War
Mercantile Marine
New Tonnage
3.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the urgent importance of increasing the output of new vessels by the shipbuilding yards, he will give favourable consideration to publishing every week particulars of all cargo vessels launched during the past week, with a correct statement in each case of the total number of days since their keels were laid, also particulars of all cargo vessels completed for service, with a correct statement in each case of the number of days since their keels were laid, the total dead-weight carrying capacity of each such vessel, and the name of the shipbuilder and the yard where each vessel was built, in order to encourage the spirit of friendly competition of both the employers and shipyard workmen, not only between yard and yard and between district and district, but also between the Allied countries, especially between Great Britain and Ireland, the United States, and Japan?
My right hon. Friend proposes to deal with the matters raised in this question in the Debate of next week on Merchant Tonnage.
5.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been drawn to a statement at the meetings of the Chamber of Shipping that the whole output of merchant shipbuilding since the commencement of the War has not been enough to replace the loss by marine causes alone leaving the losses by enemy action yet to be made up; and whether he can state what steps the Admiralty will take in regard to all engaged in shipbuilding showing them the urgency of new construction and the national peril of delay?
My hon. Friend's question refers to the report of a speech by Sir John Ellerman at the annual meeting of the Chamber of Shipping on the 6th March, in the course of which Sir John Ellerman is reported to have made the statement embodied in my hon. Friend's question, namely, that he believed that he was right in saying that the whole output of this country since the commencement of the War has not been enough to replace the losses by marine causes alone, leaving the losses from enemy action yet to be made up. That statement is very far from being correct, and I can hardly believe that Sir John Ellerman has been accurately understood. As a matter of fact, new merchant construction during the War is several times the total of marine losses.
As regards the latter part of the question, the Debates of yesterday and of last week have, I feel confident, materially assisted in bringing home to all concerned the urgency of new construction and the national peril of delay. As far as we are concerned, we shall certainly take every step to keep the matter in the most prominent way possible before all those to whom we look to give us new tonnage with the utmost possible expedition.Naval And Military Pensions And Grants
7.
asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether arrangements have yet been completed under which local war pensions committees can be authorised to make cash advances to the dependants of mercantile ratings serving in His Majesty's ships in the same manner as is already done for the dependants of naval ratings?
I explained to my hon. and gallant Friend last week the steps we have already token to meet the case of dependants of men of the mercantile marine engaged in our service. The outstanding question is that which he now puts to me. I explained to him that on representation to the Treasury upon this point, that Department thought that the Ministry of Pensions should be consulted, inasmuch as the advances which would be made would come from the funds at the disposal of that Ministry, through its local pensions committee. I have been in communication with my right hon. Friend the Pensions Minister, and hope to get a decision immediately, when I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.
Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea as to when a decision is likely to be arrived at?
No; it is not in my hands, but directly it is, I shall communicate with my hon. Friend and the hon. and gallant Member for whom he has asked the question on the Paper.
18.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state when at is proposed to increase separation allowances?
I am not aware that any such intention has been formed.
35.
asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed at a meeting of the guardians of the Wolstanton and Burslem Union, complaining that widows and orphans of soldiers and sailors are granted pensions which are much below the amounts paid as allotment and separation allowances, and requesting that they be paid at least the same amount after the death of the bread-winner as before, together with sickness and other grants that were payable previously, and also asking that the whole question of payments to soldiers' dependants and widows and orphans of soldiers should be reconsidered; and whether he will indicate his intentions respecting the same?
I am aware that many boards of guardians have submitted resolutions in the sense indicated in the question. The rates of pensions to the widows and orphans of sailors and soldiers have been engaging my earnest attention for some time, and I regret that a decision in the matter is being delayed by the consideration of the wider problem with which it is connected.
Which is the wider problem?
I suppose my hon. Friend is as good at answering conundrums as I am.
May we assume that my right hon. Friend has been telling the House something that he does not understand?
No, not necessarily. The question, as was indicated last week, is under the consideration of the Treasury, and I am haying a conference with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Friday morning which I hope will be conclusive.
48.
asked the Prime Minister whether he can state before the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill the proposed increases in pensions to widows and children, and the date of issue of the new Warrant; and whether any opportunity other than on the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill will be given to discuss the same?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but, as soon as a decision is taken, I shall, if there is a general desire for it, give an opportunity for its discussion. I am as anxious as the hon. Member that no unnecessary delay shall occur, but I would remind him that the proposals not only involve expenditure of a large amount, but raise social and economic considerations of the greatest complexity. It is necessary, therefore, that they should be subjected to the most careful examination, and this is being done as rapidly as possible.
Is my right hon. Friend aware that on every occasion a decision has been come to without any discussion in this House, and is he also aware that at the present moment the widow and dependants of a soldier are now receiving less than the separation allowance, and, therefore, before the decision is come to will the right hon. Gentleman definitely give us an opportunity of discussing the matter?
I do not think that would be a proper course, and I think it would be a very unusual course. I should like to say also to my hon. Friend and to the House that everyone has the greatest sympathy with the people affected, but it is the duty of the House to give some support to the Treasury when they make every effort to see that the taxpayers' interests are protected.
Are we to understand that an opportunity will be given to discuss the new Warrant before it is issued?
No; I did not promise to give an opportunity for discussion before it is issued, but I will consider that, though I can give no promise of an opportunity for discussion before the Government have made up their minds.
Has the alternative of a war bonus to cover the increased cost of food been considered?
