country the right of self-determination in the matter of their refreshment?

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

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of the citizens in this country consider that the Government has no more right to interfere with the personal habits in the matter of refreshment any more than in——

If the hon. Member speaks on behalf of the majority of the citizens of this country he must reserve what he has to say until we get to a reasoned Debate.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government can state what action it proposes to take concerning Dr. Mannix's proposed visit to Ireland?

I can add nothing to the answer given to my hon. Friend by the Leader of the House on Monday last to a question on this subject.

The answer given on Monday was that the matter was under consideration, and seeing that this gentleman is expected to arrive here at the end of this month and that the matter is urgent, can the right hon. Gentleman say when a decision is likely to be reached?

We shall certainly come to a decision before the moment arrives for putting the decision into execution.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman is a very dangerous revolutionary, who has done great harm in the Dominions, and that we do not want him here?

We are certainly aware that he has been delivering exceedingly mischievous speeches. We are fully alive to the fact.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has definitely abandoned all thought of erecting and maintaining, out of public funds, in the capital of Ireland any Memorial, however simple, to the Irishmen who died in the great War; and will he say what, approximately, is the charge upon public funds of maintaining in Stephen's Green Park, Dublin, the memorial arch erected by private subscription to the Irishmen who died in the South African War?

This matter is under consideration. Up to the present the charge on public funds for maintaining the memorial arch has been nominal only.

May I take it that it has not been decided to turn down the proposal for a public memorial?

Yes.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is prepared to make any statement to the House regarding the organised attack on Catholic workers employed at Queen's Island, Belfast; whether this attack is the result of a meeting held outside Harland and Wolff's works; whether the Government, after inflammatory speeches on 12th July, took any precautions to protect the Catholic minority and what steps the Government is now taking to protect life and property?

I regret to say that according to telegraphic reports which I have received from the police in Belfast, party trouble broke out in the shipyards at 3.30 p.m. yesterday. The trouble was at first localised, but became more general during the night. The military were fired on and returned the fire. There was a good deal of looting, especially of spirit dealers' shops in the east district. About 70 persons have been treated in hospital, 25 of them for gunshot wounds. There are, I regret to say, three deaths from gunshot wounds. A number of police were injured, but none I understand, very seriously. At 11 o'clock this morning the city was re ported quiet and a fair start had been made at the shipyards and mills. I have just heard, however, that at the dinner tour to-day further fighting occurred and two ironworkers and one soldier are reported wounded. There are considerable military forces in the city and neighbourhood and every step was taken in consultation with the representatives of local opinion to guard against the outbreak of disorder. The General Officer Commanding in Belfast is in full charge of the forces in that city, and he can draw on reserves if necessary in the immediate neighbourhood. I nave no knowledge of any meeting, though I have seen newspaper reports on the subject.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered a single question I have put to him—not one! Is he aware of the attacks made on the Catholic workers of Queen's Island? Does he know how many were driven in the most savage way from their employment; and what are the precautions taken by the Government? Those are the questions I put.

Arising out of the reply of the Chief Secretary, these are not questions of Catholic and Protestant, Mr. Speaker——

The hon. Gentleman must put what he has to say in the form of a question.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware, arising out of this occurrence in the Belfast establishment, that this is not a question of Catholic and Protestant at all, but of Unionists and Sinn Feiners. Is he aware that these Protestants and Unionists were justified, in view of the fact that the Sinn Feiners at Harland and Wolff's were armed with revolvers, and immediately they produced revolvers the Unionists knocked them down——

That will be more suitable for the Debate which is to come on in five minutes.

Is it not a fact that the meeting referred to by the hon. Member for West Belfast was a meeting held to express indignation at the murder of Colonel Smyth, and is it not a fact that the body of Colonel Smyth, who was an Ulster man, had to be brought by motor from Cork to Banbridge for internment, as the Sinn Feiners would not permit it to be brought by train?

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer the questions I have put to him? Those are citizens employed in a legal occupation. Is he aware that the statement made about their politics has nothing whatever to do with it? I deny they are Sinn Fein—absolutely!—any more than I am who represent them in Parliament. Were these workers, in the pursuance of their rights of citizenship to work in the public works of Belfast, driven out by a savage crowd, and what steps have been taken by the Government to defend them? That is what I want to know.

In answer to all these questions, I have given the information which I have received from Belfast in general terms. I cannot enter into a dispute as to the religious beliefs of the various persons engaged in this regrettable trouble. All I am responsible for is to try and keep order, and one of our ablest generals, namely, General Carter-Campbell, who is on the spot, has absolute power, and he will endeavour to keep order regardless of the political or religious views of any of the contestants.

I want to know from the right hon. Gentleman why his ablest general and all his able soldiers were not on Queen's Island, in view of the speeches delivered inciting these people to assault Catholics. I want to know why the able general and his soldiers were not there to protect these men from murder?

The general officer commanding the troops in Belfast has not got his headquarters on Queen's Island. I repeat that everything has been done before the 12th July, on the 12th, since the 12th, and now to preserve order in one of the most difficult areas in His Majesty's Dominions.

asked the Prime Minister the cost to the Exchequer of the recent Allied Conferences at San Remo, Lympne, and Boulogne, with particulars of the charges for special steamers and trains, and the size of the staffs of secretaries and other officials attached to the British delegations?

Although the accounts are not yet completed, I am in a position to give what I am informed are substantially accurate estimates as follow:—

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any foundation for the allegation made in Rumania that a secret agreement was concluded at San Remo between France and England for the purpose of dividing former enemy interests in the Rumanian oilfields in equal proportion between those two countries; and, if not, whether he will take the necessary steps to have our name cleared in Rumania from this damaging aspersion?

