asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the position of Captain Trench and Lieutenant Brandon, who have lately been released from imprisonment in a fortress in Germany; whether these officers will be placed on the active list; and whether any notice will be taken of the offence for which they have been imprisoned?

The officers referred to are in the position of other officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines on the active list not holding definite appointments, except that Lieutenant Brandon is borne on the books of one of His Majesty's ships for full pay. I have no statement to make at the present time.

Will the time that these gentlemen have been abroad count for promotion and for pensions just as if they had been at home?

Certainly.

asked whether senior lieutenants in the Royal Marines of ten years' service are only entitled to receive 7s per diem at headquarters with 6d. per diem messing allowance when at sea, while probationary lieutenants under the Osborne scheme draw pay at the rate of 7s. 6d. per diem on joining and 10s. per diem on the completion of their probationary term; if so, what is the reason for such inequality; and what steps does he propose to take to remedy it?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Andover on the 15th April.

asked (1) whether the cost of maintaining a thoroughly efficient staff of ordnance artificers at a minimum rate of 5s. 6d. per day would not exceed £27,000 a year; and, in view of the shortage in the armourer ratings, and having regard to the high mechanism of present day armaments and the necessity of their constant care, will he appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into the matter and report thereon to the Admiralty; and (2) whether on 31st March,]913, the Royal naval armourer ratings were 184 short of 900; can he account for this shortage in any other way than the low rate of pay offered to the men; and whether, with a view to placing the Navy in a greater state of officiency, he will arrange for first-class mechanics to be employed for the repair and maintenance of guns and their appurtenances and given first-class mechanics' rate of pay?

The number of armourer ratings borne on 31st March last was approximately 985. The pay of the armourer class was increased at the end of last year by amounts varying from 2d to 10d a day, at a total cost of over £6,000 a year. There is a temporary difficulty in recruiting, but the necessity has not been shown of obtaining a much higher class of mechanic on entry. Proposals are now under consideration departmentally for increasing the supply of recruits, but it is not proposed to appoint a formal committee.

asked whether the masons of the engineer manager's department in the Royal dockyards have only received an increase of 1s. during the last nineteen years; that disappointment prevails amongst these men owing to the fact that they have been left out of the rises given recently; and will he consider the possibility of raising their maximum from 34s. to 36s.?

As regards the first part of the question, the rate for bricklayers and masons, hired men, was increased from 31s. 6d. to 33s. 6d. in 1905. In 1912 the rate was further raised to 34s., and special rates applicable to men in the Engineering Department on boiler work were fixed, the maximum being 38s. I am afraid I can hold out no prospect of any modification in the existing scale.

asked whether but few painters in the Royal dockyards obtain the top rate of pay; that the proportion of those placed on the establishment is small; that, with the exception of 6d. on the maximum given last year, they have received no rise in pay since 1905; that they have to serve an apprenticeship to their trade and are required to do every kind of ship painting; that, although receiving only 8½d. per hour, they have often to work side by side with contract men getting 10½d. per hour for the same work; and whether, in view of these facts and the rise in the cost of living, he will consider the advisability of making these men some concessions?

I have considered the case of the painters, and without entering into a discussion of the various points in the question, I am afraid I can hold out no prospect of any modification of their scale.

asked when the details of the examination for chief and first-class shipwrights will be communicated?

Details of the examination for chief shipwright have already been communictaed to the Fleet. There will be no examination for shipwright first class.

asked whether the new rates of pay for the naval shipwrights apply to the naval shipwrights lent to the Australian Navy and to the non-continuous shipwright ratings, Maltese; and will he state what retaining fee will be paid for service in the Fleet Reserve?

Shipwrights lent to the Royal Australian Navy receive Australian rates of pay. The new rates do not apply to Maltese. Service in the Royal Fleet Reserve is one of the conditions under which transfer to the established list of the dockyard is granted to Naval shipwrights who continue serving under the old system, this being in accordance with the terms on which they entered. No retainer is payable.

asked (1) when the crew of His Majesty's ship "Proserpine," which commissioned at Malta on the 26th February, 1913, is likely to be relieved, having regard to the fact that the crew was transferred to the "Proserpine" from His Majesty's ship "Barham"; and (2) when the crew is likely to be relieved, having regard to the fact that the crew was transferred to His Majesty's ship "Proserpine," after having served on His Majesty's ship "Barham" from the 8th April, 1911, to the 25th February, 1913?

