asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of the total imports to the United Kingdom from Germany and of the total exports from the United Kingdom to Germany during the year 1920; and what was the value of the consignments of the former retained in the United Kingdom?

The total values of the trade of the United Kingdom with Germany during the year 1920, according to the latest information available, were as follow:—

It is to be observed, in connection with the above figures, that during last year Germany's exports to the United Kingdom steadily increased, and that in the last quarter of the year they were more than double the amount of the first quarter and nearly double the British exports to Germany.

What is the basis of valuation for exports from and imports into Germany? Is it the same in each case?

Yes. My hon. Friend has asked this question repeatedly. The mark is really converted into sterling.

The right hon. Gentleman referred to Colonial merchandise. Does he mean that to cover Dominion merchandise also?

I referred to Colonial merchandise. I do not know of any adjective we could use for Dominion merchandise.

May I ask whether, in the opinion of the Government, this trade is highly beneficial to this country?

I cannot answer for the views of the Government.

Of the Board of Trade then?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in Shildon district, county Durham, there is a shortage of household coal and that the local collieries are only working three days per week; and whether any action can be taken to secure the necessary supplies of coal and, at the same time, reduce the unemployment?

I have received no specific complaints of shortage of house- hold coal at Shildon, but I am aware there is shortage of household coal in certain districts at the present time. The shortage is due, as the Secretary for Mines has already explained in replying to similar questions by other Members, to the accumulation of inferior coals owing to lack of demand. This prevents the raising of better qualities suitable for household use. I am going into the matter with a view to seeing what can be done to remedy the situation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the unnecessary expense occasioned to the railway companies, now working at a loss, by reason of the eight-hours' day being enforced in respect of all classes of railwaymen irrespective of the work which they perform; and will he take such steps as may be necessary to enable the railway companies to differentiate between heavily-worked men, such as engine-drivers and signalmen in large boxes, on the one hand, and station-masters and porters at country stations on the other, who are not continually employed and who might well work longer than eight hours and thereby save the heavy expense to the railway companies of employing two men to do work which could easily be performed by one man without any hardship or difficulty?

I am, of course, aware that the introduction of the eight-hours' day to railwaymen, granted in 1918, has increased the cost of the working of the railways, and has, I have been informed, necessitated the employment of an extra 22 per cent. additional men "in the operating grades," but the whole question of the wages and conditions of employment of the railwaymen was considered by the National Wages Board in 1920, and it was recommended by 12 out of 13 members of the board, after an exhaustive inquiry, taking into consideration all the relevant factors, including the wages in other comparable employments, that the railway workers of Great Britain were entitled to a very considerable increase in wages. They expressed the view that the settlement put forward ought not to be disturbed for such a period as would facilitate a return to stability of industry and commerce. It must be remembered that by the operation of the sliding scale a very considerable reduction in wages, amounting to several millions of pounds, will shortly be made. I think, however, that if the railway companies take their men into closer conference, and consider these and other matters in detail with them, much good might result, and many anomalies might be removed by conference rather than by complaint.

In view of the fact that the railways are now running at such a heavy loss does not the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable that immediate steps should be taken to rectify a position of affairs which is costing the railways thousands of pounds yearly, if it can be done without hardship to the men?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this House has expressed the opinion repeatedly that there should be an independent authority to consider the wages question, and when the trade union agrees to an independent authority is it in the interest of industrial peace that the action of that authority should be continuously questioned?

I have always upheld the authority of an independent board of this kind subject to the limitations published at the time in regard to its findings. It would be disastrous for either one side or the other to begin to try and upset it.

Do I understand that the railway companies are not discussing future wages, conditions of service, and machinery with the men?

So far as I know—and it is not necessary I should know everything that is being done—they are not discussing future relations with the men. Possibly my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby (Mr. Thomas) is better informed than I am.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the railway industry is the only industry in the country in which provision is made for an automatic reduction of wages based on the cost of living? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."]

I would not like to commit myself to saying it is the only industry in the country, but there is a sliding scale on the railways which, within the next few days, should have the effect of reducing wages by 3s. or 4s. a week, which would be a reduction on the pay bill of either £5,400,000 or £7,200,000, as the case may be.

The point of my question was not a reduction of wages, but the employment of two men to do what could easily be done by one.

The classification of men was arranged in 1918. It was considered in detail by the Wages Board, and the only way in which anomalies, if they exist, can be got rid of is by frank and free conference with the men.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the request of the Government to the Great Northern Railway of Ireland to re-instate without victimisation their employés who were suspended in connection with the recent munitions dispute, this railway company still refuses to do so, with the result that a number of men are still unemployed; that this same railway company is receiving large sums of money from the Government under the railway agreement; and, if he has not now the power to compel the company to give effect to the wishes of the Government, as expressed in the undertaking given to the representatives of the employés, will he consider the advisability of introducing legislation in order to strengthen his hands in matters of this kind?

I am aware that the Great Northern Railway of Ireland has not yet reinstated all the men. I have not only written, as I undertook to do, urging the company to reinstate the men, but I have seen the chairman and general manager personally in the matter. I have no power to order either the dismissal or employment of companies' servants, generally speaking.

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise legislation which will compel the company to give effect to the wishes of the Government?