Certain clauses in the Anglo-French agreement concluded at San Remo in April referred to the relations between the British, French and Rumanian Governments regarding the interests of their nationals in the Rumanian oil fields. There is nothing that His Majesty's Government have any hesitation in making public. The terms of the agreement will be published when the French Government, who have been asked, agree.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Rumanian paper published this alleged agreement and described the transaction as shameful? In view of that fact, will the right hon. Gentleman make an early statement on the subject, in order to clear the good name of this country?

I do not think that anything better can be done, except to publish the agreement as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister when a reply is expected from President Wilson as to the delimitation of the frontiers of Armenia?

asked the Prime Minister what progress Mr. Woodrow Wilson has so far made with the delimitation of the Armenian frontier; and when the work is likely to be finished?

I have no information which would enable me to answer these questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet come to a decision regarding the raising of the status of the Secretary for Scotland to that of Secretary of State for Scotland?

The Government recognise fully the justice of the demand unanimously made by Scottish Members that the status of Secretary for Scotland should be raised to that of a Secretary of State. The Government hope to deal with this subject in the Autumn Session.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that there will be no increase in salary?

asked the Prime Minister if the Government is going to introduce a Bill to continue the existing hours of shop closing before the adjournment in August in order that there shall not be a return to pre-War hours at the expiry of the Defence of the Realm Act?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Yes, Sir. A Bill is to be introduced at once.

asked the Prime Minister when the Nauru Island agreement will be submitted to the League of Nations?

There is nothing in the Covenant of the League of Nations which requires or contemplates that an Agreement of this nature should be submitted to the League. The obligation which rests on the Mandatory under Article 22 to "render to the Council an annual report in reference to the territory" will, of course, be fulfilled.

May I ask whether, until the meeting of the Council of the League, the nation of Nauru will be free to follow their own manners and customs, and will the islanders be entitled to broiled brother for breakfast until the League decides?

asked the Prime Minister whether the British representative on the Council of the League of Nations has informed his Government that negotiations are proceeding for the conclusion of a military alliance between France and Belgium, one of the provisions of which is a stronger army for Belgium than in pre-War days?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether Dr. Nansen has reported that in the case of each of the countries concerned in the repatriation of prisoners the cost of transport should be repaid by the countries to which the prisoners belong, but that in the meantime the League of Nations should raise a loan; and whether it is proposed to follow this recommendation?

The expenses of the transportation of the prisoners are being provided for in the form of a loan to those countries whose nationals are being repatriated. The League of Nations are not raising a loan, but they have requested the International Relief Credits Committee in Paris to divert funds to cover the costs of the repatriation. The answer to the last part of the question is that the British representative on the International Relief Credits Committee has been instructed to support this proposal, and it is hoped that the necessary funds will shortly be forthcoming.

asked the Prime Minister whether the chief cause of the dispute of Finland and Sweden over the Aaland Islands is the danger to either party of fortification by the other; whether the neutralisation of these islands affords a reasonable solution; and whether, accordingly, the Government will exercise its friendly right in the Covenant of the League of Nations to put forward this proposal?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned yesterday to the Noble Lord the Member for Hitchin.

asked the Prime Minister whether the avowed object of the mandatory system is the moral and material well-being of the inhabitants of the late Germam colonies; and whether, seeing that Chinese labour of one sex only, imported and indentured for long periods, is detrimental to the moral welfare of the inhabitants, in the event of no such clause appearing in the mandate for Samoa, the Council of the League of Nations will have any power to secure the incorporation of a clause designed to prevent such importations?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, I am not prepared, on a hypothetical case, to attempt to discuss the question of the power of the Council of the League of Nations to superimpose fresh conditions upon those laid down in an original mandate.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if the differences that have arisen between the United States of America and Japan, as the result of the anti-Japanese legislation which has been passed in America, are of a character which could be referred to the League of Nations for settlement; and, if so, whether the Government proposes to offer its good services with this object?

I am not aware of the existence of any differences between the United States and Japan of such a nature as to justify the intervention of His Majesty's Government in the manner suggested.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not see the correspondence and the telegraphed communications that have taken place between the two countries, and has he not seen the report that appeared in the Press?

Yes, but I do not think it is a case for interference.

asked the Prime Minister whether M. Nuorteva, secretary of the Soviet Government bureau in New York, has been arrested after a fortnight's stay in this country and has had his passport taken away from him; if so, on what grounds; and whether he will immediately order the release of this man and have his passport returned to him, in view of the seriousness of so dealing with the accredited representative of a country with which we are not officially at war?

I have nothing to add to the answer given last Thursday on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, except that M. Nuorteva has left this country, that his passport was returned to him, and that I am not aware that he is the accredited representative of Russia. He is certainly not accredited to this country.

What was wrong with his passport? How did he get to this country?

Is it going to help you in your Peace negotiations with Russia, and in trying to save Poland, if you hunt Russian subjects like this through the secret police?

Russian subjects have to conform to the rules of this country. This gentleman did not do that. We would have arrested any other subject of any other country under similar conditions. They must not assume that if they have rules of their own in their own country they can impose them on this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman came to this country with a proper passport?

No, he did not.

The passport was duly visaed by our people in New York. Will the right hon. Gentleman withdraw his statement?

asked the Primo Minister whether he is now in a position to lay upon the Table of the House the recent Anglo-French agreement with regard to the oil in Mesopotamia?

There is reason to believe that a reply to the communication addressed to the French Government regarding the publication of the recent Anglo-French agreement may be expected shortly, and I hope to be able to make a further statement as soon as it is received.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that it is the policy of the Government to establish an Arab state in Mesopotamia, if that policy has been announced in that country; and, if so, can he say why the Arabs are attacking British forces there?