asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a sum of £100,000, or some other amount, has been granted to the Merton Board Mill Company, Limited, under the Trade Facilities Act, to purchase German machinery; and why was this sum granted, seeing that the object of this Act was to provide work in this country?

The entire proceeds of the guaranteed loan will be spent in this country. The answer to the first part of the question being, therefore, in the negative, the second part does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that statistical estimates show that the supplies of American raw cotton are likely to fall below the world's demand by the end of the current 12 months, and that there is a probability of serious interference with the British cotton industry until the 1923 American crop becomes available; and whether he will take steps to urge for increases in the current year's production of British-grown cotton?

I am aware that the estimates to which my hon. Friend refers are causing anxiety in the British cotton industry. Every effort is being made to develop as expeditiously as possible the production of cotton within the Empire, but I am bound to point out no relatively large amount is likely to be obtained immediately from that source.

Could the right hon. Gentleman publish these statistics, so that growers in the Dominions and colonies might see exactly the position?

I will consider that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the report made by the Chairman of the British Cotton and Wool Dyers' Association complaining of the difficulty of obtaining colours which the trade require, and also of the delay and the injurious effect resulting to the dye industry, and complaining that the mixtures offered are usually unsatisfactory, leading to considerable trouble and involving claims and consequent heavy loss; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction now prevailing with regard to the dye question, he is prepared to appoint a committee to investigate the administration of the Dyes Regulation Act?

I have read the speech to which the hon. Member refers, and the perusal of it as a whole does not suggest that there is any need for the appointment of such a committee as he proposes.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a number of cases where the proper dyes cannot be obtained owing to this restriction, and does not that hinder trade?

The hon. Gentleman must recollect that the trade is in constant communication with the Committee at my office, and if there was any strong desire for the investigation such as that advocated by the hon. Gentleman, I should certainly have heard of it. I have not been pressed on the subject at all.

Is the President not aware that it costs 400 per cent. to 800 per cent. more in some cases to obtain some of the dyes than in 1913?

Figures are apt to be misleading!

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to make any comment on the resignation of Mr. Levinstein and the reasons alleged?

There is a question on that subject later.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the weight and value of reparation dyes handed over by his Department to the Central Importing Agency during the financial year 1921–22; whether he can give the amount realised for them and the amount of commission paid to the Central Importing Agency for the sale; if he can say what commission the Central Importing Agency charge to purchasers; and whether he is now prepared to put these goods up for competitive tender rather than give the monopoly to one firm?

The quantity of reparation dyes handed over by the Board of Trade to the Central Importing Agency during the financial year 1921–22 was 686 tons, valued at 33,300,000 paper marks. The amount realised during the year 1921–22 from sales was £293,323, and the commission paid to the Central Importing Agency on those sales and in respect of services rendered in connection with dyestuffs allocated to the Dominions was £18,020. A charge is made by the Agency, on sales which they make, of 1 per cent., which is accounted for to the Board of Trade. As regards the last part of the question, I must point out that even if the reparation dyestuffs were sold by tender, as suggested by the hon. Member, some organisation would be required to carry out the services at present carried out by the Agency.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what countries or dominions, other than Australia, levy duties upon British trade catalogues; and, if there are such, will he state the amount of duty so levied?

All the British self-governing Dominions and a considerable number of foreign countries levy duties on trade catalogues. The regulations affecting the liability to, and the amount of duty, are somewhat elaborate, but I am having a statement on the subject compiled on the basis of the information available. This will take a little time to prepare, but I will send it to the hon. Member as soon as it is completed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the prolonged delay in the payment of compensation awards granted by the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal to British nationals and of the very great inconvenience arising from such non-payment to the persons and firms concerned, and to the fact that no information as to when such awards are likely to be paid can be oh-tamed from the Controller of the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts), he will give information to the House of the position as it is known at the present time respecting the total realised value of German property in England, the estimated value of the property still to be liquidated, the total claims paid under Section 293 of the Treaty of Versailles, the debts paid, the debts outstanding and likely to be admitted, and the total claims under Section 297 of the same Treaty as to the proceeds of liquidation claim, the proceeds of liquidation paid, the total compensation claims put in, and the total compensation claims awarded to date; and what prospect there is of a payment on account of such awards being made at an early date?

The total realised value of German property in England up to date is £33,278,000, part of which will have to be accounted for to other custodians. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) on the 22nd May. With regard to the remaining figures, particulars of which are requested, I would refer to the replies given to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Mr. Hood) on the 21st March. Since that date a further £1,226,354 has been paid to British creditors under Article 296, and a further £1,611,179 has been paid to British claimants under Article 297 in respect of the proceeds of liquidation of their property in Germany. The claims still outstanding under Article 296 amount to £25,430,128, to which interest up to the date of admission must be added. I am unable to estimate what proportion of these is likely to be admitted. The total amount of compensation claims awarded by the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal to date is £2,246,273. With regard to the last part of the question, I regret that it is not possible at the moment to make any statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade approximately the estimated sterling value of the private property of German nationals held outside German territory which has been liquidated under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles; and, approximately, in sterling, the estimated value of private property belonging to foreigners in Russia which has been liquidated by the Soviet Government of Russia since and during the Russian revolution?

No, Sir; I have not information sufficient to enable me to do so.

