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Written Answers

Volume 106: debated on Monday 13 May 1918

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Written Answers

War

British Army (Russian Officers)

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider legislation on the lines of the precedent of the Act 29 Geo. II., c. 5, by which Lord Chatham enabled fifty foreign officers to join the Army for America with power to rise to lieutenant-colonel, and so limit this legislation to the sole purpose of enabling young Russian officers to join as privates, and on the recommendations of their colonels, if approved by the War Office, to be given commissions?

Budget Proposals

Ireland's Contribution

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the following taxes, as adjusted to give the true contribution, realised from Ireland during the year ended 31st March, 1918, and what he estimates the same taxes will produce from Ireland in a complete year when altered in accordance with the proposals of the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the present financial year, namely, spirits, beer, tobacco, matches (all kinds in each case, Customs and Excise included), Income Tax and Super-tax (including all proposed changes), Stamp Duties, Excess Profits Duties, and postage rates?

I cannot add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member by the Secretary to the Treasury on the 8th instant.

Beer And Stout (Increased Duties)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the increased taxation on beer and stout proposed by the Budget was intended to be borne by the manufacturer, the distributor, or the consumer; and in what proportion?

The increased taxation was decided upon in relation to the retail prices fixed by the Food Controller, and is intended to allow a reasonable profit to the producer.

Income Tax

Isle Of Man

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, notwithstanding there is at present no Income Tax in the Isle of Man, the Treasury deducts the tax from the salaries and wages of Civil servants in that island; under what law such taxation is imposed; and whether, in the event of the Manx Parliament imposing an Income Tax, Civil servants employed in the island will be liable to pay both Imperial and insular Income Tax?

I would refer the hon. Member to the provisions of Section 146 of the Income Tax Act of 1842, from which he will see that Income Tax is chargeable in respect of all emoluments paid out of the revenue of the United Kingdom, wherever the duties of the office or employment are exercised. The answer to the last part of the question depends upon the terms of the Income Tax Bill now before the Manx Legislature, to which I would refer the hon. Member.

Schedule B

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what was the amount of Income Tax collected last year under Schedule B from farmers and other persons, respectively?

The total amount collected under Schedule B has not yet been finally ascertained, but is estimated to have been about £ 3,000,000. The amounts collected from farmers and other persons, respectively, are not separately recorded.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether there is any difference, and, if so, what, regarding the assessment to Income Tax under Schedule B of the occupiers of sporting rights in England and Scotland, respectively?

A tenancy of sporting rights does not of itself involve liability to Income Tax, Schedule B, but where the rights of sporting arc rented with the lands the full annual value of the lands for the purposes of Schedule B includes the value of the sporting rights. This is the case both in England and Scotland. As regards sporting rights over lands which are in the occupation of the owner, the differences between Scottish and English law relating to the tenure and the rating of lands inevitably involve some difference of treatment for Income Tax purposes.

Transferred Steamers

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the case of steamers recently owned by a company registered in England and which have now been transferred to a limited company registered in Hong Kong, the British Treasury will lose the Income Tax and Excess Profits Duty on profits earned by such steamers in the future?

As I informed my hon. Friend on the 6th instant, the Commissioners of Inland Revenue are precluded from disclosing any information relative to the Income Tax and Excess Profits Duty assessments upon particular taxpayers. It is impossible to deal with the criteria of liability by way of question and answer, but as to the general scope of these duties I would refer my hon. Friend to the provisions of Section 2 of the Income Tax Act of 1853, and Section 39 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915.

War Atms Committee

Films

asked the Joint Patronage Secretary to the Treasury whether the cost of. the film which is now being prepared for the cinemas of the country giving dramatic scenes from the life of the Prime Minister is defrayed by money from the fund at the disposal of the War Aims Committee?

asked the Patronage Secretary to the Treasury whether a cinema film produced at great cost is now being exhibited depicting the life history of the Prime Minister from infancy; and, if so, what bearing this exhibition has upon the war aims of the Allies or the successful prosecution of the War?

Earl Of Denbigh's Meetings

asked the Patronage Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the cost of the ninety-two war aims meetings addressed by the Earl of Denbigh and the average attendance?

