asked the President of the Board of Trade when the traders' panel to be set up by his Department under the Ministry of Transport Act will be appointed; and whether he will take the advice of the Timber Trade Federation of the United Kingdom as to their being suitably represented on this panel?

The selection of the 22 representatives of trading interests whom I have to nominate to the General Panel to be set up under Section 24 of the Railways Act, 1921, is under consideration in consultation with bodies representative of trading interests. I cannot say more at present than that the representations which I have received from the Timber Trade Federation will receive careful attention.

In view of the fact that the timber trade represents one-third of the total goods traffic of the English railways, will the right hon. Gentleman give a promise that there will be at least one representative of the timber trade, and that that representative shall be approved by the Federation representing the entire industry?

I cannot allow my hon. Friend to make me give a promise, but he may rest assured that all facts brought to my notice will be borne in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport when the Rates Advisory Council will be set up?

The permanent members of the Railway Rates Tribunal, constituted under the Railways Act, 1921, to which my hon. Friend doubtless alludes, have been appointed by His Majesty. The President is Sir Francis Gore-Browne, K.C., Chairman of the Rates Advisory Committee; the member experienced in commercial affairs is Mr. G. C. Locket, of the firm of Messrs. Gardner, Locket and Hinton; and the member experienced in railway business is Mr. W. A. Jepson, late Assistant General Manager to the London and North Western Railway.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the value of our imports of iron and steel during the most recent month for which figures are available and the value of the home output of similar goods during the same period, as also the value of British iron and steel which was exported?

The reply involves a statistical statement, and I will accordingly, with the permission of the House, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department in what number of cities overseas his Department is represented; and whether the results of the work already carried out justify any increase in that representation?

The Department has permanent salaried representatives in 34 cities in foreign countries and in 12 cities within the Empire. It has, in

Have not these representatives done most excellent work for British trade all over the world?

I believe that that is so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of the imports from Germany for the first nine months of this year; and how the same compare with the imports for a like period in 1920 and also in 1913?

The value of the imports into the United Kingdom, consigned from Germany, was as follows:

January-September, inclusive, 1913	£58,646,204
January-September, inclusive, 1920	£20,647,207
January-September, inclusive, 1921	£15,584,632

asked the Prime Minister if there is any evidence in the possession of the Government showing that the action of rings, trusts, and combines is maintaining any prices above a level to which they would otherwise fall; and, if so, whether, as such action is calculated to increase the cost of production and produce unemployment, the Government will carry out during this Session their undertaking to introduce legislation dealing with such action?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer to the answer given on the 2nd November to the hon. Member for Heywood and Radcliffe. In the circumstances it is not proposed to introduce, during the present Session, legislation relating to trade combines, which would obviously require considerable time for discussion.

asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a small Commission, open to the Press, to ascertain how far the price of coal, increased railway charges, alleged trade union restrictions on output, double postage, high taxation, and other causes are so increasing the cost of production of British manufactured goods as to seriously restrict the demand for them?

My right hon. Friend's suggestion will be considered by the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the British West Indian Colonies have recently granted a substantial preference on British-manufactured goods for a definite period of 10 years; whether, with a view to securing that these Colonies and other Crown Colonies and Protectorates shall place as many orders as possible in this country, thus assisting unemployment, the Government will consider the desirability of guaranteeing the continuance of Imperial preference for a like period of 10 years by the introduction of a short Act of Parliament to this effect, thus eliminating the present uncertainty as to the value of the Imperial preference now granted to the Overseas possessions by reason of its being an annual measure embodied in the Finance Act, and so subject to abolition at very short notice?

I am aware that most of the West Indian Colonies have extended to the United Kingdom the benefits of the preferential tariff arranged with Canada for a period of ten years. Representations have been received that the preference accorded by the United Kingdom should be assured to these Colonies for a similar period, and this suggestion is now being carefully examined.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of his statement in the House on 21st July, he is now able to publish the information he has collected showing the average rates of remuneration paid before the War and at the present time to the leading officials of the principal industrial and commercial concerns in the country?

No, Sir. The information already available on the subject is not sufficiently comprehensive to justify publication, but the question of issuing such a return will be borne in mind.

Arising out of this question may I ask whether this information was specifically promised in the House as a guide to Civil Service Salaries, and when it will be forthcoming?

