asked the Minister of Pensions if he will further consider the case of ex-Private Tarlton, No. 240600, of Ashbourne, late of the Notts and Derby Regiment, who after four and a half years' War service was discharged from the Army in April, 1919, without a pension, though suffering from neurasthenia at the time; whether he is aware that, after making every effort to continue light employment, he was eventually compelled to apply for a pension; whether this was refused on the ground that his disability was not due to. War service; that overwhelming evidence can be produced showing that the man was perfectly healthy before joining the Army; and that ex-Private Tarlton has now been sent to an asylum, leaving his father and mother, both invalids, in very straitened circumstances; and whether, in view of the grave development in the man's mental condition, he can take such steps as will result in a review of the case with a view to a pension being awarded the man or some relief granted to his aged parents?

I am personally inquiring into the facts of this case.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that, although it was decided by Parliament that no alteration should be made in War Pensions on account of the increase or decrease in the cost of living before April, 1923, pensioners are now receiving notification that the pension may be re-adjusted according to the increase or decrease in the cost of living in the year 1922; whether any pensions have already been reduced; and whether he will take such steps as are necessary to prevent these communications being sent to pensioners?

There will be no alteration in the rates of pension and allowance specified in the second Schedule to the Royal Warrant before the 1st April, 1923, and then only in accordance with the cost of living for the year 1922 as compared with that for the year 1919. I regret to find that in some forms which have been issued the date, 1st April, 1923, was incorrectly printed as 1st April, 1922. All possible steps have been taken to correct this error and I feel satisfied that no misapprehension on the point need now exist.

Has any pension been reduced in consequence of this circular being sent out to pensioners?

I am informed not. If the hon. Member has any case in which he has the least doubt, he can send it to me.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the bitter resentment and disappointment at the proposal which has been made in the regrouping of the local war pensions administrative areas in the suggestion to terminate the appointment of Mr. McKay, secretary to the Lanchester War Pensions Committee; that Mr. McKay's services have been considered by his committee and the ex-service men's organisations, and all concerned with the administration of war pensions, as highly efficient; that the action of the Ministry of Pensions is causing widespread discontent and protests, especially as it is known how well his work has been done; that he has rendered three or four years' voluntary service to the committee as secretary, and that the suggested change will not add either to economy or efficiency; and will he consider the advisability of retaining the useful services of Mr. McKay as secretary in the area?

I agree that Mr. McKay's services as secretary to this committee have been satisfactory, and I am sorry that I am not in a position to offer him re-employment under the Ministry. In this case, that could only be done at the expense of suitable ex-service candidates of experience to whom I feel sure the House will agree preference should be given.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman had three sons who served in the Army and that he gave up a fairly lucrative post to devote his services to this humane Department of Pensions; and is he aware that there are 10,000 cases which in the event of a new man coming in will create chaos and consternation to all the ex-service men?

I realise the very great difficulty in a case of this kind, but I have to give a preference to an ex-service man if he is in every way suitable, and in this case I understand there have been several ex-service men on my lists who would be otherwise deprived of a job.

Will the right hon. Gentleman suspend the suspension of that until he has met a deputation of ex-service men in that area?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in the case of ex-Private J. Penny, No. 5368, East Lancashire Regiment, now living at Ramsbottom, and in receipt of a flat-rate pension of 100 per cent, for himself, seeing that his complaint was aggravated, since he was married, by further service in the Army, he will see that this aspect of the case shall be considered in order that this man may get the additional benefit due for his wife and child according to the Regulations?

In the short time available I have not been able to get this man's papers from the Region. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the case of ex-Private H. J. Wardle, No. 241,504, late Notts and Derby Regiment, of Youlgrave, who is suffering from the effects of three gunshot wounds in the thigh, and has had his pension reduced for himself, wife, and three children to 9s. 6d. a week, though his disability is still assessed at 30 per cent.; whether this pension is recommended for a term of 104 weeks only, when it terminates with a gratuity of £20; and whether, as it is impossible to say what the condition of the man will be at the end of that time, he will take such steps as will bring about a revision of the decision?

The 30 per cent. assessment has effect until the 16th of this month, when a new award of less than 20 per cent. will come into force in accordance with the assessment of a Medical Board held on the 22nd March. The man has the usual right of appeal, through his local committee, against this assessment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it fair to assess a pension to the last two years, terminating at the end of that time, when the man's health may be broken down again?

He can always appeal. It was for the men's own convenience that I extended the period.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can state approximately the number of blind pensioners for which his Department is liable; whether any arrangements are made with St. Dunstans or other similar institutes to deal with these most unfortunate cases; whether his Department makes annual grants to such institutes; and can he make any general statement as to how this class of pensioner is dealt with and helped by his Department?