How is it that the Board of Trade has not got any estimate of the value of private property belonging to Britishers in Russia?

The hon. and gallant Member spoke of private property belonging to foreigners. If he means British private property, perhaps he will put another question.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the members of the Commission on reparations to sufferers from enemy action in this country are being paid for their services; and, if so, whether he will state the amounts which have so far been paid and are continuing to be paid?

The members of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action receive no remuneration for their services. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the sufferers by the German bombardment of the Hartlepools in 1914 have been waiting no less than 7½ years for compensation, and that many of them are in a state of destitution? Are these poor people to wait for a further indefinite period before getting compensation?

Clearly that does not arise out of the question.

But you have a Commission dealing with this question.

If my hon. Friend has any complaints to make, I am sure if he will bring them to the attention of the Commission, who are working most assiduously and giving the matter every attention that hard work can ensure, they will be attended to; and if he can give me any particulars I shall be happy to look into them.

I have sent in to the Commission petitions signed by hundreds of people, but the Commissioners have not expedited their proceedings on that account.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to set up a special inquiry to inquire into the circumstances attending the loss of the Peninsular and Oriental liner "Egypt"; whether this ship was supplied with Carley rafts; if so, how many; how many lifeboats were carried by the ship; in how many cases were attempts made to launch them; how many were successfully launched; how many hours the ship had been at sea; whether the passengers and crew had all been given boat. stations; whether any drills had been carried out to ensure that they were acquainted with the details; whether each passenger and member of the crew was furnished with a lifebelt of approved pattern before sailing; and whether each passenger and member of the crew had had an opportunity of becoming familiar with the wearing and use of such a belt before sailing?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the formal investigation into matters concerning the loss of the Peninsular and Oriental steamship "Egypt" is a public or private inquiry: whether any report has yet been issued, and, if so, what report; or, if not, will the findings of the inquiry be made public?

As I informed the House on 24th May, a formal investigation will be held into the loss of the "Egypt," and that investigation will cover all material points affecting the loss of the ship and the loss of life. A note has been made of the specific points mentioned in the questions. The inquiry will be a public one, and the Report will be published.

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to inquire into the advisability of carrying no more lascars on these boats?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that compensation is paid to relatives of the native crew as well as the white crew?

Will the Report of the inquiry be available to the public, or will the inquiry be a public one?

I announced to the House last week that the inquiry will be public.

Will not the inquiry in this case be the ordinary Board of Trade inquiry, which is always public?

Yes.

Will differentiation be made between Goanese stewards and lascar seamen?

No doubt the full facts will be brought out in the investigation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the Regulations imposed by his Department on ocean-going passenger steamers flying the British flag sailing from home ports as regards wireless operators; must each vessel carry a minimum number of such operators, and has the number to be increased according to the number of passengers carried by each vessel; and whether such Regulations apply to all vessels, irrespective of whether their voyages are long or short?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Rules, 1920, which will, I think, give him the information he requires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any Order or Regulation made by his Department respecting the crews to be carried by mail steamers leaving British ports carrying passengers; whether such Regulations provide for all or any part of the crew carried to be British; whether such steamers are allowed to carry lascar or other foreign crews; and, if so, is there any Regulation governing the proportion of such lascar or foreign crews who may be employed on British vessels from home ports?

I am informed that in all contracts entered into by the Post Office with steamship companies for the carriage of mails a Clause is inserted to the effect that the master and officers and at least three fourths of the crew of every mail ship shall be British subjects. The majority of the seamen described as "lascars" are British subjects. The only statutory requirements in regard to the employment of aliens on British ships are contained in Sections 5 and 12 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, where no distinction is made between cargo ships and passenger ships.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Peninsular and Oriental liner "Egypt' carried a hydrophone; and if he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to make it compulsory for all passenger steamers to be equipped with hydrophones?

All material points affecting the loss of the ship or the. loss of life will be dealt with in the formal investigation into the loss of the "Egypt." A note has been made of the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the heavy mortality among sea birds around our coasts caused by the presense of large quantities of heavy oil discharged from vessels; and whether he will consider whether it would he possible, either by issuing Regulations for our territorial waters or by appealing to mariners, or by both, to diminish this destruction of bird life?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the great injury done to wild birds and fish around our coasts owing to the wastage of oil from ships; and whether he proposes to introduce any Regulations to deal with the matter?

The question of the escape of heavy oil has been carefully considered in conjunction with the authorities and interests concerned during the past year, and a Government Bill on the subject, the Oil in Navigable Waters Bill, has been introduced in another place.

In view of the fact that there must be some delay in getting this admirable legislation passed, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making a public appeal, with his great authority, to avoid this injurious practice? I think that would do some good.

I doubt whether that would do much good, but I hope the Bill will get through quickly. It is a non-contentious Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why laboratory vacuum flasks are liable for duty under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, whilst ordinary vacuum flasks are exempt as not being scientific appliances or instruments, in view of the fact that many glass articles, in the nature of toys, are also dutiable?

Laboratory vacuum flasks are included in the list of articles dutiable under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, because they fall within the scope of the general heading, "scientific glassware," in the Schedule to the Act. Ordinary vacuum flask food containers cannot properly be regarded as included in this or in any other general heading of the Schedule, which is the only question which the Board of Trade have to determine.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total amount of fees payable to the Referee appointed under the Safeguarding of Industries Act for the period ending 31st March?

