asked the Minister of Pensions the number of ex-service men at present confined in lunatic asylums who are in receipt of treatment allowances?

The number of ex-service men classified as service patients in respect of whom treatment allowances are paid or credited is 6,435.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that in many curable cases the treatment allowance upon which the dependants of these men rely is given subject to the condition that they enter a lunatic asylum, with the result that in many cases they are rendered permanently insane, and will my hon. and gallant Friend render his practical sympathy to a vigorous movement that is on foot to redeem these unfortunate men from the positive torture of lunatic asylums?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question on that quite different point. I cannot accept the word "torture" in his statement. We must not forget the enormous amount of trouble and care which the doctors and others are taking on behalf of those who unfortunately have suffered from the effects of the War.

Does not my hon. and gallant Friend accept the position that in regard to a curable case it is torture?

No, I cannot accept the word "torture."

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman—

We cannot argue the question now.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Pensions Issue Office is staffed by women; that the total number of women employed under the authority of the Ministry of Pensions is approximately 12,000; and that at least 8,000 of these women could be replaced by ex-service men; if, in view of the large number of unemployed ex-service men and the promises given by the Government when these men entered His Majesty's service to fight for this country, he will give immediate and definite instructions that ex-service men shall be employed wherever possible in all Government Departments in the place of women; and whether, in order to ensure these instructions being carried out, he will arrange for the Joint Substitution Board to be reconstructed, with representation from ex-service men's associations, and that it be granted full executive power (with the Minister of Labour as its chairman) to enforce all possible substitution in the different Departments?

I understand that the Pensions Issue Office is at present staffed by women; that the total number of women employed in the Ministry of Pensions is approximately 12,000; that of these one-half are engaged on non-clerical or women's duties such as those of hospital staff, typists, or cleaners; and that the number, 6,200, employed on clerical duties represents a reduction of 1,700 on the number so employed in October, 1920, and is being rapidly further reduced in accordance with the recommendation in paragraph 19 of the Third Report of Lord Lytton's Committee. It is the policy of His Majesty's Government that ex-service men should be employed, wherever possible, in all Government Departments in place of non-service temporary staff, whether men or women. Definite instructions to that effect have been given to all Departments, and I am satisfied that they are being carried out. The responsibility for carrying out the policy of the Government in any individual Department must, however, continue to be that of the Ministerial head of that Department, and I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion in the last part of the question.

May I ask the Leader of the House if the terms of reference of the Select Committee which he stated yesterday he proposed to appoint will include an inquiry into the whole question of the employment of non-service and ex-service people in Government Departments?

No, Sir. The Committee which I invited the House yesterday to appoint was a Committee to consider the question of the continued employment of conscientious objectors, and I think it would be undesirable to extend that inquiry beyond the point for which it is specifically asked, and on which a decision is sought as soon as possible.

Will the Financial Secretary carry out a special inquiry into the appointments made on the staff of the Disposal Board during the last fortnight, and see whether his orders have actually been carried out?

As I have previously assured other hon. Members, in reply to similar questions, I have inquired, and will most particularly continue to inquire, into any circumstances of the sort suggested by the Noble Lord, in connection with the administration of the principles to which I have referred—subject, of course, to there being primâ facie a matter for inquiry.

Does the hon. Gentleman intend to carry out the specific recommendation of the Lytton Committee, that not more than 30 per cent, of the whole staff of the Pensions Ministry shall be women, and by what date?

I think that a question applying to a particular Department should be put on the Paper.

On a point of Order. The hon. Gentleman referred in detail to the recommendations of the Lytton Committee in regard to the Pensions Ministry, and it is arising out of that answer that I put my specific question.

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put the question down?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Pensions Issue Office is the least efficient branch of the Pensions Ministry, and is that due to this employment of women?

The hon. Member is giving an opinion.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will inquire into the case of Mr. C. W. Keeves, of 29, Osborne Street, Wolverton, late private, No. 220,373, 1st Battalion Royal Berks, whose pension expires on 16th November, 1921; is he aware that Mr. Keeves is still suffering from the effects of his wound, and that only on the 17th October, 1921, his doctor certified in writing that he has an old wound of the left thigh which interferes with the function of the limb, and gives rise to neuralgic pains in the knee joint; on account of this condition Mr. Keeves has lost much time and cannot continue regular work; and will he, in view of this, cause the weekly pension to be continued?

The last Medical Board, held in September, 1920, found the remaining disablement to be less than 20 per cent., and a final allowance was awarded which will expire on the date stated. If Mr. Keeves considers that the condition of his disability has become worse, he may apply through his Local War Pensions Committee to have his case reviewed.