There are approximately 1,550 blinded officers and men receiving pension from my Department, all of whom have been to "St. Dunstans" (or in Scotland to Newington House, Edinburgh), where they are trained in new occupations suitable to their condition before returning to their homes. After their return the institutions mentioned continue to keep in touch with them by means of local representatives. These institutions are maintained out of private funds, and consequently the men have the advantage of receiving allowances at the maximum rate of pension instead of the smaller allowances which would otherwise be payable.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will inquire into the case of Mr. W. G. Dunckley, late No. 182728, gunner, Royal Garrison Artillery; is he aware that early this year Mr. Dunckley had to travel from Wolverton into Aylesbury and back for medical treatment, in spite of the fact that a Ministry of Pensions' masseuse, Mrs. Holland, of Dale House, Stony Stratford, lived quite close to Wolverton, and had successfully treated Mr. Dunckley during 1918 and 1919; is he aware that, since the 14th March last, Mr. Dunckley has had no medical treatment at all, pending a decision from the Ministry of Pensions as to whether he could receive local treatment; and will he expedite this decision, which is nearly two months overdue, and arrange that Mrs. Holland should carry on her treat- ment, and thus save Mr. Dunckley the pain of having to travel three times a week into Aylesbury?

In the special circumstances of this case arrangements have been made for the man to attend Dale House in the evenings after his work, when, I understand, Mrs. Holland is at home to attend to him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man has had a delay of nearly two months, in which he was suffering acutely and in which no attention was given to him at all, and will he look into the case and take the necessary action?

Of course I will.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the great pain which is in many cases being caused to disabled ex-service men living in and around Wolverton from being compelled to travel into Northampton and back again when local treatment is available for their cases; and will he in future arrange local treatment whenever possible, and thus save, not only the time of the ex-service man, but also the expense of railway fares, as well as obviating the discomfort of the journey?

Ministry clinics have been established at various towns throughout the country in order to provide the best specialised treatment for men living in the neighbourhood. Having regard to the comparatively small number of men at Wolverton requiring treatment, there is nothing to be gained by entering into a general local arrangement in preference to utilising the special facilities at the Northampton Clinic. I do not accept the suggestion that great pain is inflicted on men by the journey to this clinic, and if the hon. and gallant Member has knowledge of any such case, I shall be glad if he will let me have particulars.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are three cases that I know of at Wolverton, all of which, I understand, can be dealt with at Stony Stratford, which is one mile away from where they live, and considerable pain is being caused by making them travel this distance?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me particulars, I shall be happy, as always, to look into it.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether His Majesty's Government have any in formation as to the number and movements of the refugees from Southern Ireland?

asked the Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that a number of loyal British subjects in Southern Ireland are being terrorised into surrendering their lands and homes to persons who have no legal claim thereto, and that these illegally evicted men and their families are fleeing to this country for safety; and will he state what steps the Government are taking to prevent such terrorism in Ireland, and to provide for such refugees on their arrival in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that many farmers in Southern Ireland have had their farms expropriated and have been driven from their homes; that some of them and their families have taken refuge in this country and others have remained destitute; and if he proposes to take any measures for the relief of those who are in severe financial difficulties?

I regret to say that a certain number of such evictions have taken place, and my inquiries show that some of the victims have taken refuge in this country. I am in touch with a number of them and I hope that His Majesty's Government will be able to make early arrangements for such relief as is possible in cases of real and urgent necessity. I am bringing the matter to the notice of the Provisional Government, with whom the ultimate financial responsibility clearly rests.

Are we to understand from my right hon. Friend's answer that the Government keep closely in touch with the number of refugees coming from Southern Ireland to this country or coming from Southern to Northern Ireland I Do you know exactly what is going on?

It is impossible to say exactly what is going on. In reference to refugees who go to Northern Ireland, we cannot keep directly in touch with them. In reference to refugees who come to this country, those who come to the Irish Office or to any Government Department are dealt with in the best way we can, but I cannot say definitely how many are in this country.

Will my right hon. Friend answer that part of my question in which I ask him to state what steps the Government are taking to prevent such terrorism?

That is a very natural supplementary question, but as the power of administering the law has been handed over by Parliament to the Provisional Government, His Majesty's Government cannot directly intervene in the administration of law in Ireland. The steps we take are to bring each case to the notice of the Provisional Government, urging them to give protection to these people and their property.

Does the right hon. Baronet give the same consideration to Catholic refugees from Belfast?

Could not you endeavour to keep touch with the number of refugees coming, for instance, from Rosslare to Fishguard by seeing the number of people who come on board the boat?

As a matter of fact, I am to see to-day representatives of some refugees from a certain part of Ireland. We keep in as close touch as we can by telegraphing to the various ports to find out in fact how many refugees are coming from Ireland. The information we receive is that comparatively very few have left Ireland for this country.

Will the right hon. Baronet answer my question?

In view of the fact that representations which have been made by the right hon. Gentleman to the Free State Government have had no effect whatever in stopping these things, may we know what further steps the Government mean to take to deal with the matter?