The majority of meetings addressed by Lord Denbigh have not entailed any expense to the National War Aims Committee, as they have been defrayed locally. In only a few cases has any expense been incurred. No particulars have been taken as to the audiences, but the minimum number of persons present at public meetings addressed by Lord Denbigh has seldom been less than 1,000.

Food Supplies

Maize Meal

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether there are supplies of maize meal or polenta in this country available for the feeding of dogs; whether he can afford facilities for this article to be obtained; and whether or not it will be necessary to make it the subject of rationing?

The limited stocks of maize meal in this country are required for purposes of human food; the quantity of polenta is negligible. I may, however, state that, with the approval of the War Cabinet, the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies have arranged to release a limited quantity of flour for use in the manufacture of dog biscuits.

Officers' Meat Coupons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether arrangements can be made to supply officers serving at the War Office with the extra meat coupons to -which they are entitled through the head of their branch, as is done in the case of sugar cards, instead of requiring them to make personal application in uniform at the local food office?

The arrangement regarding sugar permits, to which my hon. Friend refers, was made at a time when all sugar ration documents were issued from a central distribution office. Local distribution has, on the other hand, always been an essential feature of the meat rationing scheme, and the Food Controller regrets that he cannot make the alteration suggested by my hon. Friend.

Milk

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the subject of the proposed milk combine has been brought to the notice of the Department; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action to have the circumstances of its inception and promotion thoroughly investigated or whether he is prepared to take steps to prevent the control of specific trades passing into the hands of a few capitalists whereby competitors may be extinguished and the public gravely prejudiced?

I have been asked to reply. The matters referred to in the question have been thoroughly investigated by the Sub-committee appointed to consider the Government control of the wholesale distribution of milk. Their conclusion is that while economies in distribution have clearly resulted from the amalgamation, it is desirable in the interests of the consumer that a concern of this magnitude should be subject to a definite form of Government control. With this conclusion the Food Controller agrees, and he is considering what steps can best be taken to safeguard the interests of the consumer.

Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (Officers' Gratuities)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether steps will be taken to place officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve upon the same footing in regard to gratuities as officers of the Special Reserve of Officers and Territorial Force are placed by Articles 496 (a) and 497 of the Royal Warrant for Pay Appointment,. Promotion, and Non-effective Pay of the Army, 1914?

Gare Loch (Navigation)

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that the senior Naval officer at Ardrossan has prohibited the navigation of the Gare Loch by all vessels or boats other than naval vessels; whether he is aware that this step was taken without any consultation with or notice to the county council of Dumbarton shire; and whether, seeing the great loss an inconvenience that will be caused to all inhabitants of the north-west side of the Gare Loch, he will take steps to have the order withdrawn or modified after consultation with the local authorities concerned?

Inquiries are being made, and, if it is found practicable, permission will be given for a limited service of steamers to continue. I understand that such limited service will meet the essential requirements of the inhabitants on the west side.

Military Service

Young Soldiers (Overseas Service)

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware of the feeling throughput the country against sending overseas lads under nineteen; whether, now that there is a prospect of large contingents from America arriving in Europe, he can hold out a prospect of lads not now being required to go overseas under nineteen; and whether instructions can be given for lads under nineteen now overseas to be employed on work behind the lines?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 25th April last to a question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby.

Commissions

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how gentlemen above the age of thirty-four and a half years who have been refused admission to officers' training corps solely on account of age are to have the same opportunities for obtaining commissions as those called up under the earlier Acts?

By being recommended for commissions by their commanding officers in the usual way.

Agricultural Companies (Overalls)

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether men employed in agricultural companies who are sent out to work with motor tractors can be supplied with a suit of canvas or some cheap form of overall in order that the present wasteful practice of spoiling ordinary khaki suits at this work may be stopped?

Men in agricultural companies are supplied with special working suits to save undue wear and tear of their service dress clothing. In view of this, I do not think it necessary to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

Conscientious Objectors

asked the Home Secretary how many conscientious objectors are at the present time inmates of the prison hospital at Walton Prison, Liverpool; whether on the 26th April there were twelve of these men in the prison hospital, eleven of whom bad served terms of imprisonment of such length as to entitle them to the special regulations; whether nine of the eleven were considered fit to take exercise daily, but instead of two exercises with conversation to which they were entitled, they were allowed but one, during which conversation was not permitted; whether repeated applications for the administration of the special Regulations have been met by the prison officials, first by stating that such a course would be inimical to hospital discipline, and secondly by offering the complaining prisoners, no matter what their state of health was, the choice of accepting things as they are or going back to hard labour in the prison; and whether he will take steps at once to have the grounds of these complaints removed?

