asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any information as to a Report issued by the American-Russian Chamber of Commerce in New York relating to the condition of German workers who were induced to emigrate into Russia.

I have not seen the Report in question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what is the military position of the armies of General Balakhovitch and the Hetman Petlura; and what armies are now engaged in military operations against the Soviet Government of Russia?

I have nothing to add to the Press reports on the subject of the armies of General Balakhovitch and the Hetman Petlura. The majority of these forces now appear to be interned in Polish territory. As regards the last part of the question, so far as my information goes there are now no armies engaged in military operations against the Bolshevist forces.

May I ask if it is not a fact that we have an expensive military mission in Poland, for the purpose, among other things, of supplying this House with information, and why it is that we are referred to Press reports in a matter of this very great importance?

I have nothing to add to the answer that I have given.

May I ask how the right hon. Gentleman's colleague, the Secretary of State for War accounts for a so-called cancer having been able to defeat all the armies on all fronts?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, now that other European countries are prepared to lessen the cost of passports and visas, he has proffered to reduce the cost of the same in this country in the spirit of reciprocity?

I am not aware that other European countries are yet prepared to reduce the cost of passports or visas. If and when the resolutions passed at the recent Conference in Paris are adopted, a uniform fee will be charged for visas by the various countries concerned.

Is there any suggestion that visas will be abolished altogether?

I should greatly welcome that myself.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is now in a position to state whether all the legal business of the British Consulate in Berlin is passed on to Mr. Albert M. Oppenheimer, who is not personally resident in Berlin, instead of being shared by British practitioners who are permanently located there?

I am informed by the Consul-General that there are now only two firms of English lawyers in Berlin, and that the names of both firms will in future be given to applicants to His Majesty's Consulate-General for the names of legal advisers?

Can we not find British consuls or British people who will represent us abroad?

There is no question of his being a representative of this country.

Does Mr. Oppenheimer call himself a British subject?

He is not a representative of the Government.

He is a consul?

Oh, no.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers and other ranks of His Majesty's Army and Air Force and civilians in the employment of the War Office and Air Ministry who are killed or wounded when or service in connection with the present disturbances in Ireland will be treated as regards pension for disability or pension for their dependants, if killed, on the same scale as laid down for those who suffered in the Great War?

As regards members of the Army and Air Force, I have nothing to add at present to the answer given on the 23rd November to the hon. and gallant Member for Bradford East (Captain Loseby). As regards civilians, they are entitled to the same regulated compensation as other civilians injured in the United Kingdom, but the hon. and gallant Member is doubtless aware that they can also claim compensation under the Criminal Injuries (Ireland) Act, 1919.

asked the Secretary of State for War the names of all regiments which have had present or ex-members murdered or wounded by rebels in Ireland?

The names of the regiments concerned are invariably stated when casualties to the military forces are published in the Press, but no record is kept by the War Office of ex-members of the Army who have been murdered or wounded by the rebels.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that on the nights of the 12th and 13th November last one of His Majesty's destroyers which was lying at anchor at Ventry Harbour, county Kerry,' opened fire on the adjoining countryside, and that shells from the vessel fell near houses in the villages of Terrivane and Gortadoo and in the glens west of Dingle, shaking the houses in the first-named village and making deep holes in the neighbouring fields; and whether he has any explanation to make on the matter?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The answer to the first part is in the negative. As to the second part, the facts are as follows: In view of an expected attack on the Royal Irish Constabulary on the nights of November 12th and 13th, one of His Majesty's mine-sweepers fired nine rounds of star shell for the purpose of illuminating the countryside. No live ammunition of any sort was fired, and no other firing took place from any of His Majesty's ships in Irish waters on the dates in question.

May I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman whether there would not be a more economical means of illuminating the neighbourhood than this?

I do not think, in view of the serious nature of the outrages that were being perpetrated, any other device could be thought of for lighting up the countryside.

Was it at Larne the hon. and gallant Gentleman learned that?

I am quite ready to benefit from any experience I have obtained anywhere.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is a fact that while the Dublin City Council was sitting on Monday, 5th December, the Lord Mayor presiding, auxiliary police raided the council chamber, suspended the proceedings, and arrested six members: whether this was done as a preliminary to the special meeting of the Dublin Corporation which has been called for to-day to discuss the truce resolution; who was responsible for the raid and arrests; and whether this is a deliberate attempt on the part of the authorities to make peace in Ireland impossible?