What redress has Mr. Keeves got if his pension stops on 16th November and his appeal cannot possibly be heard for three, four, five, or six months? Will my hon. and gallant Friend inquire into this case, because the local doctor certifies that this man cannot work?

The Ministry have acted on the finding of the Medical Board, and the man has had a perfectly fair medical examination.

May I ask whether this is one more in the long line of cases where the Ministry of Pensions override the knowledge and the certificate of the local doctor, who not only knows the man now but knew him before the War?

No, it is not the case that we over-ride the finding of any doctor, but we go by the proper Medical Board constituted for the purpose, and a full right of appeal exists. My hon. and gallant Friend is not justified in his statement.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he can state the reason of the delay in the publication of the Report of the Williamson Committee; whether he has agreed to the recommendations; and whether they have been sanctioned by the Treasury?

The Report of the Williamson Committee is in the press and will be published immediately. I hope to send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy in the course of a few days. My right hon. Friend is in agreement with the Report, the value of which he much appreciates. Effect is being given to its recommendations.

Arising out of that reply, for which I am much obliged, may I ask my hon. and gallant Friend whether, if the Ministry decide to supply the new limb recommended in that Report, he will afford hon. Members an opportunity of seeing the limb?

We shall be delighted to give hon. Members an opportunity of seeing the new limb.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the large incursion of the pensions staff into the borough of Acton is making housing conditions a greater problem than ever; and, seeing that the number to be transferred is by no means yet completed, will he endeavour to arrange for effective transport facilities for those who so desire it?

The provision of adequate transport facilities for the staff in process of transfer to the new building at Acton has not been overlooked. The traffic companies concerned have promised to augment their services as necessity arises, and they are kept informed of the numbers of staff transferred.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman's attention been called to the proposals made yesterday by Lord Ashfield, some of which, if carried out, would do much to mitigate the difficulties in this particular case?

I shall be pleased to examine those proposals.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the strong feeling shown by Members of this House, he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation whereby the anomaly of conscientious objectors being employed by the Civil Service whilst men who have fought for their country are out of work may cease?

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the more enlightened views now felt by the nation as to conscientious objectors in comparison with the views entertained by Parliament in 1916, he will consider introducing a Bill to provide that no Department of the State shall dismiss ex-service employés so long as men who avoided service during the War remain in its employment?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friends to the answer given by the Leader of the House to questions on this subject yesterday.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what date and by whose instructions the auxiliary police who were employed in searching for arms and munitions on ships arriving at Irish ports were withdrawn, and when these police commenced again to operate in these ports; whether during the time that these police were withdrawn any searches for arms and munitions were made on ships arriving at Irish ports; and whether he will state approximately what number of Thomson machine-guns and other arms have been imported into Ireland during the truce for the use of the Irish Republican Army?

The search by auxiliary police of ships entering Irish ports, six in number, was suspended on 11th July when the truce came into operation. Owing to persistent rumours of the continued importation of arms it was resumed on 18th September. These steps were taken by direction of the Government. The search of vessels by His Majesty's Customs has continued without intermission, and is, of course, still going on. The Government have no proof of any landing of arms having been successfully effected during the truce. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

When these auxiliary police were withdrawn, who made the searches of ships arriving in Ireland with arms intended for the Republican Army?

I have answered that. The proper persons to search ships in Ireland are the members of His Majesty's Customs service; they have always been responsible for that particular work, and they have been and are now reinforced, if required, by all the forces of the Crown in Ireland.

Is it not a fact that these Customs officials are known to be, many of them, Sinn Feiners, and that it is absolutely necessary to reinforce them by the police? [An HON. MEMBER: "They are officers of the Crown."] We do not want English soldiers murdered, if you do.

What is the reason for stopping the searches of these vessels by the persons who were authorised to do so, namely, the police, for nearly two months from 11th July onwards?

As soon as the truce was signed—[HON. MEMBERS: "It was not signed!"]—as soon as the truce was agreed to, there was immediately a cessation of a great deal of the work that had gone on up to that date. For instance, the whole Army resumed its peacetime training, and was put then, and is now, on the same basis as the Army has always been. Fifty per cent, of the Auxiliary Force were at once given leave, because the Government considered that under the terms of the truce it was justified in taking that step. Among these operations there were withdrawn at that moment the operations of certain Auxiliary Police in six ports in Ireland, but it did not interfere, and has not interfered, with the system of continuous searching of vessels coming to Ireland.

Is it not a fact—

Order, order!

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the allegation that officers in the West of Ireland reported that arms were being landed, and were informed in reply that to interfere with the landing of arms would be a breach of the truce, and they were consequently compelled to remain inactive while hundreds of rifles were being openly landed in their presence and carried off into the interior of the country; and will he have inquiries made into the matter?

