asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, under the heading of arc-lamp carbons, which are made of high-class material, his Department have instructed the Customs, under the key section of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, to collect the duty of 33⅓ per cent, on all kinds of carbons, irrespective of quality, shape, or size?

The Customs have not been instructed that all kinds of carbons are dutiable under the Safeguarding of Industries Act. A ruling has been given that the carbons in small dry cells for pocket lamps fall within the relevant heading in the Schedule to that Act, but in view of certain information which has been brought forward, the question is now being reconsidered.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it absurd that small integral parts of an article like a pocket battery should be taxed and traders should be put to inconvenience over trivialities of that sort?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why magnetic compasses, when small in size, are regarded as toys or imitation jewellery, and as such are exempt from the operations of the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and why with regard to various other articles of a toy nature duty must be paid?

The Board of Trade list of dutiable articles, under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act excluded magnetic compasses, of any size, which are properly described as toys or cheap jewellery, on the ground that they are not of sufficient accuracy to bring them under the heading of Scientific Instruments. As regards the second part of the question, toys as such are not included in the list of dutiable articles, but some articles sold as toys may fall under some of the general headings in the Schedule to the Act on the ground, for instance, of their being in effect optical instruments.

Who decides whether they are of sufficient size to make accuracy certain?

There must always be a border line. The ultimate authority would be the referee.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is putting a premium on inaccuracy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds his Department have decided that the glass container of a vacuum flask does not come within the definition of either scientific or blown glassware, whilst glass articles of the nature of artificial cherries for millinery, coloured glass balls for Christmas trees, small artificial eyes for teddy bears and dolls, and similar articles, are dutiable and must bear the duty of 33⅓ per cent.?

Glass containers for laboratory vacuum flasks fall under the heading of scientific glassware in the Schedule to the Safeguarding of Industries Act. The ordinary vacuum flask food container is neither scientific glassware nor lamp-blown ware, and is therefore not dutiable. The articles to which reference is made in the latter part of the question may or may not be dutiable, according as they are or are not lamp-blown ware.

Do dolls' eyes come under the definition of the Act?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the definition of blown glassware, as stated in, this House by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department on behalf of the Government, is accepted by His Majesty's Government as being a correct definition; and, if so, will he give instructions so that Customs officials at the ports may have this definition before them, and thus avoid the holding up of many thousands of packages which are now being detained owing to articles which are outside the above definition being considered as liable for duty?

I am not aware that any comprehensive definition of "lamp-blown ware" (the term used in the Schedule to the Safeguarding of Industries Act) was given in this House, though an attempt was made to remove certain misconceptions as to its meaning. The term is used to describe glassware produced by a glass-worker with a blowpipe at a bench, in contradistinction from "furnace blown ware." If the hon. Member can produce definite evidence that products not properly covered by the heading are being charged with duty, I shall be glad to consider it, and any question of doubt can be referred to the arbitration of a referee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no referee has been appointed and that these goods cannot be obtained at the docks pending the appointment of a referee?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, under the key industries section of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, his Department have decided that toy magic lan- terns, whether with or without the lenses, or the thick glass with which these articles are supplied commonly called lenses, are liable to a duty of 33⅓ per cent, which is levied not only on the article but also on the nursery slides which accompany the article; and whether he is aware that the Minister of the Overseas Department, on behalf of the Board of Trade, stated that these toy articles would not be liable to duty under the operation of the key industries section of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

Toys are not dutiable as such, but certain classes of goods which are commonly described as toys are in fact of the nature of optical instruments and as such are properly dutiable under that heading of the Schedule to the Safeguarding of Industries Act. I would remind the hon. Member that if there is any doubt as to whether any article in question is of such a character as to be in effect an optical instrument the matter can be referred to the arbitration of a referee.

Is the referee here the Mad Hatter?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in addition to the list of articles chargeable with duty under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, containing some 6,000 different commodities, recently published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, a further list has been published containing numerous other items and has been circulated to the Customs officials; if so, can he say what is the object of publishing two lists instead of one; and why one has not been made known to the public?

No, Sir; the list issued to the Customs officials is identical with that issued by His Majesty's Stationery Office for sale to the public.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are different items on the Customs list from those on the list issued to the public?

The hon. Gentleman is mistaken. The Customs list is identical with the list issued to the public.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that electric half-watt lamps are now being held up by the Customs, who demand duty on the ground that the tungsten contained therein is dutiable, and in other cases on the ground that the glass bulb is lamp blown; and whether, in view of the undertaking given on this matter by the Minister of Overseas Department, he is prepared to take any action?