Parliament has placed the control of affairs in Northern Ireland under the Government of Northern Ireland, and the affairs of Southern Ireland under the Provisional Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Provisional Government that they ought, without delay, to take up the cases of British subjects who are evicted in Ireland?

My question, No. 58, has not been dealt with. Will the Government do something to relieve the refugees who arrived in this country yesterday?

Are the thousands of men who have been discharged from the shipyards because of their religious convictions going to be compensated?

The hon. and gallant Member should put the balance of his question down again. It was answered along with another question earlier.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the facts as to the forcible ejectment from their holdings of a number of Protestants in the parish of Tina-hoe, Queen's County, in the course of the last few days; and, if so, will he state these facts and say what action the Government have taken in connection with them?

I am in communication with the Provisional Government in regard to this matter, and shall be glad if the hon. and gallant Member will repeat the question on Thursday of next week.

I will put the question on the Paper, again. These outrages have been going on for the last fortnight. I would like to know what practical steps towards the prevention of the outrages the Government are taking. Are they offering any military assistance to the unfortunate Provisional Government?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, will he also tell us what steps the Northern Government are taking to protect the Catholics in the North of Ireland?

That just shows the difficulty in both cases. We must have regard to the Acts we have passed.

When these murders and outrages are committed on one of His Majesty's subjects in Ireland, is it not in order to ask the Government of this country whether the Provisional Government require the assistance of British troops?

Yes; but some hon. Members were going much further than that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that many decrees for compensation for malicious injuries against local authorities in Ireland to which defences were entered by the local authorities concerned still remain unpaid; whether he has made any representations to the Government of Southern Ireland with regard to these defended cases; and how soon it is anticipated that the moneys awarded by these decrees will be paid?

I believe that the number of cases arising between the period 21st January, 1919, and 11th July, 1921, in which defences were entered by the council of the county or county borough concerned, is very small. If the hon. and learned Member will give me details of any such cases within his knowledge, I will inquire into them and communicate with him further. In reference to the remainder of the question, His Majesty's Government is in constant communication with the Provisional Government in this matter. No money can be paid until the Commission decides the amounts.

Where the cases have been defended they do not come before any other tribunal, and the money ought to be paid at once. In view of that, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the compensation money is to be paid?

I have answered the hon. and learned Gentleman fully.

Does the right hon Gentleman realise that in the defended cases there is to be no further trial, and that the money ought to be paid at once?

Was the question of my hon. and learned Friend not directed to those cases which have been defended, and was not my right hon. Friend's answer that such cases were few? When will the money be paid in those few cases?

I answered the question, and will do so again. I understand that no money can be paid until the Commission decides the amount. In defended cases the amounts will be accepted, but the Commission must decide whether they have been properly defended before giving an order to pay the amounts.

Did the Colonial Secretary not say on a former occasion that those cases would not go before the Commission at all?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that interchange of civil servants between Great Britain and Ireland has been freely made in the past without loss of standing or right to pension; and whether, in the case of Irish civil servants who may be transferred for service in Great Britain, their service in Ireland will count towards pension in Great Britain?

The position as to eventual superannuation of existing Irish officers who became officers of the Government of Northern Ireland is dealt with by Section 55 (2) of the Act of 1920. The position of persons who became officers of the Free State on the 1st April, and may subsequently be transferred to Great Britain, will constitute a subject for arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the facts which led up to the death of Mrs. W. J. Talbot, of Mount Talbot, County Roscommon, on 9th or 10th April; and, if so, will he state these facts and say what action the Government have taken in connection with them?

The Provisional Government are investigating this matter, but have not yet completed their inquiries. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will kindly repeat the question on Thursday of next week?

I will repeat the question, and would point out that this outrage took place more than a month ago.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to protect the interests of English shareholders in the railways of Southern Ireland, in view of the fact that there is no representative of railway interests on the railway commission appointed by the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland?

In so far as the interests of English and Irish shareholders would appear to be identical, it is for the shareholders themselves, if they deem such a course to be necessary, to make representations to the Provisional Government, and His Majesty's Government would not feel justified in taking any action in the matter, in the absence of any differentiation against English shareholders as such.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the names of the Commissioners of this Railway Commission? Are we to take it from his answers in this House that all forms of property, whatever they may be, belonging to subjects loyal to this country, are to be handed over to the Free State and dealt with as it chooses without any protest or steps being taken to protect it?

No; the hon. and gallant Gentleman must not take his statement as representing the views of the Government. When you hand over the administration of law and order, as has been done under the Free State Agreement Act, it is impossible for the Government further to interfere, just as it would be impossible to interfere on behalf of shareholders in Australian railways.

Does that hold good even if law and order is not maintained?

We cannot go back on the decision of Parliament.

Where property is obviously being treated unfairly by the so-called Free State Government——

That is just the point. In the month of March we passed an Act of Parliament transferring the responsibility to another body of Ministers, the Provisional Government.

