asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the suggestions for a peace settlement made by the German Ambassador (White Paper, p. 66, item No. 123), together with his invitation to the Foreign Secretary to put forward proposals of his own which would be acceptable as a basis for neutrality, were submitted to and considered by the Cabinet; and, if not, why proposals involving such far-reaching possibilities were thus rejected?

These were personal suggestions made by the Ambassador on 1st August, and without authority, to alter the conditions of neutrality proposed to us by the German Chancellor in No. 85 in the White Paper (Miscellaneous No. 6, 1914).

The Cabinet did, however, consider most carefully the next morning—that is Sunday, 2nd August—the conditions on which we could remain neutral, and came to the conclusion that respect for the neutrality of Belgium must be one of these conditions. The German Chancellor had already been told on 30th July that we could not bargain that away.

On Monday, 3rd August, I made a statement in the House accordingly. I had seen the German Ambassador again at his own request on Monday, and he urged me most strongly, though he said he did not know the plans of the German military authorities, not to make the neutrality of Belgium one of our conditions when I spoke in the House. It was a day of great pressure, for we had another Cabinet in the morning, and I had no time to record the conversation, and it does not therefore appear in the White Paper, but it, was impossible to withdraw that condition without becoming a consenting party to the violation of the Treaty, and subsequently to a German attack on Belgium.

After I spoke in the House we made to the German Government the communication described in No. 153 in the White Paper about the neutrality of Belgium.

Sir Edward Goschen's report of the reply to that communication had not been received when the White Paper was printed and laid. It will be laid before Parliament to complete the White Paper.

I have been asked why I did not refer to No. 123 in the White Paper when I spoke in the House on 3rd August. If I had referred to suggestions to us as to conditions of neutrality, I must have referred to No. 85, the proposals made not personally by the Ambassador but officially by the German Chancellor, which were so condemned by the Prime Minister subsequently, and this would have made the case against the German Government much stronger than I did make it in my speech. I deliberately refrained from doing that then.

Let me add this about personal suggestions made by the German Ambassador, as distinct from communications made on behalf of his Government: He worked for peace; but real authority at Berlin did not rest with him and others like him, and that is one reason, why our efforts for peace failed.

May I ask whether any attempt was made to open up negotiations with the German Government on the basis of the suggestions here set forth by the German Ambassador?

The German Ambassador did not make any basis of suggestions; it was the German Chancellor who made the basis of suggestions. The German Ambassador, speaking on his own personal initiative and without authority, asked whether we would formulate conditions on which we would be neutral. We did go into that question, and the conditions were stated to the House and made known to the German Ambassador.

May I ask whether the German authorities at Berlin repudiated these suggestions of their Ambassador in London, and whether any effort at all was made to find out how far the German Government would have agreed to the suggestions put forward by their own Ambassador?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question may I ask him if Socialists in the Reichstag are asking any questions like this?

The German Ambassador—[HON. MEMBERS: "Do not answer!"]—I should like not to have any misunderstanding did not make to us suggestions different from those which his Government made. The suggestions that his Government made were those in No. 85 in the White Paper. The German Ambassador never suggested to us that Germany would be able to agree to the condition of the neutrality of Belgium. On the contrary, he did suggest to me that we should not put that condition forward because he was afraid his Government would not be able to accept it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member who has put this question is constantly representing in the country that these proposals were actually made by the German Government to England?

That is one of the reasons why I thought it very desirable to answer very specifically.

As a matter of personal explanation I entirely repudiate the statement just made by the hon. Member behind me.

I have to say, in answer to that personal imputation, that my authority is a letter written by the hon. Member in the "Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald" on Saturday last. [Cheers.]

Those who cheer have not seen the letter. [An HON. MEMBER: "Coward."]

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether he is aware that misapprehension exists among many of the wives of Reservists called up and Territorials embodied as to the payment of their husbands' insurance contributions, and that some of them fear that they may lose maternity benefit unless they themselves pay the contributions; and whether he will consider the advisability of issuing a short simple pamphlet embodying the provisions of Circular A.S. 145 and Circular No. 585 so that the women concerned may easily understand their position and be relieved from any anxiety as to suffering from their husbands' contributions falling into arrears?

