asked the President of the Board of Trade what duties are payable by anyone desiring to take a motor vehicle to France for a limited period; and whether some arrangement can be come to with the French Government to obviate the necessity for large temporary payments in cases when the stay in France is only of a temporary nature and when there is no intention of disposing of the vehicle in France?

The duty payable on the importation into France of motor cars weighing not more than 2,500 kilograms is 45 per cent. ad valorem for Customs duty and 10 per cent. ad valorem, for turnover tax. When cars are taken to France for a limited period, the duty can be deposited and reclaimed when the owner re-ships his car. Alternatively, the French authorities are prepared to accept, instead of a deposit of duty, a guarantee given by one of the motor associations in this country, which are recognised for the purpose, that the car will be re-exported within a specified time. In the circumstances, I am not aware of any action which His Majesty's: Government could usefully take in the matter.

If it is a fact that when a motor vehicle is taken to France, 55 per cent. of the duty has to be deposited, is there any way of getting round that, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the motor associations have withdrawn their facilities recently, and this has given rise to a rather serious situation?

I rather gather that my hon. and gallant Friend's question had its origin in the fact that motor associations have made some change; there is no change, so far as we know, in the French law. In regard to the action of the motor associations, I do not know what I can do in the matter.

Would the French Government be prepared to consider the guarantee of a similar payment given by a private individual to that by an association?

I think I should like: notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether 4s. and 5s. per case was allowed by the Food Ministry as commission to importers and wholesalers engaged in the distribution of supplies of condensed milk; whether this commission was paid on the ordinary case containing 48 tins of 1 lb. each or less; whether he is aware that the present rate charged to cash buyers of quantities as small as 20 or 30 cases is only 6d. a case; upon whose advice was this commission paid; what is the total amount of such commission from the inception of control until 31st March, 1921; and whether the whole of such charges have been added to the cost of the commodity to the poor who are the principal consumers of these goods?

The reply to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The 6d. a case referred to in the third part is not a commission, but would appear to be the present rate of discount for cash orders. The rates of commission were fixed after consultation with an advisory committee, on which the trade and the Ministry of Food were represented. The total amount of commission paid was approximately £1,650,000. The maximum retail prices were fixed to cover all costs of distribution.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is still necessary for tradesmen owning goods-carrying motor vehicles to get permits under the Road Transport Order, 1918, made under the Defence of the Realm Regulation, 2 J.J.J., before they are able to use such vehicles; and how soon the Order will be revoked and the whole staff dismissed?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 20th June to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth.

How much is this staff costing?

I am sorry that I have not got the figure.

Did the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication in his answer in June that this War Order would be restricted? It is now three years since the War was over?

My hon. and gallant Friend is well aware that this scheme was for periods of emergency as well as war, and we have only just passed through such an emergency.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in consultation with the Ministry of Health, he has safeguarded the country against the importation of anthrax-infected brushes?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Samples of imported brushes from various sources have been examined from time to time, but so far only shaving brushes of Japanese origin have been definitely found to be anthrax-infected, and capable of conveying infection to human beings. The further importation of Japanese shaving brushes into this country was prohibited in February, 1920, by an Order in Council, which is still in force.

Is the right hon. . Gentleman taking precautions to see that these brushes do not come through other countries?

Yes, certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Grants Commission to examine the claims of sufferers from air raids, referred to by the Lord Privy Seal on 4th May, 1920, has been set up?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith on the 20th ultimo.

Would not the payment of these claims, however good in themselves, increase pro tanto the national expenditure?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, in view of the adequate supply of skilled Marconi operators, they permit Class 2 vessels of the mercantile marine to employ wireless watchers who require no skill, and who may qualify in two days; and whether, since their employment is an additional risk to crew, ship, and underwriters, he will cease to permit the employment of wireless watchers for such ships?

The employment of wireless watchers, whose duty is to listen for the distress signal, was authorised by the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea, and by the Rules under the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, which were made after consultation with the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee. Up to the present sufficient cause for altering the Rules has not, in my opinion, been shown, but if a reasoned proposal for their amendment is put forward it will be carefully considered on its merits.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will dispense with the services of the nine part-time officers taken over from the Food Controller?

I am unable at present to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 9th May last.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many persons lately in the employ of the Ministry of Munitions have been dismissed from 1st April to 1st July; and how many still remain?