I am aware that duty is being charged on electric lamp filaments which even when embodied in complete incandescent electric lamps have not lost their identity as "manufactured products of metallic tungsten." No duty is payable in respect of electric lamp bulbs, except in the case of certain small bulbs which are lampblown ware and therefore produced by a process different from that used for the production of the lamps ordinarily used for lighting purposes. The latter part of the question consequently does not arise.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that to treat the integral part of a complicated production like a lamp as dutiable is very absurd, and tends to bring the whole thing into ridicule?

I have to interpret the Act of Parliament.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of complaints he has received under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act; in regard to which industries have the complaints been made; whether he has in any case, and, if so, in which, directed an inquiry to be made; and whether he has given, or will give, notice of such inquiry to all those engaged in industries which may be affected by its results?

The number of complaints so far received under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act is 21. As the hon. and gallant Member will see from the Rules of Procedure for Committees prescribed by the Board of Trade, of which I am sending him a copy, due provision is made for public notice of the appointment of any Committee in order to enable persons desiring to give evidence to communicate with the Committee. No Committee has yet been appointed, and I think there are obvious objections to publishing information regarding the nature and scope of any particular complaint received by the Board until such complaint is referred to a Committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement as to the effect of the Safeguarding of Industries Act in regard to the safeguarding of employment as set forth in its preamble?

I have been asked to reply. No Orders have yet been made under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, and it is accordingly not possible to form any judgment of the effect of such Orders in safeguarding employment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement before the House rises?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that six small samples of sodium salts, sent on the 5th instant from Paris to a firm in London for test purposes, are being detained by the Customs authorities; that, on the 11th instant, the Customs authorities advised the consignee that the samples were being detained in order that entry should be made, value declared, and duty paid; that the consignee replied on the same day that the samples together weighed less than 1 lb., were of no commercial value, and were not dutiable; and that he wrote again on the 18th instant complaining that the samples were still detained; and whether he will have inquiries made into this case?

I am having inquiries made and will inform the hon. Member of the result in due course.

Does the hon. Gentleman not see that this sort of delay is very damaging to trade? Things are held up by the Customs for weeks.

There is an obvious case for inquiry and I will personally inquire into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government has given notice to the Hungarian Government that the British authorities intend to set up a clearing house for Hungarian debts due to British subjects under the provisions of Article 231 of the Treaty of Trianon as between the United Kingdom and Hungary; whether the notice has expired; and, if so, will he state what the date is upon which the services of the British clearing house for Hungarian debts will be at the disposal of the public?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and a Convention is being negotiated similar to that concluded with Austria, which will permit of certain modifications of the provisions of Article 231 of the Treaty of Trianon. The period of three months from the date of the notice within which the clearing offices are to be established has not yet expired. As my hon. Friend is probably aware, the Administrator for Hungarian property has been appointed, and it is hoped that the clearing office will be very shortly in the position to accept claims under Sections III and IV of Part X of the Hungarian Treaty.

asked the Prime Minister whether the question of Upper Silesia was submitted to the League of Nations as a dispute under Articles 12 and 15 of the Treaty of Versailles; whether the undertaking given by His Majesty's Government and the French Government to accept the decision of the Council of the League was conditional on that decision being unanimous; whether both Governments definitely accepted the position of parties to the dispute within the meaning of the sixth paragraph of Article 15; whether Germany was invited to accept the obligations of membership in the League under Article 17 for the purposes of this dispute; and whether Germany and Poland, or either of them, were officially represented at the deliberations of the Council, as provided by the fifth paragraph of Article 4?

My right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council, who is unavoidably absent from the House, informs me that the recommendations made by the Council of the League of Nations to the Supreme Council contain not only a statement of the very elaborate provisions proposed for dealing with the industrial area in Upper Silesia, but a full statement of the grounds on which their decisions were unanimously arrived at. In the circumstances, I suggest that my Noble Friend should wait until these documents are in his hands and he has had an opportunity of studying them.

asked the Prime Minister whether the effect of the decision regarding Upper Silesia has been considered in reference to the payment of the German indemnities; and whether it is intended to reopen the question of the indemnities in view of the award of the Council of tire League of Nations?

No, Sir. The arrangements accepted by the German Government in May last provide for the automatic regulation of the amount, without reference to any decision upon Upper Silesia.

In regard to the last part of the question, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the financial and commercial community in this country are almost unanimously of opinion that the indemnities injure this country, and will the matter he reopened?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the terms of the agreement made between M. Loucheur on behalf of the French Government and Herr Rathenau on behalf of the German Government; and whether he can state the effect of this agreement upon the reparation provisions of the Treaty of Versailles and subsequent agreements modifying these provisions?

I propose to issue a White Paper on this subject at the earliest possible date.

asked the Prime Minister whether any representations have been made by Great Britain or the Allied Powers to Germany as to the inadequate taxation which she is imposing on her citizens or as to the continued inflation of her currency by means of the printing press?