It is just that kind of consideration which is causing the delay in the Treasury in coming to a decision, and I may say I am not so sanguine as my right hon. Friend (Mr. Hodge) that our meeting on Friday will be conclusive.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Warrant is the fourth Warrant? Every one has been changed because of opinion in this House, and would it not be better to allow the House to discuss it before the Treasury fix the amount?
I do not think that is historically accurate. The changes have been made to a large extent because of the changed conditions.
Nothing of the sort!
2.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the case of married ordinary seamen or privates of the Royal Marines whose wives are receiving less separation allowances than those granted to wives of soldiers, the special grants committees are instructed to bring the amounts issued, without application from the women concerned, up to the amount issuable to wives of privates in the Army; and, if so, whether it would save unnecessary work on the part of these committees if the Admiralty separation branch issued allowances on this scale?
It is not the fact that the local pensions committee are instructed to bring Navy separation allowances up to the Army level without application. The Regulations under which the local committees work prescribe that in special cases, where the wife or dependant of an ordinary seaman, able seaman, or stoker (second class), or relative rank is receiving by way of separation allowance and allotment a sum less than that payable to the wife or dependant of a private soldier, a supplementary separation allowance may be granted not exceeding the difference. I am communicating with the Pensions Minister respecting certain aspects of this matter.
26.
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in the case of a soldier's wife dying and leaving helpless young children, any allowance is made, or can be made, to a person willing to act as guardian until the father comes back home?
Where a soldier's wife has died, and a guardian enters the home with the soldier's approval and takes charge of his children, local war pensions committees have power under the Regulations of the special grants committee to grant an allowance if the separation allowance which then becomes payable at the higher rate appropriate to motherless children is less than the total amount previously paid to the wife.
Ex-Czar Of Russia
8.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the publication in Paris on 3rd March of a letter from the ex-Czar of Russia to the President of the French Republic; whether the British Government or the British Ambassador in Paris were consulted before its publication; and whether he has any further information to give on this subject?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the last two parts in the negative.
Caucasus (British Military Mission)
9.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Military Mission sent by the Allies with the object of getting into the Caucasus by Baku consisted of British officers; and what is the most recent news of this mission?
Nothing can usefully be said at present on this occasion.
Siberia
Arming German Prisoners
10.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has reliable information as to the arming of German or other enemy prisoners in Siberia; and whether a Prussian general has proceeded to Siberia for this purpose?
Numerous reports have been received regarding the arming of enemy prisoners in Siberia, and, although the numbers concerned, points of concentration, etc., are doubtful, it is probable that considerable bodies of German and Austrian prisoners are now armed. A report to the effect that a German general is proceding to Irkutsk lacks confirmation.
Exports
Tea
11.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state what is the total amount of tea exported from the United Kingdom to Sweden in 1913; and what was the combined total exported in 1915, and the first seven months of 1916?
The figures are as follows:
For the year 1913 | 245,660 lbs. |
For the nineteen months from 1st January, 1915, till 31st July, 1916 | 7,509,853 lbs. |
Can the right hon. Gentleman say what Minister will be responsible for the exportation of tea?
Cocoa
12.
asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state what was the total amount of cocoa exported to Sweden in 1913 and 1915, respectively?
The exports of raw cocoa and cocoa preparations from the United Kingdom to Sweden were as follows:—
1913 | 149,737 lbs. |
1915 | 3,788,402 lbs. |
Since July, 1916, the exports from the United Kingdom to Sweden have practically ceased, and during the year 1917 they were nil.
Did any of these exports go through Russia?
I understand that a considerable portion went to Russia and Finland.
Central Africa (Labour Recruiting)
13.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is now, proposed to recruit labour for South Africa from Nyasaland or other parts of Central Africa north of 22 degrees south latitude?
The answer is in the negative.
Has this question been so deliberately considered that a conclusion has been arrived at, or can it still be called an open question?
I have already replied.
Maisons Tolerees (France)
14.
asked the Under secretary of State for War whether the War Office has given further consideration to the question of placing the maisons tolerées in France out of bounds for British soldiers, and has come to any decision?
I regret there is at present nothing further to add.
When is it likely that an answer will be given to the question?
I think perhaps in the course of next week.
Chaplains To Forces
15.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the feeling which exists among chaplains to the forces over the new rates of pay recently issued, by which chaplains with the rank of captain only receive the minimum pay of a second-lieutenant; and what step she proposes to take to remedy the grievance?
No, Sir. I am not aware of any ground for the existence of a feeling of grievance. A chaplain ranking as captain did not receive the pay of a captain of Infantry before the recent changes, and there is nothing in those changes to give him a claim to do so.
Women's Boots
19.
asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the Army Council has prohibited the sale of women's boots which measure more than 7 in. in height if of leather, or 8 in. in height if of other material; and, if so, whether the Order will be so far modified as to allow of the disposal of such boots when already manufactured and in stock prior to some date to be fixed, in order to prevent waste of goods and money; and whether he is aware that relaxation of the Order for June and July only will be of little use as such boots are chiefly worn in spring and winter?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except in so far as it concerns boots essential for industrial or occupational purposes. In order effectively to ensure that manufacture stops it is necessary also that the sale of such boots retail shall be regulated.