The headquarters staff of the Disposal and Liquidation Commission, which is engaged on winding-up the commitments of the late Ministry of Munitions, numbered 2,014 on 1st April, 1821, and 1,748 on 1st July, 1921, a reduction of 266 having been effected during the period between these dates.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is to be the basis of pay at entry for the successful ex-service candidates who have passed and qualified in the recent examinations for permanent posts in the Civil Service?

Ex-service men who enter the Clerical Class (London) as a result of the recent examinations will receive as initial salary, if previously employed as Grade III clerks, £80 per annum, plus bonus, or £212 per annum at the current rate of bonus; if previously employed as Grade II clerks, £90 per annum, plus bonus, or £238 10s. per annum; if previously employed as Grade I clerks, £100 per annum, plus bonus, or £257 4s. 6d. per annum. Those who were previously employed in a capacity superior to that of graded clerk will receive initial pay varying with the salary of their temporary grade up to a maximum of £150 per annum plus bonus, equal to £345 per annum in all at current rates of bonus, in cases where the annual inclusive salary in the temporary capacity amounted to £400 per annum. The question of the initial salary of candidates entering classes paid upon scales other than the London scale of the Clerical Class is under consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the bonus will be paid on the three classes, and what the bonus will be?

The bonus is the same up to 35s. a week, and after that it is the same up to £200 a year.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if any official in the Civil Service who receives a salary exceeding £350 per annum is entitled to claim first-class railway fare when travelling on duty?

Yes, Sir. Many officials are so entitled. The whole question is now under review.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much money was received by the Food Ministry as the result of the tax of 2d. per gallon on milk exported from the four south-western counties; how much expense has already been incurred in litigation respecting this tax; and when the matter will be finally closed, in view of the unanimous decision of the Court of Appeal?

I can add nothing to the reply given to my hon. Friend on Tuesday last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has not given a reply to the question; it was not answered?

I gave an answer on the 12th July.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me now how much money was received?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether British nationals are being forced to pay moneys due to Austrian subjects, and are being threatened by the British administrator if they fail to do so, whilst Austrian nationals are failing to meet their debts to British creditors because of the plea that the Austrian Government is not in a position to fulfil its obligations in full; and, if these facts are correct, whether further collection of debts due by British nationals to Austrian nationals will cease pending the readiness of the Austrian Government to complete its share of the transaction?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on the 11th July.

Is it a fact that British nationals are being threatened because they are not promptly paying these sums?

It depends upon what meaning my hon. and gallant Friend gives to the word "threatened." Certainly we are trying to get the money from them. The amount received from the British debtors here will not be nearly sufficient to pay the sums due to British creditors. After all, the debtors have received value, and they ought to pay.

If the machinery of payment has broken down in Austria are British nationals still going to be pressed?

The Austrians are behind hand without a doubt, and they owe more money to us than we owe to them. There is no question that this money will be used for the payment of British creditors to whom the Austrians owe money; but there is no reason why this money should not be collected. The Austrian Government are trying to do something now, though they are behind hand.

Is it not a fact that the Austrian Government have seized property belonging to British subjects, invested the proceeds of same in Austrian War Loan, which to-day is worthless; what action does the President propose to take in the this matter?

I cannot answer that without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the great urgency for holding the Porto Rose conference, for the purpose of abolishing existing restrictions over communications and settling questions with reference to rolling stock, exchange, foodstuffs, coal, post and telegraph between the states of Central and Eastern Europe; what is the reason for the delay and the postponement of the conference; and whether the British Government will make strong representations that it should be held immediately?

The meeting of the conference has now been fixed for September, to suit the convenience of all parties concerned. There is good reason to hope that the delay caused by its postponement till that date will not be prejudicial to the questions which it is hoped that the conference will settle.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Reports of the Leipzig trials have now been translated into English and are available for publication; and whether this House will be given an early opportunity, after such publication, of discussing the results of these trials?

I have been asked to answer this question. I must refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for South Hackney on the 11th July, and to the reply given to the same hon. Member on the 23rd June.

If a notice of Motion be tabled to-day, extensively signed by Members of all parties in the House, will the Leader of the House allow us to put a further question on Thursday and give us time to discuss it?

No, Sir. Anybody may put a question, but I cannot say that I should be able to give an answer in the affirmative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Attorney-General himself said that after the trial of the French list had been disposed of, if there were a general desire in the House for discussion, an opportunity would be given?

