asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is a shortage of cement for industrial purposes in the country resulting in unemployment; whether cement is being exported to foreign countries; and, if so, in what quantity?

I am aware that there is at present a shortage of cement in this country. The output is, however, improving and I am in hopes that this will continue. The exports of cement for the eleven months ended 30th November amount to 246,184 tons valued at £1,338,000 to foreign countries and 318,939 tons valued at £2,022,000 to British Possessions. Exports represent about 23 per cent. of the total output—a proportion substantially the same as obtained before the War.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that big works in this country have been brought to a standstill owing to the fact that cement was not obtainable, and will he take steps to see that that does not happen during this grave period of employment?

I am sure the hon. Member will recognise that the question is always one of balance. It is of enormous advantage to this country to be able to send out exports, especially anything so valuable as cement. On the other hand, it is of great importance that we should keep our own industries fully supplied with what they require. We endeavour to carry that out as far as we can, with the object of suiting the country in every way that is possible.

Is it not a fact that some cement works have been closed down, or partially closed down, and can the right hon. Gentleman do anything in view of the great demand for cement production?

It has revived, undoubtedly.

Can something be done to increase the number of ex-service men engaged in the production of cement?

We have considered the matter from that point of view also, and I think we have done everything that can be done in the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman call for a return of the number of cement works that are closed down, and the number of men that could be employed if they were opened up; and if they are not opened up by private people, will he take them over for that purpose; and is he aware that for every ton of cement produced there is further employment given in other trades?

The hon. Member may rely upon the fact that if there are opportunities, as there are, for marketing cement at a profit, private enterprise will be quite equal to the task.

Will the right hon. Gentleman call for a return, and is he aware that private enterprise is not doing it for reasons best known to the Government? Is he aware that what we ought to do is to provide employment?

I do not think it would be valuable to call for any such return at the present time. I am perfectly certain that everything is being done that can be done by individuals in the cement trade.

Is it not a fact that the cement works that are closed down are entirely out of date and are unable to make cement economically?

That is my information.

Is it not better to employ men in cement production than to give them unemployment pay?

That again is a matter of opinion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of British exports to Belgium for the year 1919 and up till 31st October for the present year?

The total value of the exports to Belgium of produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom, registered during the periods specified, was as follows: During the year 1919, £47,980,441. During January to October, 1920, £43,914,984.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of British exports to Germany for the year 1919, and up till 31st October for the present year?

The total value of the exports to Germany of produce and manufacture of the United Kingdom, registered during the periods specified, was as follows: During the year 1919, £14,693,113. During January to October, 1920, £17,101,307.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Sub-Committee appointed by the Standing Committee on Trusts to inquire into the operations of combinations in the glass ware and glass bottle trades reported that the operations of the British Glass Indus tries, Limited, gravely reduced any chance of glass bottles reaching the consumer at reasonable prices; and, if so, what action, if any, does he propose to take?

The Sub-Committee reported in the sense indicated by the hon. Member. They further stated that they were informed that it is not the intention of the principal companies concerned to force up selling prices, but rather to obtain a large output and to sell as cheap as possible; but the Committee were not satisfied that this policy would necessarily be carried out. The Committee made no specific recommendations; but as the manufacture by automatic machinery in this country is controlled by British patents, any abuse of the monopoly can be made the ground for an application either for revocation or for a compulsory licence under Section 1 of the Patents and Designs Act, 1919.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give any information as to the effect which the importation of goods from Germany is having on the glass, hollow-ware, clock-making, silk, hosiery, paper, motor, fancy goods, leather, musical instruments, and toy industries in this country; and whether he can give any estimate as to the number of people who are now unemployed in consequence of such imports?

It is the fact that, as a result of importations from Germany, employment has fallen off in many of the industries mentioned, but it would be impossible to give any reliable estimate as to the extent to which such unemployment as prevails is due to this cause.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his Department or one of the Government Departments has not detailed figures as to the causes of unemployment in different industries, and whether it is not possible by a little investigation to give a figure which is of very great importance at the present time?

I think my hon. Friend will realise that you may have several causes operating at one time which make it impossible for you to say how many men have gone out of employment owing to each different cause. For example, a certain number goes out of employment owing to the high cost of material; a certain number goes out of employment owing to the rate of exchange from which we are suffering at the present time, but no one who breathes can tell you how many go out of employment for one cause or another.

If this unemployment is caused to some extent by German imports, I should have thought that the right hon. Gentleman could give the House the information.

If the hon. Gentleman thinks of it for a moment, he will see that that would be quite impossible.

Is there a certain amount of extra employment caused by our exports?

I cannot give the extra number of men employed in that way at present.

