asked the Minister of Pensions if the powers given to him under Section 2 of the War Pensions (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1919, to require information from employers for the purpose of ascertaining the pre-War earnings of a disabled soldier, were intended to insure that a disabled soldier should not suffer financial loss through his disability; and, if so, why Private Frederick Burgess, No. 205,173, Royal West Kents, is allowed a pension of only 12s. per week, seeing that a gunshot wound in his right hand prevents him from following his employment as a warper at a minimum wage of 66s. per week, and he has consequently had to accept light work from his pre-War employers at 40s. per week?

The object of the powers conferred on me by the Section quoted is to assist an applicant to establish his claim to alternative pension. In the particular case mentioned the man is in receipt of a flat rate pension and there is no record of an application for alternative pension having been made by him.

If an application is made will the right hon. Gentleman consider it?

Most certainly.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a decision has yet been arrived at regarding pensions for widows of officers in the Mercantile Marine who died whilst on service with the Admiralty, and if he can state approximately the number of such widows; and whether he is aware that, in view of the fact that the war risks associations, the Admiralty, and the owners refuse to countenance any claims for compensation or pensions, these widows are in great distress?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Widows of officers of the Mercantile Marine in the direct pay of the Admiralty, whose death can be proved to be attributable to or accelerated by service during the War, are entitled to pensions under the Injuries in War Compensation Acts, 1914. The widows of such of these officers as were employed under definite agreements to serve on any vessel for the duration of the War are granted pensions by the Ministry of Pensions at the same rates as those payable to widows of naval officers. The widows of officers not so serving are entitled to pensions under the Admiralty Scheme of Compensation framed under the Act mentioned, and approximately 120 of such pensions are at present in course of payment from naval funds.

Am I to understand from that that the widows of the men who served in the Mercantile Marine are entitled to a pension?

Yes, if they were in the direct pay of the Admiralty.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many of these widows are in great distress? Is he also aware of the very solemn pledge of the Prime Minister to the head of the seamen's organisation that the very first of the reparation money received from Germany should be given to that organisation, and will the hon. and gallant Gentleman undertake to remind the Prime Minister of his pledge?

I think that is quite unnecessary, because, as I said, all those who come under this are being dealt with.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many of these poor ladies are in great distress, and would not an augmentation of their pensions be very desirable?

Is it not the fact that these donations are only applicable to those having definite service under the Admiralty, and not generally to the Mercantile Service?

Quite.

That being so, may not the point put by my hon. and gallant Friend be worth consideration; what, too, may I ask, becomes of the promises as to reparation money being paid to the dependants of the deceased Mercantile Marine seamen who were not directly under the Admiralty?

Of course, the hon. Gentleman understands that I can only deal in my Department with those cases that come under the Admiralty.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I have two cases in hand where men of the Mercantile Marine lost their lives, and both the Admiralty and the owners refuse compensation, and that the widows are in poor circumstances?

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will state the number of officers' friends in the employ of his Department; the monthly expenditure incurred in the administration of this branch of his Department, including salaries; the average number of applicants per month to whom advice is given; and whether, in view of the fact that the printed instructions and information given to disabled officers are so explicit, he will consider the advisability of discontinuing this branch of the Ministry of Pensions?

The total number of officers' friends at Headquarters and in the Regions is 21. These officers are assisted by a small clerical staff. The monthly cost in salaries of these officers, including their staff, is £834. This amount is exclusive of necessary costs of accommodation, stationery, and typing. The average number of applicants per month at Headquarters, including those who apply personally and by letter, is 2,500. No figures are available of the numbers dealt with in the Regions, but it may be assumed that they are in proportion to that of Headquarters. Officers' friends perform useful work in visiting hospitals and institutions, where attention is given to wholly disabled officers. Advice and assistance are given in the preparation of claims, not only to serving and demobilised officers, but also to widows and nurses. Several Government Departments consult the Branch, and various organisations who interest themselves in the claims of disabled officers and widows approach it for advice and assistance. I do not consider that the Branch has outgrown its usefulness, but the staff is carefully reviewed at short intervals, and every economy that is possible, without impairment of efficiency, is effected.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether, taking into consideration the increased cost of living, ho is prepared to revise the allowances payable to disabled men receiving or willing to receive concurrent treatment and training, especially as these men have to reside away from home, and bring these allowances up to such a standard as will ensure the proper upkeep of the men's homes;

(2) whether he is aware that there are cases of disabled men having been granted concurrent treatment and training who have had to discontinue the same owing to the fact that the allowances payable are insufficient to meet the liabilities incurred in an ordinary household;

(3) whether he is aware that there are disabled men who are unable, owing to their disabilities, to follow their pre-War occupations and who would willingly accept concurrent treatment and training if the allowances payable were sufficient: and whether better results of such training would not occur if the allowances paid to the men were based at a standard that would enable the men to devote their minds to such training?