It is hoped to relieve the crew of the "Proserpine" about, the end of the year.

asked whether the Admiralty scheme certified under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, shortly expires; whether it is proposed to prepare and submit a new scheme for certification by the Registrar of Friendly Societies, and, if so, will he see that the new scheme provides that the injured workman shall have a right of appeal from the decision of the Treasury to the Registrar of Friendly Societies or to some independent person; that the injured workman shall be compensated on the basis of the wages he is earning at the date of the accident, instead of upon the basis of his average weekly earnings during the previous twelve months, which inflicts hardship on injured men who have within the previous twelve months been working as apprentices or in a lower grade; and that the injured workman whose earning capacity is totally destroyed shall receive half his average weekly earnings, instead of two-fifths thereof as under the present scheme; and, if not, will he secure that an opportunity for discussing the new scheme be given to this House before it is submitted to the Registrar for certification?

The scheme certified under the Workmen's Compensation Act expires on the 30th of this month. At the recent hearing of petitions in the yards, representations were made to me respecting the details and administration of the scheme, and last Wednesday representative workmen attended from all the yards to confer with me upon the matter. The points raised in the hon. and learned Member's question were amongst those raised on these occasions and the Treasury have been duly notified of the fact. I have been in correspondence with the Treasury upon the whole matter, and it will be for them to submit a draft scheme to the Registrar. The scheme will be submitted to a ballot of the workmen, and will only come into force if approved by such ballot. I should add that there is no compulsion upon any individual man to accept the scheme, even if it is approved in the ballot. He can, without prejudice, be treated under the Workmen's Compensation Act, and further, if at any time he accepts the scheme, he can, on giving the necessary notice, withdraw from it, and come under the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act. Possibly an opportunity may arise in the discussion on Vote 15 to-day to deal more fully with the matter.

Under the new scheme, has any provision been made to meet the case of injured workmen?

As I stated, the matters raised by the hon. Member have been the subject of discussion.

asked if the Admiralty are satisfied with only one dry dock in the vicinity of the Carribean Sea, considering that it is not capable of lifting even second-class cruisers; and if the Admiralty, in view of the completion of the Panama Canal, will take steps without delay for the construction of a first-class dry dock, with all modern improvements, at Kingston, Jamaica?

The docking facilities in the West Atlantic, which includes Bermuda, are sufficient for existing naval requirements, and the Admiralty has no present intention of adding to them at the expense of naval funds.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not the case that his predecessor in office indicated in this House that the Admiralty had under consideration the question of establishing a coaling station at Kingston, Jamaica?

I cannot verify all these details, but the answer I have given embodies the view of the Admiralty on the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the Admiralty intend creating a large coaling station at Kingston, Jamaica?

No, Sir.

asked whether, in giving the recent rise in pay to certain classes of men employed in the Royal Navy and Royal dockyards, he took into consideration the position of the assistants in the Naval Store Department; whether he is aware that these men enter as boys by competitive examination (a recent order allowing the naval store officer to select boys from the dockyard apprentices list); that in 1904 their wages were 5s. per week in advance of the ordinary labourers, whereas now they are on an equality, and this is the case even with assistants receiving 25s. a week, seeing that labourers employed in breaking up stores receive 4d. extra a day; and whether, in view of these facts, he can see his way to placing the men employed in the Naval Store Department on a footing more in keeping with the duties required from them?

I am afraid that I can give no undertaking with regard to the revision of the scale of pay of storehouse assistants.

In consequence of the unsatisfactory nature of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, I beg to give notice that in the course of the Debate this afternoon I shall raise the point again.

asked whether any decision has been arrived at regarding an official designation for naval hydro-aeroplanes; and, if not, whether he will consider "navyplane" as a suitable title?

The suggestion is interesting, and will be considered with other alternatives.

Does the suggestion not rather suggest that the sea is always calm?

The hon. Member seems anxious to read more into the word than I have been able to do. I cannot see how the adoption of the new word regulates the character of the sea.

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will not delay the provision of a sufficient number of these instruments until the name is supplied.

asked what number of fatal accidents have taken place among the Royal Flying Corps during the last year, and the number of officers and men engaged in that branch of the Service; and if he can state the number of officers and men in the French Army engaged in the same service, and the number of fatal accidents during the past year?

During the past year there have been five fatal accidents, involving the loss of eight lives in the Military Wing, which, on 13th May, consisted of seventy-four officers and 682 men. From statements which have been made in the Press it appears that in the same period in France there have been thirteen fatal accidents, involving the loss of seventeen lives; the number of officers and men employed in the aeronautic branch of the French Army amounts to 1,174.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why there are so many more accidents than last year in our Service in proportion to the number employed?

