asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Punjab Council have refused to sanction the Budget grant for the Publicity Department; and, if so, what steps the Government propose to take to place the true facts of the situations that arise in India before the people?

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. All Governments in India are taking active and successful steps to supply the public with accurate information.

Does that mean that one of the first acts of the reformed Council will be to put a stop to all efforts on the part of the Government to prohibit revolutionary propaganda in the Punjab?

The reply to that question would require consideration. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend would put it on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the state of affairs at Malegaon; whether the recent riots there were due to the agitation of an individual called Ghandhi; and whether any other disturbances have been reported between the 12th and the 24th which could be attributed to the action of this man?

I have no further information regarding the Malegaon disturbances beyond that already issued to the Press on the 28th April and the 2nd, 10th, and 13th May. I will send the Noble Lord copies of these communiques. I have heard of no disturbances between the 12th and 24th May.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Viceroy and Governor-General has visited Lahore to consider the disputes relating to the shrines of Gardwaras; and, if so, whether he can make any communication on this subject and the payment of increased grants for payment of compensation to sufferers by the disturbances in the Punjab?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I will place in the Library a copy of the speech in which the Viceroy dealt with the two points to which the hon. Baronet refers.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the arrangement under which the Council of State is unable to discuss the Budget is of a permanent or an irrevocable character?

No, Sir. The Standing Order of the Council which prevents discussion is alterable by the Council itself, with the consent of the Governor-General.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether there is any further information to give the House regarding the results of the negotiations of the British Mission at Kabul?

The negotiations are still proceeding, and I cannot yet make any statement as to the results.

asked the Secretary of State for India when he expects that the Indian Gaols Report will be published; and will the evidence be also published?

The Report has been formally presented, and I hope that copies will be available for distribution next week. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for India how much is now contributed annually from the Indian Budget to each of the following: General Dyer, Sir Michael O'Dwyer, Colonel Frank Johnson, and Mr. Bosworth Smith; and will he approach the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to getting these charges transferred from the Indian to the British Budget?

The figures are as follow:—Sir Michael O'Dwyer and Mr. Bosworth Smith, £1,000 and £900 respectively, of which a considerable portion represents funds contributed by the officers themselves; General Dyer, £900, of which approximately one-twelfth will be debitable, on adjustment, to British revenues on account of a period of service out of India. Colonel Johnson draws no pension from Indian revenues. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the total number of cavalry regiments maintained by the various Powers in Europe, with the exception of Russia; and how does this number compare with the eight regiments of British cavalry and the 21 regiments of Indian cavalry of three squadrons each to which the Army in India is to be reduced, considering that India has practically the same area, the same population, and the same diversity of race and language as the whole of Europe without Russia?

I have not the information upon which to base a comparison, nor does it seem to me worth while to obtain material with which to weigh together incomparable matters.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is absolutely impossible to hold an enormous country like India with 29 cavalry regiments?

It does not seem to me that you can measure the military force necessary in one country by comparison with another country.

Are we holding India with the Army?

No.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the successful candidates at the competitive examination held in November, 1916, for admission to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and the Military College, Quetta, with a view to appointment to the Indian Army, and who are holding permanent commissions in the Indian Army, are now to be dismissed owing to the reductions in the Indian Army; and, if so, what compensation is to be given them to enable them to start on a new career?

I have received no proposals for the dismissal of these officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War when payments by way of compensation for loss of their kits will be made to the 21 officers whose uniforms and outfits were completely destroyed by the fire which occurred in the signalling school camp at Maresfield in November last; and is he aware that these young officers were compelled to buy new outfits and kits immediately, and that nearly all of them are suffering serious financial embarrassment owing to the delay in the award of compensation for their losses?

All claims received have now been dealt with. The claimants have been informed, through the usual military channels, of the awards of compensation made, but, owing to the fact that many of them have moved from Maresfield since the fire, the information may not yet have reached all of them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can announce that the 1914–15 Star will be awarded to the Wessex Territorials in fulfilment of the promise given to them by the late Lord Kitchener?

I regret I am not yet in a position to make any announcement on this subject, but I hope that a decision will shortly be reached.

If I put a further question in a week's time, will it be of any use?

I hope the hon. Gentleman will not hurry me. It is an extremely difficult question to settle.

asked the Secretary for Scotland why the Report of the Game Committee, which was in the printers' hands two months ago, has not yet been published; and when it will be published?

