asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russians who direct the All-Russian Co-operative Society came to this country together with the Russian Economic Mission; for what period their passports have been viséd; how many is the total number of people employed in the All-Russian Co-operative Society; and what business have they transacted in this country?

Two of the three directors of the All-Russian Cooperative Society have been domiciled in the United Kingdom for some years. The remaining director, Mr. S. Rosovsky, came with the Russian Trade Delegation, but has now left this country. The question as to the period of his passport does not, therefore, arise. I have no information as to the number of persons employed by the All-Russian Co-operative Society. As regards the business which the society have transacted, I understand that they have entered into negotiations with various firms and that some contracts have been signed for the eventual supply of goods.

Are we to understand that Russian people, and, if so, how many are employed by this Co-operative Society?

I have no information.

Do you know the number of the contracts?

No; I have not that information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the number of British prisoners still in Russia; what is the number of Russians interned in this country; whether the Soviet Government has proposed that all the Russians still detained should be sent back when the first batch of British prisoners is repatriated; and whether, as a security for the safety of the Baku and other prisoners in Russia, a certain number of Russians will be retained until the last British prisoner returns?

A list containing the names of British subjects was handed to M. Kameneff before his departure, and of these 69 civilians are still presumed to be in Russia. A further list containing 170 names, concerning whom inquiries have been received, has since been forwarded to the Soviet Government. To these must be added the military prisoners at Moscow as well as the prisoners and civilians detained in Baku. I must, however, point out that it is extremely difficult to know how many more British subjects there may be whose relations have not communicated with the Foreign Office, or who have no friends in this country, and that it is therefore impossible to say exactly how many may still remain in Russia. There are six Russians in this country on their way from India who were detained, pending satisfactory assurances regarding the British subjects in Russia and at Baku. The answer to the third and fourth parts of the question is in the negative. The intention of His Majesty's Government is to give effect to the exchange on the lines indicated in their message to Moscow of 9th October, as far as practical arrangements permit.

What security have we that British prisoners in Russia shall be repatriated into this country if we are not going to retain some of the Russian prisoners in this country?

It is proposed that the exchange should be made simultaneously at the frontier.

Has the list handed to Mr. Kameneff been sent to Russia?

I suppose so.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that most unsatisfactory reports are still coming through with regard to the treatment of prisoners in Russia and can we not know something definite?

Yes. I am aware of those unsatisfactory reports, but we have every hope that the exchange will be made with regard to the prisoners at Baku almost immediately.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the, general effect of the arrangement recently come to with the Soviet Government for the exchange of prisoners and the cessation of Bolshevist propaganda efforts; what steps have been taken as regards the release of British prisoners under this arrangement; and how it is proposed effectively to stop the propaganda activities of the Bolshevist leaders and their agents, in view of the repeated disregard shown for previous assurances on this matter?

The general effect of the recent arrangements are that a comprehensive repatriation of British subjects in Russia and of Russians under the control of His Majesty's Government is to take place forthwith. As regards the second part of the question, the Soviet Government has agreed to notify His Majesty's Minister at Helsingfors of the arrangements made for the release of British subjects in Russia, whereas that of those at Baku is to be arranged by a Soviet representative with His Majesty's representative at Tiflis. On the subject of propaganda and the cognate matter of hostile activities in Asia, a reply is still awaited to the telegrams despatched to Moscow.

Are trade negotiations to be re-opened with Russia while propaganda inimical to this country is still being proceeded with?

That is a rather large question, and I would prefer my hon. Friend to give notice.

Is it not a question of the utmost importance to this country that propaganda inimical to this country is still being distributed, and will the Government, before entering into any negotiations, take care that this propaganda is stopped for good?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that that matter is engaging very earnest attention.

Is not the best way to stop propaganda to make it worth the while of the Russian Government to be on friendly terms with us?

asked the Prime Minister whether 16 or 18 British citizens are still kept as prisoners in Moscow by the Bolshevist Government; and will he inform the House what steps are being taken to secure their immediate release?

The information we have received from the Soviet Government gives us reason to believe that arrangements are now being made for the release of British prisoners in Russia. The first party of Russians in this country to return to Soviet Russia will leave to-morrow, and it is hoped that within a very few days they will be exchanged on the Finnish frontier for about 30 British subjects (including the 15 members of the Military Mission and the so-called grave offenders) who, according to a wireless message from Moscow, are on the point of starting. As regards the Baku prisoners, it is hoped to obtain their release on 5th November in exchange for some 300 Russians to be repatriated from Egypt and Constantinople.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is advisable to re-open trade negotiations with Russia when these people will not carry out what they have agreed to do?

If I may, I would like to say that the Government have made it perfectly plain that the condition precedent to negotiations being re-opened is that prisoners should be released.

Are we to understand that if what the right hon. Gentleman says takes place, all British prisoners in Russia will be repatriated?

We have made the demand, and it is part of the condition we have laid down, that all British prisoners who wish to leave Russia should be allowed to do so.

asked the Prime Minister whether any economic agreement which might be consummated with the Russian Soviet Government will be subject to a satisfactory guarantee by the Soviet Government as regards repayment of debts due by Russia to the Allied Governments' banks, companies, and individuals?

