asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that our imports from Denmark last year were greater than those from any other European country except. France, whereas our exports to Denmark were less than a third of our imports from that country; and whether he has received any reports as to the reason why we fail to find a better market in a country of which we are such an excellent customer?

I am aware of the large sum which is represented by our imports from Denmark, imports which consist almost exclusively of food products of animal origin. The imports into Denmark from all sources include considerable amounts of foodstuffs, fodder material and industrial raw materials which we are not in a posi- tion to supply from our own production. I do not think that a special inquiry is necessary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any estimate has been made of the trade which passed in 1913 between what is now the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and what is now the Irish Free State; and, if so, if he can state the estimated figures for 1913 and the actual figures for 1924?

I regret that it has not been found possible to make such an estimate as that indicated in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of steel bars of all kinds, other than rails and constructional material, exported in 1913 and 1924?

The exports of steel sheet bars and tinplate bars of United Kingdom manufacture registered during 1924 amounted to 1,229 tons. No exports of such bars were registered in the year 1913. Other descriptions of steel bars are not separately distinguished for the purposes of the trade returns but are included under the heading" Bars, rods, angles, shapes and sections—all other sorts."

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will supply the figures relating to the total amount of foreign ores imported for the purpose of making iron and steel during the past five years, respectively; and the amount of native ores used for the same purpose, specifying, if possible, the grades and quantities of ores?

As the answer contains a number of figures, perhaps the hon. Member will agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what basis was the supplemental grant for reparation claims calculated; whether the amount of the grant bore any relation to the amount claimed; and, if so, what?

I would refer to the statement made by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in the last Government during the Debate on the Motion for Adjournment on 21st March last (col. 894 of the OFFICIAL REPORT). As to the second and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my answers of 24th ultimo to the hon. Member for Southampton, copies of which I am sending him.

In so far as the amount granted bore no relation to the justice of the claim, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is not possible to supplement the amount now that the amount of the claims are known

As the hon. Member knows, that is a matter for the consideration of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In this matter I am only the paymaster of such sums as are provided by this House. Perhaps the hon. Member will address a question on this point to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the lines suggested?

Is the right hon. Gentleman's view still the same as it was on the Supplementary Estimates?

As the right hon. Gentleman is the only Minister acquainted with the facts, is it not his duty, if he think well, to make representations to the Treasury?

No, Sir. Several lien. Members rose

Order, order. This is becoming a Debate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many claims for compensation have been lodged against Germany in the case of the masters, officers and crews of British ships which were seized in German ports before the official declaration of war; how many of these claims have been settled; and what has been the nature of the settlements arrived at?

The answer is a long one, and I propose, if my hon. Friend will permit me, to have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Why should not the answer be a very short one, namely, that only one such seaman has received any compensation at all?

No, Sir; that would be quite an untrue answer.

Following is the answer:

Nine hundred and forty-seven of the masters, officers and crews of British vessels detained in Germany at the outbreak of war lodged claims with the Reparation Claims Department, practically all of which have been admitted against the £5,000,000. These claims were assessed at a total of £297,230, and payments have been made after scaling down in accordance with the First Report of the Royal Commission.

In addition, 128 of such persons lodged belated claims practically all of which have been admitted against the £300,000. Those claims have been assessed at a total of £31,988 and, after scaling down in accordance with the First Report of the Royal Commission, the proper grants out of the £300,000 have been or will be paid to such claimants.

Eight hundred and sixty-seven claims have also been lodged with the Clearing Office under Clause 4 of the Annex to Section IV of Part X of the Treaty of Versailles, by officers and men of 81 separate ships which were detained in German ports before the outbreak of the War. Two eases have been finally decided in favour of the claimants and two rejected. The basis of the favourable decisions was that the claimants were entitled to compensation for damage arising directly out of acts committed by the German authorities before the declaration of war, and, in the arbitrator's view, the measure of such damage was the loss of special wages and extra grants which the claimants would have received if they had been able to return to England and had remained in the employ of the respective steamship companies during the War. In four other cases the question of principle has been decided in favour of the claimants, but the assessment of the compensation has been reserved for future decision. It has been arranged that in the particular case of loss of personal effects, any damage which would give rise to a claim under Article 297 shall in future be assessed by the arbitrator and not the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Bill dealing with wages to shipwrecked seamen will be introduced; and whether it will deal with the point that shipwrecked seamen shall be paid their wages from the time of shipment until they reach a port in this country?

