asked the President of the Board of Trade whether certificates of origin are now required for all shipment of wood goods from Scandinavian ports to the British possessions; and, if so, whether, in order to save both trouble and expense which would be incurred by shipment of numerous small parcels, His Majesty's Government would be willing to accept a general undertaking from the different Scandinavian timber mills certifying that they are shipping only timber of Scandinavian origin?

Certificates of origin are not now required in connection with the German Reparation (Recovery) Act in this country for wood and timber consigned from Sweden or Norway. In other parts of the Empire the question does not at the moment arise in this connection, as the matter of legislation, on the lines of the Act referred to, is still under consideration. I may add, however, that in view of the prohibition of the import of German goods into Australia, certificates of origin are required for all goods consigned to that Dominion from Scandinavia.

Why are they demanding certificates of origin at Liverpool for wood goods?

This matter was considered only a few days ago. We have gone into it carefully and notices have been given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the whisky export licensing Department is still maintained; and in what way the export of whisky affects the question of the control of maximum prices in the United Kingdom?

Export licensing in respect of whisky is administered by the small section of the Board of Trade which deals with export licences generally: there is no separate Department. So long as the price of whisky for domestic consumption is regulated it is desirable that export should be controlled, since otherwise the higher prices obtainable abroad might result in the domestic market being left short of supplies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the company formed to erect mills for the production of farina was promoted by the Government, by private individuals, or by both; what was the capital invested in the company; who were the individuals, and to what extent did they each advance part of the capital; how many mills were erected, and where; did they produce farina; if so, what quantity and at which of the mills; what did the mills cost; are they still in use; if sold or for sale, at what prices; are the private subscribers paid out; and, if so, when and on what terms?

As the answer to this question is somewhat long and detailed, I propose with my hon. Friend's permission to circulate it in the OFFICIAL HEPOBT.

The following is the answer:

The company was promoted by private individuals with Government support. £20,000 was the capital invested by the following persons: £ Mr. H. W. Richards 8,000 Mr. D. L. Pattullo 5,999 Mr. H. Gunson 3,000 Mr. A. E. Harris 3,000 Mr. C. W. Higgs 1 £20,000

No mills were erected, but four were acquired at King's Lynn, Boston, Monikie, and Hull.

The following two mills produced farina as under: tons cwts. qrs. King's Lynn 1,875 12 2 Boston 150 — —

The cost of the mills with equipment amounted to £247,000. The mills at Boston have been purchased by certain farmers in that area and are again producing farina; the other mills are not in use at present. The Boston mills have been sold and the others are for sale on the best possible terms. Private subscribers were paid out in London at par.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in many foreign countries British commercial travellers have to pay high fees for permission to enter and transact business in these countries, while foreign commercial travellers pay nothing on entering this country; whether he will endeavour by diplomatic means to obtain reciprocal and fair treatment for British commercial travellers in those foreign countries; and whether, in the case of any, and, if so, which, of these foreign countries, we are prohibited by treaty engagements from imposing similar fees on foreign commercial travellers to those exacted in those countries from British commercial travellers?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware of the facts referred to by my hon. Friend, but I think it would be useless to attempt to persuade foreign countries which favour the policy of taxing foreign commercial travellers to waive the tax in the case of British travellers. Any case of discrimination against British subjects would, of course, be taken up. We are not prohibited by treaty from imposing fees on commercial travellers, but in view of the most-favoured nation Clause such fees would have to be uniform; it would not be possible in the case of the numerous countries with which we have commercial treaties embodying that Clause to vary the fees payable according to the nationality of the traveller.

Cannot the treaties containing the most-favoured nation Clause, which prohibits us doing what appears desirable, be denounced?

Of course, it would be competent to denounce all the commercial treaties, but I think that would be a very extreme course to take in order to meet a relatively small grievance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any trading representatives have been sent from this country to Russia; and, if so, has he received any report from them or from any other accredited source as to the prospects of trade between the two countries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department, either alone or in conjunction with the Department of Overseas Trade, is sending any commercial representatives to Russia in connection with the Russian trade agreement, and will he in that case state their names and their general plans?

No official agents have yet been sent from this country to Russia as provided for under Article V of the Trading Agreement. I am considering carefully the selection of such agents, but am not yet in a position to, announce their names.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many trading representatives have been appointed by the Russian Communist Government to this country; and does the Communist Government before the appointment of such representatives submit the name to the Board of Trade for its approval?