The conditions upon which His Majesty's Government is prepared to make a Trade Agreement with the Russian Soviet Government were set out in the Note of the 1st July, replying to M. Krassin's Note of 29th June. Both these Notes were published in the Press. The Soviet Government by its telegram of 7th July, accepted the conditions laid down.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a large amount of misunderstanding as to whether or not His Majesty's Government are going to make it an absolute condition that the Soviet Government shall carry out Russia's financial obligations to the Allies?

I do not think it is possible for me to give a detailed answer as to what precisely is meant by the terms of the Note, but it is obvious to this House that an offer has been made and must be tarried out by the Soviet Government.

In face of the guarantee given by the Soviet Government, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it wise at once to re-open commercial relations with the Soviet Government?

The House knows that the Government has always thought it is extremely desirable that trade should be resumed again, and if that were so in the past, it is still more desirable now, when there is a state of unemployment in this country. We shall certainly do nothing to prevent these relations being resumed so far as we can.

Is it not a fact that the Government have received representations from every Chamber of Commerce in this country declining to trade with Russia unless an arrangement is made between this country and Russia that Russia shall acknowledge all her pre-War and other debts?

Is it not a fact that the late Russian Duma refused to countenance the debts of the late Czar unless approved by the Duma beforehand?

I do not think anything can be gained by continuing this discussion. Trade relations have been renewed by other Governments, and this Government must do its best to get its share of the trade.

Other countries are pinching all the trade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade-Department what amounts have been granted under the provisions of the Overseas Credits Act; and to what countries the credits so given apply?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the total amount applied for under the export credit scheme to date; and what has been the total amount granted?

The total amount of actual advances made under the Overseas Trade (Credit and Insurance) Act up to 13th October is £79,457 5s. 8d., in respect of the countries Finland, Roumania, Poland, Czecho-Slovakia and Jugo-Slavia. Credits have been granted up to £450,999 19s. 8d., but some of these have been allowed to lapse or have not yet been fully used.

What use is it to have an Act of which people will not make use because it is so badly drawn?

I do not think that the figures which have been given bear out that contention. As a result of the Amendment, which was announced in the House yesterday, that the credit advance might be put up to 100 per cent. of cost, the Department this morning received a large number of applications for very large sums of money.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's Government recognises the practice whereby officers of His Majesty's forces contribute their views on questions of military discipline and policy to the press of this country or of foreign countries?

An officer or soldier is forbidden under King's Regulations, paragraph 453, to publish in any form whatever or communicate directly or indirectly to the press any military information, or his views on any military subject, without the authority of the Army Council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the interview recently accorded to an American journalist by General Sir Nevil Macready, and is the action of that officer of the character referred to?

I have no details of the interview in my mind, but it does not appear to me to be in the nature of technical military information so far as my recollection goes.

Who is entitled to speak on behalf of the Government of Ireland? Is General Macready entitled to voice the views of the Government of Ireland?

It is much better that statements of policy should be made by the Minister who is responsible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take any disciplinary action in the matter?

The only action taken will be to give General Macready every possible assistance.

asked how many soldiers remain unidentified in mental hospitals; and, if any, what steps are being taken to make the general public aware of the facts so as to secure identification?

There is no unidentified soldier in the mental hospitals under the control of the War Office, and, so far as the Department is aware, there is no unidentified soldier in any other mental hospital.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers who commanded brigades during the War, but have now reverted to their substantive rank, will be granted in future the honorary rank of brigadier-general on retirement, notwithstanding the abolition of this rank for officers on the active list?

Yes, Sir; and an Army Order announcing this decision will be published at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received a petition from the employés of the Army Inspection Department, Allon Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, regarding the decision of the War Office to cease repairing bicycles at this establishment; and whether he can state if he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I regret that the small amount of repair work required for the number of bicycles used by the Army in peace is insufficient to justify the retention of the employés in question. I am informed that the position has been explained to the various classes of employés affected, and that every effort has been made to minimise the hardship involved in individual cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as late as July last, he still retained the services of persons to carry wounded soldiers from railway stations to hospitals although there was nothing to do; and if he is aware of a case of a gentleman who was so retained up to July last or later and paid a salary, and that a telephone was kept for him at his house in spite of his request for its removal?

Arrangements for conveying wounded personnel are in many cases made locally by the various military commands. I am not aware of the case to which the hon. Member refers, but I am calling for a report and will let him know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many graves in France and Belgium have not yet been taken over by the War Graves Commission; if he is aware that in certain areas isolated cemeteries are in a condition of neglect; and if he will say when the War Graves Commission will take over the whole of the graves in France and Belgium?

Some 1,900 cemeteries in France and Belgium have been taken over by the Imperial War Graves Commission for maintenance, but there still remain some 1,400 to be transferred. With the exception of a few still being used for concentration, all these are in a forward state, and transfer is proceeding at the rate of about 32 a week. Every cemetery still in charge of the Directorate of Graves Registration and Inquiries is visited at least once a month. More than this cannot be done with the limited staff available, but where there are inhabitants near cemeteries not easy of access contracts for maintenance are made if possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers in the Royal Army Medical Corps are refused permission to resign their commissions; and, if so, why are they being placed under a disability which is not experienced in any other branch of the Service?