I am not in a position to make a definite statement on this matter, but the total fees payable to the Referee under Section 1 (5) of the Safeguarding of Industries Act up to the 31st March will not exceed 700 guineas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the scope of the glass bottle Inquiry, at present being conducted under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, extends to glass containers of all kinds, or whether it is confined to narrow-neck bottles, or what definition the Board of Trade is proceeding upon?

The complainants have specifically limited their complaint to "all containers of five inches or less in internal diameter of the opening of the mouth." The inquiry is also limited to empty bottles.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the £42,353 worth of acetic acid imported into this country during the six months ended 31st March last represented grades which have since been deleted from the list of dutiable commodities?

The particulars required to be furnished with respect to acetic acid imported during the period specified did not necessarily distinguish between the various grades of that commodity, and I am consequently unable to furnish the information desired.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether under the Committee appointed by him to consider the application for the imposing of an additional 33⅓ per cent. duty upon spectacles and spectacle frames, the investigations covers all kinds of spectacle frames, whether made of gold, rolled gold, steel, aluminium, horn, celluloid, or other materials, or if it would be sufficient to show that any one kind of spectacle frame is being imported into the United Kingdom under the depreciated currency conditions contemplated by the Safeguarding of Industries Act, as suggested by the applicants now appearing before the Committee, in order to have all kinds of frames included in the Order asked for:

(2) whether the terms of reference of the Optical and Scientific Instrument Committee appointed by him include calculating apparatus, cylinders and slide rules, also electrical goods and instruments, ammeters, voltmeters, etc., seeing that the total imports from all countries for six months only amounted to £5,239; if not, if he will in appointing further Committees clearly state what their terms of reference include, and thus avoid the labour and expense involved in the preparing of statements and the bringing of witnesses, often from a long distance, before the Committee, to state there is no justification for the making of an Order;

(3) whether he has appointed a Committee to inquire into the imports of optical and scientific instruments; and, if so, whether their terms of reference include dental, surgical, and medical instruments and appliances, seeing that the total imports of these articles from all countries for the six months ending 31st March amounted only to £111?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, under the title of optical and scientific instruments and optical elements, over 1,000 different articles are embraced, and that it was stated before the Committee who are considering the application for the imposing of an additional 33⅓ per cent. duty upon these goods, that it is not necessary to consider each article, but only one or two, as the recommendation in regard to these would apply to all others; and whether he will say if this proposal has received his sanction, in view of the divergent nature of the commodities referred to?

The terms of reference to the Committee cover optical elements and optical and other scientific instruments, and the Committee are directed to report whether the conditions laid down in the Act are fulfilled with regard to all or any particular varieties of such articles. The Committee will no doubt exercise their discretion as to how far they should require separate evidence in regard to any particular variety of instruments concerned; they will also no doubt bear in mind their terms of reference in deciding whether or not to admit evidence in regard to any particular class of article. Spectacle frames are not included in any of the lists which have been issued by the Board of Trade defining the general descriptions of goods mentioned in the Schedule to the Act under the headings of optical elements and optical or other scientific instruments, nor do they fall under the general descriptions given under these headings in the Schedule. The import figures quoted in Questions 21 and 22 are quite inaccurate, as they are not the value of the goods, but the amounts of duty collected thereon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that children's imitation pearl necklets made of glass, imported from Japan, are being held up by the Customs authorities as being liable for duty under the key section of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, on the ground that they are manufactured by the process known as lamp blown, when imported loose or on strings of cotton, but when imported on silken threads, which silken threads would represent 90 per cent. of the value of the completed article, they are admitted free; and is he prepared to amend the key section of the Safeguarding of Industries Act so as to remove anomalies of this kind?

I am not aware of any specific case of necklets threaded on silk to which the hen. Member's statement is applicable; and, consequently, the second part of the question does not arise.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can now announce the Government's decision as to the enforcement of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

I am sorry to say that, owing to the pressure of other business, the Government have not been able to discuss this question, and I doubt now very much whether I shall be able to make any statement on the subject before the Recess.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in the case of complaints made under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act which are dismissed by him without reference to Committees, he has decided not to lay any Papers before the House, whereas, in the case of complaints which are referred to Committees and unfavourably reported upon, he still intends to publish Reports; and, if this is so, what reason exists for making such discrimination?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, I would point out that the proceedings of the Committees of Inquiry are public, and there is therefore a clear distinction between the Reports of the Committees and the Departmental conclusions on complaints which do not form the subject of public inquiry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give, for the period 1st October to the 31st March last, the quantities imported (and the values) of the commodities listed by the Board of Trade under the Key Industries Schedule in Lists A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H, respectively: and if he will at the same time state what amount of these values represent commodities which have now been deleted from the Board of Trade lists as the result of decisions given by the referee?

I am consulting the Board of Customs as to the feasibility and cost of extracting the information desired by the hon. Member, and will communicate with him later on the subject. Meanwhile I may point out that no commodities included in the first seven of the eight lists mentioned by him have been deleted in consequence of decisions of the referees.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can arrange, in reference to the appeals before the referee under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, that the decisions of the referee shall be accepted as decisions in principle, and thus avoid the needless duplication of appeals, involving, as they do, delays, labour, and heavy financial cost: and is he aware that this was promised during the passing of the Act?