A simple pamphlet explaining the position of Reservists and Territorials in regard to contributions, arrears, and benefits under the National Insurance Acts is being prepared for immediate distribution.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to take steps to prevent limited companies registered in England whose capital is held by nominees of German houses to trade in this country during the War?

I cannot usefully add anything to the answer which I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for West Aberdeenshire.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any statement about the merchant vessels captured as prizes, either in British ports or on the high seas; what is being done with the crews of these vessels; and whether any attempt has been or will be made to exchange merchant shipping taken as prizes?

It is proposed to issue from time to time a list of vessels brought in as prize to the ports of the British Empire. The officers and crew, if of enemy nationality, become prisoners of war unless, in the case of those not belonging to or intended for the enemy's naval or military service, they sign an undertaking that, while hostilities last, they will not engage in any service connected with the operations of war. If they are of neutral nationality the officers are detained under the same conditions as those of enemy nationality; the men are released. It is not proposed to exchange merchant vessels detained as prizes.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what steps are taken in the ordinary course to dispose of the cargoes and hulls of ships taken as prizes and brought into British ports, and how the funds received on the sale of such cargoes are disposed of?

The question concerns the procedure of the Prize Court, over which the Admiralty have no authority. I may observe, however, that Order XI. of the Prize Court Rules, 1914, directs that where a ship is ordered to be sold such sale shall be by public auction, unless the judge shall for good cause otherwise order, and the gross proceeds thereof shall be paid into Court by the marshal. The same rule applies to goods. I may say, further, as regards the last part of the question, that the action to be taken as regards the funds derived from the sales is under consideration, and that a general notice on the subject will shortly be published.

asked the Attorney-General whether His Majesty's Government will recognise the claims of British subjects who hold mortgages or bottomry bonds upon prizes of war or who have supplied necessaries or made advances to such vessels prior to capture or seizure; and whether, in the event of a British subject being a part owner of any prize of war, the Government will similarly recognise a claim on his behalf?

My right hon. Friend the Attorney-General has asked me to answer this question on his behalf. Prize Courts, when adjudicating as to a prize, are not required to take into account such interests in the prize as are referred to in the question; but cases may arise in which it would be proper for the Crown to make concessions as a matter of grace, and while it is impossible to lay down any general rule beforehand, the Crown will consider the claims of British subjects in individual cases if the facts are duly laid before the Procurator-General.

May I ask, will the Government take into consideration such claims in view of the great hardships on struggling butchers and stevedores who lawfully and properly advanced supplies and performed work before war began?

As I have stated, the Crown will consider the claims in individual cases if they are laid before the Procurator-General.

asked the Lord Advocate whether all matters of prize are vested in the Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice in England; and whether, in all cases of prize taken to Scottish ports, Scottish solicitors and advocates have any status in such Court sitting in Scotland?

The jurisdiction of the High Court of Admiralty of Scotland was by a Statute of 1825 transferred to and vested in the High Court of Admiralty in England. This Court became, therefore, a Court possessing British jurisdiction, and I see no reason to doubt that, in accordance with existing practice in such cases, Scottish counsel and agents have a right to appear before the Court.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the House an assurance that, so long as the War continues, the intervals between meetings of Parliament shall be of no longer duration than six weeks; and that should circumstances arise calling for any suspension of civil rights or curtailment of civil liberty Parliament will meet immediately?

Without specifying any period, I think it will be both necessary and desirable for Parliament to meet at short intervals during the continuance of the War. In answer to the second part of the question, I am not aware to what contingencies my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now indicate to the House when the Session is likely to end?

I hope to make a statement to-morrow about the Business of the House.

asked whether aliens caught in attempting to cause injury to persons or property in this country will in the future be tried by court martial, and, if found guilty, shot?