The Government have recently considered proposals for an addition to pensions and allowances and have decided that no increase can be sanctioned at present. I have no information that would support the suggestion that disabled men are either unwilling to undertake, or are failing to complete courses of concurrent treatment and training on the ground that the allowances granted are inadequate.

If I provided the right hon. Gentleman with such cases will he give sympathetic consideration to them?

Most certainly, Sir.

Is it not extremely important to give every encouragement to disabled men to undergo concurrent treatment and training?

There is no part of the functions of the Ministry that is so useful as this, and in answer to the hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Grundy), I may inform the House that many hundreds of men are awaiting the advantages of the treatment.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will give instructions that all discharged soldiers and sailors suffering from temporary loss of memory attributable to the recent War be re moved from all lunatic asylums and not detained therein or in Poor Law institutions, but housed and tended in proper hospitals?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle on the 15th November by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many applications for pensions have been submitted to the district commissioner of medical service acting at Ashton-under-Lyne by ex-service men who have been discharged more than six months and whose disability is tuberculosis; and how many applications have been successful?

I regret that I have not this information. The records of my Department are not kept in such a form as to enable me to answer my hon. Friend without causing a review of each case dealt with in the area.

May I submit to the right hon. Gentleman that there is a considerable amount of dissatisfaction prevailing in the area covered by the district of Ashton-under-Lyne, and justifiable dissatisfaction, and that unless we can get these statistics we can get no guide to the percentages of bonâ fide cases turned down; and if I give him notice will he try and get the information for my district?

If my hon. Friend will consult mo I shall be most happy to do what I can for him; but I would like to point out it will involve an enormous amount of additional labour.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps he is taking to expedite the provision of cottages and plots for ex-service men in Ireland who have applied for them?

The question whether any amending legislation or change in administrative procedure is necessary in order to expedite the working of the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919, is at present having my earnest consideration.

Are we to understand that the present machinery has broken down?

No, Sir; but it has been found that the tenders which have been put in for the erection of the various cottages are out of all proportion to the sum considered necessary for the purpose of erecting them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, if this legislation is to be introduced, it will be brought in immediately, because this question is one of very great importance to the ex-service men in Ireland, and there has been unaccountable delay?

Obviously it would be impossible to introduce legislation this Session, but the Chief Secretary is most anxious that everything should be done that is possible in the interests of these men.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to press the settlement of ex-service men on the land on the Ministry of Agriculture?

I have been in close touch during the last few months with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture with regard to this matter. I am informed that the Ministry of Agriculture have now received a further Treasury grant for their Land Settlement Schemes, and that this grant will be available for the settlement of suitable disabled ex-service men now under training, as well as for other applicants.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the percentage of disabled ex-service men employed in Government offices only amounts, two years after the conclusion of hostilities, to 10.50; that the percentage in the Customs and Excise is only 5.84; and whether, if the staffs of Departments are to be maintained at their present excessive figure, he will, at any rate, insist that the percentage of ex-service man shall be at least doubled within the next year?

On the 1st October last the ratios to the total staffs of the disabled ex-service men employed in Government offices were as stated. As regards the difference between the percentage for the Department of Customs and Excise and that for Government Departments generally, I would refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich on the, 4th ultimo. The percentage of disabled ex service men employed in Government offices as a whole is already more than double that which the Government has asked employers generally to adopt in connection with the National Roll. The question of the extended employment in Government Departments of ex-service men, disabled or otherwise, is being further considered by Lord Lytton's Committee, and His Majesty's Government must await the Report of that Committee before deciding what further steps could appropriately be taken to increase the percentage of ex-service men in Government Departments.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many prisoners in Ireland have been shot dead while trying to escape, according to police reports, up to the end of November of this year and during the present year; how many have been wounded; and how many of these were handcuffed at the time of their death or wounding?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the total number of persons who have been shot at in Ireland when attempting to escape from custody; and how many of such persons have been wounded and killed, respectively?