I regret that the completion of this Report has been delayed, owing to the indisposition of the chairman of the Committee. I am glad to learn that he is now better, and I hope that the Report will be presented to me at an early date.

Has the Chairman been indisposed for three months?

I have already explained the reason for the delay, and nobody regrets it more than I do. There will be no avoidable delay in presenting the Report.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when the remaining Reports of the Scottish Departments will be issued?

The Report of the Scottish Education Department has already been presented, and those of the Prison Commissioners, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, the Astronomer-Royal, the Scottish Land Court, the Board of Trustees, and the General Board of Control are expected to be ready, very shortly. Other outstanding Reports (with the exception of the Registrar-General's Report) will, it is hoped, be ready by the middle of June.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that they are got out well before the day on which the Scottish Estimates are taken?

Yes. I always keep that in view.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the intention to raise the charges for newspapers and telegrams with a view to meeting the deficit on the Vote?

asked the Postmaster-General whether it has yet been decided by his Department to increase the price of postage on inland and foreign postcards; and, if so, can he state what the new postage will be, and at what rate he proposes to put the same into force?

In order to meet the anticipated deficit on the Post Office services for the current year, the Government propose to increase certain of the postal rates as from Monday, 13th June next.

The principal changes will be an increase in the rate for postcards, inland and foreign, from 1d. to 1½d.; in the rate for inland printed papers not exceeding 1 oz. in weight from ½d. to 1d.; and in the foreign letter rate from 2½d. to 3d. There are other minor changes which I will include in a statement to be circulated with the Votes. It is not proposed to alter the charge for telegrams, or for inland letters, parcels or newspapers

These increases, most of which were foreshadowed in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement last year, are imposed solely to meet the exceptionally high costs at present prevailing. As soon as a fall in costs assures a surplus on the Post Office balance sheet, the public will be given the benefit of it by a reduction in charges.

In view of the urgent need for restricting public expenditure, the Government also propose to discontinue the collection, delivery and despatch of letters on Sunday, but a collection will continue to be made in town areas either late on Sunday night, or early on Monday morning, for local delivery.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain these increased charges, and will he get the sanction of the House before the new charges are imposed?

No, Sir, that cannot be done, but an opportunity for discussing them will be given on the Post Office Estimates.

Is it proposed to have the same postage rates for inland as for foreign postcards; and, if so, can the right hon. Gentleman explain why?

Yes. The reason is that very little revenue is derived from foreign postcards, and a further increase would probably have the effect of decreasing the revenue.

Is there any increase on newspapers and printed matter sent abroad?

Not on inland newspapers, but on newspapers sent abroad, and on printed matter sent abroad.

Is the right hon. Gentleman effecting any economies in the working expenses of the Department, so that the whole of the burden may not fall upon the public?

Yes. I am fully alive to the necessity for economy. The reason I have decided to abolish the Sunday post is that it is very un-remunerative; but I am not confining myself to that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how far the deficit on the telegraph and telephone services are to be filled up by these extra charges on the postal services?

It will be impossible to discuss these changes now with advantage in detail, but undoubtedly there has been a deficit on the telegraph service.

And has that charge been thrown upon the Post Office?

Yes, it has been thrown upon the Post Office.

How many of these changes will come into force before the House has an opportunity of discussing them?

Will the right hon. Gentleman increase the charges for private telegraph wires to the Press?

No. It is not proposed to put a further charge on private telegraph wires. These new charges will come into force on the 13th of June, and no doubt, if the Estimates come on before that date, hon. Members will have an opportunity of discussing this question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Leader of the House to see that the Post Office Estimates are put down before the changes come into force?

Will the increase in the postages to foreign countries cause any increase in the postages from foreign countries to this country?

Other foreign countries which come under the International Convention are raising their charges.

Would it not be better to reduce the amount of weight for inland letters from three to two ounces instead of putting an extra halfpenny on the postcards?

I do not think that would bring in the same amount of revenue.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is in a position to state the result of recent experiments with the helicopter flying machine; whether experiments are being continued; whether he will consider offering a prize or bonus to inventors for successful flights made under, or improvements to, this system; and whether the Air Ministry is using all possible efforts to develop this system in view of its possibilities for commercial flying?

