asked the President of the Board of Trade who are the persons appointed by him to investigate the prices of, and profits on, the manufacture and sale of beer; when they will report to him; and whether he will make a Report to the House?

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on the 3rd April, I have received a Report from the officials of the Board of Trade, who have been inquiring into this subject. While it is clear that profits from brewing are substantially larger now than they were before the War, I am not satisfied that any reduction in the price charged to the public is practicable in existing conditions. I do not, therefore, propose to take any further action at present.

Would not the reduction in the prices of hops and sugar affect the question?

It does affect it, but is set off to some extent by a fall in the demand for consumption.

Would not a very appropriate step be for the Government to reduce this absurd taxation?

That is the only way in which the prices can be reduced, but it is probably within the knowledge of my hon. and gallant Friend that to reduce the price by a penny a pint would moan something like £30,000,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether preferential tariffs are extended by the Government of Brazil to any countries other than Belgium and the United States of America; whether any opportunity has occurred whereby an agreement might be reached in respect of preferential tariffs between this country and Brazil;

(2) whether, in view of the long and friendly relationship between this country and Brazil, he will take steps to bring about a closer connection in the way of trade; and, in view of the foresight of the Brazilian Government in granting, whenever possible, preferential treatment to countries whose trade is beneficial to Brazil, will he approach the proper quarters in order that a similar state of affairs may be brought into existence as far as this country is concerned?

So far as I am aware, the preferential tariff treatment accorded by Brazil to a limited number of articles originating in the United States of America and Belgium is not extended to any other country. I should, of course, welcome an arrangement which would give us the same treatment, but, as I have already informed my hon. Friend, the Brazilian Government have been repeatedly approached on the subject by His Majesty's Government without success. Advantage will be taken of any opportunity which may occur in the future of re-opening the question with any prospect of success.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of prohibiting the importation into this country of flour, in preference to wheat, thereby increasing and cheapening the supply of offals for feeding purposes and also assisting the milling industry at home in the employment of more labour?

Without fresh legislation, His Majesty's Government have no power to restrict the importation of flour, and I do not think it desirable to introduce such legislation. I have observed that, since the reduction in the price of flour in this country, the proportion of flour to wheat in our imports has shown a very sensible decline.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Berlin printing firm of Otto Elsner, when canvassing for business in this country, base their estimates upon a payment to what they call their dearest workmen, the machine operators, of 650 marks weekly, or less than 20s. at present values, which they compare with 92s. 6d. paid weekly to a corresponding London workman; and whether the information in his Department confirms this figure of German wages.

This question is one for the Minister of Labour, but my right hon. Friend, who cannot be in the House at this moment, has asked me to read his reply, which is as follows: "The circumstance mentioned by my hon. Friend had not been brought to my notice. I understand that the rate of wage cited for printing machine operators in Berlin is approximately correct, but that the rate for the corresponding class of worker in London is 100s., and not 92s. 6d."

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the latest available figures of the imports of fresh milk and preserved milk in various forms, showing countries of origin?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and value of fabric gloves imported during the months of January, February, and March, 1921, and also the number and value for the same months in the years 1920, 1914, and 1913?

The information desired is not at present available, and special tables will need to be compiled. I will send these to the hon. Members when they are ready.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is urgency in this matter in view of the feeling among farmers that owing to the importation of milk this is unfair competition with them?

I quite realise that at this moment it would be of great interest to have these figures and I will do all I can to expedite their publication.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the report in the Press that all the importers of meat from South America have now joined the meat trust controlled by American importers: whether the object of this trust is to restrict imports so as to increase prices to retailers and consumers; whether his Department has any power in this matter to prevent this increase of prices of meat to the people of this country; and can he make any general statement on the subject?