It appears that high-leg boots for women are manufactured in qualities suitable for the various seasons. The Department has arranged to give retailers the opportunity of selling their existing stock during June and July, as the result of the representations that have been made to them that quantities of the goods in question are only suitable for summer wear, and were not, therefore, disposed of in the very heavy sales that took place immediately prior to the Order becoming operative on 1st February. It is not anticipated that after the end of July any appreciable quantities of these boots will be held in stock.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these, boots are particularly comforting in the winter, and that there will be left on the hands of numbers of perfectly innocent tradesmen large stocks, unless he can see his way to the relaxation of the Order in the direction indicated?
My information does not coincide with that of the hon. Gentleman, as I have pointed out in the answer I have given.
Food Supplies
Horseflesh
20.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether horseflesh is under authorisation on sale for British subjects and is supplied to Belgian refugee associations; whether proposals have been advanced to furnish similar supplies to German prisoners of war; whether the War Office offered no objection to the proposals; whether these proposals have been definitely rejected by General Dekfield, Director of Supplies, Prisoners of War; and whether he will take steps to see that German prisoners of war receive neither in quantity nor quality preferential treatment over our native population?
This question, which is not without difficulty, is being considered.
Has not the Prime Minister said that horseflesh was the normal consumption of the German people, and does not the hon. Gentleman think that, perhaps, the German prisoners would be glad to have it?
Pheasants
22.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office have received a claim from Sir Claude de Crespigny, baronet, of Champion Lodge, Maldon, Essex, for reimbursement of loss by the destruction of pheasants two years ago on account of military occupation; whether any steps have been taken to assess this claim upon a fair basis between the State and the breeder; and if he can fix any date for the conclusion of the assessment and the payment of the amount which may be found due?
The claim of Sir Claude de Crespigny for compensation for loss of game through disturbance by military operations, has been submitted to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, with whom the decision rests.
Will the decision be taken shortly?
I am not responsible for the Commission in question, but I am sure that there will be no avoidable delay.
This matter has been before us for two years, and will the right hon. Gentleman represent the fact of the great delay which has already taken place?
I should think that the publicity which will be occasioned by the hon. Gentleman's question will bring it to the notice of the Commission.
Before compensating these people for disturbance of a number of pheasants, will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the tens of thousands of people whose businesses have been smashed, so that they may be looked after by the War Office?
It is not a question of the disturbance of pheasants, but rather the destruction of useful food.
This is not a matter for the War Office. It has been referred to a wholly impartial tribunal, and I am sure it will receive wholly impartial treatment.
Does not the War Losses Commission deal with losses of profit in trade, and is pheasant-rearing a trade yielding profit?
Beet Sugar
27.
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Board has endeavoured to obtain good pedigree beet seed from the United States of America, and if any steps have been taken to secure the assistance of Denmark or France in this connection?
Efforts are being made to secure a certain quantity of high-class beet seed required for the projected sugar beet enterprise in Notts from the United States and various countries in Europe. It is not yet certain whether delivery will be secured; mean time, however, a sufficient quantity of seed at present available in this country will be sown in order to secure stocks for the future.
28.
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has considered that sugar syrup for making jam can easily be procured from beetroot without any elaborate factories or machinery; and whether anything has been done to encourage the growth of sugar beet for this purpose?
I am advised that it is doubtful whether a satisfactory syrup for jam making can be procured from beet by ordinary domestic processes, and, in fuller reply to this point and to the remainder of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth on the 6th February last.
Is it not the fact that although this process is not an easy one, it has been proved by private individuals that a great deal of advantage can be obtaned by the ordinary individual who grows it by the use of it as sweets and other forms of food?
The question is a chemical one, and I am sorry to say I do not feel very competent to give an opinion on it, but apparently in the process there is a certain quantity of salt, which is said to be deleterious to consumption.
Is the right Gentleman not aware that the root itself can be used as fruit might be used, and would be a very valuable help to the people?
I think that is so.
Bedford Allotments (Factory Sites)
29.
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that eighty allotment holders, each having from 20 to 40 poles of land in the town of Bedford, are to have their allotments taken from them, and that the land is to be used as sites for factories; whether he is aware that this land is in a high state of cultivation after being worked and tilled by hand labour for twenty-five years, and that there is other land equally suitable for factory sites but entirely unsuitable for food production; and whether, in view of the food situation in the country, he will cause immediate inquiry to be made?
I am obliged to the hon. Member for drawing my attention to this matter, and I have given instructions that immediate inquiries are to be made and will inform the hon. Member of the result. The Board had received no previous intimation on the subject.
Farm Work
32.
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that many farmers are experiencing difficulty not only in completing the ploughing, but also in preparing the broken-up land for sowing; and, in view of the short time now available, will he take steps to ensure that all possible assistance shall be given with the greatest possible promptitude?
The reports received by the Department indicate that, owing to the favourable weather, all farm work is exceptionally well forward, but the hon. Member can rest assured that all possible assistance will be promptly given to those farmers who require help.
33.
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the reapers and binders owned by the Government will be distributed about the country and hired to farmers who need them in order to harvest their grain crops; and, if so, what the terms for hiring will be?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Reapers and binders will be distributed to the county agricultural executive committees, who will arrange for their working by the Department's horses and tractors. The charge for hiring will cover the cost of service, and will be in accordance with the rates to be determined by agricultural executive committees with the Board's approval.
May I ask whether it is, therefore, unnecessary for farmers who have broken up land, and who have not got reapers and binders, to pay the present exorbitant rates for reapers and binders, feeling assured that they will be able to obtain reapers and binders from the agricultural committees?
