asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps can be taken to assist, financial or otherwise, on their home journey the British refugees, especially women, who are still occasionally escaping, ill and penniless, from Bolshevist Russia?

His Hajesty's representative at Helsingfors and His Majesty's High Commissioner at Constantinople make all the arrangements necessary for sending to the United Kingdom at the expense of His Majesty's Government any British refugees who leave Russia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether M. Kryssin, one of the three directors of the All-Russian Co-operative Society, who has been domiciled in the United Kingdom for some years, is identical with the Basil A. Kryssin, who was formerly associated with Litvinoff and was put under arrest in September, 1918, for reasons similar to those which led to M. Litvinoff's deportation?

The answer is in the affirmative.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether, in view of the fact that his answer is in the affirmative, it is the policy of the Government to allow what is more or less a propaganda bureau to be run by a notorious Communist in this country?

I cannot accept that description.

Is it not a fact that this bureau was started by Glichko, that the second director, M. Rosovsky, who has been sent back, is a notorious Communist, and that the other director is a woman associated with Rosovsky?

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, is it usual in the practice of this House to attack members attached to a foreign mission who are enjoying the hospitality of his Majesty's Government?

It depends on the conduct of the particular persons in question, and how far His Majesty's Government will enter into negotiations with them. If that be so—I am not quite certain whether it is—surely it is not improper to ask as to the activities which those persons are carrying on.

Is it open to hon. Members of this House to attack members of any foreign mission of any country?

Is it not a fact that the other member of this mission, M. Kameneff, was sent back because of certain events which transpired, but that the Government approved of M. Kryssin, and therefore the point does not arise?

I really do not know. That question should be addressed to the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Is it not a fact that this mission is entirely unrecognised, and that therefore it has no official position?

Is it not more praiseworthy to attack foreign Communists than the Government of your own country?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement as to the military position of General Wrangel?

On the 11th November the Soviet troops broke through the last line of General Wrangel's defences in the north of the Crimea and advanced rapidly. Djankoi was captured on the 12th November, Simferopol on the 13th November. According to Press reports, Sebastopol has been occupied by the Soviet troops. The latest news I have is that General Wrangel and his staff are leaving the Crimea on the Russian cruiser "Kornilov." As regards the details of the fighting since the Soviet Red Army attacked in the Crimea, I have no information from official sources to supplement the accounts published in the Press.

Have we a military mission with General Wrangel, and what has happened to the members of it?

I think we have two officers, but I have not received any special report from them. I imagine events have been moving very rapidly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman now pinning his faith to General Balahovitch?

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to requisition the services of General Wrangel, and send him over to Ireland to keep company with General Tudor in his work of burning down houses and destroying property?

General Wrangel is not burning down houses, but the unfortunate people who have hitherto been protected by his army will now be liable to the vilest persecution.

asked the Home Secretary if he can give any information as to the identity, whereabouts, or disposal of the £75,000 alleged to have been sent by the emissaries of the Soviet government of Russia to the "Daily Herald," and alleged to have been declined by the directors of that paper?

My information is that rather more than £40,000 out of the £75,000 were the proceeds of a sale of precious stones sent over by the Soviet Government, and that this sum was invested in Exchequer Bonds by Mr. Francis Meynell, then a director of the "Daily Herald." It is not known what has been done with the bonds.

Is it the intention of the Government to attach and confiscate these funds which were sent into this country for propaganda purposes, and will the right hon. Gentleman say what methods are adopted in the United States and France to deal with similar moneys?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make investigations as to where the money comes from that supports the Government papers in this country?

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the first part of my question.

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether all British prisoners have now been released from Russia; and when trade will be permitted between Russia and the British Empire?

We are informed that there are still a number of British subjects in regard to whom no information has been received, and we are in communication with the Soviet Government on the subject. I hope that it will soon be possible to make a statement on the subject of trade negotiations, probably in the course of a week.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the understanding signed on the 7th of July was not to the effect that the prisoners should be released simultaneously with the opening up of trade with Russia; and that in any case, in view of the fact that the great bulk of the prisoners have been released, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the ten months' delay has been too long in view of the parlous state of trade?

Is it not a fact that there is nothing to prevent people trading with Russia at the present time, if they are prepared to take the risk, and almost the certainty of not getting paid?