Yes, Sir. My attention has been called to this allegation and I adhere to the statement which I made in this House last Thursday. The instructions issued to the police throughout Ireland directed them, in accordance with the terms of the truce, to discontinue the raids and searches which have been carried out prior to 11th July. There was, however, nothing in these instructions to debar the police from taking immediate action in the ordinary course of their duty on receipt of information of any attempts on the part of Sinn Fein to import arms in contravention of the truce. The suggestion that the police remained inactive while hundreds, or indeed any, rifles were being openly landed is utterly devoid of foundation.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the printed orders issued this year by Dail Eireann for the constitution, jurisdiction, and working of the following republican courts in Ireland to supersede the High Court of Justice, the county courts, and the petty sessions, namely, a supreme court in Dublin, district courts (of which two out of five members may be priests), and parish courts (of which one out of three members may be a priest); whether these orders provide that every member of these courts shall take an oath of allegiance to the Irish Republic and swear that he will support and defend the Irish Republic against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and further provide for compelling the attendance of witnesses, for arresting and bringing persons before the courts, and for the enforcement of the orders of the courts; whether these courts have been repeatedly held before and since the truce, and British subjects have been intimidated from having recourse to the King s courts and have been forced to obey the orders of the republican courts; and whether any persons have been brought to justice either before or since the truce for taking part in these illegalities?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of any illegal Sinn Fein courts having been held in Ireland since the so-called truce; if so, how many such instances he knows of; and what action he has taken in regard to them?

asked the Chief Secretary whether, when Sinn Fein courts are established, they are opened by a proclamation denouncing British Law and announcing that the proceedings would be conducted according to the Code Napoleon and the old Brehon laws; and whether the Government have tolerated, and intend further to tolerate, the holding of such courts in defiance of the King's courts and British Law?

My attention has been drawn to the document referred to by the hon. and learned Member for York (Sir J. Butcher). The number of courts of which the police have received complaint is 94. I am not in a position to give the House any information as to the procedure actually followed in these so-called courts. As I have stated, the strongest representations have been made to Sinn Fein in the matter. I would refer in this connection to my replies to questions on the subject last Thursday and yesterday. In the most recent case brought to notice I gave the House an assurance that the Court in question—one summoned to meet in Mullingar on the following day—would not be held. The action taken on that occasion was effective and will be repeated if necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that by the printed document issued by the Irish Republican Army or the Irish Republic as to the constitution of these courts, a code of law is laid down to be administered by these courts entirely different from the British code?

I have no knowledge of that, but I will inquire into the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer the second part of my question, as to whether the Government have tolerated, and intend further to tolerate, the holding of such courts in defiance of the King's Courts and British law?

The Government have not tolerated, and do not intend to tolerate, the holding of such courts, in defiance of British law. Before the truce orders had gone to the police to disperse these courts, and they were dispersed, but during the period of truce an order to the police to go and disperse these courts might mean the shedding of blood, and I did not feel justified in dispersing these courts in that way.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman state in this House, before this truce, that in many cases these courts had done good work in settling land disputes, and is the whole of that work, which is the only means of protecting the Unionist landowners, to be thrown aside?

Then are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that, during the so-called truce, the Government have been tolerating the holding of these courts?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, namely, whether any persons have been brought to justice either before or since the truce for taking part in these illegalities?

Before the truce numbers of persons were arrested and a larger number dispersed. These courts in Ireland, although not in this House, are looked upon much less seriously than some hon. Members seem to believe. Since the truce, the procedure has been set up by which a number of persons on the Sinn Fein side and a number of persons representing the Government have been appointed for liaison duties. It is impossible during a period of truce to use the same methods of force that were justified during a period of rebellion.

May I ask whether that means that, because the truce exists, the King's writ no longer runs in Ireland?

More Courts of His Majesty can now sit in Ireland than have been able to sit for many months past, and the business of these Courts is going much better than I personally expected it would during this period of truce.

When the right hon. Gentleman prevented the holding of the Mullingar Court, did it necessitate the use of force, or the shedding of any blood?

I am glad to say it did not.

Is it not one of the terms, admitted by both sides, of the truce that there should be no interference by Sinn Feiners with Government or private property, and is it possible to conceive a Court dealing with people's property without interfering with private property; and, if such Courts are in operation, is it not a direct breach of the truce?

I thought I had answered that. Of course, if anybody in a Court or out of a Court attempts to interfere with Government or private property or private persons, the Government will give those persons and the owners of that property every protection in its power. My own view is that there is less interference with Government and private property since the truce than there was before the truce.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any, and, if so, what acreage of land has been taken by the Irish Board of Works in or near the City of Belfast for the purpose of erecting houses for sailors and soldiers; what is the location of such sites; and when it is proposed to commence building operations on the 173 houses already promised, and which are urgently needed?