The Merchant Shipping (International Labour Conventions) Bill, which has passed Second Reading in another place, provides that shipwrecked seamen shall be entitled to wages, while unemployed, for a maximum period of two months.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has now received a copy of the Report upon Atlantic shipping rates, prepared at the instance of the Canadian Government, and which, inter alia, alleges discrimination by the Atlantic Shipping Conference of Shipowners against British ports in certain cases; if he is aware that the freight for settlers' effects from London to Montreal is 55s. per ton of 40 cubic feet, whereas the freight for settlers' effects from Antwerp to Montreal is only 355. per ton; and what action he is prepared to take to prevent freight rates being artificially raised?

I have seen a copy of the Report to which the hon. Member refers, and I understand that the whole question of freight rates to Canada will shortly be investigated by a special Parliamentary Committee in Canada. I have not been able to find any confirmation of the difference in rates referred to in the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that His Majesty's Government will co-operate with the Canadian Government in promoting inter-Imperial trade and in breaking the power of this combine?

It is always the intention of the Government to develop inter-Imperial trade, but I should deprecate statements which are not susceptible of proof.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that according to the information contained in the Report which has been quoted from the claim is made that the British Government should institute an inquiry in this country as to their charges or otherwise?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have already informed the Canadian Government that if an investigation is desired before the Imperial Shipping Committee we should be only too glad to facilitate such an inquiry in every way in our power.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that on page 25 of the Report, which I hold in my hand, there is detailed evidence of discrimination against British exporters to say nothing of Canadian exporters, and, under these circumstances will the right hon. Gentleman institute inquiries on his own behalf into these allegations?

The hon. Member put a question to me and I made inquiries, and I stated in my answer that, as a result of the inquiries I have been able to make, I cannot find any confirmation of the statement that there are such discriminating rates on this side. [HON. MEMI3ERS: "Oh, Oh:"] Perhaps hon. Members will give me credit for having made inquiries and for having given, quite honestly, the information I have been able to obtain.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to prepare and supply statistics regarding health, as apart from mortality, in the mercantile marine service; whether there is a medical officer in his office and a special department dealing with problems of health and diseases in the service; whether the classification of diseases causing death issued by the Board of Trade can be brought into line with the more scientific classification adopted in the Royal Navy, and further information given regarding the population concerned, so that death rates may be calculated?

Questions relating to the health and diseases of merchant seamen are dealt with by the Mercantile Marine Department of the Board of Trade in consultation with the Ministry of Health. The Mercantile Marine Department has a staff of qualified medical officers. The question of modifying the classification of diseases in the statistics of the deaths of seamen issued by the Board of Trade is under consideration. As regards the preparation of statistics relating to the health, as apart from mortality, of merchant seamen, if the hon. Member will indicate more precisely the kind of statistics he has in mind, I will consider whether anything can be done.

I will undertake to send the right hon. Gentleman a list of what I want.

further asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the transfer from the Board of Trade to the Minister of Health of all questions affecting the health of seamen?

The change which the hon. Member suggests would require legislation, and I do not think it is necessary or desirable. The Board of Trade is in close touch with the Ministry of Health on all matters affecting the health of seamen.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is impossible for any analytically-minded person to get out the details as to the origin of and the diseases suffered by British seamen? Is he aware that in the Navy they have already done this to the satisfaction of the Navy, and will he agree to adopt the same system in regard to merchant seamen?

That side of the question put by the hon. Member had not been brought to my attention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government propose to introduce this Session any legislation amending the Merchant Shipping Acts?