I did not say definitely that the statement would be made within a week. I think the position of the Government has been made clear to the House. We have undertaken to resume trade negotiations if certain conditions are complied with; and one of those conditions is the immediate release of the British prisoners. I hope the conditions will be so far fulfilled within a week as to enable us to make a statement.

What is the number approximately of the prisoners still detained?

We do not know. We have given the Soviet Government the names of a certain number about whom we have no information, and have asked for information. If the Soviet Government, as I trust, try to fulfil their engagement to release all prisoners, we hope to be in a position to resume trade relations.

Have any reports been received from the prisoners as to their treatment in Russia, and will the information be communicated to the House?

I should like notice of that question. I do not know of any reports of the kind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information as to cases in which trade licences have been refused?

I certainly require notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many treaties and agreements have been registered with the League of Nations since its inauguration; how many of such treaties and agreements have been published; and whether, in such case, the complete text has been registered or published?

Sixteen treaties and international engagements of various kinds have up to the present been registered with the Secretariat of the League of Nations by His Majesty's Government. The complete texts have been communicated in every case. The duty of publication rests, of course, with the Secretariat-General of the League, and I have no information as to the number of treaties, etc., already published by the League, nor as to the number of treaties registered with the League by foreign Governments.

May we assume that it is in the discretion of the Secretariat to publish or not?

I think that is so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he will call for a report on the extent of the occupation of land in Sicily by the agricultural workers and whether their seizure of the land has been sanctioned by the Italian Government?

I am prepared to ask H.M. Ambassador at Rome to obtain such information as he can from the Italian authorities as to the extent of land occupied. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Bedwelty (Mr. Charles Edwards) on 9th November.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the grant of increased travelling allowances to Territorial Army instructors would apply to only an extremely small number of Regular soldiers, looking to the fact that the great bulk of the rest of the Army are housed in barracks and no travelling is involved; with regard to associations having authority to rent, purchase, or construct accommodation for Territorial instructors, whether he is aware that every case has to be referred to the War Office for special authority, that delay must ensue, with the almost inevitable result that the opportunity would be lost, so great being the demand for property of the description required; and whether, in view of the inadequacy of the ordinary lodging allowances authorised by the allowance regulations to Territorial Army instructors, he will authorise an increase for those men whose duties lie in London?

The number of Regular soldiers, other than permanent staff instructors, on the lodging list is at least as many as the permanent staff instructors on the lodging list. As regards the purchase or renting of accommodation, when this proves necessary, in cases of urgency all the necessary particulars can be furnished in a telegram, and this is frequently done. Territorial Force County Associations have the power to secure that instructors are not out of pocket on account of necessary expenses of accommodation in excess of their lodging allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men still serving in France; and what was the expenditure under the War Office Votes incurred during the nine months to 30th September, 1920, in this connection?

The officers and other ranks at present serving in France number approximately 3,700. Figures for the total expenditure during the nine months to 30th September, during which period the numbers have been progressively reduced, are not available, but the present rate of expenditure, including the cost of local labour, is approximately £100,000 a month, a small portion of which is recoverable from the Disposal Board.

May I ask why it is that the expenditure up to the end of September is not available; can the War Office not get it?

I think so, but I am afraid I cannot answer that question without notice.

I will repeat the question this day week.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a claim for compensation in regard to the military occupation of Chapman's Yard, Northumberland Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne; whether the amount of the claim has been mutually agreed upon between Mr. Chapman and the Director-General of Lands; whether the matter has now been in abeyance for nearly two years; whether repeated applications by Mr. Chapman have met with no response and numerous letters have remained unanswered; and if he will see that this admitted claim is promptly paid.

I am informed that a claim in this case has been received, which includes items for rent, dilapidations and loss of profits, but the figures are not agreed by the Department, and the claim has therefore to be referred to the War Compensation Court. It is expected that it will be placed before the court for hearing within the next fourteen days. I understand that it was not until the 5th July, 1920, that Mr. Chapman submitted his claim in proper form, and that no letters from Mr. Chapman have remained unanswered so far as the War Office is concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of officers and other ranks who are on duty with military missions in Europe?