No, Sir.

I beg to give notice that on the Motion for Adjournment tonight I will raise this question.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make representations to the railway companies for a resumption of facilities for cricket and football players to travel to and from playing grounds at reduced fares?

The restoration of such facilities has been left to the commercial discretion of the companies. My own view is that, now that the position with regard to locomotive power and rolling-stock has improved, the companies should make every effort to restore facilities at fares less than the ordinary wherever additional nett earnings can be obtained. Excursions for Easter have been arranged, and other concessions are being considered.

Will this apply to excursions for school children and benevolent societies, and outings of that sort?

It will apply to all excursions coming under the definition laid down of excursions.

asked the Minister of Transport what statistics the Great Northern Railway Company can produce of the past and present cost and receipts for the separate service of the conveyance of merchandise and passengers, respectively, conveyance being the only statutory monopoly service possessed by the company, which would enable Parliament to determine what, if any, increase of conveyance charge should be permitted to the Great Northern Railway Company to enable it to operate as a sound commercial undertaking when no longer controlled; if he will state whether he is yet in a position to give the ton mileage cost and receipt, respectively, together with the net receipt for the single service of conveyance of merchandise upon the Great Northern Railway; and whether he has information available which enables him to compare present ton mileage figures of cost and net receipts for conveyance only with any pre-War period?

As my hon. Friend is, I think, aware, the railway companies generally oppose the publication and profess not to compile cost figures which will enable Parliament to judge fully of the justification for increased charging powers. The trading community is, in my judgment, insufficiently alive to the imperative need in their own interest of adequate statistical and cost information of the working of railways.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any returns are being furnished to him of the general merchandise traffic which is now being hauled by road by the railway companies, not being railway traffic collected or delivered; will he state the tonnage, cost, and receipts of traffic so road-hauled by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company; and what profit or what loss is accruing to the country in consequence?

Such returns are not furnished by railway companies.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that no agreement has been reached between the Scottish timber trade and the railway companies in regard to a revised scale for the carriage of timber; and whether, in view of the very high rates imposed by his Department, which are strangling the Scottish timber trade, he will alter the classification of home grown timber, or impose a maximum in crease per ton upon its carriage by rail as has been done in the cases of coal and agricultural produce?

As I informed the hon. Member on the 7th instant, the railway companies have met the Scottish home-grown timber trade in conference, and as a result a revised scale of charges for their traffic between stations in Scotland has been quoted, and I am not aware that they have failed to reach agreement. As regards the latter part of the question, I understand that the classification of timber for conveyance by rail is under consideration by the railway companies and the trade generally, and meetings have been held dealing with the subject. The maximum increase per ton which has been placed upon the charge for the conveyance of coal was in accordance with the recommendation of the Rates Advisory Committee. The Committee did not recommend any maximum in the case of timber, and I see no sufficient reason for departing from their recommendation. No maximum has been placed on the rates for carriage of agricultural produce.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that coal merchants still experience great delay in receiving coal and that this delay occurs, not at the collieries, but on the railways, where the coal wagons take, on an average, twice as long in transit as in pre-War days; and, if so, whether this matter can be remedied?

I am not aware that there is delay on the railways in transit of coal; and I cannot accept as correct the allegation in my hon. and gallant Friend's question that coal wagons take, on an average, twice as long in transit as in pre-War days, but I shall be glad to investigate any specific complaints which have been made to the hon. and gallant Member if he will send me particulars. As a matter of fact, the traffic is working very easily now, and if my hon. and gallant Friend knows of any difficulties, I shall be glad to take them up.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has already been drawn to the excessive rates now being charged for the conveyance of motor vehicles on the Queensferry and Granton ferries and to the curtailment of these services; and whether he will at once take steps to have these rates reduced, seeing that as at present imposed they constitute a serious obstacle to trade development in the district?

A number of complaints respecting the rates at present charged on the Queensferry and Granton ferries have been received, and I am in communication with the North British Railway Company in regard to the matter and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who are the military, naval, and air advisers who recommend what effective force each member of the League of Nations shall supply for warlike operations against any nation which resorts to war; how such effective force is to be paid and under whose immediate orders it will act; whether action was taken under Article XVI of the Covenant of the League, as explained by the official commentary, in the case of the troops despatched, or which but for the Swiss veto would have been despatched, to Vilna; and whether a strong international striking force, ready for instant action in all parts of the world, is to be created for the League, as indicated in the commentary, and by whom such force is to be recruited, paid, and commanded?

In accordance with Article 16 of the Covenant, it would be the duty of the Council to recommend to the Governments concerned what force the members of the League should contribute to the armed forces to be used to protect the Covenants of the League. The general conditions governing the provision and maintenance of an international force which may be required for any special purpose have not yet been determined. The proposal to send an international detachment to Vilna has been abandoned for the present. This, however, is not due to the action of the Swiss Government, who have recently withdrawn their opposition to the passage of the international detachments through Switzerland. There is no present intention to create for the League an international striking force such as that described by my hon. Friend.

When troops are requisitioned in this manner, will they receive special allowances, or will they only receive the pay they previously got from their own Governments?

I think that that question, with regard to British detachments, should be addressed to the Secretary of State for War.