The Merchant Shipping (International Labour Conventions) Bill, which has passed Second Reading in another place, will amend the Merchant Shipping Acts in several particulars, in accordance with three International Labour Conventions. Further, a Bill will shortly be introduced to enable compliance with the wireless and other safety requirements imposed by foreign Governments on merchant shipping to be recognised by this country, on condition of reciprocity, as a compliance with the British requirements, where there is substantial equivalence.

Does not the right lion. Gentleman think that a sufficient time has now elapsed since the passing of the existing Act to warrant the introduction of legislation consolidating the law and bringing in some amendments in order to improve the service?

Consolidation is one thing, and it may be that it might be a good thing if there is Parliamentary time for it. With regard to amendments, I should very much hesitate to commit the Government at all, because this country is already far in advance of most other countries in the Regulations it imposes, and to impose new Regulations not imposed by other countries would only result in creating unemployment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing necessity for cheap and widespread electrical power he will now consider the appointment of the special technical commission of inquiry recommended by the Water Power Resources Committee to inquire into the practicability of the River Severn barrage scheme?

The preliminary stages of the inquiry recommended by the Water Power Resources Committee are at present being proceeded with. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 24th February by the Minister of Transport to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Everton Division of Liverpool (Colonel Woodcock), a copy of which I am forwarding to him.

Are we to understand that the Government are doing all they can to expedite this inquiry?

Certainly. I am anxious that the result of the inquiry now being conducted shall be available as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow the expense to go on for what is a futile proposition?

I think we had better wait and see the result of the inquiry, before we say that it is futile.

asked the President of the Hoard of Trade whether he has received any representations from municipal authorities in London and Greater London asking for increased representation for local authorities on the Port of London Authority; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action on the matter

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Various suggestions for the amendment of the constitution of the authority have been made from time to time, but it is not my present intention either to introduce legislation to amend the constitution prescribed by the Port of London (Consolidation) Act, 1920, or to press the authority to introduce such legislation themselves.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what expenditure of public money is to be devoted to the construction of a highway for the purpose of transporting the inhabitants of Glasgow to Edinburgh and vice versa; and is he aware that most of this money has been derived from English motorists?

I have been asked to reply. The cost of the Glasgow-Edinburgh road, as at present estimated, is £2,115,000. On the basis of this estimate, the grant from the Road Fund will amount to approximately £1,532,500. With regard to the last part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that the Road Fund being a national fund, its administration must be judged in that light without regard to geographical divisions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make application for the English contributions to be returned to his office, in view of the recent protests by Clydeside Members against Englishmen taking any part in Scottish affairs?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that by far the largest amount of money is provided by London, and is he aware that his Department has consistently refused to give grants for London road improvements? Will he consider that matter? Can I have an answer.?

That is more suitabe for Debate than at Question Time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the annual subsidies contributed to railways of the United Kingdom for each of the years 1914 to 1924, inclusive?

I have been asked to reply. I am not aware what the hon. Member may have in mind when he uses the term "subsidies," but the net cost of the railway agreements, under which the railways were guaranteed their net receipts (as defined) for the year 1913 during the. period of possession, may be estimated at between £155,000,000 and £160,000,000. These figures allow for the conveyance of all Government traffic at appropriate rates, and also include the lump sum payments authorised by the Railways Act and the Irish Railways (Settlement of Claims) Act, 1921, which cannot be apportioned to particular years.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge of the value of the services rendered to the State by the railway companies during that period?

That must be a matter of opinion.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, consequent upon a landslide on the Salcombe-Kingsbridge road, the motor-omnibus serving the latter town has to descend a steep hill backwards; and what steps he will take to have the road put in a proper state of repair?

I am aware that, owing to the weakness of a retaining wall, the Salcombe Urban District Council found it necessary last January to close, temporarily, to heavy traffic, a short length of road near the Marine Hotel, forming part of an omnibus route. This temporary stoppage involves a turning and backing movement on the part of the omnibuses until such time as the council can undertake the strengthening of the retaining wall—a matter which is now under their consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport the total cost of the upkeep of roads in England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively, the amount borne by local authorities, and by the Road Fund in each case?