According to the police reports the number of prisoners fired at while attempting to escape from custody within the period from 1st January to 30th November, 1920, is 11. Of these nine were killed and two wounded. One of the prisoners killed and one of those wounded are stated to have been handcuffed while attempting to escape.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that when the bodies have been given to the relatives that in many cases those men have been found to be riddled with bullets through the head: how does he think that men can try to escape from police lorries; and can he inform me if all these cases have been investigated by a court of inquiry?

I must have notice of that question.

Can the Attorney-General say whether the figure he has quoted includes those shot dead on the allegation that they were attempting to resist arrest?

The question put to me was as to the number of men shot whilst attempting to escape from custody.

Surely the right hon. and learned Gentleman can say whether there has been an inquiry into these cases, in view of the very serious allegations made and reported in the newspapers throughout the country?

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that when General Lucas was captured, the officer who was captured with him attempted to escape, and was shot by the Sinn Feiners?

Also does the right hon. and learned Gentleman know that when General Lucas was released he stated that he had been treated with the greatest consideration by his captors?

We are getting a long way from the question on the Paper.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Sergeant James O'Donoghue, Royal Irish Constabulary, was murdered on the streets of Cork by three unknown men on the evening of 17th November; whether later in the same night uniformed men, who in some cases described themselves as military when seeking admission, entered dwelling-houses and murdered James Coleman, of North Mall, Eugene Connell, of Broad Lane, and Patrick Hanley, of Broad Street, and wounded with revolver shots Charles O'Brien, of Broad Lane, and Stephen Coleman, of Broad Street; whether this murdering and wounding was done in the presence of their wives and children; whether he is aware that the men's relatives state positively that these murders and shooting were committed by uniformed men; how many arrests have been made in connection with these four murders and two attempted murders; and what steps he is taking to trace the assassins?

According to the reports which I have received these murders and attempted murders occurred on the dates mentioned and in the manner described in the hon. and gallant Member's question. The police have made every effort to trace the perpetrators of these crimes, but I regret to state no arrests have yet been made. A military court of inquiry in lieu of inquest has been held in each of the cases of murder, and in each case the finding of the court was one of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown. I would add that, according to the police report, all these civilian victims were, so far as is known, innocent and inoffensive persons who did not take any part in politics.

How does the right hon. and learned Gentleman account for the fact that their relatives are prepared to swear that it was armed and uniformed men who entered the dwellings—servants of the Crown? May I have an explanation of that?

May I ask whether it was not the case that the 15 soldiers murdered near Cork were murdered by uniformed men?

Yes, Sir, that is so. I find that very many of the most dangerous criminals are in uniform.

Might I have an answer, please? Is the right hon. Gentleman—[HON. MEMBERS: "Sit down."]—aware that the relatives are prepared to declare specially that these were' servants of the Crown—how does he account for it?

Is it a fact or not that all these men were murdered after midnight when curfew was in force, and therefore that no civilians were abroad in the streets: is it not conclusive, therefore, that the murders must have been committed by the forces of the Crown?

I cannot accept the proposition that no civilians were in the streets simply because curfew was in force.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that about the beginning of November lorries, conveying armed forces of the Crown, drove repeatedly through Falcarragh and Gortahork, County Donegal, from which volleys were fired indiscriminately; that several people wholly unconnected with politics had narrow escapes from being shot; that these attacks were unprovoked; that no explanation was given of them; that shots were fired by the forces into the parish hall, which is the venue of the Cloughaneely summer Irish college and is the property of the parish; that in the second week in November raids by the forces of the Crown, accompanied by violent threats, began; that the raiding forces were usually intoxicated; that on the morning of the 17th instant the manager and the assistant at the store in Gortahork of the Cloughaneely Co-operative Agricultural Society, Limited, were awakened by police and ordered out of the building; that one of the Royal Irish Constabulary men said that they were going to burn it; that the forces threw down the goods in the shop in confusion; that some small articles, including knives and lamp batteries, were taken away; that the society is absolutely non-political; that its capital is made up of the savings of the poor and its members include Unionists, Hibernians, as well as republicans; that the Royal Irish Constabulary afterwards proceeded to the neighbouring parish and smashed all the windows, roof, partitions, etc., and two sewing machines belonging to the Congested Districts Board; that they piled up the forms and tables belonging to the Irish college in the centre of the floor and ignited the heap with petrol; that on their departure the fire was extinguished and the wrecked hall saved from utter destruction; that at 2 a.m. on the morning of the 18th instant the manager and assistant at the store were awakened by smoke and found themselves in a burning building; that they escaped from the flames only by a leap from an upper window; that the stores with stocks of food and clothing valued at thousands of pounds was destroyed; that the incendiaries at the same time had re-ignited the parish hall, which was also reduced to ashes; that the district inspector was told by civilian witnesses that the Royal Irish Constabulary men who ignited the hall in the daylight raid could be identified, but no steps were taken by him to exercise disciplinary action; that this is the first attack on a co-operative distributive society; that it raises the fear that stores are to follow creameries to destruction; that the district previously to these raids was peaceful; and that nothing is alleged against the society which includes members belonging to all parties; whether he has taken any steps to punish the perpetrators of these attacks and of the accompanying destruction of property and prevent repetition of them; and, if not, whether he will institute an independent and impartial inquiry into these occurrences?