There will be an opportunity for discussion. The Consolidated Fund Bill affords an opportunity, but I cannot promise a day.

Can the Attorney-General say when the papers relating to these trials will be available?

I cannot fix a day. They will have to be translated.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has now received a communication from the French Government respecting the Leipzig trials of the war criminals and, if so, whether he will communicate its terms to the House?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not arise.

Is the Attorney General aware that three days ago in the French Senate M. Briand stated that very strong representations had been made by the French Government to His Majesty's Government?

No, Sir, I was not aware of that; I have not seen that statement.

I will send the right hon. Gentleman a copy of it.

I am much obliged.

asked the Attorney-General whether Lieutenant Patzig, the Commander of the German U-boat that sank the hospital ship "Llandovery Castle," is now living at Danzig, as stated in the Press; and, if so, why he has not been arrested and handed over to the German Government for trial?

I am informed that Lieutenant Patzig was until recently a resident of Danzig, which was made a free city, under the Treaty of Versailles, and is no longer a part of Germany. An order of arrest issued by the German Government is not effective in Danzig. I have been unable to ascertain whether Lieutenant Patzig is at present in Danzig or whether he has fled elsewhere.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries, and take steps to arrest this man?

Have we not the power to go to the city of Danzig and say, "Hand over this criminal for trial," as the Germans have?

I am not prepared to say offhand whether we have or not. The limits of extradition are very narrow. But my hon. and gallant Friend seems to be mixing up two things. What we did at Spa was to undertake, without any intervention on our part, to permit Germany to try certain persons. When that process has come to a conclusion, if we are not satisfied with it, we shall have to take other steps.

Trying persons is one thing, failing to arrest them is another.

Is not Danzig at present under the administration of the Allies, and have not the Allies power to arrest this man and hand him over for trial?

No, Sir.

Can any criminal live in Danzig, without anybody having anything to say about him?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether boring for oil is still being carried on at Chesterton, Apedale, and at Wellington, Staffordshire; whether these operations are being carried out at the Government's expense; and if any results have been obtained during the last four years that the efforts have been made?

It is presumed that the hon. Member refers to the borings at Hardstoft and other sites near Chesterfield and at Apedale and Werrington in Staffordshire which are being carried out at Government expense under the agreement with Messrs. Pearson which was laid on the Table of the House on 23rd October, 1918. The Hardstoft well has been carried to a depth of 3,133 feet and has produced to date 233,855 gallons of high grade crude oil. None of the remaining borings have struck oil in commercial quantities and several of them have been, or will shortly be, closed down. At the remaining points, including Apedale and Werrington, drilling is being continued until a decisive result is reached.

Has it been decided whose property the oil will be when it has been secured?

No.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can hold out any hope for the reduction in the price of petrol and the lessening of taxes and duties on motor vehicles used in the transit of material and goods, thereby stimulating the revival of trade and the lessening of the cost of living?

I regret that I am unable to offer any opinion upon the two matters mentioned by my hon. Friend. The price of petrol is not subject to Government control.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in any future legislation affecting the use of motor vehicles it is proposed to make the carrying of efficient mirrors to enable the driver to detect overtaking traffic compulsory?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer, given on 26th May to the hon. Member for Wimbledon, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of dyes imported from Germany to this country in the first six months of this year; and the approximate value of such imports?

The answer involves a tabular statement which, with the hon. Member's permission, I will have circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer:

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a communication from the Lindsey County Highways Committee recommending that the Gainsborough bridge be freed from toll; and whether, if he cannot make a grant out of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, as amended by the Roads Act, 1920, he could make a larger grant to the Lindsey County Highways Committee to aid the county council to free this bridge?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A reply was sent to the Lindsey County Council to the effect that the freeing of bridges from toll was not an object towards which the Minister of Transport was empowered to make an advance from the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, as amended by the Roads Act, 1920. In these circumstances I am afraid that effect cannot be given to the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

What means can the right hon. Gentleman suggest of freeing this main road of a toll of 1s. 8d. on every vehicle that passes over this bridge, and does he think it is fair to put the whole cost of this road on one town?

I am afraid I cannot suggest a solution of the problem, and I have no money to devote to this purpose.

This state of things has been going on for the last ten years.

asked the Minister of Transport if the commercial travellers' week-end tickets which they enjoyed before the War can be re-issued to enable these persons to get home and spend the Sundays with their wives and families, and increase the traffic and profits of the railway companies?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will arrange with the railway companies to restore to commercial travellers the same privileges as they enjoyed before the War?