Persons found committing damage to railways or guilty of other offences against Part II. of the Defence of the Realm Regulations will be tried by court martial. The maximum punishment is penal servitude for life. Alien enemies who commit acts of destruction could be tried by court martial and sentenced to death, but this course will not be taken except by special leave of the Army Council.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that there are still thousands of German and Austrian aliens employed in this country, also some managing hotels and public-houses, and in view of the fact that there are many British and Irish people unable to find employment, he can see his way to prevent the employment of German and Austrian aliens during the continuance of the War?

I do not think that I can take the action suggested. Indeed, one of the problems which is causing my Department the greatest anxiety is that of dealing with the large number of Germans and Austrians in this country who have lost their employment and are rapidly becoming destitute.

Surely—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—the most urgent business of the Government is to provide first of all for their own people!

Yes, certainly; but I am afraid that if the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman were carried into effect, there would be a great disruption of trade, which would be injurious to our own people.

Could not our own people—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

The hon. Member cannot enter into an argument.

asked whether aliens are any longer to be allowed to register themselves as British subjects during the War, in view of the fact that alien enemies in this country, if allowed to register as British subjects, would have greater opportunities of creating damage and disturbing the public peace than if unregistered?

Aliens cannot "register themselves as British subjects." If the hon. Member uses that phrase as equivalent to "obtain certificates of naturalisation as British subjects," I can assure him that no such certificates will be granted unless I am satisfied that the applicant is a person from whom no danger is to be feared.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that sailors and soldiers are required to pay an additional 5 per cent. on their life insurance policies to cover war risks; and whether he will consult the life offices and other experts with a view, either by State assistance or some other means, of removing this burden from the shoulders of men who at great risk to themselves are serving their country?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many Territorial officers and men who have been asked and have expressed their willingness to serve abroad during the present war are the holders of policies of insurance upon their lives, issued by insurance companies, who have in some cases demanded an increased premium of five guineas per cent., and in other cases have threatened to cancel the policies in case the insured goes on active or foreign service; if so, whether the Government are prepared to take any and, if so, what steps to relieve such officers and men from any extra expenditure or loss which they will incur in respect to such policies in the event of their going on active or foreign service?

This question is under consideration, and I hope it may be satisfactorily settled without the intervention of the State.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that many thousands of workmen out of employment in consequence of the War crisis will be compelled to seek Poor Law relief; and if it is the intention of the Government to issue a special Order to prevent disfranchisement in cases where relief is given?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Relief received since 15th July last will not affect the Parliamentary registers of voters for 1915. The hon. Member's suggestion will be further considered before the registers for 1916 are prepared.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of appointing an Advisory Committee to direct and assist Members of this House who are willing to help in the work of obtaining recruits for the Army?

I will give the hon. Member's suggestion careful consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that a large number of men refuse to enlist because they cannot join their county regiment because they are told the regiment is already up to establishment'; and whether, in view of the pressing need of obtaining suitable recruits as quickly as possible, he will consider the advisability of increasing the number of battalions in such counties?

The Army Council have had no information as to men refusing to enlist for the reason stated. The objection to raising new units is that each requires a separate staff of officers and non-commissioned officers, and these are not easy to find. It must also be borne in mind that each new unit demands a draft-producing organisation to supply wastage.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, in view of the fact that 100,000 men asked for by Lord Kitchener have been practically obtained and that further recruits are required, Territorial associations and others engaged in promoting recruiting may understand that further recruits are required on the terms and conditions which applied to the 100,000 men asked for by Lord Kitchener, and that such associations and persons are expected to promote recruiting on those terms and conditions until further notice.

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated yesterday, the Secretary of State needs all the recruits he can obtain, and not merely the 100,000 mentioned in the first appeal. All necessary particulars will be made public at once.

Are we to understand that the arrangements made for recruitment are to be the same as those which have hitherto obtained?

Yes, until further notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman secure that the recruits who are responding to the call shall at least have blankets to cover them at the depots to which they are transferred?