I am informed that it is not correct that all the importers of meat from South America have joined what the hon. Member calls the "meat trust." With regard to the second part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that a Sub-Committee appointed by the Standing Committee on Trusts under the Profiteering Acts, 1919 and 1920, reported in 1920 that "no complaint was made of unfair trading on the part of the American companies beyond severe cutting of prices for the purpose of developing trade or clearing surplus stocks." If, is also understood that for a considerable part of the past 12 months the importation of frozen beef, at least, from South America, has been carried on at a loss. I do not consider, therefore, that an emergency has arisen which would justify the interference of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Department whether, under the New Spanish tariff, the Spanish Government has the right to grant inferior duties on particular items in the tariff to countries conceding equivalent advantages to Spanish products; and whether, in that case, the British Government is making any representations for the sympathetic treatment of British imports, in view of the sympathetic treatment accorded to Spanish products in this country, especially fruit, vegetables, and minerals?

The Spanish Government have recently introduced a Bill to enable them to reduce the present rates of customs duty on particular classes of goods in return for equivalent advantages to Spanish products. As already stated in the House, negotiations are at present proceeding for the conclusion of a commercial treaty between this country and Spain.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that a Bill has passed the Cortes, and is now law?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the exclusion of agricultural produce from the scope of Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

Articles of food or drink are already excluded from the scope of Part II of the Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is yet in possession of the Report of the Committee established by him under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act to inquire into complaints made as to aluminium hollow ware and enamelled hollow ware, respectively; if so, when does he propose to lay that Report before the House; and what action has he decided to take in regard to an import duty?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now prepared to relieve the suspense which exists, both in British manufacturing centres and in the distributive trade by disclosing officially whether the Glassware Committee of Inquiry, appointed under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, has by majority reported against the imposition of a duty; and what action, if any, has his Department decided to take?

The Reports of these Committees are under consideration, and I hope very shortly to be in a position to make a statement with regard to them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the evidence given before the Safeguarding of Industries Committee of Inquiry by one of the principal manufacturers of British dolls to the effect that he anticipated that British manufacturers would always have to import dolls' eyes from Germany or France; and whether, in view of this evidence, he will state why a tax on imported dolls' eyes is still imposed under an Act for the safeguarding of British industries?

I understand that one manufacturer did make a statement of the nature indicated by the hon. Member, but I am not disposed to base policy on the prophecy of a single individual unsupported by any detailed evidence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man is a manufacturer who is compelled to import these goods? How can he import them in competition with other manufacturers who have not paid this duty?

That does not affect my answer.

Does this interesting statement also apply to Teddy bears?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received the Report of the Committee set up under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, Part II, in respect of bronze powders; and, if so, at what date does he anticipate being able to publish his decision as to making an Order under the Act in regard to this commodity?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the 2,000 commodities liable to duty under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, which were not manufactured in the United Kingdom prior to the passage of this Act, are now being manufactured in this country; and what is the nature of the articles so manufactured?

I am not aware of the basis for the figure given by the hon. Member, and it is not possible, without very elaborate inquiries, to give detailed information of the kind he desires. But I may point out especially to the very substantial progress made in those branches of the chemical industry which are comprised within the chemical heading of the Schedule, and account for the greater number of items in the lists issued thereunder.

Is it possible to give more detailed information on the lines of the question, as it would be of interest both to those who support this Bill and those who oppose it?

I am always glad to answer any question so far as I am able.

Was not this figure of 2,000 given us by the right hon. Gentleman?

I am afraid I cannot remember that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the finding and order of a Naval Court held at the British Consulate-General, Alexandria, on the 21st December, 1921, to investigate the circumstances attending the abandonment of the British steamer "Hornsee," of the Port of London, which finding was to the effect that the circumstances of the vessel's loss were highly suspicious, that the ship was prematurely abandoned, and that no attempts appear to have been made to save her; that the facts that the ship was so much out of her course on the voyage from Syracuse to Alexandria, that a false position was given in her wireless telegram for assistance, and that her policy of insurance expired two days later, gave rise to grave suspicion; that the master was worthy of censure for the way in which his evidence was given and the manner in which he performed his duties as master of a ship, and that, the ship being British, the only Englishman on board was the wireless operator, this adding considerably to the difficulty of examining the case; whether the Board of Trade are satisfied that the "Horn-see" was a vessel employed habitually in voyages between ports outside the United Kingdom, under Section 6 (1) of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919; whether the master and officers, being aliens, held British certificates; and whether he will consider the advisability of so amending the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, as to prevent the occurrence of cases of this kind?

