asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have received any further communication from the German Government on the subject of reparations; whether extra British troops will be required for Germany if further sanctions are carried out; whether the German Government has sought the good offices of the League of Nations in connection with the reparations dispute; and when he proposes to explain to this House the situation and the steps contemplated by His Majesty's Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information to give the House as a result of his meeting with M. Briand with reference to the enforcement of the Treaty of Versailles; and whether he is able to state that His Majesty's Government and that of France are in entire agreement as to the line of policy to be pursued?

I had a series of informal conversations with M. Briand at Lympne on Saturday and yesterday, in the course of which we interchanged views about the position in reference to the failure of Germany to comply with the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles. M. Briand has promised in the course of the next day or two to supply the British Government with further detailed information as to the French plans and proposals. When these details come to hand, the whole subject will be considered by the Cabinet, and instructions given to the delegates who represent the British Government at a Conference of the Allied Powers which has been summoned for Saturday next to decide what further action should be taken in order to enforce the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles.

The general position of the Government was stated by me in reply to questions last week; from that attitude the Government do not intend to depart.

We understand that further proposals are being prepared by the German Government for submission to the Allies. These proposals have not yet been received. If they are unsatisfactory, His Majesty's Government will support France at the forthcoming Conference in proposals for the occupation of the Westphalian coalfield. If further coercive measures are contemplated, we shall communicate them to the House before any action is taken.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, and without wishing in any way to embarrass him, may I ask if it will be possible, when M. Briand's further communication is received, to make an explanation to the House before any action is taken such as is indicated for the occupation of the Westphalian coalfield; and does he see the importance of keeping the House informed and carrying the opinion of the House with him?

Certainly. I think it is very important that the House and the country should be kept fully informed as to every step which the Government proposes to take, and if a question be put down for Thursday, I may have further information to give the House.

May I take it from the right hon. Gentleman that, without knowing what the German proposals are, we are pledged beforehand to support the French Government in the occupation of the Westphalian coalfield?

I do not think I can usefully add anything to the considered answer which I have given to the House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, under Section 1 (1) of The German Reparation (Recovery) Act, 1921, goods ordered in February, 1921, and imported before the 15th April, 1921, are held to be not subject to the 50 per cent. irrespective of date of payment for the goods; and, if so, is a statutory declaration giving date of order, etc., with certified copy of order considered sufficient evidence to establish a bonâ fide case?

Goods imported before the 15th April, 1921, are not subject to the Act if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Customs and Excise that they are imported in pursuance of a contract entered into before the 8th March, 1921. The fact that an order has been given before that date is not in itself evidence of a contract; either the order must be shown to be the acceptance of an offer from the seller, or the acceptance of the order by the seller at a date prior to the 8th March must be proved. As regards the second part of the question, I cannot bind the Commissioners as to what evidence should be regarded as sufficient, but, speaking generally, full documentary evidence of the contract must be supplied. If original documents cannot conveniently be submitted, copies sworn as true copies before a Commissioner for Oaths may be lodged.

What is the estimated expenditure that the trader has to bear in connection with these formalities?

What is the practice in the way of a contract? Is not an order placed in conformity with the usual trading custom sufficient?

As to the first question I require notice. As to the second question, an order may not amount to a contract unless it is in itself the acceptance of an order, or unless it is supplemented by the acceptance of the order.

Surely the usual trade custom is the only custom that should prevail?

I think it is a question of a very clear legal point.

asked the Prime Minister the amount which has been paid by Germany, either in gold or kind, towards the amount due under the Treaty of Versailles on or before 1st May; whether the Reparations Commission has reported that Germany is capable of paying the balance due; and, if so, whether the Report represents a unanimous or majority decision of the Commission?

The Reparation Commission on the 15th ultimo unanimously decided to inform the German Government that the maximum amount which could be credited to her towards the payment of the equivalent of 20 milliard gold marks under Article 235 of the Treaty of Versailles did not exceed 8 milliard gold marks. The Commission required Germany to pay I milliard by the 23rd March, and asked her to make proposals for paying the remainder of the 20 milliards by the 1st May. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and the third part does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether under the Peace Treaties enemy countries were required to surrender any War material captured from this country during the War; and, if so, whether such conditions have yet been complied with?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and, with regard to the second part, the conditions have already been complied with by Germany and Austria.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether her membership of the League of Nations will make it incumbent upon Great Britain to intervene between the United States and Japan in respect of the self-determination or ultimate destination of Yap, and between China and Japan in regard to the acute differences between those nations, and the action or inaction of the said League in respect of such differences?

I am not aware of any obligation of the character suggested.