No official agents have yet been appointed by the Russian Soviet Government in this country under Article V of the Trading Agreement. As regards the latter part of the question, the Article referred to provides that either party may refuse to admit any individual as an official agent who is persona non grata to itself or may require the other party to withdraw him should it find it necessary to do so on grounds of public interest or security.

asked the Prime Minister if any instructions regarding the work of political trade delegations, aiming at the achievement of a world revolution, have been recently issued by the Soviet Government of Russia; and, if so, whether they are believed to have been issued before or since the recent signing of a trade agreement with this country?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a series of instructions to Russian trade delegations abroad issued by the executive committee of the Third International, of which Lenin is the president; whether he is aware that it is provided, in the first paragraph of the said instructions, that trade relations must always be made to serve the interests of Communist propaganda of the Third International under the direct control of its executive committee, and that the object of primary importance to be kept in view by the said trade delegations is the spreading of discontent among workmen and soldiers, and the preparation of strikes and disturbances; whether any representations have been made to the Russian Soviet Government as to the said instructions to trade delegations, having regard to the last two paragraphs of the preamble to the Russian trade agreement; and whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken to prevent trade delegates from Russia from carrying out the instructions of the Third International for the stirring up of revolutionary movements in the countries to which they are accredited?

As was stated by the Leader of the House, in reply to similar questions on the 6th April, His Majesty's Government are prepared to take appropriate action should the necessity arise. Meanwhile, I have received from M. Krassin a categoric denial of the authenticity of the document which recently appeared in the Press, and to which the Leader of the House referred in an answer given on the 6th April.

Is it not a fact that the opinions expressed in this document accurately represent the opinions of the Third International?

What really concerns us is whether the trade agreement has been infringed or not. If the Moscow Government had sanctioned the issue of a document of this kind, there is no doubt it would have been a gross infringement of the trade agreement, and we should have had to act accordingly. Now I understand that their statement is that this document, which purported to be issued by the Moscow Government, is a forgery.

Will His Majesty's Government inquire from the newspaper which published this document where they got it, and how they came to publish it without first assuring themselves of its authenticity?

We have got a good deal of work, and if the Government were to investigate every statement that appears in the newspapers, there would be no end to the bureaucracy that would be set up.

Is it not much more important than any ordinary statement appearing in the newspapers?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Trade Agreement recently concluded with the Government of Russia postpones the discussion of the pre-revolution external indebtedness of Russia to a general peace conference to be held hereafter; when His Majesty's Government proposes to take steps to invite all Governments interested to take part in such a conference; and whether a preliminary peace conference, at which all political questions outstanding as well as debts could be discussed, can be held between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Russia?

His Majesty's Government consider that the first step is to bring the Trade Agreement into practical working. They are not prepared to make proposals for a general conference until they have gained experience of the working of this Agreement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many financial questions concerning British subjects are held up until this general conference is held; and does he also see that while that state prevails, it is difficult in some cases for trade to be started?

I think we had better see whether one arrangement will work before we start a more comprehensive one.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the mining population in that part of Scotland where attempts of sabotage at the mines and attacks on civilians have been most frequent contains a substantial proportion of foreigners; and will he advise the competent Government Department to exercise the powers it possesses to deport those who have been guilty of such acts?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is that the proportion of aliens is small. Taking the six counties, Ayrshire, Fifeshire, Lanarkshire, and the East, West and Mid-Lothians, I understand that the total mining population is about 131,900 and the number of alien miners registered with the police is.1,530, or slightly over one per cent. I am prepared to exercise in all proper cases my power to make deportation orders against aliens. So far, no aliens have been reported to me from Scotland, whether on conviction or otherwise, as having done anything in connection with the present trouble to justify their deportation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any information as to the number of aliens who are members of the Middle Classes Union?

No, Sir; I am unable to do so.

Is he aware that by our rules we are not allowed to have aliens?

What about Whitechapel?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total amount of the subsidies paid to the coal trade during the five years to 31st March, 1921. which subsidies were necessitated principally by the large successive increases in wages granted to the colliery workers during that period?

The total amount of irrecoverable payments made to the coal mining industry during the five years ended 31st March, 1921, is approximately £14,250,000, and it is estimated that a further £2,000,000 will be required during the current year in respect of outstanding claims under the Coal Mines Control Agreement (Confirmation) Act, 1918.

Is it true that the whole of the deficit is due to the fact that cheap coal has been supplied to the people in this country?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that, may I ask, whether that is not exactly what the miners struck for on the last occasion ―so that the consumer might have cheaper coal?

Where do these subsidies come from? Do they come from the taxation of the country, or from the pool created by the mining industry itself?

The figures given in my answer come out of the taxation of the country.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he thinks it right or reason able that there should be a continuation of a subsidy for one specific industry?

What about agriculture?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that both sides are meeting now and answers of this kind are not calculated to lead to peace?

Is it necessary or advisable in the interests of the country that we should have these things considered in a hole and corner way? Let us know where we are.