A party of police visited the Dublin City Hall yesterday and arrested six members of the City Council. One of the persons arrested has since been released. The suggestions contained in the latter part of the hon. Member's question are, entirely unfounded. The House will no doubt wish to know the records of these men—

Alderman Michael Staines (T.D.) (M.P.), Captain in 1st Dublin Battalion, Irish Republican Army; so-called "Minister for Trade and Commerce" to "Dail Eirean," previously a tailor. He has been continuously on the run since last February and slept the night previous to his arrest in a hay-shed. Hidden ammunition found in his last permanent address. Known to be a member of the inner circle of the Irish Republican Army headquarters.

Alderman Joseph Clarke, courier to the I.R.A. Carries letters for Michael Collins, head of the I.R.A. By trade caretaker to 6. Harcourt Street, the Sinn Fein headquarters. Tried to pass himself off as Farrell when arrested in the Council Chamber.

Councillor Michael Lynch, Captain, I.R.A., attached to General Staff, Dublin Brigade, I.R.A. Was clerk in employ of Gaelic League. A shot gun was found in his office there. Has been on the run. Member of Extremist group.

Councillor J. Vincent Lawless, Captain, I.R.A., by trade cycle repairer. Hunger striker, released Wormwood Scrubs 20th March. Got 10 years' penal servitude for share of Easter week rebellion. Documents relating to purchase of arms found when his house was raided. Has been long on the run.

Councillor James Michael Brennan, Captain and Adjutant, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade, I.R.A. Was in rebellion 1916. Alleged to have fired at and wounded sergeant of R.I.C. at Tullamore. Fruiterer and tobacconist by trade.

Who was the man arrested who was released? For what was he arrested?

The member who was arrested and subsequently released was Alderman Lawler.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think that, on the eve of the discussion by Dublin Corporation of a truce to end all these horrors, it really tends to the creation of a spirit of peace to arrest these men?

On that point I am convinced there can be no truce, or successful advocacy of a truce, in Ireland, until the extremist leaders of the Irish Republican Army either surrender or deliver their arms, or are arrested by the forces of the Crown.

Do I understand that that is a declaration of war to the finish against Ireland? Because if you want war, you will get it from more than the Sinn Feiners.

I have never said there is any question of war against Ireland, but against this extremist group His Majesty's Government is compelled to make every effort, in order to enable the people of Ireland to secure peace.

May I ask the Leader of the House whether the views just expressed by the Chief Secretary are his views and also the views of the Prime Minister?

I should have thought it would have been the view of everyone that to arrest men suspected of murder is not a bar to peace.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that any Sinn Feiner has been guilty of any greater offence than threatening to hang the Prime Minister on a lamp-post?

There would be a much greater offence than that, and that would be the hanging of him.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the conflicting statements which are appearing with reference to the Govern- ment's negotiations with Sinn Fein, he can now see his way to make an authoritative statement?

I cannot add anything to the replies given yesterday on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Do we understand that the Government are willing that the statements now appearing, such as that published in the "Times" this morning from the "Irish Independent," should appear in this great crisis without the country knowing whether the Government really mean business?

We have a considerable amount of faith in the common sense even of the readers of the newspapers, and I should have thought that anyone who read that account would have seen its absurdity on the face of it.

May I ask whether a reply has been sent to Father O'Flanagan; and, if so, may the House be informed what it is?

No, Sir; no reply has been sent.

May I take it that the account which appears in the "Times" this morning from the "Irish Independent" is not true?

I have already given people outside credit for a certain amount of common sense, as I give it to my hon. Friend.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary have received an increase in their pensions; and, if not, whether, in view of the need of many of these men, he will say what action he proposes to take?

Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners are eligible for the benefits of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, subject to conditions prescribed by that Act. More than one-third of the cases of Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners eligible for increases have now been dealt with, and the remaining cases are being dealt with as rapidly as possible.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Messrs. Hamilton Edwards and Martin Fitzgerald, proprietors of the "Freeman's Journal," and Mr. P. J. Hooper, editor, were found not guilty on four out of six counts on which they were arraigned before a court-martial in Dublin; whether after the trial, and before the decision was promulgated, they were seized by military forces and carried away in a military lorry to Mountjoy Prison; and whether, in the interests of justice and liberty of the Press, he will take steps to liberate these men?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, but I would point out to the hon. Member that the six charges to which he refers were alternative charges, and that there were only two main charges before the Court, on both of which the defendants were found guilty. I cannot interfere with the decisions of the Courts of Law set up by this Parliament.

