asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps, if any, are proposed to be taken in respect of inquiries being made by the Profiteering Central Committee which are not completed at the date of the expiry of the Profiteering Act to secure completion?

I am advised that the Central Committee will cease to exist on the expiration of the Profiteering Acts, and that it will not be possible for them to continue any investigations which are not completed by that date.

Does that reply mean that the investigations which had been going on, costing a good deal of money and time, will be cut short and not completed, and that the country will derive no benefit from those investigations?

I hope that by the time the Act expires very few inquiries will be outstanding, because they have been specially warned two months ago that the date of the expiry of the Act was approaching, and I have no doubt that they are making their arrangements accordingly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there have been any cases of dumping of Japanese silk goods in this country; and whether we are free to prevent this in view of Article 8 of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Commerce of 3rd April, 1911, requiring six months of negotiation and six months' further notice before it can be nullified without Japan's consent?

I have received no evidence that Japanese silk goods have been sold in this country at prices below their cost of production in Japan. Under Article 8 of the Treaty we are precluded from imposing an import duty on certain limited classes of silk goods, but these are Japanese specialities which appear not to compete with British manufactures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the value of exports from this country to Germany during April, 1920, and the amount for the same month of 1921?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any figures showing the total exports from Germany from the 1st April, 1921?

Figures of our trade with any particular countries are not compiled month by month.

Is it not possible to obtain those figures from the Customs?

I really do not know whether it would be worth the expense. It has not been done before in that way. The figures are presented quarterly, and these are much more useful for comparison. Monthly figures would cost a good deal more, and cause a great deal more work, and I doubt whether they would be of any advantage for comparative purposes.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the reason for the delay in the introduction of the Safeguarding of Industries Bill; and whether any representations on the subject have been made by supporters of the Government to one of the Patronage Secretaries of the Treasury?

The sole reasons for the delay have been the interruption of Government business caused by the Ministerial changes consequent on the resignation of the late Leader of the House, and the industrial dispute in the coal trade. My right hon. Friend must respectfully decline now and always to answer questions as to communications actual or imaginary alleged to have passed between the Government and their supporters.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the communications in question were actual or imaginary?

It is impossible to say, but possibly purely imaginary.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state now when the Financial Resolutions will be taken?

No, Sir. I cannot.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Lieut.-Colonel G. Liddell, Royal Engineers, applied two and a half years ago to the Ministry of Munitions, and later to the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors, for an award in respect of his invention in connection with a patent portable hut, which was largely used by the War Office in France and elsewhere; whether his application has never yet come on for hearing, and that he is informed that it is impossible to say when any hearing may be expected; whether it is a fact that the Commission only sit on one day per week; how many claims are still out-standing; and when it is expected that the same will be disposed of?

Colonel Liddell applied to the Royal Commission in April, 1920, for an award in respect of the invention in question. The formal claim was delivered in August, 1920, and the counter statement of the War Office in January, 1921. The case has not yet been heard, and is number 36 on the list for hearing. It is impossible to say when it will be reached, as no estimate can be given as to the length of time which will be occupied in dealing with prior claims. The Royal Commission normally sits on one day a week, but it has from time to time sat on consecutive days in order to dispose of heavy cases. There are 188 claims at present outstanding, which will be heard before the Commission, and other claims are still being presented. For the reasons above stated, it is impossible to state when these cases will be disposed of.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the great hardship caused by this delay, which has now lasted for nearly two years, more especially as many of the claimants are resident in the Colonies and overseas; and will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of speeding up this Commission, and arrange for it to sit during the Long Vacation?

There are many other cases of hardship, and I shall be glad to give the matter my attention. With regard to this particular case, the claim was not filed until January, 1921, In such cases great elaborations are necessary, and they require a long time for preparation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether France, Italy, or Belgium are enforcing the German Reparation Acts on similar lines to those now being enforced in this country; and, if not, can he say when ft is expected that these countries will be enforcing measures similar to ours?

The necessary legislation has been passed in France and Belgium, but I am unable to state when it will be put into operation, or when Italy will have similar legislation.

Is it not possible for the President to do something to expedite the putting of these Acts into force in foreign countries?

