Written Answers
War
Tithe (Corn Production Act)
asked the Prime Minister whether he contemplates the introduction of legislation to amend the Corn Production Act so as to limit the price of tithe to 100 per cent., in order to obviate the necessity on the part of the landlord of raising the rent in order to indemnify himself?
The general question as to what legislation, if any, is necessary to deal with the question of tithe is at present being considered by the Government.
Food Supplies
Potato Bags
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the Department has recently ordered several million new bags for potatoes, which are to be sold at 6d. each; is he aware that the controlled price, fixed in December, 1917, was about 8½d.; is he aware that merchants have purchased quantities of new and secondhand bags for other trades, which to-day are of little use through the recent action of his Department; and will he confer with representatives of such manufacturers, so as to secure the use of secondhand bags?
The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. Before ordering the potato bags the Food Controller satisfied himself, by obtaining a return of all the bags available for carrying potatoes, that the supply was insufficient. The answer to the third part of the question is, accordingly, in the negative; and the last part of the question does not arise.
Pigs
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has received communications and resolutions respecting an increase in the control price of pigs; whether he is aware that, unless this is arranged at once, pig breeding will be discouraged and future supplies endangered; and what is proposed to be done on this demand?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The advisability of authorising a slight increase in the maximum price of pigs is now being considered by the Central Advisory Committee on Live Stock and Meat Supplies.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will withdraw the Order prohibiting the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society from purchasing pigs during the month of March; if he is aware that this society purchased on an average 35,000 pigs per annum; and that the present Order will cause a large number of men to be thrown out of employment?
I am informed that the returns made on behalf of the Scottish Wholesale Co-operative Society were found by the Irish Food Control Committee to be inaccurate, and that corrected returns were not furnished in time for the society to be included in the March allocations. The number of pigs purchased by this society in previous months appears to have exceeded their fair proportion of available supplies, and any withdrawal of the Order prohibiting them from purchasing pigs during the remainder of this month would inflict hardship on competing firms.
Cheese
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the mid-day meal of agricultural workers usually consists of bread and cheese; whether he is aware that, owing to the shortage of cheese in most of the agricultural districts of Hampshire, the labourers are unable to procure any; and whether the Food Controller can see his way to divert cheese from town to country districts, in order that the agricultural labourers may be able to procure it, especially as appeals have been lately made by the Government for increased effort on the part of agricultural labourers?
The distribution of cheese to retailers is based on the quantities handled by them in 1916. The distribution in February amounted to 50 per cent, of that quantity. It is hoped shortly to effect another distribution on the same basis, though owing to delays in sea transit there has been a rather longer interval than usual. The question of increasing supplies of cheese for certain areas is under consideration.
Cricket Ground, Woolwich
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the cricket ground at Woolwich, where thousands of troops are quartered, will not be serviceable owing to no petrol being forthcoming for mowing it; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
Petrol is not necessary for making the Woolwich cricket ground serviceable, as other methods have always existed for keeping such grounds in order. In view of the urgent necessity for economising petrol, it is not proposed to authorise its expenditure for the purpose indicated.
Quartermasters (Pay And Promotion)
asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware that quartermasters are now graded for pay with second - lieutenants, although formerly their pay was higher than that of first - lieutenants; whether quartermasters must have three years' service before being qualified for captain's rank without captain's pay, whereas a second-lieutenant is promoted after eighteen months' service and is always eligible for higher rank; and whether he can propose any alteration in favour of quartermasters?
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.
Royal Naval Division (Engineers)
asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether a recent Army Council Instruction was intended to deprive men who had served part of their time in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines from benefiting under the recent allowance of 1d. per day for each year of service; and whether, bearing in mind the fact that a unit of Engineers was formed in September, 1914, which was called the Divisional Engineers of the Royal Naval Division, the members of which were attested in the Royal Marines, and some of whom served with the Royal Naval Division at Gallipoli and in France, it was intended that men who had served in this unity in a purely military capacity were to be deprived of this grant?
This special case had not previously been brought to my notice. I will consider it and communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend in due course.
Aerodrome Construction (Agricultural Labourers)
asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he has received a resolution passed by the Malmesbury rural and urban local tribunals on the 4th March protesting against the Government or Government contractors taking men off the land for the erection of aerodromes and other Government works, such action being detrimental to agriculture and the production of food, and also rendering the work of the tribunals and recruiting authorities most difficult; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in regard to the matter?
I am informed that the resolution referred to by my hon. Friend has not been received at the War Office or the Air Ministry, but the difficulties referred to in the question have been receiving special consideration by the Departments concerned, and instructions have been issued that all contractors shall engage labour only through Employment Exchanges, and that these shall not send forward for work on aerodrome construction any applicant whose last employer was a farmer, or who is known to be an agricultural labourer.
