asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of trade between Ireland and Great Britain for the years 1913, 1918, 1919, and 1920?

Particulars respecting the trade between Ireland and Great Britain during the year 1920 are not yet available. For the years 1913, 1918 and 1919 the values, as ascertained by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, were as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has prohibited the sale of clinical thermometers unless they have been previously approved by the National Physical Laboratory; and, if so, by what authority he has done so?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Baling on 21st February, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the House to understand from the reply that if a manufacturer of clinical thermometers attempts to sell his products accompanied by a certificate that they have been tested, that he can be sent to prison for so doing unless he sends his goods to a Government Department so that his goods can be again tested?

He has to comply with the Order that is in force.

Is the Department exercising a power that the House of Commons distinctly refused to give it only two months ago?

It is exercising a power which has been in existence throughout. The House of Commons has never refused to give it that power.

Under what authority is it acting?

It is an Order in Council made during the War.

Under the Defence of the Realm Act?

Yes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the percentage of British produced goods consumed in this country and exported?

It is not possible to state the present proportion with any certainty, as no Census of Production in the United Kingdom has been taken since the War. The information relating to 1907 published in the Report on the Census of Production for that year shows that, of the total value, taken as at field, mine or factory, of the goods produced in the United Kingdom, about 30 per cent. was represented by exports and 70 per cent. by goods retained in this country. If foodstuffs and raw materials of industry be excluded, the remaining goods produced were divided in the approximate proportion of 39 per cent. exported, and 61 per cent. retained in this country. It is believed that the proportionate division between exports and home consumption was not notably different, immediately before the War, from that revealed by the Census for 1907.

What steps are the Government taking to encourage the export of goods produced in this country?

I hardly think that arises out of this question. There will be an opportunity to debate that on a subsequent occasion. Obviously it is quite impossible in answer to a supplementary question to debate the whole question of assisting export credit.

Surely I may ask my hon. Friend exactly what steps the Government are taking? It is a very important matter indeed.

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should put his question on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has agreed to a request from the British America Nickel Corporation that the first mortgage bonds held by him shall be subject to a prior charge; and, if such is the case, will he state what equivalent, if any, he will receive?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Further capital could only be raised by a modification of the rights of the first mortgage bond holders of the British America Nickel Corporation and by the surrender of a royalty to which other persons were entitled in priority to those bond holders.

Is the President of the Board of Trade prepared to surrender some of these rights without any equivalent?

What I am prepared to do is to make the best arrangement possible in the circumstances. I have taken the best advice available as to whether the proposal submitted was in the interest of the Government investments. I was advised that it was so and I have taken that advice.

Shall we have any opportunity of expressing an opinion before this proposal is confirmed?

Not before the proposal is confirmed, but any action which the Board of Trade has taken in the matter will be open to criticism in the ordinary way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any Report from the Committee on Trusts concerning the prices of builders' castings; and, if not, in view of the fact that this Committee was appointed over 12 months ago, is he prepared to consider the advisability of appointing a fresh Committee with instructions to issue a Report forthwith, instead of allowing this matter to remain over indefinitely.

The Report on light castings has been received and is now being printed. It will be published in a few days.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a Bill is about to be brought before the House of Commons asking for power to construct a deep-water wharf connected with the railway at Canvey Island, near Southend, which will accommodate the largest liners at all states of the tide; if he is aware that it will be the means of finding employment for some hundreds of men for a good length of time; and whether the Government will be prepared to push the Bill forward, and, if possible, facilitate the passing of the Bill at the earliest opportunity?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but I am unable to anticipate my Report to Parliament on this Bill, which will be made in due course.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman already made up his mind what line of action he is going to take?

I have not made my report yet, and I would rather not anticipate it.

Could the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to the last part of the question, whether the Government will be prepared to push the Bill forward? A great many of us think it should be pushed forward.

I think that would be anticipating my report. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will wait until I make it.

When will the report be made?

As soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it before he leaves office?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there has been during the last six months a considerable decrease in the number of first-class railway passengers; and whether he will recommend that the rate of first-class fares be slightly reduced so that more persons may be encouraged to travel first class?