There are at present 23 officers and 41 other ranks on duty with military missions in Europe.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he intends to complete the scheme for building barracks at Durham, in order that the Durham Light Infantry may have a depot within their own county?

The scheme referred to will be proceeded with as soon as the financial situation permits, but at present no funds are available for the purpose.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the County of Durham raised 43 battalions during the War out of a population of 1,500,000, and does he not think it would encourage recruiting to establish a depot of this famous regiment inside their own county?

The services of the County of Durham are well recognised in the War Office, and it is the intention to establish this depot, this barracks, as soon as the finances are available, but the hon. Member knows that it is not desirable to spend money unnecessarily at the present moment. It will be put in hand as soon as circumstances permit.

Could any expenditure be more necessary than the comparatively small amount required to build a barracks in Durham?

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the cost of transferring general headquarters in Cairo from the Savoy Hotel to Abbassia; what further sum it cost a few weeks later to move it back to Cairo and place it in the Eden Palace Hotel; and what rent is now paid for this hotel?

I am already making enquiries into this matter, and will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result as soon as possible.

May I put the question down again for this day week?

I cannot say whether the answer will be available then, but if the hon. Member puts the question down, I will endeavour to answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total cost involved in the preparation of the Army List?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 2nd November to the hon. Member for Frome, to which I have nothing to add.

Is there any reason that advertisements should not be received to lessen the cost of production?

I do not know any reason; but if the hon. Gentleman will write to me, I will ascertain for him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet had a report regarding Private W. Garton, No. 4335983, of the 1st East Yorkshire Regiment, at present stationed at Mullingar, who has been refused discharge by purchase; and whether he is aware that Private Garton is the only son and principal support of a widowed mother who lost her husband in the War, and that his mother raised the purchase money for his discharge with great difficulty and sacrifice?

I have now received a report from the military authorities in Ireland, who state that they have investigated the case, and do not consider the circumstances are such as to warrant the discharge of Private Garton by purchase.

Who in a case like this decides whether compassionate grounds are sufficient to release a man; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a case where there is a widowed mother and two invalid sisters, and this youth is the main support, and is it possible to have this case considered?

The decision rests with the commanding officer of the district in Ireland. The case has been considered very fully first of all on compassionate grounds which were found to be insufficient; and secondly, on the ground of discharge by purchase, and again the grounds were considered insufficient.

Is this matter left to the discretion or the whim of the commanding officer?

These various grounds are fully considered by the officer.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the motion for Adjournment to-night.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a Committee of Inquiry has been investigating the general management of the Navy and Army Canteen Board, with special reference to the disposal of surplus stocks; whether surplus stocks have been sold at less than market value; and whether it is the intention of his Department to publish the Report of this Inquiry?

For the information of the Army Council an inquiry was ordered into matters connected with allegations contained in questions asked in the House regarding the disposal of surplus stocks by the Navy and Army Canteen Board. The investigation has now been completed, and a Report will be made to the Army Council at an early date.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the stocks are not disposed of as to interfere with the accumulated stocks which are being sold by private firms?

No, Sir; I think the business of the Board is to sell stocks to the best possible advantage.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if these stocks are too suddenly placed on the market there is no particular advantage to the taxpaying public, it may be considerably to the detriment of the holder of private stocks?

Well, Sir, I do not think there is any reason to fear that those stocks are being sold in an unusual way. The endeavour is to sell them at the best possible price. I am quite aware of the fact that too much on the market at once depresses the market, but I think it may be left to those concerned to use their discretion.

May I ask if the Report will be published?

I think not. I think it is a private Report to the Army Council, asked for by them, and I do not suppose anyone else knows what is in it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the publication of this Report?

I will lay the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Gentleman before the Army Council.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office if he can give any information regarding the position of employment and proposed discharges at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, and what progress has been made in providing alternative work?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the growing apprehension of the workpeople and the general community in Woolwich as a result of the continuous discharges; and whether any forms of alternative work are contemplated that would open the machine shops already closed?