That is a matter of general policy.

May I say I have endeavoured in my answer to avoid saying anything which might prejudice the position.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can state up to the latest date available the number of the collieries in Great Britain which have been flooded by water and the number of the men employed in them, and the number of these collieries which are never likely to be opened again and the number of the men employed in them?

My information is that some 40 pits which afforded employment to about 16,000 workers are completely flooded. It is impossible to forecast how many of these pits will eventually be worked again; economic considerations as well as the question of practicability are involved.

Is it hoped that there will be no more pits damaged beyond the 40?

Yes, certainly, it is hoped so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many ponies have been destroyed?

No ponies. A lot of asses have been.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with the object of enlightening the public as to the facts of the present coal dispute, the Government will arrange for the issue of a statement giving particulars of the former rates of pay of colliery workers, distinguishing between men, youths, boys, and women; the proposed new district rates which have been refused; and the profits, if any, which the payment of those rates would have allowed to the owners; and if he will have included in such Return a comparison of pre-War and present rates of pay, hours of work, and output, and a comparison of the coal production costs of this country and of other countries with which the British coal trade has to compete?

In view of the large number of different classes of colliery workers, and the variety of wages, not only as between district and district and between class and class, but also within a single class in a single district, and the variety also of earnings among persons on the same rates of wages, it is difficult to give comprehensive information on the lines suggested which either is not so long and detailed as to-be confusing, or on the other hand does not include averaged figures which may mislead. I recognise, however, the importance of giving as full information as possible on this subject, and I am considering in what form I can most usefully supply it. But I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the wages offered by the owners, though they have been communicated to the miners in each district, have not yet formed the subject of negotiations between them.

But does my right hon. Friend recognise the fact that when there is a question of wages being discussed we always hear of average wages? There is no attempt to draw attention to wages paid to boys, women and all those other people. Is he aware that they are all lumped together to look as if there were a tremendous reduction of wages?

I think it is much better to let the owners and miners discuss this matter before we go into details here.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state, for the information of the House, the labour costs per ton of coal raised from the British coalfields in 1921 as compared with the labour costs per ton of coal raised in the coalfields of New South Wales, Australia, for the last year for which figures are available; whether the average yearly tonnage of coal raised by the New South Wales miner in 1920 was 488 tons as compared with 240 tons raised by the British coal-miner; and that the average weekly wage for coalminers in Great Britain was about 33⅓ per cent, higher than that of the New South Wales coalminer?

I am making inquiry with regard to the particulars asked for by the hon. and gallant Member, and will communicate with him as soon as the information is available.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in spite of the Regulations on the subject so far introduced, his attention has been drawn to the gross waste of light and power now taking place in shops, restaurants, places of entertainment, and private establishments; and whether, in the event of the industrial stoppage being prolonged or extended, he will issue such Regulations, backed by an appeal to the community, which will ensure that the consumption of light and power can be reduced forthwith by at least two-thirds?

My attention has not been called to any general failure to comply with the provisions of the Coal Emergency Directions, 1921, and I would remind my Noble Friend that the duty of seeing that the Directions are observed rests upon the local authorities who would obtain advice from the Police if necessary. The question whether any further restrictions upon the consumption of fuel are necessary or desirable in the circumstances to which my Noble Friend refers is being carefully considered.

Has the attention of the hon. Gentleman not been drawn to the excessive lighting in some shop windows? Will not something be done to reduce this waste?

I have just tried to explain to the hon, and gallant Gentleman that the attention of the local authorities should be drawn to these matter's before my attention is drawn to them. It is the duty of the local authorities to see that something is done; if they do not, then my hon. and gallant Friend can draw my attention again to the matter.

How can we get something done?

Whose duty is it to bring the matter before the local authorities?

It is the duty of men like the hon. and gallant Member, if he knows a case, to bring it before the local authority.

Will similar limitations be suggested on the use of petrol by men who are always breaking the law?

asked the Minister of Transport whether and, if so, when it is proposed to introduce a further Bill dealing with electricity supply?

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to re-introduce the Electricity Supply (No. 2) Bill as promised when the Bill was withdrawn last Session?

It will be convenient if I answer this question and No. 15 at the same time. It is intended to re-introduce the Electricity (Supply) Bill to-morrow.

Will that be in the same form as the Bill of last Session?

No, it will be modified.

May I ask whether it is still the intention of the Government to saddle the rates with £30,000,000 for the new scheme as well as the £20,000,000 previously estimated?

No, Sir, it is not intended to saddle the rates with £30,000,000, but perhaps my right hon. Friend will wait until the Bill is introduced.

When shall we have a chance of seeing it?