I do not know what power I have to do that.

In view of the fact that, although the legislation has been passed it is not operating in other countries, will the right hon. Gentleman cause the Acts to cease to be operative here, so that they may operate simultaneously in other countries?

No, I do not think I can undertake to do that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the congestion at the parcels post depot in South-East London due to the Regulations now insisted upon under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act; and if he is prepared to consider what formalities can be dispensed with to enable the many thousands of parcels now detained to be released, especially those of a seasonable or perishable nature and those coming from France, Belgium, and Italy?

As I stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on the 25th ultimo, special arrangements have now been made to cope with the work at this depot, and the initial difficulties are being rapidly overcome. I may add that, with the exception of a few parcels from Italy, the depot referred to deals only with mails from Germany. All parcels from France and Belgium and the regular mails from Italy are dealt with at another depot.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was great congestion last Friday, and can he say whether the new Regulations are now in force?

There are still some arrears to overcome, and I hope by this time that they have been remedied, or will be very shortly.

Does this arrangement cause much additional expense?

I think that question should be addressed to the Postmaster-General.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state, approximately, what has been received by the British Treasury in respect of the levy upon goods imported from Germany under the terms of the recent Act

As goods contracted to be delivered and in respect of which payment has been made are excluded from the operation of the Act, goods imported from Germany up to the present have not been subject to a collection of the levy. The actual figure has already been published.

In view of the fact that the actual collections, up to the present, amount to £2,000 or £3,000, does not the hon. Gentleman agree that, whatever the other merits of the Act, as a revenue-producing instrument, it doss not promise to be a very great success?

It cannot be a revenue-producing instrument until it comes into operation.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government has yet received the new offer of the German Government with reference to reparations; and whether it is considered a basis for discussion before proceeding to the occupation of further German territory?

asked the Prime Minister (1) at what rate will the miners in the Ruhr area be paid during the French occupation; will their wages be deducted from the profits of the sale of the coal before it is paid into the reparations account; or is there any truth in the statement that their wages are to be paid out of taxation imposed on the occupied zone;

(2) how the French propose to administer the operation of the mines in the Ruhr area; and will the present owners and directors of the mines be responsible for the output, or will French officials take over the management?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is able to give the House any further information as a result of the recent meetings with reference to the enforcement of the Treaty of Versailles?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state to the House the French plans and proposals for the occupation of the Ruhr?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he can state the conditions under which the French propose to work the coal of the Ruhr for the purpose of obtaining reparations; the estimated cost of the coal at the pithead and the price at which it will be sold; the estimated amount which will be realised for reparation;

(2) whether the Government is committed to taking joint action with the French Government in the armed occupation of the Ruhr; if so, what is the number of the forces to be used; whether further coercive measures are proposed; and, if so, what is their nature?

asked the Prime Minister whether any inquiry has been made into the probable effects of the occupation of the Ruhr upon British trade; and, if so, can he state the result of the investigation?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the probable effect of the occupation of the Ruhr upon the coal export trade of this country?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Reports of the Reparation Commission to the Allied Governments will be published;

(2) whether the reparation collected in the Ruhr will be handed over to the Reparation Commission to be apportioned among the Allies, or will it be retained by the French Government towards the French share of the reparations?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state how much of the liability of Germany under the Treaty of Versailles is attributable to Category (5) of Annex I to Part VIII of the Treaty?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the occupation of the Ruhr is being carried out under paragraph 18 of Annex II to the Reparations Chapter; if so, whether the procedure set out in paragraph 17 has been carried out;

(2) whether, under paragraph 18 of Annex II to Part VII of the Treaty of Versailles, any one of the Allied Governments is entitled to take action without the concurrence of the other Allied and Associated Governments;

(3) whether the Reparation Commission has made any recommendations as to the action to be taken in view of Germany's default under the Treaty?

I shall answer these questions together.

Is the right hon. Gentleman entitled to select a number of questions of that kind, such as he has read out, which do not deal with the question at all? For instance, he read out 57, which deals with coal and the price of coal, and proposes to answer that with the general question of Germany. Are we, as private Members, not entitled to answers to our own questions?