The War Office is aware of the apprenhensions referred to. There are still about 19,200 persons employed in all departments at Woolwich Arsenal as compared with 13,700 before the War, while the ample amount of military equipment in store reduces the amount of production required. The position is difficult, but while further discharges are unavoidable, every effort is being made to minimise them during the coming winter by obtaining alternative civilian work. This has relieved the situation in the ordnance factory department, and it is hoped that the number of men it will be necessary to discharge from that department during the winter will be small. This is irrespective of discharges arising from substitutions, so far as it may be possible, of ex-soldiers now employed in other departments for men engaged during the War. There is a considerable surplus of such ex-soldiers in the inspection and other departments.

Have the Government now made up their minds definitely that they will insist upon the discharge of men over 60 years of age?

It never was the case that there was a decision to discharge the men over 60 years of age. There were certain men over 60 years of age who were less efficient whom it was necessary to discharge. The Government have to regard the interests of the different classes of men and also to maintain the efficiency of the Arsenal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an order was recently placed with a Warrington firm for 60 tons of barbed wire for Mesopotamia at £1,000 a ton; whether there is a large quantity of surplus barbed wire, the property of the Government, which has not yet been disposed of; and whether, such being the case, this could have been utilised instead of orders for new wire being given.

Certain purchases of barbed wire have recently had to be made, but neither the quantity nor the price quoted in the question are correct. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and the third part does not therefore arise.

May I ask why any barbed wire was bought and how much was bought?

I should require notice of the quantity.

And the price—can we have the price?

It is not usual, I believe, to give the prices paid by the Army Contracts Department, but the hon. Member has obviously transposed the figures, because barbed wire is worth something like £60 a ton, not £1,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the War Office made any inquiries, before this order was given, as to whether there was any barbed wire available out of old stores?

Is it the practice of the Department to co-ordinate with other Government Departments to ascertain, for instance, if they are buying a motor car, whether the Disposal Board have any?

Inquiry is made, and has been made in this case, of the Disposal Board as to whether there was any barbed wire available, and the answer was that there was not.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimate of the casualties suffered by the native population of Mesopotamia in fighting against our troops since the armistice with Turkey?

A total of 8,200 casualties to Arab insurgents during the recent rebellion between 1st July and the present date has been reported by the General Officer Commanding, Mesopotamia. The proportion of killed to wounded is estimated at one to three. No reports of any other Arab casualties have been received.

Having regard to the fact that the right hon. Gentleman said a week ago that these were not rebels, may I ask what difference there is between a rebel and an insurgent?

I never said anything of the sort. My hon. Friend asked, as a supplementary question, whether we intended to give the country back to the rebels, and I said that I had heard nothing of any proposal to give the country back to the rebels. That is all I said.

Back to the insurgents instead.

The policy of the Government is to set up an Arab State, an Arab Government, not formed out of the rebels, but out of those strong and responsible elements in the Arab community who, we believe, can control and guide their fellow-countrymen.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state what is the price paid for the Rolls-Royce chassis recently acquired by the War Office?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state what was the price paid for the 100 Rolls-Royce chassis ordered for military use in Mesopotamia and now being delivered?

There are objections, on grounds of public policy, to publishing the prices quoted by manufacturers to the War Office, and I regret that I am unable to give the information asked for in this case. I may mention, however, that a substantial rebate has been obtained on the ordinary retail price.

May I ask if the Department consulted the Disposal Board to find out whether there were any Rolla-Royce chassis available?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.

May I have an answer to my question?

The hon. Gentleman asks a question of which he has given no notice, and which does not arise directly out of the question on the Paper. If the hon. Member puts the question on the Paper, I will answer it.

Why does the question not arise as it deals with Rolls-Royce chassis for Mesopotamia?

Is it intended to send any of these to Mesopotamia now, having regard to the policy of the Government?

Yes, it is all the more necessary to send them now, as we hope to withdraw a great many troops, and to use those cars to get and keep the country in a state of order.

Will not the price of the chassis appear in the Estimates which the War Office must present to this House; if so, why not give the price now?

Are we to understand that we are going to be permanently responsible for keeping order in Mesopotamia, after the troops have been withdrawn?

This subject has to be debated. I certainly do not understand that the troops will go away, and leave the country to go to wreck and ruin. What we wish to do is to set up an Arab Government, like many of the Governments we have set up, and offer it a certain amount of aid.

Can I not have an answer to my question? Is it not the fact that the price of these chassis must appear on the Estimates which we must approve?