There are now nine persons in the hospital at Liverpool Prison who claim to be conscientious objectors; there were on the 26th April twelve such persons, of whom eleven had served terms of imprisonment sufficient to entitle them to the benefit of the special Regulations. Of these eleven prisoners, nine were considered fit to take exercise, but by the direction of the medical officer were restricted to one exercise daily without conversation. I am informed that any application for further exercise should be made to the Governor. No such application has yet been made.

asked the Home Secretary whether conscientious objectors who have served a sentence of two years for refusing, on conscientious grounds, to obey military orders will be discharged at the end of that period without liability to be called up again?

Each of these prisoners has the opportunity, if he satisfies the Central Tribunal that he ought to be treated as a conscientious objector, of undertaking non-military work under the Brace Committee and ultimately (if he carries out that work to the satisfaction of the Committee) of procuring his release for work of national importance. Men who refuse to take advantage of the opportunities so offered to them and who continue to break the law must necessarily serve their sentences in prison, and I have no authority to release them from military service; but in the case of those who have been in prison for an aggregate period of twelve months a mitigation of prison conditions under No. 243 a of the Prison Rules has been announced, and I am considering with the Prison Commissioners whether after a further term of imprisonment some further amelioration of the prison conditions can be allowed.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Department why W. E. Chilton, of the works centre, Knutsford, has not been discharged on medical grounds, seeing that he was reported as medically unfit by Dr. Sodden, the medical officer at the Alsop camp, where he was recently employed, and has also been recommended by the medical officer at the works centre at Knutsford for discharge on the ground that he is suffering from an ailment from which he is not likely to recover; and will the question of his discharge be immediately considered?

Instructions were given on the 25th April to send this man home on sick leave pending the consideration of the question of his discharge. That question is now under consideration by the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors. Meanwhile the man has not availed himself of the sick leave granted him, but it is open to him at any time to do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department why Haydn Geaves, No. 924, Works Centre, Knutsford, who has had eighteen months' service under the scheme and has a good record, has been refused the exceptional employment scheme; and will the decision of the Committee in this case be favourably reconsidered?

This man's conduct and industry were not altogether satisfactory, and the decision was postponed. The case will shortly come again under review, but I cannot anticipate the Committee's decision.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Department if the men employed at the works centre, Llangattock, have to commence work at 6.30 in the morning and have before this to walk 1½ miles up the mountain to their work; whether the first break for meals is at 11.30 in the morning, after which work is resumed until 5.30, with the result that the men who are engaged on hard work have one meal only in twelve hours; whether the hours of employment are longer than those usually observed for this kind of work in the district; and whether the general conditions will be made more reasonable?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, but the period of twelve hours referred to by the hon. Member is immediately preceded and immediately followed by a substantial meal. The hours of employment are the same as those observed on these works by the ordinary labour employed there. The general health of this camp is excellent, and I see no ground for any change in the conditions.

Police Officers

asked the Home Secretary whether Instructions have been issued by his Department that police officers called up for military service must be posted to the Guards or to the Machine Gun Corps, and, if found unsuitable, to any other Infantry regiment; whether each police officer is given a certificate to tender to the recruiting officer with the request that he be posted to the Guards or to the Machine Gun Corps; and by what authority has the Home Office issued such an Instruction?

Instructions were issued by the War Office that the men recently released from the police for military service who reached the necessary physical standard were to be posted to the Guards or Machine Gun Corps. The Memorandum to which the hon. Member refers was given to each constable to facilitate the prompt posting of the men in accordance with the War Office Instructions.

Recruiting Services (Recognition)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the services of gentlemen who undertook continuous work in recruiting under the voluntary system have received any recognition; and, if not, whether this matter will be considered in any future list of mentions?

Yes, Sir; a certain number of rewards have been conferred in the past, and it is hoped in the future similarly to reward others for the same class of service.