I think, if I remember aright, what my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said was, that he would see if he could obtain the information and if it was possible to publish it in the form of a Return.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all the German ships allotted to this country have now been sold; and if he will state the number of ships and tonnage which have been bought by British, Allied, and other buyers, and the total amount realised from the sale?

Apart from vessels transferred to Allies under special agreements, 423 ex-German vessels in all have been allotted to this country for sale. 392 of these have already been delivered, and 31 are still to come. Of the 392 vessels delivered 385 have been sold, 4 are awaiting sale, and 3 were lost before sale. Of the 385 vessels sold, 326 (gross tonnage 1,494,000) were bought by British subjects, 11 (gross tonnage 27,000) by Allies, and 48 (gross tonnage 195,000) by others.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government still hold any stocks of butter; if so, approximately, what quantities, and if it is Colonial or from other countries; and what action his Department are taking to clear such stocks?

Government stocks of butter, mainly from Australia and New Zealand, are disposed of to importers, without reserve as to quantity, at ex-store prices fixed weekly, on the basis of current market prices, after consultation with the trade. For reasons already given to the House, I do not think it would be in the public interest to disclose the stock figures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there are 100 ex-service cable-workers and 103 civilian workers in that industry registering as unemployed, in addition to many women usually engaged in the same industry, and that there is a shortage of cables on the trade routes and elsewhere; and if he will recommend to the Departments concerned the need for quicker decision as to renewals and development?

I have been asked to answer this question.

Orders for telegraph and telephone cables for renewal and development works are being placed as expeditiously as possible. I hope to be able to invite additional tenders for telephone cable at an early date.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one instance quite near home is the cable communication between this country and the Western Isles of Scotland?

I am very sympathetic to the case mentioned by the hon. Member, and I will look into it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the sinking of new collieries or the completion of sinkings interrupted during the War is among the works of public utility for which assistance may be given from the £25,000,000 fund which Parliament is now asked to authorise?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Wednesday last to the hon. Baronet the Member for Wrexham.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will expedite the consideration by the Cabinet of Lord Ashfield's proposals for the extension of the system of transportation as outlined by him, in view of the fact that it would add no additional burden to the taxpayers and give immediate employment to thousands of men?

The Government have given consideration to Lord Ashfield's proposals, and have informed him that they cannot promote legislation to give the protection against competition asked for. At the same time they have suggested to him the desirability of proceeding with these important works for the extension and improvement of London traffic facilities, both from the point of view of their permanent value and the great assistance they would give in relief of the problem of unemployment. The matter is still under discussion with Lord Ashfield.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have made any recommendation to the banks to the effect that they should extend better credit facilities to merchants, manufacturers, and traders generally, with a view to increasing employment; and, if so, whether the Government have received any communication from any of the banks in reply?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not, therefore, arise. I feel confident that, with money as easy as it has been of late, the banks, who are fully alive to the urgency of the unemployment problem, have not been refusing credit unduly.

In view of the magnificent way in which banks were treated in 1914, does not the hon. Gentleman see his way to put pressure on them to help to provide employment in this particular juncture?

Is there any ground for the allegation that banks are not giving credit to those who are willing to give employment?

My hon. Friend will find that I have dealt with that point in the last part of my answer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the firm of James Archdale and Company, Limited, Birmingham, machine tool makers, who in normal times employ 500 men, are now only employing 240 men three days a fortnight and that the firm attributes this state of things largely to sales of Government machinery at excessively low prices; and whether he will consider the advisability of holding up further sales so as to avoid increasing unemployment in the machine tool trade of the country?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the sales of surplus Government machine tools is adversely effecting trade and employment in the machine tool-making industry; and whether he will take into consideration the advisability of suspending further sales until trade conditions generally have improved?

With regard to Messrs. Archdale and Company, I have no information. I am advised that sales of machine tools by the Disposal Board are being made by auction and tender subject to reserve prices, and that good prices are being obtained. For the reason stated in my reply of the 25th October to the hon. and gallant Member for Basing-stoke, it is not considered advisable to depart from the present policy of selling surplus stores.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present parlous state of this industry in this country is very largely due to the outrageous prices which are being charged by machine tool makers in this country?

No, Sir, my information does not bear out that.

Your information is wrong.

Is it not a fact that the majority of these machine tools at the Disposal Board are being sold at breaking-up prices, thereby ruining the industry?