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given to the hon. Members for Pontypool and Kirkcaldy on the 8th ultimo, copy of which I am sending them. I have asked the railway companies to inform me when they will be prepared to re-introduce this concession.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give friendly advice to the railway companies and use what pressure he can to secure the re-introduction of this concession?

I think my previous answers show that that is my desire.

If excursion tickets can now be granted, why cannot this concession be also made?

I prefer to leave this matter to the commercial discretion of the railway companies. I shall not be responsible after the 15th August.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can give an approximate idea of the amount spent on improvements of the embankments and permanent way, on new and repainted rolling stock, on the improvement of stations, etc., while such railway systems were under the control of the Government; and if he can say to what extent the public will be reimbursed for such enhancement of the capital of the companies?

In certain cases sums representing improvements have been included amongst working expenses and charged against the Government. Such items pass under review in my Department, and are challenged when it is thought necessary so to do. I am unable to give details as to amounts spent on capital improvements, as asked for by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Caledonian Railway Company have closed Solway Viaduct on the ground that the bridge is not safe for heavy traffic; whether abnormal traffic of ore and steel was carried by this bridge for the Government during the War; and whether, in view of the stoppage of a growing trade between England and Scotland by this route, he will take steps to have the viaduct reopened, and, if necessary, repaired?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second and third parts, at one time there was considerable pig iron traffic by way of the Solway Junction Railway from the West Cumberland district to places in Lanarkshire, and this traffic, along with iron ore traffic, increased during the War, but it has now fallen off entirely. Should such traffic revive, it could be worked by way of Carlisle and the main line, as could livestock traffic. The renewal of the superstructure of the bridge was under consideration before the War, but it was delayed by the outbreak of War, and the Caledonian Company say that since the Armistice the high prices have been a, deterrent. The railway company add that they will consider the question of repairing the superstructure and reopening the viaduct when the present high cost becomes more moderate.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the railway companies intend to increase the speed of long-distance journeys to the pre-War standard; or whether the general retarding of railway traffic is to be maintained?

The speed and timing of trains, both on long and short journeys, is a matter which I desire to leave to the commercial discretion of individual railway companies, so far as safety permits.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the probable reductions of railway fares next month, he will specially call the attention of the railway companies to the position of season ticket-holders in the London suburban area, and ask that holders of such tickets shall have immediate consideration in any proposed reductions on railway fares?

While I am unable to indicate any date at which general reductions of fares may prove possible, I have no reason to suppose that in any revision the interests of the large body of season ticket holders would not receive careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that Leadenhall Street, Princes Street, and Eastcheap, important traffic streets in the centre of the City of London, are now under repairs and are closed to traffic; whether two of these streets are on the direct east to west routes in London; and whether he has any power to control the repairs of such important traffic streets, and to prevent the delays and blockage of road traffic which is now occurring in main London thoroughfares?

I am informed that Leadenhall Street and Princes Street are now under repair and closed to traffic, but that Eastcheap is not. Leadenhall Street does, in fact, form part of an important east to west route through London. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the length of time which must necessarily elapse before the arrangements for completing the southern group of railways can take effect, permission could be accorded forthwith to the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company to raise the necessary capital and proceed with the scheme for the electrification of their suburban system and their main line to Brighton, Worthing, and Eastbourne?

I beg to refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to a question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for Hanley on the 11th July. The London, Brighton and South Coast Railway have not sought and are not waiting for my permission to raise the capital for and proceed with electrification of additional portions of their line. The London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Act, 1903, gives them power to electrify their line.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, owing to the quadrupling of local rates in certain parts of Ireland since 1914, the net receipts from property, after payment of Income Tax, is often a minus quantity; and whether the Government propose to take any steps in the matter?

I was not aware of the facts stated in the question. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will supply me with any specific information in his possession.

Is it not notorious in this country that people are being taxed on money which never reaches them; and that in the case of tithe-payers the amount may be deducted from the gross income before arriving at the net income? Could not the same principle be applied in the case of rates, so as to exempt money paid away in rates before assessment to Income Tax on the same property?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has now received the Report of the Conference on Licensing Legislation presided over by the Attorney-General; and, if so, whether it is intended to introduce a Bill during the present Session of Parliament for the purpose of carrying out the recommendations of the Conference?