Labour Companies (France)
asked the Minister of National Service whether his attention has been called to a recent public announcement to the effect that the United States of America War Department are not sending men of enemy nationality to the War, but retaining them for insular posts; whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which exists amongst men of this character who are attached to the Middlesex Regiment and are now in France, and the danger of their being shot if captured by the enemy, steps will be taken to transfer them back to this country and to utilise their services, perhaps, to better advantage?
My attention has not specially been drawn to this announcement, and there is no official information with regard to it. I am not aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst men of enemy nationality in the Middlesex Regiment, as my hon. Friend alleges. On the contrary, I am informed that the administration and the discipline of the labour companies of this regiment in France are entirely satisfactory. The companies are employed in back areas, in sparsely populated districts, and not in shelled areas, and there is no intention of withdrawing them from France.
Air Force (Flight Officers)
asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry what percentage of flight officers in the Air Force is at the present time supplied by the Dominions and the Mother Country, respectively?
These figures are not at the present time required for administrative purposes, and could only be ascertained by delaying other work of great urgency. I trust, therefore, that the hon. Member will not press for them.
Munitions
Workers' Remuneration
asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that there is trouble at the firm of William Beard-more and Company, Parkhead, Glasgow, among the general labourers and slingers employed in the howitzer gun shop owing to the refusal of the firm to pay the full 12½ per cent, conceded last October; whether he is aware that if some settlement of this dispute is not speedily arrived at the men are likely to stop work; and what action he is taking to deal with the matter?
This matter was reported on 27th February to the Ministry of Labour for settlement as a difference under the Munitions of War Acts. I understand that the case is to be heard this week by the Committee on Production.
asked the Minister of Munitions if he has received a Report about the case of Henry Livesey, Limited, of Blackburn, and the employment of a war pensioner at a wage below the standard rate?
This case has been investigated by an officer of the Ministry of Munitions, and as a result the firm have been informed that, in the view of the Department, the man should receive the full rate.
Major Downie
asked the Minister of Munitions whether he will take steps to acquaint himself with the contents of a telegram signed by a person named Lyall and addressed to the Ministry of Munitions in Dublin, on or about the 24th January last, regarding Major Downie; whether the contents of the telegram are an insult to an officer holding the King's commission; and if he will take steps to have Lyall removed from the public service?
The telegram to which I presume the hon. Member refers, was one of a routine nature sent after Major Downie's resignation had been accepted. The telegram gave the usual instructions that official documents should no longer be forwarded to Major Downie. No further action is called for.
Naval And Military Pensions And Grants
asked the Pensions Minister if he will give instructions for the payment of the arrears of allowance for children due from 16th November, 1916, to 4th April, 1917, at the rate of 2s. 3d. per week, in the case of Lance-Sergeant Johnstone, No. 1948, 4th Seaforths, these arrears being due owing to the fact that his allowance of 2s. 3d. a week for his children was stopped in November, 1916, and resumed at the rate of 3s. 9d. per week from 4th April, 1917?
Lance-Sergeant Johnstone was awarded, on discharge in May, 1916, a pension under the Royal Warrant of 1915, of 6s. 3d. a week for six months with 9d. a week for each of three children. At the end of this period, as he was earning over 25s. a week, he was not eligible for pension under the Royal Warrant of 1915, and he was therefore given a pension of 1s. a day for twelve months under the Royal Warrant of 1st December, 1914, which contains no provision for the award of additional allowances for children. When Mr. Johnstone's case next came up for consideration in November, 1917, he was given a pension and children's allowances under the Royal Warrant of 1917, with arrears from 4th April, 1917, the date on which that Warrant came into force, and therefore the earliest date as from which allowances could be paid to him.
asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Civil Liabilities Commission has received an application from a lady in Lerwick whose husband is fighting in France showing that, after payment of rates, taxes, and rent, she has only 9s. a week to keep herself and two girls of school age; and if, under the circumstances set forth, the Commission will take into consideration the best method of affording adequate relief?
I am afraid I am unable to identify the case from the information stated in the question, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars I shall be glad to make inquiries and to communicate with him regarding it.
Steamship "Abydos"
asked the Secretary of State for India on what date the Peninsular and Oriental steamship "Abydos" was impressed by the Government of India for the service of the Mesopotamia Expedition; how much was expended on fitting it up; at what date did it leave India; how long did it remain in this service; and why and at what date did it cease to be so employed?
The vessel in question was requisitioned by the Government of India on 30th August, 1916, for use as a floating workshop at Basra. She left India for Basra on 22nd November, 1916, and was discharged from service on 3rd February, 1917. The Government of India have been asked to report the amount expended on fitting up the vessel and the reason for releasing her. The information is not available here.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Peninsular and Oriental steamship "Abydos" was under Admiralty control when chartered by the Government of India in 1916; and whether, and at what date, this vessel subsequently came under Admiralty control?