A Minister is entitled to group questions on one subject together, and it is for the convenience of the House that he should do so.

Is it entirely in the Minister's discretion to do so, or are we not entitled as private Members to get answers to our own questions, and to object to any Minister exercising a discretion over our questions?

It is entirely in the Minister's discretion. If there be any points in the group of questions omitted hon. Members can repeat the omitted part later on.

When our name is called?

No, on another day.

The subjects to which all these questions relate are still under discussion between the Allies, and the Government is not yet in a position to make a statement.

Has the new offer of the German Government been received?

I do not know to what offer the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers as the "new offer." There has been an offer received, which, of course, has been under discussion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that on Thursday the Prime Minister said he could tell us about this on Monday, as at that time the German offer had not been received at all? Is he not aware that the nature of this offer will determine the whole subject?

I do not know about the offer determining the whole subject. The offer will be considered, of course.

Has the German offer been transmitted by the American Government?

No German offer has been transmitted by the American Government.

Could the right hon. Gentleman somehow or another arrange that the information on this very important subject should come to this House at least as early as it goes to the newspapers?

I think it does.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen reports in the newspapers that a new ultimatum has been delivered to Germany this afternoon?

I am not aware of it as a fact.

Will it not be possible for the Government to make a statement on the Adjournment, if there be further information?

I will convey that to the Prime Minister.

I beg to give notice that I will ask a question.

asked the, Lord Privy Seal if he can now name a date for a discussion on the attitude of the Government in regard to Conventions adopted by the Washington Conference under the terms of the Paris Peace Treaty?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister to a question by the right hon. Member for Platting, on the 7th April last, to which I can add nothing.

May I have the terms of that reply?

I will send it to the right hon. Gentleman.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was promised by the Leader of the House in February last that a discussion should take place?

I will send my right hon. Friend a copy of the replies, and I will convey his communication to my right hon. Friend.

I will put the question down again.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any record as yet of any trade having been actually arranged or carried out under the agreement with the Soviet Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any estimate can yet be given of the amount of trade which has so far resulted from the signing of the trade agreement with Russia?

I have no knowledge of the completion of any transactions with Russia since the trade agreement was signed. I may point out that the stages are not yet complete with regard to the appointment of official agents under Article V of the agreement and the nomination under Article IV of persons permitted to trade. Moreover the title to Russian gold has still to be settled by a test case in the Courts which will, it is understood, shortly be heard.

Is it not a fact that the Disposal Board have sold large quantities of goods to the Russian Government, and is it not a fact that the Government have sold them 3,000 barrels of pickled herrings?

I am not aware of these transactions.

asked the Prime Minister when it is intended to send commercial and economic representatives of this country to Russia; whether these persons have been selected, and what are their names; what will be the emoluments of the principal officials appointed; and on which Vote, or Votes, will their salaries be borne?

I have been asked to reply. It is intended to send official agents to Russia shortly. I am afraid I cannot give the names of the official agents until they have been communicated to the Russian Government. Their emoluments are still under discussion, and will be borne partly on the Foreign Office Vote and partly on the Vote for the Department of Overseas Trade.

May we be sure that all these people who are sent will both have a knowledge of Russia and of the Russian language?

Are we to understand from the hon. Gentleman's answer that the appointment of these representatives is subject to the approval of the Soviet Government or not?

Will the hon. Gentleman reply to my question?

I imagine that some precautions of that kind would be taken.

Is it not really quite impossible to deal with this matter without a knowledge of the Russian language?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that before the War, in the whole of the Embassy staff, there was only one person who had any knowledge of colloquial Russian?

Is it not a waste of money and time sending representatives to Russia for trade which is most unlikely?

That is a matter for argument.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that France has intimated to her Russian refugees that it is impossible for her to go on feeding them in camps wherein they lead a life of idleness, as she has reached the limit of her capacity for feeding them; and, if so, when the British taxpayer will reach such limit in respect of Russian, Armenian and other refugees?

The French Government is undoubtedly anxious to terminate as soon as possible the expenditure which it is at present incurring upon these refugees, and His Majesty's Government are no less eager to remove a similar charge from British revenues. It is hoped that an early result of the signature of the trade agreement will be the return to Russia, under guarantees of amnesty, of a number of these Russian refugees for whom His Majesty's Government have assumed responsibility. Every effort is being made to bring to an end our liability towards the Armenian and other refugees.