Royal Irish Rifles

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether a boy who enlisted in the Royal Irish Rifles, at Derry, on the 12th of April, while under eighteen years of age can be retained in military service; and whether, upon the production of conclusive proof that he will not attain the age of eighteen until the 10th of June, the military authorities will be prepared to order his discharge?

As this lad is over seventeen years of age, I regret that his discharge from the Army cannot be sanctioned.

"Gassed" Soldiers (Ozone Treatment)

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Trench Warfare Committee, who are charged with the duty of investigating the various proposed remedies for patients who have been gassed, were provided in December last with a machine for ozone treatment; whether they were requested to make trial of this treatment, on the ground that it has been found quickly to bring relief to sufferers in these cases; whether, nevertheless, they had not up to the end of last month even made trial of this remedy; whether any trial of it has been made by them since that date; and, if so, when and were was such trial or trials made, and what was the result?

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to the "Quain" ozone producer. I am informed that a description of this was forwarded to the Chemical Warfare Medical Committee by the Controller of Chemical Warfare in February last. The Committee duly considered the matter, and reported that they were of opinion that it would be highly injurious to employ ozone in the treatment of gassed cases. The Committee felt justified in forming this opinion without any further investigation.

Chepstow Camp

asked the Under-secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is much dissatisfaction amongst the men of the Inland Water Docks Company working at Chepstow with the quality of the food and the cooking; and will he have the matter inquired into?

I have no reason to think that dissatisfaction prevails amongst the men at Chepstow in regard to the food supplied or the cooking; on the contrary, I am informed that the cooking and messing arrangements are quite satisfactory. The two camps were recently inspected by a Staff officer of the Western Command, who reported most favourably.

Brigadier-General Elliot

asked the Under-secretary of State for War whether the case of Brigadier-General Elliot has been further considered; and can he state when General Elliot will be reinstated?

I am afraid I can add nothing at present to the' previous answers to my hon. and gallant Friend regarding General Elliot's reinstatement. I am glad to avail myself of this opportunity of correcting a misstatement which I made in answer to a supplementary question on the 17th April to the effect that General Elliot had been condemned by court-martial. General Elliot was not tried by court-martial, but was relieved of his command by the Army Council. I am sorry if my reply on that occasion gave rise to any misunderstanding likely to give offence to this gallant officer or his friends.

Voluntary Enlistment (Skilled Men)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why Private Harmer, No. 79278, 3rd King's Regiment, Victoria Barracks, Cork, who voluntarily joined the Royal Air Force a fortnight ago as a mechanic, being a skilled man, and was given to understand that he would be sent to Liverpool and from there to a trade centre to pass a test, was, instead of being given a test, put straight into the Infantry; and, as there are reported to be hundreds of similar instances, will the War Office stop this practice, seeing that they have been advertising for skilled men for the Royal Air Force?

My hon. Friend the Member for Leicester has also been in communication with me about this case. Harmer is a turner by trade, there are no requirements for men of this trade at the present time, and he was therefore placed in an Infantry unit in accordance with his medical category A and age, twenty-three years. As regards the suggestion that he was entitled to special consideration as a volunteer, I am informed that men under the age of twenty-four years on the 1st January last and of the necessary medical category who voluntarily enlist are warned that they must do so unconditionally, and if they object to so doing they can return to civil life.

Soldiers' Rations

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether soldiers who complain that their bread or other rations are short of the prescribed weight are in a position to ask that amounts served to them shall be weighed or measured?

All soldiers have an. opportunity of personally addressing any complaints they wish to make to a responsible officer, who deals with each complaint as it arises.

Lowland Division Officers (Pay)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of the junior officers of the Lowland Division, who have been serving three years in Gallipoli, Egypt, and Palestine and are now in France, have been repeatedly subjected to reversion from temporary rank with anterior effect; whether this results in pay being demanded back for periods sometimes up to two years, in some cases amounting to hundreds of pounds; and, if so, whether his Department proposes to insist on such repayments?

Mr. FORSTER

If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any specific cases which he has in mind, I will have inquiries made.

Territorial Force (Medical Officers' Gratuity)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the reason why medical officers belonging to the Territorial Force cannot be paid the gratuity which they have earned annually, as is the case with temporary medical officers; and is he aware that hardship often results from deferring this payment?