May I ask whether the counsel for the defence, accompanied by the Judge-Advocate-General, proceeded to the General Headquarters Staff, and applied that these gentlemen should be released, pending the final decision, and whether that was refused?

I have no knowledge of that, but, in any event, I cannot interfere with any court in Ireland.

At the end of Questions —

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the arrest and imprisonment, after trial by court-martial, and before, promulgation of sentence, of the proprietors and editor of the ' Freeman's Journal.'"

The pleasure of the House not having: been signified, Mr. SPEAKER called on those Members who supported the Motion to rise in their places, and not fewer than forty Members having accordingly risen, the. Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a Quarter-past Eight this Evening.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the number of discharges that are taking place from the Government undertakings; that 40 men were is charged from Dagenham Dock last week, and that 30 men are under notice to leave this week; if he can state the number that have been discharged from the Woolwich Arsenal since the beginning of September up to Saturday, 4th December; and how many ex-service men have been discharged during that period?

I am aware that discharges are taking place from Government undertakings. Dagenham Dock is not under the War Office, but is a Ministry of Munitions depot. The number of men discharged from Woolwich Arsenal from 1st September to 4th December last is 912. No ex-service men have been discharged during this period except for misconduct or in cases where, on becoming redundant in their own departments, they have declined offers of employment in other departments.

Seeing that so many thousands of men are unemployed in different parts of the country, are the Government doing their level best to make provision for finding men employment, instead of putting them on the stones?

Yes, Sir, a great deal has been done in Woolwich in finding alternative work. If it were not for that I am afraid that the number of discharges would have had to be very much larger. A great deal is being done, and every effort is being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether one of the objects of safeguarding the dye-making industry by the prohibition of imports is the building up of adequate plant in this country to produce poison gas for times of war?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is a fact that during the late War practically the entire production of poisonous gas was manufactured by heavy chemical firms of long standing?

Very great assistance in the production of the gases adopted during the earlier stages of the War was rendered by chemical firms of long standing. When it became necessary to provide for the manufacture of the more complex organic compounds developed towards the end of the War, assistance was also obtained from the dye industry; but, in view of the weak position of the latter, then in course of development, the bulk of these compounds had to be made in Government factories, specially erected for the purpose. If there had been in this country a highly organised dye industry, such as was, and is still, possessed by Germany, the plant necessary for the manufacture of these offensive agents would have been available, and production could have been arranged with far less difficulty and loss of time. There is a very intimate connection between the manufacture of dyes and the manufacture of explosives and chemical munitions (which include lethal gases, lachrymators, smoke, etc.), as the plant and technique of the former is admirably suited for the production of the latter, and can in most cases be converted from one purpose to the other with very little difficulty or delay. In any scheme, however, of production of chemical munitions of war, the cooperation of the heavy chemical trade will be essential, especially for the purpose of supplying the necessary raw materials and intermediates. For the purposes of national defence, a chemical industry, highly developed and well organised in all its branches, is an asset of the greatest value.

May I ask whether the production of poison gas in times of war is not the only or the principal object of safeguarding the dye-making industry in this country?

I think that that question is not properly addressed to me. I am afraid I am not able to answer it.

Will not the League of Nations do everything in their power to prevent the use of poison gas in war?

I cannot answer for the League of Nations. It is our duty, I think, to take every reasonable precaution, and, as we understand that other nations are experimenting on the question of poison gases and defence against them, I think it is our duty to do so too.

Is Germany allowed to do so?

Is it one of the objects, in encouraging the dye industry, to produce poison gas in times of war?

Is it not a fact that, were we in a position to manufacture these gases, we would not have done so, and had no intention of using them in war until we were compelled by other nations; and that, when we did use them, we produced gases of a far more dangerous nature than our enemies were in a position to produce?

I think it is well known that this country did not produce poison gas for warfare before the War, and would probably have never entered upon it if it had not been done by other nations. That is probably quite true. It is also true that there is a close relationship between the dye industry and the production of poison gas.