I do not think it is the practice. I do not think the price will appear, and the reasons which prevent the price appearing prevent me from giving an answer now. If the price will appear, then of course the hon. Member will get the information.

I will move to reduce the Army Estimates by the price of the chassis.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the estimates given of the monthly expenditure on military purposes in Mesopotamia, namely, £2,500,000, is an inclusive figure covering the proportion of the cost of the 100 Rolls-Royce chassis ordered for that country, engineering works carried out for the purpose of military operations, whether by soldiers or civilians, medical service, and all expenditure directly or indirectly connected with the military operations and garrisoning of the country; and, if not, what is the said inclusive figure?

The £2,500,000 a month includes the cost of the Rolls-Royce chassis referred to, but not capital expenditure on works and land. The latest estimate of expenditure on the last two items during the current financial year is approximately £1,000,000.

Is it not the case that the Rolls-Royce cars sold by the Disposal Board fetched a better price than the new cars that have been now bought for the War Office, because they were sold at the top of the market, whereas the new cars have been bought cheaper, and a profit has been made by the Disposal Board?

Is it not a fact that the only possible way to reduce military expenditure in Mesopotamia is by enormously increasing the means of transport between the various units in that country?

Both of these supplementary questions are extremely well-founded and extremely well-intentioned!

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to send any Black and Tans to Mesopotamia?

No, Sir; their services are at present fully engaged.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his Budget Estimate of £21,600,000 for the expedition in connection with the Mesopotamia garrison was based on the possibility of reducing the garrison in the course of the year; whether the garrison has not been reduced but, on the contrary, increased by over 30,000 men; and whether he is satisfied that the present rate of expenditure in Mesopotamia does not exceed £2,500,000 a month?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the strength of the garrison is about 30,000 above what on 1st April last I estimated it would be, but it is only about 20,000 above the actual strength on that date. The best estimate I can give of the present rate of expenditure, exclusive of capital, is £2,500,000 a month.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea of the capital expenditure?

I have said, in the course of a reply to another question, that the capital expenditure on this account is estimated at about £1,000,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of an early cessation of hostilities in Mesopotamia, so avoiding the continued loss of valuable lives?

I am afraid, Sir, I could not—any immediate cessation. I had hoped that the garrison would have been greatly reduced below the figure previously given, even by this time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Leader of the House his own urgent desire to make a full statement on the matter?

It is already settled that there is to be a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the military authorities are refusing to allow the Highworth Rural District Council to obtain water for their new houses at Chiseldon from the Chiseldon camp water supply, although they had previously agreed to do so; that this action is delaying the council's housing scheme at Chiseldon and will, if persisted in, involve the district in great additional expense, part of whch will fall on the War Department as ratepayers in respect of Chiseldon Camp; and if he will cause inquiries to be made into the matter?

Certain negotiations regarding the size of the connection have been necessary in order to safeguard the water supply to the camp. An agreement has now been reached on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many times since the 30th June last soldiers on military duty in Ireland in motor cars or lorries have been attacked by men in ambush; how many soldiers have in consequence been killed; how many soldiers wounded; how many soldiers captured or disarmed; how many rifles and how much ammunition secured by the attackers; and can he give any assurance to the effect that military motor cars and lorries conveying men on dangerous services will in future be provided with more adequate protection for the vital parts of their mechanism and for the persons they carry and will be equipped with machine guns?

Soldiers on military duty in Ireland travelling in motor cars or lorries have been attacked by rebels on 99 occasions since the 30th June last. In consequence, 30 soldiers have been killed, 90 soldiers have been wounded, and 98 soldiers have been captured or disarmed; and it is believed that heavy losses have also been inflicted on the rebels. The attackers have secured 35 rifles, two Hotchkiss guns, and 4,000 rounds of ammunition. As regards the last part of the question, as I stated on 28th October, in reply to the hon. Member, the question of the provision of armoured cars for use in Ireland is very seriously engaging the attention of the military authorities. Large numbers, armed with machine guns, are already in Ireland, and steps are being taken to effect a considerable increase in these numbers. In addition, large quantities of protective material for motor cars and lorries are being sent.

May I ask why these quantities of technical material were not sent after the first attack instead of waiting till 99 had taken place?