It is assumed that the steamer referred to is the steamship "Abydos," owned by the Indian and Peninsular Steam Navigation Company, Limited, and registered in Bombay. She was not under Admiralty control when she was requisitioned by the Indian Government in 1916, nor has she been under Admiralty control at any subsequent time.
Ex-Inspector Syme
asked the Home Secretary whether ex-Inspector Syme has been arrested and is now in Wormwood Scrubs Prison; on what charge was he arrested; whether he has been on hunger-strike; and whether he will be tried on any charge?
Syme was convicted at Blackwood Police Court, Monmouthshire, on the 1st February, of offences against No. 27 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and sentenced to six months' imprisonment. He has resorted to a hunger-strike, and has twice been released for short periods under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-health) Act, 1913, as in his case it is found impossible, owing to his inability to retain liquid food, to permanently maintain his strength by artificial feeding. He is now at liberty until the 26th instant.
Military Service
Conscientious Objectors
asked the Home Secretary why two conscientious objectors, named Alexander Bain and Dan Stephenson, who were released from Durham Prison on the expiration of their third sentence on 22nd February and 16th February, respectively, were taken to South Shields Police Station and kept in solitary confinement, no reason being given for this treatment; and what is the explanation of it?
These prisoners were discharged from prison to military escorts in the ordinary course. Any questions with regard to their custody after that event should be addressed to the military authorities.
asked the President of the Local Government Board if he issued a circular to military service tribunals on the 1st June, 1916, in which he said that it is the duty of tribunals to sift with are the genuine cases of conscientious objectors, and to give the proper relief contemplated by the Act; whether he is aware that the Act contemplated cases where absolute exemption might be given, and that the Central Tribunal have resolved that, notwithstanding the clear provisions of the Act, they will grant no certificates of absolute exemption to conscientious objectors whatever the merits of the cases may be; will he ascertain why the Central Tribunal have decided to override the intentions of Parliament and the provisions of an Act of Parliament by refusal to grant absolute exemption whatever the merits of the case may be; and, seeing that the local and appeal tribunals are largely governed in their procedure by the published decisions of the Central Tribunal, and that in consequence of the illegal attitude taken by the Central Tribunal the local and appeal tribunals are being misdirected, will steps be taken to compel the Central Tribunal to act legally in the administration of the Military Service Act?
A circular was issued on the date mentioned which dealt, among other matters, with the cases of conscientious objectors. The Act enables a tribunal to give absolute exemption in cases in which the tribunal considers such exemption justified; it does not confer a right of absolute exemption. I am not aware that the Central Tribunal have resolved not to grant absolute exemption in any case. They have considered each case on its merits, and they have not considered in any case which has yet come before them that absolute exemption is justified. They have acted strictly in accordance with the Military Service Acts.
Agricultural Workers
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Smith, Graig Goch, Eryrrys, Llanarmon-yn-Tal, near Mold, who has a holding of 60 acres, 24 acres of which is cultivated ground, with a stock of six cattle, two horses, and pigs, and whose only support and help has been her son, who has now been taken into the Army and is Private J. A. Smith, No. 70,059, E Company, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, this son having been taken away in spite of the fact that the tribunal and the agricultural committee knew there was not another person on the place besides the widow; is he aware that she has now been ordered to plough 4½acres of land in addition to that already ploughed, which she is quite unable to do herself and cannot afford to pay for; and if he will, in the circumstances, apply for the return of her son from the Army to do the necessary work in connection with this farm?
I am obliged to the hon. Member for drawing my attention to this case. No previous information had been received by the Board. I have given instructions that immediate inquiries are to be made and will inform the hon. Member of the result.
Post Office Boy Messengers (Army Service)
asked the Postmaster-General whether there are men in the postal service who during the War have been serving with the Army still ranking as boy messengers and receiving balance of civil pay as such; whether, in view of their service to the nation, these men who are treated as boys can be granted the higher appointment to which they are entitled and which they would have secured but for the War, together with corresponding pay from their nineteenth year; and whether he will give the matter his favourable consideration and, if necessary, bring it before the Treasury with a view to altering the rules and regulations on the subject?
The position is as stated, and was explained in detail to the hon. Member by letter on the 14th ultimo. The Regulation which governs the practice was laid down by the Treasury for the Civil Service as a whole, and I am not prepared to ask for special treatment for the Post Office.
Kew Gardens (Invalid Chairs)
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether any charge is made for the entry of invalid chairs into Kew Gardens; if so, will he say what that charge is; and whether he will consider the advisability of allowing wounded soldiers using these chairs to pass in free?
Invalid chairs are admitted into Kew Gardens on payment of 1s. on students' days (Tuesdays and Fridays) and on payment of 6d. on other days. No charge is made for admission of wounded soldiers in invalid chairs, but they should bring with them the necessary permit from their hospital. If they should omit to do this a permit will be issued to them on application to the Business Office.