My attention has been drawn to the finding and order of the Naval Court held at the Consulate-General, Alexandria, on 21st December, 1921, to investigate the circumstances attending the abandonment of the s.s. "Hornsee." This vessel was employed habitually in voyages between ports outside the United Kingdom, and neither the master nor any of the officers was the holder of a British certificate. I do not think there is sufficient case for proposing an amendment of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, as regards officers of British ships trading abroad.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the finding referred to? Is it correctly stated in the question? Does he not think it sufficiently serious to warrant careful consideration of further legislation?

I would remind my hon. and learned Friend that this matter was discussed at some length in 1919, when the Act in question was passed, and I am not aware of anything that has arisen since then which would lead the House to alter legislation which was before it so recently.

Is there any way in which the disastrous result that has occurred in this case can be averted in future?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total value of reparation dyes received from the Germans during the year 1920–21 and the value realised; whether all these dyes were sold through the medium of the central importing agency; and what was the amount of commission and expenses allowed to this organisation?

I am unable to state separately the value of reparation dyes received from the Germans during the year 1920–21, but the total value of reparation dyes received from December, 1919, to 31st March, 1921, was £549,094, and the amount realised from sales during that period was £380,062. The dyes were all sold through the central importing agency, who were paid a commission, to include expenses, of 3½ per cent, on the amount realised.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any official information to the effect that the Turkish Nationalist Government at Angora have agreed to the terms agreed by the recent conference of Allied foreign Ministers in Paris as the basis of an armistice and the revision of the Treaty of Sèvres, upon the condition that the Greek forces evacuate Asia Minor within four months; whether he will take steps to ensure the presence of British and other Allied officers in the territory to be evacuated forthwith, and throughout the difficult period of evacua- tion; and whether any reply to the Allied proposals has been received from the Hellenic Government?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any answer has yet been received from Turkey regarding the new terms?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Turkish Government at Angora has accepted the suggestion for an armistice; what conditions, if any, were attached to the acceptance of an armistice; and what reply has been sent to this proposal?

The Greek Government have accepted the armistice proposal. The Angora Government have accepted in principle the proposal for an armistice, and have expressed their readiness to send delegates to a conference to examine conditions of peace, but they have qualified their acceptance by the proviso that Greek evacuation of Anatolia shall begin at once and be completed within four months. Arrangements for assuring order during the evacuation have been elaborated by the Allied military authorities under Marshal Foch, but I cannot at present describe them in detail.

Do we understand that the conditions on which the Angora Government insist, preparatory to an armistice, have been forwarded to the Greek Government?

I think the Greek Government is aware of the conditions.

Is the armistice to take place or not?

That I cannot answer at the moment. The reply is conditional.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information as to the statement in the Press that 2,000 Greek officers and a large number of Greek troops in the Smyrna area refuse to be bound by the armistice?

No, I have no information as to that statement.

Is the hon. Gentleman quite sure that the steps to prevent disorders during the evacuation are satisfactory, and will he ensure that His Majesty's Government have representatives on the spot to see that disorders do not take place?

We are in the provisional stage of negotiations. I think the conditions proposed are satisfactory.

But the disorders may start any day.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Turkish Nationalist Government has recently entered into a further treaty or agreement with the Moscow Soviet Government; and, if so, what are the main provisions of this treaty or agreement?

His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of such an agreement.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to statements that British coal exports to France and Belgium have to compete upon extremely disadvantageous terms with German reparation coal, the value of which under the Treaty of Versailles is based upon the German pit price; and whether any of this German reparation coal that may be surplus to our Allies' present requirements is exported by them to other Continental markets to the exclusion of British coal?

I have seen statements of the kind referred to. They are based on a misapprehension. It is true that, for the purpose of the reparation account, the value of deliveries of German coal is reckoned on the German pit price basis, but the price charged to French and Belgian consumers for this coal is-regulated by their Governments, and is sufficiently high to avoid competition with coal produced at French and Belgian mines. But for the reparation arrangements, the coal thus supplied by Germany could have entered the open markets of Europe upon terms against which British coal might have had great difficulty in competing owing to the unfavourable state of the exchanges. With regard to the second part of the question, my information does not confirm the suggestion that German reparation coal is being exported from France and Belgium. A statement recently published by the French Minister of Finance shows that all the fuel delivered by Germany to France has been allotted for consumption in France. I may also refer my hon. Friend to an answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Durham on 13th February last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the proposal to give the peninsula of Gallipoli to the Greeks will come under reconsideration; and whether this area can be subjected, mutatis mutandis, to some such treatment as is to be applied to the Dardanelles?