No, Sir. On the contrary, my information is to the effect that the prices being obtained by the Disposal Board are good prices.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the unemployed in Scotland tend to remove to the cities and country towns, and whether, in connection with the proposals under consideration for special assistance to those undertaking land drainage and reclamation, he can by any means remove the difficulties obstructing burgh councils from reclaiming land out-with their boundaries for the relief of unemployment?

With regard to the first part of the question, I have no definite information, but I think it probable that in some cases there may be a movement such as that indicated. As regards the second part of the question, legislation would be required if the powers of town councils to acquire land compulsorily were to be extended, and this is not contemplated in the meantime. I would, however, remind my hon. and gallant Friend of the powers of compulsory acquisition of land for reclamation contained in the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, which may suffice for the purpose which he has in view.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Government have now decided on their proposed legislation with regard to compensation for subsidence in mining districts; and whether the Bill will be introduced this Session in order that it may be fully considered during the Recess and passed into law next Session?

I cannot add anything at present to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 11th August last. The Bill cannot be introduced this Session.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is two years or three years since this promise was given?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines the result of his negotiations with the mine owners in regard to Part II of the Mining Industry Act; and at what date is this part of the Act to become operative?

I regret to have to state that the council of the Mining Association have recently passed a resolution by a large majority to the effect that they are unwilling to co-operate in working Part II of the Mining Industry Act. I have expressed my views to them, both orally and by letter, but so far have been unsuccessful in convincing them that it is in the interests of themselves and of the industry as a whole that they should reconsider this decision, and they represent that it is now my duty to report to Parliament under Section 17 that this Part of the Act has been rendered abortive. I cannot accept the view that this declaration of intention renders the provisions of Part II "abortive" in the sense contemplated by Section 17. Those provisions can be neither operative nor abortive until the necessary Regulations have been made to enable effect to be given to them. The conditions of the industry since the passing of the Act have, until recently, made it impossible to frame these Regulations, but they are now in draft, and I propose to issue them at the earliest possible moment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of publishing the correspondence?

Yes. I should be very glad to publish it if it is the wish of the House that it should be published. I will consult my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade as to the best way of publishing it.

(1) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has requested His Majesty's representative in the Argentine to make inquiries of the Argentine Government on the subject of what appears to be the confiscation of British investments in Argentina owing to the partial repudiation by the Argentine Government of the obligations it undertook under the Mitre Law to British shareholders in Argentine railways; whether a reply has been received; if so, whether he will, when he has communicated that reply to the House, for ward it to the United States Government for their information;

(2) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that the export of British railway equipment to the Argentine must cease if the securities received by British subjects from the Argentine railways in payment for such exports are rendered valueless by the action of the Argentine Government in refusing honour its obligations under the Mitre Law; and whether he will take steps to deal with the position set up by the Argentine Government;

(3) whether there is a commercial attaché or other British Government official working in connection with the British Legation at Buenos Ayres in the interests of British commerce; and, if so, will he state whether that official, prior to the subject being raised in this House, took any action on his own initiative, or at the request of British commercial interests, to investigate the allegations of maltreatment by the Argentine Government of British capital invested in Argentine railways.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the function of the British Foreign Office to take steps to protect British commercial interests in foreign countries when it has reason to believe that British commercial interests have received unfair treatment at the hands of foreign governments; and, if so, will he state whether he has made any representations to the Argentine Government with regard to that Government's treatment of British money invested in the development of the Argentine railways?

As I stated in answer to a question from the hon. Member for St. George's on the 31st ultimo, His Majesty's Minister at Buenos Ayres is furnishing a full report on the situation. This report is on its way, and may be expected to arrive shortly. As soon as it arrives it will be given the earnest consideration of His Majesty's Government, but until that is done there is no further information which I can usefully give the hon. Members.

Will the hon. Gentleman publish the report when it arrives at Buenos Ayres, if it arrives when the House has risen?

I think that is entirely conditional.

Will the hon. Gentleman remember that half the mileage of the Argentine railways was made after the Mitre Law was passed, and on the faith of that law, and will he consider just claims of British capitalists?

I am well aware of the great importance of the matter.

Is the policy of the Foreign Office in reference to the action of its diplomatic representatives abroad to be reversed in future, in view of the fact that these representatives have not been greatly interested in commercial matters, whereas other countries, such as Germany, have made use of their diplomatic representatives in many different ways?