May I ask what steps the War Office are taking to develop a germ-producing industry, in view of the fact that their own experts look upon this as a most likely form of organic warfare in the future?

The cultivation of germs, as is well known to the hon. and gallant Member, is practised in many laboratories, but that we shall use them in time of war I do not believe.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in many of the institutions and clubs for service and ex-service men sedition and revolution is being preached and fomented; are any of these institutions and clubs supported financially from Army or public funds; and, if so, will he cause immediate inquiry to be made?

I have no information to show that sedition and revolution are being preached in any institutions or clubs for service men. I believe, however, that in some associations of ex-service men there are some extremists who are active. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. So far as I am aware no grants are made from funds voted by Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the constant and insidious attempts that are being made by members of republican and revolutionary organisations in this country to undermine the loyalty of the Army; and what steps is he taking to deal with the matter?

Yes, Sir; I am aware of these attempts, and the activities of extremists to undermine the loyalty of the Army are being carefully watched by the military authorities, and the necessary steps are being taken, but it would not be in the public interest to give details.

Is not the Soviet Government carrying on seditious propaganda work in this country at the present moment?

I am afraid I cannot answer for the Soviet Government's activities, but there are Press reports of them.

Is it not the duty of the Government, if they know that certain persons are carrying on pernicious propaganda, to have them arrested and brought to trial?

The question of arrest depends upon whether they have committed any criminal offence, but it is possible to advocate certain views, the advocacy of which is very undesirable, and that is another matter.

If I assure the right hon. Gentleman that propaganda work is taking place, will he take steps to prevent it?

Including the anti-Socialist gang?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any applications have been made for the licensing of motorcycle side-car combinations as taxi-cabs in the Metropolitan Police area; and, if not, whether any such applications could be approved?

Applications for the licensing of motor side-cars as cabs have been received. As there are serious objections to the grant of such licences, the matter has been referred to a Committee appointed by the Minister of Transport; and pending their Report licences cannot be granted.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that the applications for these licences for motor-cycle side-car combinations would result in a very much larger number of taxis?

Can the hon. Member detail some of these serious objections?

I do not think anything would be gained by doing that. The whole of the matter has been referred to a Committee, and is to be reported upon.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has in course of preparation, with a view to introducing into this House, a Daylight Saving Bill; and, if so, has he been apprised of, and is he taking into consideration, the views of representative bodies of the agricultural community in Scotland on the subject?

The answer to both parts of this question is in the affirmative.

Is the Home Secretary consulting the Secretary for Scotland on this matter?

In his question on the Paper my hon. Friend asked whether representative bodies of the agricultural community in Scotland had been apprised, and I said they had been apprised.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the representatives of agriculture in England have been apprised?

That is another question.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that from May to August would be a suitable time from the point of view of the agricultural community?

I will communicate that view to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has in course of preparation, with a view to introducing into this House, a Daylight Saving Bill; and, if so, can he say when the Bill will be introduced?

It is proposed to introduce legislation on this subject next Session.

asked the Home Secretary how much oil has been got from the Hardstoft and other boreholes in England to date; what has been done with the oil so far obtained; has the maximum production in each case been reached; what is the total cost to the country of the work so far carried out; what is the value of the oil so far obtained; what is the value of the daily-production; is it proposed to spend any more money in this connection; and, if so, can any estimate be given of the probable expenditure and return thereon?

I have been asked to answer this question. In regard to the progress of the borings and the production at Hardstoft I would refer my Noble Friend to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for North East Derbyshire. Out of the sum of £1,000,000 voted by Parliament to be spent under the agreement with Messrs. S. Pearson and Son, Limited, the total expenditure from the inception of the scheme up to end of October, 1920, has been £469,830, of which some £70,000 comes within the present financial year.

Is it a fact that the Government are selling all the oil reserves of this country to the petrol trust?

No, Sir. I have not heard of that.

They are advertising it on all their vans.

Are we getting any return for the money that has been laid out?

My hon. Friend will rind that in my answers.

asked the Home Secretary how many controls in the Metropolitan Police area were instituted for the detection of infringement of the speed limit between a.m. on the 4th December and p.m. on the 6th December, 1920; how many police officers were employed and with what success; how many controls were instituted for the detection of dangerous driving, how many officers were employed, and with what results during the same period; and how many cases of dangerous driving were reported by the police on ordinary or point duty during the same period?