In reply to the first and second parts of the hon. and gallant Member's question, I regret to say that the developments of the helicopter experiments are not yet sufficiently advanced to show definite results, but as soon as they have been obtained, full information will be given. Anyone who solves this problem will be sufficiently rewarded by the patents which he will retain and the number of orders which he will receive. The Air Ministry are conducting experiments in this direction, and are utilising the brains and money which are at their disposal in the way which seems to them to promise the best and speediest result.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the French have offered substantial prizes to anyone who solves the problem? Would it not be worth while for the Ministry also to offer prizes in view of the benefit that would be derived?

The system of bonuses and prizes for inventions was, as the hon. Gentleman knows, in operation during the War, but since then we have had to discontinue it.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry is financing experiments with a helicopter at or near Farnborough, which are being carried on by Mr. Brennan; if so, whether the Brennan helicopter has been given a trial; whether it has succeeded in rising from the ground; and what sum has been allocated for these experiments?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. To the second and third parts, in the negative, and to the fourth, that a sufficient sum has been allocated to enable these promising experiments to be continued.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the present subsidy to British air lines is confined to one machine per day in each direction; and, if so, whether this limiting of the services results in the turning away of would-be passengers?

The present subsidy is designed to assist the running of two machines in each direction each day, but there is no restriction against the firms operating additional machines without subsidy. The lack of sufficient suitable machines, however, has hitherto limited the service to one machine in each direction each day, except on special occasions, and, as a consequence of this shortage, and of the expansion of the traffic, would-be passengers are being turned away.

Has this any relation to the increased cost of the postal service?

No, Sir, we have no contract with the Post Office at the moment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the passengers turned away by British companies are being carried by the French companies?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether foreign aeroplanes plying for hire or reward in this country are required to have an air-worthiness certificate which guarantees them to be up to the standard of British machines holding these certificates?

Under the International Air Convention, every aircraft engaged in international navigation must be provided with a certificate of airworthiness issued or rendered valid by the State whose nationality the aircraft possesses. Until the standard minimum requirements of such certificates shall have been laid down by the International Commission for Air Navigation, the individual States are responsible for determining the conditions under which their certificates may be granted.

Do the certificates held by the French machines show that they are of equal efficiency with the British machines?

My hon. Friend will appreciate from the reply I have given that the matter of the International Air Convention has not yet been definitely ratified in the fullest international sense. Our hope is that the negotiations will terminate in that sense.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether there is any Regulation forbidding motor cars to stop in the Royal Parks; whether there is any Regulation forbidding persons to learn to drive automobiles, bicycles, or horse-drawn vehicles in the parks; if so, what are the reasons for such Regulations; and is he prepared to consider some modification of these Regulations?

Motor cars are not forbidden to stop in the Royal Parks, but learning to drive is contrary to the Regulations. The Regulations are framed in the interests of the general public, and are revised from time to time as circumstances change, but the First Commissioner does not see any reason at present for a modification of the Rules.

Do the Regulations, which forbid people learning to drive motor vehicles in the parks, apply also to bicycles and horse-drawn vehicles?

Yes, Sir. Our Rules are framed with the object of preventing Sanger to the general public. The administration of those Rules is within the discretion of the officers in the parks.

Will the hon. Gentleman instruct the police to prevent motors drawing up on the riding track on the east side of the Park?

I will submit that to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the total amounts paid to trade union representatives on the local employment, advisory, rota, and other employment committees of employment exchanges throughout the country for time lost while attending meetings, travelling expenses, and subsistence allowances for the years ended 31st March, 1920, and 31st March, 1921, also the amounts paid to employers' representatives in the same periods; and whether he will arrange for the committees in question to meet after ordinary working hours, and so save cost to the taxpayers?

The total amounts paid to members of local advisory committees of the Employment Department of the Ministry of Labour for the two years in question were as follow:— Lost time allowances are paid only to workpeople following their trades who suffer an actual loss of wages by attending a meeting; subsistence allowances are paid only to members (employers and workpeople) who are necessarily absent from home for at least five hours, or who travel five miles each way to attend a meeting. The records of the Ministry do not show the total paid to workpeople separately from the total paid to employers. As these committees are voluntary bodies, the hour of meeting must be determined largely by the convenience of the chairmen and members. Nearly one-third of the number meet after ordinary working hours.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women at present unemployed, and the number on short time, and the amount paid during the past week in unemployment relief and benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act, respectively?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed on 20th May, and the amount of unemployment benefit and donation paid out in the week ending on that date?