The Committee of Guarantees appointed by the Reparation Commission has been constantly engaged since May last in endeavouring, in collaboration with the German Finance Ministry, to find means for reducing the deficit on the German Budget, and so to check the issue of fresh currency.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information that a representative of the French Government is at present negotiating a political and economic agreement with the Turkish Nationalist Government at Angora; and whether this agreement provides for the concession of the full Turkish claim in Asia Minor and in Thrace, including Constantinople, and the grant of exclusive rights in the Baghdad Railway?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had his attention drawn to the allegations that the French Government are entering into fresh negotiations with the Angora Government for a separate peace with special concessions to French nationals; if so, has His Majesty's Government been consulted and kept informed as to the scope and nature of the terms proposed; and whether there is any likelihood of a settlement being come to without the approval of His Majesty's Government and the Supreme Council?

His Majesty's Government have learnt that the negotiations, which have been carried on for some time past at Angora by a French representative, on various matters arising out of the evacuation of Cilicia by French troops, have been brought to a satisfactory conclusion. They have, however, received the assurance of the French Government that the negotiations were limited to those questions and did not include the larger issues alluded to in the concluding paragraph of question No. 53.

Does the hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the Foreign Office, really suggest that French diplomatic representatives were discussing the question of Cilicia at the Angora Conference?

Have we the assurance of the French Government that M. Franklin-Bouillon has not been discussing the question of the grant of exclusive rights to the French people in Asia Minor?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will read the answer I have given, he will see that I have answered that.

Can my hon. Friend tell me now, or at a future time, what provisions, if any, have been made for the safety of the Armenian refugees?

I must ask the Noble Lord to question me on that matter at a later date.

Is it possible to have the agreement between the French Government and the Kemalists?

Obviously, I cannot answer that question. This is an agreement between the French Government and the Nationalists.

Having regard to the fact, as I understand, that there is a compact between the Allies in this matter of the war between Greece and the Kemalists, and to the fact that the representative of the French Government specially discussed it, and, it is alleged, arrived at an understanding, does it not concern us in that event, and will the hon. Gentleman table the agreement arrived at?

I cannot give an answer on that subject, as we have not yet seen the agreement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the prospects of the execution of the provisions of the Treaty of St. Germains with regard to the Burgenland?

Representatives of the Austrian and Hungarian Governments met recently at Venice at the invitation of the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs. They signed an agreement in regard to the transfer of West Hungary, which is to be submitted to the principal Allied Governments for their approval.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons are at present employed in or by the Food Control Department; what is the present cost of their salaries and wages; what notices must be given to terminate their services; and if and when he expects to close down the Department?

The number of persons at present employed in the Food Department is 891, as compared with 1,599 on the 1st April. During this period the Department has been responsible for the liquidation of stocks amounting, approximately, to £50,000,000. The present cost of salaries and wages is £20,000 a month. All engagements are terminable at one month's notice with an additional month's warning where practicable. Except for the adjustment of foreign wheat purchases, it is expected that the liquidation of accounts will have been completed by the end of September, 1922; at any rate, to such an extent as will enable the Board of Trade to dispense with the services of all temporary officers.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the cost of this large staff far exceeds any possible loss that may arise from the dispersal of stocks at the present moment?

I do not think that that time has arrived, but it will undoubtedly do so.

Why cannot this Department be wound up until September, 1922?

I would remind my right hon. Friend that the turnover of this Department has been between £2,000,000,000 and £3,000,000,000, and: accounts are even now in suspense which cannot be arranged at once, and claims to a considerable extent are being held: up. Having regard to the enormous amount of trade, I do not think that the length of time taken to liquidate is excessive.

Will the right hon. Gentleman circulate a White Paper stating what these 800 officials are engaged at at the present moment?

I will consider that. I do not consider it unreasonable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that none of these temporary officials will become permanent officials during that period?

There is no intention of doing that.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman tell us at the end of the Summer Session that the Department was to be wound up in November, end why, therefore, is it to be extended to next year?

I have no recollection of that. I think that my right hon. Friend must have in mind the question of the food officers who have been responsible in different areas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the case of a person purchasing a clinical thermometer and not being content with the maker's guarantee and desiring to have the instrument tested, it is possible for the individual to take the same to the National Laboratory, Kew, and have it tested for a few pence; and, if this is not so, can he make arrangements for it being done in such cases where it is desired.

Single clinical thermometers can be tested at the National Physical Laboratory on payment of a fee of Is. 6d.; the fee when large quantities are submitted is 3d. per instrument. This arrangement has been in existence for several years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Ministry of Transport has now become, or is about to become, a Department of his Board; and, if so, can he say what reductions will be made in the staff which it employs, at the present time?