I regret that, at present, only in exceptional circumstances, such as ill-health, can permission be granted for officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps to retire. This decision was rendered necessary owing to the shortage of medical officers fit for general service, to the large number of applications for permission to retire which have been received, and to the heavy demands from overseas for the services of officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of raising the pay of the officers in the employ of the Royal Army Medical Corps to an equivalent of what a practitioner can make in private practice?

That would not meet the immediate emergency.

Surely it would attract men from civil practice, and by bringing in fresh recruits liberate those who wish to retire?

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman refer to a Harley Street or a Hackney standard as the equivalent?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the decision to discharge all workmen in Woolwich Arsenal who have attained the age of 60; and whether, having in mind the tribute paid to the time-keeping, ability, and productivity during the period of the War of these long-service men who have no pension to sustain them until the age of 70, he will allow them to serve until the usual age of 65?

Shortage of work necessarily involves a reduction of establishment at Woolwich. Consideration has been given to the different claims to retention of each class of employés, namely:—

1. Civilian war entrants.

2. Ex-soldiers.

3. Disabled.

4. Pre-war.

I am informed that each of these classes contains a number of indispensable men. Over and above selection by class must primarily come maintenance of the efficiency of the Arsenal. The application of the rule under which men upwards of 60 years of age may be called upon to retire with the bonus to which they may be entitled has been to a large extent in abeyance during the War, but in the present circumstances it is considered necessary to put it more actively into force Regard will, at the same time, be had to efficiency, and it is not intended to discharge all men over 60.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that many of these men of 60 are more efficient than the younger men, and that therefore there is a loss of efficiency and a loss of money to the State in discharging them?

I am not prepared to deny it, but, regard being had to efficiency, I presume such cases will be retained. In many cases the younger men have wives and children dependent on them and are not in a similar position to older men, whose families in many cases are doing for themselves. However the whole matter is being taken carefully into consideration with every regard to sympathy, but we must have efficiency before us as the first essential.

May we take it that the sixty rule is not to be rigidly applied?

That is so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are about 800 men involved in this question, and in consequence of the number of men who will be put off on Saturday, will he advise that the notices should be suspended until the deputation he promised to receive discusses the whole situation?

I am not sure about any notices expiring on Saturday. I will inquire. The matter has received very full consideration. If the hon. Member and the others who are associated with him wish to send a deputation, I suggest that the deputation should be a comprehensive one of all classes of workmen, and not confined to one particular class. The question of discharges is a very important one. There are now 5,000 more men in the Arsenal than before the War.

I quite appreciate that the right hon. Gentleman is doing his best in the matter, but may I make a statement as to the deputation—

The hon. Member has been long enough here to know that he must not now make explanations. He is entitled to ask a question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a town meeting was called yesterday at Woolwich, organised by the men, and that a very large deputation was appointed at that meeting, and will he undertake to receive that deputation at the very earliest opportunity?

Yes, I am quite prepared to receive a deputation, but I think the deputation should embrace discharged soldiers and all other classes of all sections.

I apologise for my rawness. I was merely going to ask if the right Hon. Gentleman on his part will take the initiative in seeing that the representatives of the ex-soldiers, who are doubly represented as ex-soldiers and also as part of the town meeting, are willing to accept an invitation to be represented all together.

I cannot undertake to do that. The deputation should make its own arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, considering that he has already decided that officers of the Army and Royal Air Force interned during the War were entitled to continue to draw field allowances if they were already in receipt of the allowance at the time of internment, he will treat the officers of the Indian Army in an equal manner and direct that during the time they were prisoners of war they were entitled to draw the allawances in full which they were in receipt of at the time they were taken prisoners?

The question of the emoluments of Indian Army officers while prisoners of war had received very full consideration, and there is no intention to vary the decisions that have already been applied.

Is it the policy of the War Office to rob the officers of the Indian Army simply because they belong to an army that is far, far away and cannot defend themselves?

No. The pay is in accordance with the standing rule. The hon. Gentleman has asked questions on the subject before and has had very full replies, and I cannot add anything to them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware than my questions on behalf of the officers of the Indian Army have shown more and more that they are being unjustly deprived of their pay, and that they ought to be treated on equal terms with the British Army.

asked whether in the recent outrages in Mesopotamia any of the bands of Arabs were led by Syrian officers of the Sherifian army?

It is known that ex-officers of the Sherifian army have taken part in the recent outrages and uprisings in Mesopotamia, but they are not known to be Syrians; nor is it known that they now hold any official position. The Emir Feisal has officially disclaimed any responsibility for these acts.

May we take it that there is no foundation for the report that the band of Arabs led by Sherifian officers destroyed the railway?

Such foundation as there is for that is dealt with comprehensively in my answer to the main question.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the despatches regarding the operations in Somaliland and the defeat of the Mullah will be published; and what medal will be granted to troops who took part in the operations?

The despatch from the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Somaliland Protectorate, dealing with the operations mentioned, will be published at an early date. As regards the last part of the question, I would point out that the operations were conducted by detachments from the Navy, Army and Air Force, and that the question of the award of a medal thus affects the three Services. The matter, however, is under consideration, but I cannot at present make any announcement on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the provision made for military operations in Ireland for the current year has been exceeded; and, if so, to what extent?

The military expenditure in Ireland has been greater than was anticipated in the Estimates, but the excess is largely balanced by a saving on the troops in Great Britain, due to the transfer of troops from Great Britain to Ireland. It is not yet possible to state the amount of the net excess expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for War to state the strength of the various armed forces of the Crown now operating in Ireland; and what is the monthly rate of expenditure?