During the week-end a.m. 4th December to p.m. 6th December, no controls were operated to detect cases of excessive speed in the Metropolitan Police District. One control was in operation to detect cases of dangerous driving, etc., two officers being employed, but no cases of this nature were reported. No cases of dangerous driving were reported by police on "ordinary" duty, but three such cases were detected by police on point duty.

In future will the hon. Member give instructions to the police that traps shall only be placed in dangerous parts of the road, and not in open stretches where no one could possibly be hurt at 25 miles an hour?

The police are exercising their discretion with a view to diminishing accidents. That is the object in view.

Is it not a fact that the police are sent out by local councils in order to raise revenue? It is purely for that purpose that traps are put up.

That is a different question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can see his way to have the dial on the taxi-meter in taxi-cabs altered so as to indicate the new fares; and whether he will issue instructions to all drivers to have their taximeters properly illuminated at night and see that this same is adequately carried out?

There are many difficulties, owing to shortage of skilled labour, spare parts, etc., in the way of enforcing a general alteration of taxi-meters. There is a Regulation requiring the taxi-meters to be properly illuminated, and the police have instructions to see that it is obeyed.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the adolescent section of the community is strongly opposed to any further illumination of taxis at night?

Did the hon. Gentleman say that there was a shortage of labour?

A shortage of skilled labour.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is intended to carry the Teinds Bill through the remaining stages this Session?

I am not in a position at the moment to make any definite statement on this matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Scottish Board of Health has issued a circular to insurance committees in Scotland intimating that after 31st December it will be necessary to dispense with the services of their medical advisers, as after that date the work in connection with sanatorium benefit will be performed by the tuberculosis officers of local health authorities, and suggesting that the committees should give formal notice to their medical advisers of the termination of their engagements; is there any precedent for the summary dismissal of public officers on grounds of public policy without any provision for compensation; and will he take steps to secure that with the transference of the work to the local authorities the liability for payment also will be transferred?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, the administrative changes arising out of the cessation of sanatorium benefit will result in the transfer of the supervision of certain duties from insurance committees to local authorities. As the officials of the latter authorities have been acting as medical advisers to insurance committees, there will not be, in substance, any loss of office. I see no reason to doubt that local authorities will give fair consideration to the interests of these officials on the readjustment of their duties.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Scottish Board of Health has issued a circular in which they propose to supersede the system of payment of fees, 5s. per case, to tuberculosis officers for the examination and certification of discharged Navy and Army men, under the Ministry of Pensions, by a system of lump sum payments to local authorities; and whether he will take steps to secure that tuberculosis officers will not be called upon to carry out this difficult and responsible work, out with their statutory duties under local authorities, without adequate remuneration?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I do not anticipate that any tuberculosis officer will be asked to render services in connection with the pensions of tuberculosis ex-service men without adequate remuneration.

asked the Postmaster-General in what year the daily mail ser vice all the year round was first instituted between Stornoway and the main- land; what was the gross revenue from all Post Office services from the Island of Lewis for the year previous; and what was the gross postal revenue from Lewis for the years 1913 and 1919, respectively, calculated on the basis of the present rate of postal and telegraph charges?

A daily service (Sundays excluded) throughout the year was started in December, 1887. The gross amount of the takings for all kinds of Post Office services from the Post Offices in the Island of Lewis for the years 1886, 1913, and 1919 are not available, nor, I think, would they be relevant to the question at issue. The most useful figures with which I can supply my hon. and gallant Friend are these. In July, 1887, the cost of serving Stornoway and the district dependent upon it was estimated at £2,955 a year, and the revenue from the postal traffic concerned was estimated at £921. The corresponding figures now are roughly estimated at £18,000 and £7,500. In other words, the excess of expenditure in respect of sea conveyance to and from Lewis, and purely postal services within the island, over the revenue from postal traffic, is now about five times as great as it was in 1886.

Is not the revenue from this district five times what it was before; and as the contract is in the pool with the rest of the West of Scotland, how can the hon. Gentleman say what is the cost of this service?

My hon. Friend can hardly expect me to answer that question.

It is quite simple.

As a matter of economy, is this daily mail service required?