If my hon. Friend will give me any instance of that kind I will certainly look into it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the principles upon which information is given out by the official Press Bureau; and whether, in view of the fact that the nation is interested in the movements of our own troops, etc., he can see his way to establishing a censorship, assisted by trained journalists, who will communicate to the public what they are reasonably entitled to expect?

had given private notice of the following question: To ask the Prime Minister if he will cause the methods of supplying news of the British Expeditionary Force to be reconsidered, in order that the British public may be no longer chiefly dependent upon foreign sources for information of their own Army?

The Government and the military authorities recognise to the full the strain which is placed upon the public, but more especially on the relations of those on active service, by the scarcity of information from the front. They will do all in their power to relieve the strain. The Official Press Bureau is the mouthpiece through which communications relative to the progress of naval and military operations are made public by the Admiralty, the War Office, and other public Departments concerned. The principle upon which information is given to the public is that all information which can be given without prejudice to the public interest shall be given fully and given at once. This has been done, and will be done. The Director of the Bureau has access for consultative purposes to the First Lord of the Admiralty, the Secretary of State for War, and, in matters of special doubt, to myself. The question whether trained journalists could usefully be employed with the staff of the Bureau was discussed between the Director of the Bureau, representatives of the Admiralty and the War Office, and an official Press Committee. It was unanimously agreed that it was not desirable to add such persons to the staff of the Bureau, but that it was desirable that they should be associated with the work carried on by the cable censors. Steps are being taken to carry this out, and also to co-ordinate and harmonise, as far as possible, the principles upon which the censorship of Press cables and of other Press information, respectively, is carried out. The difficulty of defining general standards is not believed to be insuperable, though it is evidently great, having regard to the size of the staff required to deal with the enormous number of Press cables which are daily dispatched and received. Every effort has been made, and will be made, to consult the legitimate expectations of the Press and public, and to harmonise them with naval and military considerations.

I am not referring to anything which we should not know, but to such announcements as that which was issued by the Press Bureau as to the fall of Namur. We now have in the papers information to the effect that the Namur forts are still intact. What I want to ask is that when giving out news of this kind to the Press we should have something more that would enable us to understand really what has happened?

I could not answer a question like that. The Press Bureau does not issue any announcements without taking every care to insure that they are correct.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that military operations have been published in French, German, and Belgian papers a week before they have been published in any newspaper in this country, and does he not think that it is in the public interest that the public here should know of these things as soon as the readers of these Continental papers?

I do not know that that is the case.

It is the case. I beg to give notice that I will call attention to this matter on the Adjournment.

asked (1) whether, in view of the impossibility, owing to the non-availability of male labour on account of universal military service, of re-sowing farm lands in several Continental countries of wheat and other cereal crops and the consequent certain prospect of a world shortage of such produce, the Government will provide some financial inducement to British farmers to increase the British area under such crops in 1915; (2) whether, in view of the probable widespread destruction of farm crops in Continental countries owing to trampling by troops, pillage, and fire, and the probability of deflection to such countries of a large proportion of the normal overseas' supply to the United Kingdom, the Government propose, by bonus or otherwise, to encourage farmers to retain in stack upon their own premises until the summer of next year a large proportion of the British wheat crop now being harvested; and (3) if the Government will assist British farmers in the patriotic duty of keeping upon their premises as large a proportion as possible of the wheat now being harvested in Great Britain, by issuing negotiable wheat warrants or certificates, as is done in Canada, representing farmers' stocks of wheat upon the security of which they will be able to obtain temporary advances which will enable them to carry on their business without the necessity of throwing such wheat upon the market?

As the hon. Member is aware, these matters have been under the consideration of the Agricultural Consultative Committee, who have forwarded to the Board valuable recommendations. The whole question is also receiving the fullest consideration of the Cabinet Committee on Food Supplies. I am not in a position to make any further statement at present.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that certain wholesale firms are, during the present crisis, demanding cash payments before the despatch of goods instead of the usual terms of monthly payments, and that such a course is inconveniencing and hampering firms who have large Government orders to execute, and who have to wait for payment until their goods are received, checked, and the accounts sent to headquarters for payment; and whether some steps can be taken to induce the wholesale firms to return to their customary methods of obtaining payment?