Will the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that no such detachment will be provided by this country for any operations until this House has had a chance of being consulted as to the cost?

The hon. and gallant Member knows that I cannot give that undertaking.

Who can?

The Prime Minister.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Swiss Government have prohibited the passage through Switzerland of an international force representing the League of Nations which was proceeding to Vilna for the purpose of supervising the plebiscite shortly to be held; whether, under these circumstances, the British Government still consider that Geneva is a suitable place for the offices and executive of the League of Nations; and will he direct the British representatives to propose at the next meeting of the Executive Council of the League that the central offices of the League would be more fitly established in Brussels, as was the desire of the Belgian people and of large numbers of people in Great Britain and the Dominions?

The Swiss Government have, I am happy to say, withdrawn their opposition to the passage through Switzerland of the international detachments which were to proceed to Vilna. The second and third parts of the question do not, therefore arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a Permanent Commission and a Permanent Court of International Justice have been or will soon be appointed under Articles IX and XIV of the Covenant of the League of Nations; if so, of whom such Court and Commission consist or will consist and by whom the members are or will be paid; whether ha will answer the like question in respect of the Permanent Commission to receive and examine and advise the Council of the League upon the annual reports of mandatories; whether the House will be consulted as to which one of the elder statesmen of experience in affairs is to be appointed under Article XXII for this purpose; and will he explain what is the international civil service assumed in the official commentary on the Covenant to exist, and by whom appointed and paid, and to what strength in respect of staff restricted?

As the answer to this question is rather a long one, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer promised: —

A Permanent Advisory Commission on military, naval, and air questions, under Article 9 of the Covenant, was appointed on 19th May last, during the Fifth Session of the Council held at Rome.

The statute for the Permanent Court of International Justice, provided for by Article XIV of the Covenant, was unanimously approved by the Assembly of the League on 13th December, 1920, at Geneva, and the Council are now engaged in obtaining the ratification of the protocol of signature.

The Permanent Advisory Commission on Armaments consists of one military representative, one naval representative, and one air representative from each nation represented on the Council of the League. The ordinary pay and allowances of the officers of the Commission are furnished by their respective Governments. Article III of the Permanent Court of International Justice enacts that it shall consist of 15 members—11 judges and four deputy-judges. This number may be increased by the Assembly upon a proposal of the Council to a total of 15 judges and six deputy-judges. The judges are to receive an annual salary out of the Consolidated Funds of the League.

The Council, on 29th November last, approved the constitution of the Permanent Mandates Commission, which is to consist of nine members, the majority of whom shall be nationals of non-mandatory Powers. As regards appointments to this Commission, I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's reply on 10th March to the hon. Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare), to which at present I have nothing further to add. The members of the Commission are to receive an allowance of 100 gold francs per day during their meetings, and their travelling expenses will be paid. The expenses of the Commission will be borne by the League of Nations.

The expression "International Civil Service" employed in the official commentary on the Covenant refers to the Permanent Secretariat of the League which is now established at Geneva. The secretaries and staff of the Secretariat are appointed by the Secretary-General, with the approval of the Council, and its expenses are met out of the funds of the League. The responsibility for determining the exact strength of the Secretariat rests with the Council.

asked the Prime Minister whether, at their recent meeting in Paris, the Council of the League of Nations appointed all or any of the following Commissions, whose constitution was on the agenda of the Council, namely: Special Commission to examine amendments to the covenant, Commission on International Blockade, Commission of Inquiry into the deportation of women and children in Western Asia, Commission to examine the registration of treaties under Article 18 of the Covenant, and the Commission to survey the work of the secretariat and the international labour office; and when the composition of these Commissions will be made public?

The Council did decide to appoint Commissions or Committees to deal with the subjects mentioned in the question. I would refer my hon. Friend to the copies of the Council's resolutions, which have been placed in the Library of the House, for such information as is at present available regarding the constitution of these bodies.

Will the expenses of these Commissions be in addition to the Budget of £1,000,000 which the right hon. Gentleman has just mentioned? Does he know what will be the cost of these numerous Commissions?

I should not have thought these Commissions would be very costly. They will be purely Committees of Inquiry and Report. I think they will be well within the figure I mentioned.

asked the Prime Minister what are the total number of employés of the League of Nations; what is the total amount of their salaries; and what is the amount which it is estimated will have to be paid by Great Britain in this respect?

The total number of the employés of the League of Nations Secretariat, including temporary staff, is 363, and their salaries and allowances amount to £194,600 a year. Great Britain makes a lump sum contribution to the general expenses of the League, no particular proportion of which is earmarked for salaries.

Does this number of 363 include League of Nations' troops?

Is it possible for the Government to reconsider this large expenditure on the League of Nations with a view to at least some economy?

Are we not spending about ½d. on trying to preserve peace for every pound we spend on preparing for war?

Is it not the contention of the British Government that the British Empire contributes far too large a proportion to the League of Nations?

I should not like to say that. I have only the figure here of the total League Budget of £1,062,000. Great Britain's share is £52,000.