I do not clearly understand the meaning of the question. The navigation of the straits will be controlled by an international Commission. The military control of the Gallipoli peninsula, which is the European shore of the straits, will be entrusted to an Allied force. It is not proposed to depart from these dispositions.

asked the President of the Board of Education what would be the cost in 1922 of awarding the same number of State scholarships tenable at the universities as were awarded in

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is intended to apply to those areas only which have adopted the Burnham scales the proposal of the Geddes Report that teachers should

1921; whether ho will consider the hardship to those whose parents have kept them at school at considerable sacrifice in order that they might compete this year; and whether the same award can be made to girls, for whom the university scholarships available are few in number and of small amount, the proportion of university scholarships for girls and boys being 1 to 13?

The cost of awarding in 1922 the same number of State scholarships as were awarded in 1921 would be, approximately, £48,000 in all, of which about £10,000 would fall in 1922–23, £16,000 in 1923–24 and 1924–25, and £6,000 in 1925–26. I regret that I am unable to award State scholarships to girls only during the time that the making of new awards under the scheme for State scholarships is in abeyance.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number per 1,000 of teachers employed in State schools who break down annually from nerve, heart, and lung diseases, respectively?

The only records bearing on this matter which are available relate to teachers who, being in "recognised service" for the purposes of the School Teachers (Superanuation) Act, 1918, were awarded "disablement allowances" under that Act during the year ended 31st March, 1922. I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The figures are an follow:

contribute 5 per cent, of the salary towards pensions?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on 16th March to the hon. Member for the Louth Division of Lincolnshire (Mrs. Wintringham).

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Burnham standard scale for teachers as agreed to by both panels was reduced, after agreement had been arrived at and before publication, by the action of the Treasury; if so, how much was the reduction; and was he consulted and consenting?

There are four standard scales for teachers in public elementary schools, to whom presumably the hon. and gallant Member refers. No alteration in these scales was made by or at the instance of the Treasury.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the report of the sanitary surveyor of the Auckland Eural Council as to the condition of the infants' school, Horwich, in which it is stated that the schools were worse than cowsheds; whether he has received any report as to the condition of these schools; and what action he proposes to take?

I assume that the question relates to the Church of England school at Hunwick in the County of Durham. The Board have received a copy of a report of the medical officer of health upon the premises, which is certainly severe but does not contain the statement mentioned. They are in communication with the local education authority and school managers.

I have been asked to postpone this question. May I ask when it will be convenient for me to put the question again? The House is to rise on Wednesday next.

I would be obliged if my hon. Friend would postpone the question until after the Recess. I must communicate with the Lord Chancellor, and at present I am unable to say when I shall be able to get a letter through.

I will gladly do as suggested.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the substantial divergence of opinion between the Air Ministry and the Admiralty regarding the proved potentialities of aircraft in sinking battleships and the experiments carried out in the United States; and whether he will make a statement thereon?

It is not considered that it would be in the public interest to make a statement on this matter at present.

Is it not a fact that the speech of the First Lord of the Admiralty in another place on 30th March was fair neither to the Navy nor to the Air Force, and was calculated surely to belittle the work of the Air Force?

I am afraid that I am not sufficiently familiar with what occurred in another place, and I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (1) whether, in view of the fact that the railway companies can put on special trains at excursion fares for the public for race meetings and football matches, he will again press the companies to grant a similar concession to service men when proceeding on leave, seeing that ample notice would be given of the days when the men would travel and full particulars of numbers, etc.;

(2) whether the railway companies have yet replied to the Admiralty request that men proceeding on Easter leave in special leave trains may be allowed tickets at the excursion-fare rates as charged to the general public?