The numbers unemployed on the 13th May, the latest date for which figures are available, according to the live registers of the Employment Exchanges, were:

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a copy of the resolution passed by the Guardians of the Kingsclere Union, Hampshire, expressing the opinion that there will be no effective relief from the burden now being placed upon the rates by the existing unemployment of a number of able-bodied agricultural workers, who are willing to work, until the minimum agricultural wage fixed by the Agricultural Wages Board is considerably reduced and greater freedom allowed for wage-bargaining between the employer and the employed; and whether he will consider the desirability of advising district agricultural wages boards that wages should be fixed on an economic basis so as to lessen the serious unemployment prevalent in agricultural districts under the existing system?

I have been asked to reply. The resolution referred to has now reached me, and I have received other representations to a similar effect. Minimum rates of wages are fixed by the Agricultural Wages Board, on which employers of agricultural labour are fully and ably represented, and I shall be glad to call the attention of the Board to the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of persons are applying for work on farms at rates less than the minimum wage, and that farmers are unable to employ them in consequence of the high rates which have been fixed?

I have heard statements to that effect, and those representations will be sent to the Wages Board. My hon. and learned Friend must realise that I have no power whatever to interfere in the conduct of the business of the Board or with its decisions.

Has the Wages Board power to deal with cases in which farmers, for the purpose of helping men, are willing to take them on at less than the current rate which has been fixed?

I think I ought to have notice of a question of that sort, but I can just give this answer, that they give permission in cases where a man is suffering from a definite disability.

Can the right hon Gentleman say how many men there are on the Wages Board who are, or ever have been, agricultural labourers?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me notice of that question.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether Governor Forbes declined the invitation of the Council of the League of Nations to serve on the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League because the Government of the United States does not wish any national of the United States to serve on this Commission pending a reconsideration of the Yap Mandate; whether the Council of the League intend to invite a national of some other State to serve on the commission in lieu of Governor Forbes; and, if so, of which State?

Governor Forbes had to decline the invitation to become a member of the Permanent Mandates Commission owing to his having accepted an appointment on a mission for the United States Government to the Philippines. The question of the appointment of a substitute for Governor Forbes has not yet been brought before the Council.

Is the statement in the question that the objection of the United States depended on a reconsideration of the Yap Mandate correct? Is it not the present position that the United States repudiates the League and any Commission under it, root and branch—lock, stock, and barrel?

I have given the House all the information at my disposal with regard to the motives, or reasons, which prevented Governor Forbes taking the appointment. I am afraid I can add nothing fresh to what I have said.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that attendants in the Serjeant-at-Arms' Department of the House of Commons were on duty until 4.45 a.m. on 12th May; that no extra remuneration is paid to this staff for these extra services; and that they are required to be on duty with the calling of any Committee of this House; i.e., 11 a.m.; and will he consider the necessity for a review of these conditions of labour?

A system of reliefs is in operation throughout all the sittings of the House, but no extra remuneration is given to messengers and others employed in the department of the Serjeant-at-Arms for late sittings of the House. If the House sit after 5 a.m., an allowance of 5s. for refreshments is made to those on duty. When possible, messengers who have been on duty during a late sitting are excused attendance on Committees of the House on the following morning, the Committee duties being performed by messengers who have not been on late duty.

Will the Department reconsider these terms of employment so as to make them somewhat in equity with the other conditions of employment in and about the Chamber?

I do not think there is any case for a reconsideration of the terms of employment.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a number of town and county councils in the West of Scotland are in need of road material and are desirous of opening quarries for this purpose providing the necessary transport facilities can be arranged; and whether, in view of the fact that the opening of these quarries would find work for a large number of men at present out of employment, he will have inquiries made into the matter?

I am aware that certain local authorities in the West of Scotland are desirous of opening quarries, but I do not think that any difficulties with regard to transport have been brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport. Under the present abnormal conditions, transport restrictions may of necessity have to be imposed; but if Scottish local authorities find any difficulty, I shall be glad to institute inquiries into individual cases as they arise.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give an estimate of the loss to the railways in consequence of the coal stoppage?