And one battleship costs £8,000,000.

asked the Prime Minister whether during the discussion of the League of Nations Budget some of the Dominion delegates and an Indian delegate declared that they found it difficult to justify to their respective Governments the expenses incurred by the League on account of salaries; and whether the British delegate supported or opposed the Budget?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the provisional Verbatim Report of the 29th Plenary Meeting of the First Assembly of the League of Nations in which will be found a full discussion of the Budget of the League with special reference to the question of salaries. A copy of the Record will be found in the Library of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Commission appointed to visit the Aaland Islands has completed its investigations, and when its Report will be submitted to the Council of the League of Nations; and whether the Report will be published?

It is understood that the Report of the Commission will be submitted to the members of the Council of the League shortly. The question of its publication is a matter for the Council to decide.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office has any and, if so, what information regarding the cultivation of the poppy in the southern provinces of China?

There appears to be an extensive recrudescence of the cultivation of the poppy in the provinces of Fukien and Yünnan, and as the result of the present disordered state of China, many other provinces are also drifting rapidly back to the state of things existing before the opium treaties.

In view of that fact, is there any object, in answers and official communications, in ignoring the fact that the poppy is largely grown in China?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Lord Allenby will, in conjunction with the Sultan, choose the Egyptian delegates to negotiate with His Majesty's Government; whether the Sultan alone will make this choice or whether he will consult the Egyptian delegation or the Egyptian Legislative Assembly, which body in fact still exists although it has not been allowed to meet since 1914?

It is for the Egyptians themselves to choose the delegation, and the constitutional responsibility for selection rests with the Ministry.

Are we to understand that the Legislative Assembly, which has not met for so long, will be summoned to select this delegation?

I cannot reply to that question. I understand that the delegation is to be chosen by the Ministry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in a letter addressed by Lord Allenby to the Sultan of Egypt on 26th February attention is drawn to the spirit of goodwill displayed by His Majesty's Government in making a concession as regards the abolition of a Protectorate in advance of the official negotiations; and whether this implies the formal abolition of the Protectorate or whether the final treaty will contain a clause formally abolishing it?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The way in which a more satisfactory relationship may be substituted for the existing Protectorate remains to be found as the result of negotiations foreshadowed in my reply to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) on 3rd instant.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any information as to when we are likely to have a definite announcement, and does he not think that this delay is one of the chief causes of trouble in Egypt now?

I can assure the hon. Member that there is no avoidable delay, and I shall be happy to make an announcement as soon as we have further information.

Will any pronouncement as to the future government of Egypt be subject to the assent of this House?

I would prefer that my hon. Friend should put that question to the Leader of the House?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Northumberland Shipbuilding Company, Limited, of which Sir Rowland Hodge was managing director throughout the War, secured a contract from the Admiralty for a number of barges; and, if so, whether he will state what rate of profit they obtained on this contract?

I am informed that this firm was one out of 32 amongst whom an emergency order was distributed in February, 1915, for the construction of a large number of lighters of a special type designed for a particular war operation which were required to be built in an exceedingly short space of time. The terms of the contract were precisely the same for all the firms. The contract was well and punctually carried out, but the Admiralty have no knowledge of the actual profit made by any particular firm.

May I ask whether there is any doubt that this firm received very substantial profits, and whether, therefore, a member of that firm is entitled to receive a great honour in addition?

I will read to the hon. Gentleman what came from the Board of Trade on the subject, namely, that the honour was considered by them to be well deserved for great national services.

Has the right hon. Gentleman now ascertained whether it is a fact, mentioned in connection with this matter, that, when this gentleman was appointed on the Diocesan Conference, that action was actually taken without the knowledge of those who were responsible that this gentleman had been convicted of food hoarding?

On the contrary, as the hon. Gentleman knows, I communicated with the Bishop of Rochester and the Archdeacon and asked their permission to read to the House, if necessary, what they wrote at the time, and they certainly knew of the fact, because their attention was called to it by the hon. Gentleman himself.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that two days ago I received a letter from the Bishop of Rochester saying that he was not aware of the fact?

What I have stated about the Bishop of Rochester—and I shall read it to the House if necessary—is that he wrote a letter congratulating him upon the receipt of a well-deserved honour; and there is a letter from the Archdeacon congratulating him especially because he had received it for national services, and not, like a good many people, for party services. I asked permission to read those letters to the House. That was a few days ago, and at that time they were certainly aware of these facts.

Is it not a fact that, in spite of the sending of these congratulatory letters, the episcopal dignitaries of Rochester were unaware that this gentleman had been convicted of a very serious offence in the north of England?

They are perfectly aware of it now, and they gave full permission for these letters to be read to the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the advisability of settling the problem of the reform of another place in conjunction with the question of devolution, he will simultaneously with the introduction of proposals to reform another place introduce a Bill to grant self-government to Scotland, Wales, and England?

No, Sir. I cannot undertake to act on the suggestion contained in the question.

Will the reform of another place be entered upon quite independently of the matter of devolution?

No.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, after Easter, he will give a day for the consideration of Mr. Speaker's Report with regard to the question of devolution in Scotland, Wales and England, in view of the fact that the Committee under the presidency of Mr. Speaker sat for a long time, and that the House has never yet had any opportunity of considering its recommendations?

I cannot commit myself, in the absence of the Leader of the House, to any date for discussion.