I regret that I cannot give art answer to my hon. Friend exactly in the form in which he desires it. The most recent information available is contained in an answer which I gave on 19th December to the hon. Member for the Abingdon Division (Major Glyn), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport the total cost of the upkeep of roads in England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively, during the year 1913; and the amount borne by the local authorities and by the Road Fund in each case?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the great inconvenience to traffic at High Street, Aldgate, due to the existence of a hay-and-straw street market and a tramway dead-end; and whether he proposes to take any steps to remedy the matter?

My attention has frequently been drawn to this matter, and I have referred it to the London Traffic Advisory Committee for consideration and report. I understand that the Committee have already made a personal visit, but I would remind the hon. Member that legislation would be required to abolish this street market.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Metropolitan and Southern Omnibus Companies, two subsidiary companies of the London Traffic Combine, are operating their present services without having submitted schedules as required by the London Traffic Act; and whether 'proceedings will be instituted against these companies for non-compliance with the Act?

I have made inquiry, and a would seem that any breach of the law that may have been committed is a purely technical one for which there could be no question of taking proceedings. The matter has now been put right.

Does the hon. Gentleman not realise that mistakes of this character are creating a widespread feeling among the smaller omnibus owners that the Traffic Act is being administered with a bias in favour of the combine.

What happened fn this case was that there was first deposited a schedule covering these two companies' routes, and it was afterwards omitted to amend the schedule. It was purely a technical error and was immediately put right.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the very onerous demands that are made upon the small omnibus owners in connection with these schedules; that 50 copies of a schedule, properly filled in, are required from a man who has been driving his own omnibus all day, and will he remember that the small man has no clerical assistance?

That seems to be quite a new question, and should be put down.

asked the Minister of Transport whether new scheduled routes for omnibuses, approved under the London Traffic Act since 1st January, are to be withdrawn, notwithstanding the fact that they are not adding traffic to the congested areas?

Under an Order and Provisional Regulations made in pursuance of Section 7 of the London Traffic Act certain streets in the City of London and the Metropolitan Police District have been declared to be "restricted streets" and the numbers of omnibuses which may ply for hire on the streets have been limited to the numbers which might have been so plying on 1st January in accordance with the deposited schedules then in force. Any schedules which may have been deposited with the Commissioner of Police since the 1st January will require to be amended where such schedules would involve any additions to the numbers of omnibuses on any of the "restricted streets."

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the heavy rates now paid by agriculturists for the upkeep of rural roads and of the large increase of the Road Funds, he will consider a grant from these funds to all rural district councils for their unclassified roads in addition to the grants already paid for classified roads?

During the past two years sums amounting to no less than £3,750,000 have been specially allocated from the Road Fund for the improvement of important roads in rural areas, and I have under consideration the allocation of a further sum for the next financial year. These grants are additional to the ordinary maintenance and improvement grants to Class I and Class II roads. My hon. and gallant Friend will see, therefore, that generous assistance is being rendered to meet the special difficulties of local highway administration in many rural areas. At the same time, having regard to the limitations of the Fund, and to the many other urgent claims upon it, I am unable to hold out any hope of grants being made generally to all rural highway authorities in respect of unclassified roads.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to make a statement on the attitude of the Government towards the proposed scheme for the construction of a permanent river crossing near the mouth of the River Tyne; and whether, in the event of the project receiving the support of his Department, and having regard to the great need for improved facilities of communication between North and South Shields, he will expedite the preliminary arrangements by every means at his disposal, so that employment may be provided for men out of work in that area?

I am not aware that any definite scheme of this nature has been formulated, but if the local authorities concerned have any feasible proposals to submit, I shall be glad to consider them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the injury done to the Scottish in-shore fishermen by the depredations of illegal trawlers, he will put into operation Section 469 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, which gives his Department power to suspend or cancel the certificate of any master who has been convicted of any offence?