Am I right in supposing that the French Government has already given this intimation; and, if so, what ground is there for believing that the more highly-taxed British subject can afford all this entertainment?

Is it not a fact that only a very small sum has been spent on this object?

The sum is considerable, but it is nothing like the sum which the French Government has incurred, and of which they are anxious to rid themselves.

Has the French Government given an intimation?

Whether it was an official intimation or not I cannot say on the spur of the moment.

Is it not a fact that the Armenian refugees would have been in a position to support themselves long ago if the promises made to them by the British Government had been carried out?

I do not think that is so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish a table giving the amount of each thing on which the cost of living is based, which appears in the "Labour Gazette" each month?

I have been asked to reply. I am sending the hon. Member a reprint of a statement which was published in the "Labour Gazette" for February last, giving a full account of the various items included in the statistics, and of the methods of which the index number is computed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what actual cash payment has been made in respect of the 50,000 £1 shares, constituting the nominal capital of the Products Corporation, Limited; what is the annual turnover of this firm and of the businesses which it has acquired; if he can state from what sources this company, with its small capital, derives the financial backing necessary to the successful carrying on of the business transactions in which it is involved;

(2) whether the business of the Products Corporation, Limited, has been established at the instigation of the German financier, Herr Stinnes, to continue the sale in this country of German chemicals and other products, formerly carried on by firms which have been voluntarily dissolved because of their known German connections; and whether, having regard to the importance of making this country independent of Germany in regard to the supply of chemicals and other key products of which this Corporation acts as agent for the Stinnes industrial group, he will institute an inquiry into the manner in which the firm came into being and the steps which it may be desirable to take to prevent German financiers obtaining a control of British markets in this secret manner?

Inquiries are being made into the position and connection of this company, but I am not yet able to make a statement on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is common knowledge in the City that a concern which has been purchased by the Products Corporation cannot carry on their business with the amount of capital they have; that it will involve millions of money, and does he know it is supposed that German financiers are at the back of it, and will he take steps to ascertain the actual facts?

That is exactly what we are endeavouring to do.

I beg to give notice that I shall repeat these questions this day week.

asked the Minister of Transport how many official motor vehicles have been exempted from the payment of taxation, differentiating between light and heavy vehicles, and stating, if possible, what extra sum would accrue if all exemption from taxation were withdrawn; and whether any estimate can be given of the approximate annual mileage covered by these vehicles?

As the answer involves statistical information, I will, with my Noble Friend's concurrence, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer:

Returns furnished to me by the several local authorities in Great Britain show the following numbers of vehicles owned by Government Departments exempted from motor taxation since 1st January, 1921:

Government Department vehicles, including Service Departments:

asked the Minister of Transport whether the French Commission which has been investigating the use of tidal power for the past two years has reported; whether the result of its investigations has been communicated to the British Government; and whether he has considered the idea of following the example of the French Government in offering a prize for the best turbine machinery to work in sea water?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the French Commission have not yet reported, but I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a statement recently made by the French Minister of Public Works on the matter. I am also sending him a Report on Tidal Power in this country. I do not think that at the present stage there would be any advantage in promoting a competition here, as suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received com plaints of the excessive railway rates for the carriage of shell-fish from Lincolnshire and Norfolk to London and other markets; whether he is aware that the shell-fish industry is being destroyed by reason of high rail charges; that goods trains are so unreliable that shippers cannot use them for the transit of shellfish; that the fish rate from Sheringham to London was, pre-War, 1s. 2½d. per cwt., and is now 4s. 6d.; that shell-fish from Holland can be delivered in the London market at half the cost for transit as compared with English charges; that, as a consequence of high transport charges, fishermen cannot obtain a livelihood and are swelling the ranks of the unemployed; and whether he will make representations to the Railway Rates Advisory Committee and other authorities to reduce these excessive charges?