I am afraid that the present War has in many instances led to considerable restrictions in ordinary credit facilities. I trust that normal credit conditions will gradually be restored, but I doubt whether, in present conditions, it is possible or desirable to bring any undue pressure to bear on wholesale dealers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government will, if and when public interests permit, make a statement regarding the composition and character of the two divisions expected from India?

I am unable to make a statement on this matter at present, but will do so as soon as military considerations permit.

If the House is not sitting at that time, will the hon. Gentleman make it known when it can be properly done?

Yes.

asked what arrangements have been made to obviate any of the scandals connected with the supply of foodstuffs to the British Army during the present War as occurred in the war in South Africa?

My hon. Friend can hardly expect me to explain the arrangements in detail, but he may rest assured that they have been made.

Does not this House contain many Members who could assist the War Office in seeing that that is done?

No doubt their advice would be valuable, but I hope that it will be unnecessary.

asked to whom wives of soldiers on service, not receiving the rightful allowance for themselves and their children from their husbands, are to apply to in order to get the right amount allowed?

Compulsory allotments are made by soldiers serving abroad or belonging to the Expeditionary Force. Application should be made to the Army Paymaster who pays the Reservists of the unit to which the men belong.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, in the case of men employed in the Pimlico Clothing Factory, Territorials or others, who have been called to the Colours, any, and, if so, what portion of their wages will be given to their families during their absence?

asked what arrangements have been made concerning payments to the wives and dependants of men called up for service from the Army Ordnance Department?

These men fall within the instructions issued by the Treasury on 20th August last, copies of which I will send to the hon. Members.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he is aware that in several cases where Naval Reserve men have been called up but have not yet gone afloat their wives are not receiving any separation allowances; and will he cause inquiry to be made into the matter; and (2) whether he is aware that many wives of men serving in His Majesty's Navy have been in the habit of receiving remittances by post from their husbands when at sea; that in several cases of men now serving on ships engaged on active service their wives have not received the usual remittances; and will he take steps to inform all naval men on active service how money can be remitted and when the money will be paid?

Every Reservist on mobilisation is entitled to a month's pay in advance. Those who have not yet gone afloat should have experienced no difficulty in transmitting remittances to their wives, for which every facility is offered. In point of fact, as I stated yesterday, remittances are being sent out from the Admiralty—apart from those sent direct by the men to their wives by postal orders—at the rate of something like 500 a day, as compared with the usual rate of 200 a day. As regards allotments, I have already stated that since mobilisation about 40,000 new allotments have been declared, largely by Reservists; and on Saturday next we shall send out from our office something like 120,000 monthly allotments. I recognise that under war conditions those men who favour the remittance plan may, when afloat, not invariably find the plan so easy to follow as under peace conditions but we issued on the 21st August general orders to Commanders-in-Chief, etc., directing that the system of regular allotments should be encouraged in preference to the system of remittances.

Have those orders been issued to the men of the Fleet?

They were issued on the 21st instant to the Commanders-in-Chief, who were asked to call the attention of the men to the desirability of allotments as against the remittance system.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what arrangements have been made concerning payments to the wives and dependants of men recently employed in the Royal dockyards but since called up for service; whether those payments will be on the scale of the men's former wages; and, if not, and it is intended to pay the equivalent, will he say how and when the money will be paid?

As I said in reply to the hon. Gentleman yesterday, all regular dockyard employés will receive, when called up, the difference between their civil pay and their naval pay, if Naval Reservists, or the difference between their civil pay and their military pay, plus separation allowances, where payable, if Army Reservists. Departments are empowered to pay this civil pay, so reduced, to any person designated by the Reservist to receive the amount on his behalf. Further, so far as we are concerned, steps have been taken to enable the cashiers during the first month to make the payment in necessitous cases direct to the wife or other dependant relative of a Reservist who has failed to designate his nominee before leaving, subject to the production of the necessary evidence.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of country doctors and veterinary surgeons who are called out with Territorial units and whose pay is 15s. 6d. a day, while they lose their private practice, whereas a civilian practitioner newly joined for war service gets 24s. a day and £60 bounty at the end of the war; and whether he will take steps to remedy this inequality of treatment?