I regret to say that the railway companies have refused to grant any concession to men proceeding on Easter leave. I may add that the companies have been asked to a conference with representatives of the Service Departments to discuss the whole matter, in the hope that they will, on reconsideration, agree to the re-introduction of a concession which the Services enjoyed for many years before the War, especially in view of the recommendation of the Committee on National Expenditure, which included a large proportion of gentleman connected with railway management.

Does my hon. Friend mean that the railway companies have been asked to meet the Admiralty?

Yes; they have been asked to meet the Admiralty and the other Services.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member for Devonport has a Motion on the Paper to reject the Railway Bill to-night unless these facilities are given?

Can the hon. Gentleman represent to the railway companies that the men at Rosyth, especially the married men, will be unable to take their Easter leave unless some concession be made?

We have represented to the railway companies the great hardship involved to many of the men in being refused these facilities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in the case of officers employed at the Admiralty and who are borne on the books of H.M.S. "President," the lodging allowance made to them is an allowance to meet an expense incurred in earning the particular salary due to them as officers on the books of that ship?

The reply is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if he is aware that a unanimous resolution was adopted by the British chambers of commerce abroad, at their meeting in London on the 20th April, 1921, urging that British grandchildren born abroad should not be deprived of the nationality of their parents as imposed by the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914; that children born of British parents abroad, who voluntarily came home to fight for the motherland, now rank as aliens under that Act; that there are many British families residing abroad to-day where brothers and sisters are of various nationalities under that Act; seeing that this injustice was brought to his notice in a telegram sent to him on the 25th June, 1921, from the members of the British chambers of commerce in the Argentine Republic, what steps do the Government propose to take in the matter;

(2) if he can facilitate the amendment of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, so as to provide for the acquisition of British nationality by children born of British subjects abroad; and whether he is aware that the withholding of these amenities from British subjects abroad is a great hardship and is causing widespread dissatisfaction and resentment?

I have been asked to reply. I can only repeat the answers given earlier in the Session by the Leader of the House that a Bill on this subject has been drafted, and that efforts are being made to obtain the concurrence of all the self-governing Dominions so that the Bill may be ready for the first suitable opportunity for legislation. The assent of Canada and of Newfoundland has not yet been received.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give me the date of the earlier statement to which he refers?

I cannot at the moment, but I will get it.

As the introduction of this Bill has been promised by successive Home Secretaries for nearly seven years, can the right hon. Gentleman state an approximate date for its introduction?

No; I cannot give an approximate date when we shall get the consent of all the self-governing Dominions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some representations to Canada, if that is the Dominions holding this up, seeing that South Africa has agreed to it and the Canadian Prime Minister has agreed to it?

Yes, I am making representations.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have any information as to the state of affairs in Georgia; whether that country is still occupied by Russian troops, who are taking from the inhabitants all their means of subsistence and driving them to starvation and disease; and whether this is one of the subjects that will be considered at Genoa?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Clitheroe on 2nd March, to which I can add nothing.

Will the matter be discussed at Genoa?

I cannot guarantee what subjects will be discussed at Genoa.

Do the Government not know at all what their representatives at Genoa are to discuss?

Generally speaking, yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any further information with regard to the Russian famine; whether the Norwegian Government have officially brought this question before the Council of the League of Nations; whether the Government will place in the Library the documents referring to the action of the Norwegian Government; and whether he will state what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government thereto?

Reports from the British famine relief organisations in the field show that conditions are growing worse chiefly owing to failure of transport. It is feared that it has only been possible to carry out a small part of the minimum programme for the spring sowings. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. Having regard to the fact that full information regarding conditions in the famine area in Russia is now available, His Majesty's Government do not feel confident that any useful purpose could be served by sending there a Committee of Inquiry.

Will the Government consider whether it is possible for this country to do anything to assist transport to Russia and at the same time relieve unemployment here?

I am not sure.

Has this matter been considered? If the hon. Gentleman has not been informed about Genoa, can he inform me on this point?

The possibilities of the situation in Russia are one of the main subjects for discussion at Genoa.

asked the Prime Minister, whether the British Government will urge the immediate summoning of a special meeting of the Council of the League of Nations in order to prepare the necessary steps to fulfil the responsibilities of the League in regard to the Armenians and the Moslem and Christian minorities in Adrianople and Smyrna, respectively, proposed to be thrown upon the League by the recent Conference at Paris of Allied Foreign Ministers which dealt with the Treaty of Sèvres?