The proportion of first-class passengers conveyed has declined from 3·25 per cent. of the total (excluding workmen and season ticket holders) in July to 2·87 per cent. in December, 1920. In 1913 the proportion was only 2·74 per cent. The recent decline cannot be entirely attributed to the increase in fares made last summer, as the proportion fell from 3·88 per cent. in the year 1919 to 3·25 per cent. in the month of July, 1920, and the decline was therefore in progress before any change in fares took place. In all the circum- stances, I do not consider it desirable to make any further revision of first-class fares at the moment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied as Minister of Transport that the first-class carriages in this country are being utilised to the utmost of their capacity?

If there are any instances where they are not fully occupied they can be taken off the trains.

Is it not a fact that when the 50 per cent. increase was put upon fares it made practically no difference, and that since the 75 per cent. was put on the number of first-class passengers has decreased, and in order to meet that will not the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to recommend a small reduction in fares?

The only object one has in view is to try to make the best of the railways. The only object one has is to try to get revenue. As the number of first-class passengers is in percentage in excess of what it was in 1913, I think we ought to have a little more experience before we alter the fares.

asked the Minister of Transport the composition of the Colwyn Committee; and whether there was any member of the Ministry of Transport staff on the committee or acting as secretary to it?

The Colwyn Committee was composed of the chairman, five Members of this honourable House, an official of the Treasury, and the president of the Federation of British Industries. The secretary was a Treasury official, and no member of the Ministry of Transport staff was on the Committee or acted as secretary.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a statement to the effect that the Minister of Transport cannot disavow responsibility for the existing position of the railways when it is the result of the mass of agreements concluded between the Ministry of Transport and the companies during the two years which have elapsed since the War; and what agreements the Ministry of Transport entered into with the railway companies and the dates and nature of such agreements.

My attention has been drawn to a statement in the Press on the lines referred to, which has no foundation whatever in fact, and was apparently made without any knowledge either of the arrangements or of the Report of the Colwyn Committee, in which the position is clearly set out. The whole of the arrangements are antecedent in time to the formation of this Ministry.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the case of the railway police, the general machinery to deal with questions of wages and working conditions to be included in the provisions of the Railway Grouping Bill will be one of the railway trades unions, or an organisation on the lines of the Police Federation set up by the Government for the civil police?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on this subject on 20th December, to which I can add nothing.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Irish railway companies are in some cases refusing to accept parcels of fish from the English fishing ports to well-known firms in Ireland for sale in Ireland; and whether this policy has his approval?

I am not aware of the circumstances mentioned in this question, and the Irish railway companies who have been consulted know of no refusal on their part to accept the traffic referred to. I will, however, make further inquiries if the hon. and gallant Member will furnish any details in his possession.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has made any arrangements to have tickets at excursion rates issued from Belfast to stations in Great Britain at Easter?

The railway companies are not proposing to issue excursion tickets between Belfast and stations in Great Britain, as they do not consider that additional net revenue could be obtained thereby.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was done about running excursions from Paddington last Saturday?

I cannot give the information out of my head. I should be very glad to supply the information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman grant facilities for excursions from other parts of Ireland?

asked the Minister of Transport if he can state, in percentage form, to what extent railway facilities for the travelling public have now been restored in comparison with the figures for July, 1914?

No monthly mileage figures are available prior to January, 1920, when the Ministry of Transport statistics were instituted. Had these returns been in existence before I could have replied to the hon. and gallant Member's question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the average weekly wages of workmen in France, Germany, Italy, and the United States, as compared with those in our own country, making due allowance for the varying rates of exchange?

I have been asked to reply. I am sorry to be unable to furnish the information desired by my hon. and gallant Friend. International comparisons of this kind can, I fear, produce no practical result until the various countries have reached an agreement to carry out wages inquiries on a national scale at concerted and frequent intervals, and to pursue identical methods, not only in collecting and collating data, but also in presenting the results.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the promised Government Bill to provide compensation in cases of subsidence in mining areas is now ready; and when it is proposed to introduce it?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a similar question on 23rd February, to which I have at present nothing to add.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is nearly twelve months since this Bill was promised?