It is rather dangerous for farmers to assume that for this reason, that if it is a harvest which requires to be promptly gathered in, those farmers would have to wait their turn in a certain rotation, and it would be to their advantage to own their own binders and reapers.
Home-Grown Food
45.
asked the Prime Minister whether any, and what, action has been taken by the Government to obviate the disadvantages of the present system of dual control by the Ministry of Food and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries of production of home-grown food and to stimulate and encourage such production?
It is impossible for me to say more than that the whole subject, the difficulties of which I am sure my hon. Friend realises, is under the consideration of the Government.
Can the right hon. Gentleman say when that consideration will be completed?
No, Sir; I said I could say nothing more than that we are considering it.
Ministry Of Food Notices
58.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that no less than sixty copies of the table of equivalent weights of meat issued by his Department are posted up within a distance of but a little more than half a mile along the Chelsea Embankment, and that in many cases two, or even four, copies of the notice are posted side by side; if he will say who is responsible for this waste of paper; and whether he will take steps to prevent a repetition of it?
The posting was done under the orders of the Chelsea Local Food Control Committee. In advertising by poster, frequent repetition of posters in close proximity is considered a more effective means of securing attention than a wide diffusion of single posters. The matter does not appear to require further action.
Fish
59.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Controller proposes to suspend, so far as circumstances allow, all fishing restrictions round the United Kingdom, to obtain the concurrence of the Admiralty for fishing in areas now closed, and to allow the return to port of as many vessels as can be spared, in order to increase the supply of fish and to reduce the cost of living in the present crisis?
The Food Controller is in constant communication with the Fishery Boards and the Admiralty with the object of increasing the supply of fish food by every possible method including those indicated by the hon. Member.
Potato Controller
60.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Mr. Clark, of 43, Bute Street, Cardiff, recently appointed secretary to the South Wales and South-West of England Potato Control Committee, is the same gentleman who was prosecuted on behalf of the Ministry of Food in December last and fined £200 and 50 guineas cost?
This appointment was made by the South Wales Potato Advisory Committee on their own initiative, and the Ministry of Food were not consulted in the matter. I am advised that the offence referred to was of a somewhat technical description, and that it is inexpedient in this instance to interfere with the discretion of the Advisory Committee.
May I ask my hon. Friend if that offence was not considered by the Food Controller to be so serious that he had to send a solicitor down from London to prosecute, and if he did not obtain a verdict, and that then the law-breaker is given an appointment?
I am not aware of that, but I will represent the information in the supplementary question to the Food Controller.
Territorial Force (Home Service Men)
21.
asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether his Department can grant any concession in the way of service at home or otherwise to those members of the Territorial Force who desire such who mobilised in August, 1914, and who have been, during the whole currency of the War, engaged on active service, in view of the fact that these men had to leave their homes and businesses without convenient preparation, and that there are many men in khaki willing and desirous of serving on the various fronts who could take their place?
Endeavours are being made to allow such men a period of home service, but I regret that in the present situation as regards man-power the opportunities are limited.
War Office (Ex-Soldier Clerks)
23.
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the services rendered by the ex-soldier clerks employed in the War Office since 1901, he will favourably consider recognising these men as pensionable after fifteen years' continuous service?
This question is at present under consideration.
Government Departments (Office Accommodation)
34.
asked the First Commissioner of Works for what purpose Arm-field's Hotel, South Place, E.C., has been taken over by the Government; what is the sum estimated to be spent on alterations of the building; is he aware that within a few hundred yards of this building a large hotel building has been empty for many months; and why this building was not taken over in preference to a going hotel business?
The hotel in question was taken over for the Metropolitan Water Board, whose offices on the Embankment were, commandeered for the use of the Air Ministry. The estimated cost of alterations is £1,400. I am aware of the existence of an empty hotel, but the necessary alterations therein would have taken too long to effect, and would have involved the use of too much labour and material.
Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many hotels his Department has now commandeered?
I should like notice of that question.
Army Discharges (Tuberculosis)
36.
asked the Pensions Minister whether he can state how many men have been discharged from the Army on account of tuberculosis who had contracted this disease before they were passed for service by the Army medical boards; and whether he is prepared to forward this information to the Minister of National Service?
I regret that neither the records kept by the Chelsea Commissioners before the formation of the Ministry nor those kept at the present time enable the information desired to be given.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Ministry of National Service cancelled an Army Council Instruction dealing with the admission of these men into the Army, and will he say what effect that has upon his own Department?
I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for the information he has conveyed to me.
Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these men are entitled, under the National Health Insurance Act, to tuberculosis treatment; and can he say how many soldiers discharged from camps are now receiving that treatment?
I think my hon. Friend must be conscious of the fact that he would have to put down a question if he desires information as to figures.
Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department
40.
asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department is sending a letter to officers who are in receipt of Grants from his Department stating that the increase in the officer's pay, together with the new allowance for children, will, in a large proportion of cases, render unnecessary the continuance of a Grant from the Department; and, if so, whether, in view of definite statements made in the House of Commons that this general increase in the rate of pay shall not affect the Grants which have been made, he will issue the necessary instruction that this and similar letters shall be withdrawn?