Where it is perfectly clear that the learned referee has laid down, as the basis of any decision, general principles by which he will govern himself in the consideration of pending complaints, such principles have been and will continue to be carefully considered, with a view to obviating hearings so far as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a commercial treaty exists between this country and Holland, the terms of which would prevent the making of an Order under Tart II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act imposing upon imported Dutch goods a duty greater than any duty charged by the Dutch Customs authorities on similar goods imported into Holland from Great Britain?

No, Sir! Article I of the Treaty of 1837 between this country.and the Netherlands prohibits the imposition on Dutch goods imported into this country of duties higher than those levied on similar goods imported from any other foreign country. This Clause would prevent the imposition, under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, of a duty on Dutch goods on the grounds of depreciation of Dutch currency in relation to sterling; but I would remind the hon. Member that Dutch currency is not so depreciated.

Did the right hon. Gentleman not appoint a Committee to inquire into the importation of bottles from Holland, and, if so, what was the object, if such articles cannot be imported?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether out of 347,000 cameras imported during the year 1921 only 13,000 came from Germany; and whether, in these circumstances, he can explain why he has appointed a Committee under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act to consider an application for a further duty of 33⅓1 per cent. on the ground that cameras imported from Germany are causing serious unemployment in the camera industry?

The precise figures, as stated in reply to the hon. Member for Whitechapel on the 23rd May, are 324,998 cameras imported from all countries in 1921, of which 13,233 were consigned from Germany. The great bulk of the imports come from the United States of America, and consist of a class of camera which, I am informed, is not strictly competitive with the general range of British-made cameras. In referring the matter to a Committee, the Board of Trade were satisfied that the volume of imports from Germany, considered in relation to the present output of the optical and scientific instruments industry in this country, of which the manufacture of cameras forms a part, was such as to exercise a serious effect on employment in that industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Committee of Inquiry which is investigating the complaint of the Associated Glass Bottle Manufacturers' Association under Part II. of the Safeguarding of Industries Act has received any instructions from the Board of Trade as to excepting from the scope of this inquiry any bottles which may be imported into this country already filled: and whether he will withdraw this instruction, seeing that it would discriminate very harshly against those British manufacturers who import empty bottles in order to fill them in this country?

asked the. President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the alarm created in the minds of manufacturers of table waters by his decision that any order made under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, as a result of the Report of the Committee at present inquiring into the case of glass bottles, will not apply to filled bottles; and whether, to avoid giving a preference to the foreign manufacturer at. the expense of the home producer, he will make any such order apply to filled glass bottles.

I have received no representations to the effect indicated in the latter question. The complainants having specifically restricted their complaint to empty bottles, the Board of Trade informed the Committee that their terms of reference were to be understood as relating only to empty bottles and not to filled bottles. The users of empty bottles will, of course, have full opportunity to give evidence before the Committee on the effect which the imposition of a duty would exert on employment in their respective industries. If a complaint is made with regard to filled bottles, the Board will consider whether anyprimâ facie case exists for reference to the Committee.

Does not the taxation of empty bottles, and not full bottles, put a bounty on the industry of filling the bottles abroad?

I think an interesting point will arise.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman sick and tired of answering these questions day after day, and will he recommend the repeal of the Act?

asked the Prime Minister what was the result of the representations which were made by the British delegates at Genoa to the representatives of the Russian Soviet Government with regard to the failure of the Soviet Government to make the reparation demanded by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for the outrageous treatment accorded to Mrs. Stan Harding, a British subject, during her imprisonment on a false charge for five months by the orders of the Russian Soviet Government, who had given her a safe-conduct to visit Russia?

The negotiations at Genoa with the Soviet Government did not reach a stage where individual claims could be brought forward for consideration, and it was, therefore, impossible to discuss the ease of Mrs. Stan Harding. There may be opportunities at the forthcoming Conference at The Hague for the presentation of such claims.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it. is most desirable that these outrages on British subjects should be gone into, and the grievances of Britishers redressed before we go into those of others?

There are several other cases, including this, which we are pledged to bring forward.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that this case, which has been in abeyance for many months, should be attended to?

There are many cases which are much older than this and just as grave as this one.

(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether instructions have been given for the withdrawal on the 28th instant, of His Majesty's Ship "Harebell" from the Murman coast and White Sea Fishery areas, and, if so, whether, in view of the recent illegal arrests of British trawlers off the Murmansk coast, the Government will take steps to retain the "Harebell" in those waters until adequate alternative protective measures can be provided to safeguard the rights of British fishermen?

I have been asked to reply. In view of the probability of the fishing season in North Russian waters finishing somewhat later this year than normally, His Majesty's Ship "Harebell" will not be withdrawn for the present.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view of allaying the widespread dissatisfaction at present existing in the manufacturing and mining districts of the country owing to the high price and low quality of the beer obtainable in licensed houses and working men's clubs, he will appoint a Committee to inquire into the causes of the high price and low quality and to endeavour to suggest a means of removing the causes of dissatisfaction?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing discontent and dissatisfaction existing amongst the industrial and other sections of the community at the high price and low quality of beer sold in licensed houses and workmen's clubs, he will take such measures as may be necessary to remedy this regrettable state of affairs?