As already announced my right hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge (Sir E. Geddes) has resigned, and the Ministry has been placed in charge of my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary (Mr. Neal). The arrangements for the future conduct of the Ministry are under consideration, but have not yet been decided. I am informed by the Parliamentary Secretary that by the settlement of those claims of the railway companies which would have arisen at the end of control, and by the passage of the Railways Act, 1921, a reorganisation of the Ministry was made possible. Substantial reductions in the staff have? already taken place, and others are being made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can publish a chart showing the cost of wool necessary to make a suit of clothes and all the various costs or profits necessary before the clothes reach the purchaser; and can the wool in this country that cannot be sold be used in manufacturing tweeds?

I am not prepared to authorise, at the present time, the inquiries that would be necessary to secure satisfactory data for the construction of the suggested chart. The chart would necessarily be far from simple, in view of the variations between different classes of clothing in respect of costs and charges at the various stages. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Report made on the standard clothing scheme, in which there is contained a quantity of information on some portions of the problem. Some of the unsold wool in this country is certainly suitable for the manufacturing of tweeds.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to breaches on the part of the Russian Soviet Government of the terms of the Trade Agreement recently entered into between the Russian Soviet Government and Great Britain by reason of the persistent propaganda of the Soviet Government against Great Britain in the East; whether he has also had his attention called to a recent statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to the effect that anyone sending goods to Russia would be making a present of them under existing circumstances, and that traders in Great Britain were not in a position to make presents to anybody; and whether, under the above circumstances, the Government will take immediate steps to cancel the trade agreement with the Soviet Government and to request the withdrawal of the Russian trade delegation in this country, which would appear to be serving no useful purpose?

As I stated on Thursday, in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth, the Government is examining the reply of the Bolshevik Government to their despatch on the question of the breaches of the Trade Agreement. In the meantime, I am not in a position to make any statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of traders, notably Mr. Urquhart, who has written to the newspapers, have recently been to Russia and have found it quite impossible to start trade in that country by reason of the conditions and restrictions imposed by the Soviet Government?

Is it not a fact that Mr. Urquhart was a week behind the other joker?

I have no doubt at all that there are difficulties, but at the same time a certain quantity of goods is going to Russia. The other day I gave the House some of the figures. The goods are not many, but they do amount to a very considerable quantity

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider very carefully, before he gives way to any political pressure of this sort, that goods to the value of £7,000,000 a year are going to Russia from this country?

With regard to the second sentence of the question, is the Government taking any steps to stop this Soviet propaganda in the East?

Certainly. We are taking the most effective steps, in this country and in the East, and we are in communication with the Soviet Government, and a very stern message was sent to them on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in considering schemes for alleviating distress by unemployment, he will give consideration to the breaking up of obsolete ships in the royal dockyards?

I have been asked to reply. This question has recently been further considered by the Board of Admiralty and the decision previously reached was confirmed, namely, that it is impracticable to undertake ship-breaking in His Majesty's Dockyards. The principal factors leading to this decision are that space for ship-breaking could only be found at the expense of naval requirements, and the surrender of this space would result in increased cost of ordinary dockyard work, as the docks and basins are already congested. Every inducement is being given to outside firms to undertake ship-breaking work.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman received any replies from outside firms, or has any work been undertaken by outside firms?

Yes, Sir, we have had some replies, and they are under consideration now.

Is it not true that already shipbreaking is being done in Plymouth, but that a further deputation is waiting upon the Admiralty to get approval for such work, which will not take up too much room in the dockyard? Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give further consideration to this question, which is a very pressing one, and in regard to which a deputation has been appointed?

The hon. Member is giving information rather than seeking it.

Will the hon. Gentleman give the reasons why the Government cannot proceed with the breaking up of these ships?

The hon. Member should put down a further question.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that statements have appeared in the Press in connection with the period of Government grants to local authorities for unemployment works to the effect that the intention is that these grants should be paid for half the period of such loans, and as the full period is not in any case to exceed 15 years the liability of the State in this respect would be for 7½ years; if he can state definitely whether the maximum period of 15 years mentioned in paragraph 1 of the Ministry of Health Circular No. 245, under date 22nd September last, refers to the period of the loan or to the period of the Government contribution for interest and sinking fund charges; and if he will take action in the matter?

The grant is to be paid for half the period for which the loan is contracted subject to the condition that the maximum period for which the grant will be paid is 15 years, whatever the duration of the loan period may be. This applies to non-revenue producing work. The answer to the last part of the question is that the 15 years apply to the grant only and not the loan period.

In consequence of this circular being put into operation will local authorities not be prevented from getting any grants from what is known as Lord St. Davids' Committee?