It is not possible to ascertain accurately the direct and indirect loss to the railway companies by the coal stoppage, but the following figures may enable my hon. Friend to form an estimate. The claims against the Government shown in the accounts presented by the controlled railways for the month of March last amounted to nearly £3,500,000, and for the month of April the preliminary figures to hand indicate claims of from £9,000,000 to £9,500,000. No later figures are available.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes after the lapse of time which has occurred to fix a time limit to the acceptance or rejection of the offer of £10,000,000 to the coalmining industry?

The Government have not yet considered the desirability of fixing such a time limit.

Have the Government considered, among other applications of the Emergency Powers Act, the application of Regulation 13?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement on the industrial situation?

I shall be glad if my Noble Friend will repeat his question on Thursday next.

Are the Government fully seised of the great anxiety of the country on this matter, and can we rest assured that the Government will seize the very first opportunity of intervening so as to bring the contending parties together?

Yes, Sir, the Government certainly are seised of the great importance of this matter. They have not lost sight of it or been out of touch with it during the Recess. At any moment, when they see a prospect of its being possible to reach a permanent settlement, they will bring the parties together.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state when the Defence Force will be disbanded and the Reserves be demobilised?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The Defence Force will be disbanded and the Reservists will be demobilised with all possible speed as soon as the situation admits.

What necessity exists at the moment for the use of either of these forces?

The hon. Member knows quite well that these forces are in existence in order to render protection and assistance to the civil power.

Where?

Wherever they are required.

Can the right hon. Baronet inform the House of one place where they are required for protection now?

They have been required, I regret to say, in several places during the last week or two.

Could not they be used to take over mines and collieries under Regulation 13?

That is not the object for which they were raised.

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the total cost to date of the mobilisaion of the Reserves and of the Defence Force?

The estimated total cost to date of these services is £4,880,000.

asked the Prime Minister how many and which of the recommendations of the final Report of the Sankey Commission which the Government have accepted have been carried out?

On the 18th August, 1919, the Prime Minister stated fully to the House the action that the Government were prepared to take after consideration of the conflicting final reports of the various members of the Coal Industry Commission. As, however, the course that we proposed did not commend itself to either miners or owners, the action that we have taken has been confined to giving effect, by means of the Mining Industry Act, 1920, to certain proposals on which there was a substantial measure of agreement among the members of the Commission, as, for instance, the establishment of a Department of Mines, statutory provision for setting up joint committees of owners and men, and the creation of a fund for the improvement of social conditions in mining districts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the representations made by the Chairman was that the control of the mines was condemned?

The hon. and gallant Member who put down the question (Major Barnes) asked how many and which of the recommendations have been accepted and carried out. That has been answered.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now aware that John O'Connor, of Gloundaeagh, Farranfore, County Kerry, was arrested on 15th December last whilst on his way to church and driven away in a motor lorry; that he was beaten while in the lorry, thrown from the lorry into the road, fired on, and wounded; that civilians then carried him into the house of Thomas Brosnan, Threegneves, Currow, Farranfore, where he was tended by the Rev. J. J. O'Sullivan, of Killentierna, Farranfore; that four officers returned from Farranfore, to which place the lorry had proceeded, in a motor-car, and on ascertaining from the Rev. J. J. O'Sullivan where O'Connor lay wounded, entered Brosnan's house and murdered O'Connor by firing three revolver bullets into his head; whether he is aware that the Rev. J. J. O'Sullivan, Mr. Brosnan, and other eye-witnesses are prepared to testify to the foregoing facts on oath; whether an inquiry has been held; whether these witnesses were called; what was the finding; what action, if any, has been taken; and whether any compensation is to be paid to the widow and seven children of the murdered man?

I am informed by the Commander-in-Chief that the Court of Inquiry in lieu of inquest in the case of John O'Connor has completed its proceedings, and steps are now being taken to identify Crown forces implicated. It is not possible at this stage to say whether any arrest will be made, as this depends entirely on the result of the identification, but should any person or persons be identified by these witnesses they will be put under arrest and charged with murder or being accessories thereto. I will communicate the result of the identification to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Has the right hon. Gentleman still a letter which I sent to him giving the name of the officer who, I was informed, was responsible for the murder?