I have no doubt that one of the main causes of the present price of beer is the high duty which it is unfortunately necessary to charge for revenue purposes; and I do not think that the appointment of such a Committee as my hon. Friend suggests could serve any useful purpose at the present time.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been made aware, since his return, of the enormous amount of discontent and unrest which has been caused by this matter, and cannot it be dealt with?

Yes, that is so: but unfortunately, owing to the necessities of the Revenue, it is quite impossible to take off these high duties. It would be very desirable if the duties could be taken off many commodities which are consumed by the people.

If an Amendment is tabled on the Finance Bill with a view to reducing the duty on spirits and beer, will the Government back it up?

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how it is that in spite of the fact that now, as compared with two years ago, many things are down—wages down at least 100 per cent., those also of the workers employed by the brewery companies and everything else are down—that the price of beer cannot be reduced?

That question had better be put down on the Paper!

asked the Prime Minister if he can now name a date on which it will be convenient for him to receive the deputation of retired naval officers asked by the petition of 228 Members of this House?

I hope to be able to arrange to see a deputation on this subject as soon as possible after the House re-assembles after the Whitsuntide Recess.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether any representations have been made to the Egyptian Government to the effect that the repeated murders of British subjects cannot be tolerated and will imperil the future of pending negotiations; whether compensation on the most generous terms has been demanded on behalf of the dependants or in the case of attempted murder or malicious injury of the victims:

(2) whether he is in a position to give any details as to the recent assassination of the assistant-commandant of police in Cairo; and whether he has any information that there is in Egypt a widespread organisation for the murder of British subjects?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the murderer of Bimbashi Cave has yet been arrested and whether both the British military authorities and the Egyptian Government have taken any steps to ensure against further similar outrages by more energetic measures against the small gang of extremists who were implicated in the plot on the life of the Prime Minister in Egypt and against the lives of British officials serving in Egypt?

Bimbashi W. F. Cunliffe Cave, while returning home about 1.30 p.m. on 24th May, was shot dead in that quarter of Cairo where most of the Egyptian Ministries are situated. His assailants, who are reported to have been three in number, escaped. Within the last three months attempts have been made on the lives of no fewer than seven British subjects in Cairo, but in no instance have any arrests been made. In view of their failure to check this series of outrages, Lord Allenby has been instructed to make the strongest possible representations to the Egyptian Government, who are being informed that His Majesty's Government will hold thorn responsible for indemnifying such foreigners or foreign officials as have been injured, or their heirs should the victims have succumbed.

May I ask you the last part of my first question: Whether generous compensation has been demanded?

Yes, Sir, I think I may confidently say that.

Do we understand that Lord Allenby is taking any steps himself, or is he relying on the Egyptian Government?

The Egyptian Government would be the normal authority, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that Lord Allenby regards this matter as a most serious one, and he is taking every possible step in regard to it.

Is it not a fact that the gang suspected of carrying out these murders are foreigners, and is the same gang that attempted the life of the Premier—not the present one—and have not the Military Intelligence Department got a very considerable amount of evidence about this murder gang?

I am not sure of that I will look into it.

asked the Prime Minister whether any provision is being made to meet the case of loyal Irishmen disbanded from the Irish regiments being unable to return to their homes in Ireland in consequence of danger incurred in so doing?

I have been asked to answer this question. These men, unless retained in the Army by transfer, will receive the same benefits as those provided by Army Order 180 for other men compulsorily discharged. If any of them are unable to return to their homes in Ireland, their cases should be brought before the Committee presided over by the hon. and gallant Baronet the Member for Chelsea.

As a matter of fact, are the Government alive to the fact that officers are included as well as rank and file in this question, and is there not very grave danger to these officers if they return to Ireland?

Officers are, of course, included in this Order; my answer applies to them equally with the men.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my Committee deals only with cases in which the applicants are in urgent need, and that this question deals with cases of people who wish for protection—a matter my Committee were nothing whatever to do with?

This reference I make to the Army Order shows that I hope there will be no urgent financial need; but there may be exceptional cases, in which case it is a matter that will be properly brought before that Committee.

If the Chief Chief Secretary can give superannuation allowances to the Royal Irish Constabulary, why cannot the War Office do the same for these discharged men who are equally in danger of their lives by returning home?

Quite a considerable number of grants are made to these men under the Army Order to which I have referred, and if my hon. Friend does not think it sufficient perhaps he will communicate with me in reference to the cases which he has in mind.

What financial provision is made by the Army Order in the case of men who are disbanded, and are unable to return home owing to being threatened with death?

I do not know whether the hon. Baronet has seen the Army Order; if not, I shall be glad to send him a copy.

asked the Prime Minister whether the General Election shortly to be held in Ireland will be held in accordance with the understanding that the constitution of the Treaty will be submitted by the Provisional Government to the Irish people; if so, whether His Majesty's Government has approved the draft of the Irish Constitution; and when, and in what way, will the terms of the Constitution be made public?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the agreement which has been entered into between Mr. Griffith and Mr. Collins, as representing the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland, on the one hand and Mr. De Valera on the other for an agreed election in Southern Ireland with agreed candidates, any provision has been made whereby approved candidates shall have expressed their agreement with the terms of the Treaty entered into with the British Government and subsequently ratified by Parliament; and whether all such candidates will be required to take the oath provided for in the said Treaty before they take their seats?