Does not anything connected with the League of Nations mean what it says?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken to see that the white terror does not extend to the Baranga when that district is reoccupied by Magyar troops?

The Allied Governments decided in December last that the Sub-Commission at Pees of the Inter- Allied Military Mission at Budapest should remain to supervise the transfer of that area from the Jugo-Slav to the Hungarian authorities.

Does that mean that we shall only have military officers in that district when taken over; is it not possible that there could be some civilians sent there to see that the White Terror does not extend to Baranga?

That question is under consideration at the moment.

In any case will special instructions be given to our military representatives?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is acquainted with the pamphlet issued by the Board of Trade entitled The New One Hundred Thousand, written by Ian Hay; whether he can state to whom the pamphlet was issued; what was the cost of it; and what useful purpose did its publication serve?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any publication has been issued with his authority or at public expense by Mr. Ian Hay describing the duties of the Defence Force?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost of the recent free issue to the daily Press of an article by Mr. Ian Hay entitled The New Hundred Thousand?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. The pamphlet in question was issued to assist recruiting for the Defence Force. Arrangements for distribution had been completed before the Government decided to stop recruiting. Details of cost are not yet available, but in any case it will be well under £100. The article and copyright were very kindly presented to the Government by Mr. Ian Hay, and no expense was incurred in issuing it to the Press beyond the cost of duplicating copies.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government accepts responsibility for the statements in the pamphlet?

I must have notice of that question.

In view of the fact that we were told here that there was no difficulty in obtaining recruits, what was the object of this publication?

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this pamphlet, written on the lines of the original, entitled "The First Hundred Thousand," was a suitable form of appeal for recruits for a civil force raised for civil disturbance, in view of the fact that the original had a great effect on recruiting against the Germans?

Does the Government accept responsibility for the statement in the pamphlet that starvation drove many of these men into the ranks?

I am sorry I am not sufficiently familiar with the contents of the pamphlet to express any views on the subject, either in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) or to the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr. W. R. Smith).

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the Government has published at the public expense a pamphlet for the statements in which the Government does not accept responsibility?

No, I made no statement on the subject.

Is the Government prepared to accept responsibility on its publication?

I have already said that any question of that kind, which is asked with a desire for an answer, I must have notice of, and I will endeavour to reply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the stoppage in the coal industry has yet had any effect upon our rates of exchange with other countries; and if so, what effect it has had, and with what result, upon the general cost of living?

The stoppage in the coal industry does not appear to have had as yet any effect on our rates of exchange with other countries; and the second part of the question, accordingly, does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any report showing how peaceful picketing is being carried on in connection with the coal strike; and whether it will be possible for those miners wishing to work to do so if they have adequate protection?

The methods of picketing, where it is going on, are much the same as those usually adopted in trade disputes. Protection is being afforded, where necessary, to workers engaged in safety operations. I am not in a position to give a reply to the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the managerial, supervising, and clerical staffs employed in the coal-mining industry were given notice that their salaries would be reduced in the same proportion as it was proposed to reduce the miners' wages; and whether the directors of collieries that are at present being worked at a loss propose to reduce the amount of remuneration they are receiving as directors?

I regret that I have no information on this subject.

asked the Secretary for Mines if any further collieries have been flooded since the 40 previously reported; and, if so, how many men had been employed in these collieries?

The number of pits now wholly flooded is 44, and the number of persons ordinarily employed at them about 16,200.

asked the Secretary for Mines what ration of coal has been allowed to breweries during the present shortage; and how it compares with the ration to industrial undertakings?

Breweries are included under the heading "Industries and Businesses" in Part III of the Coal (Emergency) Directions, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. The consumption of coal in premises to which this part of the Directions applies is limited to 50 per cent. of the normal weekly average, but discretion is given to local authorities to grant permits for consumption in excess of this percentage where they deem it expedient in the public interest to do so. In this connection, the attention of local authorities has been drawn to the importance of maintaining in operation food producing concerns, breweries and certain other industries. The actual consumption allowed to individual breweries must necessarily vary according to the fuel situation in the different localities, but local authorities have full discretion in the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at a meeting held in St. Albans on Friday last to deal with coal rationing, it was stated that while industrial concerns were to be allowed 50 per cent., breweries were to be allowed 100 per cent. and that instructions had been given to that effect, and if that statement was made will he say it was made without authority?

I have already stated that the local authorities have discretion in this matter and I have not any report as to what has been done in St. Albans. They have discretion to increase the amount in certain cases.

Are cocoa manufacturers and manufacturers of mineral waters treated in the same way as brewers?

I think all food producing concerns are treated similarly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the considered view of the Government that, while industries are being starved, breweries are to be allowed to receive their full quantity?