Have not the manufacturers in this country always had a grievance against the general policy of the Foreign Office, which has never been used to advance their interests in foreign countries?

That is entirely contrary to my experience.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the question of granting pay for corn cultivation of fractions of an acre this year in accordance with the pledge of the Agriculture Act; and whether he is prepared to introduce fresh legislation to carry out the intentions of Parliament in passing the Agriculture Act?

The Agriculture Act, 1920, did not amend the provisions of Section 1 of the Corn Production Act, 1917, which governs the question of payment in respect of fractions of an acre. There is no question, therefore, of any pledge on the subject having been contained in the Agriculture Act, and the answer to the second part of the question is, therefore, in the negative.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman, from the point of view of equity, try to do what he can in this matter, as it is inflicting grave hardship on a number of small people?

I think that I have already explained to the House that I referred the matter to the Law Officers of the Crown, who replied that I have no authority to pay for fractions of an acre under the Corn Production Act of 1917.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman a means by which we can get round the Act?

I am afraid that I do not know any means of getting round the Act.

asked the Prime Minister what replies have now been received from the Dominion Governments with regard to the necessary amendment of the law to secure British nationality for the children of foreign-born British subjects, as recommended by the Dominion Prime Ministers at the recent Imperial Conference; and whether he expects to be in a position to introduce the necessary legislation in the matter at the beginning of next Session?

No replies have yet been received from the Dominion Governments in this matter. I cannot make any statement as to legislation thereon next Session. The matter was brought before the Conference and they unanimously adopted the suggestion made and we are now awaiting replies from the Dominion Governments in the matter. I am anticipating favourable replies. The methods adopted depend on legislation in the Dominions.

May we take it that the unanimous opinion of the Dominion Prime Ministers has been conveyed to the Dominions in connection with the Conference?

Yes. We have communicated the decisions of the Conference. As a matter of fact, we have circulated a draft Bill for approval.

asked the Prime Minister how many foreign civilians have the two British decorations of the G.C.B. and G.C.M.G., and for what services they have been awarded these decorations?

So far as I have been able to ascertain, this distinction has not been conferred on any foreign civilian.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Sir Basil Zaharoff has had these two honours?

I do not know.

That is so. Why have these honours been given to this individual?

I do not know whether he has received them or not.

If these honours have been conferred on Sir Basil Zaharoff, have they been conferred for the money that he has lent us?

The hon. Gentleman had better put down on the Paper any suggestion which he has to make.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the possible materialisation of large Empire settlement schemes in Australia and other Dominions, and with a view to giving Labour a greater share in the supervision and conduct of any emigration arrangements, he will consider, in consultation with the leader of the Labour party, the question of reinforcing the Oversea Settlement Committee by the addition of further Labour representatives?

I have been asked to reply. My hon Friend raised this question in his speech in Committee on 3rd November, and I would refer him to the assurances which I gave in the concluding part of my speech on the same day. The matter will be discussed with the Chairman of the Oversea Settlement Committee on his return.

asked the Prime Minister whether any Bill is contemplated rendering conscientious objectors and others of military age who avoided military service during the country's peril in the Great War ineligible as candidates for public offices?

In view of the policy of the Government to give the greatest possible preference to ex-service men in selecting candidates for Government employment, it is not considered that any such legislation is necessary.

Is the Government aware of the intense indignation felt at the participation in the government of this country of men who would have seen it a Prussian province rather than risk their skins for it?

I am well aware of the feeling that exists. I would refer the hon. Member to the notice on the Paper to-day relating to the Select Committee which it is proposed to set up.

Is it possible by Order in Council to get rid of these conscientious objectors from Government employment?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the Notice of Motion relating to India standing in the names of the hon. Member for Twickenham and others—["That this House views with. grave concern the present state of India, and urges upon His Majesty's Government to take immediate steps to re-establish law and order in that country"]—and when he will give a day for its discussion?

As this question relates to the business of the House, my hon. Friend will not be surprised if I answer it. I have seen the Notice of Motion, to which, in view both of the importance of the subject and the number of signatures attached to it, His Majesty's Government have given careful consideration. I should be glad if my hon. Friend would be good enough to confer with me before taking further action.

Will it be convenient for my right hon. Friend to see myself and two or three of my friends this afternoon?