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the method by which the status of a Dominion was conferred by the Imperial Parliament on Canada, Australia, and South Africa, he will say if the Constitution of the Irish Free State giving the Free State the same constitutional status as the Dominion of Canada has been submitted to the Government; if so, whether, in addition, what is known as Document No. 2, which is an alternative Constitution for Ireland and which places Ireland in the same position as the Republic of Cuba, has also been submitted and when will this House be placed in possession of these two documents?

I had hoped to be able to make a general statement on the Irish situation at the close of Questions to-day, but in view of the position of the discussions which are now proceeding with the Irish representatives, it will be in the public interest to defer this statement till to-morrow or Wednesday. It is possible, and even probable that the discussions will not have concluded by to morrow, but in view of the gravity and urgency of the issues already disclosed, Parliament is entitled to the fullest information available in order that the House may, if it pleases, debate the subject before the Whitsuntide Adjournment.

If the statement is not made to-morrow, and the House adjourns to-morrow, how will the House have an opportunity of debating the question?

I will answer that: I do not propose to attempt to adjourn to-morrow. We will take the Motion for Adjournment on Wednesday. I will probably be asked about Business at the close of Questions, and I will make a statement then.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, at any rate, assure the House that, so far as the British Government is concerned, they will insist that all the Members returned to the new Irish Parliament shall take the oath of allegiance prescribed in the Treaty? Can we have that assurance?

I think I had much better make my statement as I have said.

Surely that is a simple question. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!" and "No, no!"] Cannot we have an answer whether the British Government intend to stick to the Treaty or not?

I should have no difficulty in answering the question of my hon. and gallant Friend, but I think it much better that I should make my statement later.

On a point of Order. After the statement of the right hon. Gentleman, can we have any assurance from you, Sir, that if a large number of Members wish to raise the question on the Adjournment it shall have priority to other questions?

I take a serious view of the question, and will give it a foremost place.

Has not the first place in the discussion upon the Adjournment been already pledged for the Reparation question and our relations with France?

I shall have to consider that. I cannot say at the moment.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as was done in the case of the Belgian refugees in the European War, Government assistance can be made available for organisation of relief and finding temporary employment for the loyalist refugees from the South of Ireland?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary's reply to a Private Notice question on 18th May last announcing the setting up of a Committee under the chairmanship of the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea to deal with refugees from Ireland. With regard to the last part of the question, applicants for employment, should register at the local Employment Exchanges.

Does the hon. and gallant Member really think that £10,000 is sufficient and is he aware that my question asks what is going to be done with regard to the organisation of relief for these refugees? Surely £10,000 does not cover that.

I must ask for notice.

It is information asked for in the question.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to withdraw all troops from Dublin; and if any orders have been issued?

There is no such intention at the present time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the troops remaining in Ireland will be allowed to carry such arms as are necessary for their protection in that country.

That is a question which should be addressed to the War Office. I cannot conceive that they will not be allowed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the troops now go out without side arms, even the military police?

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information of the alleged massing of Sinn Fein forces and many motor vehicles on the Donegal border of Londonderry, and if His Majesty's Government are taking any precautions to protect the city of Londonderry?

I have no information beyond what I have seen in the newspapers, but the Government of Northern Ireland and the Military Commander on the spot may be trusted to take whatever measures are necessary.

Do "any measures that are necessary" include taking measures against these forces which are gathering on the Free State side of the boundary, and will any impediment be placed by His Majesty's Government against such action?

Yes, the crossing by our forces of the boundary of the six counties would have to be a matter which, in the first instance, must be considered by the Cabinet.

Has the Commander-in-Chief in the North of Ireland been instructed to give all support to the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland when he asks for it, without referring to England?

Yes, certainly; but that does not apply to an invasion of territory external to the six counties.

As the crossing of the border between Northern and Southern Ireland by the Free State troops, or the Irish Republican troops, or whoever are massing at the present time, is very likely to take place, may I ask whether the Cabinet have taken this matter into consideration?

I do not think I can give accounts of subjects which the Cabinet have taken into consideration.

If the account which the right hon. Gentleman has seen in the newspapers be true, and there is a large massing of hostile troops within half-an-hour's run of Derry City, and if the military in these circumstances think that the best way of dealing with it would be to take the offensive against these troops, will it be necessary to have a Cabinet decision upon the matter before that can be done, or may Derry City be invaded and sacked possibly within half-an-hour?

It certainly would be a very grave decision requiring the mature deliberation of His Majesty's Government before an act of aggression outside the territory of the six counties could he taken, even if such measure was necessitated as a measure of self-defence.

As that position may arise at any moment, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that the matter shall be immediately considered by the Cabinet in case of necessity?

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask leave of the Provisional Government that British troops should go to disperse the rebels who are massing against Ulster?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to Mr. Collins and the other Irish leaders over here, now that they are met together here, that they should withdraw these troops and prevent the threatened situation arising?

I shall certainly see that these matters are brought to the notice of the Irish Ministers over here, and find out what they have to say.

Are we to understand that such important matters as these have not yet been dealt with by the right hon. Gentleman in conversation with Mr. Collins and his colleagues?