The Board of Trade will give any assistance they can in finding an effective remedy for illegal trawling, but they doubt whether the power to cancel or suspend certificates was intended for cases of this kind, and they do not think that the duplication of penalties by administrative action would be a satisfactory way of dealing with the problem.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Messrs. Arcos, Limited, Soviet House, 49, Moorgate Street, London, E.C., is a British firm, registered in accordance with British laws?

The company referred to is incorporated as a limited company under the Companies Acts, 1908 to 1917. All the directors are Russians, and the information given on the company's file at Somerset House indicates that the bulk of the shares are held by Russians.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will supply a list of industries which have applied for safeguarding since the inception of the Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 19th February to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland, of which I am sending him a copy.

How is it possible to answer a question in this House by reference to an earlier answer when it asks for information to-day?

The information contained in the previous answer was complete, both at the time it was given and at the present time.

Does that, mean that the clerks allow the same question to go through twice without being answered

Some hon. Members are so pertinacious that it is not always possible to stop them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what provision will be made by the Board of Trade Committee, under the safeguarding scheme, for receiving evidence from importers., merchants and others, whose interests may be materially affected by the action which may be taken on the reports of such Committees?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 17th February to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, of which I am sending him a copy.

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer given on the 17th February contradicted the statement made by the Parliamentary Secretary during the Debate on this question?

No, Sir, I am not aware of that. The answer on the 17th February represented the information and the decision which I had arrived at on the 17th February and that is a decision to which I now adhere.

Is the hon. Member entitled, in a question, to refer to something that was said in Debate?

I see no reason to interfere. It is a form of elucidation.

further asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the case of a number of applications being received from industries for safeguarding on the grounds of competition alleged to arise from depreciation of currency in a given country acting so as to create an export bounty, the decision as to whether that depreciation so operates or not is to be arrived at by each committee separately?

The question whether the depreciation of currency has given rise to exceptional competition must necessarily depend in part upon the facts of each particular case, and, consequently, must be examined in the light of those facts by the committee concerned.

Will any steps be taken to see that all the committees will arrive at the same conclusion on the same question?

No, Sir; the committees will be left to make their own reports. As I think the hon. Gentleman, who is a distinguished economist, knows, the effect of a bounty may be very different in different industries, varying with the amount that they have to buy abroad.

also asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the standard recognised by the Board of Trade in deciding what is and what is not profitable manufacture under the safeguarding of industries proposals?

The hon. Member will see from the White Paper that the question of the prices at which goods in respect of which a complaint is made can be profitably manufactured in this country is one upon which the committee of inquiry will be instructed to report in each case.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman laying down any uniform standard as to what profitable manufacture is, for the guidance of the different committees:?

No, Sin I should have thought that all reasonable men would be able to understand the difference between profit and loss,

lf that be so, would the right hon. Gentleman say what is the rate of profit?

No, Sir. I think the discretion which is left to the committee is a very practical one. They have to find two things—in the first place. whether the industry is efficiently undertaken in this country, and, secondly, whether it is able to manufacture goods at a profit. [HON. MEMBERS: "What profit?"] That is what they were invited to do under the previous Act, and I think it is a very practical matter to leave to them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any permits were issued during the years 1923 and 1924 for the export of arms to Arabia; and, if so, what firms were given the permits?

Numerous licences were issued during the period in question, mainly in respect of smoothbore shot-guns and ammunition therefor, as well as single revolvers and pistols taken by individuals. If the hon. Member desires I will have a list prepared of the licences issued in respect of arms other than those I have mentioned. I may add that, in pursuance of the provisions of the Arms Traffic Convention relating to prohibited areas, war material is only allowed to be exported to Governments in those areas which are in a position to give the guarantees required by the Convention.

Is it not the case that we have been arming both Ibn Saud and King Hussein, and that these two enemies are fighting with munitions supplied to both of them by us?

Can the right lion. Gentleman say on whose authority English machine guns were sent to Soviet Russia?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is now possible for the enemy debts clearing office to liquidate the accepted Anglo-German claims of all the smaller claimants (say, under £200), and so to effect an immediate and considerable reduction of staff'?