No, not at all. The work is being done through the Lord St. Davids' Committee, both the non-revenue-producing work and the revenue-producing work.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the present and probable future state of unemploy- ment, he can state when a decision in respect of the construction of the Channel Tunnel will be arrived at?

No, Sir. I am not in a position to say when a decision will be taken.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the special circumstances which make the unemployment among Cornish tin miners a matter of exceptional urgency, demanding consideration apart from the general problem of unemployment; that, owing to the collapse of a shaft at the East Pool mine which has put out of action the electrical pumping machinery and the lack of means to continue pumping at Cam Brea, there is danger that the South Crofty mine will be flooded past recovery within three months, thereby permanently destroying one of the few tin mines in which employment might be resumed without prohibitive outlay; that the owners are not in a position financially to cope with the difficulty of pumping and of necessary re-equipment, but would be willing to restart working the mines even at a loss, if such loss did not greatly exceed the present cost of pumping; and, in view of the special claim of the mineowners and miners of the Cornish tin mines on the Government, according to the Report of the Departmental Committee of the Board of Trade on Non-ferrous Mining, 1920, whether he will without delay take measures to deal with this urgent matter?

I have been asked to reply. With regard to the general question of unemployment amongst Cornish tin miners, I can add nothing to the statement which I made in answer to questions by the hon. Member for Penryn and Falmouth on 20th October. With regard to the position at South Crofty, my Department have had more than one meeting during the present year with the parties concerned with the object of adjusting matters. I have recently had local inquiries made into the present circumstances, and I have asked the parties to meet again this week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the electrification of the suburban portions of the trunk lines leading out of London is urgently needed, but is hung up owing to the inability of the companies to raise the necessary capital; and will he say if a railway company will be eligible for a grant to carry out such work under the terms of the Trade Facilities Bill?

I understand that the electrification of these lines is postponed, not because the companies cannot raise money, but because present prices render the work un-remunerative. The terms of the Trade Facilities Bill would cover a guarantee of capital raised for such schemes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an order for 94 engines was placed in Crewe during the period of railway control; on what conditions was the order for the engines given; whether the order was subsequently withdrawn; and, if so, what were the reasons for the withdrawal?

asked the Minister of Transport whether an order for, approximately, 94 locomotives was placed in Crewe works before the decontrol of the railways and the order was subsequently withdrawn; and, if so, can he state the reason for this action?

I have made inquiries and can find no trace of the order referred to by my hon. Friends, and as the only railway works in Crewe are those of the London and North Western Railway Company, who would not in the ordinary course accept any order from outside sources, I think there must be some misapprehension. If either of my hon. it Friends has further information and will let me have the same, I shall be glad to inquire further.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, owing to the official end of the War having taken place, the Regulations relating to lights on vehicles have lapsed; if he can state what they are and whether, in consequence, it is no longer compulsory for certain classes of road users to provide themselves with red rear-lights, which has resulted in many accidents and in great danger to all classes of road users; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Yes, Sir, I am aware that the lighting of road vehicles is now governed by pre-War requirements. The carrying of rear lights on cycles is no longer compulsory, and fresh legislation would be required to make it so. I hope there will be an opportunity during the next Session to introduce legislation deal-with the whole question of the regulation of road vehicles.

Is it the view of the Ministry of Transport that in the interests of all traffic it is desirable that rear lights should be carried?

It was the view of the Departmental Committee which inquired into the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience and hardship caused to the residents of Tooting, Mitcham, and district by the continued closing of the Tooting Junction railway; and can he bring pressure to bear on the railway companies concerned to reopen the stations and work this railway at an early date?

I am aware of the existence of a demand for the reopening of this line, and I am informed that the railway companies concerned have the question under consideration at the present moment.

Will the hon. Gentleman bring pressure to bear on the companies for an immediate decision on the matter?

I can do nothing more than make recommendations to the railway companies. The Minister of Transport has no power to make an Order, I would remind the hon. Gentleman that the public have very much enlarged powers for securing adequate facilities under the Railways Act.

Is not the company under an obligation to run a parliamentary train?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any reply from the railway companies as to granting pre-War conditions for week-end tickets, namely, for same to be available from Friday till Tuesday, in order to prevent the overcrowding of trains which now takes place on Saturdays and Mondays, the days on which such tickets are now available?

I am still in communication with, the railway companies in regard to this matter.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in opening up the canals and inland waterways to traffic; and whether any fresh work is contemplated in the immediate future?

The whole question of the future development of the inland waterways of the country is still under consideration by a Committee presided over by the hon. Member for Ladywood (Mr. N. Chamberlain), and, pending the receipt of their final report, it is not possible to give consideration to the matter in general. The Committee have, however, made an interim recommendation that part of the improvement of the River Trent contemplated in the Nottingham Corporation Act of 1915 should be proceeded with, and I am informed that the Nottingham Corporation have already commenced operations, and that their application in respect of the work in question to the Unemployment Grants Committee for a Government grant for the relief of unemployment will receive sympathetic consideration.