The strength of the military force is about 49,000; and the cost about £1,150,000 a month. It must be understood, however, that practically all the military forces in Ireland are part of the regular standing army of the United Kingdom, and that the cost of keeping them in Ireland is in most respects no greater than that of keeping them elsewhere. Additional expenditure arises chiefly from the cost of mechanical transport and certain additional stores and the employment of additional officers, but these expenses are slight in proportion to the general Army Estimates.

What proportion of these troops in Ireland does the right hon. Gentleman consider available for service elsewhere in case of emergency?

Before that question is answered, may I ask whether it is not the fact that at present a state of civil war exists in Ireland, and is it right, when the so-called Irish Republic is fighting us, that any information should be given about our armed forces?

I do not think the information I have given will do any harm

Or any good.

Is it a fact that we are spending £18,000,000 a year on the armed forces in Ireland, while the contribution expected from Ireland to the Imperial Exchequer is only £18,000,000?

It would hardly be possible to make a statement in a form that would be more completely misleading.

Did the right hon. gentleman not say recently that the cost of the Army in Ireland was £1,500,000 a month?

I carefully explained that this was not an additional cost, but that the troops would have to be maintained as part of the general reserve of the Army, and that the additional cost of their being kept in Ireland in present circumstances was not in any way comparable with the figures given.

If these troops are not available for any other parts of the Empire, as, I think, it is reasonable to state, how can the right hon. Gentleman maintain that there is no extra cost in keeping them in Ireland?

The number of troops in the various garrisons in England is less than usual, and the number of troops in Ireland is larger than it usually is. We hope that that condition will be a temporary one, that at a later date a normal re-distribution of the British Army in the United Kingdom will be resumed, and that troops will live in proximity to their barracks. There is no addition to the size of the British Army in consequence of what is going on in Ireland.

In consequence of the reduction of the garrison in England, is there any need for the Emergency Powers Bill?

Is not the cost of living for the troops much less in Ireland than here?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men serving in Ireland are obliged to pay full fare, if called to this country by illness or death of wife or child; whether he is aware that the same rule obtains for men who are given regular leave to this country; and whether he can modify this rule and allow a free pass to such men?

If the furlough is for a period of more than six days, only half the full fare is charged, the State paying the difference. The question as to whether any further concessions should be made is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the duties of soldiers in Ireland are now such as to make heavy calls on their uniforms; and if he is prepared to grant batta or allowance for the same?

The question of issuing an extra grant to troops in Ireland, where it is shown that the usual allowance granted for the upkeep of a soldier's clothing is insufficient, is being considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of providing them with fireproof garments, owing to the policy of the Government on reprisals?

asked the Prime Minister upon which Vote the expenditure on the Auxiliary Force of the Irish police would be presented to the House, and when an opportunity would be given for discussion?

The expenditure on the Auxiliary Force of the Royal Irish Constabulary is met from the provision already made in the Estimate for the Royal Irish Constabulary. There have already been two discussions on this subject during the last four days.

Does my right hon. Friend mean that the Estimate already taken is sufficient to cover the men employed when the Estimate was passed, as well as additional men?

I cannot say that; but I can say that if further money be required a supplementary Estimate will be presented.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is still the intention of the Government to pass, in connection with the Government of Ireland Bill, a Bill to provide for the completion of land purchase in Ireland; and, if so, can he say when the Land Bill will be introduced?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am not in a position to name a date when the Bill will be introduced.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that in the eent of its being found impossible or difficult to bring about land purchase in Southern Ireland owing to the state of the country, that that will in no way prejudice Northern Ireland in getting the benefits of the scheme?

I think the Government have already pledged themselves to deal adequately with this question in connection with the Home Rule Bill; and that certainly will apply to Northern Ireland.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that in many cases residents in Ireland have been recently compelled by the police to hand over their shot guns to the police to prevent the possibility of these guns being raided and seized by Sinn Fein rebels, and that in many of these cases the owners of the guns had previously, in some cases only two or three days previously, paid £3 for licences to shoot game; and whether, seeing that by the act of the Executive these persons are prevented from exercising the privilege for which they had paid money to the Exchequer, he will give directions that the money so paid, or a proper proportion of it, shall be repaid to the owners of the guns?

The Commissioners of Customs and Excise are prepared, in the exceptional circumstances, to give favourable consideration to applications for repayment of the duty on £3 game licences for the current year from holders of such licences whose guns have been surrendered to the police, provided that satisfactory evidence is furnished that no liability to game licence duty has been incurred by the applicants for the year commenced 1st August last. Where there has been partial user of a licence the Commissioners are willing to issue a shorter term licence to cover the actual period of user in substitution for the longer term licence taken out, and to refund the difference in the rates of duty.

Should the application for refund be made at the time to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise in London or Dublin?