The question of rationing coal is always under consideration. I am quite prepared to reconsider any point as to supplying coal to breweries or to any other concerns.

asked the Secretary for Mines what action his Department has taken in order to restrict public street lighting, shop lighting, and also all lighting used for advertisement purposes so as to save coal now used in the supply of gas and electric lighting; whether any steps have been taken to restrict the use of electricity for power purposes; whether only ordinary circulars have been issued by his Department; and whether, in view of the serious position owing to coal shortage, he proposes to take any further action?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on the 21st instant to the Noble Lord the Member for South Battersea. Formal Directions have been made under the Emergency Powers Act, 1920, and issued to local authorities in Great Britain. These directions deal with all the points raised by the hon. Member and I would remind him that the responsibility for their observance rests with the local authorities, who have power to prosecute in cases of disobedience. Explanatory letters emphasising the necessity for conservation of fuel have also been issued to local authorities and others concerned. The question whether it is possible to take further steps to restrict consumption is constantly under review.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that sufficient steps have been taken to reduce the lighting in the precincts of the Palace of Westminster?

I am not satisfied. I have been making representations to those in authority asking that the lighting should be reduced.

asked the Secretary for Mines what arrangements his Department has made for the supply of coal for small consumers in the county of London; whether his Department has control of any stock of coal which can be handed over to local authorities for distribution; whether it is proposed to allow local authorities to commandeer stocks of any large holders of coal in order to supply the urgent and present demands of small consumers?

A special committee, known as the Metropolitan Emergency Coal Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Lord Marshall, has been set up to deal with questions relating to the distribution of coal supplies in the Metropolitan fuel area during the present emergency. This Committee, which is in daily session at the offices of the Mines Department, has already issued full directions to each local authority as to the steps to be taken to secure priority for the pressing needs of domestic consumers, particularly in the poorer districts. Arrangements have been made through the London Coal Committee, 37, Coal Exchange, E.C., under which quantities of sea-borne coal are being allocated to those districts where the shortage is most acute. The question of commandeering is under consideration, and in the meantime arrangements have been made, and will continue to be made, to get coal handed over from industrial and other concerns not engaged in essential services to supply the demands of small domestic consumers. It is much to be hoped that people with stocks of coal will voluntarily take steps to hand over coal to local coal merchants or local authorities for distribution to others in a worse position than themselves.

What is the nature of the Committee to be set up under the chairmanship of Lord Marshall? Is it a Committee representative of local interests or is it appointed by the Government?

It is a Committee appointed by the Mines Department. I shall be glad to send my hon. Friend the names.

Would the Government consider the advisability of shutting down this gas-house?

Might not surplus stocks of coal at present accumulated in public offices be disposed of among those by whom coal is urgently required, and might not use of fires in public offices for the present be dispensed with?

I do not think I can add anything to the general statement contained in my answer. In regard to the public offices, the circumstances are not the same in every case. Some have central heating systems and some have not.

Have any cases been brought under the notice of the right hon. Gentleman such as that of a public office close to my own house where fires are burning while all the neighbours are going without coal?

If any such case is brought under my notice, I shall be very glad to look into it.

asked the Secretary of Mines whether, in view of the number of miners now locked out and of the large amount of unemployment among miners likely to continue in certain parts of the country, his Department has made or will make any proposals to the Minister of Agriculture to facilitate the acquisition by miners of allotments and small holdings round the mining villages at reasonable rents as a temporary measure?

I shall be glad to consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture on the proposal advanced by the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government will make arrangements for the importation of sufficient coal from abroad to preserve our national industries from extinction during such time as the present stoppage of work in the coalfields continues?

I have been asked to reply. This matter, in common with all other questions relating to the supply of fuel to the people of this country, is receiving the close attention of His Majesty's Government.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he realises that thousands of factories and hundreds of thousands of poor people who are not concerned in this strike on one side or the other are suffering more than those who are concerned, and will he take some steps in the interests of the consumers to keep trade alive and to prevent suffering?

I am quite aware of that, and the Government are considering the matter hour by hour, with a view to mitigating as much as possible the hardships borne by the people of this country.

I do not wish to press it in the event of a possible settlement of the strike. [HON. MEMBERS: "Lock-out!"] I do not wish to repeat the word, but if there is no settlement of the coal stoppage, may I ask, if I repeat the question on Thursday, that something definite may be arranged by the Government by then on behalf of the consumers and others who are not concerned in the dispute?