I am making enquiry into the long series of allegations contained in this question, but as I only received notice yesterday it must be some' time before I can be in a position to give any reply.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a widespread apprehension on this subject in Ireland that it is the intention to suppress cooperative institutions in Ireland?

No, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has reason to believe that Irish-American gunmen have been imported into Ireland to assist in the murder campaign; if so, what would be their status if apprehended as American citizens; has he reason to believe that members of the Irish Republican Army have arrived in this country, and, if so, has he any information to show how they managed to cross over; and can he state whether he is receiving the full co-operation of the Admiralty in this matter?

I am satisfied that the present situation in Ireland is not due, in an appreciable degree, to the course suggested in the first part of the question. In reply to the second part of the question, aliens are as fully amenable to the laws of this country while residing therein as are British subjects. The reply to the third part is in the affirmative.

May I ask whether it is a fact or not that Irish-American gunmen have been imported into Ireland?

Not to any great extent, judging by the men that we have captured and by the information that we have.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know of any one person?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he now has any information with regard to the burning and bombing of a large shop, several Sinn Fein halls, and several dwelling-houses in the City of Cork on the nights of the 26th, 27th, and 28th November last; whether he is aware that several English newspapers reported these outrages as the work of the Forces of the Crown; what steps he is taking to trace the malefactors; what is the Government theory as to the authors of these acts of incendiarism; and what steps are being taken to prevent their continuance?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to my reply to a Private Notice question on this subject put to me by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division yesterday, to which I have nothing as yet to add.

Has anybody been brought to justice in connection with these outrages?

No, Sir.

Are the burnings still going on?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the motors cars conveying police and wit nesses from a court-martial at Derry on Tuesday last, which were ambushed when five persons were wounded, had any armoured protection?

The car in question was an ordinary hired one.

Will not the Government take steps to see that these men coming back from giving evidence at the courts will be protected?

Yes, Sir; as my right hon. Friend has already informed the hon. Gentleman, all cars used for this purpose are being armoured as rapidly as possible.

Is it not the fact that these men were murdered as a direct consequence of holding the inquiry at which they gave evidence in public?

I cannot answer that question off-hand.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland which provision of the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act is held to authorise the making by Order in Council of the new Regulation 80a, published in the "London Gazette" of 12th November, empowering the competent naval or military authority to take possession of railways in Ireland and prohibit the carriage of passengers and articles on the said railways?

Regulation 80 was made under Section 1, Sub-section 1, of the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act, which empowers His Majesty in Council to issue Regulations under the Defence of the Realm Consolidation Act, 1914, for securing the restoration and maintenance of order in Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there is any embargo on emigration from Ireland to Great Britain or elsewhere; and, if not, whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce the passport system between Ireland and Great Britain?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The question of re-introducing the permit system for passengers between Great Britain and Ireland is receiving consideration.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that my object in putting these questions is due to the fact that quite recently three of the murder gang were identified in Belfast who had travelled from Dublin to Belfast, and they took the cross-Channel steamer that night to this country? My object is to protect life and property in this country.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his inquiries as to the attacks upon co-operative property in Ballintrillick, Ballymote, Nenagh, and Littleton, resulting in the destruction of the co-operative creameries in those places, are yet complete; and, if so, what are the facts as disclosed by those inquiries?

I am informed that the inquiries are still proceeding in each of these cases and that the police have so far been unable to obtain information as to the persons who committed the attacks.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a month since these outrages were committed, and can he tell us how long it is likely to be before we are allowed to have the facts?