We have steadily increased the number of armoured cars in Ireland and the number of motor vehicles. That has been the policy pursued without cessation during the last five or six months, and, having supplied as many armoured vehicles as possible, we are now supplying sheets of armour to be put on vehicles which are only occasionally used for the transport of men.

May I ask, apart from the question of giving armoured cars, is it not possible for some better tactical dispositions to be made so as to prevent the constantly recurring attacks upon police, apparently in isolated motor cars, in which in nearly every case they lose their lives?

Odd as it may seem, this aspect of the question has engaged the attention of the military authorities. They have had every possible support from the Government and everything they have asked for we have, to the best of our ability, supplied. We have taught them to ask for anything they require, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made sure that no financial difficulties stand in the way of supplying the troops in Ireland with what they require. On the whole the results are not unsatisfactory.

May I ask for a reply to my first supplementary question as to why this material was not sent after the first attack instead of waiting till 99 had taken place?

So far as that is a question we have continuously taken the measures which the military authorities thought necessary, and in so far as it is a criticism it can be raised in debate.

In view of the great number of spies in every quarter of Ireland will the right, hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of never issuing orders as to destinations until the morning of the day of the journey?

After five years of the most terrible war that has ever taken place, I think we might trust the military authorities in the exercise of ordinary commonsense which you would expect from a young captain in command of troops.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all the troops in Ireland are in barracks or whether some are billeted in private houses; if the latter, what method is followed in the selection of these houses; and what compensation is paid to the owners or occupiers?

I am informed that some troops in Ireland are accommodated in hired public and private buildings. They are not billeted in the ordinary sense of the word. The buildings are selected according to the military necessities of the situation and with a view to causing as little disturbance to owners as possible. Claims to compensation by owners or occupiers are considered and dealt with on their merits.

Do I understand that these soldiers rent houses and pay rent for them, and if so, is it not rather against Irish custom and sentiment?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many courts-martial have been held for soldiers alleged to be concerned in reprisals in Ireland; and what were the results?

I am informed that no trials have been held on soldiers for being concerned in alleged reprisals. Trials have been held, and other action has been taken where soldiers have been guilty of offences against discipline on occasions when such allegations have been made against them, but it has never been proved that any individual soldier has actually taken any part in such reprisals.

Is it not the object of the court-martial to find out if there is any proof?

(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the wilful burning and destruction of five houses in the town of Tipperary yesterday morning by men armed with rifles, and whether he has any statement to make about this latest outrage?

I have received a telegraphic report stating that five houses were burned yesterday morning in the town of Tipperary. The local police have no knowledge as to the persons responsible, but they are making inquiries.

(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if it be a fact that, in the inquiry on the death by shooting of the 12-year-old girl, Annie O'Neill, in Dublin, a coroner's inquest was refused, and whether, at the military court, the bereaved mother, who wished to be legally represented by her solicitor, was refused this request, and her solicitor denied admission to the court?

A Court of Inquiry in lieu of inquest was held in this case. The court was held yesterday, and the proceedings have not yet been confirmed, and in the meantime I am not in a position to give any information as to the alleged refusal of legal representation or as to the evidence which was given at the inquiry. With regard to the last part of the question, I can only repeat what I stated in the House yesterday, that so long as the armed forces of the Crown are liable to attack by assassins, unfortunate tragedies such as the present one are inevitable.

Is it not a fact that the statements which are contained in my question with regard to the refusal to admit the solicitor to the court have been published in practically all the Press of the country, and how is it that the right hon. Gentleman is not able to obtain information about a fact which is known to everyone in the world except, apparently, himself?

I got the hon. Member's Private Notice question just-after 12 o'clock, and wired over at once and asked for a detailed answer; and I have read the answer I have received from Dublin Castle. I regret that it is not the fullest posible answer to the hon. Member, but I have done the best I can.

Are these Courts of Inquiry open to the Press?

The rule about Courts of Inquiry held in lieu of inquest is that whether they are open to the Press or the public is a matter for the discretion of the court, and the reason that moves the court to make them open or to close them is the safety of the witnesses.

How would the safety of the witnesses be involved in a case of this character, where this little girl was murdered—killed—[Interruption.] I am asking the Chief Secretary and not you (Sir W. Joynson-Hicks). May I ask the right hon. Gentleman how the safety of witnesses would be involved in the opening of this Court to the Press and the public, so that the public and the Press may clearly understand who was to blame for the killing of this child?