I am not sure that I have that letter, but I will make inquiries to-day.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can give the House any further information as to the murders of John Hodnett, of Courtmacsherry, County Cork, who was murdered on his way to mass on Sunday, the 8th May; of William Bransfield, of Carrighwohill, County Cork, who was murdered on Sunday, 8th May, outside his house; of Head-constable Storey, when leaving mass on Sunday, 8th May, at Castleisland, County Kerry; of Martin Scanlon and John M'Gawley, who were murdered on Sunday, 8th May, at Kilrooskey, County Roscommon; of William Simpson, an old-age pensioner, murdered at Enniskillen on 8th May; and of Constable Thon Hopkins, murdered at Dromore, County Tyrone, on Sunday, 8th May; and whether he is aware that, in the case of the attempted murder of Sergeant Butler, Royal Irish Constabulary, at Castleisland, his life was saved by the heroic action of Mrs. Butler?

As the answer to this question is very long, perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the great increase in the numbers of murders of unarmed men, and even women in Ireland, has not the time come to increase the strength of the auxiliary police so as to deal with the assassins?

The auxiliary police are being increased every week.

The following is the answer promised:

The facts of these cases as reported by the police are as follows: John Hodnett, a farmer of Lislee, Courtmacsherry, County Cork, was shot by a party of Crown forces owing to his failure to halt when challenged, and he died the same day from the effects of his wounds. William Brantsfield, a railway employé, residing at Carrigtwohill, and a brother-in-law of an ex-soldier who was shot in the same village three weeks ago, was taken from his house and shot dead in the road in the early morning. The only other occupant of the house at the time of this outrage was the murdered man's mother, who is deaf and mentally feeble, and the police have so far been unable to obtain any reliable information which would lead to the detection of the murderers. Head Constable Storey, of Castleisland, was shot dead on leaving Mass, and Sergeant Butler, a sergeant of the Royal Irish Constabulary, who was with him, was shot in the back and severely wounded. Both men were accompanied by their wives. The per- petrators of these cowardly crimes effected their escape by mingling with the congregation coming out of church and up to the present they have not been traced. Martin Scanlon, an R.I.C. pensioner, and John McCawley, sub-postmaster, both of Kilrooskey, were dragged from their beds by masked and armed civilians shortly after midnight. The bodies of both men were subsequently found riddled with bullets fired at close range and each bearing a label "Convicted Spy. Tried by Irish Republican Army." Scanlon leaves a wife and large family. Search for the murderers has so far been unavailing. William Simpson, aged 71, was shot dead in bed at his house near Enniskillen. In this case a man living in the same house has been arrested on a charge of murder. Constable Thomas Hopkins, Royal Irish Constabulary, of the Dromore, County Tyrone, Force, while on leave at his father's house at Levasse, County Mayo, was shot dead by a party of about six masked men, when returning with his brother from a neighbour's house late at night. The murderers first asked if he was a Royal Irish Constabulary man and then took him about 500 yards from his brother, whom they had previously blindfolded and bound, and shot him with cold-blooded deliberation. The police are vigorously pursuing their inquiries, but no arrest has yet been reported.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a plain public statement of the terms he is prepared to offer to Sinn Fein?

I do not consider that any good purpose would be served by a further public statement at present.

Are any endeavours being made to negotiate peace with the leaders of Sinn Fein?

The Prime Minister made a public statement at this Table. To that statement I have nothing to add.

Has anything happened during the Recess?

A great deal has happened of a very deplorable character.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary whether the attention of the Government has been called to the dossier issued by General Crozier in which the charges made, and supported by many affidavits, that murder, arson, looting, and other forms of terrorism were practised by the Crown forces during the six months he held his Irish Command, and that resignation was forced upon him because of his determination to enforce discipline; and whether the charges also made that highly-placed persons in Dublin Castle endeavoured to arrange evidence bearing upon the murder of Father Griffin, and the Drumcondra and guard room shootings; and whether the Government will at once constitute a public and independent tribunal to investigate these terrible charges?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to statements appearing in to-day's Press by Brigadier-General Crozier, lately commanding the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary, making accusations of excesses by the forces of the Crown in Ireland, and especially of procuring of witnesses to commit perjury before courts-martial and courts of inquiry in Ireland; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I have seen the allegations referred to. Nearly all of them refer to the period when General Crozier was himself in command of the Auxiliary Police in Ireland and responsible for their conduct and discipline. If the late commandant has any evidence of criminal acts alleged to have been committed by anyone in Ireland or elsewhere, it is his duty to produce such evidence. I shall consider the question of further inquiry when I see all the allegations. There is no truth in the allegation that this officer's resignation was forced because of his determination to enforce discipline. On the contrary, the discipline and efficiency of the Auxiliary Police have greatly improved since his resignation.