Yes; I am at my hon. Friend's disposal immediately after questions.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will take steps to see that Basante Kumar Roy, described in the Press as de Valera's emissary to India, is not granted per- mission to return from America to India in the same manner as permission was granted to Lajpat Rai?

If my right hon. Friend has occasion to deal with any application for permission to return to India, he will consult the Government of India as to the best method of doing so.

asked the Secretary of State for India what was the total number of men enlisted in the Indian Auxiliary Force up to the 30th September, 1921, at the end of the first year of the existence of this force; and what is the estimated number of men in the country available for enlistment who have so far refused to enlist voluntarily?

The total number of men enrolled in the Auxiliary Force up to 30th September was 29,750, and my present information is that the strength of the force now exceeds 30,000. As regards the second part of the question, the number of men available cannot be accurately gauged, as availability is dependent on occupation and other causes.

asked the Secretary of State for India who were the local officials of Bhagalpur who were responsible for the prosecution of Mr. Grant in the case in which the court entirely exonerated Mr. Grant, and animadverted upon the unsatisfactory manner in which the case had been investigated by the Bhagalpur authorities; and what steps have been taken by the Government of India in the matter?

The Government of Bihar and Orissa rightly took a very serious view of the murder by villagers of Gurkha watchmen engaged by Mr. Grant and instituted these prosecutions. The persons accused of taking part in the assault on the Gurkhas were charged with murder, riot and dacoity; the Messrs. Grant with organising an unlawful assembly; and the Gurkhas and villagers who accompanied them with forming an unlawful assembly. My right hon. Friend has not received a report of the judgment, which, he understands, entirely exonerated the Messrs. Grant.

The case was one in which a full magisterial inquiry was very desirable. My right hon. Friend does not know that the Government of India has taken any action.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to hand over the port of Memel to Lithuania, having regard to the fact that on the 16th June, 1919, the Allied and Associated Powers rejected the contention of Germany that Memel should remain under German sovereignty and affirmed that the port of Memel was the only sea outlet for Lithuania?

By Article 99 of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany renounced in favour of the principal Allied and Associated Powers all rights and title over this territory. No decision has yet been reached regarding its eventual allocation.

As the matter has been hanging over for two years, when may the Lithuanian Government expect to receive a decision?

I am afraid that I am not in a position to tell my right hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can assure the House that nothing will be done by the British Government to coerce or to bring pressure to bear upon the Government and people of Northern Ireland with a view to forcing them into surrendering any of the territory or rights granted to them by the Government of Ireland Act?

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he has any information to the effect that the representations of Sinn Fein are prepared to abandon the claim for Irish independence, provided that the Government consents to make certain modifications of the Constitutions set up by the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, in the direction of reducing the area under the jurisdiction of the Parliament of Northern Ireland or of changing the Constitution and powers of the Council of Ireland; and whether, seeing that such a proposal, if made, would be an example of the device of putting forward impossible demands in order to use their subsequent withdrawal as a means to extort concessions which would not otherwise be considered, he can give an assurance that under no circumstances will the Cabinet be induced by the employment of this device, or otherwise, to consent to any change in the powers of, or the extent of territory subject to, the Parliament of Northern Ireland, or in the constitution of the Council of Ireland?

The House by an overwhelming majority has confirmed the decision of the Government to enter the Conference, and in the course of the Debate the position of the Government was again stated by myself and the Leader of the House. But no Conference could proceed if each fresh rumour as to its discussions or as to the attitude of the Members taking part in it were to be made the subject of Parliamentary question and answer. I must therefore very respectfully urge my hon. Friends not to press their questions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not repeat to the House the definite assurance which he has again and again given, that under no circumstances would Ulster be coerced or pressed to surrender anything which she had been given by the Government of Ireland Act?

As the right hon. Gentleman has replied to my question also, while I very gladly accede to his request not to press it further at present, I would ask, does he realise that Question 43 is based upon an anxiety which is very generally shared by many of his most loyal supporters?

Yes, I do realise that, and so do all my colleagues.

In the course of his speech a day or two since when the right hon. Gentleman induced many Members to follow him into the Lobby, did the right hon. Gentleman not say that, whatever else happened, Ulster would not be coerced?