Grants, including grants for the maintenance of children, are made by the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department to officers who are unable by reason of their military service to meet certain financial obligations and are thereby exposed to serious hardship. The recent increase of pay and the new children's allowances for officers must obviously reduce or remove such hardship, and, as I informed the hon. Member for Nottingham South on the 14th February, the Department are bound in their periodic review of cases to take into consideration any alteration in an individual officer's financial circumstances. An undertaking has been given that Grants to non commissioned officers and men shall not be affected by the general increase of soldier's pay; but no statement to the effect suggested in the hon. and gallant Member's question has, so far as I am aware, been made in this House as regards the increase in officer's emoluments which are clearly on a different footing.
Are we to understand that what my right hon. Friend states is the official view that, in spite of the fact that non-commissioned officers' and men's Grants are not affected by recent increases, officers' Grants are affected, and, if so, why this difference?
My hon. Friend is a member of the Committee which decides these questions, and he must know that officer's pay stands on an entirely different footing from that of non-commissioned officers and men.
In spite of the fact that I am a member of the Committee, is my right hon. Friend not our taskmaster, and does he not decide whether we are enabled to do these things or not; and will he say what is the official position?
If my hon. Friend wants to know my position to the Committee, though I think he knows it already, he had better put down a question which will enable me to answer that question satisfactorily, and also as to my position as regards the Treasury.
Death Certificates (Sugar Cards)
44.
asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that certificates of death have been refused by registrars until the sugar card of the deceased had been produced; and will he take steps to stop such a practice?
(by Private, Notice) asked the President of the Local Government Board what steps he is taking in respect of registrars who refuse to issue death certificates until the sugar card has been surrendered; and whether he desires to modify his previous statement that there was no foundation for the suggestion that this was taking place.
I much regret that in giving the reply to the hon. Member's question on the 6th instant, I had not been informed that, owing to an erroneous interpretation of the Instructions issued by the Registrar-General, instances had occurred in which death certificates had been withheld by registrars owing to failure to produce the deceased's sugar card. I have been in communication with the Registrar-General, and a further Instruction has now been issued by him to all registrars, drawing special attention to the fact that they are under no circumstances to refuse to issue a death certificate for this reason, though they are enjoined, after registration, to ask for the surrender of the card, and if it is not forthcoming to report the fact to the Ministry of Food.
I am grateful for this opportunity of making a public statement on the subject, and I hope the action taken will remove all cause of complaint in the future.Wales (Administration)
47.
asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the proposals for reconstruction after the War and the introduction of the Education and Ministry of Health Bills during the present Session, he will consider the desirability of all the administrative functions of the Board of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Board of Agriculture, the Local Government Board, and the Insurance Commissioners relating to Wales being grouped together in a Welsh office presided over by a Secretary for Wales who would be responsible for this Department to the House of Commons, and whose duties would correspond to those of the Secretary for Scotland; and whether he will consider the introduction of a Bill at an early date to give effect to these proposals?
I do not think that the hon. and gallant Member's proposal is practicable at the present time.
Irish Convention
50.
asked the Prime Minister when he expects to make a statement on the Irish Convention?
It is not possible for me at present to make any statement on this subject.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the amount of dissatisfaction in Ireland at the delay?
The hon. Member knows it is impossible for me to make a statement until the Convention has come to a decision. I do not control that.
Foreign Services
51.
asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is a general desire for the discussion by this House of the projected reforms in the foreign services before any scheme is finally adopted; and whether he will give an assurance that a day will be given for the Foreign Office Vote between Easter and Whitsuntide?
It is proposed to take the Foreign Office Vote on the first Supply day after Easter in order that the topic referred to by the hon. Member may be discussed, unless it is the general desire of the House that some other Vote should be taken on that day.
Would the Prime Minister receive a deputation on this subject representing all parties in the House of Commons?
I cannot answer that without consulting the Prime Minister.
Ministry Of Health
52.
asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to proceed this Session with a Bill for the establishment of a Ministry of Health; and, if so, whether the Bill will be introduced at an early date?
I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this subject.
Has any progress been made with an agreed scheme as between the Government Departments concerned as to the Ministry of Health, to which the right hon. Gentleman referred in a reply some months ago?
Consultations have been taking place regularly. They are still going on, and those who are conducting them are sanguine enough to hope that there will be an agreement.
Is it not a very serious thing that all this infantile mortality should be going on, and cannot the Government give us any hope that a scheme of this kind will be brought forward at an early date?
Notice has been given of the introduction of a Bill especially dealing with that, but it does not affect in one way or other the larger question of the Ministry of Health.
Income Tax And Super-Tax
53.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much Income Tax and Super-Tax, respectively, due in January last, has not yet been collected; and how much of this has not been assessed or applied for?
The exact particulars asked for are not available, and could not be made so without specific inquiry in every tax surveyor's district throughout the United Kingdom. The Board of Inland Revenue, however, inform me that the progress of the assessment and collection during the current year is fully up to the average, and they anticipate that about 90 per cent, of the amount due on 1st January, 1918, will reach the Exchequer before the 31st instant.
Can my right hon. Friend give any estimate of the amount of money to be carried into the financial year on this account?
I cannot give it without notice.
Over-Age Army Officers (Civil Employment)
55.
asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether he is aware that numbers of Army officers are now being returned to civil life as being over age for active military duty; whether the Officers' Resettlement Committee, in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour, is prepared to deal with such cases; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to ensure that such officers who require employment shall be fully informed as to the steps they should take in order to avail themselves of this arrangement?
I have been asked to answer this question. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is aware of the circumstances mentioned in the first part of the question. Arrangements are now being made on the lines proposed by the Officers' Resettlement Committee to assist ex-officers upon their return to civil life, and steps are being taken to bring these arrangements to the notice of the officers concerned.