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Madrid Postal Conference has concluded its labours; what are the recommendations it has made; and whether its Report will be communicated to Parliament before action is taken?

The Congress has concluded its labours, but there has not yet been time for the British delegates to submit their Report. The Postal Convention as modified by the Congress will be communicated to Parliament in due course, but not necessarily before action is taken.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether Mrs. Cartwright, widow of Sapper George Cartwright, No. 50592, Royal Engineers, has made application for an alternative pension; whether his Department have declined the application on the ground that one of his previous employers cannot be found; if he is aware that the pre-War wage claimed for £4 10s. is accepted by County Court judges in assessing cases under the Workmen's Compensation Act, and whether he is prepared to reconsider the application?

My right hon. Friend is causing further inquiry to be made in the case and will communicate with the hon. Member at an early date.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the men employed at the King's Lancashire Convalescent Centre, Blackpool, are obliged to give a 2d. receipt stamp when their weekly wages exceed £2; and whether, seeing that this practice is causing dissatisfaction, he will take action in the matter?

The practice of requiring a formal receipt for wages has been in operation in Government Departments generally for many years. Where the amount of the wages is £2 or more, a 2d. receipt stamp is necessary in accordance with Sections 1 and 101 and the First Schedule of the Stamp Act, 1891, and the Finance Act, 1920. A request for a modification of the existing arrangement has been put forward by the staff side of the National Whitley Council for the Civil Service, and is now under consideration.

Are we to understand that every employer of labour who pays a weekly wag© of over £2 to men or women is compelled to have a receipt stamp?

No, but if a receipt is given, a stamp is necessary.

Will the hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter with a view to abolishing the receipt stamp?

I have said that the matter is being considered.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some Government Departments are already dispensing with the necessity of stamps on the payment of salaries?

All that matter is being gone into.

asked the Prime Minister whether in future the names of the British representatives appointed to attend the meetings of the Assembly of the League of Nations will be submitted to this House for approval?

The British representatives were selected by the Government, but on their appointment their names were communicated to Parliament, and I have no doubt that similar action will be taken in the future.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these representatives would enjoy even greater prestige than they do if Parliament were asked to approve of the appointments? Does he not see that a future Parliament might be more evenly divided and that it might be desirable to have represented the different shades of opinion rather than the transient Government of the day?

No, I do not see any of these things. The Government is supposed to represent the House of Commons, and to carry with it whatever authority the House of Commons possesses.

Is it even now too late to send out the hon. Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy) as a delegate?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of persons in attendance upon the representatives of this country at the meeting of the League of Nations at Geneva; and what is the estimated cost involved?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Acton on the 25th November, of which I will send him a copy.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Government consulted the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) or any individual who could claim to speak on behalf of the Board before arriving at their decision to introduce the Liquor Control (Temporary Restrictions) Bill;

(2) whether the Government consulted the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) before arriving at their decision in favour of an alteration in the Sunday evening hours for the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to these questions. In both cases the Government took all such steps as they thought proper.

asked the Prime Minister if he will, in drafting any licensing Bill, consider the advisability of fixing a maximum and a minimum number of hours during which intoxicating liquors may be sold, and will he further consider that the fixing of those hours shall be left in the hands of the local magistrates forming the licensing committees, and who are best able to judge of the needs of their particular districts; is he aware that the people of this country willingly surrendered their rights during the War; is he now willing to restore those rights; and, if it be thought desirable not to return to the pre-war hours of sale of intoxicating liquors, will he dissolve the Liquor Control Board at once and allow Parliament to fix the maximum and minimum hours of sale?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I can add nothing to the Home Secretary's statement last Thursday that the Government have determined that no change will be made until the whole matter is dealt with by legislation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that very bitter discontent exists in the country because the Liquor Control Board is still controlling the hours during which drink is consumed, and that the same feeling would not exist if Parliament were allowed to use its proper powers and dictate the hours during which drink would be consumed?

Would it not be in the interests of economy if we used the knowledge of experts in settling the hours of sale instead of a Parliamentary Committee which would incur the expense of getting opinions in different parts of the country? I ask this in the interests of economy.

I believe that there is a certain amount of discontent. With regard to experts, I believe that there are experts on both sides.