That is exactly the same question put to me in a different form.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a Sinn Fein court was held at Kinsale on 1st September, 1921, at which a woman who kept a public-house was fined for refusing to allow the Irish Republican Army police on her premises; whether the date of the meeting of the court was known to the military authorities at Kinsale, as well as the fact that this case was to come on for hearing; whether instructions were issued by the authorities that the court was not to be interfered with; and whether, since the authorities thereby precluded themselves from protecting the accused woman, he will say in what way such persons summoned before Sinn Fein courts receive protection?

I am informed that a Sinn Fein court was held at Kinsale on the 1st September, but that, though the authorities were aware that a court was summoned to meet on that day, they had no knowledge that a case of this kind, involving as it does a breach of the truce, would be dealt with. In regard to the last part of the question, the protection of the Crown forces will be accorded to any person claiming the same against any attempted interference with his personal liberty or property by an illegal court.

May we take it that the Government encourages and approves of Sinn Fein courts unless there is some grave intimidation practised?

No.

What Sinn Fein courts does the Government approve of?

I thought I had answered that. The only courts the Government approves of are courts legally held. If a court that is an arbitration court is held, whether it is held by Sinn Feiners or Loyalists, the Government is bound to approve of it, because it is a legal court, in Ireland or in England.

Then if similar courts are set up in the Communist district of Glasgow, does the Government approve of it?

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to see to the money being refunded to this woman from whom it was taken illegally?

Yes, I undertake, if this woman has been illegally fined, to recoup her.

What punishments are meted out to breakers of the truce every day?

asked the Chief Secretary whether the workhouse at Bally-shannon has been occupied by the Irish Republican Army; whether an armed sentry was posted at the gate; whether he can inform the House for what purpose the workhouse has been so occupied; and what steps he has taken in the matter?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The matter has been taken up with the Chief Sinn Fein Liaison Official, but I am not yet in a position to inform the House of the result.

Will breakers of the truce be punished in this case, and, if so, what punishment will be meted out?

Is this a part of the "honourable understanding between men of honour"?

I consider it a breach of the truce, and I must take the only remedy that I am allowed to take under the truce.

How many breaches of the truce will be necessary before it is borne in on the right hon. Gentleman that the honourable understanding no longer exists?

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the proceedings of a coroner's inquiry into the death of Michael Brooks at Ennis on 26th October, where the jurors objected to the form of oath and, in deference to this objection, the words "our Sovereign Lord the King" were expunged by the coroner; and what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?

The facts of this case are substantially as stated in the question. There were other irregularities in connection with the summoning of the jury, and as one member of the jury left immediately after the oath was administered, the inquest was not proceeded with, and a military court of inquiry in lieu of inquest will be held. The coroner has been asked to give an explanation.

asked the Chief Secretary whether on 8th August, 1921, a man named Foley, one of a party of armed rebels, was captured in Bandon while seizing a motor car belonging to the wireless station, Royal Irish Constabulary; whether he was in possession of a revolver and dum-dum ammunition; whether he was tried by field-general court-martial and convicted; whether subsequently two members of the Royal Irish Constabulary were kidnapped; and whether Foley was then released in exchange for the kidnapped constables?

Foley was arrested, not in the act of seizing a car belonging to the Royal Irish Constabulary, but in the course of a search for a car which had been seized by Sinn Feiners some time before. As he was found to be in possession of a revolver and two rounds of ammunition, he was tried and sentenced as stated. As the result of further enquiries into all the circumstances, the Commander-in-Chief, while confirming the finding, decided to remit the term of imprisonment imposed. As regards the kidnapping of the constables referred to, it had been represented that this was an act of retaliation for the arrest of Foley which Sinn Fein regarded as a breach of the truce; Foley was accordingly not set at liberty until an undertaking had been given that the constables would be immediately released.

Was not this man in possession of dum-dum bullets?

I am sorry that the answer does not deal with that point, but I will see that the hon. and gallant Gentleman gets an answer on that specific point.

On whom does the decision rest as to whether or not the truce has been broken?

Each case stands by itself. No one regrets more than I do any breach of the truce, but, under the terms of the truce, they must be dealt with in the way contemplated, or by force. I believe that it is my duty to deal with them in the way contemplated by the truce.

Will the Government do something more than regret breaches of the truce?

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what Clause in the truce—for I see none—deals with a breach of the truce?

asked the Chief Secretary whether Constable M'Carthy, Royal Irish Constabulary, was fired at and seriously wounded in the village of Baltinglass, County Wicklow, on Sunday, 30th October last; and whether any arrests have been made in connection with this outrage?