The gratuity provided in the Pay Warrant for Territorial Force officers of all kinds is not payable until completion of service. In the case of the temporary medical officer, the terms of the contracts provide for the payment of an annual gratuity.

Military Hospitals (Masseuses)

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether there is any reason why masseuses who work in Army hospitals are paid £2 10s. a week while those in naval hospitals receive £3 a week; whether a largely signed petition1 by those who work in military establishments has been received by the War Office asking for an increase in pay; and, if so, whether the request will be favourably considered?

War Office Contractors (Returns)

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that firms supplying goods to the War Office are now being urged to furnish detailed fortnightly returns showing deliveries to date; whether he is aware that, in view of the fact that the required information is already in the possession of the War Office, the filling up of Form D.C 1 (E) imposes an unnecessary tax upon the depleted staffs of the firms in question; and what purpose is served by asking at the end of April, 1918, for the probable date of completion of contracts for the supply of goods which were delivered and paid for in 1917?

Fortnightly returns on Form D.C. 1 (E) have been regularly supplied by contractors for some time past. The information given by these returns is not already in the possession of the War Office, and is required to enable the Department to follow the progress of deliveries under contract. The request for a return in regard to a contract which has been completed and paid for was due to a clerical error.

Labour Corps (Artillery Sergeants)

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Infantry sergeants now employed in Labour Groups receive 3s. 4d. per day provided they have served over three years; that Artillery sergeants in Labour Corps receive 3d. per day less because they are not Infantry sergeants; that men enlisted as clerks in Labour Corps and without any service in the Infantry or Artillery receive 4s. per day; and whether ho will favourably consider raising the pay of men who have served in the fighting ranks to the level of those who have not?

I am not aware that any Artillery sergeants transferred to the Labour Corps in circumstances entitling them to retain their Artillery pay are drawing less than Infantry sergeants, and if my right hon. Friend will let me have details I will have inquiries made. The clerks who are drawing 4s. a day were specially enlisted at that rate in the early days of the War. No men are now enlisted at that rate.

Enlisted Civil Servants (Civil Pay)

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that men formerly employed in the Royal Arsenal who have joined the Army for longer than the duration of the War are disentitled to receive civil pay as allowed to men who have joined for the duration of the War; and whether he will consider the possibility of putting all the men on the same basis whilst the War lasts, in order not to discourage men from placing themselves unreservedly at the disposal of the military authorities?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question as the rules in regard to continuance of civil pay to Civil servants serving with the forces are laid down for Government Departments generally by the Treasury. The case of the man who by enlisting for a definite period of years severs his connection with his Civil Department obviously differs from that of the man who joins for the War only, and I am not prepared to agree to the same terms being accorded to such men as to Civil servants who return to civil duty when their combatant service has ended.

Royal Air Force

Contracts And Supplies

asked the Under-secretary of State to the Air Ministry if he can say what is the relationship between the Air Ministry and the Ministry of Munitions with regard to the placing of contracts and the supply of materials for the Air Service?

The relationship of the Ministry of Munitions to the Air Ministry with regard to supply is exactly the same as its relationship with the War Office.

The Air Ministry usually, after consulting the Ministry of Munitions on the possibilities of supply, draws up the programme of requirements for aeroplanes, engines, and equipment other than actual armament. The Ministry of Munitions carries out the programme, and is responsible for design, for placing contracts, and for the whole business of supply. Concord and co-ordination are assured in both cases by members of the Army and Air Councils being members of the Munitions Council or vice versâ

Materials (Inspection, Etc)

asked the Under-secretary of State to the Air Ministry what provision is made for the inspection of material supplied to the Air Service; and what arrangements, if any, are made for making contractors who supply defective materials responsible for those defects?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Materials supplied for the Air Service by the Ministry of Munitions axe purchased either from direct contractors or by them from subcontractors. In either case, the material is fully inspected at the source of origin, with the exception of small quantities of material supplied by sub-contractors, which are inspected at the main contractors' works. The cost of replacing defective material falls on the contractor, and an excessive percentage of defective materials results in the loss of future contracts and even in the cancellation of existing contracts.

Shell-Shock Cases (Treatment)

asked the Pensions Minister whether it is proposed to discontinue the use of Golders Green as a place of treatment for shell-shock cases; and, if so, what arrangements have been made for accommodating the cases now under treatment at Golders Green elsewhere?