A complaint has been received, and inquiries have been made of the companies concerned. I cannot agree that the shell-fishing industry is being destroyed by reason of high railway charges. The percentage increases in the rates are in accordance with the recommendation of the Rates Advisory Committee, who went very carefully into the whole question of railway rates and charges, which apply throughout Great Britain. The charges for conveyance of fish between Sheringham and London quoted by the hon. Member are not altogether accurate. For small quantities the rate was Is. 9d., and is now 4s. 5d. per cwt., but for quantities over 3 cwts. the rate was 1s. 3d. per cwt., and is now 2s. 9d. per cwt. Shell-fish from Holland would no doubt be brought to London by water, and I have no information as to the freight charged. I am informed that only one complaint has been received in regard to goods train working, and even in that case the traffic which left Sheringham at 5 p.m. was delivered in London by 8 a.m. next morning.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the shell-fish industry has been practically ruined by the high railway rates; that men are being driven out of employment, that boats are being laid up, as a result of the high prices?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this traffic can be carried quicker and cheaper by road than at the present railway rates?

Is it not the fact that the shell-fish trade is absolutely at a standstill?

I have no information to that effect. I cannot think that the railway charges alone have had that effect. Any increase of cost has a detrimental effect on any business of course, and I understand that the railway rates have been fixed as low as we are advised is conformable with making the railway industry itself self-supporting.

Will the hon. Gentleman institute an inquiry into this subject? If he will do that, I am sure he will satisfy himself that there is some substance in the complaint.

I shall be glad to consider anything that hon. Members may bring to my notice, but any inquiry on the subject would appear to me to be appropriate to be made by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the cost of sending 1 cwt. of shell fish from Boston to London is 2s. 6d.; that the cost from Holland to the same market is only 1s. 3d. per bag; and that the high railway rates are ruining the East Coast shell-fishing industry and driving the fishermen into the ranks of the unemployed; and whether he can take steps to amend these conditions and save the industry?

I am informed that the cost of sending 1 cwt. of shell fish from Boston to London by passenger service is 2s. 2d., and not 2s. 6d. as stated. Shell fish from Holland to London are water-borne and the rates, therefore, are not comparable. I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on the subject of railway rates.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make special inquiry into this particular industry, which is being absolutely ruined by high railway rates?

I cannot do more than refer the matter to the Ministry of Transport, and that I have done.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the importance to the fruit-growing industry of cheap fares and special trains for pickers, and the anomalous state of affairs last year, when some railway companies granted these facilities and some did not, he can state what is the policy of his Department on the subject?

The question of cheap fare facilities has been considered by the Rates Advisory Committee, and acting upon their recommendation (Command 1148) my right hon. Friend the Minister has already issued instructions to the railway companies empowering them to grant reduced fares to clubs, associations, and other persons if, in their responsible opinion, additional net revenue will be obtained. Unless fruit-pickers travelling to the districts requiring their labour satisfy the railway companies concerned that they come within these instructions, they will not be eligible for any privilege.

Will pea-pickers come within this privilege also?

Any body of persons who satisfy the railway company that additional revenue can be obtained by encouraging traffic at cheap rates will be able to get the concessions which have been indicated.

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 unable to add anything to the reply given to a similar question by the hon. Member on 25th April, when he was informed that no reliable estimate can be framed of the amount of revenue lost to railway companies through the present coal stoppage until the companies' claims for the month of April are received. These claims will not be received until about the end of this' month, when the hon. Member will perhaps repeat his question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government accept responsibility for the document issued at the public expense by Mr. Ian Hay describing the duties with the Defence Force?

I have been asked to reply. The article in question, which is a descriptive article giving the writer's personal impression of the assembling of the Defence Force, does not purport to be a statement of policy, or to represent any views of the Government with regard to any question connected with the present industrial dispute. It was written with the object of interesting and encouraging recruits for the Defence Force. The general approval of the Government of the article as suitable for that purpose may be inferred from the fact that it was re-issued by them in pamphlet form.

Does the Government, inasmuch as it pays for them, accept the personal opinions of this gentleman?

I have already, in reply to a previous question, stated that this article was written without payment from the Government. I think my hon. Friend will find that that answer really answers his supplementary question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say plainly whether the Government accept these opinions for the circulation of which they pay?