Is it not a fact that the subject referred to this subsequent Canal Committee had already been reported upon by the Royal Commission appointed by the present Prime Minister in 1906, and that the hon. Gentleman therefore has all the information he can possibly want?

Yes, but between 1906 and the present year there have been very great changes in the financial conditions.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that, although the Commission was appointed in 1906, it was not finished for many years after?

Under these new Unemployment Bills, will grants be available for such works as the widening of the Trent between Newark and Nottingham?

I have already indicated in the answer that the Committee presided over by Lord St. Davids is giving sympathetic consideration to the question of financing such schemes.

Is nothing else to be done beyond this River Trent canal scheme?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the management of the Vivian and Tillery collieries, under the Ebbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company, withdraw the firemen from the mines daily at 12 noon; that the miners are not withdrawn from the mines before 2 p.m.; and that therefore the miners are down these mines two hours daily without the protecting watchfulness of the firemen; and, in view of the fact that these are gaseous mines with bad roofs and sides, will he see that this dangerous practice is discontinued, so that the workmen can have the protection afforded by a fireman during the whole time they are at work in the mine?

I am aware of the facts stated in the question, which arise out of the statutory reduction of hours of employment underground. The work is supervised, after the firemen have left, by three under-managers and eight overmen, and competent persons are appointed to carry out the provisions of General Regulation 61. In these circumstances there is no contravention of the Coal Mines Act or Regulations, and I am not in a position to insist on the presence of firemen. I agree generally, however, with the hon. Member that it is desirable, if possible, that a district should never be left without a fireman, and the whole question is engaging my attention.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the weekly production of coal for the month of September; how the same compares with the pre-stoppage figures of production; if there has recently been any great reduction in the price of coal supplied to manufacturers and also to household consumers; and if there is any probability of still further reductions to all consumers in the price of coal?

The average weekly production of coal at mines in Great Britain during September was 4,126,900 tons as compared with an average production of 4,109,200 tons per week during March last. As compared with the prices ruling at the date of decontrol, considerable reductions have taken place in the prices of the inferior brands, e.g ., slacks, which are principally used by manufacturers. The average price over the whole country of the better qualities of coal (including household) has dropped only slightly, although in certain districts, notably in South Wales, there has been a marked fall. The future course of prices must depend upon general economic conditions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether the amount of coal per head per week has been increased or reduced? When the right hon. Gentleman is giving information, would it not be well to give the figures per head per week?

I am giving the information asked for in the question. If the hon. Member will put down a question, I will try to ascertain the answer to it. Of course, any comparison between the present time and even March is apt to be misleading, because neither of them can be said to be a normal time.

asked the Secretary for Mines how much of the £10,000,000 subsidy to the mining industry, voted under certain conditions by the House in last June, he will be able to return to the Treasury?

The terms of the Vote limited expenditure to the sum necessary to make good certain specified deficiencies in wages during July, August and September, and there is therefore no question of returning money to the Treasury. The sum spent will probably not exceed £7,000,000, but I cannot give an exact figure, as some claims have not yet been received and those paid to date are subject to audit.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have now come to any decision with regard to marriage allowances to officers in the Royal Navy; whether the decision refers to temporary or permanent allowances; and when a public announcement will be made;

The hon. Member asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Admiralty have passed on to his Department any scheme for the payment of marriage allowances to naval officers; and, if so, can he say whether the Treasury has yet dealt with the matter?

I propose to await the Report of the Committee on National Expenditure before coming to a conclusion on the proposals of the Admiralty.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any proposals from the Admiralty? I asked whether the Admiralty have passed on any proposals to him?

The question put to me is: Have I come to any decision? The answer I have given is, I think, entirely apposite to the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can make a statement about the payment of marriage allowances to naval officers?

I regret I cannot add anything to the reply given to-day to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Devonport.

I did not hear that reply.

asked the Prime-Minister whether he will give directions that the letters and telegrams which recently passed between the Prime Minister and the Member for East Clare, on the subject of Ireland, shall be published in the form of a White Paper, so that this correspondence may be readily accessible to Members of this House and to the public?

Yes, Sir. The earlier correspondence relating to the proposals of His Majesty's Government for an Irish settlement was published in Cmd. Paper 1470, and I will arrange for the issue of a further White Paper containing the subsequent correspondence.

Will that White Paper contain the last telegram sent by the Member for East Clare to His Holiness the Pope?

We have-nothing to do with that. This correspondence is between His Majesty's Government and the Member for East Clare.

Is it not desirable that His Majesty's Government should have something to do with it?