I have decided, upon the recommendation of my medical advisers, to discontinue the use of Golders Green, which is within the zone of anti-aircraft gunfire, as a home for the treatment of shell-shock and neurasthenia. Accommodation in a rural district admirably suited for the treatment of these cases has been procured at some distance from London.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has received satisfactory reports of the treatment of neurasthenic patients at the Home of Recovery at Golders Green, established by the British Red Cross Society; and whether the institution is maintained, and will continue to be maintained, by the Ministry of Pensions for the treatment of such patients?

The Reports which have been received of the treatment of neurasthenic patients at the Home of Recovery, Golders Green, are satisfactory, but I have decided, on the recommendation of my medical advisers, that patients suffering from these diseases should be removed as far as possible from anti-aircraft gun fire. Fifty per cent. of the cases that are offered accommodation at Golders Green have declined to enter the institution. Many of the reasons alleged are on account of the fear of air-raids, and a large number of the beds available are not in use. I have provided another institution in the country where new cases suffering from shell-shock will be sent as they present themselves.

Reinstated Officers (Pension Rights)

asked the Pensions Minister whether an officer who is reinstated after relinquishing a commission owing to wounds thereby permanently voids any accrued pension rights?

This matter is now under consideration, and I hope that I shall shortly be able to announce a decision.

Registration

asked the President of the Local Government Board, in view of the present registration for Parliamentary and local government franchise, what steps should be taken by the men working under the auspices of the Pelham Committee to secure the right and opportunity of voting at the next Parliamentary or municipal election?

A person to whom Section 9 (2) of the Representation of the People Act applies, and who desires to be registered as a Parliamentary or local government elector, should make application to the Central Tribunal for a certificate as therein provided. If he obtains such a certificate he will, if otherwise qualified, be entitled to be registered

Messrs Schiff And Company

asked the Home Secretary what is the nationality and business of the partners of Schiff and Company, of Throgmorton Street, who at present employ E. A. Meyer, who was ordered out of West-cliff-on-Sea for pro-German conversation and action; and is his Department satisfied that it is safe to allow them freedom daily in the City?

I understand that this firm is carrying on the business of a stock and share broker, and that there are four partners, of whom two are naturalised British subjects of Austrian origin, naturalised in 1875 and 1878 respectively, while the other two are natural-born British subjects. I know of no reason, whatever for doubting the loyalty of any of the partners.

Enemy Aliens

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a resolution from the London Master Bakers' Protection Society in reference to the number of enemy aliens carrying on business as master bakers; whether he is aware that by the employment of un-interned German workmen these enemy-aliens are placed in a more advantageous position than their British competitors, particularly since the age for military service has been raised; and what steps he proposes to take?

Yes, Sir; I have received such a resolution. The particulars of all male enemy subjects exempted from internment or repatriation, including bakers and their employés, have been lodged with the National Service Department with a view to their placing these men in work of national utility. If any case in which injurious competition with a British business can be alleged is brought to my notice, I will make special inquiry.

General Maurice's Letter

asked the Home Secretary whether the letter of Major-General Frederick Maurice, which was published in certain newspapers on Tuesday, 7th May, was previously submitted, either by the writer or by the editors of the newspapers in which it appeared, to the Press Bureau; whether the publication of the letter was sanctioned by the Press Bureau; and, if not, whether he proposes to take any action against those responsible for the publication of the letter?

Bull Rock Lighthouse (Reliefs)

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the attendances or reliefs for the Bull Rock Lighthouse take place only once a month instead of once every fifteen days, as fixed by the Board of Irish Lights; and that the monthly relief entails hardships on the keepers in respect of food and health and is a ground of complaint; and whether be will see that the old arrangement under which this lighthouse was to be attended to every fifteen days is restored?

I am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that the relief of the Bull Rock Lighthouse is, m the usual course, carried out by one of their steam tenders, but that owing to the necessity for urgent repairs to one and the sinking of another it has been necessary, since the end of 1917, to carry out the relief by local boats. Relief trips have been sanctioned on every occasion on which application has been received from the keeper at the lighthouse, and no complaint on the subject has been received by the Commissioners. The Commissioners do not anticipate that it will be possible to return to the old arrangements for relieving the lighthouse for some time, but as the summer season is approaching they do not think that any hardship to the.keepers will be involved.