I am sorry to say that it has not yet been possible for the Cabinet to consider this question, but I hope to be in a position to make a statement to-morrow or Wednesday.

asked the Prime Minister whether, pending the meeting of the Washington Conference, the Government will make a representation to the League of Nations to the effect that it should suspend its activities in regard to the question of disarmament and the Pacific, with a view to avoiding the possibility of a conflict of views?

I do not think it necessary to make representations to the League of Nations in the sense suggested by the hon. Member. Without doubt the League, in dealing with the question of disarmament, will have regard to the importance of the forthcoming discussions at Washington.

asked the, Prime Minister what reply has been received from the Chinese Government regarding the invitation to attend the coming Washington Conference; and whether China will be represented at all future conferences?

The Chinese Government are understood to have accepted the invitation.

asked the Prime Minister whether India will be represented at the forthcoming Pacific Conference?

The arrangements for the proposed conference have not yet been made.

( by Private Notice )asked the Prime Minister whether there is any foundation for the statement made in the newspaper Press to the effect that the King has intervened directly to "straighten out an entanglement" which had occurred in the negotiations with the Government of the United States regarding the Pacific Conference?

No, Sir. There is no foundation whatever for the statement. It is a pure invention.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where this report appears, and whether, in view of its being a pure invention involving His Majesty, he proposes to take any action against this newspaper?

I do not think that arises here.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a letter from the Independent Parliamentary Group on the subject of public expenditure; and whether he has considered any of the recommendations contained therein?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The question of public expenditure is constantly engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government, and the particular recommendations in the letter referred to will be considered.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has consulted the Dominion Premiers as to the value of compulsory arbitration in industrial disputes; and whether he will set up a voluntary expert committee to report upon the results obtained in the Dominions and to advise how far such arbitration might be practicable in this country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers given on this subject to my hon. Friend the Member for the West Division of Waltham-stow on the 26th April and 12th May last.

asked the Prime Minister whether any Measure under consideration by the Government for the reform of the House of Lords will include an arrangement for the First Lord of the Admiralty to attend in this House to answer questions of Naval Members and others interested in Admiralty policy?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on the 7th instant to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Finchley.

asked the Prime Minister whether an Order has been issued to refuse official news to certain daily and weekly newspapers in this country; and what is the reason for this discrimination, seeing that official and semi-official information is issued for the benefit of the public and not for the benefit of certain selected newspapers?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Foreign Office has intimated that it will in future give no information to and hold no communication with the "Times" newspaper or its representatives; if so, on what grounds this action has been taken; and whether this ban extends to any other newspaper?

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the practice concerning information given to the Press by public Departments; and whether any newspapers have recently been struck off the list of those whose representatives are supplied with information?

Official information is rendered available to the Press in two ways. The greater part of it, such as the announcements of Government Departments and communiqué's regarding policy, whether in an official or a semi-official form, is issued to the newspapers through the news agencies as a matter of routine. For some years past, it has also been customary for facilities to be given to representatives of newspapers to visit Government offices, to make inquiries on their own behalf regarding the events of the day. These courtesies are normally extended to all newspapers, without regard to their attitude towards the Government of the day, and the "Times" took full advantage of these privileges. But courtesy should beget courtesy.

I need hardly explain that official information is available to the "Times" through the ordinary agencies. The fullest courtesy has at all times been extended to its representatives. The fact that it has pursued a course of virulent opposition to the Government, and notably to the head of the Government, has not in the least influenced the Government Departments in the civilities extended to its representatives; and personally I have made no effort to induce the withdrawal of a single civility from the "Times," or its associated papers—the "Daily Mail," the "Evening News," and the "Weekly Dispatch."

On Wednesday, the 13th instant, however, the "Times" published a personal attack of a peculiarly offensive and mischievous character upon the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with special reference to some momentous and delicate negotiations on which he was engaged, in pursuance of a policy representing not only the Government of the United Kingdom, but the Prime Ministers of the Dominions and the representatives of India. Such an attack at such a moment seemed to us to fall below all the normal standards of English journalism.

I pass over the question of taste, but it was difficult to pass over an attempt to create a personal prejudice in foreign countries against a British public servant of high repute, at a time when he was charged with most responsible and anxious negotiations on behalf of the whole Empire. It is not too much to say that no reputable British journal of any party would have published such an attack. Fortunately, it is entirely without precedent.