Treasury Sick-Leave Regulations
56.
asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Treasury Sick-Leave Regulations operate harshly in the case of Civil servants discharged from the Army on account of sickness or wounds; and whether, seeing that these Regulations were not designed to meet the present abnormal conditions, he will consider, in the case of discharged soldiers, the possibility of suspending the Regulation which reduces a man to half-pay at the end of six months?
(Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury): The primary responsibility for meeting the case of Civil servants, as of other soldiers, who are discharged from the forces on account of sickness or wounds, rests with the Pensions Ministry. Civil servants are, however, given their ordinary sick-pay privileges, provided that the amount of Civil pay issued does not exceed, with Army or Navy pension, the full pay of their posts. These privileges, therefore, represent a benefit beyond what the ordinary private employé would obtain, and I am not at present satisfied that there is any ground for increasing them.
Is my hon. Friend conversant with the fact that these men are in a special position and that the existing Regulations refer to normal conditions, and would he not, therefore, be prepared to consider these abnormal conditions?
Shropshire Electric Power Company
62.
asked the Minister of Munitions if he will state on what terms public moneys to the extent of £120,000 have been advanced to the Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Staffordshire Electric Power Company, and also the terms of the further proposed loan of a sum not exceeding £80,000; if he has compared those terms and conditions with those imposed upon local authorities for similar purposes at the present time; and if he will say how they compare?
Under an agreement dated the 1st April, 1917, the Minister agreed to advance £100,000 to the Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Staffordshire Electric Power Company on the security of £120,000 of that company's second debenture stock, forming part of an authorised issue of £200,000 second debenture stock. This loan bears interest at the rate of 1 per cent, above current bank rate with a minimum of 5 per cent, per annum, and is repayable by ten equal annual instalments, the first annual instalment to become due and payable on the 1st day of January, 1919. The whole of this loan has now been advanced.
Under an agreement dated 19th January, 1918, carrying out arrangements made in August, 1917, the Minister agreed to advance a further £100,000 to this company on the security of £80,000 of second debenture stock of the Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Staffordshire Electric Power Company, and by the transfer to the Ministry of £40,000 second debenture stock of the Birmingham District Power and Traction Company, Limited, which forms part of an authorised issue of £200,000 second debenture stock. This loan bears interest at 1 per cent, over current bank rate with a minimum of 5 per cent, per annum, and is repayable by fifteen equal annual instalments, the first annual instalment to become due and payable on the 1st day of January, 1920. Of this loan £20,000 has now been advanced. In general the terms and conditions are similar to those arranged with local authorities, but conditions vary, each case being considered on its merits.Munitions
Housing Of Workers, Lincoln
64.
asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware of the shortage of housing accommodation in Lincoln; that there is unrest amongst the munition workers there in consequence of the shortage and the evictions taking place; and whether he will schedule Lincoln as a specified area, with a view to prohibiting the eviction of munition worker?
A shortage of housing accommodation is known to exist in Lincoln, and a scheme for the erection of permanent houses has already been formulated. The question of declaring Lincoln a special area for the purposes of Regulation 2A. (2) of the Defence of the Realm Regulations is also under consideration, but the present information of the Department is that not more than six ejectment orders have been issued during the last twelve months, and only one during the last four months.
Railway Return Tickets
66.
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an Order of universal application, for the duration of the War, has been made whereby on account of the restricted train service return tickets are made available for the return journey by any route that suits the Convenience of the holder of the ticket irrespective of the fact that the route selected by the traveller for the return journey is owned by a different railway company to the company which originally issued the ticket, provided that both railway companies come under the jurisdiction of the Railway Executive Committee; and, if so, whether this Order overrides any local Orders or exceptions that an individual railway company may have made?
No such general Order has been made. The general practice now is that passengers holding ordinary tickets covering points directly served by two or more companies' routes arc allowed to travel, for the throughout journey only, by any of such recognised routes.
Arising out of that reply, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that season ticket holders are not allowed this convenience?
Military Service
Shipyard Workers
67.
asked the Minister of National Service if he is aware that skilled workmen engaged on the construction of concrete ships at Hanworthy are receiving their calling-up papers, that when the recruiting officer's attention was called to the fact that these men were engaged on shipbuilding he stated that the military authorities had not been informed that the work was shipbuilding; and whether, in view of the serious shortage of ships, he will give instructions that men engaged on this class of work must not be called to the Colours?
Instructions have already been issued to all directors of National Service to the effect that men employed by firms engaged in the construction of concrete ships are to be dealt with in the same manner and to receive similar protection under the Schedule of Protected Occupations as employés on other forms of hull construction and repair. If the hon. Member will let me have the names, addresses, and full particulars with regard to the men at Hanworthy who are alleged to have been irregularly dealt with by the recruiting authorities and also the name of the firm, I will cause investigations to be made into the matter.
Why is it necessary for the hon. Member to ask for the names and addresses of the men affected when it seems to be the general policy to call up these men; and, in view of the very serious position of the shipbuilding industry, why is not a clear Instruction issued?
My hon. Friend did not listen to my answer. First, I said: "Instructions have already been issued to all directors of National Service to the effect that men employed by firms engaged in the construction of concrete ships are to be dealt with in the same manner and to receive similar protection under the Schedule of Protected Occupations as employés on other forms of hull construction and repair."
Will the hon. Gentleman see to it that these Instructions are so framed that one gentleman cannot interpret an Instruction in one way and another gentleman in another way?