Will the Government make the greatest possible effort to get this document circulated all over the United Kingdom?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the leaflet contains this phrase

"Military preparedness may be a demoralising and degrading business"?

I am not aware whether it contains the phrase in question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the number of the men in the Defence Force who have been employed in active duty in maintaining order or protecting property?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Three thousand five hundred all ranks of the Defence Force are at present employed on protection duties.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of the prolongation of the stoppage in the coal mines, he will impose all the War-lighting, restrictions and regulations for the early closing of all places of relaxation and entertainment forthwith; whether he will insist on the most drastic reduction of light and fuel in all Government Departments and in the Palace of Westminster; whether he will insist on the equitable sharing out of all stocks of coal, whether Government or private, whenever and wherever necessary, and, if necessary, taking compulsory powers for the purpose forthwith; whether he will assure the country that such coal as the Government may consider necessary for the life of the community, whether from home or foreign sources, will be obtained, and that complete protection will be given to volunteers who undertake to discharge or distribute it?

I have been asked to reply. As regards War lighting restrictions, I would refer the Noble Lord to the reply that I gave to him on the 21st April. The questions whether regulations should be issued directing early closing of all places of relaxation and entertainment is now being considered in relation to the amount of available stocks and the saving which could be effected. Urgent instructions were issued to Government Departments by the Office of Warks on the 6th April directing immediate economies in lighting and heating, and I understand that drastic reductions in the consumption of light and fuel have already been effected in the Palace of Westminster. With regard to the other points raised by the Noble Lord, I am satisfied that the Government possesses ample powers, and can assure him that all necessary steps towards effecting the purposes indicated have been and are being taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, so far from the Order of the 6th April having been carried into effect, it is noticeable that in the Palace of Westminster the Order has had very little effect? Is he also aware that the amount of street lighting might be considerably reduced, and does he know that the public parks are still lit up at night and very little reduction has been made?

All these things are not quite so simple as they seem. As far as the House of Commons is concerned, I quite admit that possibly a further reduction might be made, and I shall be glad to receive any suggestions. I certainly think there has been a very great improvement since the 6th April. As to street lighting, it is a question for the police, and it is also one of public safety. All these matters have to be taken into consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the issue of a manifesto, dated the 12th April, and signed on behalf of the general purposes committee of the Civil Service Confederation, purporting to direct civil servants to be neutral and vigilant in any conflict between the State and the revolutionary elements in the labour movement; whether the two signatories of such manifesto, Chase and Shayler, are in fact civil servants; and whether any disciplinary action has been or will be taken in respect of this act?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is aware that the Civil Service Confederation has issued a statement, dated the 12th April, indicating the manner in which that body would like its members to act in certain assumed contingenies during the coal stoppage. Mr. Chase, but not Mr. Shayler, is a civil servant. The right hon. Gentleman does not propose to take any action upon the document, but he regrets its publication, which appears to him very injudicious, and unlikely to advance the interests of civil servants themselves. Civil servants are the servants of the nation, and, whilst retaining their rights as individuals, it is very undesirable that they should take part as a body in the discussion of matters of political controversy.

In view of the gross disloyalty of this manifesto, should not the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the expediency of withdrawing the War bonus from the civil servants concerned in its issue?

Will Mr. Chase be eligible for his pension, or, when he is eligible, will he get it?