I cannot remember the exact date. It is certainly some time ago.

What was the answer to which the right hon. Gentleman refers?

The answer I referred to before was that the matter was under consideration, but I was not in a position to say when a Bill would be introduced.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that is almost exactly the answer I got four months ago?

In the present state of business I cannot say anything more definite.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the apprehension of the householder of a further immediate increase in the price of domestic coal, he can give a general estimate as to the loss or otherwise to the coalowners on a ton of coal raised and sold at the present prices?

I am arranging for the publication, early this week, of statistics of the output, proceeds and profits of the coal mining industry for the month of January, which is the latest period for which figures are available, and I hope that those statistics will provide the hon. and gallant Member with the information he requires.

asked the Prime Minister whether the victims of arson committed in and around Manchester recently will be granted any compensation; and, if so, from what source will same be paid?

The answer is in the negative. The cases referred to were not cases of riot, and there is no reason why the burden should be put upon the inhabitants of the district or the general body of taxpayers.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the urgent need for bringing home to the electorate the real source of high local expenditure and heavy local rates, he will introduce legislation making the direct payment of rates in all cases compulsory, and making illegal the compounding of rates by householders?

I cannot add anything to the replies which have already been given to my hon. Friend's questions on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Prime Minister whether he recently received a deputation from the London County Council asking the Government to appoint a Committee or Royal Commission to inquire into the problems of municipal government and the constant overlapping of authorities in London and Greater London; whether any decision has been come to by the Government on this matter and do they propose to appoint such a Committee or Commission; and, if so, when?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and in accordance with what was arranged with the deputation, the views of other authorities concerned are being ascertained through the Minister of Health.

asked the Prime Minister whether any further progress has been made with the negotiations for a trade agreement with Russia?

I have been asked to reply. M. Krassin, the representative of the Soviet Government arrived in this country at the end of last week and discussions will be resumed with him on the points outstanding in the draft Trade Agreement.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that M. Krassin was held up in Berlin owing to obstacles put in the way by the passport authorities of this country, and will he tell me whether it is intended to proceed with these negotiations forthwith or to put further delays in the way?

Is it not a fact that M. Krassin has an office in Berlin?

I do not know whether he has or has not, nor have I any information as to the delay that has occurred in Berlin. I am not in the least disposed to accept the suggestion about the delay made by the hon. and gallant Member. The negotiations will proceed. If there has been delay, that delay has not been due to delay on the part of His Majesty's Government.

Will the negotiations proceed forthwith?

Will the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the negotiations will not continue until it is perfectly certain that the Bolshevik Government still exists?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that a gentleman upon whom a baronetcy was recently conferred is now found to be the individual who was convicted for food hoarding during the War, he will recommend that the patent for this baronetcy be annulled?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 28th February, to which I have nothing to add.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman was on the list for consideration for appointment as a magistrate, and that his name was not allowed to go forward on the ground that the local authorities were of opinion that this case of food hoarding was such a serious one?

That question is not on the Paper. The hon. and gallant Member must give notice of it.

asked the Prime Minister when an opportunity will be given to discuss the proposed subsidy of motor lorries in the event of their being required for purposes of war?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I have already given an undertaking that nothing shall be spent on this scheme until the Vote on Account for the Army for 1921–22 has been taken, which will afford a suitable opportunity for discussion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the forms were printed and distributed before the Government had considered the scheme?

I think the hon. Member must put that question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether the decision of the Cabinet on the Committee of Imperial Defence's Report on certain aspects of naval policy may be communicated to the House at once; and whether he is satisfied that the Admiralty will have sufficient time to frame and print the statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty and the readjustment of the Navy Estimates by the time the discussion must take place before the end of the financial year?

In reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's question, it will be possible to state the views of the Government on naval policy in the discussion of the Estimates. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Prime Minister and represent the view that this is a very complicated question and should not be thrown at the House in the discussion on the Naval Estimates; and that we should like to have the Paper conveying the views of the Committee of Imperial Defence a few days in advance so that we can consider them?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the War bonus due to all naval prison service officers granted from 1st March, 1920, has not yet been paid; and if he will remedy this?