May I ask whether, in the case of the inquiry with regard to Mrs. Quinn, the other unfortunate victim of these events, in a part of the country where there has, I believe, been some recent disturbance, the public, including the legal representatives, I think, of the husband of the woman who had been killed, were admitted, and what can be the distinction between an inquiry with regard to this girl and an inquiry into the death of Mrs. Quinn, where in most cases all the evidence must be given by persons connected with the unfortunate woman or child who have been killed?

How does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile the answer he has just given with the assurance he has already given to the House of Commons, that

"there is always an inquest into the death of a person found dead in Ireland. I will see that the inquest is held in public, as most inquests are; in fact, as far as I know, all inquests are held in public."

The hon. Member (Mr. Devlin) raises the question of a military inquiry in lieu of an inquest at Dublin, and the hon. Member (Mr. O'Connor) raises the question of a military inquiry in lieu of an inquest in Galway. They were two different Courts.

That was not my point.

I follow your point. My answer is generally that these military inquiries in lieu of inquests are held in public. They can always be held in public at the discretion of the officer of the Court. I cannot and will not interfere with the discretion of these officers if they see fit to exclude the public, but I am certain they never exclude the public without good reason, involving the security of the lives of witnesses.

Are we to understand that when soldiers are charged after killing innocent civilians the only tribunal before which these charges are investigated is a military Court, and the military Court decides that the Press is not to be admitted?

The answer is No.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question? Does he still adhere to the statement he made in this House three weeks ago that there is always a public inquest into every case of a person found dead in Ireland?

I can only repeat what I have said. In certain parts of Ireland there are still inquests, mainly held by a Coroner with a jury. In other parts, for reasons of disturbance, and the certainty of not getting an impartial jury, we have set up, according to the Act passed by Parliament, military Courts of inquiry. In these I have every confidence.

We do not care whether you have or not.

But I think the House of Commons cares.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, in consequence of the portable drills that have been introduced in lead mines during the last few years, the vibration of working such drills is such that it creates paralysis of the shoulder muscles; that a number of men suffer from neuritis due to working the hand-drill; that the Non-Ferrous Metal Council agreed that the disease should come under the schedule of industrial diseases, and that compensation should be paid to men suffering from paralysis, beat hand or knee, and silicosis; and if he will take action in the matter?

I have no information to the effect suggested in the first two parts of the ques- tion, and as regards the third part I understand that the Non-Ferrous Mining Interim Industrial Committee, to which the hon. Member no doubt refers, have not come to any agreement as suggested, there being a conflict of opinion between the employers' and workers' representatives. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the cases of paralysis or neuritis attributed to the use of the drills, and also of any cases of silicosis among lead miners, I shall be glad to make inquiry into the matter. Beat hand and miners' beat knee are already scheduled as industrial diseases under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give the figures showing the expenditure on education and construction, respectively, for the reformatory and industrial schools during the years 1917 to 1919, inclusive, and the estimated and actual cost incurred under the new educational and constructional programme suggested in a circular memorandum by Dr. Norris, of which the salient features have been adopted by his Department; and whether he will circulate the said memorandum to Members of the House, and say what reasons have been adduced to prove the necessity for these reforms?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will have the answer printed in the OFFICIAL RKPORT. I shall be glad to send a copy of Dr. Norris's letter to any hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether any experiments have been carried out with a view to the institution of a special branch of the police force for road traffic mounted on some form of motor vehicle; and, if so, whether he can yet say whether he considers that the formation of such a branch would be desirable from the point of view of economy and efficiency?

The Commissioner reports that he has this matter under consideration, and hopes to submit a report to me. It requires exhaustive consideration.

Are we to understand that experiments have been carried out?

Yes, experiments have been carried out.

asked the Home Secretary how many controls were instituted between a.m. 13th November, 1920, and p.m. 15th November, 1920, by the Metropolitan Police for detecting infringements of the speed limit and for detecting cases of dangerous driving, respectively, and with what success; and how many cases of dangerous driving were reported by the officers employed on ordinary or point duty during the same period?