My hon. Friend will realise that the duties of the persons who hold courts of inquiry are not limited to courts of inquiry. It is a very difficult thing indeed to expedite the work of these courts, having regard to the multifarious duties imposed upon them.

Did not the police burn these places themselves?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are hundreds and thousands of people in this country anxious to get the exact facts, and will he help us to get them?

Certainly, and nobody is more anxious to get the exact facts than the Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these long delays produce the impression that there is, no desire to make the facts known?

It is unavoidable.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the near approach of Christmas, he will get into touch with the representatives of all shades of opinion in Ireland in order to see if, with the co-operation of the Government, it is possible at this season of peace to bring about a Truce of God?

I am quite as anxious as the Noble Lord to see an end of murder in Ireland, and I should not have waited until the approach of Christmas to take any possible steps to secure that object.

Are we to assume that the Government are not prepared to open up every possible avenue so that peace may be brought about between Ireland and this country?

I have repeatedly stated that we are prepared to take any steps to ingeminate peace in Ireland.

But what steps are being taken to bring about that desired end?

asked the Prime Minister whether any Members of Parliament are known to belong to the Irish republican army; and, if so, under present conditions, would they be allowed to enter this country should they desire to take their seats?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, which is hypothetical, I am not prepared to make any statement.

Will Members who advocate the hanging of Ministers be allowed to take their seats?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can, with due regard to the public interest, lay upon the Table of the House the documents found in the possession or at the house of Mr. de Valera when he was arrested in 1918; and whether such documents disclosed, amongst other things, the plans and methods then contemplated for the raising of the Irish republican army?

Some of the documents found in Mr. de Valera's possession when arrested on the 17th May, 1918, will be included in the documents which the Government have promised to make public, and which will be issued shortly.

May I ask why the right hon. Gentleman says "some" of the documents? Why not all of the documents?

Because these are the only documents which bear upon the promise given by the Government—documents which implicate that particular organisation in a German conspiracy.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that all information possible is given to the public, in order that they may understand the real nature of this conspiracy against British rule?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, when he communicates to the Press the names of cadets of the auxiliary force, Royal Irish Canstabulary, or of men of the Royal Irish Constabulary murdered in the execution of their office, he will, as far as possible, in the case of those who served during the War abroad, give details of their war services, wounds, and decorations received, so that the country may appreciate the type of men who are being assassinated by the Irish republican army?

I am obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for his suggestion, and shall see that it is carried out as far as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that it is done in the case of men who belong to the Royal Irish Constabulary as well as in the case of the Auxiliaries?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to a passage in Cardinal Logue's pastoral letter which states that a general indiscriminate massacre of innocent and inoffensive victims was perpetrated at Croke Park, Dublin, last Sunday week by forces of the Crown, who also turned lethal weapons upon a defenceless, unarmed, closely packed multitude, reckless of the number of innocent people who might fall victims; will he say if the Cardinal correctly describes what took place; and, if not, will he state the facts?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to the passage in question, which represents a complete misunderstanding of what took place at Croke Park on Sunday, the 21st ultimo. If my hon. Friend will refer to the statement made by the Chief Secretary in this House on the 23rd ultimo, he will find a full and correct account of the facts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement of the Chief Secretary has been contradicted by respectable people who were present, and could we have the finding of the Court of Inquiry?

Is he also aware that English and American newspaper correspondents who were present flatly contradict the statement made by the Chief Secretary in this House, and state that the firing upon the people there was deliberate and unprovoked?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has any information to the effect that Sinn Feiners are digging trenches on the roads with the object of entrapping military motor lorries in order that they may carry out their ambushes and murder on the forces of the Crown in Ireland?

The digging of trenches in the roads is one of the most familiar devices employed by the assassins who lie in ambush for military and police lorries in Ireland, and also has been used as a means of impeding the progress of reinforcements sent to the aid of barracks when the latter have been attacked.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state who is responsible for the official issue of the photograph entitled, "Grim reality from the Kerry front, after the battle of Tralee"; whether he is aware that this is a faked photograph, the scene being laid, not in Kerry, but at the corner of Victoria Road and Vico Road, Dalkey, county Dublin; whether a Government armoured car and soldiers were lent for the purpose of preparing the picture; and what action he proposes to take?