Is the discontent from the people or from the trade?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the trade made a great deal more money as a result of the Liquor Control Board's exertions than it ever did when there were long hours, and that if the hours were reduced to two per day the trade would make a great deal more money, because there would be far more drinking?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that every workman's club in the land wants to know where it stands and is going to stand on this question?

Hon. Members are not entitled to debate this matter on question and answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in new of the dropping of the Liquor Control (Temporary Restrictions) Bill, he proposes to replace the late chairman of the Board, Lord D'Abernon; and how long without new licensing proposals the present powers of the Board can continue legally?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. As regards the first part of the question, the matter is under consideration. As regards the second part, the powers of the Board continue during the continuance of the present War and such period not exceeding 12 months thereafter as may be declared by Order in Council to be necessary in view of conditions connected with the termination of the present War.

Does the hon. Gentleman remember that when these restrictions -were introduced the Prime Minister said that these powers were only for the purposes of the War and were limited to the period of the War, and that during the general election he said he recognised the desirability of withdrawing at the earliest possible moment any restrictions imposed on the social habits of the people for the purposes of the War?

I think it quite likely that the Prime Minister did say that, but that was not the only thing he said.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman to refer to Regulation 1 under the Defence of the Realm Act of 1915, which says that the Board shall consist of a chairman, a secretary and so many members?

Before we form an opinion as to the Prime Minister's statements, are we to look for something he says of a totally different character?

I think that if the hon. Member had studied everything that the Prime Minister said about this matter he would have seen that what he has just referred to does not present a complete picture. With regard to the com-' position of the Board, as I have stated, the question of the appointment of a chairman is under consideration.

Did the Prime Minister include the War in Ireland, which is the only place where there are no liquor restrictions?

Is it not the case that a permanent official of the Home Office is now acting as chairman?

I do not know who is acting as chairman.

Is not the Central Control Board run by one Government official?

I believe that that is a very false view of the case, which seems to be very unfairly spread, with regard to this one official. The Board consists of 11 members, of whom he is one.

Cannot the hon. Member for Springburn (Mr. Macquisten) be made a member.

Hon. Members should put these supplementary questions on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that, as a result of the appeal made by the Government in power when the War broke out to the British chemical and scientific glass ware manufacturers to help the country by developing the production of chemical ware, which was then a German monopoly, although practically indispensable to every branch of our trade and industry, the manufacturers responded by sinking over £10,000,000 of capital in the industry and training hundreds of workers, including a large number of disabled men; whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to honour the promise then given to the British chemical ware manufacturers that the industry would be assisted until such time as it was in a position to meet foreign competition, in consideration of their assistance in helping to win the War; whether he is aware that nearly all these newly-established businesses are now practically at the end of their resources and will be compelled to close down and discharge all their employés unless some assistance is immediately forthcoming, and that this is due to the dumping of cheap German chemical ware into this country at prices that make it impossible for the British manufacturers to compete against; if he is aware that the German chemical ware manufacturers have openly stated that they intend to ruin these new British enterprises so as to make this country again dependent upon Germany for chemical ware; that in pre-War days this German monopoly was largely based upon German prison labour, and that there is no guarantee that this class of labour will not again be used to ruin these British enterprises and cause further unemployment in this country if this German monopoly is again allowed to capture the British market; that a deputation recently waited upon the President of the Board of Trade, composed of the manufacturers and workers of this industry, together with five distinguished members of the Institute of Chemists, representatives of the X-ray Manufacturers' Association and the Iron and Steel Makers' Association, to urge upon the Government the necessity of making this country self-supporting in everything relating to chemicals and chemical ware, on the grounds that not only our industries but our very existence as a nation depends upon our control of these things for the future; and what assurance he can give to all those concerned that this matter is receiving the serious consideration of the Government?

I have been asked to reply. The Government are fully alive to the efforts which were made by manufacturers to meet the demands for chemical glassware for war purposes and of the serious position at the present time, to which they are giving earnest consideration. As has been already stated, a Bill dealing with key industries will be introduced early next Session, but the hon. Member will appreciate that it is not possible to discuss its details in advance.

Can we take it for granted that this important industry will be included in the Bill?

The hon. Member is inviting me to say in a supplementary what I have declined to say in my main answer.

IS it not a matter of supreme importance that steps should be taken to safeguard these important industries?