The Local Government Board has acquired 66 acres of land in or near Belfast for the purpose of erecting houses under the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919. The location of the schemes, which are five in number, is briefly as follows: Two to the north and north-east of Belfast, near Carnmoney and Whiteabbey in Belfast Rural District; two from 10 to 15 miles west and north-west of Belfast, near Crumlin and Randalstown, in Antrim and Belfast Rural Districts; and one to the south-east of Belfast, near Castlereagh. The total number of houses to be erected is 160, and building operations have actually begun on 34.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what progress has been made, if any, with the actual building of houses?

The total number of houses to be erected is 160, and building operations have already been begun on 34.

asked the Chief Secretary how many houses have been built under the Housing (Ireland) Act elsewhere than in the city of Belfast; and what is the reason for the delay for the Government intimating to local authorities the decision to increase the subsidy to 35s. for every 20s. of rent collected so that local authorities may take steps to make a reduction in rents?

Under the Housing (Ireland) Act, which relates only to, certain classes of subsidised building schemes, 78 houses have been completed in Belfast and 17 elsewhere in Ireland. The corresponding numbers of houses under construction are 177 and 42. The new rates of subsidy were made known some time ago, and draft Regulations embodying them are expected to be issued to local authorities at an early date. The delay in fixing the amount of the Exchequer subsidy was inevitable, in view of the lack of interest in building schemes displayed by public bodies in the greater part of Ireland, the consequent difficulty in obtaining data to base a rate, and the refusal of many such bodies to recognise the Government. I cannot accept the suggestion in the last part of the question that the object of the increased subsidy is to enable local authorities to reduce their rents. On the contrary, provision is made in the draft Regulations to enable the subsidy to be reduced if local authorities fail to secure the best rents obtainable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not well aware that the reason why public authorities are unable to take full advantage of the scheme is because of the fact that the subsidy is not such as will enable a rent to be fixed that the tenants can reasonably be expected to pay?

That is not peculiar to Ireland.

That raises the question of how far the Government, which means this House of Commons, can grant money to Ireland. I myself do not feel justified in asking the House to give more money to Ireland at the present time.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that municipal authorities representing loyal people, who observe the law and pay their rates and taxes, are entitled to some encouragement?

asked the Chief Secretary whether certain books and funds belonging to Dail Eireann were seized before the truce by the officers of the Crown in Ireland; whether the books contained valuable evidence as showing the relations between Dail Eireann and certain of the gunmen; whether these books and funds were ordered to be restored to Dail Eireann; and whether it was by his orders that this was done?

No funds or books or captured documents of any kind have been returned to Dail Eireann. It is possible that the hon. Member may be referring to certain property belonging to an institution known as the Sinn Fein Bank, which was seized and became the subject of proceedings in the High Court in Dublin last year. This property was returned on the advice of Crown counsel in the settlement of the litigation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us some answer to the latter part of the question, whether these documents showed certain relations between Dail Eireann and certain of His Majesty's officials at Dublin Castle?

Certainly not.

asked the Chief Secretary whether His Majesty's subjects in Ireland are being forced by Sinn Fein threats to pay what are termed taxes to the Irish Republican Exchequer; and what steps he is taking to prevent these proceedings?

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to a printed circular recently issued to the farmers and others in East Donegal purporting to come from the headquarters of a company of the 5th battalion, 2nd brigade, of the 1st north division of the Irish Republican Army, demanding sums varying from £5 to £100 for the maintenance of that army, and stating that any attempt to evade payment will be looked upon and dealt with as the act of an enemy of the Republic; whether similar demands for money have been made and enforced in other parts of Ireland; and what steps the Government have taken to suppress these attempts to force British subjects to support the rebellion in Ireland?

My attention has been drawn to the circular referred to, which constitutes a clear violation of the terms of the truce. Representations have been made in regard to these attempted exactions, and I am glad to state that the responsible Sinn Fein leaders have now issued a public announcement in the Irish Press informing their officials throughout the country that all attempted forced levies and forced collections of money are unauthorised by them, and must be stopped. As I stated in reply to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Burton (Colonel Gretton) on Monday, all persons in Ireland may count upon receiving the protection of the Crown Forces in resisting such demands.

Will the money that has already been extorted be returned?

If the Noble Lord will give me a specific case of that kind, I will consider it, but to make a general promise would lay me open to the applications of thousands of persons who might allege that they had had money forced from them.

If I hand the right hon. Gentleman a document issued under the authority of Dail Eireann, with the name of the party to which it is directed upon it, will he see that action is taken in that case?

Certainly. The difficulty in Ireland is to get anybody to come forward to help us.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he first took steps to stop these proceedings?