May I ask the Prime Minister, to whom this question was addressed, whether his attention has been called to the action of the Transport Workers' Federation in telegraphing to kindred organisations in Europe and America asking them to prevent the supply of coal to this country, and whether under the Emergency Powers Act we cannot take action against these men who are trying to stop coal coming here?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Transport whether a body called the Transport Workers' Federation is endeavouring to prevent the unloading and transit of coal; and, if so, will his Department give every facility to those who are organised to maintain services essential to the community to deal with the situation?

No report has been received that coal is suspended in transit for the reason suggested. I am sure that the hon. and gallant Member and the House will agree that it is not therefore desirable to deal with the question further on a hypothetical basis.

asked the Prime Minister whether the coalowners have made any offer to forego all profits of the industry for the present or only to forego temporarily surplus profits?

I have been asked to reply. A revised offer by the owners is now under discussion between their representatives and the representatives of the miners. I will read the relevant paragraph:

"That for each month of the temporary period ascertainments shall he made upon the basis of the durable scheme; but the owners in the aggregate in any area, ( a ) shall not have any share in the surplus revenue of the area if the taking of such share shall have the effect of reducing the rate of wages in the previous month, nor ( b ) shall they have their standard profits either in whole or in part if by the taking of either the whole or part the men in their area would, on the area results for the month, be suffering a reduction in wages of more than the maximum fixed under paragraph 1 for the month."

asked the Minister of Transport the amount of revenue lost to the railway companies in mineral and passenger traffic through the coal lock-out; and if the Government will have to make up the loss to the railway companies?

I am not yet in a position to state the amount of revenue lost to railway companies through the present coal stoppage, and no reliable estimate can be framed of the amount involved until the companies' claims for the month of April are received. The loss will, however, fall to be borne by the Government under the railway agreements with regard to the guarantee of net receipts. The coal strike in October last resulted in a loss of £8,000,000 in respect of railway working, and this sum was made good by the Government. It will be understood by the House that although the receipts fall abruptly, the Government is called upon to pay a great deal of expenditure such as maintenance at the high standard of 1913 irrespective of revenue.

I will repeat the question on next Monday.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present staff, the salaries, and the total monthly cost to the nation of the Profiteering Act Department of the Board of Trade; how many prosecutions have taken place this year under the Profiteering Act; how many convictions have been obtained; and whether, and, if so, when, it is anticipated that this Department can be closed down?

The Profiteering Act Department of the Board of Trade (including the Central Committee) employ a staff which at present numbers 81, the salaries for the month of March amounting to £2,322. The total expenditure of the Board of Trade (excluding office rent, lighting, and stationery) in administering the Acts during this month was £3,323. This includes the expenses of the Central Committee and of appeal tribunals, but not those of local committees, which I am not able to give, as they are defrayed out of the local rates. Since 1st January, 15 prosecutions have been determined, of which 11 were successful. The Acts expire on the 19th May, and the Department will be wound up as soon as possible after that date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a Bill dealing with trusts and combines has been prepared; whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Bill this Session; and, if the answer is in the negative, is he aware that the Profiteering Central Committee will be dissolved in May, and that trusts and combines will be entirely free from control until the promised legislation has been placed on the Statute Book?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers given on this subject on 14th April to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith and the hon. and gallant Member for East Newcastle.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the interest of the consumer, it would be possible on the dissolution of the Profiteering Central Committee to maintain in one shape or another the Standing Committee that has been appointed to inquire into the action of trusts and combines; and whether he is aware that the members of this Committee are unpaid and that the maintenance of a small staff to assist them could be limited to a cost of from £2,000 to £2,500?

The Standing Committee on Trusts of the Central Committee could not usefully be maintained without the renewal of Section 3 of the Profiteering Act, 1919, as to which I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Secretary in charge of the Department of Overseas Trade to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for East Newcastle (Major Barnes) on the 14th April, a copy of which I am sending him. In reply to the last part of the question, the members of the Committee are unpaid, and I fear I cannot express an opinion on the hypothetical estimate given by my hon. and gallant Friend. The cost of the Committee on Trusts, however, may be very roughly estimated at about £1,000 a month.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what will happen in the event of certain inquiries which are proceeding at present not having been completed by the time that the Act expires? Will the inquiry be brought to an end without a report?

The hon. and gallant Member must first recognise that I have been engaged in other inquiries for the last week or two, and that I have not had time to look into the matter.

Supposing the cost of this small staff does not exceed £2,500, would the right hon. Gentleman recommend that the Committee be continued?

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that I have very recently arrived from the Treasury and I cannot say that without consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now able to furnish any information as to the amount of unemployment which is the direct cause of the importation of German goods; and when it is intended to proceed with the promised Bill to counteract the collapsed Continental exchanges?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that much of the existing unemployment is due to the importation of goods from Germany and other countries with a collapsed rate of exchange; and if he is now in a position to make any statement as to the date when the promised legislation will be introduced?