That is why I asked for the information. I believe the Instructions are being interpreted properly, but I will make inquiries.
Marine Engineers
68.
asked the Minister of National Service whether he is aware that, notwithstanding Circular 1584, dated June, 1917, issued by the Board of Trade, which allows two months on shore for preparation by sea-going engineers for Board of Trade examination, recruiting officers have in some instances issued, before the expiry of the time named, calling-up notices to sea-going engineers in course of preparation for examination; and whether he will take steps to call the attention of all recruiting officers to the circular above referred to, so that seagoing engineers may have proper time to prepare for their examinations of competency?
I am not aware of any such practice on the part of recruiting officers as that referred to by the hon. Baronet. If he will supply me with the names and addresses of men to whom he alleges that calling-up notices have been sent in contravention of the Board of Trade circular referred to by him, I shall be glad to investigate them.
Exchange Of Prisoners
69.
asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether he can state the exact number of British prisoners of war that are now interned in Holland under the recent exchange scheme; and how many have also been returned to this country up till now under the same scheme?
Three hundred and thirty-three officer prisoners, 1,466 non-commissioned officers, and 107 naval ratings have been transferred to Holland, and 733 combatant prisoners of various ranks, and 64 medical personnel have been repatriated. Eighty-two civilian prisoners of war have been transferred to Holland up to the present time, and 378 have been repatriated. In addition to these figures, 119 civilians are expected to be repatriated in the course of a day or two
Powers Of Guardians (Ireland)
70.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will consider the possibility during the present Session of introducing legislation to amend Section 7 of 25 and 26 Vic, c. 83 (Irish Poor Law Further Amendment Act, 1862), by giving power to a board of guardians, on the recommendation of a medical officer, to send any poor person, whether an inmate of the workhouse or not, to an extern hospital for treatment?
As stated by my hon. Friend the Solicitor-General in a written answer to a question by the hon. Member for West Cavan in the OFFICIAL REPORT of Monday last, representations as to the necessity for such an amendment in the law have been received and are being considered.
Rents (War Restrictions)
73.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government intend to take any steps to extend the Courts Emergency Powers Acts to houses of all rentals and values in those districts free from air raids, where hardship is being inflicted upon the present tenants through the profiteering by increasing rents or attempts to force tenants to buy at excessive prices to keep their houses over the heads of their wives and families?
I have been asked to answer this question. I cannot give any undertaking that the limits of rental in the Increase of Rents and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915, will be widened.
Enemy Air Raids
Day And Night Maroon Warnings
74.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that there is in many parts of London a desire that the maroon warnings of air raids shall be given in future all night; is he prepared to authorise this in future; and can he make any statement that will satisfy the people who desire the extension of the hours of the existing warnings?
I am aware that considerable interest is taken in this matter, and in view of representations which have been received and of the experience gained during recent air raids, the question has been reconsidered.
It is believed that the meaning of the maroons is now well understood, and that they are generally appreciated as an effective warning of a threatened air raid; and I am informed that owing to the complete arrangements made by Home Forces the risk of a false alarm is now reduced to a minimum. I am further informed that there is still some uneasiness lest if an air raid should commence after midnight the warning to take cover should not reach the back streets, and that the promise of a sound warning at all hours would produce a feeling of greater confidence. In these circumstances, and notwithstanding some strong arguments to the contrary, the Commissioner of Police proposes to give the maroon warning at all hours of the day or night when an air raid is impending. I may perhaps be allowed to add that in no case should the maroon warning be treated as an invitation to the house- holder to leave his house, the safest course in all cases being to remain at home and and to keep the children there.Arising out of that answer will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to have public notices issued at once stating his new decision?
Will he say whether he has considered the desirability of using a syren at night? It is less alarming.
We have considered that very carefully, and have discarded the suggestion. I think my announcement will be fairly widely known, but I will consider whether some further notice should be given.
Will the Home Secretary consider the issuing of a very special notice to people about not leaving their houses. Taking children out of their warm beds into the cold streets has been responsible for a great deal of illness and death, and could not something more urgent be issued?
There is a notice to that effect already issued, but I will see whether something more striking cannot be issued.
Loss Of Ss "Glenart Castle"
Gallantry Of American Sailors
6.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the circumstances under which the navigating officer of the "Glenart Castle" was rescued by the United States destroyer "Parker" about fifteen hours after the "Glenart Castle" had gone down; whether the Admiralty have received a report that these a was still running high and the immersed British sailors were in submarine-infested waters, so that the destroyer was unable to stop to enable a life-line to be thrown or a boat to be lowered; whether two sailors from the "Parker" jumped overboard as she passed near to the raft, a distance of about 50 yards, swam to the raft, and brought the navigating officer in a practically unconscious condition to the "Parker"; whether these American sailors then did the same in the case of each of the three remaining men, two of whom were dead on reaching the "Parker," and the third surviving; and, if so, whether this action on the part of the United States sailors will be duly recognised by the Admiralty, having regard to the nature of their undertaking and the skill with which the "Parker" was kept near to the raft although on the move the whole time at considerable speed?
The United States destroyer "Parker" rescued nine survivors of the "Glenart Castle" (of whom one died on board), including the fourth navigation officer.