Are the results of the deliberations of the last Committee, the important Committee presided over by Mr. Speaker, never to be discussed by this House, although the Government itself is committed to the reform of the House of Lords and to devolution?

What has the one to do with the other?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in any negotiations for a trade agreement with Russia, provision will be made for the payment of the interest which is in arrears upon the various State and municipal bonds guaranteed by the Russian Government?

I have been asked to reply. The terms of the draft agreement proposed by His Majesty's Government; have been published. I cannot add anything to the statement made by me in this House on the 9th March.

asked the Prime Minister whether any assistance in any shape or form is being given by His Majesty's Government or by representatives of His Majesty's Government to the partisans of General Koslovsky or other counter-revolutionaries in Russia?

The answer is in the negative.

Is any assistance in any shape or form being supplied by His Majesty's various Oppositions or any of them to Messrs. Lenin and Trotsky or other revolutionaries?

They have enough to answer for without that.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that several shopkeepers in the Poplar district, having gone to the expense of wiring their premises and having already paid the necessary deposit for electric current from the Poplar Borough Electricity Department, are being denied that current owing to the action of the Electrical Trade Union, who have given instructions to their members not to lay services or connect up premises on which work has been done by firms or individuals with whom they are in dispute; and, if so, will he say what steps are being taken to put a stop to this state of affairs?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend sent a communication, dated March 10th, to the hon. Member on this matter. Shortly, in view of the fact that it is being considered by the District Joint Council for Electricity Undertakings for the London area, and that it involves issues which are more properly the subject of legal consideration, he does not consider that the matter is one in which, at any rate at present, he should take action.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has any information to show that the German Government had a secret treaty with Turkey in the first week of August, 1914, binding Turkey to enter the War on the German side in the event of war with Great Britain; and whether they have further information to show that the "Goeben" was ordered to Constantinople on 5th August to enforce the conditions of the secret treaty on Turkey should Turkey show any vacillation about declaring war?

His Majesty's Government have no information they can publish on the subject, beyond that contained in document No. 20 of the Greek White Book.

asked the Prime Minister why the terms of the draft Mandate for Mesopotamia contain no definite Clause safeguarding the rights of the natives in the ownership of the oils and minerals of that country; and how it is proposed to secure this ownership to the Arab state as part of the administrative arrangements under the Treaty and Mandate?

The Mesopotamian State will succeed automatically to the position of the Ottoman Government in regard to the ownership of minerals, etc., in Mesopotamia. No special provision is required in the Mandate or elsewhere to safeguard this succession.

Does that mean that the arrangement come to provisionally, whereby 25 per cent. of the oil went to France and the remainder to the British Empire, now lapses?

No.

asked the Prime Minister how many clubs have been formed with the help of grants made from the profits derived from the Army and Navy canteens; and what proportion of these clubs have been registered for the sale of intoxicating liquors?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I should be glad if my hon. Friend would address this inquiry to the Organising Secretary of the United Services Fund, 29, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, S.W.7.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to accept the Report of the Committee presided over by the right hon. Member for Paisley; and whether this House would have some opportunity of debating this Report?

The Government has already adopted the Report with effect from the 1st March, 1920, the date from which a general increase in the remuneration of the Civil Service staff took effect. Hon. Members will have an opportunity of discussing the subject, if they desire to do so, on the Consolidated Fund Bill.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has actually made the increases without the consent of the House of Commons?

Yes, I have acted on the Report as from 1st March, 1920?

What the right hon. Gentleman means is that the decision of a Committee appointed by himself to enquire into this matter takes effect without the approval of the House of Commons?

I shall present Estimates to the House of Commons in Committee. I am surprised that objection to recommendations following the advice of the right hon. Member (Mr. Asquith) should come from the hon. Member.

May I ask, as an ordinary Member of the House who owns allegiance to nobody, whether the right hon. Gentleman, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, in charge of the money of this country, agrees to increases recommended by a Committee without this House first approving, and that he brings that Report to the House of Commons and asks for their approval after the money has been spent?

I could not remain responsible any more than any of my predecessors for the Civil Service unless I could take action in anticipation of Parliamentary approval when it is necessary. I submit the Vote to the House of Commons at the earliest opportunity, and I abide by their decision.

asked the Prime Minister whether extra troops have been sent to reinforce the Army of Occupation in Germany under the present policy; what are their numbers; and whether it is expected that more troops will be required?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part of the question does not therefore arise, and, as regards the third part, it is not possible to make a forecast at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state what it is anticipated will be the cost to the British Government of the advance into Germany?

The only additional cost is that incurred for the transport from Cologne to Düsseldorf of a squadron of cavalry and a section of tanks.

asked the Prime Minister what he estimates will be the cost of the maintenance of the Customs barrier on the Rhine; whether the work will be undertaken by the military or civilians; and how the expense will be divided between the French and English Governments?

Pending consideration of the Report, which the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission have been asked to render on this matter, I am not in a position to make any statement.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether all the Allied and Associated Governments have agreed to the deduction of 50 per cent. by their nationals from any payments to be made to Germans; if not, which of the Allied and Associated Governments have refused to take this course or have not yet given their assent; and in which countries has legislation been introduced to give effect to this arrangement?