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us of the issue of this correspondence at the earliest date?

The hon. Gentleman has had a complete answer in the affirmative.

I am inquiring, on a point of Order, as to when the issue of this correspondence will take place.

asked the Prime-Minister whether it is under the terms of the truce that the Sinn Fein delegates display the colours of the Sinn Fein republic over the house occupied by them in London?

Before the Prime Minister answers that question, may I ask him whether there exists any such republic as that referred to in the question?

I should not have thought it necessary for my hon. Friend to put that question.

I am assured that the Sinn Fein colours are not displayed over the house occupied by the Sinn Fein delegates in London.

Is it not a fact that over the doorway of 22, Hans Place, the Sinn Fein colours have been displayed for the last ten days to the provocation of the people who live in that neighbourhood?

If that be the case, I quite agree with the observation of my hon. Friend. I cannot imagine why all these follies are being perpetrated at a time when there is a real desire to negotiate peace. It seems as though some people were doing their best to make that impossible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the delegates over here that it would be desirable to remove these colours forthwith?

I am assured they are not there.

They are there now. These are the enemies of this country.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the telegram sent to the Pope by Mr. de Valera, which has been published in a special edition of the Sinn Fein "Irish Bulletin," in which Mr. de Valera repudiates allegiance to His Majesty the King, described by him as "the British King," on the part of the people of Ireland, and reiterates that the independence of Ireland has been formally proclaimed by the elected representatives of the people of Ireland and ratified by subsequent plebiscites; and whether under these circumstances the Government intend Co proceed with the conference with the delegates from Southern Ireland, who have themselves taken an oath of allegiance to an Irish republic?

I have read the telegram referred to by my hon. Friend, and its publication, especially in the middle of peace negotiations, constitutes a grave challenge. The position of the Government on the question involved in that telegram has been made abundantly clear. We do not propose to recede from it and the conference cannot proceed on any other basis.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to a notice dated 17th instant, and purporting to come from Nicholas Crosbie of Mullingar, describing himself as Registrar, in which persons are summoned to appear for the hearing of cases brought against them at a Sinn Fein Republican Court to be held in Mullingar County Hall on 25th instant; and whether he will take immediate steps to prevent the holding of the illegal so-called court?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, if the facts are as indicated, the court will not be held.

The courts are being held.

asked the Prime Minister whether the recommendations of the Lytton Committee with reference to the employment of ex-service men have been accepted by the Government; whether any agreements have been entered into by Ministers or Whitley Committees contrary to these recommendations; and, if so, whether the recommendations of the Lytton Committee or the individual agreements of Ministers and Whitley Committees are to be carried out?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. So far as I am aware, the recommendations of the Committee in regard to the employment of ex-service men are being carried out in their entirety.

If I can show that certain officers are not carrying them out, will the right hon. Gentleman agree to give me his influence to see that they are carried out?

If the hon. and gallant Member will let me know the officers concerned in the implication, in which he alleges that orders are not being carried out, I will communicate with them.

Is it not a fact that the evasion of Treasury instructions issued to certain Departmental heads is positively notorious?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that his instructions are really carried out?

I have already given my opinion in regard to that.

Is there any truth in the statement contained in the question that the Whitley Councils have come to certain decisions? I know of none.

I do not know of any.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the dissatisfaction existing amongst ex-service men at the continued employment of conscientious objectors and of such a large number of non-service men and women in the different Government Departments, he will agree to set up at once a small Committee of Members of this House to inquire into and report on the whole matter?

The arrangements of the appointment of ex-service men to posts, whether temporary or permanent, in the Civil Service have been the subject of prolonged consideration by a Committee, under the chairmanship of the Under-Secretary of State for India and containing amongst its members two Members of this House. All the recommendations made by the Committee, in regard to this question, have been accepted by the Government and have been put into force. The employment of conscientious objectors has continued only in those cases in which men already holding permanent posts in the Civil Service have established a right, given them by Statute, to exemption from military service. The number of cases is small, about 230 in all. In the circum- stances I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of an additional Committee.

Are we to understand that by Statute it is impossible to dispense with the services of these conscientious objectors, and further, may I ask if the Government consider they are carrying out their honourable obligations to ex-service men while conscientious objectors are employed?

I do not profess not to share the prejudice of my hon. Friend with regard to conscientious objectors, but the House will remember that by an Act passed in this House leave was given to these people under certain conditions to refuse to serve or else to take alternative service. Accordingly the right has been recognised by this House for people to take such objection, and under these circumstances it is very difficult to say you are entitled to discharge a man who has exercised the right which this House has deliberately given to him.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Lytton Committee, to which he has referred, did not have anything to do with this particular problem of the permanent servants, and cannot he take extraordinary measures to put right a matter that is literally revolting the conscience of the nation, that is to say, retaining conscientious objectors whilst ex-service men, through no fault of their own, are being thrown out on to the street to starve?