As regards the first part of these questions, it is not practicable to single out any one factor, and attempt to estimate the amount of unemployment which is due to it. As to the second part, I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given by the Leader of the House on the 20th April to the hon. Member for the Eye Division.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the Resolutions which he is proposing to the House a certificate is required saying that unemployment comes from the importation of goods? How is such a certificate to be provided if it is impossible to ascertain?

I think that would be a very interesting matter for debate on Second Reading.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state definitely when it is proposed to proceed with the Financial Resolutions?

My hon. Friend will recognise that in the circumstances it is very difficult to fix a date. Our programme has been very much upset by other events in different parts of the country.

Is it definitely the case that you are not going to proceed?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this measure was promised very definitely as the first measure of the present Session? Does that promise still hold good?

I have a distinct recollection of that, but I think my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House explained the position before I had the honour of resuming my seat.

asked the Prime Minister when the Financial Resolutions to the Safeguarding of Industries Bill will be taken?

But for circumstances connected with the great in- dustrial dispute, these Resolutions would have been taken directly after Easter. I cannot now fix a date for them, but we shall take them as early as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British representative at the League of Nations Transit Conference at Barcelona had full power to sign any binding Convention if such were agreed upon; whether any such draft Conventions were agreed upon or whether the Conference only resulted in making sundry recommendations; and, if so, what were these?

The British representative signed two Conventions, subject to ratification. In answer to the second and third parts of the question, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the statement promised: —

Two Conventions relating respectively to Freedom of Transit by Rail and Waterway, and to the Régime of Navigable Waterways of International Concern, were agreed to at Barcelona and signed by the British delegate, subject, of course, to ratification. An additional protocol relating to navigation on national waterways was adopted for optional signature by such of the States as may desire to become parties thereto. The Conference also adopted a declaration recognising the flag of inland States. In addition, the Conference adopted a series of recommendations, to be submitted to the various States, respecting the international régime of railways and the régime to be applied to ports of international concern. None of the above instruments involve any legislation or any material change in the present practice in the United Kingdom. The text of the various documents will be published as soon as practicable.

I may add that the Barcelona Conference was convened by the League of Nations in pursuance of the provisions of the Convenant of the League with reference to freedom of communications and transit, and of various stipulations of the Treaties of Peace on the same subject.

asked the Prime Minister what percentage of the total cost of the League of Nations was borne last year and will be borne this year by Great Britain; whether all the members except Argentine, Paruguay and Salvador have paid the first contribution to the support of the League allocated to them, the percentage paid being 97·5 per cent.; and whether there is any prospect that these three states will make good their contributions?

Great Britain's share in the expenses of the League was, for the fiscal period ending 30th June, 1920, about 5½ per cent., for the second period, ending 31st December, 1920, approximately 5¼ per cent., and for the third period, that is to say, the current period, ending 31st December next, approximately 4½ per cent. It is correct that all the States members of the League, save the Argentine Republic, Paraguay, and Salvador, have paid the first contribution, and that the percentage paid amounts to 97·5 per cent. I am not in a position to reply to the last part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister if all the contracting Powers to the League of Nations have each contributed equal amounts to finance the working organisation of the same; and if schemes of international police and economic pressure have been inaugurated and accepted by all the contracting Powers?

As laid down in Article 6 of the Covenant, the expenses of the League are borne by the members of the League in accordance with the apportionment of the expenses of the International Postal Bureau. Under this arrangement the contributions of the members vary considerably. Powers of the first class are liable to 25 units, and Powers of the second class are liable only to one unit. A Commission are at present considering the question of revising the present basis of apportionment of the expenses of the League, which is very unsatisfactory. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government communicated the terms of the Anglo Japanese Treaty of Alliance to the Council of the League of Nations in October last, with a request for the opinion of the Council as to whether its terms required modification, in view of the obligations entered into by both States in the Covenant of the League of Nations; whether the Council of the League have yet considered this request; if so, has a reply been sent; and whether a statement of the views of the Council will be published before the time comes when the Treaty must be continued or denounced this year?

The only communication which has passed on the subject with the League of Nations is the joint communication addressed to the Council of the League in July, 1920, by the British and Japanese Governments, to the following effect:

"The Governments of Great Britain and Japan have come to the conclusion that the Anglo-Japanese Agreement of the 13th July, 1911, now existing between the two countries, though in harmony with the spirit of the Covenant of the League of Nations, is not entirely consistent with the letter of that Covenant, which both Governments earnestly desire to respect. They accordingly have the honour, jointly, to inform the League that they recognise the principle that if the said Agreement be continued after July, 1921, it must be in a form which is not inconsistent with that Covenant."