It is hoped that a decision will soon be reached in this matter.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if any further distribution of prize money is probable and to what amount and when; if he can give the amount of prize money allocated as droits of Admiralty and that allocated as droits of the Crown; how this amount works out as an average per man of the lower deck; and if he can state if the law expenses have been paid out of the droits of the Crown or if such are free of law expenses?

A further distribution of prize money will be made as soon as the total amount of the Prize Fund can be ascertained, and it is hoped that this information will be available by the end of the year. It is not anticipated that the amount in the Fund at any earlier date will warrant a second distribution on account. In accordance with Schedule 2 of the Naval Prize Act, legal expenses are not chargeable to the Fund. Droits of Admiralty are administered by the Treasury and not by the Admiralty, but in any case, as the total amount of prize money cannot yet be stated, it is not possible to give the additional information asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether the terms of the Mandate approved by the Council of the League of Nations for New Guinea, Samoa, Nauru, and ex-German South-West Africa contain a provision prohibiting in those areas the supply of intoxicating spirits to natives; and whether the draft Mandate for Tanganyika territory submitted by the British Government contains a similar provision?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, Article V of the draft Mandate requires that the mandatory shall exercise a strict control over the sale of spirituous liquor.

Does not Article 22 of the Covenant include

"the abolition of abuses such as the slave trade, the arms traffic, and the liquor traffic"

in mandatory areas? Are we, or are we not, standing by Article 22 of the League of Nations Covenant?

Yes. I understand so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether other nations are parties to the inclusion of the nation and Island of Nauru within the ambit of the League of Nations?

Some nations are.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of the Governments in Africa and other dependencies prohibit the sale of liquor to natives, and will he consider the matter before His Majesty's Government give their final assent, in view of the fact that to admit liquor would be a retrogressive action, having regard to the general attitude towards native labour in Africa?

Yes.

What is the population of the nation of Nauru which is affected?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Mandate for Tanganyika departs from or does not depart from the words in the Covenant of the League of Nations governing these cases?

I cannot say without notice. I should have to consider that.

Are they substituting regulation for prohibition? That is the whole point. Will the right hon. Gentleman promise to look into that?

I will ask another question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that he will not look into that point?

I say that I shall require notice.

That is really what is on the Paper. I would like an answer to that.

Perhaps the hon. Member will put the Question down again.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when he proposes to publish in this country the draft mandates for Mesopotamia, Palestine, and East Africa?

The draft mandates for Mesopotamia and Palestine were laid before the House on the 3rd instant, that for East Africa will be laid in the course of a few days.

asked whether the mandate or mandates, if more than one, for Syria will be officially published at or about the same time as the mandates for Mesopotamia and Palestine; and whether copies of the Syrian mandates will also be available for the consideration of Members of the House?

The mandates for Mesopotamia and Palestine have been laid before the House, and I understand that the French Government are about to publish the mandate for Syria.

Will the mandates for Togoland and the Kameroons be published, as well as that for Syria?

I am not in a position to answer that question.

In view of the great responsibility which we have in the Middle East, shall we have an opportunity of seeing it? Will it be published as a Parliamentary Paper?

That is a matter for the French Government.

Will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking that this House will have an opportunity of seeing it? If he is unable to answer, will he consult the Leader of the House?

I will consult the Leader of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will agree to give expression to the desire of the nation that his speech to the German delegates, delivered on 3rd March, should be printed in brochure form and distributed throughout the country; that translations be made into European languages; and that copies be sent to the principal Press agencies in Europe and the United States?

Full publicity has already been given to the speech referred to in my hon. Friend's question in every country in the world.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the tariffs to be levied in certain events by a line of customs houses temporarily established on the Rhine are to be collected in paper marks;

(2) whether, in view of the attitude of Germany towards her treaty obligation, the British Government will reconsider its decision to waive its right to seize German property in this country in the event of such evasion; and whether it will also proceed with the destruction of the military aerodromes and seaplane stations at Breslau, Gandau, Brunswick, Furth, Grossenhain, Hamburg, Paderborn, Schleissheim, Deveau, Kiel Holtenau, Norderney, Warnemunde, and Lift?