The two United States naval ratings referred to deserve the greatest credit for their action in jumping overboard, in view of the temperature of the water, the choppy sea running, and the distance of the raft from the ship. Other ratings also jumped on to small rafts or wreckage, and deserve credit. The Admiralty profoundly appreciate the seamanship and very great gallantry displayed by the United States destroyer.Is there any distinction for which these two gallant men can be recommended, having regard to the splendid gallantry of their action and their success in rescuing the navigation officer of the "Glenart Castle"?
I have already stated, and I repeat most warmly, our recognition of those services, but that is hardly a matter for the Government, and it is more a matter for the United States authorities.
Having regard to the custom by which a captain of a foreign ship is frequently honoured at the discretion of the Board of Trade by the granting of a medal or a service of gold plate or something of that kind, does my right hon. Friend not think that an act of this kind, especially in the circumstances, should be recognised in a somewhat similar manner?
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Union Castle Company, who deeply recognise the gallantry of these American sailors, have already approached the American Admiral and asked that they may be allowed to do something to recognise this gallantry, but as they have not been allowed to do so—this is stated in a very nice letter which the Admiral has written in reply—will the Government consider the advisability of making some recognition on behalf of the Government?
Is it not a fact that during the War the Governments of our Allies have frequently recognised acts of gallantry on the part of our men in saving the lives of their sailors at sea?
Is it not the opinion that generally the citizens of the United States are rather averse to awards of personal distinctions and honours, and will they not value much more the sentiment of appreciation which this House has expressed for the extreme gallantry shown on this occasion?
What is the object of keeping this story of gallantry quiet and waiting until it is dragged out, when it ought to have been published days ago?
We have expressed earlier our very great gratitude for the way in which the American sailors acted in this matter. I think the way my right hon. Friend (Mr. Acland) has put the matter quite accuratey represents the view of the United States Government. Nevertheless, if we can properly make any suggestion which they will recognise as an appropriate one of enabling us, if it is desired, in a substantial way to emphasise our opinion of this act of gallantry, certainly we will do so.
Quartermasters (Temporary)
24.
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why a quartermaster with the rank of captain should only receive the same pay as a second-lieutenant; and whether ho will consider the injustice of this, especially with regard to temporary quartermasters appointed during the early stages of the War?
I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on the 25th February to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Belfast.
Will my right hon. Friend say why these officers do not receive the increased pay?
My hon. and gallant Friend knows perfectly well that quartermasters' pay does not depend on rank, but on the length of service as quartermaster.
Retired Pay (Army Officers)
25.
asked whether officers who have been compulsorily retained in the Service without the retired pay to which they were entitled have been recently gazetted out and offered re-employment on the pay of their rank, but without their retired pay; and, if so, whether these officers will be placed on the same footing as the re-called officer and be permitted to draw their retired pay?
An officer retained in the Service is not entitled to retired pay. But I understand my hon. and gallant Friend to refer to cases in which officers retired during the War have been warned that, if voluntarily re-employed, they will not be entitled to claim full pay in addition to retired pay. This is in accordance with the Royal Warrant published as Army Order 235 of August last.
Then I understand that they will be allowed to draw their retired pay whatever extra is given?
The officers' retired pay is always safe. You cannot touch that.
Parcel Post (Losses)
39.
asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the number of parcels lost in the post recently; whether this is due to theft on the part of members of the staff; how many claims for lost parcels are at present unsettled and the number at the corresponding date last year; whether he will take steps to see that claims are more promptly settled; and what steps he proposes to take to effect a remedy?
I am not aware of any recent increase in the number of parcels lost in the post, whether through theft or otherwise. Sometimes delay occurs on account of the inexperience of the temporary staff who deal with these claims. The figures for which the hon. Member asks are not procurable.
Old Age Pensions
42.
asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that hardship is caused from the fact that many eligible applicants for old age pensions, although making their applications in proper time, are, owing to the interval between the date of application and the committee's decision, deprived of their pension for some weeks after reaching the statutory age; and whether he will provide that eligible applicants who make their application within a specified time of reaching the age of seventy will be paid the pension awarded as from the attainment of their seventieth birthday?
A claim may by law be preferred at any time within four months in advance of the date of fulfilling the statutory conditions. If the hon. Member is aware of any case in which a claimant has preferred a claim four months in advance of the date of fulfilling the statutory conditions, and yet has not obtained payment of the pension as from that date, I should be glad if he would furnish me with the particulars, so that I may have inquiry made into the matter.
43.
asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that cases occur where old age pensioners whose income becomes increased so that the pensions are liable to revision and reduction have their pensions reduced by amounts larger than the amounts by which their income has been increased; and whether he will provide that where pensions are reduced on account of increase of income the reduction shall not exceed the amount by which the income has been increased so that no reduction in the total income is incurred?
It is the fact that in exceptional cases an increase in a pensioner's means may result in a decrease of his pension by an amount slightly larger than the increase, but in no circumstances could the difference amount to 1s. a week. I regret that I cannot undertake to initiate legislation in the direction suggested by the hon. Member.
Court Of Session, Scotland (Judges' Salaries)
54.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount of money paid as salary to the most recently appointed judge in the Court of Session in Scotland from his appointment on 20th of July to the 20th of October?
Lord Sands has been paid at the rate of £3,600 a year, the salary attaching to his post, since the 21st July, 1917, the date of his appointment.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Court of Session rose for the long vacation on the 21st July, and this judge therefore bad a quarter's salary without being asked to do any duties? Is this the economy of the Government?
Yes; I am aware of it through questions put by the hon. Member, who has devoted his energy to the Secretary for Scotland, which I advise him to continue.