The Bill will be introduced to-morrow.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is still proposed to group the Midland Railway with the North Western Railway, whereby the interests of Nottingham, Leicester, Sheffield, Bradford and Leeds cannot but suffer; whether the intention to amalgamate the Great Central Railway with the Great Eastern Railway, North Eastern Railway, and Great Northern Railway still holds the field; and whether he is aware that these combinations appear to the Midland areas affected to be incongruous and detrimental to the public interest?

I cannot accept the statements upon which the hon. baronet bases the first part of his question, and as to the remainder I must ask him to await the introduction at an early date of the Bill for the re-organisation of railways.

Is it a fact that there has been some reconsideration of this lateral grouping in favour of the longitudinal principle?

It is a little difficult to say what is lateral and what is longitudinal. I have been reconsidering the whole question, and when the Bill is introduced my right hon. Friend will see what the proposals are.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has reconsidered the question of the transit of fish, vegetables, and other perishables by passenger train traffic, charges being payable by consignee as prior to 1917; if he is aware of the dissatisfaction among the traders concerned with the attitude of the Ministry of Transport in this matter; and what is the reason of the non-resumption of these facilities for traders?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Exhaustive inquiries have been made, and it has been found that, if the practice obtaining prior to 1917 were again adopted, considerable additional staff would be required. In the circumstances it is not considered practicable to revert to the old practice.

May I ask if there is any hope of reverting to the old practice, and whether under the present system the railway companies, in some cases, are careless about the proper delivery of these perishable goods, whereas under the old system they took good care of them?

I regret if there has been any carelessness. As to the prospect of reverting to the old system, it is obvious that, as in every business, we have to economise at the present time. I certainly hope the old practice can be reverted to later on.

In the meantime, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that traders in perishable goods are very dissatisfied indeed, and can he hold out hopes of an early resumption of the old practice, which worked so very well?

It worked very expensively.

Are we to understand that we shall never revert back to the old express goods service with passenger rolling stock?

No. As I have said, we may revert to it in time, but not at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to embody in the Regulations governing the speed of vehicles a Clause curtailing the speed of heavy motor lorries passing through towns and villages, as at present much damage is done to walls and ceilings of houses by vibration caused by the high speed of these vehicles?

The point referred to by my hon. Friend is under consideration by the Departmental Committee on the Regulation of Road Vehicles, and I propose to defer consideration of the matter until I receive their recommendations.

asked the Minister of Transport how much was received from the taxation of commercial motor vehicles and how much from the taxation of private motor vehicles, respectively, during the first quarter of 1921?

I would refer my Noble Friend to page 6 of Return No. 66 presented to the House on the 5th of April, a copy of which I am sending him. This Return gives the particulars asked for up to the 7th of March. A further sum of £706,960 6s. 5d. has been collected between that date and the 31st of March, but particulars of the amounts paid in respect of each class of vehicle for the latter period are not yet available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that payment of the whole of the annual tax in one sum presses very hardly upon some of the taxicab driver owners; and whether he will therefore give instructions that the fourth quarterly instalment shall be charged as only the difference between the three-quarters which have been paid by the owner and the amount due to make up the sum that he would have to pay provided he made his payment at the beginning of the year in one lump sum?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 22nd of March in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for St. Pancras, S.E. (Mr. J. W. Hopkins), of which I am sending him a copy.

Was that reply sympathetic; is there any chance of it being done?

If my hon. Friend will look at the answer and then put down any further question, I think he will see that I am very sympathetic with the taxicab drivers.

May I ask if, in the case of vehicles that were built before 1913, it will in the future be necessary to pay the whole tax in advance, or whether the rebate may be deducted when paying for the licence?

The arrangement for the first year had to be rather different, but in the case of every old vehicle, where a refund was claimed and obtained, a voucher has been given that one simply has to attach to the application.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received a request from the Motor Legislation Committee to discuss with him this and other anomalies of the new scale, when the present pressure is over?

The hon. Baronet told me, I think, that such a request was coming, but I must plead guilty to not having seen it myself.

Will the right hon. Gentleman sympathetically consider a deputation from the taxicab drivers?

I do not think I have been asked to receive a deputation.

I have been requested to ask if you would?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the classification of roads is as yet complete; if not, when it will be; whether the details will be communicated to Parliament in a White Paper; whether any legislation will be required as a result of the classification; whether any start has yet been made with the reform of the sign and danger posting of the roads of the country; if so, to what extent; and, if not, whether it will be possible to do anything in connection with this subject in the absence of legislation?