In spite of its record in recent years, the "Times" is still supposed in many circles abroad to represent both educated and official opinion in this country. Here we know it has long ceased to hold that position, but that fact is only gradually becoming known abroad. It is, there- fore, essential that the British Government as a whole should mark strongly its disapproval of such an attack upon the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at a critical moment. Official information is, of course, available, as before, to the "Times" but the special favour accorded it by tradition in the past is entirely withdrawn.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Government took the worst possible way of showing its disapproval, and conveyed the impression that it will only give official news to papers in return for their support? We know it is not so, but is not that the only inference that can be drawn from the action of the Government?

I made it quite clear in my answer that there is no distinction drawn between journals that support the Government and those that do not support it in the facilities afforded to them for information in Government Departments. I do not use the word "challenge," but I invite any journal that regularly opposes the Government to contradict that statement. They are received always with the greatest civility, every information available for publication is always given to them, and their representatives are treated with great courtesy. But this was so great an attack, so far beyond the limits of ordinary fair criticism, made against the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he was conducting most delicate negotiations; it was of a kind that might really imperil the negotiations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to defend the right hon. Member for Paisley (Mr. Asquith) and Viscount Grey from attacks in his own newspapers? And when was the head of the Government—the Prime Minister—supposed to be immune from attacks in the Press?

I said specifically that although I had been attacked in the "Times"—as is thoroughly well known—I have never interfered in the slightest degree with any facilities extended to them. I think my hon. Friend might have acknowledged that. I do regard the attacks' on the Foreign Secretary at a juncture of this kind and attacks of this character as being in a totally different category.

Is it not the fact that these facilities are given by public servants at the public expense? Why, therefore, should the right hon. Gentleman differentiate between papers he likes and those he does not like?

That is a very unfair and very improper suggestion. Journals constantly attack the Government, and I am not supposed to like them; but I invite the hon. and gallant Gentleman to point out any single journal attacking the Government from which we have withdrawn any facilities, although their attacks have been constant and insistent. They are attacks upon policy, and are occasionally on the Prime Minister, but then the Prime Minister is here to be attacked.

You should welcome them.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to a propaganda being carried on in the press by Mr. Salomon, the consul-general for Peru, with a view to inducing British workers to emigrate to Peru; and whether, in view of the fact that hundreds of workers and their families have recently returned or are returning from Peru to this country, many of them in a state of destitution through failure to find work, any steps can be taken to warn intending emigrants of the misrepresentations in the propaganda referred to 1

I have been asked to answer this question. My attention has been called to the correspondence in the Press to which the hon. Member refers. I think I can best answer his question by re-stating the facts. Last autumn about 300 British emigrants were induced to proceed to Peru by official promises of free passages and work. Insufficient care was taken in the selection of the emigrants, and a number of unsuitable emigrants were sent out. About 200 appear to have found suitable employment in Peru. About 70 have returned and a further party of about 30 are now on the way back. His Majesty's Government feel that the President and Government of Peru have taken a friendly and right course in admitting the error of judgment made by the late Peruvian Consul-General and in offering £2,000 in compensation, but they deprecate Press propaganda of the kind to which the hon. Member refers and trust it will be discontinued. With reference to the last part of the question, I might add that some 500 would be emigrants to Peru were dissuaded from availing themselves of the offer of free passages by the warnings given by His Majesty's Government.

What is the total amount claimed by the emigrants who have returned?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the claims of British emigrants from this country against the Government of Peru have yet been settled?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy on 14th July last.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to appoint another Minister without Portfolio during the present Session of Parliament?

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to fill the vacancy in the Government caused by the resignation of the Minister without Portfolio?

The answer is in the negative.

How do the Cabinet propose to get on with their work in the absence of the Minister without Portfolio?

Did not the Prime Minister, when dealing with this question, announce that the Government could not do without the Minister without Portfolio till the end of the Session? Seeing that no one is to be appointed to succeed him, what do the Government propose to do?

The answer to the question was in the negative.

On a point of Order. This is a very important public question. May I ask—

This is not a time for argument. It is the time for getting information.

I am asking for information.

The question was completely answered, and it must not be argued now.

The supplementary question raises a different point to the answer to the question on the Paper. We are told that no one is to be appointed, although previously we had been informed by the Prime Minister that he could not do without the Minister without Portfolio till the end of the Session. I submit that the House is entitled to know why no one is to be appointed.

This is not the time for asking that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to set up any Committee to investigate the existing sitation with regard to house building with a view to preventing a repetition of costly mistakes in future housing undertakings?