I do not think the hon. Baronet can have heard the figures I have given or he would not have drawn that conclusion.

Is it not a fact that the number of accidents is over 10 per cent. of the number qualified?

From the information in my possession, to which I have given some attention, I believe we have had fewer fatal accidents in proportion to the number employed than other countries. Of course, I cannot be certain, because the figures are not published at all.

asked whether it is the intention of the War Office to confine orders for aeroplanes in future entirely to those built under contract to Government design, or whether, as is the custom in the Navy, promising machines of other designs will be bought and tested by officers of the Royal Flying Corps?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative and to the second part in the affirmative.

asked whether the aeroplane upon which Lieutenant Arthur met his death on 27th May is of the same type as the machine which collapsed with Lieutenant De Havilland in April last; and, if so, what was the result of the inquiry, if any, into the latter accident?

The reply is in the negative.

asked whether the seventeen aeroplanes which flew before His Majesty the King last week represented the full strength available of Squadrons No. 3 and No. 4 Royal Flying Corps, with the addition of one belonging to Squadron No. 2?

The reply is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us no information, except a negative reply, as to the proportion which came from the other squadron?

I think it would be better if we dealt with that matter in debate.

asked by what date it is expected that any one squadron of the Royal Flying Corps, Military Wing, will be brought up to the full strength of the establishment in personnel and materiel?

I am not prepared to state by what date the equipment of the squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps will be complete.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question, whether at the present moment there is one single squadron properly equipped?

I propose to make a full statement to-morrow with regard to the Royal Flying Corps squadrons. To explain it now would take up a considerable time, and I think it would be more convenient to the House for me to make a statement to-morrow.

asked whether, on 19th March, 1913, the strength of the Royal Flying Corps, Military Wing, was 126 officers and 680 men, whereas on 1st May the strength was reduced to 76 officers and 651 other ranks; and, if so, on what ground the reduction in numbers has been made?

There has been no reduction in numbers. The figures given on the 19th March included the officers under instruction and those in the Reserve and Special Reserve.

Does the number given now include only officers which have been passed as efficient pilots?

I do not quite know what the hon. Member means by "now." I shall be glad to give him any information required. The difference is that in one case the figures asked for included the Special Reserve, and in the other case they did not.

asked whether, now that the Military Wing of the Royal Flying Corps has been on an established basis for some months, he will state what steps are taken to ensure that the flying officers possess a sound practical mechanical knowledge, apart from theoretical knowledge, before they are granted their pilot's certificate; and whether officers are expected and encouraged to diagnose and rectify simple causes of engine failure such as sooted plugs, choked carburetter, or defective lubrication for themselves without handing over the faulty engine to the attentions of the skilled mechanics, which latter step means loss of time pending the mechanic's arrival and loss of experience to the pilot?

All officers of the corps have a thorough mechanical knowledge. A practical knowledge of engines forms one of the subjects in the examination that all officers pass before graduating at the school. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked for the numbers of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Royal Flying Corps stationed at South Farnborough, Salisbury Plain, and Montrose, respectively?

asked how many aeroplanes are available for the use of the Royal Flying Corps at South Farnborough, Salisbury Plain, and Montrose, respectively?

I will reply at the same time to Question 37. It is not considered to be in the interests of the public service to publish the detailed distribution of strength or materiel of any branch of the Army.

Are we going to have that information to-morrow? I gathered in answer to my previous question that the right hon. Gentleman was going to make a statement to-morrow.

No Sir. None of my predecessors would ever give the detailed distribution of the Army at home or abroad and I certainly am not going to create a precedent.

asked whether all expenses of officers or others engaged in cross-country flights are being defrayed by the Government; and whether all claims of expenses in connection with past cross-country flights have been now settled?

The reply to the first part. of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, nothing is known at the War Office of any outstanding claims.

asked what extra pay is now being given to officers and men engaged in aviation work?

The hon. Gentleman will find the detailed information he requires in Army Order 131, of 1912, a copy of which I will gladly hand to him.

asked whether the Army branch of the Royal Flying Corps is now in possession of the 148 effective aeroplanes which he foreshadowed; and, if so, how many of them are English and how many are of foreign manufacture?

asked how many aeroplanes are at present in the possession of the War Department?

I will reply at the same time to Question No. 36. There have been considerable delays in delivery, and in consequence the total number of aeroplanes has not reached the number required owing to delays in delivery, which were considered possible, as indicated in my previous statement. The present numbers amount to 126, of which sixty-nine are of English make. Of the 126, thirty-one are in various stages of repair.

asked the number of airships at present in possession of the War Department?