Is not this excessive German competition encouraged by the depreciated state of the German mark, and is not that due to the excessive and uncertain amount of the indemnity imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

I have just stated that the rate of exchange at present is one of the causes which enable Germany to export to this country at prices cheaper than those at which we can manufacture.

What steps are the Government taking to improve the rate of exchange?

There is nothing that we can do to improve the rate of exchange, but it may be possible to devise ways of overcoming the difficulties that are caused by it.

Is Germany exporting in the same way direct to America now and causing unemployment there?

I am not aware of that.

Has not the hon. Member for Chippenham (Mr. Terrell) already told the Government that the Excess Profits Duty was the sole cause of unemployment?

I said nothing of the sort.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if a German engineering firm has obtained a Dominion contract of 40 sets of engines at a price of £400,000, comparing with the lowest British tender of £680,000; if a further difficulty in the case of English manufacturers was that they could not guarantee delivery owing to labour unrest; what definite action the Government are taking to remedy the condition of things under which imporant contracts of this kind are repeatedly going to foreign competitors and aggravating the unemployment difficulty?

I have seen a report in the sense of the first part of the hon. Member's question, but I have no definite information on the subject. The difficulty experienced by British manufacturers in guaranteeing delivery is due to a number of factors arising out of the abnormal conditions caused by the War, and it is not within the power of this Government or of any Government to restore normal conditions artificially. I may, however, mention that I am aware of important Dominion contracts which have recently been obtained by British firms in the face of foreign competition.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many of these industries in Germany the workmen work 11 hours a day instead of 8 hours as is done under the trade unions here, and have thrown over in many cases the regulations of the trade unions, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be a great deal better in this country if we could do more to obtain the production of labour instead of having it stultified under trade unions?

I am quite aware that in certain industries in Germany the men are working longer hours than here, and also that they are working for less wages, and of course the exchange is a factor to which I have referred, but I am sure that my hon. Friend will recognise that we cannot take artificial means to deal with these matters without exercising very great care.

Are the Government doing anything in reference to the exchange, and, if so, what?

It is a matter that is causing great anxiety, and I hope that in a measure to be presented next Session we shall be able to suggest some steps for dealing with the matter.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that before next Session an immense amount of harm may be done to British manufactures, and cannot something be done in the meantime, without waiting for the reassembling of Parliament?

What are my constituents who are unemployed to do between now and next Session?

It will require legislation to deal with this matter, and there must be some delay unless hon. Members are prepared to sit continuously.

May I press for an answer to my question?

The hon. Member had better put down a further question.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the disaster which threatens numerous British industries at the hands of German competition owing to difference in the exchange, which permits German manufacturers to import goods into this country at such a cost that it is quite impossible for British manufacturers to compete, he will give an undertaking when framing his policy dealing with dumping, that he will at the same time so draft the measure as to deal with the difference in value of goods owing to the exchange, which is far more fatal to British industries than any underselling by dumping in normal times?

It is the intention of the Government to include in a Bill to be introduced at the beginning of next Session, provisions dealing with the situation caused by the importation of goods at abnormally low prices owing to the state of certain of the exchanges.

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have been, or are being, taken to establish any system of international barter in order to overcome difficulties in connection with the exchanges and re-establish international trade?

The Board of Trade have been engaged for some time in consultation with banking and general trade representatives in trying to produce a scheme which will facilitate trade with countries whose producing power has been largely destroyed by the difficulties of the exchange. I may add that the possibilities of barter in cases in which exchange has totally collapsed have not been overlooked, and I understand that some attempts at trade have been made along these lines.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government holds at present, through the Canteen Dispersal Committee or other body, any stocks and, if so, what stocks of tobacco; if so, whether such stocks are being sold to other Departments of the Government which otherwise would be under the necessity of purchasing tobacco; and whether any such Departments have purchased in the open market while the Government holds tobacco still unsold?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. As already explained in this House, the transactions of the Navy and Army Canteen Board are not carried out with public money or charged upon the Votes of Parliament and the stocks of the Board are therefore not Government property. Stocks of tobacco are held by the War Office for issue to the troops serving in certain countries overseas, where tobacco forms part of the soldier's ration; such stocks are not being sold to other Government Departments. The War Office has not bought any tobacco from the Navy and Army Canteen Board. I cannot say whether any other Departments have purchased from the Board.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that it is not the case that the Government and the War Office have large stocks of tobacco which are practically competing with the stocks in private hands?

No, Sir. I said that stocks of tobacco are held by the War Office and issued to the troops serving in certain countries overseas.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these stocks are very large beyond the requirements, and whether such large stocks will be duly reduced?