On the night of 30th October last Constable M'Carthy received a revolver bullet wound. The circumstances in which he was wounded are at present obscure. Until I have received the report of the inquiries by the police that are now proceeding, I regret I cannot give the House any further information in regard to this case.

How long is it likely to take the right hon. Gentleman to get this Report? Will it be available before the House rises?

Yes; I can promise that.

May I ask whether the Government consider these cases to be mere details?

They certainly do not. This is considered a very grave matter indeed.

Was this a breach of the truce?

The police authorities are inquiring into the case, and it is obscure as to how this man came by his wounds. He was wounded at night by a revolver shot. I cannot say more until I get a report from my policemen?

How many breakers of the truce have been punished?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that during the truce the so-called Commandant John Hales, 1st Battalion, 3rd West Cork Brigade, of the Irish Republican Army, was using a Ford car, the property of Colonel Lucas, which had been stolen; whether on the 8th August the police stopped and seized the car; whether Hales thereupon took possession of another car belonging to a loyalist named Shorter; and what steps have been taken in the matter?

The answer to the first, second, and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. Mr. Shorter's car was returned five or six weeks ago.

How much longer have we got to put up with this damned nonsense?

That is from a Noble Lord, and not a docker.

The Noble Lord knows perfectly well that that is an improper expression.

I beg your pardon, Sir, but my feelings are very strong.

I was chucked out the other night for less than that.

I am very glad that the hon. Gentleman will set a good example to the Noble Lord.

(by Private Notice)asked the Chief Secretary whether the police in Belfast last night raided a yard in Kent Street, where they found a loyalist citizen under sentence of death in charge of three armed Sinn Fein guards; whether a wireless installation and other military plant were captured at the same time; and what steps he is taking to protect loyal citizens of Belfast and elsewhere in Ireland from being kidnapped and condemned to death?

Mr. Arthur W. Hunt was kidnapped by armed men who styled themselves members of the Irish Republican Army on the 22nd ult. The police got information of his whereabouts last night, surrounded the house, forced an entrance, and found him in charge of three armed civilians. Mr. Hunt, who believed himself to be under sentence of death, was released, and his guards were arrested. There was also discovered a wireless installation and other military material. As regards the last part of the question, Belfast is under the control of the military authorities. Any further steps that may be required will be taken after consultation with the responsible authorities concerned, including the Government of Northern Ireland.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the men who proposed to execute this loyal citizen will be punished?

They will be released!

These men are under arrest, and they will be dealt with in the ordinary way.

May I ask whether three loyal citizens were not recently murdered at the dead of night by special constables in Dublin, whether the men who committed this crime have been brought to justice, and whether there has been any protest from the other side against the murder of these innocent men?

That does not arise here.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any further information about Albania; and, in particular, whether any action has been taken under the Covenant of the League of Nations to prevent the neighbours of that country from attacking her?

According to the latest reports from His Majesty's representative in Albania, the Jugo-Slav forces have now occupied Lurya and Oroshi and are continuing to advance. The Conference of Ambassadors, at their meeting on Saturday, were able to come to an agreement as to the frontiers of Albania, and these frontiers will at once be notified to the interested parties. The Serb-Croat-Slovene Government will then be summoned to withdraw their forces from Albanian territory. His Majesty's Government have meanwhile taken steps formally to recognise the Government at Tirana as the de jure Government of the whole of Albania.

As regards the last part of my Noble Friend's question, I understand that the Albanian Government have now addressed a further appeal to the League of Nations. It is to be hoped that, in face of the decision now come to by the Ambassadors Conference, the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government will instruct their forces to withdraw. The situation is, however, of so serious a nature that His Majesty's Government have called upon the Secretary General of the League of Nations to summon an immediate meeting of the Council in order that they may consider the application of Article 16 to the present situation, and may agree upon the measures to be taken in the event of the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government continuing to evade their obligations under the Covenant.

With the permission of the House, I should like to express my warm gratitude to my hon. Friend.