The preliminary scheme for the classification of roads in England and Wales and Scotland is complete and will be operative during the current financial year. Some particulars of the scheme are set out in Appendix 6 to the 10th Annual Report on the Administration of the Road Improvement Fund, which was presented to the House on 15th February, and additional information upon the subject will be given in the next Report. No legislation is necessary in connection with this classification. As regards the fifth part of the Noble Lord's question, a commencement has been made in co-operation with local authorities with the reform of the direction and motor signal posting of the roads of the country upon a standardised basis. No returns are yet available to show the progress made. I hope that it will be possible to do much to improve the sign and danger posting without legislation, but additional powers may be necessary to secure the removal of unauthorised signs put up privately.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the railway companies have refused to grant facilities for reduced fares to choirs and choral associations attending choral festivals, and to delegates and students, attending educational conferences and short period schools, etc., and that the workers of the country are thereby prevented from obtaining even that educational development and recreation which they had prior to the War; and will he take steps to have this grievance removed?

I am not aware of what is stated by the hon. Member. The whole question of the issue of tickets at fares less than the ordinary has been inquired into by the Rates Advisory Committee, set up under Section 21 of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, whose Report has been issued as a Command Paper (Cmd. 1148). The Committee are of opinion that the issue of cheap tickets to clubs, associations and pleasure parties may well be left to the commercial discretion of the companies, where- their responsible managers are of opinion that such a grant would produce additional net revenue. I have accepted the recommendation of the Committee in this matter, and am in communication with the railway companies as to giving effect thereto. I am encouraging them to do so wherever additional revenue will result.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in July of last year, the Electricity Commissioners provisionally determined an electricity district for the Greater London area under the provisions of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1919; whether, at the same time, they invited the various interested parties to submit by a certain date representations with respect to such area and, if so desired, schemes providing for the reorganisation of electricity supply in the district; whether, as the result of this invitation, the London County Council, the local authorities, and a number of companies have, in combination or separately, prepared at much expense schemes which they have submitted to the Commissioners; whether the Commissioners have provisionally announced that an inquiry with respect to such schemes will be opened early in June next; whether, in the light of experience gained in connection with inquiries already opened by the Commissioners with respect to other districts, it is anticipated that the inquiry into the London case, if held, will occupy a very considerable period and involve heavy expenditure to all the parties concerned; whether it is essential, if a scheme is to be approved to deal with the London area, that additional financial powers supplementary to those contained in the Act of 1919 should be first approved by Parliament; and if, in these circumstances, and with a view to avoiding fruitless expenditure of public money, he will state whether the Government proposes to introduce, as promised by him in December last, at an early date a Bill to confer these additional powers?

The answers to the various statements in the hon. Member's' question are in the affirmative, though, as the hon. Member is aware, the Electricity Commissioners have made arrangements by which the inquiry will be shortened as far as possible with a view to reducing expenditure to a minimum. As regards the final sentence, I would refer him to the answer which I have just given to Questions 15 and 17.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us any estimate of the expense of holding this inquiry?

Perhaps the hon. Baronet will put a question down.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a letter, dated 31st March, 1921, sent to him by Alderman Marie O'Donovan, sister of the widow of ex-Mayor O'Callaghan, of Limerick,' enclosing copies of letters addressed to the Press by that lady on 14th and 30th March, 1921, stating that Mrs. O'Callaghan has evidence in her possession which, if brought before an impartial jury, would bring home the guilt of the murder of her husband to the individuals responsible, and asking for such a jury; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to a question by the hon. Member for South Down (Mr. MacVeagh).

Has the right hon. Gentleman given any further consideration to setting up what he describes as a fresh and independent inquiry? What sort of inquiry will that be? Will it simply be another military inquiry by the same people, or will it be a form of judicial inquiry?

The same inquiry, but I guarantee it will be a perfectly independent tribunal.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider a military tribunal on which the local commanders of troops in this area are sitting to be an independent tribunal? Is that his idea of an independent tribunal?

Certainly it is. I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the military in that area Are exceedingly anxious to get the facts, -and they set up a thoroughly independent tribunal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lady in question is prepared to furnish proofs, as she alleges, of the assailants and assassins, and does he not think it worth while to try and meet her, and to set up, at any rate, a judicial inquiry apart from the military, if he wants the matter cleared up?

This will be a judicial inquiry.

Will there be a legal member of the Court?

I believe there is a legal member of every Court.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Kilmactranny creamery and co-operative stores, Co. Roscommon, valued at £10,000, were completely destroyed by fire on Saturday night; and whether he can give the House any information as to the cause of the fire?

As a result of very careful inquiries which have been made, there is at present no reason for believing that the destruction of this creamery was other than purely accidental.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Mrs. Dillon, wife of Professor Dillon, of Galway University, has been arrested; that she is a delicate lady with three children, the youngest being only three months of age; that the documents alleged to have been found upon her related only to the relief of distress caused by arson and robbery on the part of Crown forces; and whether directions will be given for this lady's immediate release?