I should be glad to ascertain if the hon. Member will put down a question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the delay on the part of the German clearing office, he will decline to allow British claimants to suffer any longer by the dilatory administration of the German authorities, and to that end will he now disburse to British owners the amount of their properly proved claims for German Government securities in respect to which the three months' time limit provided by the Peace Treaty has expired; and, if he will not do so, will he explain what course is open to him, or which he proposes to pursue, in order to put an end to a state of affairs which defeats the intention of the Peace Treaty by preventing him paying the many millions sterling which he holds belonging to British claimants against Germany?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me on the 13th December to a similar question. The British Clearing Office is making every effort to obtain a settlement without further delay and has sent a special officer to Berlin to investigate the German position and to expedite their procedure.

asked the Prime Minister when he will carry out his undertaking to publish all agreements, protocols, etc., relating to the execution of the Treaty of Versailles?

I much regret that I am not yet able to add anything to the statement made in the House on this subject by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 13th December.

May I ask the Prime Minister to let us have an answer to this before we rise for the Recess, or how long shall we have to wait?

The difficulty does not arise on our side. We are anxious to have all these documents published, but we have not yet been able to secure the assent of the French Government. I am not sure as to the Italian Government. I am not very hopeful of much progress being made until I have had a personal interview with the Prime Minister of France.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that some of these have already been published in France? Why cannot we have them published here?

They have not been published officially in France. There is no doubt that the newspapers have got hold of garbled extracts, but there is a great difference between those extracts and official publication.

Is it not far better to correct the garbled extracts by publishing the official documents? Are we dependent on the will of France or any other country for publication here?

That is why we are in favour of publication. When you are negotiating with other Powers you must have their assent before you publish.

It is quite obvious that we cannot have them before Thursday. Will the right hon. Gentleman state what steps he proposes to take?

I have already said that I do not think there will be any real progress until I have had an opportunity of talking the matter over with the French Prime Minister.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the International Financial Conference held at Brussels expressed the hope that the economic uncertainty which besets alike the countries which are entitled to receive and the countries which are under an obligation to pay reparation claims may speedily be removed, since the settlement of this question is indispensable not only for the reconstruction of the countries devastated by the War, a matter of capital importance to the re-establishment of Europe's economic equilibrium, but also for the recovery of the States on which the burden of this reparation lies; and whether he will take prompt and immediate steps to remove this economic uncertainty?

Preliminary discussion on this subject is now taking place at Brussels between the experts of the Governments concerned. His Majesty's Government cannot act alone in this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the issue of 1,500,000 so-called war bond policies by an insurance office during the last three years; whether he is aware that a very large number of persons took up these policies in the belief that they were helping their country; whether 600,000 of these policies have already lapsed, with total loss to those who took them up; whether, in fact, this insurance company only held security value of war bonds to the extent of about one-third of the value of the policies issued; and what action he proposes to take?

I assume the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Prudential Assurance Company. In that event I would refer him to the answers I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on the 22nd July and 16th August last, of which I will send him copies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that representations were made to the public in the form of appeals which were described as 5 per cent National War Bonds? Is he aware that the patriotism of the public was exploited, and are the Treasury going to take any steps to hold an inquiry into something which is a very serious scandal?

That is in substance the question which I have previously answered, and I would ask my hon. Friend, if he has not seen that answer, to read it.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he is aware that the amount of industrial coal on the market to-day is greater than the demand and that trade channels are being blocked, and that there is. a shortage of coal trucks at the Yorkshire colieries due to Yorkshire coal being sent to all parts of England; and whether, in view of the above facts and the present increased output of coal in the mines, he will remove the embargo on coal export from the Humber ports;

2) whether the Tyne and South Wales have received permits to export coal in increased quantities while the Humber ports are not allowed to participate in any shape or form; and, if so, will he take immediate steps to remove this inequality of treatment in granting licences for coal export?

The export allocations from the Tyne and South Wales have not been increased; but the Supplies Committees of those areas have a certain discretion to permit export in excess of the allocation where they are satisfied that a strict enforcement of the restrictions would hamper the working of the pits. As regards Yorkshire the supply of industrial coal is only part of the problem. There is still a very grave shortage both for public utilities and domestic consumption in districts served by Yorkshire; and I do not feel able, with this information before me, to allow further relaxation of the restrictions on the shipment of Yorkshire coal at present.

When will the accounts of the third quarter be published?

They have been published.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received representations from the Staffordshire County Council regarding the proposals contained in his circular R.F. 105, of the 29th November, concerning the registration of motor cars; and whether he will amend the proposed Regulation so as to secure as far as possible the retention by owners of motor cars of their old numbers, so as to avoid expense and satisfy sentiment?