From the commencement of the truce.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, on Friday last, armed Sinn Feiners made a raid on the house of Daniel M'Quaid, a process-server, near Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, and kidnapped this man and carried him away; and whether the police have yet been able to discover his whereabouts or to ascertain his fate or to arrest the raiders?

Mr. Daniel M'Quaid was removed from his house by three masked men, one of whom is stated to have been armed, last Thursday evening. He has not since been heard of. The matter is being actively investigated.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, on 22nd October, a coffin was found in the Roman Catholic church at Sixmilebridge, County Limerick, containing the remains of Constable William Murphy, who was kidnapped last March?

I am informed that the body of Constable Murphy, who has been missing since last March, and was believed to have been kidnapped, was brought by unknown men into the Catholic church at Sixmilebridge, County Clare, about 2.30 a.m. on the 20th instant, and handed over to the clerk of the church.

Have steps been taken to ascertain the actual cause of death?

If steps have> not been taken, they will be. An inquest will be held in the usual way, or, in lieu I of no inquest, a military inquiry, to find out the cause of death.

Are we to understand I that no action is taken in these cases till the matter is raised in the House of Commons?

asked the Chief Secretary whether Private Hobson, of the Essex Regiment, was kidnapped in Cork on or about the 7th September, 1921; what steps the Government have taken to procure his release; and whether, if not successful, they have any information as to his fate?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The man referred to, whose name is Dobson, not Hobson, was kidnapped, but has since escaped.

asked the Chief Secretary whether police-constables Cruise and Coulson were kidnapped whilst unarmed in Barrack Street, Bandon, on or about the 23rd August in this year, that is to say, during the period when the truce was in existence; whether the Government have taken any steps to procure the release of these men and with what result; and whether, if their efforts have not been successful, they have any information as to the fate of these men?

These two constables were kidnapped while walking unarmed in Bandon on 23rd August. Steps were at once taken to secure their release, but in the meantime the men escaped and returned safely to barracks.

Is it not a fact that constables have been previously kidnapped from this area since the truce, whether it is a fact that motor cars are being commandeered at the present time, and farm carts, and is it a fact that Irish republican soldiers are being compulsorily billeted upon loyal inhabitants, and has the right hon. Gentleman not promised his protection to these people over and over again in this House?

There is no protection.

This question has no relation whatever to the question on the Paper; but I can assure the House that there is less interference with persons and property in Ireland now than there was before the truce. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]

asked the Chief Secretary if, on the 13th instant, a Protestant loyalist, named Thomas Woods, of Corryhagen, Ballybay, County Monaghan, was kidnapped by eight armed men of the Sinn Fein organisation as he was working with his father in his field; that he was taken away in a motor car, tried by Sinn Fein court-martial at a place called Tully-corbet, about seven miles from his home, and fined in the sum of £20 for being a loyalist; that he was further informed that if this money was not paid within a certain time both he and his father would be taken on the next occasion; and has any special means of protection been accorded to this family and other loyalists in that district?

I am informed that Mr. Thomas Woods was kidnapped, as stated. He was released on the 15th instant. I have no information as to the alleged fine of £20, but am making further inquiries as to this and have directed instructions to be sent to the local police to afford Mr. Woods all necessary protection. The County of Monaghan has a large force of police, and if the number is not sufficient, it can be increased.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Sinn Fein court- martial, if we may so call it, has threatened this man that, if he does not pay this fine of £20, he and his father will be taken into custody by the authorities? In the absence of any protection up to the present, what is going to happen to these loyalist people? Will arms be given to the loyalists in that district, with which to defend themselves?

Is not this a breach of the truce?

Of course it is a breach of the truce.

What are you going to do?

As I have tried to explain to the hon. Member who asked the question, I shall make inquiries as to whether it is true.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that two constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary stationed at Mallow Barracks were kidnapped on the night of Saturday, 26th October; what steps the Government have taken to procure their release; and with what result?

Immediate action was taken in this matter, and I am glad to be able to inform the House that the two constables have been released and have returned to their station uninjured.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Irish Republican Army liaison officer appointed for Cork under the terms of the truce was largely responsible for organising the ambush near Macroom of the 28th November, 1920, in which 15 auxiliary police were murdered and mutilated; and whether such an appointment is in accordance with the terms of the truce?

I have no evidence as to the facts stated.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any evidence at all that the individual in question, whose name is Barry, is the person who led the assassins who murdered the cadets?

I have no evidence of that fact. If there is any evidence of that, I should certainly think this appointment as a liaison officer would be most provocative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that at a public meeting this man Barry—Commandant Barry as he is called—was congratulated upon his action?

It is common knowledge in Ireland.

I wish the hon. and gallant Member would send me the information on which he bases his statement. I have told him that if the facts as stated be true, the appointment of this liaison officer would be most provocative.