My hon. and gallant Friend raised the question yesterday. It would be nothing short of camouflage to introduce a Bill this Session if we could not carry it through.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the bitter resentment felt by British subjects resident in foreign countries at the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, which prevents the grandchildren born abroad of British subjects from claiming British nationality; and, in view of the loss to the Empire, both in peace and war, caused by this casting off of British citizens, will he take steps to restore the position which always existed previous to December, 1914?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply. Without accepting as accurate all the statements contained in this question, I am well aware of the difficult points of nationality law with which it deals. The matter has already been referred to a Special Conference appointed by the Imperial War Conference of 1918, with a view to the promotion at a suitable opportunity of remedial legislation in concert with the Governments of other parts of the British Empire.

Will that conference take into serious consideration the fact that every British Chamber of Commerce in South America has repeatedly presented urgent petitions to the Government, in this respect, and if this is not remedied, will the sons of those who came to fight for us be debarred from British nationality?

Those points are all realised. There is no means of dealing with them except in conjunction with the other Governments of the Empire. The points referred to by my hon. Friend will certainly not be lost sight of by the conference.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is receiving resolutions passed by local authorities protesting against the heavy tax and rate burdens likely to be placed on the tax and ratepayers by the proposals of The Education Act, 1918, and to ask what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on the 1st December to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the -Member for North Portsmouth.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many local authorities are very much in doubt as to their future obligations?

I can only say that the subject is now being considered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some local authorities say that the amount they have to pay is a great deal in excess of the estimate which was put before Parliament by the Minister?

I am not aware of that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of indignation in Scotland, as well as England, especially in the rural parts, against this Act?

The hon. Member seems to desire to give information rather than to seek it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before the House adjourns, some accurate résumdé can be made on behalf of the Government of the actual position of national finance, more especially as to the realisation of Budget hopes and expectations?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to give an estimate of the surplus of revenue over expenditure during the current year?

While it is too early yet to speak with confidence, I do not anticipate any very material variation from the Budget Estimate of a balance of £234,000,000 over expenditure.

Not even on the Excess Profits item?

Will opportunity be taken in the economy Debate on Thursday to address the House on the position of finance so as to make people wiser, and in the event of the Government not suc- ceeding in obtaining the Vote on that day, may we look to them to go to the country?

I do not know whether I can make anyone wiser by my speech in the Debate, but I will endeavour to give them information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will have inquiries made as to the working of the tax on business turnover now in force in France with a view to the possibility of its adoption in this country in lieu of Excess Profits Duty?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the exact character of the turnover and profits taxes in force in France; whether he has received information of the successful working of this French system; and will he call for a Report upon it for the information of Parliament?

With the permission of my two hon. Friends I will publish the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I will now add only this. The French tax has not been sufficiently long in force to justify any close or special inquiry into its practical administration and full economic and financial effect. That is, I understand, the view of the French Government.

Has not the Excess Profits Duty been long enough in force to prove its utility? Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to continue it?

The following is the Answer promised:

A tax on business turnover was imposed in France with effect from the 1st July last. It is imposed on the turnover of all merchants and manufacturers. The liberal professions, agriculturists, employés, and certain distributive cooperative societies are exempted. The sale of bread, the sale of stamps and Government monopolies, receipts under scales of charges fixed by law, and certain transactions which are otherwise taxed are excluded from the taxable turnover. Exports are exempted, imports are specially taxed. The rate of tax is in general 1.1 per cent., but is raised to 3 per cent, on the receipts of "semi-luxurious" and to 10 per cent, on the receipts of "luxurious" hotels and restaurants, and to 10 per cent, on certain luxuries. Monthly returns of turnover are required from taxpayers. In the ordinary course of their duties the Revenue authorities in this country are keeping themselves acquainted with the text of the law and official instructions issued to the public in connection with the duty. The tax has not, I think, been sufficiently long in force to justify any close inquiry into its practical administration and its full economic and financial effects. The tax on commercial and industrial profits is part of the French Income Tax system. The amount assessable is the profit of the previous year. There is an abatement of three-quarters of the first 1,500 francs of the profit, and half of the next 3,500 francs. The rate of tax is 8 per cent. There is a small additional tax, based on turnover, included in the Income Tax laws. This tax is at a rate rising from .1 per cent, to .5 per cent, and is charged only on the excess of the turnover in the year over 1,000,000 francs. The French tax on war profits came to an end as at the 30th June last.