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the procrastination of Germany in carrying out the Treaty of Versailles, he will now suggest, with the approval of our Allies, that a combined and sufficient force of all arms should march to Berlin, thus impressing the German people that they are a beaten nation, and by this means enable all the Allies to get on with reconstruction and commercial prosperity?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of Germany refusing to carry out the terms of the Allies, a blockade of the German coast will be declared?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply. I would ask that these questions be postponed, as the Conference has not yet come to a decision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total value in sterling received from Germany in kind in respect of reparations by the Reparations Commission on behalf of all the Allies?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Stoke Newington (Mr. G. Jones) on the 25th ultimo.

asked the Prime Minister whether America has as yet given any expression of opinion as to whether she is prepared to discuss the question of armaments; and what is the attitude of Japan to such a question?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Does not the Government think it is time to take the initiative on this very important question?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the attention of the Government has been called to the resolution of the Senate of the United States on this question, and whether they will offer any comment on that expression of opinion?

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to enlisting the co-operation of the Irish people in the settlement of the future government of Ireland, the Government will formulate proposals whereby those Members who will be elected to the Northern and Southern House of Commons, respectively, shall meet in joint session in order to decide whether they will assume parliamentary responsibility under the Government of Ireland Act as it stands; and, if not, what amendments are necessary in the Act to enable them to undertake parliamentary responsibility or, in the event of failure to reach essential agreement, to prepare and publish a detailed scheme, or schemes, for the future government of Ireland?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; but as the House is aware, it is one of the cardinal features of the Government of Ireland Act that the two Parliaments should be in a position by identical decisions to enlarge the scope of the functions delegated by the United Kingdom Parliament under that Act. Moreover, there is nothing to prevent the representatives of Northern and Southern Ireland from meeting together at any time after their election to discuss methods of common interest, and I need hardly say that His Majesty's Government would give the most earnest consideration to any joint representations submitted to them as the result of such a meeting. The Act itself expressly contemplates joint action on the part of the two Parliaments, and constitutes for this purpose a Council of Ireland consisting of members of the two Parliaments.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the murder of Michael Walsh, of Galway, on 19th October last?

The military court of inquiry in lieu of inquest found that Michael Walsh died on the night of the 20th-21st October, 1920, as a result of a gunshot wound inflicted by some person or persons unknown.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it time that some other answer was given to the House in these cases of murders? Does he never find out who did it?

Yes, we frequently find out who commit the murders, and they are dealt with according to law.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, since on account of the determined hostility of 80 per cent. of Irish people to British rule it is impossible to carry on the government of that country by any other means than the Use of force, he will recommend the Government to withdraw the present Army of Occupation from Ireland and allow the duly elected representatives of the Irish people to establish a Government which has the support of their constituents?

No, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. W. V. Donohoe, clerk of the Tubbercurry Union and Rural District Council, County Sligo; whether this official was arrested in the month of January and has since been detained in Sligo gaol, no charge having yet been preferred against him; whether he is aware that this man has no connection with any political organisation; and whether, in view of the fact that his long detention in prison is seriously affecting his health, he will take action to have him released or at least brought to early trial?

I hope to complete my inquiry into this case very shortly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what he means by "very shortly"? This man has been in gaol since January without any trial.

I must stick to my answer; I will report as soon as possible.

asked the Chief Secretary, in view of the exclusion of Ireland from the operations of the Agriculture Act, 1920, when the Government intend to promote legislation for the purpose of extending the life of the Irish Agricultural Wages Board which, under the Corn Production Act, 1917, would cease to exist by the end of next year, and thus place the Irish agricultural workers in a position to secure, where necessary by legal process, advantages and benefits similar to those given to agricultural labourers in Great Britain?

The continuance or otherwise of the Agricultural Wages Board in Ireland after 1922 is a matter for settlement by the Irish Parliaments constituted under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920.

Who is to deal with this matter?

The Irish Parliaments.