But why would it be any worse than the others?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will inform the House what action has been taken by His Majesty's Government to prevent further infractions of the truce; and what specific results have been obtained there-from?

It would be impossible within the limits of an answer to deal with this question, except in general terms, and in the circumstances I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to what I said in reply to the hon. and gallant Member last Thursday. I would add that every possible step is being taken by the Government to prevent infractions of the truce and with success. Some of the specific results are the dispersal of camps, the vacating of commandeered houses, kidnapped persons have been released, etc.

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that within the past 24 hours—

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise or has he heard of the specific case of a woman who two or three days ago was specially sent over to Ireland to be tried by a Sinn Fein court?

Sent over?

Yes, to Ireland, and she has gone over!

That question had better be put down.

asked the Prime Minister the precise terms of the so-called truce between His Majesty's Government and Irish Sinn Fein rebels; by whom on each side the terms were signed; and when they were published and where?

The terms of the truce appear in the White Paper published yesterday. The terms were discussed by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Ireland with Mr. de Valera, and the general headquarters communiqué set out in the White Paper was issued by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief accordingly. At a subsequent discussion between the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief and Mr. Duggan and Mr. Barton, an alternative draft was submitted by the latter and accepted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. These terms are those set out in the latter part of the White Paper, and in a memorandum to his commanding officers issued by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, he brought the terms to their notice. The Sinn Fein representatives published the terms in the Irish Bulletin. These terms were not signed, but have been acted on as the terms of truce.

I wish to raise a point of Order. The Prime Minister alluded to the Member for East Clare. May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether it is in order to describe this man as the Member for East Clare, when he is also the Member for East Mayo? The Standing Order says that a Member must decide within one week which place he is going to sit for. Further, in view of the fact that he is an alien, and refuses to take the Oath of Allegiance, is he not ineligible in any case?

I think he is at present the Member for two constituencies, and when he presents himself at the Table to take the Oath he will have to choose for which constituency he will sit. The Prime Minister, I think, is quite in order.

As the Prime Minister admitted that there were no signatures to the so-called truce, why did the Leader of the House yesterday lead the House to suppose that the truce had been signed? [HON. MEMBERS: "He did not," and "Withdraw."]

As the terms of the truce as set forth by the representatives of the Government and the representatives of Sinn Fein are by no means identical, which is the correct form?

If the hon. Member will look at my answer he will see that I have very specifically answered that question. I say that these terms were not signed, but they have been kept as the terms of a truce.

Why were they not signed?

Is it not an extraordinary thing that such a document was not signed?

How is it that a document, which has not been agreed to, was published in the "Times" and in the first part of the White Paper as if it had been agreed to? Is the Prime Minister aware that the "Irish Bulletin" have invariably said that the first document had not been agreed to and this is the first intimation the House has had about the second document, which was agreed to?

We have published both documents. I only saw the Commander-in-Chief this morning and got an account of the whole transaction. The truce was arranged in Ireland between the Commander-in-Chief and the representatives of Sinn Fein here. I know that the Commander-in-Chief was there and I got his account of the transaction which I have given to the House to-day.

Are we to understand that the Government did not know the exact terms of the truce until this morning. [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer!"]

I was getting up to answer. On the contrary, we proceeded on the assumption that the second document was the one on which the truce was based, and in all the discussions we have had in regard to the breaches of the truce, that is the document upon which we have acted. That is the account given us this morning by the Commander-in-Chief. I only sought an explanation this morning as to why there were two documents and I have given that explanation to the House.

It was published in the "Times" by the Dublin headquarters as being the proper document, and it has never been contradicted.

It was issued by head quarters because it was a document arranged on the first day. The document presented on the second day was a more accurate account of the interview between them. That probably did not appear in the "Times" or any other paper. [HON. MEMBERS: "Yes!"] I understand that the second document did appear in the "Times"

Is the Prime Minister aware that both were published on the same day and in the same paper?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will inquire into the case of Mr. W. C. Ringwood, late manager of the Provincial Bank of Ireland, Bantry, whom members of the Irish Republican party endeavoured to kidnap last July after commandeering his motor car and bicycle; whether he is aware that this gentleman was then compelled to give up his position and to take refuge in England; that, on endeavouring to sell by auction his furniture, those who attended the sale were informed that the furniture was forfeit to the Irish Republic and that any person who bid for it would be shot; whether the furniture is now held under lock and key in a public building at Bantry, although Mr. Ringwood desires, to bring it across to England; and is he prepared to have arrested the persons concerned in this outrage?