May I ask whether we have no redress whatever?

Unless the hon. Member introduces a Bill to repeal the Act we have already passed.

May I ask a question for the guidance of many of us who are deeply interested in this matter, and that is if this were happening in a foreign country would we not be entitled to ask His Majesty's Government to make representations to stop outrages on British subjects and their property?

We are going beyond that. I have allowed questions to be put on the Paper which went as far as making representations. That is all that can be done in present circumstances.

As you have just said, Sir, that my hon. Friend may introduce a Bill for the repeal of this legislation, would it not be in order to put questions to Ministers which would serve as a justification for that Bill?

When a question appeared on the Paper regarding the conduct of the South African Government in the case of the recent trade dispute, were we not told we had no right to interfere because South Africa was an independent country?

The hon. Member has put his finger on the spot. It would be quite impossible for the floor of this House to be used, either in the case of South Africa or any other Dominion, for continually arraigning Ministers here for incidents which have happened there.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, according to Section 8 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1919, all local officers, subject to the sanction of the Local Government Board, can retire and claim a pension on arriving at a certain age; that, under the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1920, the duties of the Local Government Board with reference to this Section were transferred to the Irish Civil Service Committee; and that several old officials of the Belfast Corporation and other places have repeatedly signified their desire to retire but, owing to the Committee having failed to perform the duties of their office, these officers are unable to retire; and, if so, what steps the Government propose to adopt so that the provisions of the Act of 1920 may be carried out and the grievances under which these officers are suffering remedied?

Yes Sir. I am aware of the existence of cases such as those to which the question refers. Steps have already been taken to deal with them by the Treasury, acting on behalf of the Civil Service Committee, for the purpose of Section 68 (2) of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, but this arrangement is not wholly satisfactory and His Majesty's Government propose therefore, with the consent of the Government of Northern Ireland, to request the Civil Service Committee to reassemble at an early date for the purpose of dealing with these and certain other questions arising out of the Act of 1920, and with the Government of Northern Ireland alone are concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is with the consent of Mr. Michael Collins and the Provisional Government that an armed guard of British troops has been placed in Dublin Castle?

There is no armed guard of British troops in Dublin Castle. The military barrack adjoining the Castle is at present occupied by the Royal Irish Constabulary, and the Castle guard is furnished by that force. A military guard was furnished for a few days in the beginning of April, pending arrangements being made for supplying an adequate guard from the Royal Irish Constabulary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the fact that County Court judges in Southern Ireland have in many instances been ordered by Irish Republican authorities not to hold their usual Quarter Sessions, and that the County Court judge for Westmeath was threatened with arrest on Saturday last if he did so, and that ever since the Treaty, Republican Parish, District, and Circuit Courts have been sitting unmolested and exercising civil and criminal jurisdiction; whether it is in accordance with the terms of the Treaty that such a state of things should be permitted; whether he has made representations to the Provisional Government on the subject; and, if so, with what result?

I am aware that there have been a number of instances of interference with the holding of Quarter Sessions, and that in some cases the Sessions have had to be abandoned. These acts of interference have taken place in districts where the authority of the Provisional Government is not yet firmly established, and it is easy to exaggerate their importance and the importance of the fact that the so-called Republican Courts are actively functioning in many places. In regard to the latter part of the question, there is no provision in the Treaty prescribing what courts may or may not function within the area under the jurisdiction of the Provisional Government, and now that that Government is legally established, this is a matter for their determination.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say in what part of Southern Ireland is the authority of the Provisional Government effectively established?

Have any Quarter Sessions recently been held in a regular manner in Southern Ireland?

I would like notice of that question. My information is that many such Courts have been held.

Would it not be possible for the Government to offer Military aid to the Provisional Government in the South just as they have done with the Northern Government?

In answer to that question, any Government of the Empire that asked for Military aid from His Majesty's Government would certainly not be refused.

The circumstances ought to suggest it.

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, when we will get to the business of England?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Irish Press is now being published under a strict censorship, imposed by armed Republicans, with the result that the real state of affairs in Southern Ireland is not disclosed to the public; whether the Provisional Government is wholly unable to afford any redress or ensure the freedom of the Press; and whether, under these circumstances, His Majesty's Government can do anything to afford to the British public information as to the true state of affairs in Southern Ireland?

It is quite contrary to the actual facts of the situation to describe the Irish Press as being conducted under a Republican censorship. While there have recently been several regrettable instances of attempted intimidation or coercion of the Press in Ireland, I do not for a moment agree that the Irish Press as a whole conceals or misrepresents the state of affairs in that country. The fearlessness of the Dublin Press during this period of exceptional difficulty must be obvious to all its readers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what the British Government will do to arrange that the facts of the happenings in Southern Ireland are published in this country?

It is no part of the functions of the Government to distribute facts which are daily and, I think, adequately represented by the newspaper Press of this country.