These questions do not arise out of the one on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has entered into an agreement or understanding with those who claim to represent those employed in the railway or transport industry as to the purposes for which coal may or may not be allowed to the public for private consumption or the carrying on of industry; and, if so, will he inform the House of its nature?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Transport whether foreign coal is available for immediate landing in this country; and, if so, has he informed leaders of organised labour that any embargo sought to be imposed on the importation or handling of foreign coal, in order that certain political objects may be obtained, will not be allowed to stand in the way of the comfort and welfare of the community, and that volunteer labour will be called on to deal with the situation if necessary?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on Tuesday last by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport to a Private Notice question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Lewisham.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on Friday a Belgian steamship was unable to unload at Ipswich her cargo of coal owing to the refusal of the dockers to handle it, and had the work to be eventually carried out by volunteer labour?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a Commission to investigate at once the merits of the Spahlinger treatment for consumption, particularly in view of the fact that 18 persons were treated in England with this serum in 1913–14 when they were in the third degree of consumption, and to-day these persons are well and able to carry on their former occupations; and whether, in view of this fact and also that 40,000 people die of consumption annually in this country, he will consider it desirable to exhaust every means in his power to secure the Spahlinger treatment for this country so that it may he available to all people suffering from consumption in any of its stages?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I may remind my hon. Friend that the question of the merits of the Spahlinger treatment for consumption has been under consideration by the responsible medical authorities in this country since 1914; and during the last few months the Ministry of Health, following their usual practice of investigating the efficacy of all new methods of treatment for tuberculosis which are brought forward, have given further special attention to the matter at the particular request of M. Spahlinger. The difficulty in the case is, however, that the serum itself and reliable details of the clinical evidence in support of its use are not forthcoming. An undertaking has, however, been given that, when supplies of this serum become available for independent and scientific investigation in this country, the Ministry of Health will facilitate an exhaustive examination of its efficacy. The appointment of a Commission, as suggested by my hon. Friend, would not, therefore, appear to be of any advantage at the present time. I think it desirable to emphasise that, in the opinion of my medical advisers, there is not yet available a sufficient body of evidence to justify the claims made for this treatment.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the success which attended the recent conference between Members of this House and the representatives of the mineowners and miners, respectively, he will consider the desirableness of affording facilities for similar conferences with the parties aggrieved in cases of industrial disputes?

I fully recognise the importance of obtaining every assistance which may tend to hasten a solution in cases of industrial disputes, but I would respectfully urge that this desirable object will not be achieved if 700 Members of this House take a part in conducting the negotiations in all industrial disputes.

Is it not the fact that much fewer than 700 Members, in one hour upstairs, achieved more than the Government did in a fortnight?

Have any number approximating to 700 Members ever taken part in the proceedings of this House?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the dissatisfaction existing amongst the large majority of the people of this country at the continuance of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), he will give this House an opportunity of discussing the matter before the Whitsuntide Recess?

If there be a general desire for such a discussion, an opportunity will occur on the Motion for the Whitsuntide Adjournment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been indicated in this House time and time again that there is a desire for a discussion of this matter, and, furthermore, that the people of this country are absolutely sick and tired of these Regulations being in force?

In view of the answer to the question, may I ask what is the date of the Whitsuntide Recess?

I cannot say.

What will happen if the Government are sufficiently satisfied that there is a desire for a discussion?

An opportunity will be given.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the emergency which necessitated the establishment of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) has passed and that the control is nevertheless to continue for a certain period, he will advise the Board to make the conditions as to the sale of liquor, as far as possible, similar in the scheduled areas to those in force in the unscheduled areas?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my answer of last Thursday, to the effect that the conditions as to the sale of liquor in unscheduled areas cannot be assimilated to those in scheduled areas without legislation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain the justice of keeping two-thirds of the country under a different arrangement from the remaining third now that the emergency has passed? Is it not possible to introduce very short legislation to remedy this manifest injustice?

I am sure the hon. and gallant Gentleman will appreciate that no measure could be introduced on this subject which was not controversial.

asked the Prime Minister the total amount of the salaries and bonuses paid to those members of the staff of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) who have been or are loaned from other Government Departments since the inception of the Board's operations?

I am informed that the figure asked for, which covers a period of not quite six years, is £35,885, and is made up of £5,055 paid by the Central Control Board and £30,830 charged to the Votes of the lending Departments.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that large numbers of citizens have entered into agreements of various kinds which are to terminate at the end of the War or six months after the termination of the War, and that, under these circumstances, great inconvenience and hardship is being occasioned by reason of the delay on the part of the Government in fixing the date for the termination of the War; and whether he can inform the House whether the Government are now in a position to fix the date?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to make any forecast as to the date of the termination of the War under the Termination of the War Act, 1918; and, if not, whether he will be able to do so before the General Election?

I am aware that in certain cases inconvenience is no doubt experienced for the reasons stated, but I would refer to the replies given by the Prime Minister on 4th April in answer to questions on this subject, and which I am not in a position to amplify.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that numerous contracts have been entered into for making either increased or decreased payments until the end of the War or six months after? Surely the time has now arrived when some definite date should be fixed?