If application be made in Dublin, that will do.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland

(1) if, having made inquiries, he is still without convincing evidence as to the flogging of several men in the West of Ireland, which has been described in full detail in responsible English and Irish journals;

(2) whether his attention has been called to an allegation of similar torture in Portobello Barracks, Dublin, in which a prisoner is reported to have been tied to a plank bed and mercilessly beaten with rifle butts and buckle belts until his back was a mass of broken flesh;

(3) whether the right hon. Gentleman has seen a photograph of this man published in a Dublin newspaper displaying marks of the horrible treatment to which he had been subjected;

(4) whether he has now completed his inquiries into the allegation of incendiary fires and indiscriminate shootings in Dublin, Athlone, and Bandon, and what is the result?

The inquiries into the allegations made of flogging of civilians in the West of Ireland are not yet complete, but I have received reports in two of the alleged cases. It was alleged that on the night of the 16th October two lorry loads of police surrounded a farm near Cordally, Co. Galway, and flogged three men, and that a man was also flogged at Corofin on the same night. The result of the inquiry in this case goes to show that the allegations made are a complete fabrication. No forces of the Crown were engaged in any attack on the people named on that night, and their families do not accuse the police and deny that they have ever authorised such accusations.

The second case, of which I have received a report, is the alleged flogging of a number of men at Varden's public house, Cumner, Co. Galway, on the 17th inst. The facts of that case are that a party of the Royal Irish Constabulary entered the house while conducting a search for an Irish Nationalist schoolmaster who was recently kidnapped, and had not yet been traced. The police interrogated a group of men who were drinking in the house, but they refused to give any information, and assumed a defiant and aggressive attitude. The police, who were well aware that these men were active members of the so-called Irish Republican Army, called upon them to disperse, and on meeting with a refusal used force. In the scuffle which ensued the police used their belts, and it is this action which has been misrepresented as the flogging of innocent people. I may mention that the same policemen had, earlier in the day, discovered a quantity of gelignite and dum-dum bullets in the neighbourhood.

With regard to the second part of the question I have seen the statement and photograph published in a Dublin newspaper regarding the alleged flogging of a man in Portobello Military Barracks. This matter has been fully investigated, and is found to be without any foundation whatever. There were no police in the barracks at the time, and the military authorities in charge of Portobello Barracks deny absolutely the truth of the story. Proper action is being taken against the paper that published the fabrication. The enquiries are not yet complete into the allegations referred to in the third part of the question.

In the case of Athlone three lorries of police, most of whom were young recruits, were ambushed between Kilbeggan and Moate, and the driver of the car was killed. On proceeding to Athlone after the ambush the lorries were again fired at near the entrance to the town. The police returned the fire until they got safely into barracks, and a civilian, Michael Burke, was accidentally shot and dangerously wounded by their fire. Burke was an absolutely innocent man, and I profoundly regret that he should have been accidentally wounded by the police in defending themselves. It is inevitable, under the conditions at present prevailing in Ireland, that the innocent sometimes suffer for the acts of the wrong-doer.

Does the right hon. Gentleman assert that this photograph [holding up photograph published in an Irish newspaper] is a lie?

I have said so.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the representatives of the "Black and Tans" in this House would be believed in the statement made against a photograph which has been taken? I want to ask the Leader of the House whether he still persists in refusing a full, complete and searching inquiry into all these allegations, which have not been made by Irish newspapers, but by English Press correspondents who have seen these things for themselves?

Nothing whatever has happened to make me in the smallest degree change my mind. I would remind the hon. Member that such things have been known as faked photographs.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state whether the loss of life and injuries to officers and men of the Essex Regiment in Ireland on Friday last were largely due to the lorries employed offering little cover, and if so, would he consider extending the use of armoured cars and lorries fitted with Lewis or other quick-firing guns, thus placing our soldiers at an advantage as compared with the cowardly assassins who largely outnumber them and attack from behind cover, and only come to close quarters when most of the soldiers have been killed or disabled?

I regret I have not received this question at all. But I can assure the hon. Gentleman and the House that every effort is taken by the military and the police authorities to give the fullest protection to the forces that are engaged in a very difficult enterprise.

Arising out of that reply, is it not the fact that what is suggested in this question that the loss of life on Friday last was due to the soldiers in these lorries not having any cover? If so, would the right hon. Gentleman not take steps to see that the men sent to these dangerous places are fully protected by cover, and that also such weapons—

The hon. Gentleman is asking the same question over again.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British railway wagons were sent overseas during the period of the War; how many have been returned; and when the remainder, if any, will be brought back?

Twenty-nine thousand seven hundred and ninety-two railway wagons, belonging to the British railway companies, were sent overseas during the War, and of these 28,671 had been returned up to 17th October. The number still to be returned does not exceed 650, and these are being brought back as fast as they are produced by the French railways. In addition, there are about 250 wagons belonging to the War Department, which remain to be returned to this country. It will be appreciated that the search for these wagons is a lengthy process. I would add that the French authorities have agreed to pay for all wagons not forthcoming by 31st January next.

Do those figures include wagons sent to Palestine, and is it proposed to bring them back from the Egyptian railways?

I cannot answer that without notice.

Have these wagons been returned in the condition they are now in or were repairs carried out?

I think they are being returned in the condition in which they are now.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the sittings of Lord Colwyn's Committee on railway agreements will be held in public?