I am inquiring into this case, and shall be glad if the hon. and gallant Member will repeat on Monday the question, of which I only received notice on Tuesday.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to a proclamation issued by the Republican Minister for Local Government, and addressed to all holders of decrees for malicious injury awarded in enemy courts, warning them that they will be proceeded against with all the forces at the disposal of the Republican party should they or their solicitors take any steps to apply for or receive payment of the amounts awarded; and what action does he propose to take with the gentleman who has signed this document?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to a question on this subject by the hon. and learned Member for York on Monday. In addition, I would say that if the hon. and gallant Member has a specific case, I hope he will forward the facts to the Irish Office so that it may be dealt with.

Is not this a clear case of a member of this Dail Eirenn, as it is called, deliberately breaking the truce?

Is it fair, does the right hon. Gentleman consider, to expect Members of this House to convey information to him which his own officers in Ireland ought to know, and does he know that within the last 24 hours a workhouse in the County of Donegal has been commandeered and is occupied by 100 of the Irish Republican Army, who are now quartered there? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer!" and Interruption.]

Notice must be given of a specific case of that kind.

asked the Chief Secretary whether since the so called truce loyal citizens in Ireland have been threatened with death unless they leave the country?

I have not received particulars of any case where attempt has been made since the truce to compel a loyal citizen, by threats, to leave Ireland. If any hon. Member has information of any specific case of the kind, I shall be glad to receive it and can promise that immediate action shall be taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I personally sent him a case, urgently, and implored him to act before it was too late?

Not to my knowledge.

Your Secretary acknowledged it.

Who is keeping this information back? Everybody else knows the facts‡

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I myself gave work to a man who came to Belfast, and who was threatened in this manner? That is a specific case. If he wants the name and address, I will give it to him.

asked the Prime Minister what is the precise meaning of the statement in his letter of 20th July last to the Member for East Clare, in which he says that the British Government propose that the conditions of settlement between Great Britain and Ireland shall be embodied in the form of a treaty to which effect shall in due course be given by the British and Irish Parliaments; and whether it is intended that the terms of any settlement shall be open to revision and alteration by the Imperial Parliament?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the length of time that has elapsed since the proposals of the Government for an Irish settlement were made public, he is able to say that the five fundamentals then laid down, control of the seas round Ireland, a limited territorial force, all necessary facilities for military and civil air communications, no protective duties or restrictions on the flow of trade, and a responsibility for a share of the present War debt and pensions arising out of the War, still form fundamentals and will not be modified or abandoned without the consent and knowledge of the House?

The results of the Conferences now being held will be submitted to Parliament and the concurrence of Parliament in any settlement is of course necessary. It will be quite impossible to conduct negotiations if reports are made from time to time as to the position taken up on particular issues at the Conference meetings by the negotiators on both sides.

Will the Prime Minister answer my question as to whether the terms of settlement are to be open to revision and alteration by Parliament?

Most distinctly. It would be quite impossible to have a settlement except with the full consent of Parliament. The whole of the terms will be submitted to Parliament on the assumption that there is a settlement, and every provision will have to be ratified by Parliament even to the smallest detail.

Does the same remark apply to the Dail Eireann? Will they have to ratify the Treaty?

I know nothing at all about Dail Eireann, but I know that the settlement must receive the sanction of the Imperial Parliament.

Will the settlement be in the form of an Act of Parliament or a Treaty.

If there is to be a settlement—the Act of Union was a Treaty and it was an Act of Parliament—it must be an Act of Parliament. Nobody can put any settlement into force except with the sanction of the Houses of Parliament.

Between whom is it proposed that this so-called Treaty shall be made, and what parties?

Between the duly elected representatives of the Irish people under an Act passed by this House and by the Government of the day.

Was there a Treaty with South Africa?

Yes.

How can they be considered to be the representatives of the Irish people when they have not taken the oath of allegiance?

The hon. Member has misunderstood me. I said "duly elected under an Act of Parliament."

asked the Prime Minister whether the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland receives his instructions from the Lord Lieutenant or the Chief Secretary or the Army Council; and, if not, will he say by whom instructions are given?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Army in Ireland is under his orders; and whether the General Officer Commanding, Ireland, takes orders from his official superiors at the War Office with reference to military measures to prevent rebellious actions, or has he first to submit his proposals to him?

The Army in Ireland is under the command of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Ireland. All military measures are taken by him at his discretion, in accordance with general instructions given to him by the Army Council, acting upon the policy laid down by the Government. In the martial law area, where exceptional powers have been given to the military authorities, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief consults and is guided by the Chief Secretary in all questions of policy affecting the civil government or administration.

Does the authority of the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland extend to negotiating truces?

Certainly.

asked the Chief Secretary if orders have been issued from the Irish Government to the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary that they are not to interfere with any members of the so-called Sinn Fein police who may be found on licensed premises during prohibited hours?

asked the Chief Secretary if the Irish Government has decided not to prosecute under the Licensing Act members of the Irish Republican Army police found upon licensed premises during prohibited hours?