What Irish Parliament are you talking about?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a very great hardship is being inflicted on applicants for old age pensions by reason of the fact that the Census returns for years later than 1851 are not available in the Public Record Office, Dublin, and old age pension applicants are thereby greatly handicapped in tracing their ages; and whether he will take steps to have the Census returns, 1861 to 1881, transferred to the Public Record Office where they will be available to the public?

I am aware of the difficulty referred to by the hon. Member. The Census returns from 1861 to 1881 have been destroyed in consequence of an undertaking given on the leaseholders' forms to the effect that the information would be published in general abstracts only, and that strict care would be taken that the returns should not be used for any other object than that of rendering the Census as perfect as possible. No such undertaking was given in connection with the Census returns of 1841 and 1851, now in the Public Record Office. The householders' returns in connection with the Census of Great Britain have also been destroyed.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that District Inspector Barrington, of the Royal Irish Constabulary stationed at Newry, arrested in that town a man named Wharton who had acted as guide to the Newry Special Constables on their looting expeditions; that large quantities of loot were found on his premises, and that District Inspector Barrington thereupon charged him with theft and with receiving stolen property; that on the same evening the district inspector arrested three of the Special Constables when they were robbing, and had almost murdered three employes of the British Petroleum Company, two of them being Unionists; that at the district inspector's request a search was made in the barracks of the Special Constables, where a large further quantity of stolen property was discovered and subsequently identified; that the cases were then taken out of the district inspector's jurisdiction and handed over to the military, with the effect of avoiding publicity; that the Special Constables then demanded the dismissal or removal of District Inspector Barrington, and that he has accordingly been transferred to another station of lower status; whether Barrington has an unblemished record of 35 years' service, including 13 years as a district inspector; whether the Special Constables are openly boasting that they have downed him, and whether it is intended to persevere in the proposed degradation?

Wharton and nine special constables were arrested by District Inspector Barrington, and are now awaiting trial by court-martial. The cases were not taken out of the District Inspector's hands and given over to the military with a view to avoiding publicity. It is the usual practice at the present time to try by court-martial members of the Crown Forces in Ireland who are accused of serious offences. Mr. Barrington's transfer from Newry was in no sense a degradation or a reflection on his conduct or efficiency; neither was it decided upon at the instance of the Special Con stabulary. No demand for his dismissal or removal was made by the Special Constabulary. He has been sent to an equally important station, and has the full confidence of his superior officers.

Why was District Inspector Barrington removed from Newry, if it was not for arresting these specials? What was the reason for removing him?

I have endeavoured to answer the question. District Inspector Barrington has the full confidence of his superior officers.

Then why was he degraded and removed? [HON. MEMBERS: "He was not degraded!"] Yes, he was. I know more about it than hon. Members opposite.

The hon. Member is entitled to put a question, but not to argue.

I want to ask the Chief Secretary whether District Inspector Barrington has been removed from a first-class station to a third-class station, and why he has been removed and degraded, seeing that they have expressed the greatest confidence in him?

I have answered this question. He has not been degraded.

An Irish rise.

In view of the efficiency of this District Inspector, who is a Unionist and a Protestant, in bringing to justice special constables who looted the houses of civilians, why was he taken from Newry and sent to an inferior district?

As the right hon. Gentleman denies that this inspector was transferred for any one of the reasons in the latter part of the question, can he state the reason?

This inspector and dozens of others have been constantly transferred in the interests of the efficiency of the Force.

Is it in the interests of the efficiency of the force, and the confidence of the people in the district where these officers are, that this man should have been transferred to an inferior district after he had brought robbers and looters to justice?

Is it not a fact that Newry is a first-class station, whilst the station where this inspector has been transferred is only a third-class station?

I have answered that question.

We will raise this question on the Police Vote.

It is a public scandal.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been directed to the action of Swiss legislatures in enacting that speeches by members should be limited to 20 minutes each on the ground that much time has been wasted in speeches of unnecessary length even on trivial subjects; and whether he will suggest a similar remedy in the case of Debates in this House?

I have no information in regard to the first part of the question. The suggestion in the second part of the question has often been considered, but I hardly think that it would be welcomed by the House.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it desirable to take steps to ascertain what is the feeling of the House?