I am not prepared to say what portions of the serious and difficult situation in Ireland have yet been discussed or not discussed between the British Government and the representatives of the Irish Government. So far as the situation in Londonderry is concerned, I received last week a request from the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland to procure a naval force in the shape of a destroyer and other naval vessels. I communicated with the First Lord of the Admiralty, and almost immediately the vessels left, and are in position there. The actual position there is being carefully studied by the military authorities, the War Office and the Admiralty. We take full responsibility for giving protection to Ulster.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the military forces in and around Derry are sufficient to meet any calls for assistance that may be made by the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland?

There are 19 battalions in Northern Ireland, and the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland is in constant touch with General Cameron, who is commanding there, an able officer, who has full discretion to take any measures which are necessary, and if more forces are necessary, infantry, cavalry and artillery, they will be sent.

Do I understand that General Cameron has full power on the request of the Government of Northern Ireland to do anything that is necessary for protecting life and property.

Certainly; he has full power to work in conjunction with the Prime Minister and Government of Northern Ireland, and to act when they require him.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to give to the House with regard to the position in Belfast and Ulster?

I have just received the following telegram from the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (Sir James Craig):

"It is now confirmed that the police attacked near Bellek. Have one man killed and lost two Crossley tenders and one Lancia car. The driver of the first car was killed at the wheel, and his car swerved into the ditch, with the result that the other two cars could not get past and were exposed to intense rifle fire. All three cars had therefore to be abandoned. The Cullingtree Road Police Barracks, Belfast. was attacked at noon to-day by strong body of Sinn Fein gunmen, who poured a heavy fire into building. Three police were severely wounded, one feared mortally. The attack was ultimately beaten off."

asked the Prime Minister whether the Bank of England has yet called a meeting of the central banks and banks regulating credit policy in the several countries, as recommended by the Finance Commission of the Genoa Conference; and whether there is any possibility that America will cooperate in the bankers' meeting?

I am unable at present to add anything to the answer given on the 25th instant to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any machinery for communicating the general Resolutions regarding the, granting of loans and credits agreed to by the Finance Commission of the Genoa Conference to the Reparation Commission's committee of bankers, at present sitting in Paris, to consider the question of the granting of a loan to Germany?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have any reason to believe that a military agreement has been reached between the German and Soviet Governments?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Allied Governments propose to institute an investigation into the question of a secret war agreement between Germany and Russia, and to take such practical steps as will make it impossible for the German and Russian Governments to co-operate on these lines?

Inquiries have been made as to the authenticity of the reports of a secret war agreement, but no confirmation has been obtained. The matter will not be lost sight of.

Did not the Prime Minister state in his speech on Thursday that this was a forgery, and that the whole thing was acanord?

I was referring to a document published in the newspapers.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that there is a military pact between Russia and Germany?

Of course there is!

asked the Prime Minister what amount has been spent on research by the Admiralty during the last 12 months, as compared with that spent by the Air Ministry; and what sum each of these Departments will have available for the same purpose during the ensuing 12 months?

This information is being obtained and will be sent to my hon. Friend as soon as it is available.

Is it not a fact that these Departments are still hampered in their work by the operation of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will lay a Paper, giving a full and correct report of the speech of the Lord President of the Council at Geneva on 17th May on the subject of the Palestine Mandate, or arrange for such a report to be placed in the Library, in view of the important bearing that this speech may have on the future of the mandatory system?

Yes, Sir; I will arrange for a, copy to be placed in the Library.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the Governor of Hong Kong requested the Naval Authorities at Hong Kong to restrain the wife of Lieut.-Commander Haslewood, then superintendent of the chart department, from advocating publicly the prohibition of the mui tsai system, and that the Commander-in-Chief thereupon tried to bring pressure to bear upon Mrs. Haslewood, through her husband, to desist from her public advocacy of a Measure which has now been substantially adopted by His Majesty's Government, as evidenced by the proclamation in Hong Kong that slavery is not allowed to exist in the British Empire and that, therefore, the mui tsai are not the property of their owners: and whether, in view of all the circumstances, the Government can make some amends both to Lieut.-Commander Haslewood and to Mrs. Haslewood.

I had better first state the facts as far as I have been able to ascertain them. According to the Governor's report, his attention was drawn to the fact that Mrs. Haslewood was at that time conducting her campaign, which included allegations of widespread cruelty to mui tsai, in terms which gave much annoyance to the Chinese community. The Chinese have a great regard for official position, and when an officer's wife, with the encouragement of her husband, made attacks of this character, the Governor considered that there was a danger that they might get the impression that the Government approved the terms which were employed, and that thus a state of ill-feeling towards the British Government would be created which would be highly undesirable, especially in view of the unsettled state of South China. A Governor is both entitled and bound to do all he can to restrain persons from acting in a manner likely to disturb the peace of the colony for which he is responsible. In these circumstances the Governor had decided to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies to request the Admiralty to move Lieut.-Commander Haslewood to another station, but on further consideration, not wishing to damage Lieut.-Commander Haslewood's professional prospects, he communicated privately with the Commodore on the subject, suggesting that he should ask Lieut.-Commander Haslewood to restrain his wife from taking part in a public controversy affecting racial questions and customs and stirring strong and dangerous feeling in the Chinese community.