This communication was duly acknowledged at the time, and does not appear to call for any further reply.

On what date does the Anglo-Japanese Treaty have to be denounced this year if it has to be denounced this year?

Will my hon. Friend give me notice of that question?

Would the hon. Gentleman mind replying to the last part of the question?

I am not in a position to answer that.

asked the Minister of Transport what will be the position of railway workshops in Scotland under the railway grouping scheme; whether they will be merged into one or two centres; and, if so, will he state within what period such a development will take place?

I must ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the introduction of the Bill for the reorganisation of the railways.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when shall we have this Bill or when does he expect to introduce it?

Very shortly, I hope.

asked the Minister of Transport if the appointment of a distinguished general to represent the Ministry of Transport on the Port of London Authority has now been made; if so, is this done with a view to his taking up a salaried position with that authority; and what is the salary it is intended to pay him?

The position as regards this appointment is still as stated in the reply to the question which the hon. Member asked on Monday last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if there is any dispute between the Ministry of Transport and the Port of London Authority as to the amount of the salary payable to the gentleman if the post is given to him; also if the Ministry of Transport is pressing for a salary of £5,000 per annum?

No, Sir, there is no dispute between the Ministry of Transport and the Port of London Authority and the Ministry is not pressing for any salary at all.

Is it a fact that the Ministry are suggesting the payment of £5,000 per year to this gentleman?

No Sir, it is not a fact?

I am glad to hear the right hon. Gentleman say that.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he intends to introduce the Railway Bill before the Whitsuntide Recess: and, if so, can he name the day on which it will be introduced?

Yes, Sir, and it is hoped that it will be possible to introduce the Railway Bill in the week commencing 2nd May.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) the number of official and service motor vehicles in use on the 31st March, 1919, 1920, and 1921, respectively;

(2) who is responsible for the Regulations under which official and service motor vehicles are run; whether in all cases an accurate record is kept of the total mileage run, the consumption of petrol, lubricating oil, tyres, general stores, etc.; and what are the various grades of workers in official and service garages, together with their wages?

The only information which I have available is that relating to the Government pool of passenger motor-cars for civilian Departments in London, which, in order to secure economy, was placed under the control of the Ministry of Transport on 12th January, 1920. The number of cars in the pool on 31st March, 1920, was 27. By the operation of the pool this number was reduced to 12 in June, 1920, and to three in November, and to none on 13th January, 1921. As to cars in other Departments, I would refer by hon. and Noble Friend to a reply given on the 21st February to the hon. Member for Thanet.

asked the Prime Minister whether, since the institution of the auxiliary division of the Royal Irish Constabulary, the casualties inflicted upon soldiers and police have been reduced or increased; and whether, in view of the results obtained, he can state when he expects these crimes will be stopped?

There have been more casualties among soldiers and police in the nine months following July, 1920, than in the nine months preceding. In answer to the latter part of the question, I regret I cannot fix any date for the cessation of these murderous attacks on the gallant forces of the Crown.

asked the Prime Minister the nature of the independent public inquiry which he is prepared to institute to investigate the murder of Lord Mayor O'Callaghan, of Cork?

I presume the hon. and gallant Member refers to the case of the late Alderman O'Callaghan, of Limerick. I explained fully on the 11th instant, in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), the nature of the tribunal which the Government is prepared to set up, if it is clear that those who believe that they have further material evidence to bring will be prepared to submit it.

Will the Court of Inquiry include an English judge or somebody in such a position?

If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the question which I have mentioned, he will find that all that ground was covered, and covered very fully.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in further elucidation of the matters discussed in his reply to the Bishop of Chelmsford, he is now in a position to state whether between the months of June and October last, inclusive, any proposals for the initiation or continuance of the policy of reprisals in Ireland were laid before the Cabinet or any section of the Cabinet; whether such proposals were discussed; and whether any decision upon the subject was given or any form of sanction extended to such a policy?

It is not customary to publish Cabinet discussions.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is any truth in the report that Lord Derby has been in Ireland with regard to negotiations?

The Bishop of Chelmsford is the person mentioned in the question.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he still refuses to deny the allegation that the actions which he now describes as deplorable excesses were originally authorised and sanctioned by the Government?

That does not arise out of this question.

Can you deny it?

Why should the Government always be afraid to speak the truth?