Why was it then, that before the Irish negotiations took place, the Irish Office constantly published facts in connection with the-various casualties and occurrences in Ireland?

Because at that time the Irish Office and this House was responsible for the government of Ireland.

Is the suggestion that comes from the Die-hards, that the "Morning Post" should be subsidised by the Government?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a self-appointed committee of Sein Feiners has been and is billeting on the houses of Irish loyalists in Dublin large numbers of their followers; that these billetings are often accompanied by threats of violence should a complaint be made to His Majesty's Government; that in some cases the occupants of the houses concerned have been ejected in order to make room for the newcomers; and that the Provisional Government, though appealed to, has refused to take any steps for the protection of His Majesty's subjects thus, affected; and whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to extend to His Majesty's loyal subjects in Ireland the same protection which has hitherto always been afforded to British subjects whether within or without the Empire?

I understand that a number of Dublin residents have recently been compelled, by threats of violence, to take into their houses and maintain strangers who are sent to them as refugees by a body styling itself the Belfast Boycott Committee, but that no cases have come to notice in which the residents themselves or their families have been expelled from their homes. It is not correct, however, to state that the Provisional Government have refused to take any steps to protect the citizens of Dublin from this invasion of their liberties. I am aware of instances in which protection has been asked for and given, but in the majority of cases the householders prefer to submit to the injury rather than to seek police protection, which might expose them to the danger of some subsequent act of retaliation by the boycott committee or their agents. The activities of this committee are a bye-product of the campaign of anarchy which is being deliberately pursued by the opponents of the Treaty, and the policy of His Majesty's Government is to refrain from any intervention which might embarrass the Provisional Government, who are doing their utmost in difficult circumstances to restore law and order.

When is the Provisional Government likely to function?

When will the Northern Government function?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that numbers of Irish residents whose houses have been burnt, and whose property has been destroyed by rebel forces in Ireland, have not yet received any sum whatever for compensation, and are consequently in great financial straits; whether he can at once make some interim payments to these victims of Irish disorder, and will accelerate the payment of the whole compensation; and whether he can state how soon these payments can be made?

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies made a full statement regarding the arrangements for dealing with this matter on 24th February last, and I regret that I can add nothing thereto. I anticipate that the Commission referred to in that statement will be appointed and will begin its work at an early date. As I stated yesterday, my right hon. Friend hopes to announce the names of the members of the Commission on Monday.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the third part of the question, as to whether some interim payment cannot be made to the victims of these Irish outrages at once, inasmuch as these men or many of them are in great financial straits?

When the right hon. Gentleman is announcing the names of the Commission, will he also give the terms of reference?

In reference to the question asked by the hon. Member for Rathmines (Sir M. Dockrell), I hope it will be possible to announce the terms of reference at the same time that it is possible to announce the names of the Commissioners. With reference to the question asked by the hon. Member for York, as I stated yesterday, the Government is now considering how it can meet very hard cases—and I regret there are many hard cases—of innocent people who have suffered owing to recent difficulties in Ireland.

Will this Commission deal with claims from all parts of Ireland?

It is to deal with malicious injury claims from Southern Ireland only.

Why?

The reason is because an agreement has been come to between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Northern Ireland for the payment of a lump sum to the Government of Northern Ireland for cancellation of all claims against His Majesty's Government for malicious injuries in Northern Ireland.

Does the right hon. Gentleman seriously suggest that the claims of the Northern Catholics are to be left entirely to the Northern Government, whereas in the South of Ireland an independent Commission is to be set up?

That is a new question, not arising here.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Irish Land Commissioners are demanding from Mr. W. S. M'Neill payment of instalments of money due from him in respect of his farm in county Leitrim purchased by him under the Land Purchase Act; is he aware that Mr. M'Neill was forcibly driven from this farm by the Sinn Fein forces in 1920 and is now a refugee in England; that the farm was afterwards divided into lots and sold by auction; whether, under these circumstances, the Land Commissioners propose to press their claim; and what measures he proposes to take to enable Mr. M'Neill to assert his legal rights or, in default of this, to relieve him of his liability and compensate him for the money already paid by him to the Land Commission?

I shall be glad if the hon. Member will repeat this question, of which I only received notice yesterday, on Thursday of next week.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any notice was given to beneficiaries of Trust Funds under control of the Supreme Court of Judicature in Ireland of an intention by the Imperial Government to disclaim responsibility for these funds; and was the consent of the beneficiaries to the appointment of new trustees obtained?

The transfer of the administration of law and justice including the responsibility for Supreme Court matters, from the Imperial Government to the Provisional Government was effected under the Irish Free State (Agreement) Act, of which the general public had ample notice. This transfer did not involve the appointment of any new trustees, and the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Did not the transfer involve the responsibility being transferred from the Imperial Government to another body, and will it be possible for beneficiaries who are resident in England and who have trust funds in Ireland to have them transferred to the Public Trustee or the Court of Chancery in England?