Train Service (Irish Fishing Ports)

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the discontinuance of a mid-day service of trains on the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway (Burtonport Extension) involves an additional delay of twenty-four hours in transit of fresh fish from Burtonport, Downings, and other fishing ports to the English markets; and whether he will consider the possibility of arranging for the dispatch of a train from Burtonport about 11 a.m., reaching Crees-lough Station, to which fish a resent from Downings, about 1 p.m., so as to connect with the train leaving Letterkenny for Strabane at 4 p.m.

I am making inquiries on the subject, and will let the hon. Gentleman know the result.

Royal Engineers (Post Office Servants)

asked the Post-master General whether the service of postal and telegraph clerks in K Company, Royal Engineers, counts towards pension; and, if not, whether he will consider taking any action in this respect?

The service in question is not reckoned for the purposes of civil pension, and after careful consideration I regret that I cannot undertake to take the measures necessary to enable it to be so reckoned.

Queen Mary's Auxiliary Army Corps (Dental Treatment)

asked the Minister of Labour if those serving in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps have to pay for dental treatment if obtained from either an Army or civilian dentist, although they may have been sent by the Army medical officer attached to the corps; and if treatment by the Army dentist is refused if there be a civilian dentist in the district?

Free dental treatment, but not dentures, is given to members of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps who are serving overseas or are under orders to proceed overseas. Other members have to pay for their dental treatment.

Berkeley Castle Estate

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, when recently stating that the proposal by the Earl of Berkeley to increase substantially the rents payable by farm tenants on the Berkeley Castle estate was due to the immediate necessity of paying Death Duties and mortgage debts amounting in the aggregate more nearly £1,000,000 than to £750,000, it was his intention to suggest that such mortgage debts were the creation of the Earl's predecessor in title, the late Lord Fitzhardinge, or were created by the Earl himself as a charge upon his reversionary interest before it fell into possession; and whether his opinion in either event as to the justification of the course taken would be the same?

On 30th April, 1918, the President of the Board stated that on succeeding to his estates Lord Berkeley is called upon to pay a sum which is nearer £1,000,000 than £750,000, and that the money representing these calls is made up of mortgages and Death Duties. This statement was not intended to make or imply any suggestion as to the origin of the charges. The accuracy of the facts has been verified, and the President does not consider it necessary to inquire into family matters, which cannot, in his opinion, affect the statement of fact.

Commercial Attaches (Diplomatic Rank)

asked the Scare of State for Foreign Affairs what rank in the Diplomatic Service is assigned to Commercial Attachés of the first, second, and third grades, respectively, under the Overseas Trade Department; whether the pension of such Attachés will be the Civil Service pension of one-eightieth of the pay of the post for every year of service; and whether any allowance of years or otherwise in augmentation of pension will be granted to experienced men with professional or business training who are chosen for these important posts?

It is proposed to assign the following diplomatic rank to Commercial Attachés: First grade Commercial Attaché to rank with, but after, Counsellor of Embassy. Second grade Commercial Attaché to rank with, but after, First Secretary. Third grade (Assistant) Commercial Attaché to rank with, but after, Second Secretary. Fourth grade (Assistant) Commercial Attachéto rank with, but after, Third Secretary. The question of the pension rights to be attached to the appointments of Commercial Attaché is at present under consideration.

Prisoners Of War (Sergeant Boyd)

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether the Government has yet received from the German Government full details of the trial of Sergeant E. A. Boyd, Royal Naval Air Service; and, if not, or in the event of the Government not being satisfied with the reply, and in view of the fact that this man is working out his harsh sentence, will the Government at once notify the German Government of its intention to make reprisals unless Sergeant Boyd is forthwith released and treated properly as a prisoner of war?

No reply has been received from the German Government. The question of reprisals in this and other cases is now before the military authorities.

Certificated Teachers (Retirement)

asked the President of the Board of Education whether an undertaking was given to certificated teachers who took up their work before 1862 that at sixty-five years of age they should retire on two-thirds of their standing salaries; and, if so, whether this undertaking has been carried out?

The answer is in the negative. I may refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Report from the Select Committee on Elementary Schools (Certificated Teachers), House of Commons Paper, No. 344, of 1872.