Under the Regulations proposed all mechanically-propelled road vehicles properly registered on the 31st December, 1920, will retain the marks and numbers then allotted to them, so long as such vehicles exist, and it will, therefore, not be necessary for new numbers to be allotted to, and new number plates to be obtained by owners of such vehicles in the coming year. No expense under that head is therefore being incurred.

Is not the point of the representations that owners should be able to retain the numbers though not necessarily sticking to the individual's cars?

However great the sentimental and affectionate regard which the owner may have for his number, I do not think that it is too much to make the change.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any provision is being made in the Bill dealing with the future of railways for providing general machinery to deal with questions of wages and working conditions in respect of the railway police; and whether, in view of the fact that there is no existing machinery whereby these men may make collective representations to their employers, he will receive a deputation of the accredited representatives of the railway police forces on the question of the formation of a federation?

As regards the first part of this question, it is not intended that the Bill referred to shall include provisions for setting up machinery to deal specially with the wages and conditions of service of the railway police. As regards the second part, I would point out that arrangements exist whereby the railway police can make collective representations to their employers, and that an agreement as to wages and conditions of service was made between the general managers and representatives of the police in September last.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a memorandum prepared by representatives of the Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Greenock, Leith, and South of Scotland Chambers of Commerce respecting the proposals contained in the Ministry of Transport White Paper [Cmd. 787], as affecting the Scottish railways; and whether an oppor- tunity will be given either to the Scottish Members of Parliament, or to the representatives of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, to state their case before any decision is reached as to the grouping of the Scottish railways.

I have seen the memorandum referred to and I am very fully alive to the consideration therein expressed. I have also received the views of other large interests affected by the proposals and I am very willing to discuss the matter with Members representing Scottish constituencies later on if they are not satisfied that all the aspects of the matter are already before me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the extensive replacement of wood surfacing in London streets by asphalt; whether this asphalt is very much more slippery than wood pavement under most conditions of weather, causing the most serious difficulty and danger to all forms of traffic, both horse-drawn and motor; whether the Department has conducted any experiments with a view to rendering such surfaces less slippery, and, if so, with what result; whether he has considered the possibility of effecting an improvement by pockmarking or chipping such surfaces; and, if so, can the local authorities concerned be asked to take some action in the matter?

It is a fact that wood surfacing is being replaced to a certain extent in London streets by asphalt, for reasons of expense. I am not prepared to agree, however, that asphalt is very much more slippery under ordinary conditions than wood paving. As regards the experiments which are being carried out by my Department, I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer given on 8th November to the right hon. and gallant Member for Totnes, of which I am sending him a copy. The expedient of pockmarking or chipping road surfaces is not practicable, as it would result in their rapid deterioration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to let us know in the near future the results of the deliberations of the Committee?

The deliberations and experiments are going on all the time, but I shall be glad to give my hon. and gallant Friend any information which he desires.

asked the Prime Minister at what date the Government made a grant to Wet Carbonising, Limited; what was the amount of the grant and on what terms; and for what purpose the grant was made?

I am informed that no grant has been made to Wet Carbonising, Limited; the remainder of the question therefore does not arise. In the summer of 191V certain expenditure was incurred by this company on behalf of the Government in connection with the scheme for the erection of a factory in France for the manufacture of peat briquettes for the use of the forces in the trenches. This expenditure, amounting to about £10,000, was advanced by the War Office.

asked the Prime Minister whether the surviving portions of the army of Baron Wrangel are being reorganised and re- equipped; whether this is being done on territory under the control of the Allies; whether these troops will be used for further attacks on Soviet Russia; and why they have not been disarmed and interned?

A portion of the troops formerly constituting General Wrangel's army has been placed by the French authorities in French camps at Mudros, Gallipoli, and Chatalja. His Majesty's Government have nothing to do with these arrangements. I have no information to show whether any equipment has been issued to them. It would appear that the main difficulty is to provide them with even the means of subsistence.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the depressed condition of the tea trade is largely due to the loss of the Russian market; and will he give due weight to this fact in hastening the resumption of trading relations with Russia, under whatever government or misgovernment she may rise or fall?

The Government will certainly give due weight to the importance of the tea trade in atempting to hasten resumption of trading relations with Russia.

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made with the negotiations for re-opening trade between Russia and Siberia and the British Empire; and whether His Majesty's Government is seeking to interfere with Russian action in territories of the former Russian Empire and especially in the Caucasus, and thus. holding up the negotiations?

asked the Prime Minister whether the arrangements for the re-establishment of commercial relations with Russia have now been completed; and whether he can give the details of such arrangements?