I do not think this matter can be usefully considered until the Turkish and Greek Governments have accepted the Allied peace proposals.

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have been made to give effect provisionally to the A Mandates in the same way as was done in the case of the B Mandates; and whether any further steps have been taken in regard to the latter class of Mandates?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In a letter dated the 3rd October, 1921, from the President of the Council of the League of Nations to the Prime Minister, His Majesty's Government were requested to carry on the administration of territories concerned in the spirit of the Draft Mandates. His Majesty's Government are now following that policy in Palestine and Iraq. As regards the B Mandates, I have to refer to the reply returned to my hon. Friend the Member far Stafford on 27th March. A reply has now been received from the United States Government, and is under consideration.

Will the reply from the United States be published?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state why the expenditure of money provided by British taxpayers towards the expenses of the League of Nations is not to be audited in detail by the Comptroller and Auditor-General; why any unexpended balance is not to be surrendered by the League at the end of the financial year; and to whose benefit does any such balance accrue?

His Majesty's Government share of the expenses of the League is provided as a "Grant-in-Aid," and is, therefore, exempt from the ordinary process of auditing by the Comptroller and Auditor-General, whose statutory duty is confined to seeing that the sum charged against the Grant-in-Aid has been paid to the grantee. ( See Public Accounts Committee's Return, published in 1911, page 390.) The accounts of the League are audited in detail by the auditors of a Government chosen by the Council from the members of the League. The audit of the accounts for the first budgetary period of the League was, as a matter of fact, carried out by the Comptroller and Auditor - General's Department. The excess of revenue over expenditure in any year is carried forward into the accounts of the League for the ensuing year, and applied in relief of members' contributions for that year.

Is it not the case that this arrangement will prevent the Public Accounts Committee of this House investigating these charges? Will it remove all knowledge of the matter from the House of Commons?

I imagine that is so—that is to say, the Grant-in-Aid will be audited by the Government appointed by the Council of the League. That audit, of course, may not always be conducted by the British Government, but, I presume, the result will be common knowledge.

But it will be outside the competence of the Public Accounts Committee appointed by this House?

That is so.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether in that respect there is any difference between this and any other contribution by this country for international purposes, such as that under the Postal Union?

None whatever.

Is not that exactly the same position with regard to the grants in the Scottish Universities?

That is so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the United Kingdom's share of expenditure for the expenses of the League of Nations is to be increased from 4.84 per cent, to 9.55 per cent.?

The increased contribution which this country is to make towards the expenses of the League of Nations results from the adoption by the Second Assembly of a revised basis for the allocation of the League's expenses, but the new scale will not become operative until the necessary amendment to Article VI of the Covenant has been I ratified by at least 26 members of the League, including the members of the Council, and it is to be reconsidered by the Assembly of 1923.

Does that mean that other nations may put up the percentage of our contribution just as they will to any figure, without our having the opportunity of voting against it?

No, that is not a fact.

Is not the increase in the British contribution due really to the fact that other nations do not pay their subscriptions?

No, it is due to the fact that the original arrangement was found to be very anomalous. It had, for instance, the anomaly of requiring contributions from Australia, Canada and South Africa on the same basis as the contributions required from Great Britain and the other great Powers, and it was consequently violently objected to by our own Dominions, and it was very largely owing to their pressure that the new basis was adopted.

How many nations have paid nothing at all?

That was answered earlier in the Session.

Has the Irish Free State yet offered to make any contribution?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the proportion of the money contributions of the different members of the League of Nations is altered, is the voting power of the members to be altered proportionately?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that those Members who do not pay do not vote?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think the question of the voting power of the nations should now be remodelled and reconsidered entirely?

That is a matter for the League of Nations to discuss. It is not within my province to decide.

asked the Prime Minister if he will take such steps as may be necessary, before the Adjournment on Wednesday, to secure that, in the event of a republic being proclaimed in the 29 counties of Southern Ireland, this House shall not re-assemble on the 26th instant, but on the earliest possible day?