The Railway Agreements involve questions affecting hundreds of millions of pounds, and must result eventually in a contest of negotiation or legal arbitrament between the railway companies and the Minister of Transport as regards a large portion of that sum. I feel sure that this House, the public and the Press will not wish a natural desire for publicity to embarrass those entrusted with the conduct of the public case, vis-avis the railway companies. Having regard to the very high standing of the members of the Committee, and to the character of the inquiry, I feel that it must be left to them to decide as to what measure of publicity can be given, consistently with the public interest. Whilst I would welcome the widest information on the subject, that is of insignificant importance compared to the interest of the community.

I understand the Minutes of the proceedings will be taken every day; will, therefore, the right hon. Gentleman take it upon himself to see that every Member of the House gets a copy of these proceedings day by day?

I think we had better leave that to the Committee, that they should give the proceedings such publicity as they think fit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received a resolution passed by the ratepayers of Yiewsley, Middlesex, protesting against the delay in supplying the need of houses for the district, and asking the War Office to receive a deputation with a view of securing the temporary use of the Stockley camp for housing demobilised sailors and soldiers; and, if so, can he state whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

A communication has been received from the hon. secretary of the Yiewsley and West Drayton (Uxbridge Division of Middlesex) Tradss Council and Labour Party, forwarding a copy of a resolution with regard to securing the temporary use of West Drayton Plant and Store Depôt, R.A.F., for housing purposes. After careful consideration, it was decided that it was not practicable to permit the residence within the stores depôt of persons over whom the Air Ministry has no authority. The hon. secretary of the Yiewsley and West Drayton Trades Council and Labour Party was so informed by letter on the 18th October.

Would it not be possible to put up a temporary dividing line to the actual buildings?

No.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the total sum so far raised in Scotland by housing bonds; how much of this has been already expended; what expectation is there of the remaining sums required being raised as a result of local effort; and what are the alternative methods suggested to provide the money for the construction of the necessary houses?

At the 30th September last the sum of £1,063,191 had been raised for housing purposes in Scotland by means of housing bonds. As local authorities are borrowing by other means than housing bonds, it is not practicable to state how much of the money raised by these bonds has been expended to date. I fear I cannot give any reliable estimate of the further sums which may be raised by moans of local effort. I may say, however, that, as a result of consultation between the Scottish Board of Health and the Scottish Savings Committee, it has been arranged that a campaign should be initiated for the purpose of promoting the sale of national savings certificates in Scotland and that half of the gross proceeds of these sales in each area should be credited to the Local Loans Fund and made available to the local authorities of each area for housing purposes. This arrangement is now in operation.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what progress has been made up to date in the construction of the 103,000 houses contained in the schemes submitted by local authorities and sanctioned and approved by the Scottish Office at the end of last July; how many other local authorities, in addition to the 253 who had submitted schemes up to the end of July, have had their schemes passed by the Scottish Office; what is the estimated total cost of these schemes; and what money is available to meet these expenses?

At the 15th October there were 5,156 permanent houses and 254 temporary houses under construction. In addition, 260 permanent houses and 182 temporary houses were occupied as at that date, and 67 houses were completed and ready for occupancy. Up to date, 263 local authorities have submitted schemes for the provision of 115,531 houses, and of these, 219 schemes, involving 106,058 houses, have been approved by the Scottish Board of Health. As stated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend's question of the 7th July, no reliable estimate can be framed of the total cost of the schemes submitted. In regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my answer to his previous question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many persons belonging to the various branches of the building trades are now employed upon housing schemes approved by the Scottish Office in Scotland; how many persons are required to carry these schemes through within a reasonable period of time; what is the estimated cost of the average house as a separate building; and what proportion of this sum represents the cost of labour?

According to recent returns received by the Scottish Board of Health, there were employed on State-assisted housing schemes in Scotland as at 15th October: 829 masons and bricklayers, 614 joiners, 1,138 workmen of other skilled trades, including apprentices, and 2,074 unskilled workmen. On the basis that two men are required to complete one house per annum, 32,000 men are necessary to complete in a year the 16,000 houses for which tenders have been approved by the Board to date. The estimated cost of the average house, so far as that can be ascertained from tenders approved, is roughly £1,000. The cost of labour represented in the total cost of a house is estimated at approximately 52 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the liabilities, both capital and annual, that will be assumed by the State in connection with the Government housing scheme?

The State's liability for housing depends on the cost of building, the number of houses built by local authorities public utility societies and private builders (under subsidy arrangements) respectively, the rent charged, and other uncertain factors. I am, therefore, not able at present to give any estimate of the liability incurred, but it will undoubtedly be very heavy.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a very general impression abroad that the finance of the Government housing scheme is thoroughly unsound?

I would not undertake to say how many accurate and inaccurate general impressions are abroad.

Can my right hon. Friend say, if houses are to cost £1,000 or £1,200 to build, how they are going to be let at anything like an economic rental to any workman in the land?

Would it not be more useful if my right hon. Friend, who obviously has a better scheme in his mind, would communicate it to the Government?

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of British and Indian troops, respectively, at present operating in Persia, Mesopotamia, Turkey, and other Eastern theatres; and what is the approximate monthly cost involved.

The following are the present strengths of British and Indian troops respectively, and the approximate monthly cost in the areas named: Mesopotamia and North-West Persia, 17,500 British and 83,500 Indian troops, cost £2,500,000; Constantinople, 11,000 British and 8,000 Indian, cost £495,000; Egypt, 12,000 British and 14,000 Indian, cost £625,000; Palestine, 6,500 British and 18,000 Indian, cost £610,000.