I shall answer these two questions together. I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave on Monday last to questions on this subject. As regards the last part of the question by the hon. and gallant Member for Hull, the answer is in the negative.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement and to give facilities for discussion before the House rises, as promised?

I think it will be possible for the President of the Board of Trade to make a statement on Wednesday.

Shall we not have the opportunity, promised by the Prime Minister, of debating this matter tomorrow?

On Wednesday there will be a full opportunity for discussion, on the statement of the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Prime Minister why the notes exchanged between the Russian Soviet Government and the British Government on the subject of trade have not been published?

Negotiations are still going on on this subject, and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by publishing any part of the correspondence at present.

(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long it is proposed that the British taxpayers should remain responsible for the maintenance of Russian refugees?

His Majesty's Government have not yet fixed a time limit to this responsibility, but it is hoped that the arrangement concluded with the Government of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes will result at no distant date in relieving the British taxpayer of this charge. Meanwhile, in view of the possibility of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes not being able to secure employment for the refugees, other expedients are receiving careful attention.

I shall call attention to this matter on the Appropriation Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to announce a definite decision on the Government proposals in regard to the Minesweepers' Co-operative Trawling Society which were submitted on the 8th ultimo by the committee whose assistance in framing the scheme was invited by the Government; and whether the Government is prepared to afford such financial assistance as will enable the scheme to be put into operation forthwith?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (on Saturday, 18th December) whether he can make any further statement with regard to the progress of the scheme for the co-operative management of fishing trawlers supplied to ex-service men and others by His Majesty's Government?

I have been asked to reply to Question 28 and I will answer at the same time Question No. 2, asked on Saturday by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull. The original scheme has broken down owing to the want of support afforded by the fishermen in the matter of raising the necessary funds. The Admiralty is prepared to sympathetically consider any further scheme submitted if based on sound financial principles.

Is that the only difficulty? Was not one of the reasons why the fishermen did not subscribe that they were not guaranteed the price of fuel and ice?

I do not think so, at all.

With regard to the financial assistance given by the Government to men who served on land as compared with men who served at sea, is the hon. Gentleman conscious of the great difference of treatment denoted by his answer?

Yes, Sir. The whole scheme that was put forward in the first instance depended on subscriptions being raised among the fishermen. That failed and, consequently, this scheme broke down, but the Admiralty is quite prepared to receive any suggestions for a new scheme which is based on a sound financial footing.

Will the hon. Gentleman observe the point of my question— that with the case of soldiers no financial commitment on their part was required to secure the assistance of the Government.

Of course, the right hon. Gentleman knows quite well that I have no official knowledge of the schemes to which he refers. All that I could do as Financial Secretary to the Admiralty was to consider this scheme from a financial point of view.

Does the reply mean the final decision of the Government that the scheme as originally promoted is now terminated, and that the Government can consider only new schemes for assisting the men who served at sea?

The whole matter is under our very careful consideration. It is a question of coming to some terms on the financial side. If that is arrived at I am sure my right hon. Friend will back it up.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that proposals have already been submitted to the Government, and may I ask whether those proposals are as definitely turned down as is the original scheme?

I am not aware of any proposals being made subsequent to the original scheme.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of a resolution unanimously passed at a largely attended meeting of the Parliamentary Committee of the League of Nations Union, including representatives of all political parties, to the effect that the Government be requested to present to Parliament, at the earliest possible moment, a Return showing the cost of the Great War to each nation engaged in it, in respect of life, limb, property, and money, in so far as information is available from responsible sources; and whether he can see his way to comply with this request?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Government are considering whether such a Return can be compiled without labour and expense disproportionate to its value.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is currently reported that there were 34,000,000 casualties in the War and 9,000,000 deaths. and that according to the estimate of Professor Bogart, of the University of Illinois, the real economic cost of the War amounted to £50,000,000,000 directly and £67,000,000,000 directly and indirectly, and would it not be advisable to have an authoritative statement regarding the matter to hand down to future generations?

From investigations I think those figures are substantially accurate. I agree that it would be very desirable, where possible, to get a full return, but that does not depend entirely on this country. It involves investigation abroad, and there are some countries whose losses have been so very heavy that the best information you could get would be conjecture. In Russia, and even in Austria and Turkey, you could not get anything like an accurate estimate, and the best calculation would be a guess. I think there is a good deal to be said for a return of this kind, if it can be done without enormous expenditure.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of issuing an accurate return of what the War has cost this country?