I think that that has been done more than once.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to introduce legislation during the present Session for the revision and amendment of the Acts relating to the use and construction of mechanically-propelled vehicles?

Owing to the policy generally favoured in the House of deferring legislation not absolutely necessary at the present time, I regret that the reply is in the negative.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Mexican dollar now stands at 31 pence approximately; and whether, seeing that this is important evidence of the stability of the Mexican Government, he will sympathetically consider the speedy recognition of that Government?

I am aware that the Mexican dollar now stands at about 31 pence; as a similar rate obtained before the fall of the Carranza Government, I should hesitate to draw from this fact the inference which is drawn in this question, but the whole question of recognition is now under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that an extensive marking of salmon was inaugurated by his Fishery Department with a view of obtaining further information on their growth, migrations, and general life history, and that special labels were supplied by the Department for some years, and that numbers of salmon were caught and labels fixed at the instance of the various fishery boards free of cost to the Ministry of Agriculture; whether in February, 1915, his Board issued public notices offering rewards for the recapture of any of such salmon and the sending of them or the labels to the Board; whether these investigations have been stopped and the value of their continuity spoiled by the neglect of the Ministry to send further supplies of the marking labels to the above fishery boards, although they have in cases been repeatedly applied for; and whether he will see that in future such labels shall be promptly sent where required, so that these valuable investigations may be continued?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The work came to an end during the War, and it is not proposed to issue further marks except in connection with a comprehensive and considered scheme of investigations.

When is it proposed to resume these investigations, as the matter is very important from the scientific point of view?

All I can say is that the matter is not closed, but at present it is not intended to continue this work.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether His Majesty's Anti-gas Factory at Watford is still held by the Government; and for what purpose it is at present used?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. The factory is at present being used for salvaging condemned respirators. As soon as this is completed it is proposed to close down the factory and dispose of it. The work of assembling respirators, for which the factory was originally equipped, is being transferred to Woolwich.

How long will this work take before it is completed?

I cannot say. I shall be glad to inquire and inform the hon. Member.

What value have these condemned respirators after they have been salved?

I am informed that by salving these respirators there is a small economy. They save something more than is paid for labour.

By whom are they used?

By the appropriate Department.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions for what purpose the Royal Army Clothing Depot at Watford is now being continued; what the property consists of which is stored in this depot; what steps are being taken to realise this property; and what is the staff at present engaged in connection with this depot?

I have been asked to reply. This depot is being retained temporarily for storing clothing and material required by the Army for which accommodation in permanent depots is not yet available; and also for storing articles which are surplus to Army requirements and are awaiting sale. The property consists mainly of material used in the manufacture of service dress and khaki drill clothing, made-up garments, towels and cutlery. The surplus stores are being sold, and room for the remainder is being made at permanent depots by the sale of surplus stores at present accommodated in them. The strength of the staff at present is 144; the number will shortly be reduced to 77, and further reductions will be made as the work connected with the disposal of surplus stores and the transfer of other stores decreases.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions to what Department the staff of 2,550, which will remain when the Ministry is closed, is to be transferred?

I regret that I am not in a position to answer this question at the moment, but it is hoped that a statement will be made shortly.

Shall we have a statement some day before the Ministry is closed down?

I hope so.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the heavy burden borne by taxpayers, of whom a small and rapidly dwindling proportion can afford to send their own children to British universities, it is proposed that 18,344 ex-officers should complete their studies at Oxford, Cambridge, and elsewhere at the public expense, or whether the time has come to leave those beneficiaries to complete their studies at their own expense or to adopt professions not requiring university degrees?

The Government would consider it a breach of faith to take the course suggested by the hon. Baronet.

Was any express promise made to these gentlemen that they should have a full university course at the expense of the taxpayer, and is there not an implied contract with the taxpayer that his money shall not be spent on counsels of perfection providing people from the rates with what they cannot afford for themselves?

We cannot have these elaborations.

Are these 18,000 ex-officers continuing their studies exclusively in Oxford and Cambridge?