I cannot by administrative action do violence to a Statute passed by this House. If the House wish something different to be done from that which they previously decided, they must take definite action themselves to that effect.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Government to get that Statute rescinded?

No Member has a right to ask me to use my influence with the Government; that is not a question which ought to be put to me.

Seeing that these men had the protection of the State during the War, ought they not to dispense with further generosity from the State in time of peace?

Who made your munitions?

Is there any reason why they should be privileged?

Is it not a fact that the Statute to which the right hon. Gentleman refers is entirely confined to giving these men the right to refuse military service or else to engage in alternative service, and what in the world has that got to do with their employment in Government Departments? If it comes, as it has come, to a question of who shall be retained and who shall be dismissed from Government service, why should they be given a preference over men who have served?

My hon. Friend really misunderstands the situation. These are people who were in Government service as permanent servants—permanently established civil servants. Accordingly, being given the opportunity for alternative service, they did that alternative service. They have remained there as permanent civil servants. There are conditions and rules under which you may dismiss permanent civil servants, but once the House has decided that people might under certain conditions refuse to go to the War, there is no ground on which they can properly be discharged. Really, the House must recognise my administrative difficulty, and if they wish other action to be taken, they must determine upon it in a definite way.

On a point of Order—

I think the right hon. Gentleman has been very liberal in his answers.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the case of John Whitwell, a British subject who was domiciled in Germany on the outbreak of war and was interned in Ruhleben; whether he is aware that Mr. Whitwell has entered claims for compensation for injury to health, loss of machinery, and property at Lubben, etc.; that Mr. Whitwell is broken in health and without resources and has been unable up to the present to obtain any reparation; and whether, in view of the fact that many other persons are similarly placed, efforts will be made to expedite a settlement of these claims?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, I would refer the hon. Member to the latter part of the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Central Division of Hull by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 18th October.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have yet approached the Brazilian Government with a view to arriving at some arrangement for the release of persons of dual British and Brazilian nationality from their obligation of military service in Brazil?

Negotiations have been opened between His Majesty's Government and the Brazilian Government with a view to the conclusion of an arrangement of the nature indicated.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he gave exactly the same answer six months ago, and that at present what is happening is that persons who claim to be British subjects and who the Brazilian Government say have a dual nationality are being called up for military service, and will he call by cable for a report from His Majesty's Minister at Rio de Janeiro to say what has been done in this matter?

Are we to understand that these are conscientious objectors in Brazil?

So far as the Foreign Office is concerned, no time has been lost, but I will consider the suggestion of my Noble Friend.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that cases have occurred where these people wanted to join the British Army and were prevented by the Brazilian authorities, and will he look into this grave scandal?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Greece are now on their way to Paris and London; what is the object of their mission; whether, in view of the lull in active hostilities in Asia Minor, the British or any Allied Government has received offers of mediation; and whether there is any early prospect of the resumption of discussions regarding the Treaty of Sèvres and peace with Turkey?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The object of the mission is to discuss the political situation. The answer to the third part of the question, so far as His Majesty's Government are aware, is in the negative. The answer to the last part of the question must depend on the attitude of Greece and Turkey. As the House is aware, His Majesty's Government have made repeated efforts for the re-establishment of peace. These efforts they are prepared to renew at the first favourable opportunity.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that no sanction is given to any attempt by the Greek Ministers to raise a loan in the City?

Obviously I cannot answer that

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further replies have been received by the British or any of the Allied Governments, from the Government of the United States of America, with regard to the draft mandates for the A and B mandates; whether any further representations have been made by the British Government to the American Government regarding the inconvenience caused by the delay in the final approval of these draft mandates by the Council of the League; and whether this matter is on the agenda for the Washington Conference?

The only reply received by His Majesty's Government is contained in a note of 24th August, setting forth the views of the United States Government. His Majesty's Government are engaged in discussions with the other mandatories, who received a similar note, as regards the reply to be returned to it. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he thinks the discussion between the Government and the other mandatories will be concluded, and the United States Government be given a reply?

No, but I will make inquiries. I could not name any date

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many meetings between the Egyptian Government Delegation and the British Government have been held to date; when the Egyptian Ministers are likely to return to Egypt; and whether a statement will be made in either House of Parliament regarding the nature and progress of the Egyptian negotiations before Parliament is prorogued?

Apart from five official meetings with the full Egyptian Delegation, there have also been numerous informal meetings both between the Secretary of State and Adly Pasha, and between officials of His Majesty's Government and members of the Delegation. The reply to the second part of the question must depend upon the course, of the negotiations which are still in progress, and, as regards the last part, I can at present make no announcement.