That is done, I think, completely.

asked the Prime Minister whether, notwithstanding the House having had an Autumn Session over two months in duration, the following measures foreshadowed in the Gracious Speech from the Throne have not been passed into law: proposals for the acquisition of coal royalties by the State, a Licensing Bill, a Bill to encourage and develop the fishing industry, Bills dealing with the regulation of the hours of employment, the establishment of a minimum rate of wage, with dumping, and with the creation of an adequate supply of cheap electrical and water power, and also the reform of the Second Chamber; and whether, in considering the legislation to be brought forward in 1921, he will take steps to reduce to the absolute minimum the Bills to be brought forward in view of the long and arduous Sessions of this and last year?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part, that the Government recognise that, owing to the arrears due to the War, it has been necessary to carry through Parliament during the last two years an unprecedented amount of legislation. They fully realise the disadvantages of legislating under such pressure, and have always hoped, as they now do, that the programme in the subsequent Sessions of this Parliament will be much less exacting.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability, in view of the present state of national finance, of seeing that no measures are introduced next Session involving expenditure, so that the House may devote itself to the discussion of the finances of the country at other times than late at night?

It is undoubtedly very desirable that there should be no additional financial obligations except those which are urgently demanded by the conditions of the country.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state precisely the functions at present being exercised by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic); the kind of occasion which requires a meeting of the Board; the number of meetings held during 1920; the principal administrative officer of the Board; and whether he can give an estimate of the monthly cost involved in the work of administration and the meetings of the Board?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The functions of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) are those which are assigned to them by the Defence of the Realm (Liquor Control) Regulations, 1915. I could not undertake to define the occasions requiring a Board meeting. Ten meetings have been held during 1920; the Board's principal administrative officer is Sir John Sykes, K.C.B.; the estimate for the expenditure of the current year is to be found in the Paper presented to the House in the usual way in February.

Is it not the fact that the Board administers funds and debits losses and charges to trading account, without coming before the House of Commons at all?

I do not think it means that.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has observed that the personnel of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) contains no representatives of the bonâ-fide habitués of public-houses; and will he request the resignations therefrom of representatives of the Trade, the Temperance party, and trades union officials, and other non-manual occupations, and replace them with users of public-houses, choosing working men engaged in bodily toil, such as dock labourers, navvies, porters, and the like, preferring those who dwell in model lodging and Rowton Houses, and who are sober but readily admit that they spend their leisure in adjoining licensed premises, in order that, instead of the views being given effect to only of those who profit in cash through selling drink, or those who think they gain credit by denouncing it, the views of the customers who comprise the majority of the population may be really represented and Regulations giving effect thereto enacted?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, will he consider the advisability of putting the victims of the public-houses, who are represented generally by the wives of the habitués of the public-houses, on the Liquor Control Board?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I cannot accept my hon. Friend's description of the present Board, and his suggestions for an ideal membership are, I fear, impracticable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to have the regulation of the churches put in the hands of prominent atheists, agnostics, and non-churchgoers, and also the regulation of maternity homes put into the hands of barren old maids and impotent and ascetic bachelors?

asked the Prime Minister whether steps can be taken to put the working men's clubs in the scheduled areas for liquor control on the same footing as those in the non-scheduled areas, so as to have an equality of treatment among the various clubs throughout the country?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that many of the restrictions imposed by Orders of the Liquor Control Board on the consumption and sale of liquor in clubs were purely war measures and are not required by or suitable to the present peace-time conditions, and in view of the fact that it is improbable that legislation can be carried through Parliament within the next six months or more, he will consider which of these restrictions may immediately be withdrawn or modified and will instruct the Liquor Control Board accordingly?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I would refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave to similar inquiries on the 8th instant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the exceedingly strong feeling on the subject of these liquor restrictions that exists among working men's clubs all throughout the country?

I have only jus returned from—[HON. MEMBERS: " Order, order! "] May I ask if it is really as much feeling among the working men's clubs as it is among the trade, which works up the feeling among the working men's clubs?

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the present administration of the Liquor Control Board is such that equal facilities are given to the working men's clubs as are given to other clubs and to hon. Members of this House?

I have nothing to add to my answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the working men's clubs are the enemies of the trade, and that the trade and the working men's clubs have no connection, but that the feeling among both is equally strong against these restrictions?

Oh, oh!

asked the Prime Minister in what form the terms of the Mandates to be assumed by the British Empire will be laid before this House; and when the first of these terms of Mandates will be ready for submission to the League of Nations and to this House?

Any Mandate that is given to the British Empire will be laid before the House after its approval by the Council of the League of Nations. The four Mandates for Samoa, New Guinea, Nauru and South West Africa which were approved by the Council on Friday, 17th December, will be laid immediately.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Speaker has expressed the opinion that once these Mandates have been approved by the Council it will not be possible for this House to amend them; and would it not strengthen our position if we could have these presented to this House for approval and then sent on to the Council?