Is the number of troops being reduced, and the monthly cost in the near future?

There does not seem to be any chance of any reduction in Mesopotamia for some months to come, as the troops are actively engaged in quenching the rebellion in Mesopotamia and in the disarmament of the tribes which will follow from the suppression of the rebellion, but I hope that in the next financial year the garrisons will be substantially below what they are at present.

Does the right hon. Gentleman assume that the operations are going on in Mesopotamia for some months to come?

I think it is highly probable.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really mean to say that it will take three months of time, money and men to quell a rebellion merely in order to hand the country back? Surely we might do it at once.

I have heard nothing of the transfer of the country back to the rebels.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why W. E. Cool, No. 240,543, Royal Air Force, demobilised in February last, has not not received his gratuity; whether he was first informed by the Woking paymaster that he was in debt to the extent of £10 15s. 11d, later that the debt was £11 16s. 5d., and later still received a statement saying that it was £15 17s. 11d., as far as could be ascertained; whether he has been told that a £10 gratuity and £1 for services are due to him and that in each of the different statements sent him, Cool has been informed that it was the final adjustment; whether Cool has stated that he never contracted any debt and never saw his pay book after his arrival in India; and, having regard to these facts, will he direct that Cool receives his gratuity forthwith?

This question should have been addressed to me as Secretary of State for Air, and not to the Financial Secretary to the War Office. It has nothing to do with the War Office, and does not concern that Department in any way. The details of the case are being investigated, and I will communicate with my hon. Friends as soon as the necessary inquiries are completed.

How is it possible for a soldier when statements are made that he is in debt to disprove them?

Every soldier has the right to bring any complaints before his officer, and it is the duty of the officer to see that the soldier suffers no injustice in the matter of pay, and I believe that duty is most rigidly discharged by the officer.

Is it in order to make any deduction for debt from a gratuity so granted?

I said that the details of this case are being investigated, and in view of that I should like to have an opportunity to deal with the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why these cases are so numerous with reference to all units which served in India? There seems to be something lax as I hear of them everywhere I go?

I suppose the double accounting for the two theatres may have introduced an additional complication. I am quite ready to examine any case, and to sec that the soldiers get what they are really entitled to.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has received the resolution passed by the Air Conference urging on His Majesty's Government the importance of Egypt to the future of service aviation; and whether he has any statement to make as to the reservations in this respect when Egypt ceases to be under the protectorate of the Crown?

I have received the resolution. I need hardly say that the Air Council were already fully alive to the importance of this matter, but they welcome the resolution of the Air Conference as helping to stimulate public I interest in the new and difficult problems of British air power. The House will readily understand that I am unable, at the present time, to make any statement as to the policy of His Majesty's Government in Egypt.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what has been the total cost of the aerodrome in Felt-well, Norfolk; how long is it since it was last used; is it going to decay; and what is proposed to be done with it?

I have been asked to answer this question. I understand from the Air Ministry that the total cost incurred in connection with the aerodrome at Feltwell was approximately £204,000, but this sum represents considerably more than the cost of the buildings which have been notified to the Disposal Board for sale and has no relation to the present market value of the buildings. The aerodrome ceased to be used on the 26th, March last and was notified to the Disposal Board on the 10th April. In accordance with the usual practice of the Department the buildings were then offered to the landowner and to the Local Authorities for housing purposes, but neither of these parties would entertain the offer. The buildings were then advertised for sale in situ, but, no sale having been effected, they will now be disposed of for removal. All unoccupied buildings suffer to a certain extent from the weather, but no exceptional damage has occurred in this case.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been called to a meeting of representatives of 273 Scottish Parish Councils, held at Glasgow on 29th September last, at which a resolution was unanimously passed calling upon the Government to redress the grievances of these councils in the matter of rating under the Education Act, 1918, or to repeal that Act; if he is aware that some of the Councils have refused to levy the very high rate called for; and what he proposes to do?

My attention has been called to the meeting and to the resolution. I am not prepared under any circumstances to take steps to repeal the Education Act, 1918. The main increases in expenditure are not attributable to that Statute. I am, however, prepared to consider any statement of the grievances complained of, together with any specific proposals for their redress that may be put before me on behalf of the councils. I understand that very few of the councils have refused to levy a rate. I am advised that they are bound to rate for the sum allocated and apportioned upon them by the Education Authority of their area in terms of Section 13 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, and that, in the event of their persisting in their refusal, proceedings may be taken against them under Section 87 of the Poor Law (Scotland) Act, 1845.

Is it not a fact that this new Education Act has greatly increased the educational standard in Scotland, and has made the education problem much more easy by removing the grievance of the Roman Catholic population of that country?

That is certainly in accordance with my information, and I may perhaps be permitted to add that in criticism of the expense of the Education Act it is often forgotten that the entire cost of the voluntary schools in Scotland has now been taken over and is borne by the public authority, and that that to a large extent accounts for the increased cost of working the education of that country.

With regard to the cost, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many parishes the discrepancy between the cost in 1918 and 1919 is very great; that, for instance, in the parish of Gargunnock the cost, which was £6 per scholar, is now £36; that in another place the cost was 12s. 9d., and is now £8; and does he think that the poor country parishes in Scotland can possibly stand an expenditure of that kind?