I think I have answered that question.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now announce the personnel and terms of reference to the Royal Commission on the Cattle Embargo?

asked the Prime Minister if he will now state the names of the members of the Commission that will deal with the embargo on Canadian cattle?

I am glad to say that the Commission is now complete, and the following are the members:

"To inquire into the admission into the United Kingdom of livestock for purposes other than immediate slaughter at the ports, whether such action would increase and cheapen the meat supply of the country, and, if so, to what extent, and whether it is advisable, having regard to the necessity of protecting livestock bred in the country from the introduction of disease, and of restoring their numbers after the losses to which they were subjected during the War."

Is there to be no Irish representative on this Commission? It is an important matter to Ireland.

If there is to be no Irishman on the Commission, will there be someone who is conversant with Irish conditions?

I will convey that suggestion, but that is the composition of the Commission as already appointed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the answer to a previous question put by my hon. Friend (Sir M. Dockrell), an assurance was given that the inclusion of an Irish representative would be considered?

Is not the whole object that the Commission should not represent interests in that way, but should represent the whole country?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 5,000,000 cattle in Ireland, out of 11,000,000 in the three kingdoms? Surely that five-elevenths is a serious consideration?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will inaugurate a conference on the licensing question under authoritative chairmanship, so that the various parties to this controversy may ascertain how far they can go in unison, and in a spirit of common fairness and common-sense, with a view to an agreed measure?

Yes, Sir, the Government intend to pursue this course, and the necessary arrangements are now under consideration.

Is it proposed to convene merely Members of this House for purposes of conference, or will representatives of various interests outside the House be convened as well?

I have said that the arrangements are under consideration. I cannot say anything further.

asked the Prime Minister if the review of the finance of the Government housing scheme is now completed; whether the time has come for a reconsideration of the whole policy, bearing in mind that the people whom the scheme was designed to benefit cannot now afford to pay rents of 30s. and over per week, as are now demanded by many local authorities; and whether, seeing that after these rents have been charged a further loss of 30s. per week per house has to be borne by the already overburdened tax and ratepayers, he will consider calling a halt until some more economical scheme has been devised?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am not yet in a position to make a final statement of future policy on this subject, but I have no doubt that it is possible to effect material economies in the building of working-class houses, and I do not intend to approve of local authorities entering into further commitments unless a substantial reduction in capital expenditure can be secured.

In view of the fact that we have not had a Housing Debate since the right hon. Gentleman has been in charge of his Department, and of the supreme urgency of this question, will he arrange with the Leader of the House that the Estimate of his Department shall be put down at an early date?

I shall be only too pleased, when my Estimates are put down, to have an opportunity of discussing the subject. They have been put down once or twice, but have been postponed. I have no doubt that if they are asked for they will be put down fairly early.

Will the local authorities get the benefit of the fall in prices in connection with existing contracts?

I did not quite catch, that question. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member would repeat it?

If the question is so important, it had better be put on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statement of the Minister without Portfolio in relation to housing policy, as reported in the London Press on the 26th April; and if he will take appropriate steps to reassure the local authorities concerned that the contractual obligations they have entered into in respect of housing schemes will not be injuriously affected by any contemplated change of policy on the part of the Government?

Definite assurances have frequently been given on behalf of the Government, and have been repeated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, that local authorities will not be prejudiced as regards financial assistance in respect of any contractual obligations entered into by them with the approval of the Ministry

asked the Prime Minister whether, now that the Government of Ireland Act has come into operation, it is intended to continue the office of Chief Secretary; and, if not, which Minister will be responsible for answering Irish questions in the House of Commons?

The date for the transfer of the several services under the Act has not yet been determined. Until that transfer has been effected, the office of Chief Secretary remains. The Chief Secretary will continue to be responsible for answering Irish questions in this House.

When this transfer does take place, will the office of Chief Secretary then become abolished?

I am not quite in a position to answer that question.

May I ask whether in future the occupant of the position of Chief Secretary will be in his place to answer questions in this House, and how often has he been here since the last Recess?