asked the Prime Minister whether any of the hymns sung at the recent burial of the unknown warrior were written by the Poet Laureate; whether, in connection with that solemn event on the declaration of peace, or the unveiling of the Cenotaph, or any of the other great events of the War, he has written any poems or verses; and, if not, will he consider the question of the appointment of a national poet whose muse is more attuned to the soul of the British nation?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask, in the event of his adopting the suggestion in the last line of the question, he will take into consideration the ability of my hon. Friend opposite (Mr. Bottomley) to soothe the soul with mournful numbers?

So far as I am aware, the Poet Laureate has not written any hymn commemorating the recent burial of the unknown warrior. Mr. Bridges has written and published many poems on the War which my hon. Friend does not appear to have read. As regards the last part of this question, I would refer to the answers given to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for West Ham on the 6th August, 1919.

Colonel LOWTHER:

Ought not the Laureateship be offered to Mr. Rudyard Kipling?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the claims of the hon. Gentleman the Member for St. Helens (Mr. Sexton)?

Is this distinguished poet paid by-[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]