In the ease of claims against Germany, the clearing office already pays in full admitted claims in respect of pre-War debts and proceeds of liquidation of British property in Germany, and, on awards of the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal in respect of compensation, it has paid up to £50 in full, together with a dividend of 15s. in the £on any further amount awarded. The payment of a further dividend is in contemplation, and I think that this course will be more expeditious and practicable than the hon. Member's proposal. In the cases of Austria and Hungary, dividends of 11s. and 3s. 6d. in the £, respectively, have been paid on all admitted claims and awards.

Further dividends will 'be paid as and when funds permit, but it would not be possible to make any further distribution in these two cases at the moment. All claims against Bulgaria have been paid in full.

asked the President of the Board of Trade for how much it was agreed by the Disposal Board and the Ministry of Munitions to sell the Slough depot and its buildings and contents; how much of this money has been paid to date; and what arrangements have been made for subsequent payments?

I have been asked to answer this question. The position remains as stated in the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford (Rear-Admiral Sueter) on the 14th April last.

Have we any security for those payments that have not been made'?

Do the Government intend the buyers to go on disposing of the property until they pay something on account?

A great deal has been received. I think it was stated in the last answer that more than £5,500,000 had been received. The matter is merely held up by an adjustment of accounts, the reason of which is rather difficult to explain by question and answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War, of the 5,260 recruits obtained for the Army Supplementary Reserve up to the 7th February, the number drawn from each trade specified in the pamphlet on the Supplementary Reserve issued with Army Council Instruction 591, of 1924?

These particulars are not available at the War Office, and I do not think that the information would be of sufficient value to justify the labour involved in collecting it from the Record Offices where it is kept.

Considering that special efforts were made to raise this Supplementary Corps from technically trained workmen, is it not due to this House to know whether technically trained men in different trades are being recruited or not?

The House does know the number of recruits. What I am saying is that it does not seem to me to be worth the labour to ascertain in which category each man is.

May we not know if there are sufficient numbers from each trade or not?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has approached trade union groups, as he did groups of employers, to enlist their sympathy and assistance in encouraging recruiting for the Army Supplementary Reserve; and, if so, how many and which trade unions were they?

I am in negotiation with the National Union of Railwaymen and the Transport and General Workers' Union with a view to securing their sympathy and support.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date did the late Secretary of State for War give an assurance that the men recruited for Army Supplementary Reserve would not be used in civil disputes, and on what date did the War Office receive a request from the National Union of Railwaymen to repeat this assurance; and what was the reason given by them for this request?

The only assurance given by my predecessor in this matter that I am aware of is that contained in Army Orders 284 and 285 of August, 1924, and Army Order 343 of September, 1924, to the effect that the liability of the Supplementary Reserve to be called out in aid of the civil power will not be enforced. I am now in communication with the National Union of Railwaymen.

May we know what the contention raised by the National Union of Railwaymen is which necessitates this second application?

Obviously I cannot do that in answer to a question, but the hon. Member will have an opportunity when the Army Estimates are down of further pursuing the matter if he so desires.

asked the Secretary of State for War the personnel of the Commission sent to Oppau to inquire into German methods of fixing nitrogen from the air; whether the State bore all or any part of the expenses; and whether any members of the Commission are still in State employ?

I do not think it desirable to publish the names of the members of this mission. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative, and to the third part in the negative, so far as I am aware.

Are the members of the State Commission now employed by Messrs. Brunner, Mond and Company?

That I do not know.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into that?

If the hon. Member asks me a question on that, I will consider what answer I will give to it.

Is the information that was obtained by the gentlemen who returned to this country being held secret by the Government, or being used and handed out to private firms?

No, Sir, it is not being held secret by the Government. There is a further question on the Paper, the answer to which will answer the second part of the hon. Member's supplementary question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Report received from the Commission sent to Oppau to inquire into German methods of fixing nitrogen is still in the hands of the War Office; and whether any private firms or individuals have had access to it or have a copy of the whole or any portion of it?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, under the agreement for the sale of the Government factory at Billingham the purchasers acquired the right to have placed at their disposal any information in the possession of the Government bearing upon the manufactures intended to be carried on in the factory, which would include the information regarding the fixation of nitrogen.