Mrs. Geraldine Dillon, wife of Professor Dillon, of Galway University, has been arrested on a charge of having in her possession documents prepared for the purpose of spreading false reports against the Crown forces. These documents are being sent to General Headquarters for examination, and at present it is not considered advisable to release Mrs. Dillon on bail. Her youngest child is six months old and is in charge of a nurse.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can inform the House as to the number of men who are enrolled for service as auxiliary Royal Irish Constabulary in Ireland; what records, if any, are available as to the service of these men in the Great War; whether any have won distinctions in the field for gallantry; and what precautions, if any, are taken against allowing men with bad military records to enrol in this force?

The present strength of the auxiliary division of the Royal Irish Constabulary is 1,481. The division is composed entirely of ex-officers and the military record of each man is verified by the War Office before he is accepted as a recruit. He has also to account satisfactorily for the period since the date of his demobilisation. A very high percentage of the men accepted won exceptional distinction for gallantry in the field during the late War, as will be seen from the following list of decorations held by mem- bers of the division: 1 V.C., 2 C.M.G.s, 22 D.S.O.s, one with three bars; 135 M.C.s, 16 M.C.s with bars, 23 D.C.M.s, two with bars; 63 M.M.s, 40 foreign orders, and I Tank Corps Order of Merit. In addition, 350 members of the division were mentioned in despatches.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, subsequent to an ambush of police near Dun-garvan, a levy of £100 each was made on 25th March on the following residents of the town: Mr. Fraher, Mrs. Boyle, Mr. M. Moloney, Mr. Patrick Hehir, and Mr. Thomas Casey, and as the fines were not paid, except by Mr. Fraher, the furniture of these persons was destroyed; whether he will state by whose orders these fines were imposed; why these persons were selected; and whether there was any evidence that they were concerned in the ambush?

This place is in the martial law area. I have therefore called for a report from the Commander-in-Chief with reference to the matter, and if the Noble Lord will repeat the question, of which I only received notice on Saturday, one day next week I shall be glad to furnish him with a reply.

Is it part of the Government of Ireland s policy to levy on private individuals a system of collective fine's?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will repeat his question when I receive the information, I shall be happy to answer it.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman knows whether that is the Government policy or not? Is he not one of the Law Officers of the Crown?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received a report on the destruction by Crown Forces near Skibbereen on 9th March of four houses belonging to persons named Connolly, O'Sullivan, M'Carthy, and Driscoll; whether this was an official reprisal, and, if so, for what offence; and on what principle these houses were selected?

This place is in the martial law area. I have therefore called for a report from the Commander-in-Chief with reference to this matter. I shall be glad if the Noble Lord will repeat the question, of which I only received notice on Saturday, one day next week.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has made further inquiry into the death of Andrew Moynihan, who was killed while being taken by a number of Auxiliaries from Killarney to Tralee; and whether he can now say whether the military authorities charged Mrs. Moynihan £10 for the coffin into which they put her husband and £6 for a motor car in which to take the body home?

As I stated in reply to a question by the Noble Lord on the 10th ultimo, the finding of the court of inquiry in this case was that the deceased attempted to escape from custody and that no blame in the matter of his death attached to any member of his escort. I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that from the very careful inquiries he has made he is satisfied that the allegation that Mrs. Moynihan was charged by the military authorities for the coffin or other funeral expenses of her husband is quite untrue.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement about Moyihan being killed whilst trying to escape is generally discredited both in Ireland and this country?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary whether he will-state the time, place and date of the trial of the men concerned in the Bally-macelligot incidents and whether such ti'ial will be in public?

This trial will take place on Tuesday next, the 12th instant, at Cork at 10 a.m. As regards the last part of the question, all such trials are public, subject to the discretion of the President of the Court to hear any evidence in camera where he considers this course necessary to safeguard the lives of witnesses.

Will any restriction be imposed upon the defending counsel, and will the defending counsel have the opportunity of cross-examining the prose outing witnesses, or is it merely to be a repetition of the Mallow inquiry?

Subject to the qualification, which applies to all these trials, of safeguarding the lives of witnesses, they will have that privilege.

My right hon. Friend, of course, is aware that these men are on trial for their lives, and will he see that fair treatment is given and that cross-examination will take place?

Fair treatment is always given by these Courts.

Can the-right hon. Gentleman give the assurance that the defending counsel will have the opportunity of examining the prosecuting witnesses?

I have already answered that, and I can add nothing to what I have said.