During the week-end in question one control was worked for detecting infringements of the speed limit and nine controls for detecting offences other than speed. Three cases of excessive speed and eight other cases were reported. One case of dangerous driving was reported by police on ordinary duty, and six cases by police on point duty.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet had a reply from the employers whether they accept the Report of the Shuttle-kissing Committee; and, if not, whether he will at once take steps, in view of the long delay involved by the employers in dealing with this question, and in view of the unanimous desire of the workers, as expressed by Resolution, that the practice of shuttle-kissing should be abolished, to issue regulations immediately prohibiting such a practice?

A conference was recently held between the factory department and representatives of the Employers' Association, at which the latter stated that while in the absence of any definite evidence they objected to the practice being certified as injurious to health and prohibited by Order, their Association would be prepared to recommend its members to provide hand-threaded shuttles for use wherever practicable, on condition that the operatives on their side furnished an assurance that the shuttles so provided would be used by the workers. A further conference is being arranged at which both sides will be represented, and I hope that it will result in a satisfactory settlement. As regards the latter part of the question, I may point out that, as the Act stands, I have no power to propose a Regulation prohibiting shuttle-kissing, unless I am satisfied that it is injurious to health, and that the representatives of the Home Office and the Local Government Board, who were appointed in 1911 to inquire into this question, reported that in no instance had they found any proof of disease having been transmitted by this practice.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that in a large number of cases, especially during the Long Vacation, prisoners are kept in custody many months before being brought to trial; whether this means that innocent persons suffer a long imprisonment; and whether he will consider the advisability of introducing such reforms as will remove this injustice.

I fully recognise the hardship that may ensue from a committal for trial months before the trial can take place, but I regret that I can say no more than that the whole subject will receive consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain common jurors in Devon and elsewhere have refused to serve on juries; whether he is aware of the serious hardship which service on juries now imposes; and whether he will introduce legislation embodying the recommendations of Lord Mersey's Departmental Committee on the subject?

I have not heard of any refusal to serve on juries; but I am well aware that jury service may be sometimes a considerable burden, and I should be glad if it could be in any way lightened without detriment to the public interest. I regret that it is not possible to introduce legislation for this purpose at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the increase in pre-war pensions to Army and Navy and other State pensioners, due as from 1st April last, has not in a large number of cases been paid; whether he is aware that many of these pensioners are suffering great privations; whether it is necessary that each pensioner shall make formal application for such increase; and whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to ensure the payment of both pensions and arrears immediately?

There is still, I am sorry to say, a considerable number of unpaid cases. Forms of application were sent out as soon as available to all pensioners affected, and all unpaid cases are under investigation. Of these, a great number are found to involve inquiries with other Departments, but every effort is being made to deal with them as rapidly as possible.

Have the pre-War widows been paid their pensions?

I could not say without notice.

In cases where a pensioner has not received an application form, where will he have to apply for it?

If he is connected with the Army he will have to apply to the War Office; if he is connected with the Navy, the Admiralty.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state the response which has been made within Greater London to his offer of half-finance on the initiation of relief work for the unemployed; whether any schemes have been actually started; and what steps he is taking to expedite their inception?

The London County Council have accepted the Government's offer of 50 per cent., and are proceeding immediately with several items of the arterial road programme. Negotiations in regard to other similar schemes have reached an advanced stage, and every possible step is being taken to expedite them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many boroughs in London there are no arterial roads to be constructed, and will the Government allow some grant for work to be carried out on ordinary road repairs?

I am afraid if there no arterial roads the boroughs in question will have to take the consequences.

Are we to understand that if there are no arterial roads those particular boroughs are not to receive any benefit from the grant made by the Government?

Many boroughs have been classified for assistance. It is quite obvious that this is special work, and some special arrangement must be made.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government still refuses the formal abolition of the protectorate over Egypt; and what are the estimated reinforcements to the garrison of Egypt which will have to be sent as a result of their refusal?

asked the Lord Privy Seal, if the Cabinet have under consideration any proposals for conferring self-government on Egypt; if so, by whom were such proposals drawn up and to what territories do they relate; and if the effect of these proposals has been communicated to the leaders of the Egyptian Nationalist party?

I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to a question on this subject on Wednesday last, except to say that the forces at present in Egypt are considered adequate, and that no increase in their number is in contemplation.