I cannot possibly deal without notice with specific cases, but I am well aware that there are hard cases. In regard to these cases, I have issued the invitation which was contained in my answer, namely, that I am prepared to consider them with a view to finding a remedy, if possible.

But is it not the case that they are all hard cases? Those I have given are only typical cases of what happens in the whole of the parishes.

My hon. Friend has forgotten that the public services in Scotland, as in England, have increased enormously, quite apart from this Department.

But is not the Education Act one of the main causes of the increase?

I do not think so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these parishes are rich parishes and able to contribute their fair share of the education rates?

That is quite true in many cases.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that a horse affected with or suspected of parasitic mange was on 17th March, 1919, sold by Mr. James Halliday, farmer, Parks Farm, Kirkpatrick Juxta, Dumfriesshire, to Mr. John Lowther, March House, Beattock, and consigned by the latter to Glasgow market, where it was exposed for sale on 19th March, 1919, and purchased by Mr. William M'Crindle; whether the Chief Constable of Dumfriesshire reported to the local authority of the county in April last James and Thomas H. Halliday, farmers, Parks Farm, Kirkpatrick Juxta, Dumfriesshire, for contravening the Parasitic Mange Order, 1911, Article 2 thereof; whether the local authority of Dumfriesshire declined or refrained from prosecuting Messrs. Halliday; and if he will investigate the circumstances of this case and call on the said local authority to explain and justify their refusal to fulfil their statutory duty under the Parasitic Mange Order, 1911.

The facts of the case, which are substantially as stated, were brought to the notice of the Ministry in March, 1920, by the Glasgow local authority. The local authority of Dumfriesshire refrained from prosecuting Messrs. Halliday on account of the difficulties which had arisen as regards expenses incurred in connection with the institution of legal proceedings under the Diseases of Animals Acts. The Ministry regrets that such a position should have arisen, but the difficulties referred to have now been removed, and it is not anticipated that the local authority of Dumfriesshire will fail to carry out their statutory duties in this respect in the future.

But if they refuse to carry them out, what is to be done? Is a local authority, for the sake of a few shillings in legal expenses, not to take action in a dangerous case like this, affecting the whole live stock of a large community? Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the mere question of expense is an adequate excuse, and will he bring these authorities under some power of construction to compel them to execute their duties? It would be a much better expenditure than some of the expenditure on education.

I have already stated that the difficulties which arose have been adjusted. The Ministry has power, where a local authority refuses to act, to act itself. It did not consider it necessary to do so in this particular instance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Professor Schulze-Gaevernitz, Dr. Patzauer, Herr K. Schlesinger, ex-enemy aliens, were given permission to come to England to attend the recent International Economic Conference under the chairmanship of the right hon. Lord Parmoor, and why Herr Walther Rathenau was refused permission to attend the conference?

When it was originally arranged that former alien enemies should be admitted to this country to attend these conferences, it was stipulated that the names should be submitted beforehand and that any person to whom objection was taken might be refused admission. On this occasion the first two persons named in the question were admitted, the third did not apply to come and the fourth was refused. I do not think it desirable to discuss the reasons for admission or rejection.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he does not think it advisable to state in the public interest why a German like Rathenau was refused permission and why he was differentiated against, in view of his respectable political past and so on; and does he not think it desirable to explain further why a distinguished man of an ex-enemy country like this was not permitted to come when the others were?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary if he is in a position to make any definite statement as to whether the Government intends to adopt the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Workmen's Compensation with special regard to the claims of the share fishermen?

I regret I am not in a position to make any definite statement. The question is being carefully considered in consultation with other Departments concerned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to introduce this Session a Bill embodying the recommendations contained in the Report of the Departmental Committee on Workmen's Compensation?

The Government are anxious to deal with this subject at the earliest opportunity, but, as the hon. Member knows, the recommendations of the Committee involve important changes in the existing system, and I am afraid it will scarcely be practicable in present circumstances to undertake legislation at this period of the Session.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Chief Inspector Edward Parker, of the special branch of the Criminal Investigation Department, called on Messrs. Frowde, of 244, Old Kent Road, Bermondsey, on the 28th and 29th September, and made a number of inquiries of the partners; that he asked for their private addresses, how long they had been in business, whether they printed the "Bermondsey Labour News," what other printing they did, and whether they were trade unionists; what is the purpose of these inquiries, and who instructed that these inquiries were to be made; whether a chief inspector or any other member of the police forces has any authority to ask individuals whether they are members of a trade union; and whether the instructions relating to such inquiries will be laid upon the Table?

The inquiries were made on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, in connection with an article which had appeared in the "Bermondsey Labour News"; but no question was asked as to whether Messrs. Frowde were trade unionists.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the pamphlets of an anti-Jewish nature published by an organisation calling itself the Britons; and whether he proposes to take any action with regard to them?

I have not seen the pamphlets nor heard of the organisation referred to. If the hon. Member will give me any information I will consider it.

asked the Home Secretary whether the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Acts preclude pensioned police officers, other than those of the Metropolitan, from being candidates for city or borough councils of the areas in which they performed duty; and, if so, will he consider the introduction of a Bill at an early date to amend the existing statutes so that this disability may be removed and full citizen rights extended to men who are fitted by then-public service to engage in local government?

I am not aware of any provision that precludes a police pensioner from being elected to a town council.