I am giving very careful consideration to the whole housing question, and I will certainly bear the hon. Member's valuable suggestion in mind.

asked the Minister of Health the relative merits or demerits in cost and rapidity of execution in the employment of municipal engineers and architects in the various housing schemes throughout the country; whether sufficient information is available to indicate what percentage professional charges represent in both methods; and if the cost is less where the work has been done by the local surveyor?

As regards rapidity of execution under the two methods, I cannot give any general answer which would be fair to both. As regards relative cost, such figures as I have at my disposal indicate that the percentage cost for professional charges where the local official is employed would be about 1 per cent. on a scheme of, say, 250 houses as compared with something over 2 per cent. where outside professional men are employed.

asked the Minister of. Health whether local authorities who have purchased sites for houses and submitted plans for their construction, but have not yet taken tenders and cannot possibly commence building within six weeks, will have to bear the whole burden of the expense already incurred?

The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. The statement which I made on Thursday last, that in certain cases where commitments had been entered into I would pay subsidy provided the work of construction is begun within six weeks, referred only to the subsidy to private builders. With regard to the housing schemes of local authorities, expenditure already incurred with the approval of the Ministry, whether in respect of the purchase of sites or otherwise, will rank for Exchequer assistance under the present scheme, which limits the liability of local authorities to the produce of 1d. rate.

Where sites have been purchased with a view to going on, will the local authorities not be allowed to continue?

No, they will not be allowed to continue beyond the limit of 176,000 houses, but any loss by local authorities, either by the rate of interest on loans being raised or by a sale of the site, will fall on the Exchequer and not on the local rates.

asked the Prime Minister whether any fresh developments have occurred in the hostilities between the Greeks and the Turks; and whether His Majesty's Government are affording any assistance either directly or indirectly, to the Greek forces?

The information of His Majesty's Government is identical with that recorded in the Press, namely, that the Greek Army has attacked and has reached Afium-Karahissar. I have stated repeatedly that His Majesty's Government are affording no direct or indirect assistance to the Greek forces.

As I came into the House, this message was given to me as to the progress of the events in Asia Minor. It is from a Greek source:

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the promotion of peace is, or should be, the chief aim of the League of Nations, the existing League will continue to perform various other functions or whether, in view of the approaching Pacific and Washington conferences, operations will be suspended until the construction or action of the League can be brought into conformity with the results of the conference?

It would be neither desirable nor possible to suspend the general work of the League because questions in which it is interested are being discussed at Washington.

Will the League continue to negotiate the reduction of non- existent armaments in negligible States pending the settlement of this great issue with the great Powers?

As I indicated to the House in the answer which I gave to a question just now, of course the League will take into account any transactions or discussions that take place in the important conference to be opened at Washington.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent, if any, has the labour agreement come to by the nations belonging to the League of Nations been carried out; if any action has been taken to secure an international reduction of the hours of labour and the improvement of industrial conditions; and also to what extent, if any, has the United States of America agreed to conform to any arrangements made by other nations?

The agreement establishing the international labour organisation is embodied in Part XIII. of the Treaty of Versailles and has been accepted by members of the League of 'Nations and certain other Governments. Two general Conferences of the organisation have already been held and conventions or recommendations regulating the hours, or otherwise intended to improve the industrial conditions of certain classes of workers, have been adopted and have, in some instances, been accepted and in other cases rejected, or are still being considered by members of the organisation. The United States of America are not under any obligation with respect to the conventions and recommendations adopted.

asked the Prime Minister whether any, and, if so, what action has been taken, or is contemplated, in respect of the purchase of mining royalties?

I have been asked to reply. No action has been taken, and I am unable to make any statement on the subject at the present moment.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of introducing a scheme of federal devolution for Great Britain during next Session, in order that more time may be available for discussion in this House of matters of Imperial interest?

I do not think that it will be. possible to deal with this subject next year.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the case that he attended a meeting in Wales not long ago, at which a resolution in favour of devolution was passed, and whether, if he were invited formally to do so, he would attend a meeting in some important centre in England, after he has been to Washington, in order to gauge public opinion in England on this subject?

The answer is in the negative to all the questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is with the authority of the Government that the Attorney-General has, notwithstanding the present state of national finance, entered notice of appeal in connection with certain cases under the Lottery Acts in which he was recently unsuccessful against the Member for South Hackney, although assisted by eminent counsel?