All such officers commissioned in peace draw, under the terms of their contract, the pay and allowance of the Regular Army, varying according to the ranks which they hold. The rate quoted, 15s. 6d. a day, is that of a captain of the Royal Army Medical Corps, but-field allowance of 3s. 6d. a day is also allowable, so that the total drawn is 19s. and not 15s. 6d. It is necessary to give higher rates to those commissioned on emergency, but there is no intention of making this universal.

Is it not the case that the former class are getting less than the civilian practitioners newly joined?

The former are serving under a running contract under which they engaged. It is often necessary to take on specialists and to deal with them on special terms in time of war.

asked whether consideration has been given to the hardship to men who, since the mobilisation of the Territorial Force, have enlisted in the 12th Battalion County of London Regiment, and are required to provide mobilisation kit at their own expense; and whether, in view of the service which these men are rendering to the nation, it can be provided that, as regards cost of equipment, the same provision should be made as in the case of His Majesty's Regular forces?

No cases of hardship in this or any other unit have been brought to notice, and I think that the hon. Member must be under a misapprehension. County associations complete at Government expense the kit of all men up to standard, whether enlisted before or after mobilisation. When the man himself brings a kit which is up to the standard prescribed, he draws 10s.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether men now undergoing sentences for various minor offences will be offered the chance of redeeming their character and serving their country by volunteering for the new Army; and, if so, will these men be offered a remission of the whole or part of their sentences; and, in any case, can their military training be commenced immediately?

General officers commanding-in-chief have already been informed that they have power under the King's Regulations to release men undergoing sentences for minor offences. Men so released would have the remainder of their punishment remitted, and are, therefore, immediately available for military training.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, in view of the fact that our Regular troops and a large number of Territorials are employed upon other duties, he will now sanction the formation of veteran squadrons of Yeomanry and battalions of Territorials, who would be available for guarding railways, bridges, etc., or any other purpose, if required?

The measures necessary to guarantee the safety of railway bridges, etc., are a matter of constant consideration. Part of this work is already being performed by National Reservists, but the hon. Member's suggestion will not be overlooked.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether the case of cadets of the Royal Military Academy and the Royal Military College, who have been spending their vacation in Germany to study the language, will be taken into consideration, and the period of their detention allowed to be reckoned as Army service?

Their commissions will bear the same date as that of the remaining cadets of the batch with which they should have passed out.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they would have got their commissions now, and that therefore they will lose possibly a year or more?

My answer is designed to cover that case, and they will get their commission with the batch that they would otherwise have got.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that the firm of Webley and Scott, contractors to the War Office, have increased the price of service revolvers by 100 per cent.; and whether he proposes taking any action in the matter?

Action was taken by the War Office as soon as the overcharge was brought to notice. Messrs. Webley and Scott stated that the extra charge was unauthorised by their directors, and at once arranged to refund to officers or their representatives the amount of overcharge, and issued a circular to this effect to the dealers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Webley and Scott are not the only firm who supply military officers with their requirements, and that there are other firms and dealers in the West End who have taken advantage of the present circumstances?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of any particular case he has in mind?

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he has received a definite offer from the hon. Member for Brentford to raise a corps (5,000 strong) of Volunteers, each with a motor for service, on the terms of a scheme submitted to the War Office, such corps to be increased to 10,000 or 20,000 as required; and whether such offer has been definitely declined and, if so, why?

Such an offer was received and carefully considered by the Army Council, who decided that it was undesirable to form such a corps, as all military requirements could be satisfactorily met by other means. I would add the thanks of the Army Council to the hon. Member for Brentford, through whose instrumentality these requirements have partly been met.