( by Private, Notice ) asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether it is the fact that at the inquiry into the death of Christopher Reynolds, which took place in Dublin on Friday last, the Press and the legal representatives of the next-of-kin were excluded; and whether this exclusion of the public and the Press, and of the counsel for the next-of-kin, is not a violation of the pledge given by the right hon. and learned Gentleman as to the publicity of the proceedings?

The Press were admitted during a portion of the inquiry, but on Friday the President of the Court-Martial, in view of the fact that certain witnesses would be in grave peril, directed that these witnesses should be examined in camerâ. He offered to read over the evidence to the legal representatives of the accused, and to put for them any questions they suggested. I distinctly stated, in answer to my hon. Friend on Thursday last, that this power rested with the President of a court-martial, and I might mention that in quite a number of cases recently witnesses have been followed for hundreds of miles and murdered.

May I take the answer of the right hon. Gentleman as meaning that these witnesses―some of whom are among the persons suspected of having committed this murder―were examined in the absence of the legal representatives of the next-of-kin?

I must ask for notice of that question.

My right hon. Friend knows very well that that was the case, because it is published in all the papers. May I ask him, as a member of the legal profession, whether it is possible adequately to cross-examine any witnesses whose oral testimony has not been heard by the counsel who have to cross-examine them?

It is a choice between two evils, and I prefer to take the evil of which my hon. Friend complains rather than that witnesses should be murdered.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether he has any information on the subject of the following telegram: Repairs to injured railway line G.S. and W. Railway Farranfore to Millstreet were completed Thursday last. Military prohibit resumption of traffic thereon. Serious injury follows to public interest; butter―a perishable article―eggs, etc., and other products cannot be sent to market. Shall be obliged if you ask question on the matter with a view to removing the block early.

The portion of the line to which my hon. Friend refers is a portion of the Great Southern and Western Railway in Kerry. The injuries to the line which led to the disturbance of traffic were caused by bombs placed by Sinn Fein bodies under the railway bridges, and the result has been to cut off the whole district from the outside world. The military are considering when they will allow it to be re-opened for traffic.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to apply the recommendations of the Select Committee on Ministers' Salaries to the newly-constituted Government; and, if not, whether he will give a day for the discussion of the Committee's Report?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which the Leader of the House gave to the hon. Member for the Eye Division (Mr. Lyle-Samuel) on the 5th April.

Does that mean that there will be a discussion on this Report?

I do not know.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since then the Government have made arrangements outside the recommendations of that Report and appointed another Minister at £5,000 a year to do nothing?

That is not true.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the point of my question is, are the new appointments to receive salaries on the basis of the Committee's Report?

If my hon. Friend would really take the trouble to look at the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, he would see that that is an answer to his question for the time being. My hon. Friend really cannot have looked at that answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has received a note from the Government of the United States of America affirming that America is not bound by any decision contained in the Treaty of Versailles or adopted by the Supreme Council of the League of Nations; whether he is aware that such an affirmation implies that nothing that has been concluded in Europe since 1918 is in any way binding on America; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

Since this question was put down, the text of the note has been communicated to the Press by the United States Government. The note is engaging the earnest attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether an official intimation has been received to the effect that the United States of America will not join the League of Nations but that the United States Government will take steps with a view to the ultimate realisation of the formation of an association of nations based on an international tribunal for the settlement of all justiciable questions; and, if so, whether such intimation will result.in any change of policy on the part of His Majesty's Government towards the existing League of Nations?

No official intimation to this effect has been received from the United States Government.

May I ask whether a league which excludes the greater part of Europe, Asia, Africa and America could ever fulfil the ideals involved?

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to take the Second Reading of the Peace Treaty (Hungary) Bill?

I regret that it is not possible at present to name a date, but we are anxious to take the Second Reading of the Bill as early as possible.

Can we be assured that it will not be taken after eleven o'clock at night?

I hope so.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now able to convey any further information to the House with reference to the arrangements for the trial at Leipzig of Germans charged with cruelty to British prisoners of war?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can see his way to suggest to the Allies that a time limit be given Germany within which the Germans charged with cruelty during the War must be brought to trial?

I am asked to reply. It is definitely arranged that the interrogation of British witnesses who are un- able to proceed to Leipzig is to commence in London on Tuesday, 26th April. The Attorney-General at Leipzig has accepted this arrangement, and intimates that it seems probable that the main trials will commence at Leipzig at the end of May.

May I ask whether the right hon. and learned- Gentleman remembers on the 28th February, he said he had interviews with legal representatives of Germany, and it was quite expected that the trials would commence within one month from that date; and, in view of the delay, will he not represent to Germany that, unless she hurries up these trials, there will be brought to bear against her all the resources, both moral and physical, of the League of Nations?

Send the hon. Member for South Hackney (Mr. Bottomley) there to bring them all back.