It is not a fact that the Irish Government have decided not to prosecute persons found upon licensed premises during prohibited hours.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a copy of this order was given to every district inspector in every county in Ireland?

No such order was issued by the Irish Government, and I do not know how the hon. Member got a copy of it. If it was issued by someone outside the Government, then it will be cancelled.

The order has been issued. May I read it?

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to an advertisement offering –500 reward for evidence leading to the conviction of the murderers of the late Major Compton-Smith, M.C.; whether such an advertisement appeared last June with the sanction of the Irish Office; whether the police have any information as to the identity of the murderers; and whether the police, since the date of the truce, have taken, and are willing to take, any and what steps to obtain information on the point, or whether, since the truce, the police have been directed not to make arrests or searches in connection with the matter?

My attention has been drawn to this advertisement. I did approve the advertisement that appeared in June, but was not consulted in reference to any advertisement appearing since 11th July. With regard to the rest of the question, police investigations are, during the existence of the truce, necessarily limited by the agreed terms.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether the Conference with the Sinn Fein delegates is still proceeding, and, if so, on what conditions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the conditions, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 24th instant.

Are we to understand, then, that the delegates have repudiated Mr. De Valera's claim that Ireland is an independent nation?

That is just the point on which I disallowed the hon. Member's question as presented to me. He is now trying to put it in the form of a supplementary question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is consonant with the great position which he occupies to engage in negotiations to arrive at a formula with people who repudiate allegiance to His Majesty the King?

The hon. Member is now entering into an argument. This Conference has been sitting for some time past.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of Christmas Day falling on a Sunday and the consequent loss of a public holiday, he will recommend the making of an Order in Council making Tuesday, 27th December, an additional holiday, as was done in 1910?

After consultation with the banks, I propose to recommend that in due course the necessary steps should be taken to declare Tuesday, 27th December, a Bank Holiday this year in England and Wales.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that certain wholesale trade rings and trusts, in their attempt to hold up prices against the public, refuse to sell to retailers who import from abroad; and, seeing that this amounts to a conspiracy with a view to the restraint of trade, what steps does he propose to take in order to combat this evil?

I have been asked to reply. I have not had any specific case of the type referred to brought to my notice, and I should be glad if the hon. Member would give me further particulars.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the Profiteer- ing Act was passed undertakings were given that the Government would take steps to deal with the major question of the large trusts who were profiteering on a wholesale scale: when will the Government redeem these undertakings?

The matter is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the serious situation that has arisen in Austria owing to the exhaustion of credits and the depreciation of the currency; if he is aware that the recent Anglo-French advance of –500,000 will only provide food for two weeks; and what steps are proposed to restore confidence and to tide over the time which must elapse until the American liens are postponed, as these liens present a technical difficulty in the way of the credit scheme proposed by the League of Nations?

His Majesty's Government is watching with close attention and sympathy the difficulties of the Austrian Government's financial position. By agreement with the French Government temporary financial assistance, not necessarily limited to the figure mentioned in the question, is being arranged for, the advances so far as this country is concerned being provided through banking channels. It is unfortunate that technical difficulties have hitherto stood in the way of the release by the United States Government, as has been agreed by other Governments, of the liens held upon Austrian assets, which is an essential preliminary to the securing of foreign credits by the Austrian Government under the plan which it worked out with the League of Nations. I have every hope, however, that this difficulty will eventually be overcome. In the meanwhile the strenuous efforts which the present Austrian Government is making to put Austria in a position to help herself by restoring Budget equilibrium cannot fail to have a good effect both on the immediate position in Austria and on the prospect of obtaining foreign credits.

Do I understand from that reply that during the delay in getting American relief, such assistance will be given as will prevent a general panic?

We are giving such assistance as we can in, times which are very difficult for our own country, as the hon. and gallant Member knows.

Is it not a fact that it will take a generation unless we revise the Peace Treaty and give this great nation an outlet to the sea?

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to absorb part of the large number of unemployed in Scotland, he has considered with his advisers the construction of a mid-Scotland ship canal; and whether he is aware that in many quarters this scheme is regarded as likely to be financially remunerative and has also the strong approval of the Admiralty?

The scheme to which my hon. Friend alludes has been considered with reference to the question of unemployment. I am not aware that there is any convincing evidence that the scheme would be financially remunerative. I am informed that in the opinion of the Admiralty the strategical advantages of such a canal are not of sufficient importance to justify the Government in incurring at the present time the expenditure which would be involved.

Will an inquiry be made into this matter on the part of the Government?

If the Government will not consider this question, will they consider the question of the Crinan Canal which is on a smaller scale?