Why should the Noble Lord always be rude?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the "Times" newspaper on 20th April last charged His Majesty's Government with having deliberately instituted a policy of counter terrorism in Ireland, and having condoned general excesses on the part of the agents whom they employed to carry it out; that similar accusations are constantly being made in the Press and from platforms in this country, and in practically the entire foreign Press; and whether, in the event of the Government being in a position to refute these charges, he will institute proceedings with a view to freeing His Majesty's Government from the stigma which it must bear throughout the world until an effective refutation of these charges is adduced?

If proceedings were instituted to refute every charge brought by the "Times" newspaper against His Majesty's Government, the business of the Courts would be hopelessly blocked.

Is it not the fact that the Government is afraid to institute proceedings?

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to statements in the Press that certain hon. Members of this House, including the Noble Lord the Member for Horsham (Earl Winterton) and the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Lieut.-Colonel W. Guinness), have been in communication in Dublin with the Dail Eireann during the week ending 16th April; whether he is aware of such communications between the hon. Members and persons whose arrest is sought by His Majesty's Government; and whether the hon. Members consulted His Majesty's Government before entering into communication with the government of the insurgents in Ireland?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I be allowed to make a personal explanation at the usual time?

I can only say that I know nothing of such communications.

May I ask if this means that these communications have been going on altogether without the knowledge of His Majesty's Government, and would it not be much better if these communications were made direct, and proper negotiations were entered into?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can now give an account of the mortality for the week-end just closed; and also may I ask if he has any further particulars with regard to the killing of two men in Belfast, apparently by the forces of the Crown?

The total number of casualties during the last few days have been four police killed and seven wounded, three soldiers wounded, and three civilians killed. Two cadets were killed in Belfast, and two civilians named Duffin. I am still awaiting particulars as to the latter occurrence.

Will the Government consider the advisability of increasing the auxiliary police in Ireland by at least three times the present number?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that in the Air Force (Constitution) Act of 1917 it is laid down that the President of the Air Council shall be one of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State; and if he will explain why the Minister for Air is not a member of the Cabinet?

The Act of 1917 does not prescribe that the Air Minister should be a member of the Cabinet.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he does not think it very desirable that he should be a member of the Cabinet, in view of the fact that this service has had to struggle for its very existence with the Army and Navy?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the uneasiness caused by the continuance of the Regulations of the Liquor Control Board and the non-fulfilment of repeated promises; and will he state definitely when the Regulations will be withdrawn?

asked the Prime Minister if he will now fulfil his promise to remove the war-time restrictions on clubs; and if he is aware of the misgivings engendered in the minds of working men throughout the country by the non-fulfilment of the definite promise given when the restrictions were imposed that they should be removed at the conclusions of hostilities?

I can add nothing to the very full statement made in Friday's Debate by the Attorney-General.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is true, as stated in the newspapers, that it is in contemplation to increase the hours of opening from 10 to 11 at night; is he aware that there is a very large body of public opinion opposed to any action of that kind; and will he give an opportunity for discussion in the House before it takes place?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the "soft answer" of the Attorney-General did not altogether "turn away wrath"?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a report appearing in a responsible Indian journal to the effect that the frontier attacks on British convoys by tribesmen are financed by Soviet money distributed by a well-defined system across the western portion of Waziristan; and whether, in the event of this report being substantially accurate, he will inform the House what steps it is proposed to take in regard to the Trade Agreement recently concluded with the representatives of Soviet Russia?

My attention has been called to the report referred to. I am not in a position to make any statement as to its accuracy, but inquiries are being made. I would, however, refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle North (Mr. Doyle).

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a communication from the chairman to the Federation of British Industries asking him to receive a deputation from that organisation; whether the interview has been granted; if so, will he state the general nature of the matters which the deputation introduced; and, having regard to the public importance of the questions which the communication suggested should be raised, whether he will arrange for a Report of the proceedings being published on lines similar to the interviews which have taken place upon the coal dispute?

On the 15th of March, I received a communication from the President of the Federation of British Industries asking me to receive a deputation in regard to the present position of British industry. I replied on the 16th March, saying that I hoped to be able to do so after Easter. In view, however, of the present industrial situation, and the consequent pressure upon my time, it has not been possible for me to receive the deputation. The remainder of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a letter from the secretary to the Anvil and Vice Traders' Association, pointing out that the present sale of anvils and vices by the Disposal Board is having a prejudicial effect upon the employment in that industry; and, if so, whether he proposes to take steps to suspend the sales until employment in the industry becomes normal?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am advised that a letter has been received by the Disposal and Liquidation Commission. The whole of this class of material, together with other factory consumable stores, were sold in March, 1920, under a comprehensive contract of sale. The purchasers offered the Anvil and Vice Traders' Association the opportunity of buying all anvils and vices, but the parties were unable to come to satisfactory terms. I regret that I am unable to take the steps suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is able to inform the House as to the extent of the campaign now being carried out in Austria, and particularly in the Tyrol, for the purpose of advocating union with Germany; and whether any protests have been made either in Berlin or in any of the capitals of the various German States upon this subject?