If General Crozier submits evidence, who will be asked to examine it? Will it be the men who are implicated in these charges?

Anything brought to the Irish Office will be brought to me, and I shall personally examine any charges that General Crozier or anybody else makes.

In view of this discussion, and of the nature of the allegations made, will the right hon. Gentleman publish General Crozier's record, and show how it was that this officer was deprived of his commission?

Is it not a fact that General Crozier has a very distinguished war record, and does not the right hon. Gentleman refuse an investigation into the action of his agents in Ireland on the ground of their very distinguished war records?

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask for General Crozier's confidential reports from the first day he joined the Army?

Is it not a fact that General Crozier commanded a battalion in the Ulster Volunteers before the War?

Would not a public inquiry such as is demanded by my hon. Friend disclose all these alleged facts which hon. Members opposite are now endeavouring to place before the public, and why will not the Government have this public inquiry? Furthermore, in view of the statement that evidence may be given by any of these witnesses or people who are willing to give evidence, to whom and where can this evidence be given?

Is it not relevant to the whole question, and the credibility of General Crozier, to publish his confidential reports in the War Office?

In reference to the personal confidential reports of General Crozier, which are in the War Office, I shall consult with my right hon. Friend (the Secretary of State for War) as to whether it is desirable or right that they should be published.

Is it not the case that General Crozier is using confidential statements which came into his possession in view of his position in Dublin Castle, and is it not therefore quite fair that the other confidential reports about General Crozier should be published?

Were General Crozier's confidential reports examined before he was appointed?

Neither were Fry's.

I must have notice of a question of that sort.

Surely you can answer that.

I ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, unless the right hon. Gentleman the Chief Secretary or the Leader of the House will give me an undertaking to give an early opportunity of discussing this question. If he will do that, I will not ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House now. But this is a matter casting such terrible reflections upon His Majesty's Ministers that I think, in justice to the Government and to those who are concerned, that these charges should be either rebutted or properly examined at the very earliest moment. Therefore I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will give me an opportunity of discussing the question at an early date, in which case I should be quite willing not to ask for the Adjournment of the House.

I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for his courtesy. The Government have purposely refrained from asking the House to pass the Chief Secretary's Vote, in order that we might have it available to put down for the purpose of giving an opportunity for a discussion of the kind which the hon. Gentleman might desire. My difficulty is that I am pressed to find a day for a great variety of questions. There are many promises outstanding. I will ask my right hon. Friend the Patronage Secretary to look into the matter, and communicate through the usual channels with the other parties. We will do our best, but as there are so many promises outstanding, I cannot assure my hon. Friend of a very early day.

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman, but the undertaking which he has given is not sufficient to meet the urgency of so terrible an indictment of His Majesty's Ministers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to confirm or deny the report that the French troops in Upper Silesia offered no resistance to the Polish insurgents; and, if resistance was offered, how many casualties were sustained?

It would not be accurate to say that the French troops offered no resistance to the insurgents. The number of casualties among the French troops is given as three killed and six wounded.

asked the Prime Minister whether a decision has yet been arrived at as to the future of Upper Silesia as a result of the plebiscite?

The question will be considered at the forthcoming meeting of the Allied Conference.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information that arms have been supplied by the Polish Government or its agents to the Polish insurgents in Upper Silesia?

The answer is in the negative.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the statements in English newspapers that there is continuous traffic in arms across the Polish frontier? Are they all untrue?

I have said that the answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether the small British Force in Polish Silesia has sustained any casualties as a result of the recent trouble and, if so, how many; whether any steps have been taken to strengthen it, and, if so, of what nature; whether any representations have been made to the Polish Government; and if inquiries have shown that it has connived at the recent aggression?

There is at present no British Force in Upper. Silesia, though there are a number of English officials in the service of the Inter-Allied Commission. Only one slight casualty to an English official has been reported. A force of four battalions of British infantry is under orders to proceed to Upper Silesia from the Rhine, and it is under contemplation, if possible, to increase this force. Urgent representations have been made at Warsaw by the Ministers of the three Allied Powers acting in concert. The evidence at our disposal renders it difficult to form a definite opinion" with regard to the last part of the question.

In view of the fact that the Germans are now paying, or owing, for the British force on the Rhine, who is going to pay for these four battalions that are to be sent to Silesia? Have we to pay for them?