This is a hypothetical question, to which I think it undesirable to give an answer. It is a question as to what might take place—as to a hypothesis which, I hope, will never be realised.

It is a hypothesis that may materialise. Surely if a republic be declared in these islands, this House ought to assemble at once?

I am not certain that that follows, but I deprecate having to deal with a hypothesis which, as I have said, I hope will not be realised.

asked the Prime Minister if the pledge of the Government not to recognise a republic in Southern Ireland still holds good; and if he can inform the House what instructions have been given to the general officer commanding the troops now stationed in the 29 counties as to the action, if any, he is to take in the event of a republic being proclaimed in Southern Ireland?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The second part is in part hypothetical, and in part relates to a matter regarding which it is obvious that no public announcement could be made.

Are we to understand from that that the Government mean, in such an event, to take some decisive action, and not to content themselves with useless representations?

If a situation of an extraordinary character arises with great suddenness, the Government must be relied upon to deal with it, and the House will be the judges of the manner in which they do deal with it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the boycott is being intensified against Belfast in spite of the nominal agreement said to have been reached between the Northern and Southern Governments; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter, if any?

I am aware that persons in Ireland are endeavouring to re-impose this boycott in defiance of the Provisional Government. I am assured that the Provisional Government have taken and are taking all steps in their power to implement the agreement into which they have entered. I sincerely hope that the efforts of that Government to control the present repudiation of their authority will meet with success; but in present circumstances it is not possible, as I am sure the House will agree, for His Majesty's Government to intervene.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed at a meeting of those concerned in the hop-growing industry; and whether he will, when adjusting settlements with the new Irish Free State, consider the necessity of providing for the continuation of the Hop Control Act of 1920 in both countries, failing which the outlay of capital expended during the past two years will be jeopardised?

The reply to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. Negotiations have already been opened with the Government of the Irish Free State on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many ex-Royal Irish Constabulary have been disbanded; how many have left for their homes; how many wish to come to this country; how many have been murdered; and what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take in the matter?

The number of men who have been disbanded from the regular Royal Irish Constabulary to date is 2,332. It i6 impossible to say how many have returned to their homes in Ireland. Large numbers applied for and obtained travelling warrants to their homes, but it is known that many of them have been deterred by the recent murders from carrying out their intention. 244 men are known to have come to Great Britain and 2,055 more have expressed their intention of going. Four men have been murdered, and one is missing. These figures are exclusive of I men recruited in Great Britain, numbering about 4,400, all of whom have already been disbanded, with the exception of about 100 men of the Transport Division, and another 113 men stationed in Northern Ireland, who will either be disbanded or absorbed in the new Ulster Constabulary. Every encouragement and assistance is given to members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who are disbanded to proceed to places of safety in Ireland or Great Britain.

Is the disbandment of the remaining members of the Royal Irish Constabulary proceeding, or is it definitely stopped?

It is proceeding.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cannes Resolutions will be brought official to the notice of the Mexican Government; whether, in the event of that Government's acceptance, recognition will be accorded; and, if not, whether he will explain what is the policy which actuates His Majesty's Government in the question of recognition of foreign Governments?

The Cannes Resolutions were specifically restricted to the countries of Europe. There was consequently no occasion to communicate them to Mexico. The rest of the question therefore does not arise.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think, in view of the fact that these Resolutions form a very proper basis for friendly relations between different countries, that it is advisable they should be communicated to the Mexican Government.

Several statements have been made in regard to Mexico lately. These were carefully considered statements and I would rather not add to them at present unless it is absolutely necessary.

I beg to give notice that on the Adjournment of the House for the Easter Recess I shall call attention to this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether any persons other than the British Delegation to Genoa have taken advantage of the travelling facilities provided; and, if so, how the cost will be met?

Yes, Sir. I am informed that the wives of a few of the delegates and officials and a few representatives of the Press took advantage of the travelling facilities provided. The total number of these people was 16, and it was arranged in all these cases that the travelling expenses should be recovered from the persons concerned.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has yet come to any decision with regard to the setting up of a Committee to investigate the present system of financial control exercised by the House of Commons?

No, Sir.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that there are at present 34,500 disabled men awaiting training; and whether the Government will state definitely what is their exact intention with regard to the future of these men?