We have asked those Allied and Associated Powers who are entitled to a share in the German reparations, other than those represented at the recent Conference in London, whether they are prepared to initiate legislation similar to the Bill to be discussed to-day. The telegram to those Powers was sent on Saturday afternoon, and we have as yet no information.

Can my right hon. Friend say that those Powers which were present agreed?

Certainly; it is an agreed decision.

Which Powers are concerned in this?

The hon. and gallant Member knows perfectly well what Powers were represented at the Conference.

May we have this information for the purpose of debate: What Power other than France is committed by the Conference, and which Powers are being asked by telegram?

There is no Power committed at all by the Conference. It is committed only by the introduction of a Bill. But they approved of the proposal we made to Germany.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that so far, up to the present moment of this afternoon, the only Power which is to be committed by legislation and is taking steps is our own Government?

No. The French Government, I believe, have already taken steps. Count Sforza left only last night, and therefore cannot possibly have taken steps. He is not in Rome yet.

Are Japan and Belgium in this? I ask in all good faith.

Belgium, Japan, Italy, France, and ourselves were represented at the Conference. The ultimatum delivered to Germany, which included these proposals, was agreed to by all the five Powers.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, when the Parliaments for Northern and Southern Ireland are constituted, it is intended to continue to charge the British Civil Service Estimates with a sum of £89,000 for a Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and with a sum of over £5,000,000 for Irish education, or will the British taxpayer be relieved of these charges;

(2) whether, if a Parliament for Northern Ireland and a Parliament for Southern Ireland or a nominated Assembly are constituted within the. Next few weeks under the terms and with the powers and responsibilities prescribed by the Government of Ireland Act, he will say what amount of the sum of about £18,000,000, which appears in Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 of the Civil Service Estimates for the financial year ending 31st March, 1922, will, under the provisions of the Government of Ireland Act, not be required or will be transferred to the Irish taxpayer, to the relief of the British Estimates;

(3) whether, under the terms of the Government of Ireland Act, the Parliaments of Northern and Southern Ireland will be responsible for their own criminals and lunatics; and, if so, why the British Civil Service Estimates are charged during the next financial year with a sum of £22,185 for the upkeep of an Irish criminal lunatic asylum?

No appointed day having been fixed as yet for the transfer of Services under the Government of Ireland Act, it is impossible to say for precisely what portion of the year it will be necessary to provide money from the Imperial Exchequer for Irish Services. Estimates for Irish Services for 1921–22 will be presented in each case for a complete year, but when the appointed day has been decided on arrangements will be made to limit the issues from the British Exchequer, which will, at the same time, forgo the corresponding Irish revenue, to such amounts as will be needed to last up to the date of transfer. Reserved Services will continue to be voted by the Imperial Parliament, and defrayed in the first instance from the Imperial Exchequer, but the cost will be recovered from the Irish Exchequers under Section 24 of the Act.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the appointed day will be settled?

No. My answer began by saying as the appointed day had not been fixed I could not give a definite answer to the rest of the question.

Why has there been so much delay in settling the appointed day?

That does not really arise out of the question put to me and should be addressed, if the hon. Member desires to repeat the question, to another Minister.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can now give the date when the Irish Land Purchase Bill will be introduced?

I regret that I am not in a position to name a definite date.

Can we have an assurance that this Bill will be introduced this Session?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea when an English Land Bill of a similar character will be introduced?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he told me last Session that this matter was going to be dealt with pari passu with the Government of Ireland Bill? The Bill was introduced last year. May we take it that it is to be re-introduced this Session?

Had the Chief Secretary been here, I should have been in a better position to answer. If the hon. Member will put a question on Thursday, I shall be in a better position to answer him.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the case of the cadets now under arrest for their conduct at Trim, and which consists in an attack on property, not exceeding in value £120, and does not include any charge of murder, arson, or assault, has received the legal assistance of the Attorney-General or other officials with the view of protecting their reputation and position, or whether they are left to their own legal advisers?

No legal assistance has been given to these cadets by my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General or any other official. The answer to the last part is in the affirmative.

Have they been brought to trial yet?

The inquiry which precedes the court-martial has been completed. The date of the court-martial will be fixed at the convenience of the Commander-in-Chief.

asked the Chief Secretary whether all temporary service merging into permanent service has been allowed to count for pension purposes in the case of veterinary inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture who have been superannuated; if it has been agreed that in future all unestablished service of veterinary inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture shall rank as established service for the purpose of calculating pensions and allowances; and, if so, why are equal terms in this respect not granted to the veterinary inspectors of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland)?

The decisions in regard to the reckoning of temporary service preceding established service in the case of the English and Irish veterinary inspectors respectively were arrived at after full consideration of all the circumstances and with particular reference to the conditions under which the temporary service was rendered, and upon which the officers concerned were placed upon the establishment. The Treasury is not prepared to accord more favourable treatment to the Irish inspectors who have already been granted substantially better terms than those laid down at the time of their establishment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman assert that the inspectors of the Irish Department are absolutely on all fours with those of the English Department as regards their employment?

I never made any such assertion. When the Irish inspectors were established in 1905 they were told that no back time could count. In 1915 a concession was made and they were allowed half back time. Since that date every one who has retired has tried to get better terms than he was promised.