Are we to understand that the Palestine Mandate though presented on the same date had not been approved of on Friday?

My hon. Friend had better ask the Lord President of the Council.

May I have an answer to my question?

It is rather an important question of policy. The hon. and gallant Gentleman must realise that the suggestion he makes derogates undoubtedly from the authority of the League.

If the Government are making up the terms of the Mandate, they might include a question of policy which ought to be approved by this House and we would be bound without other parties being in any way bound?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of any of the three British representatives on the Assembly of the League of Nations being back in this country before the House rises for Christmas, he will make arrangements for a short statement to be made in Parliament by one of those representatives on the recent work of the assembly at Geneva?

If time can be found, my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council will make a statement before the Prorogation.

Will that be on the Consolidated Fund Bill?

Yes.

Will the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman also cover his colleague the Noble Lord the Member for Hitchin (Lord R. Cecil)?

Oh, no!

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Operative Bricklayers' Association has blacked the contractors now engaged in building 96 houses for the Chadderton Urban District Council under the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, and thereby stopped the whole building scheme; whether the sole cause for such action is the employment by the contractors of three ex-service men as skilled tradesmen upon sub - contracts; and whether he will take immediate steps to protect these men from dismissal and the building scheme from interference?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the action of the Operative Bricklayers' Association in blacking the contractors now engaged in the housing scheme of the Chadderton Urban District Council on account of their employment of ex-service men; whether such action has had the effect of stopping the scheme; and whether he will take steps to remedy this deadlock at once?

As the answer is a somewhat lengthy one, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the clerk to the council mentioned states publicly to-day that his council is not undertaking any work at all directly in the way of building houses, and that the cause of the trouble is entirely different from that stated in the question?

Those points are dealt with in the reply which I think it is desirable to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us the reply now, as the question raises an issue of great importance?

If the House desires it.

"No!" and "Yes!"

On a point of Order. May I ask, when the House expresses a general desire that an answer should be read, whether it is not proper for the Minister to read it?

It is difficult to say, whether it is a general desire or not. If the answer proved to be a very long one, hon. Members cut out from asking questions would object.

The following is the reply prepared:

I have been asked to reply to the questions asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Moss Side and the hon. Member for Exeter upon this subject and I propose to answer them together. I am informed that the contractor to the Chadderton Urban District Council housing scheme sub-let the bricklaying for the houses to six bricklayers who are members of the Operative Bricklayers' Society at a fixed price per house. Each of these men worked piece-work and are stated to have earned about £8 a week. The local union official objected on the ground that the union would not allow piece-work in any form, and the union instructed the six men to leave the job. Four complied with the orders of the union, but two have remained at work, one being an ex-service man who was a bricklayer before joining the Army. The contractor is now paying these two men the district time-rate for bricklayers of 2s. 4d. an hour, but, in addition, gives them a commission on the amount of material used. The Operative Bricklayers' Society is a party to an agreement with the North Western Area Federated Master Builders which provides that "no system of payment by results . . . .by whatever name it may be known, shall be allowed," but I understand that the contractor is not a party to this agreement. I hope that the trade will come to recognise that such cases are contrary both to public interest and to their own.

asked the Prime Minister if an agreement is arrived at between the Minister of Labour and the executives of the building trades to employ 50,000 men in the building industry, will he guarantee that a sufficient supply of bricks, cement, and other building materials will be provided by the Director of Building Material Supplies for the various schemes throughout the country, and that the men at present employed on these buildings and the ex-service men to be employed will not be suspended for the want of the. necessary supplies?

I have been asked to answer this question. The Department of Building Materials Supply does not undertake to supply all the materials required for housing schemes. My information, however, shows that the output of building materials, including bricks and cement, would be sufficient for the continuous employment both of the labour already employed on housing and of the additional labour proposed to be employed under the Government scheme.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a number of builders' schemes are being held up by his Department not being able to give supplies; and has he no information that certain buildings in Scotland have been held up because they have not got supplies; and that men have been suspended on that work; and does he not think that by the putting of another 50,000 men on to the buildting trade, and not providing supplies, you are only going to have unemployment amongst the men at present employed on the schemes, and also men promised employment will not be able to get it?

There are various difficulties of transport and so forth, but my information is that in England, anyhow, there are practically no schemes short of material, and there is material to employ those men.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that his Building Materials Supply Department in England is also responsible for the building material supplies in Scotland, and while he is speaking for England can he give the same answer in regard to Scotland?