May I understand from that that the Minister assures the House that in his personal knowledge the Report is in the hands of the Foreign Office?

I have seen a copy of it this morning at the War Office.

Are we to understand that the Government are at the expense of investigating a process for extracting nitrogen from the air, and instead of making it, they hand it over to private enterprise?

No, the information was sold with the factory to the purchasers of the factory, who made use of the information.

Where was the copy the right hon. Gentleman saw supplied from?

It is the Report of a Commission or Committee sent out for the purpose.

What is the name of the individual or firm who purchased the property, and now possess this secret which the Government took so much trouble to get?

The hon. Member had better put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for War the different quantities of meat issued as rations to the Army for the years 1913, 1923 and 1924, giving the amounts of foreign, Colonial and British, respectively; and when the next tenders are called for in what proportions does he intend to make the purchases of Army meat?

The approximate quantities of fresh and frozen meat issued to the Regular Army at, home during the three years referred to were, respectively, 14,800, 10,600 and 12,500 tons. Complete information as to the sources of supply is not available, but immediately before the War fresh meat was issued on three days a week, while since the War supplies have been practically all frozen, mainly, and latterly exclusively, of Dominion origin. As regards the last part of the question, it is not possible to state anything definite pending the receipt of tenders.

Does not my hon. and gallant Friend consider the great assistance he may give to the British farmer by accepting tenders for more British meat than at present, and will he not endeavour to purchase more Colonial meat instead of foreign in future?

I have already stated that latterly it has been exclusively of Dominion origin. Tenders for fresh meat are received each year, and considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the military authorities are approaching boards of guardians with a view to securing lads between 14 and 15 years of age for military service; whether he will state the conditions of service these lads are called upon to perform; and under what regulation the officers of his Department have power to recruit lads of these ages?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 8th July last to a similar question addressed to my predecessor by the hon. Member for the Blaydon Division of Durham.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the difficulty in which regular officers seconded for service with the Territorial Army are placed in finding residential accommodation while doing duty with Territorial units, he will consider the provision of official residences which could be rented by these officers?

I regret that I cannot hold out any hope of official residences being provided for regular officers serving with the Territorial Army. Their difficulties are appreciated but in some respects they are better off than other regular officers as they have greater fixity of tenure and are quartered for the most part in places where houses are more easily obtainable than at purely military stations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of instituting trials for cross-country motor vehicles similar to those recently held in Dorsetshire, but based upon cost per ton mile of goods carried without damage to the surface travelled over, having regard to the fact that the Army would probably be largely dependent in time of war on commercial sources of supply of such vehicles?

If the hon. Member will write to me or see me personally and explain more fully what he has in mind, I shall be glad to consider what assistance the War Office can give towards instituting such a trial.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will make further inquiries in connection with the letting of the Gravesend drill hall for a party reunion of the Constitutional Association; whether he is aware that political speeches were delivered and that all profits from the bar were handed over to the committee of the Constitutional Association; that the use of the hall for a fair to be run by the local Labour party was refused; and whether he will give instructions that, in the letting of the drill hall, all parties shall be accorded similar treatment?

I have had further inquiries made concerning the use of the drill ha/1 on the occasion in question, and they confirm the information which I gave the hon. Member in answer to his question on the 17th ultimo. The drill hall was let to the Gravesend Constitutional Association for social purposes, and no political speeches were delivered. The profits from the bar were not handed over to the committee of the Constitutional Association, and they will he included in the general expenses account and utilised for the purposes of the Territorial Army. I am informed that the use of the hall for similar purposes has not been refused to the local Labour party. Two applications from the local Labour party have been granted within the last 12 months. There are standing instructions that in the letting of drill halls equal consideration is to be given to all parties.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if it is his intention to continue to allow Scottish prisons to be used for North of Ireland prisoners; and what is the nature of the jurisdiction exercised by an outside authority over such prisoners?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 26th February to a question by the hon. Member for Dewsbury. As regards the last part of the question, the Government of Northern Ireland are responsible for determining all questions regarding remission of the sentences which these prisoners are serving.