Have the English inspectors been given any time previous to 1905?

That is not in the question, which deals with the Irish inspectors. Perhaps the hon. Member will put his question on the Paper?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) whether, in view of the refusal of the relatives of the three men who were recently murdered in Limerick to give any evidence at the military inquiry and of the general distrust in all such inquiries, the Government will allow a public inquiry in a civilian court to discover the authors of these crimes;

(2) whether the Government have now received any information about the murder of the two men, Laurence Hickey and William Loughnane, and the severe wounding of Denis Regan in the Thurles district, and the attempt to murder another man named William Griffin;

(3) whether the executions that were announced to take place this morning have taken place, and what were the charges on which these executions were based;

(4) can the right hon. Gentleman state the number of lives, civilian and military, that have been lost during the past week in Ireland through acts of violence?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information with regard to the policemen and civilians who were murdered in Belfast during the weekend?

In answer to the last question, there were four policemen, I regret to say, who died as the result of the attempted assassination on Friday last in Belfast.

Has anyone been arrested?

I must have notice of that. In answer to the four Private Notice questions of the hon. Member opposite (Mr. O'Connor), the military inquiry into the circumstances of the Limerick murders has been held in public, and all the relatives of the deceased were invited to attend and give evidence. Their refusal to attend is much regretted, and by none more so than by the local military and police authorities, who are anxious that the imputations which have been made, suggesting that members of the Crown forces were in any way implicated in these crimes, should be subjected to the fullest investigation. The Government see no ground, however, for believing that a fairer or more searching investigation could be obtained by substituting a civilian Court, and to adopt such a course in an area which is under martial law would be contrary to all precedent.

In regard to the second part of the hon. Member's question, I have not yet received the report of the Court of Inquiry, in lieu of inquest, into the deaths of Laurence Hickey and William Loughnane, but, according to the police report, these men were murdered by unknown and disguised men on the night of, the 9th instant, and the other two men mentioned were attacked, apparently, with intent to murder, in the early morning of the following day, their assailants also being disguised and unknown.

As regards the third part of the question, I am informed that the sentence of death passed upon Thomas' Whelan and Patrick Moran, who were convicted of murder, and upon Frank Flood, Patrick Doyle, Thomas Bryan, and Bernard Ryan, who were convicted of waging war against the King, was duly executed this morning at Mount joy Prison.

In reply to the last part of the question, the total number of lives lost through acts of violence during the past week amounts, so far as is known, to 33. Of these, 7 were police and 26 civilians; the latter figure includes any known rebel casualties.

Arising out of the answer to the first question, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if his attention has been drawn to the speech delivered the other day at the National Liberal Club by Sir John Simon, where he flourished a sheaf of papers and stated that he had signed declarations which left him with no doubt whatever that the murders at Limerick were Committed by uniformed servants of the Crown, and whether under these circumstances he will ask Sir John Simon to submit these statements?

Yes. I did read the statement with amazement, and so did the Colonel Commandant in charge of His Majesty's troops in that martial law area in Ireland. I have not taken any action, and I should have thought it would have been more becoming to an ex-Law Officer of the Crown to have assisted the Government in every way in his power to find the murderers of these people in Limerick rather than making a partisan speech on information that he does not disclose.

In view of the statement that Sir John Simon made, that he had signed declarations that left no doubt in his mind as to the authors of the crime, has the right hon. Gentleman no power by which he can get these declarations from Sir John?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer would carry greater weight in the House if he published the Strickland Report?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the statements attributed to Sir John were not made by the relatives of the murdered man, and whether the best way of setting all such statements at rest is to give such an inquiry as will command the confidence of the public and not an inquiry by a military court which has lost the confidence of the people of Ireland?

In reference to the last part of the question, Limerick is in the martial law area, and a military court in lieu of inquest is the only tribunal that can take evidence and give, I think, a judicial decision in that area. I do not accept the view that these courts have lost the confidence of the people of Ireland. The regrettable thing about this case is that after the Commander-in-Chief had declared the military Court of Inquiry in lieu of inquest open to the public and the Press and after he had invited evidence, the friends of the bereaved persons refused to give evidence.

Does not that show that they have lost confidence?

I should draw quite another deduction from their refusal. In answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Stoke-on-Trent, I have no power to compel an ex-Law Officer of the Crown to assist me in governing Ireland, but I do think that anybody who has evidence, and indeed who sends evidence to me, is assisting in the government of Ireland. I take advantage of everything that comes to hand in this way.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that if Sir John Simon or anybody else has in his possession evidence proving the authorship of a murder and he does not disclose it, he is in law an accessory after the fact?

Has the right hon. Gentleman asked Sir John Simon for these papers, and if not, will he do so?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has not any power to call any person who has evidence with regard to these murders?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether four of the young men who were executed this morning were executed on the charge of having taken part in an ambush? [An HON. MEMBER: "Murder!"] Ambush, I said, but an hon. Member says "murder." May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to reply both to my hon. Friend and to myself by telling us whether any person in the ambuscade in which these young men were alleged to have taken part was-killed or wounded among the forces of the Crown?

One of the attackers was wounded, and subsequently died, as a result of this ambush, but none of the forces of the Crown suffered casualties as a result of the ambush.