That is a most important question, and I shall very seriously consider it.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the director of boycott acting under the I.E.A. and occupying official premises in the Four Courts, Dublin, has recently seized the premises of Messrs. Alexander Dickson & Sons, Limited, of 61, Dawson Street, Dublin, and removed all the ledgers, private ledgers, cash books, purchase journals and official receipt books, together with three typewriting machines, and are now demanding payment of accounts due to the firm, to the extent of £25,000, are also arranging to dispose of the stock-in-trade, estimated to be worth over £20,000, and have notified the firm in writing that as their head branch is situated in Belfast their property has been formally confiscated, and will he state what course this company is to pursue to procure compensation and protection, which is due to members of a company as British subjects and Imperial taxpayers to His Majesty's Treasury?

I have made inquiries into this matter and am informed that the facts are as stated in the question. I understand that the firm have brought the occurrence to the notice of the Provisional Government and have lodged claims for compensation with the Southern and Northern Governments of Ireland. His Majesty's Government is pressing the consideration of this case upon the Provisional Government.

Is there any Government in Ireland?

How long are the Government going to remain passive onlookers whilst British citizens are murdered and British property is stolen?

In Northern Ireland.

I would point out that there are Governments in both parts of Ireland. [An HON. MEMBER: "Not comparable!"] Two Acts of Parliament have been passed conferring responsibility, one to the Government of Northern Ireland and the other to the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland, and we cannot have continual Debates, except on a proper Motion, as to what we have already done.

Are we to understand that the effect of passing the Free State Act has been to give British citizens residing in Ireland less protection than in foreign countries?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether his answers to all these questions mean that the Government have jettisoned the national honour, good faith and humanity as a result of the Act?

The hon. Member gives his own opinion.

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether we are to infer, from your conception of the present position, that the confirmation of the agreement with certain leaders in Ireland establishing a Constitution, is comparable with, and on the same footing as, the Constitution in Northern Ireland?

I have been dealing only with what is a fact. If the right hon. Gentleman will read the Act, and the Orders in Council properly issued under the Act, there he will find the answer to the question.

With all respect, did not the Act defer the confirmation of the Constitution to a subsequent Bill to be laid before Parliament, and it is only after that subsequent Bill is passed that any Constitution the least comparable with that established by Act of Parliament in Northern Ireland can be said to exist in Southern Ireland?

The right hon. Gentleman is perfectly correct on the point of the Constitution. What I was speaking of was the responsibility. If he will look at the Act, and particularly at the Orders in Council under the Act, he will see that the transfer is complete.

This seems to be a very important Constitutional question. May I put this to you, Sir? Under the Act we passed, powers were given to the Government to issue certain Orders in Council, and, if I recollect rightly, they have power, by subsequent Orders in Council, to vary those Orders in Council. Therefore, does not the Government still have under its administrative jurisdiction control of the state of things in Southern Ireland, and are they not, therefore, responsible to Parliament for the way they execute that?

I think they had responsibility up to the 31st March. If the right hon. and learned Member will look at the Act, and the Orders in Council which necessarily followed upon the Act, he will see that what I have stated is quite correct.

I am afraid I did not make my point clear. My point was that the Government have the right, under the Act, to issue fresh Orders in Council to modify the Orders in Council they have issued. Therefore, administratively they are still in control of the situation in Southern Ireland.

I doubt that very much. I doubt whether the Government could recall the Orders in Council.

On a point of Order. May I ask whether the result of your ruling is that the state of Ireland may be as bad as it is possible to conceive, but it will not be open to hon. Members to ask a question as to whether the Government are going to intervene?

Before you answer that question, Sir, I want to ask whether the same conditions apply to the Northern Parliament as are now being suggested to apply to the Southern Parliament?

The House will recollect that for several months I was pressed continually by Members on events happening, in Northern Ireland—in Belfast. All I am doing is to apply exactly the same treatment to the one as to the other.

Is it not much more competent for this House to discuss the affairs of Northern Ireland than of Southern Ireland, because this Parliament still controls many of the services in Northern Ireland, and Members come here?

That is so. In so far as there is a difference between Northern and Southern Ireland, the transfer is more complete in the case of Southern Ireland than it has been in the case of Northern Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the arrangements for communication by wireless telegraphy with aircraft flying on the London-Paris route are far from satisfactory and that improvements in the wireless telegraphy facilities would considerably increase the efficiency of the route and minimise risks of accidents; and whether the Air Ministry was represented at the recent international wireless telegraphy conference in Paris?