For the most part I am happy to say that contractors supply themselves, and I encourage them to do so as far as possible. There are difficulties in Scotland with respect to bricks.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that during the Recess, if he finds any schemes are being held up, and that ex-service men are not being employed because of want of supplies of materials, he will give a free hand to the local authorities to get supplies from whatever sources they can?

I have given the local authorities and contractors a free hand for months back if they have any difficulty.

Is it not the fact that local authorities must get their supplies of bricks and cement through the Building Materials Supply Department, and do not have a free hand in Scotland?

I do not know of Scotland, but, certainly, not in England.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no difficulty in securing sufficient supplies of building material for luxury building and that it is only housing schemes which are kept short, and, in consequence, many skilled and unskilled men in the building trade are being turned out of work in Scotland?

My hon. Friend should address that question to the Secretary for Scotland. So far as this country is concerned, we have masses of work all over the country, where there is material to employ a great many more men than are there now.

Is the building of a public-house luxury building?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have received any estimates of the net cost per ton of oil that would be en- tailed in erecting, maintaining, and reinforcing any oil-pipe line from the alleged North Mesopotamian oilfield near Mosul to the Mediterranean or the Persian Gulf; and whether the cost of getting oil from this source to the sea coast, if oil there be, would be commercially or economically profitable?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, although the subject has been considered. As regards the latter part, I think it may safely be assumed that if oil be found in quantity, there would be no commercial or economic obstacle to its transport by pipe line to the sea coast.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Fourth Report of the Public Accounts Committee; who was the Air Minister when the transactions in question took place, and who were the printers and the official upon whose advice the Minister acted; whether the official now occupies any position in the public service; and whether steps will be taken to bring this case of waste of public money to the notice of the persons concerned?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Report is at present under consideration by the Treasury. In answer to the second part, Lord Rothermere was Air Minister when the transactions took place, and the official concerned was Brigadier-General Guy Livingstone. The Public Accounts Committee has not thought it right to disclose the name of the printers in their Report. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative, and to the last in the affirmative.

Why are the Government not prepared to disclose the names of the printers?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the order was in fact given under the personal sanction of the Secretary of State and whether the Secretary of State took any action to obtain either advice or approval from the Treasury or the Stationery Office?

My hon. and learned Friend will find on pages 18 and 19 of the Appropriation Accounts of the Air Force, Parliamentary Paper No. 65, the correspondence between the Air Ministry and the Treasury, in which this statement is made, that the order was placed with the concurrence of the Air Minister.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed that the Noble Lord in question, the ex-Secretary of State for Air, has stated in the Paper that it was done without his knowledge, and that he has no responsibility for the squander mania and the action of a super-waster?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not the first terminological inexactitude committed by the Gentleman referred to?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have decided to close down the Ministry of Food at the 31st March next; what was the total value of the stocks, book debts, and commitments of the Ministry of Food, including the Wheat and Sugar Commissions, and how long the process of liquidation is expected to take; whether it is proposed to retain any part of the organisation of the Ministry as contemplated by the Ministry of Food Continuance Act; whether the organisation so retained will be transferred to some other and what Department; and whether, in view of the increasing unemployment and the possibility of consequent further industrial unrest, the Government are satisfied that, the arrangements proposed will ensure fair retail prices and the maintenance of adequate machinery for the equitable distribution of food among all classes of the community?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The total value of the stocks, book debts, and commitments of the Ministry of Food, including the Wheat and Sugar Commissions, is, approximately, £150,000,000, and the process of liquidation is expected to take 12 months from the date of transfer. It is proposed to transfer to a permanent Department such of the powers of the Food Controller, including the power to fix prices, as may still be required, together with the necessary organisation. It is not anticipated that, except in case of emergency, any fresh exercise of these powers will be called for, but my right hon. Friend may rest assured that the Government is alive to the importance of maintaining the powers necessary to ensure an equitable and effective distribution of food.

Can the Prime Minister say to which Department it is intended to transfer these powers?

I would rather not answer that now.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received communications from the Highland Reconstruction Committee, Inverness, and from other public bodies protesting against the discontinuance by the Government of the daily steamer services which have been running between the island of Lewis and the mainland for about 40 years; and whether, in view of the great herring fishing season now commenced, with the consequent enormous increase in postal, passenger, and goods traffic, the Government will take immediate steps to have this most urgent service resumed without delay?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Representations of the nature indicated in the first part of the question have been received. I regret, however, that I am unable to add anything to the recent replies given to my hon. Friend on this subject.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the previous reply did not refer to three services a week, and will he not restore the service which has been in operation for the last 40 years?

I have explained at great length and, I hope, with complete sympathy, the reasons which have rendered the change necessary.