I have been asked to reply. The number of disabled men awaiting training is now about 26,000, many of whom are still under treatment and not yet ready for training. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that at a time when large numbers of men in the trades concerned are already unemployed it is difficult to find additional vacancies. In each craft we work through Local Technical Advisory Committees, consisting equally of employers and workpeople, and they advise as to the numbers, having regard to the state of employment, which can safely be admitted to training with a reasonable prospect of obtaining employment when trained. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that every effort is being made to place these men in training at the earliest possible time.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, having regard to the introduction of summer time this year by Order in Council, it is considered necessary to proceed with the consideration this Session of the Summer Time Bill?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As the present power of fixing summer time by Order in Council will cease to exist after this summer, it is necessary to proceed with the Summer Time Bill this Session in order to make provision for the future.

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this matter, on the Motion for Adjournment on Wednesday.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that the crowding on the Underground train services of London is as bad as ever: and whether, seeing that the late Minister of Transport expressed his intention of travelling on the line to test the measure of public inconvenience, he will himself now make this experiment to convince himself of the need for immediate improvement in respect of the seating accommodation?

I am informed by the Underground Railway Companies that, compared with a year ago, they now have in service during hours of pressure 33 additional cars, an increase of about 3 per cent., although the traffic has decreased by, approximately, 5 per cent. They are continuing to do all they can within economic limits to prevent overcrowding, and I do not think that the experiment suggested would be helpful.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of making the experiment suggested in the last part of my question?

That would only add a little to the congestion.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider himself a fair substitute for the late Minister of Transport when the question at issue is one of space in a railway train?

Not in point of size, certainly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether standing in public omnibuses is to be continued; if so, whether he will state the reason why it is not possible to put on adequate vehicles to permit all members of the public to obtain seats for which they have paid; and whether he will see that this concession to the companies, which was a War measure, is now withdrawn?

I have been asked to answer this question. The whole subject is under consideration, and I am in consultation with all parties interested in the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the suggestion made in this question were carried out, it would result in enormous inconvenience and possible danger to the health of a great number of the inhabitants of London?

I am aware of that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he has received the Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the tramway problem in Princes Street, Edinburgh; and, if so, whether he can state the decision that has been reached?

I have received the Report in question and I have decided to adopt the recommendation therein contained, namely, that the request of the Corporation of Edinburgh for permission to put up centre poles to carry the overhead electrical equipment in Princes Street, and to alter the position of the rails on the northern side of the street, should be granted.

Is this Report to be published?

If there be any desire for it, certainly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he proposes to make recommendations that taxes on petrol shall be substituted for the present taxes on motor vehicles?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Basingstoke Division on the 13th February, of which I am sending him a copy. I may add that I propose to ask the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles to consider afresh the whole question of the taxation of mechanically-propelled vehicles, in the light of the experience which has now been gained of the working and incidence of the licence duties imposed by the Finance Act, 1920.

Will the hon. Gentleman draw their attention to the growing volume of opinion in favour of this scale?

They will be fully advised on all matters worth considering.

Will the inquiry take place in public?

I shall consider that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the average rate per mile for railway carriage of a ton of wheat in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States respectively; and will he give the House comparative figures from the same countries, showing the rates per mile for the railway carriage of small parcels of agricultural produce such as milk, butter eggs, and poultry?

I have been asked to reply. I am not in a position to give comparable figures for Canada, Australia, and the United States, but those relating to the United Kingdom I will circulate with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May I ask the President of the Board of Agriculture, in reference to the latter part of the question, whether he is aware that at present, apart altogether from the question of freight, and arising out of his previous answer, the more milk a farmer produces at this moment, the greater his loss, and that every farmer is compelled at this moment to sell his milk at a loss?

Following are the figures referred to:

The average length of haul by railway and the average receipt per ton per mile for wheat in Great Britain during the four weeks ended 10th October, 1920, were 55 miles and 3.05d. per ton per mile respectively.

The average receipts per journey during 1921 for the traffics named in the second part of the question were as follows:— d. Milk 1.67 Per gallon Butter, cream, eggs and game .59 Per lb. Poultry, live and dead .57 Per lb.