I know nothing as to the circumstances in which the picture in question was taken. It was not issued officially or with the knowledge of any responsible official.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the fact that the military authorities in Dublin lent for the purpose of the taking of this photograph an armoured car and a number of soldiers, and that this photograph was taken with the co-operation of the authorities in Dublin Castle?

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the statement made in the question that it is a faked photograph?

It is, of course. The Leader of the House knows what a faked photograph is. Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me if a film was also taken of this scene, and that at a private show of the film it was found that it would have to be abandoned because one of the "corpses" moved?

The hon. Gentleman knows much more about the photograph than I do.

It is part of your propaganda, and you ought to know all about it.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many civilians, including members of the Irish republican army, have been killed and wounded, respectively, in Ireland from December, 1918, to date?

It is not possible to furnish the hon. Member with these figures. The casualties sustained by armed bands of civilians in attacks on police barracks are carefully concealed, and it is not possible for the police in the circumstances now prevailing to obtain accurate information on this subject.

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to issue such figures as are in his possession?

They would be entirely valueless for the purpose.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can give an Estimate of the total value of property destroyed in Ireland from December, 1918, to date?

I am not at present in a position to furnish the hon. Member with this information. A large number of claims for compensations under the Criminal Injuries Acts are at present awaiting settlement. Pending their decision it is not possible to frame an Estimate of the value of the property destroyed within recent months.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the case of soldiers, Royal Irish Constabulary, and other servants of the Crown, killed in Ireland during the pre- sent disturbances, the exemptions and abatements of Death Duties will be allowed on the scale laid down in the Death Duties (Killed in War) Act, 1914, and the Finance Act, 1918?

The statutory provisions to which the hon. and gallant Member refers would apply in the case of soldiers killed in Ireland during the present disturbances. There is no similar provision applicable in the case of the Royal Irish Constabulary and civilian servants of the Crown.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his Department has given a ruling that this Act does not apply to officers killed in Ireland during the present disturbances, and will he have that put right; and will he consider the advisability of introducing legislation, which would go through without any opposition, to make this applicable to the Royal Irish Constabulary as well?

I am not aware of the fact stated by the hon. Member, which seems to be directly contradictory to the answer which I have given. I will make inquiries, and if my hon. Friend can help me in making the inquiries by identifying the case I shall be obliged.

And as to the Royal Irish Constabulary?

The Royal Irish Constabulary for this purpose are civilians. I think it would be the general view of the House that we ought to do everything we can in these cases to alleviate the suffering of the men and their families. I shall be glad to confer with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland as to whether any further measures are necessary. The position in regard to them and the soldiers is not exactly the same.

When this conference takes place will the right hon. Gentleman see that the privilege presently enjoyed by relatives of deceased officers of the Army will be conferred similarly on relatives of deceased officers and men of the Royal Irish Constabulary, seeing that more of them are being killed?

That is the question I have just answered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no claim for payment of this duty is made until the question is decided by his Department?

I will see that until a decision has been arrived at no claims for those duties are made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to put a question down for a week's time as to the decision?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that consideration is given to the similar cases of district inspectors and others who have lost their lives in the service of their country?

That is the same question put to me three times.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether incendiary fires are still continuing in the city of Cork; whether his attention has been called to the report just published of Captain Hudson, superintendent of the Cork fire brigade, in which that gentleman describes how he and his men were fired upon several times when they were going to quench these fires; whether the Government will see that this constant and wholesale destruction of property in the city of Cork will be immediately brought to an end?

I have had a letter, received from Cork, since I gave notice of this question, saying that last night being Saturday night was the worst we have had in Cork. It was a veritable hell. Innumerable bombs and shots. —[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—I think it is part of the question— Five houses were burned and others broken into. The Black and Tans remained out, but the military went in at three o'clock.

I only received notice of this question at 20 minutes past one. I am quite unable to give the hon. Member the information for which he asks in the first part of the question. In reference to the second part of the question, I have not seen the report of Captain Hudson, superintendent of the Cork fire brigade, but, as was stated to the hon. Member yesterday, it was reported to the police that in one instance the fire brigade alleged that they were fired upon and sought for special police protection which was at once given them in the discharge of their duties. With reference to the last part of the question, the police report that they are unable to ascertain who is responsible for setting these premises on fire, but they have done everything in their power to assist to put out the fires.

Is it not a fact that these fires in spite of the scantiness of the reports of the Government are still going on and that some houses were burned yesterday, and is it the policy to allow the whole of the City of Cork, one of the three important cities of Ireland, to be burned to the ground?