Will not this matter come before the greater League of Nations at Washington?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that old age pensions have sometimes to be refused to persons residing in the United Kingdom if previously they resided in some other part of the British Dominions; whether, in order to remove this hardship, he will introduce in the current Session legislation to provide that any such previous residence in any part of those Dominions shall, in the case of claimants resident in the United Kingdom, be regarded as residence in the United Kingdom; whether a similar hardship is involved in any old age pension scheme of any other of those Dominions; and, if so, whether he will communicate with the Dominion Governments concerned with a view to their extending favourable treatment on similar lines, mutatis mutandis, to persons residing in those Dominions who previously resided in the United Kingdom?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. One of the statutory conditions for the receipt of an old age pension by any person is that the person has had his residence in the United Kingdom—

(1) if a natural-born British subject, for an aggregate period of not less than 12 years since attaining the age of 50; and

(2) if a naturalised British subject, for an aggregate period of 20 years,

subject to the proviso that periods of absence from the United Kingdom may in certain special circumstances (namely, service abroad under the Crown, etc.) be counted as residence in the United Kingdom. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer regrets that he does not see his way to introduce legislation in the current Session to provide that previous residence in any part of the British Dominions shall, in the case of claimants resident in the United Kingdom, be regarded as residence in the United Kingdom.

The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that under the Australian Old Age Pensions Act a person is not entitled to an old age pension unless he has resided in Australia for 20 years. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend is prepared to consider any proposals that may be made by the Dominion Governments concerned in the sense suggested.

In considering this matter, will the hon. Gentleman see whether next Session there is any possibility of dealing with the whole of the recommendations of the Old Age Pensions Committee which sat last year?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in assessing the income of candidates for old age pensions, the Treasury takes into consideration, and if so, why, the assistance given to such claimants by friends on whom rests no legal liability to show such compassion and sympathy?

Assistance received by claimants to old age pensions from friends is required, by Section 2 (1) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911, to be taken into account in calculating the means of the claimants for the purpose of determining the rate of pension (if any) to which they are entitled, notwithstanding that there is no legal liability on the friends to give such assistance.

Was not that modified last year?

No, Sir.

Is not this the same restriction as was applied in regard to pre-War pensioners, and does the hon. Gentleman not know it is exceedingly disliked by every one of them?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many British blind people over the age of 50 are now, by recent legislation, in receipt of old age pensions owing to their inability to follow their employment; what percentage of those over 50 is represented by such recipients; and whether, in all cases, steps are taken to bring it home to such blind persons that they are qualified for the pension if they fulfil the conditions?

On the 30th September last there were in the United Kingdom 12,633 blind persons in receipt of old age pensions under the provisions of Section 1 of the Blind Persons Act, 1920. In Great Britain the number was approximately 72 per cent. of the number of registered blind persons between the ages of 50 and 70. I regret that a percentage for Ireland is not available. With regard to the last part of the question, steps were taken to bring these provisions to the notice of all agencies and institutions for the blind, and a public notice appeared in the Press.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of having that notice posted in the offices?

Yes. I shall take that suggestion into consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is yet possible to state the name of the successor in office to Sir Basil Thomson; and, if not, whether the appointment will be made before the House rises?

No successor has yet been appointed. The position is an important one and the Government are anxious, if possible, to secure the services of someone who acquired experience and distinction in that branch of work during the War. I cannot say whether we can succeed in doing so before the House rises, but we are losing no time in making the necessary inquiries.

Is it not a fact that a successor was appointed, and that Police Regulation No. 31 stated that General Sir Joseph Byrne was in charge of the Department under its new name? Was that not a document signed by General Horwood?

Notice ought to be given to me of that question. My knowledge of the facts only leads me to the conclusion that General Byrne was invited, that the position was offered to him, but had not been accepted, and I also understand that it had not received the approval of the Treasury.

In view of the communistic rejoicings over the departure of Sir Basil Thomson, will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the desirability of reinstating Sir Basil Thomson in a post from which he was dismissed after a long period of distinguished service?

Who in the meantime is in charge of the secret funds?

I think that notice ought to be given of that question. I do not know anything about the organisation of the Department.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a statement by Sir Basil Thomson in the Press to-day, which, if it be true, shows that the information of the Home Secretary the other day was entirely inaccurate?

If General Byrne had not been appointed, why was he allowed to have access to the secret funds?

I really think that if I am to be examined about details of that kind, notice ought to be given to me. I really cannot give an answer as to details of administration in all Departments of the State.

May I ask the question of the right hon. Gentleman the Home Secretary?