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this question on the Adjournment.

asked the UNDER-SECRETARY for War whether men who have formerly served in the forces who now re-enlist will receive only recruits' pay or be paid at the same rate as when they previously served; and is he aware that on this answer depends whether a large number of trained men rejoin the Service?

Men with previous service are paid the pay of the rank in which they are appointed to serve on re-enlistment. They enlist in the first place as privates but may be selected immediately for promotion to non-commissioned rank, and in that case they get the pay of that rank.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether the military authorities in Cork Harbour have compulsorily closed the houses at Crosshaven and the surrounding watering-places usually occupied by visitors during the summer months; and whether, in view of the fact that the owners of these cottages are mostly poor people mainly depending on the rent received from these holdings for a living, compensation will be given to them for the losses sustained?

I am not aware of the facts stated in the question, but if and when they are reported to the War Office they will be given consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, in view of the fact that the greater part of the Regular Army is now serving abroad, the Government will make it obligatory for every man in the country between the ages of eighteen years and thirty years to devote at least two hours daily to drill and rifle practice during the duration of the war?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a somewhat similar question yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Will the Government consider the advisability of providing rifles and instructors for forces raised for Home defence by private individuals?

I am afraid that it is not possible for the Army Council to supply rifles. We are keeping pace with the output at the factories for the supply of those going into the new Army.

May I ask whether facilities will be given for instructors? I quite understand that rifles cannot be supplied at the present moment.

I would like notice of that question, in order that I may consult the Secretary of State about it.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether any arrangements can be made to pay separation allowance fortnightly instead of monthly, either generally or in those cases where special request is made?

Arrangements for weekly payment have already been made in eases where the recipient consents. The question of making the rule universal is now being considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that several engineer apprentices in the Royal dockyards have been mobilised with the Territorial Force, it will be possible, with the consent of the apprentices, to allow them to join the Army Ordnance Corps of Artificers and so complete their term of apprenticeship?

Dockyard apprentices mobilised with the Territorial Force will be dealt with in the same manner as other dockyard employés. They will be regarded as on special leave whilst with the Army, and will be allowed to resume their employment in the dockyard on demobilisation. The time served with the Army will be allowed to count in their apprenticeship in all cases in whatever branch of the Army they may be serving. The question of allowing engineer apprentices to join the Army Ordnance Corps appears to be one for the War Office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the expense and inconvenience caused to traders and the consequent dislocation of trade by the total prohibition of the use of codes for cabling to distant countries; and whether he could now consider the framing of Regulations to permit the resumption of codes in approved cases by responsible trading firms?

The question of allowing the use of code in telegrams to places abroad has received the attention of His Majesty's Government, but it is not considered advisable to relax the Regulations at present.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is taking steps to have the latest war news displayed at post offices in country districts; and, if so, what instructions he has actually given?

I have already arranged to forward on Sunday mornings to every telegraph office which is open, and to every telephone exchange, the latest news from the seat of war received from the Official Press Bureau. The message is exhibited in the post office window, and is telephoned from the local exchange to any subscriber or caller on demand.

had given notice of the following: To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he can say what proportion of the National Relief Fund will be devoted to the widows and orphans of men killed or dying on active service, and what proportion to the relief o£ distress and unemployment arising out of the War; and whether the Government will consider the advisability of arranging separate committees to deal with these two classes of relief?

Question No. 87 is not one that ought to appear on the Paper, as it refers to private and not public funds.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the distress now existing in Lancashire in consequence of short time and unemployment; and whether the Government propose to appoint any person to represent Lancashire upon the Committee of the National Relief Fund?

I receive regular reports of the industrial condition of Lancashire, as of other districts. In reply to the last part of the question, it has not been found practicable for the Executive Committee of the National Relief Fund to be constituted on a geographical basis.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if the information regarding how many cottages are wanted in each rural district council of England and Wales has now been all collected; and, if so, could the information be published in the form of a White Paper?

A considerable part of the information has not yet been furnished.