I have already told my hon. Friend that it is impossible in the time which he allows us to give an answer to these questions at the present time with reference to places so far distant as the city of Cork.

Have not these incendiary fires been going on day by day and night after night for nearly a fort night, and does not the Government think that such a continuation of the gradual destruction by fire of the city of Cork—

What about Liverpool?

—requires prompt action on the part of the Government? With regard to the interruption in reference to Liverpool, I am just as much opposed to arson by any person in any part of the world as I am in Cork.

I regret that the right hon. and learned Gentleman has not seen his way to put an end to this destruction of property which is going on now. May I ask whether cans of petroleum were found in the offices of the "Freeman's Journal," whether these cans were not Government property, whether any apology has been made to the staff of the "Irish Times" for the raid on their office, and gross discourtesy and menaces uttered by masked and armed servants of the Crown to these gentlemen? May I ask also whether visits were also paid in the same manner to the offices of the "Freeman's Journal" last night, and whether any apology has been made?

I am unable to tell my hon. Friend as to any cans of petroleum being found in the offices of the "Freeman's Journal," but I imagine that very large quantities of Government petroleum have been stolen and captured. No apology has been made to the staff of the "Irish Times" for the raid on their offices for the simple reason that it is not admitted that masked and armed servants of the Crown had anything to do with it.

Did masked and armed men enter the offices of the "Irish Times"? That masked and armed men did enter cannot be denied. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

If the hon. Member will resume his seat there would be an opportunity for an answer to be given.

I am sorry if I have been out of order by remaining on my feet so that my question could not be answered.

The question was as to masked and armed servants of the Crown.

Is it suggested that there were any masked or armed men but servants of the Crown—[HON. MEMBERS: "Yes!"]—who came into the office on that occasion?

Yes.

Is it not a fact that this outrage took place after midnight when the curfew was in operation and no one was out except the military and the police?

I wish I could be sure that the law as to the curfew hours was strictly obeyed?

Are you aware that if you were there yourself you would be shot?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the commonest forms of offence in Ireland to-day are breaches of the curfew regulations?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he went out himself his life would be in danger from the Black and Tans, and that is why he stays over here?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now had an opportunity of referring to the signed statements of certain British prisoners of war who were in Russia at the time of Mr. George Lansbury's visit to that country; whether, assuming such statements to be correct, Mr. Lansbury endeavoured to suborn these soldiers from their allegiance to the King; and whether he will submit the statements to the Law Officers of the Crown for their advice as to whether Mr. Lansbury should be prosecuted?

Yes, Sir. I have read the statements referred to, but I can add nothing to the replies which I gave on 26th October.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the statements contained this phrase: Mr. Lansbury said, 'If I would turn Bolshevist he would undertake to obtain my immediate release.' Does the right hon. Gentleman want the advice of the Law Officers of the Crown to convince him that that is a criminal offence?

I have a full statement of the evidence with me. I went through it the last time this question was raised, and again this morning, and I am perfectly convinced that, on the evidence, even if it were unshaken on cross-examination, we could not prosecute.

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Law Officers of the Crown?

They are very busy men, and I would not submit it to them unless I thought there was a primâ facie case. I am perfectly convinced, on the statement of these gentlemen, that there is not a primâ facie case.

Is it not a breach of the law to suborn soldiers from their allegiance to the King?

Of course, it is, but, on the evidence in my possession, that offence was not committed.

asked the Prime Minister whether any Report has yet been received from our Ambassador at Berlin respecting the progress of the arrangements for the trial of alleged German war criminals and as to whether any of such suspected persons are being permitted to leave the country?

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member given to him on 1st November. I have no reason to suppose that any of the accused are being permitted to leave Germany.

Has the hon. and learned Gentleman reason to believe that they are still there, and does he seriously think that they will still be found there when the Court is ready to try them?

I do.

What steps have been taken to prevent these criminals from leaving Germany?

It is impossible for any authority in this country to take the steps which would have to be taken by the High Court of Leipsic, and there is no reason to believe that that Court is not endeavouring to act with perfect bona fides and with expedition and dispatch.

Would the right hon. Gentleman mind asking the British Ambassador in Berlin whether these alleged criminals are still in Germany?

Is it not natural that they would take the first opportunity of going over the border?