Certainly the Germans have not to pay, as part of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine, for forces which are no longer there.

May I take it, therefore, that the British taxpayer has got to pay for them?

I must have notice of that question.

When is it expected that these British troops will leave the Rhine for Silesia?

As soon as the trains can be prepared for their removal.

asked the Prime Minister the amount which has now been collected under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act; whether German exporters have refused to accept half of the price in full payment for their goods; whether, in practice, the whole price has been paid, and the Customs have demanded its equivalent payment of the 50 per cent. under the Act; and whether the payment is equivalent to 100 per cent. duty, and is paid by the British importer?

The amount received by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act up to the 21st instant inclusive was £19,000. I understand that in some cases British importers have paid the German exporters the full invoice price of the goods. As to the amount payable to the Commissioners in such a case, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for West Edinburgh (Mr. Jameson) on the 9th instant.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much of this £19,000 is being reclaimed?

I do not know of any which is being reclaimed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much of it is being presented to the French Government?

None of it is being presented to the French Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of Germany's acceptance of the Allied ultimatum, the sanctions already applied in consequence of her refusal to accept the Paris Agreement will now be withdrawn?

I cannot add anything to the very full statement which was made on the whole of this subject by the Prime Minister on the 5th May.

asked the Prime Minister whether, under the new reparation proposals accepted by Germany, the payment of 25 per cent. in respect of German exports will be demanded in respect of goods upon which payments of 50 per cent. are made under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act and similar legislation in other countries; and, if not, whether he can state how the discrimination between the different classes of goods will be made?

If the hon. Member will refer to the schedule of payments prescribed by the Reparation Commission and accepted by the German Government, he will see that the levy of 25 per cent. provided for in paragraph 7 ( b ) is not to be applied upon exports on which a levy of not less than 25 per cent. is applied under legislation of the character of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act. It will be for the German Government to make their own arrangements to exempt such exports from the levy to be made by them in Germany.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that during 1920 the average monthly registrations of box and willow calf and patent leather from the Netherlands were £900 and £200, respectively, and from Germany £28,000 and £20,000, respectively; that in March, 1921, the corresponding registrations from the Netherlands were £106,000 and £34,000, whereas those from Germany were £6,139 and £9,726; and that leather experts in this country think that the leather in question was manufactured in Germany; and whether he is satisfied that the duty chargeable on this leather under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act has been duly collected?

The German Reparation (Recovery) Act, 1921, takes effect only as regards goods imported after the 31st March, 1921. The danger apprehended by the hon. Member is guarded against by a system of Consular Certificates of Origin.

asked the Prime Minister whether the 26 per cent. to be collected under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act will be levied as an ordinary customs duty or in the same way as the 50 per cent. has hitherto been collected?

The 26 per cent. to be collected under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act will be levied in the same way as the 50 per cent. has hitherto been collected; but the German Government has now undertaken to repay the amount so collected to the exporter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state in which of the Allied countries legislation similar to the German Reparation (Recovery) Act is now in operation?

I understand that legislation similar to the German Reparation (Recovery) Act is now in actual operation in France, Rumania, and Serbia.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will agree to the appointment of a Committee or Commission to inquire into the effect upon the exchanges of the liability for and payment of reparations by Germany, and of the liability for and payment of external debt by Allied countries, as well as the probable effect of the legislation to be founded on the safeguarding of industries Resolutions?

No, Sir. I do not think such a Commission would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the German ships handed over to this country have been sold; how many still remain unsold; what amount of money has been received by his Department from sales; can he state if any part of the money received by this country has to be repaid to any of the other Entente Powers; and, if so, can he state what proportion?

Two hundred and two ex-enemy ships allotted to the British Empire for final ownership have been sold; 85 merchant ships and 22 trawlers still remain unsold. The gross amount realised is £14,523,074. From this gross total there falls to be deducted expenses of repair, delivery, etc., and a considerable part of the purchase money is payable in instalments over a period of years. The net cash at present received by the Treasury is £6,000,000, of which £5,499,619 13s. 2d. has been appropriated in aid of the Vote for Advances for German Coal Deliveries, 1920–21, and the balance of £500,380 6s. 10d. has been paid to the Exchequer on account of the cost of the Army of Occupation. No part of the above amount will, so far as can be foreseen, have to be repaid by this country to any other Allied Power.

Has any of these ships been re-sold to Germany?