The Commodore, and subsequently the Commander-in-Chief, interviewed Lieut.-Commander Haslewood, and the Commander-in-Chief informed him that if he wished to continue his campaign he ought to resign his official appointment in the Dockyard. In the meantime, Mrs. Haslewood was taken to hospital, and her condition was such that the doctors had the gravest doubts as to her recovery if she did not leave the Colony at once. The Commander-in-Chief accordingly informed Lieut.-Commander Haslewood that he was prepared to allow him to proceed home with his wife and to replace him in the Chart Office by another officer. Lieut.-Commander Haslewood accepted this offer, and on returning home gave as his reason for leaving the Chart Depot: "I applied to proceed on urgent private affairs. This was approved by the Commander-in-Chief, China Station."

Lieut.-Commander Haslewood was a retired officer who had volunteered for service during the War. About the time of his leaving Hong Kong, the War being over, the Admiralty were reverting such officers to the retired list, and they were being warned in advance of the likelihood of their being relieved at an early date by active service officers as opportunity offered. object of this warning was to give these officers as much notice as possible of the impending change. Lieut.-Commander Haslewood knew that this was the Admiralty policy at the time. though it is doubtful if the warning reached him before he left Hong Kong. It will be seen that the naval authorities acted at the request of the Governor, and the Governor seems to have shown all possible consideration in the performance of what he felt to be his duty to the Colony. Lieut.-Commander Haslewood suffered no injury to his professional career, and the Admiralty did not at any time express displeasure at his conduct.

I wish to make it quite clear that there has not at any time been any suggestion that Lieut.-Commander Haslewood and Mrs. Haslewood acted from any but the highest motives.

Is not the Proclamation of the Governor a spirited negation of self-determination, seeing that the British are a mere handful among half a million of Chinese?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the an- nouncement of the intention to appoint a committee of investigation into charges of cruelty towards their Greek subjects brought against the Turks has been received by Indian Mahommedans with doubts whether such investigation will deal impartially with the many charges of cruelty to Turks brought against the Greeks during their occupation of Turkish territory in Asia Minor, and by the Angora Government with doubts whether any but neutrals should deal with Charges brought against belligerents of cruelties perpetrated by one upon another of the nations at war; and whether these facts will be taken fully into account by His Majesty's Government in carrying out its expressed intention to bring about a formal investigation into atrocities in Asia Minor?

His Majesty's Government have no information on the subject of the alleged doubts referred to by the hon. Member. Whatever doubts may or may not be felt by Mahommedans in India and Asia Minor, the hon. Gentlemen himself must be well aware that the Government have not, and cannot have, any other object in furthering an investigation then that of arriving at the truth.

Is it not the case that these charges come from the very sources in which the Turks allege plots and rebellions are hatched against them?

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will put that question down on the Paper.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he can now announce the date fixed for the discussion of the Canadian cattle embargo question.

No, Sir. I shall not be able to name a date for this discussion till after the Recess.

Has the right hon. Gentleman forgotten that in the first instance he said he hoped to give us a day shortly after Easter? Now it is to be after Whitsuntide?

I do not think I promised a day "shortly after Easter." What I think I said was that I could not make any statement as to a date until after Easter. I make the same statement now with regard to Whitsuntide.

Will it be before the General Election?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department have offered certain objections, on account of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, to a commercial treaty or understanding with Czecho-Slovakia which would give favoured treatment to goods imported from Great Britain.

I should be very glad to see the negotiations for a commercial agreement with Czecho-Slovakia reach a successful issue, but the existence of the Safeguarding of Industries Act is obviously one of the factors which have to be taken into account.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the proceedings of the Conference at Genoa, and the statement of the Prime Minister that the chariot would be driven to the goal. Why, therefore, should we be the people to interfere with Free Trade among the countries of Europe?

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will send me the marked passages of the speech to which he refers.

Will the President of the Board of Trade bear in mind the limited results achieved by this Act when considering the advantages that will accrue to the population of this country by making this treaty?

I will bear that in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of merchant ships of this country which were lost during the War by enemy action and the value of such ships and the value of their cargoes; how much was paid by the Government to the owners of such ships and cargoes; and if any statement on the subject is available?

The number of British merchant ships lost by enemy action up to the date of the Armistice is 2,479, as stated in the return of British vessels lost or captured by the enemy. (House of Commons Paper No. 199 of 1919.) It is not possible to give a complete statement of the total value of the ships and their cargoes, but in regard to such ships and cargo as were insured under the various Government Schemes, the following figures are given in the preliminary statement of results of the Government War Insurance Schemes (Cmd. 98). Total amount paid in respect of ships, approximately, £64,206,000, and of cargoes, approximately, £68,281,000. In addition, the sum of £98,790,000 was paid in respect of total losses of requisitioned ships. Final figures of losses cannot be given till the accounts are closed.

Would it not be of the greatest advantage to have some statement got out on this subject, so as to assist speakers who are discussing the losses of this country?

How much was paid by the Government to the legal representatives of those who lost their lives in these ships owing to enemy action?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what steps His Majesty's Government intend to take to carry out the recommendations of the Third Commission (Economic) at the Genoa Conference affecting the freedom of international trade?

His Majesty's Government are in full accord with the recommendations of the Commission, and are considering what steps may be necessary to give effect to them so far as the United Kingdom is concerned.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noted, on page 72 of the Blue Book, the special stricture on the licensing system, and will he reconsider the Dyes Act in view of that?