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask our Ambassador at Berlin whether the delay in dealing with these alleged criminals has not had the effect of stiffening opposition against the trials, and has led German opinion to suppose that the crimes—

The hon. and learned Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister if any steps have yet been taken under the article of the Versailles Treaty which provides for Germany to give every facility for any investigation which the Council of the League of Nations may consider necessary; and if it is intended to enforce this provision in such a way as to make it impossible for Germany again to make the secret preparations for aggression which preceded the great War?

The execution of the disarmament clauses of the Treaty of Versailles is at present watched by the Inter-Allied Commissions of Control. The need for any investigation such as that contemplated by Article 213 of the Treaty has not therefore at present arisen. The question how effect can best be given to Article 213 when the time comes is for the League of Nations to consider.

May I ask whether the Clauses with regard to this matter in the Versailles Treaty will be strictly adhered to, in order that these clandestine arrangements may not be made by Germany in the future?

They are very sternly enforced. There are no Clauses in the Treaty which are more sternly enforced, and, as a result of the pressure which has been brought to bear upon Germany, she is reduced to a condition which is more impotent even than some of the small Powers which have arisen since the Treaty.

asked the Prime Minister whether, now that the country is at peace, he will dissolve the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) and remit its officials to reproductive industry, hand over the various premises in Carlisle and elsewhere to the Disposal Board for sale to the highest bidder, release the central offices in Piccadilly at present occupied by the headquarters staff of the Board, and thereby at once salve the money and the personal freedom of the community?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The answer to all parts of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the feeling there is in the country on this question and that the fact that the electors generally have protested against these Regulations, and will he persist in maintaining them against the views of the nation?

My answer remains the same.

asked the Prime Minister whether he, by the hands of his secretary, on 26th November, 1918, wrote in reply to a communication from the League of the Man in the Street that he fully recognised the desirability of withdrawing as soon as possible, and as far as the military situation permitted, any restrictions which have been imposed by reason of the War on the social habits of the people of this country, and desired equally with the said league that these restrictions should be removed at the earliest possible opportunity; whether the restrictions referred to were the orders of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic); and what military situation compels the continuation either of the restrictions or the Board?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The reply to the first part is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, it is clear that the letter of November, 1918, did not refer mainly to the restrictions of the Central Control Board. On the contrary—while, as a matter of fact, a large number of the Board's restrictions have been withdrawn or modified since the date of the letter referred to—it has always been understood that many of the war-time liquor regulations might have to be retained in force till Parliament could deal with the question of legislation. Nothing could be plainer than the declarations which the Prime Minister made on this subject on the 11th May, 1915, in a Debate upon an Amendment moved by the hon. Baronet the Member for Ayr Burghs.

Is it not a fact that the Nonconformist vote in this country is such as to prevent the Government from introducing a Liquor Bill, although they know that this House would remove quite a number of the restrictions and control if they had an opportunity of debating it?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not know that the people acquainted with the trade consider that all these restrictions have been purely futile and have had no effect on the increased production of munitions; and are, in fact, regarded by a majority of the citizens of this country as pieces of gross impertinence?

If the Local Control Board desired to remove these restrictions, have they got the power even if they have the will?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an early opportunity of debating the whole question?

That question should not be put to me.

Then I will ask the Prime Minister if he will give the House an opportunity of discussing the question of liquor control?

There is nothing would please me better than that I should have an opportunity of presenting the case. It would have to be fully stated, but the question of affording time for a discussion is one which must be put to the Leader of the House.

asked the Prime Minister how much capital expenditure for the building, fittings; and equipment of canteens and other premises wherein the Liquor Control Board carry on the sale of exciseable liquors has been debited to or paid for by the Ministry of Munitions; whether the Board paid no licence duty for its numerous premises, and how much such licence duty would have amounted to if the businesses of the Board had been carried on by an individual trader or traders instead of a Wartime bureaucracy; and will he direct that these capital and licence duty charges be debited to the Board in order that a true and just balance sheet of their operations may be struck?

I have been asked to reply. No capital expenditure in respect of any of the canteens or other premises to which that statement relates has been debited or charged to the Ministry of Munitions. All capital outlays and liabilities have been debited to the Board, and all licence-duties have been paid by the Board, as fully as though the Board were an ordinary trading firm.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has made any independent inquiry as to the result on the sobriety and well-being of the nation of the regulations imposed during the War by the Liquor Control Board; whether they have arrived at any decision as to the experimental State-ownership in Carlisle; and, if so, whether he could communicate it to the House before the Liquor Control Bill comes on for Second Reading.