The answer to this question is in the affirmative; and, if the appeals referred to are successful, as they are thought likely to be, it may be reasonably anticipated that both penalties and costs will be recovered. The hon. Member would not, of course, suggest that a case in which he himself is being sued for penalties should be treated in any exceptional way. But it would be an impossible doctrine that counsel for the Crown should in no case advise an appeal, though they perceived good grounds for it and expected it to succeed.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when the Bill dealing with industrial assurance will be introduced?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. As stated in reply to a similar question last Wednesday, I hope to make a statement on this subject shortly.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the possibility of a discussion on the League of Nations in this House, he will have circulated as a White Paper the speech of the Lord President of the Council on the League delivered to the Imperial Conference?

If my Noble Friend will move for a copy of the statement he shall have it as an unopposed return.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the reason for the charge of £1,000 upon the Exchequer this year in respect of Rams-gate harbour; and if steps can be taken to make this harbour self-supporting, as hitherto?

Ramsgate harbour, which belongs to the State, has suffered severely through loss of revenue due to the War. Revenue has not balanced expenditure since 1914, and the reserve fund has now been exhausted. The recent coal stoppage added to the financial difficulties of the harbour, but it is hoped that, by means of the recently increased rates, tolls and charges, falling prices and reductions in staff, revenue will balance expenditure in future years, and be sufficient to repay the temporary advances from the Exchequer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the British consular representative at Reykjavik, in Iceland, is not a British subject; and if he is aware of the importance of the British fishing interests in neighbouring waters to Iceland, and the use made of Icelandic ports by British fishing vessels?

The British Vice-Consulate at Reykjavik is an unsalaried post and, in the absence of any British subject suitable for the appointment, is held by a native of Iceland. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative.

Do I understand that there is no suitable British subject available for this post, and would it not be worth while to make it a salaried post, with a view to attracting a suitable British subject?

As I have said in my answer, a suitable British subject is not available for the post on the spot. I do not think, in the present state of public finance, that it is either necessary or desirable to convert into a salaried post one which is at present satisfactorily filled by an unsalaried official.

Are there not many ex-officers who would be very suitable for this post, and who could be employed?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what were the reasons for the exile of Prince Aziz Hassan?

The Egyptian Government considered the expulsion of Prince Aziz Hassan necessary in the interests of public security, in view of the leading part which he was taking in mischievous political agitation.

Could the hon. Gentleman give us the modern version of this political agitation?

I shall be happy to do so in the Smoking Room.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that Mrs. Stan Harding was encouraged to enter Russia by the Soviet Government, he will state what are the grounds which have made the Government decide that she has no right to the assistance of the British Government in obtaining redress for the injuries which she has admittedly suffered at the hands of the Soviet Government?

The grounds were explained in my reply to the fourth part of the Noble Lord's question of 14th July. I would, however, point out that His Majesty's Government have not decided that Mrs. Harding has forfeited the rights of protection which His Majesty's Government exercise on behalf of all British subjects. It seems clear that Mrs. Harding has no special claim upon the good offices of His Majesty's Government, as she went to Russia on her own responsibility at a time when it was well known that no passport facilities were being given to British subjects for the purpose; she acted on the assumption that the safe conduct of the Soviet Government would be sufficient, and His Majesty's Government cannot be blamed if her assumption proved ill-founded. The question of redress for injuries done to British subjects is no doubt one which will be discussed before completely normal relations are resumed with Russia, pending which it is open to Mrs. Harding and others who have suffered imprisonment and injury, to lodge claims against Russia at the Russian Claims Office, Board of Trade.

Does that mean that Mrs. Harding should lodge her claim and it will be considered by the British Government?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the exceptionally hot summer, the public has any reason to apprehend a spread of rabies in dogs?

I am advised that, inasmuch as rabies is a contagious disease which is only transmitted by means of the bite of an infected dog, there is no reason to apprehend an increase in the number of cases of rabies on account of the hot weather.

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, seeing that, in the forms sent to farmers to make claims in respect of wheat and oats under the Corn Production Act, an occupier is required to state the number of the field on which the wheat or oats was grown as shown on the 25-inch scale Ordnance Survey map, and that the small framers in Wales have no knowledge of such maps, and have no facilities for consulting them, he will accept a statutory declaration of the occupier with respect to such matters?

No claims which are otherwise in order will be rejected merely on the ground that the Ordnance Survey numbers of fields are not given.