In view of the statement that the right hon. Gentleman is anxious to receive evidence, may I bring to his notice a letter that I have received this morning from a reliable authority stating that Cadet Hart, who was convicted of murder though supposed to be insane, is now wandering at large in the county of Cork?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a recent decision of the President of the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice, which decides that decrees for the dissolution of marriages granted by the courts in India in the case of persons resident in India who had an English domicile are invalid; whether he is aware that this decision will make illegitimate the children of hundreds of second marriages in the cases of persons with an English domicile who have been divorced in India since 1869; and what action the Government propose to take in the matter?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Judgment of the President of the Probate and Divorce Court deciding that decrees granted by the courts in India dissolving marriages contracted in India between residents in that country possessing an English domicile are invalid has been brought under his notice; and whether, in view of the serious resulting consequences, early legislation is contemplated?

I have been asked to answer these questions. I am aware of the judgment referred to, and of its consequences, and I understand that legislation upon the matter may shortly be expected.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India contemplates raising five and a half crores of rupees of revenue by means of a surcharge on the existing scale of goods rates on railways; and whether he is aware that this method is open to the objection that while it may lead to a falling off in traffic it will bring in no additional revenue to the railways, who have to provide for a continually increasing expenditure, as well as for renewals and betterments, which, owing to the War, have unavoidably remained in abeyance, and that the alternative course of raising rates and fares would at once provide the State and the railways with the necessary addition to their resources without the discouragement to the inflow of capital, British and Indian, into Indian railway investments which is likely to follow the adoption of the surcharge policy.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I recognise the objections to the tax to which my hon. Friend refers, and for this reason the increase in the surcharge is intended to be temporary only pending a revision of the rates, which will be effected as soon as practicable.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if the Government are prepared to add to the Whitley Councils in the civil departments a proportion of Members representing this House, who can more properly represent the taxpaying public than the high officials who themselves benefit by the awards of the councils?

The question of appointing to the official sides of Whitley Councils in the Civil Service Members of Parliament or other persons who are not members of the Civil Service was carefully considered, but it was decided that such a course was not desirable. I am not aware of any agreement on a Whitley Council having benefited the high officials referred to in the latter part of my right hon. Friend's question.

How can the right hon. Gentleman say that no benefit has been brought to the higher officials when sums of £750 and £500 are added to their salaries by the report of this Whitley Council?

I think the right hon. Gentleman is wrong in saying that these sums are added by the report of the Whitley Council. It is done by the direct action of the Government.

Am I to understand that these sums added to the higher salaries by way of bonds were not recommended by the Whitley Council, but were added upon the sole authority of the Government?

My right hon. Friend and the House knows that all questions connected with the salaries of Civil servants are always in the hands of the Treasury, whose responsible Minister is the Chancellor of the Exchequer. If afterwards the House of Commons chooses to sanction his action they have a perfect right to do so; but the responsibility for adjudicating on all these matters has always been the responsibility of the Treasury, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer is responsible to the House of Commons.

I did not ask a question in regard to salaries. I asked a question in regard to bonuses. We were told that these bonuses were settled throughout by the recommendations of the Whitley Council, and for the first time am I to understand that the bonuses in the case of the higher officials were not settled by the Whitley Council, but by the exclusive action of the Government.

I think my right hon. Friend knows that this whole matter has been debated, and the question of the higher salaries will no doubt be raised on the Estimates.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government have any control over the administration of the nation's fund for nurses; whether he is aware that, although one of the main objects of the fund is for the benefit of present nurses who are in precarious circumstances owing to after-war conditions or are suffering ill-health as a result of war strain, out of a total of nearly £150,000 only £2,144 has been applied to this purpose, whilst nearly £40,000 has been given to the College of Nursing; and whether inquiries can be made into the administration of this fund?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have no knowledge as to the manner in which the funds of the Charity have been applied, and I would suggest that the hon. Member should place himself in communication with the Charity Commissioners.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statements upon which this question is based and the circular addressed to Members were issued by ill-disposed people, who were chagrined that this splendid fund was originated by others, and not by themselves?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that a Departmental Committee recently made recommendations for alterations of the law relating to workmen's compensation; and whether, in view of the fact that this question has never been one of political controversy and that any Bill brought forward could be referred to a Standing Committee at present unoccupied, the Government will reconsider its decision not to bring forward a comprehensive amending Bill this Session?

I can add nothing to the answer given on behalf of the Home Secretary on the 17th February, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Normanton.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of persons, distinguishing between those temporary and permanent, employed by the Ministry of Agriculture in Wales and Monmouth shire on 31st January, 1921, stating also the number of officials receiving a salary exceeding £250 per annum, and the total amount of salaries, bonuses, and allowances for the current year?

The number of whole-time officers employed by the Ministry in Wales and Monmouthshire on the 31st January, 1921, was 64, of whom 26 were permanent and 38 were temporary. If bonus is included, there are 24 permanent and 21 temporary officers in receipt of salaries exceeding £250 per annum. The total amount of salaries and bonuses for the current year paid to these officers is £25,472. In addition to the above there were 88 part-time officers employed at a cost for the current year of £7,287.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there is any intention on the part of the Ministry to reduce this swollen staff?