The answer to the first part of the question is, that I am satisfied that the arrangements made in England for communication by wireless telephony with aircraft flying on the London-Paris air route are complete and efficient, but I am aware that the wireless arrangements are not so satisfactory on the remainder of the route to Paris. The urgent necessity of arranging wireless facilities on the French part of the route has been recommended by us to the French authorities on several occasions, and it is understood that wireless stations have actually been established at St. Inglevert and Le Bourget, but, up to the present, these are not functioning satisfactorily. Within the last few days, in connection with the recent air collision in France, the Air Ministry has again approached the French authorities on this subject, and I hope that the difficulties will now be overcome by them and the wireless stations put into working order. The answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. The Air Ministry representative was the head of the British delegation.

Is it not a fact that the recent collision on the Paris-London air route would have been avoided if proper facilities for wireless telegraphy had existed?

Is it not a fact that during the last few days one of the machines on the London-Paris route was saved by the use of wireless telegraphy?

I think the hon. Members will see from the reply that the utmost efforts are being made to improve the French section of the route.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what Regulations exist as to the carrying by passenger aeroplanes of apparatus to save the lives of those on board in case of a descent into the sea?

The question of the introduction of regulations in regard to the provision of life-saving apparatus on civil aircraft has received long and careful consideration, but it is not considered either necessary or desirable at the present time to make any scale of life-saving equipment compulsory, the arrangements made by British firms operating the cross-Channel route being considered satisfactory. Under these arrangements, each passenger is provided with a life-belt, and, on the later types of aircraft, is assured an easy exit from the cabin in case of accident at sea.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on one occasion when I was crossing from Paris to London we found it urgently necessary to examine the life-saving belts, and only found one satisfactory? Is it not essential that instructions should be given that life-belts should be satisfactory?

I am glad that my attention has been called to that matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many men are being employed at the Royal Aircraft establishment on experimental work, and how many on reconditioning machines?

The answer to the first question is, approximately, 606; to the second, none at present, but four or five will be shortly employed on reconditioning two of the machines used for experimental purposes.

Is it not a fact that this work of reconditioning machines could be carried out much better by civil aviation firms, and that it would be far more economical and would help to keep these firms going?

If the hon. Member will study the reply he will see that 606 men are employed on experimental work, and not on reconditioning, and that only four or five mechanics are to be employed on reconditioning two experimental machines. Reconditioning is being done by the trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that, resulting from a recommendation from the Select Committee on National Expenditure in 1918, the Costing Section of the Aeronautical Supply Department was transferred to the Technical Costs Branch, now attached to the Admiralty; whether he can state what savings were made by the Technical Costs Branch for the Air Ministry on aero engine quotations; and whether the quotations are still referred to it?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative; to the second, that savings amounting to £3,000 have been effected as a result of references of aero engine quotations to the Costing Section; to the last, that no recent occasion has arisen for reference of such quotations to the Costing Section, but such reference would certainly be made whenever considered desirable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the formation by the Greek Army in Asia Minor of a separate Government of Ionia, in the hinterland of Smyrna?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave the hon. and gallant Member for the Wrekin (Sir C. Townshend) on 1st May.

Is the Government checking the supply of money and arms to the Greeks until peace is restored?

That does not arise out of the question. The hon. Member asked if we had any further information. We have not.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the charges of cruelty which are being made against the Turkish Government in respect of the deportation of nationals of Greece and of other allied and associated Powers from Turkish territory; and whether any representations have been made, or are likely to be made, to the Turkish Government in the matter.

His Majesty's Government are in possession of a great deal of reliable evidence from neutral sources regarding deportations of Ottoman Greeks (including women and children) from one part of Turkish territory to another. These deportations have been on a vast scale and have been carried out with the utmost barbarity. Numerous protests have been made to the Turkish Government and to the Angora Assembly on the subject, but have proved unavailing, and the deportations were still continuing in February last.

Can the Noble Lord indicate whether or not any steps can be taken by the Government?

So far as I know, no steps, under existing conditions, can be taken.

Have the Government considered the advisability of sending an officer to see what is going on in this place and to get accurate information?

I shall be pleased to convey my Noble Friend's suggestion to the Secretary of State.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the terms of the draft mandate for Palestine, published in White Paper Cmd. 1176 of 1921, have yet been accepted by the Council of the League of Nations; if so, when the Government will make the annual Report upon the country required by Article 34 of the mandate; and whether this Report will be published?

The terms of the draft mandate for Palestine have not yet been formally accepted by the Council of the League of Nations. One annual report has already been sent to the League of Nations in accordance with Articles 24 of the draft mandate, and was published as Command Paper No. 1499 in August, 1921. A further report is in preparation and will be published when complete.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the authority under which the British gendarmerie in Palestine will exercise its functions, having regard to the fact that the Treaty of Sevres, which authorised the placing of Palestine under a mandate, has not yet been ratified; and if he will say generally what is the present position of this country with regard to the mandate for Palestine?