I remember the interview, and I remember the answer, but I do not remember the date.

I do.

I am quite sure the hon. Member also remembers that since that date there has intervened an assertion of sanctions which has a little altered the position. I hope this matter will now proceed without further delay.

That, of course, means, does it not, that Germany has broken faith again?

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman mean that the evidence, instead of being given in the usual way―that is, the witnesses being called at the trial―the examination will take place in a private room before some official; and that all that will be called in evidence will be the depositions of the soldiers who have been injured?

I think my hon. and learned Friend forgets what has so often been said in this matter. In October of last year we supplied to the German Government statements in full, printed with exhibits of all the witnesses which were relevant to these accused persons. We have since ascertained that some of those witnesses were ready to go to Leipzig and give evidence orally. With regard to the remainder, their evidence is to be taken in London in the presence of representatives of the accused persons, who may, if they think fit, cross-examine. The depositions so taken will then be admitted at the trial in Leipzig under laws passed by the German Government for that purpose.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend, or the Government, inform the German Government as soon as the depositions are ready, so that there may be no further delay on the part of the Government of Germany proceeding with the trial?

Personally I shall be happy to do so. But similar reports have been made already.

Can we, in view of the fact that this matter has been evaded time after time, count upon the dates given now by the right hon. and learned Gentleman? Will -the German authorities be made to understand that unless they keep to these dates there will be some penalty?

I can only say, in reply, that I cannot add anything further as to the dates. My hon. and gallant Friend is perfectly well aware that the enforcement of the sanctions was based in part, and in no small part, upon the default of Germany in this matter.

It was never mentioned!

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the great unemployment, he will consider taking the same steps as were taken in the early part of the War in similar circumstances, and get local authorities to take land under the emergency powers for all who will use land for allotments and market gardens?

I have been asked to reply. The emergency, powers for the acquisition of land for allotments, which were exercised during the War under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, have been replaced by the permanent powers conferred on local authorities by the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919. Under those powers local authorities can acquire land for allotments, by compulsion if necessary, on 14 days' notice, and the price or rent to be paid can be fixed in default of agreement by an official arbitrator under the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919. The Ministry is constantly pressing local authorities to exercise these powers wherever there is an unsatisfied demand for allotments.

May I ask the Prime Minister, to whom this question was originally addressed, whether, in view of the serious unemployment difficulty in this country at the present time, he cannot undertake to do the same for these people out of work as was done during the War for people out of work, and secure them land for allotments? Is he aware that the 1919 Act is hardly being used at all, and that in any case it is no use to secure allotments for these people, because it requires local authorities to acquire the land, and during the War the land could be taken and handed back to the owners?

I think my hon. Friend is wrong when he assumes that the Act of 1919 is not being used. On the contrary, I believe it is being used on a very extensive scale; but, if unemployment continues, I think it will be worth while considering the question of the extent to which allotments might be used for the purpose.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not so much a question of Acts of Parliament as of pressure from himself and by Government circulars urging the local authorities to take action?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very great difficulty arises from the fact that arbitrators are giving excessive awards, and so preventing land being acquired?

asked the Prime Minister what is the total debt row owed by His Majesty's Government to the United States of America Government; how much of this debt is for goods or services supplied to this country; how much for goods and services supplied to other Allies and underwritten by us; of this latter sum how much was incurred before and how much after the entry of America into the War; and who was responsible for our consenting to underwrite this last sum?

The debt of the British Government to the United States Government on 31st March, 1921, was $4,197,000,000 (£.862,000,000 at par of exchange) exclusive of interest. The remainder of the question seems to be based on a misapprehension which my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal has frequently tried to correct. I would refer particularly to his answers to questions put by my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington, South (Sir W. Davison) on the 22nd February and 1st March. The debt represents advances made by the United States Government to the British Government towards meeting the dollar requirements of the British Government during the period after the United States of America entered the War, arising either directly from purchases in the United States of America or indirectly for support of exchange. During the same period during which the British Government was thus borrowing from the United States Government, it was lending a sum of £897,000,000 to Allied Governments, in addition to £828,000,000 lent to the Allied Governments before the United States of America entered the War. Had the British Government been relieved of the necessity of lending this £897,000,000 to the Allied Governments, it would, so far as can be judged, have been unnecessary for the British Government to ask financial assistance from the United States Government.

Am I to understand from that that the £800,000,000 lent by us to our Allies was not for goods bought in the United States by those Allies, but for general purposes?

That is so.

asked the Prime Minister if he intends introducing legislation on the Report of Lord Parmoor's Committee on Industrial Insurance; and, if so, when?

It is hoped to introduce legislation on this subject this Session.