Is it not a fact that until this incident took place of Northern Ireland prisoners being kept in Scottish prisons the whole question of the remission of sentences or the release of prisoners was entirely in the hands of the

No, there have been previous cases where prisoners have been transferred.

Is there no possible way in which the hon. Gentleman can influence the Government of Northern Ireland to show some clemency towards these men?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the following persons are imprisoned in Peterhead Prison: Felix Bryne, Walter Cullen, James Curran, Thomas Conway, James Davis, P. Falls, John Flood, Charles Gellin, John Griffin, Frank Humphry, Patrick Johnson, John Kearney, Joseph Lee, Pat Leonard, P. McAlleer, John McGuire, Thomas McGuire, Thomas MoShea, James Monaghan, Pat Murray, Charles Reynolds, Jos. Reynolds, Fras. O'Reilly, James O'Reilly, William O'Reilly, Bernard Sweeney, John Simpson, and Thomas Trainer if so, if he will state the offences for which they have been sentenced; the length of sentence; how long a period in each case the prisoners yet have to serve; and what is the present state of health of each prisoner?

As the reply involves a tabular statement of some length, I propose, with the hob. Member's permission to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does Scotland pay for the keep of these men, or the Government of Northern Ireland?

The hon. Member had better put that question dawn.

asked the Secretary for Scotland by what authority and under whose orders political prisoners sentenced in Northern Ireland are imprisoned in Peterhead Gaol?

The authority for the detention in Peterhead Prison of prisoners sentenced in Northern Ireland is contained in the Penal Servitude Acts. These prisoners have been received in Peterhead Prison on the instructions of the Secretary for Scotland in pursuance of an agreement with the Government of Northern Ireland. No prisoners are classified as "political."

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that as Northern Ireland is now under a separate jurisdiction—[HON. MEMBERS: "No. Partly."]—by the Act of 1920, he has any legal power to make any such arrangement?

Yes, Sir. Under the Penal Servitude Act.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what are the terms of the agreement between himself and the Northern Ireland Government, and will he circulate the terms of the agreement?

The agreement is that we look after the prisoners and that they are subject to Scottish rules as long as they are in Scottish prisons.

Can we have a copy of the terms?

I want to put a question to you, Mr. Speaker. We have tried for over two years to get this question effectively heard in this House, and the matter has been steadily pushed aside by Cabinet Ministers of one party or another. Is there any effective means inside the constitution of this country by which we can raise this grievance, and get a. proper attitude taken towards it?

As far as any action of the Secretary for Scotland is concerned, he is open to be questioned on Thursday of this week or on Monday of next week.

Questions have been put to the Table as to the circumstances relating to the Government of Northern Ireland and His Majesty's Government, and they have been refused at the Table on the ground that, as Northern Ireland is practically a self-governing Colony, nobody in this House has anything to do with it, and no one in this House can answer any question relating to it. [Hons. MEMBERS "Speech!"] Hold your tongues. I will not sit down for any of you—Gentlemen of England.

The hon. Member has heard me say many times that, where the duty of maintaining law and order has been transferred to another Government. it is not open to this House to discuss or criticise their action. What I have said is that any action which comes within the province of the Secretary for Scotland can be dealt with on Thursday next and on Monday next.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps he has taken during the past week to have Lochboisdale pier reopened?

I have nothing to add to my previous replies to questions on this subject.

What has the right hon. Gentleman done during last week?

The answer was nothing.

Arising out of that answer—

Nothing can arise out of nothing.

I beg to postpone this question.

On this question, am I in order in calling attention to the fact that the people of the Western Isles—

The question has not been asked.

asked the Prime Minister if he has recently received a petition from, or had his attention drawn to the case of Lieut.-Colonel A. C. Tompkins, a lately-retired Cyprus Government official; if he is aware that this officer is destitute and without any pension, after having served for more than 42 years under the War Office and seconded service overseas under the Foreign Office and Colonial Office; and whether ho will inquire into this case?