The British gendarmerie exercise their functions under the authority of the Palestine Government. The non-ratification of the Treaty of Sevres does not absolve the Palestine Government from the duty of maintaining order. As regards the mandate, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my Noble Friend the Member for Hitchin on the 10th of April.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Egyptian Ministry has circulated to the various Government Departments a secret order instructing them to observe, in making appointments to Government posts, the proportion of one Copt to every 12 Mahommedans appointed in accordance with the latest proposals to Egypt by His Majesty's Government regarding the protection of the minorities in Egypt; and whether this policy i6 directed as a reprisal against the Copts for joining the Mahommedans in the national movement?

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

Is not this likely to make the Treaty more difficult to work?

The answer given was in the negative. Therefore, that does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that letters to Zaghloul Pasha addressed through Lord Allenby, according to instructions, including letters from Madame Zaghloul, do not reach Zaghloul Pasha; that only three letters from Zaghloul Pasha have reached their destination, although he writes twice weekly to Madame Zaghloul; and that cables sent to Zaghloul Pasha do not reach him, but that a résumé of them is sometimes given to him and sometimes read over to him; and why this restriction is imposed, seeing that communications to and from him are always sent through Lord Allenby as ordered?

I have no information regarding the first three parts of this question; the fourth part does not, therefore, arise.

Will the Noble Lord make inquiries, and if such restrictions are operative in regard to the correspondence with Zaghloul, will he seek to have them removed?

With respect to the complaints which the hon. Member stated yesterday had come from Zaghloul, no report has yet been received, but, as promised, I have asked the Secretary of State if the inquiries into these complaints can be expedited, and he has signified his willingness.

This is a new question, and new matter arises. Can the Noble Lord have it inquired into?

I have said that we have no information on the subject, but if the hon. Member will produce information I will consider it.

As far as the Government of Egypt is concerned, is this free communication with Zaghloul permitted?

I cannot say what are the conditions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any information as to the reported impending public issue in England of a loan by Brazil; whether the money is for financing the valorisation and export of Brazilian coffee for the benefit of Brazilian owners or for the purchase of British goods; and, if for the latter, will he say whether the British Government has obtained any relaxation of the prohibitory import duties imposed by Brazil against our goods?

I understand that negotiations for such a loan have been proceeding, but I have no official in- formation on the subject. The Brazilian Government have not extended to imports from this country the preferential duties accorded to imports from certain other countries.

As I see the President of the Board of Trade on the Treasury Bench, may I ask him why his Department is persuading us manufacturers to go to considerable expense to exhibit our wares at the Centenary Exhibition at Rio de Janeiro, when we are prevented from selling our goods, from those exhibited samples, by the action of the Brazilian Government in imposing prohibitory duties against British goods?

That does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government and the Allied Governments have acknowledged, in principle, at Genoa the obligation to pay compensation to the Russian Government for the damages caused in Russian territory by the actions of Allied troops after the Armistice, and by Generals Koltchalk, Dennikin, Wrangel, Yudenitch, and others subsidised with British and Allied money, and furnished with armaments and transport by the British and Allied Governments; and whether the representatives of His Majesty's Government have so expressed themselves, or in any other sense, on this subject of compensation?

No, Sir. His Majesty's Government have declined to admit any such obligation.

Do I understand from that that we have expressed our refusal to attempt this altogether?

That is what I have said His Majesty's Government have done.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Shell and Royal Dutch oil companies have concluded an agreement with the Soviet Government of Russia at Genoa, under which important petroleum concessions are made over to these companies; whether His Majesty's Government had knowledge of the negotiations leading up to this agreement; whether this agreement effects a possible treaty on the subject of debts and the property of foreigners in Russia which might be concluded between the Allies and the Russian Government; whether the terms of the agreement between the oil interests and the Russian Government are known; and whether they can be communicated to the House?

Reports appeared in the Press that such an agreement had been concluded, but these were promptly contradicted both by the companies concerned and by the Russian authorities. The remaining parts of the question do not, therefore, arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a communication from the Association of British Creditors of Russia with reference to a complaint by Messrs. R. and T. Elworthy that they have been robbed by the Government of the Ukraine, and had no hope of redress, as His Majesty's Government has not recognised that Government, and the Soviet Government of Russia, though it practically controls such (Ukraine) Government, repudiates any responsibility for its acts on the score of its pretended independence; and, if the facts be as stated, what redress, if any, is open to British subjects robbed and defrauded by the so-called Government of fragments of the lost Russian Empire?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; a copy of the communication has been sent to the British Delegation at Genoa, who will no doubt take it into consideration in connection with the negotiations which are now taking place.

asked the Prime Minister when a statement of British policy, in face of the new crisis over German reparation payments will be made to the House; whether an opportunity will be given to discuss the situation before the French Army advances further into Germany; whether any decision has been come to as to the use of the British troops on the Rhine during the intended occupation; and, if so, what is it?

I am not aware of any decision taken by the French Ministry as to an advance by the French Army into Germany. The rest of the question, accordingly, does not arise.