There is undoubtedly a considerable agitation in the Tyrol in favour of union with Germany, and this agitation has been countenanced by the principal Tyrolese authorities, who, against the wishes of the Federal Austrian Government, decreed a plebiscite on the question. I understand that the French Minister in Munich has addressed a protest to the Bavarian Government on the subject. His Majesty's Government have not seen fit to make any formal representations, mainly for the reason that, even though the plebiscite were to result in favour of union, that could not affect the position, which is that, under Article 88 of the Treaty of St. Germain, the independence of Austria is inalienable without the consent of the Council of the League of Nations.

May I take it from that answer that His Majesty's Govern- ment is carefully watching this movement both in Austria and South Germany?

indicated assent.

asked the Prime Minister what precedents there are for issuing at the public expense the speeches of Members of Parliament?

I have been asked to reply. There has not been time to look up precedents, but in any case it is considered that the occasion warrants the creation of one.

Is it not a fact that the speeches of Members are published each day, and is it not also a fact that a member of the hon. and gallant Member's own party easily holds the record for the amount of space occupied in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his announcement that the Government does not intend to propose the repeal of the Trades Disputes Act of 1906, he will yet consider the wisdom of introducing legislation which, whilst safeguarding the trade unions in the special privileges allowed to them for the purpose of collective bargaining, will prevent those privileges being abused to facilitate revolutionary action or to thwart the will of the people as expressed by Parliament; whether some action of this sort is necessary in the best interests of the trade unionists themselves, who otherwise may be misled into following a course of action the ultimate effect of which may be to put trade unionism in the position of being an organisation hostile to our democratic institutions?

I can add nothing to the reply which I gave on the 18th instant to questions by my hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. S. Samuel) and my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall).

Is it not the duty of Parliament to protect the mass of the workers from the plans of the revolutionaries?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now say when the time promised for discussing the Regulations admitting women to the Civil Service will be given?

I regret that it is not possible at present to name a definite date.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a gratuity at the rate of 25s. a quarter is being given out of moneys taken from the trading account of the Wheat Commission to British millers for each quarter of British-grown corn milled by them; that these gratuities are intended to be given up to 31st August, 1921; and what it is estimated will be the total amount of the gratuities given?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement made on 19th April by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture. In reply to the last part of the question, the terminal date is 13th August, and, since the total amount of the grants depends upon the course of world prices, it is impossible at present to name a figure.

asked the Prime Minister if the surplus, if any, on the trading account of the Wheat Commission arises out of the difference between the price paid by the Wheat Commission for the wheat purchased by them and the price charged by them on its resale; and, if so, by whose authority any part of such surplus is being distributed in gratuities to British millers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part, that the grants referred to are not gratuities to millers, but payments in redemption of a pledge given in March, 1920, to growers of home-grown wheat. The charge accordingly would appear properly to fall upon the trading accounts of the Wheat Commission.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware of the reply given by his predecessor last Session on the 15th November, 1920, to a question as to doing with one register of electors a year for five years in the interests of economy and of the approval of the suggestion expressed by Members of the House of all parties; and whether he will introduce a Bill at an early date to give effect to this reform?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The relationship of the annual cost of registration to the economy which might be effected at the adoption of the proposed system involves far more complicated considerations than at first appeared; the whole matter is still under the close consideration of His Majesty's Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the application of a spring supplementary register consisting only of those who make and sustain claims, instead of having a separate register?

Yes, that is under consideration.

Is this the time for adding to the number of unemployed men in this country?

I should have thought not.

Then why consider it?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received information from Washington substantiating recent statements that the United States Government has decided to dispense with the necessity of passports for American citizens leaving or returning to their country?

Under an opinion of the United States Attorney-General the Passport Control Act has been terminated by a joint resolution of Congress on 3rd March, in so far as it relates to United States citizens entering or leaving the United States, and to aliens leaving that country. It is still, however, in operation as regards aliens entering the United States.

Is the hon. Gentleman inclined to say to our own authorities: "Go ye and do likewise"?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British visas are only issued to Finns desiring to visit this country provided their visit is not objected to by the agent of the Finnish Government in this country, Mr. Donner; whether this permission has ever been refused; and, if so, in how many cases within the last two years?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the remainder of the question does not therefore arise.