Three.

asked the date on which the first of the twenty officers who qualified as flying officers before the Central Flying School started obtained such qualification; and whether any alteration has been made in the tests since that date?

The reply to the first part of the question is that on the 26th July, 1910, this officer obtained the Royal Aero Club certificate. As regards the second part of the question, the military flying test is much more exacting than the Aero Club certificate.

asked whether an order was given in March last to an aeroplane firm to supply a number of aircraft, some of them of a very old pattern and others of an experimental type; if so, how many of these machines have since been flown and approved by the Royal Flying Corps; and how many have been condemned?

Seven machines, some of which were not of the latest type but were considered to be very suitable for instructional purposes, were ordered from a firm in March. Of these four have been handed over to the Corps, two are under test at the factory, and one has been rejected and returned to the firm.

May I ask if these old machines were included in the total of 101 which the right hon. Gentleman gave us some two months ago?

Some of them are quite new. Some, at least seven of the machines to which reference is made, were considered specially suitable for instructional purposes, and all those machines were included, as I stated, in March last.

asked whether any provision is made for appointing civilian aviators to the Royal Flying Corps; whether officers of the Army cannot be permanently appointed thereto; and whether it is impossible to appoint applicants for temporary attachment on probation to that corps because the number of aeroplanes is insufficient?

Civilians are appointed to the Royal Flying Corps for four years' service, either with the Reserve or with the Military Wing. It is not proposed at present to appoint officers of the Army to the Corps for more than four years. The number appointed is determined, amongst other considerations, by the number which can be thoroughly instructed at the Central Flying School.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, at the inquiry into the fatal accident to Lieutenant Arthur, on Tuesday, 27th May, at Montrose, it was stated that there was an old fracture in the machine which had not been sufficiently repaired, and which was the cause of the accident; and, if so, whether he will take steps to cause a complete and regular examination to be made of all machines used by the Royal Flying Corps?

asked what was the age and history of the aeroplane which collapsed at Montrose; how many flights had previously been made in it, and had it ever met with an accident or been damaged previously; and, if so, where were the repairs executed?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Montrose Burghs on 2nd June.

Does that reply tell us the number of flights previously made on this machine which has broken down?

It is a very full reply given with regard to the accident. I do not think we have any record of the number of flights made by each machine. I will inquire, but I should think probably we have not.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the report of the Royal Aero Club committee on the accident which caused the death of Lieutenant Rogers-Harrison, in which it was stated that the aircraft had structurally deteriorated since it was originally built in 1911, and that its condition at the time of flight was precarious; and how many other machines now being used by the Royal Flying Corps, Military Wing, are in a similar condition?

My attention has been drawn to this report, but it cannot be admitted that any machine which is in a precarious condition is allowed to be used by the corps. Every machine is most carefully inspected before a flight is made.

asked if any aeroplanes in use by the War Office have been in accidents or been damaged and repaired; and, if so, how they are tested previously to flying to ascertain that there are no hidden flaws or weak spots in them resulting from the damage

Some of the aeroplanes in use have been damaged in accidents and have been repaired. They are thoroughly tested previously to flying; the tests applied depend upon the amount of repair that has been found necessary.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that machines which have been broken up should not be repaired, but entirely destroyed?

It would be an absurd rule to make that any damage done should not be repaired. It would never be accepted anywhere. Of course, in the case of spars, where they are repaired they are stronger at that point than elsewhere. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the greatest care is taken in the matter.

Is there not a chance of flaws existing in machines that have been repaired, which would not be the case with new machines?

I do not think you could take that as a rule at all. I shall be glad to make a statement on the subject to-morrow, if the House cares to hear it.

asked whether any of the seventeen aeroplanes which flew before His Majesty last week were of British build, other than those built in the Royal Aircraft Factory?

The reply is in the affirmative.

asked for the numbers of airships owned, respectively, by the Governments of Germany, Austria, Italy, France, and Russia; the number of airships privately owned in those countries but available for Government use; the number of airship stations in Germany, France, and Italy; and the number of aeroplanes in possession of the Governments of France and Germany?

The information asked for is not published by foreign Governments.

Have the Intelligence Department no idea whether these figures are published or not?

I should have thought that question would hardly have been asked by the hon. Member. Obviously the information obtained by the Intelligence Department ought not to be made public.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether his Department has any knowledge of, or has given any encouragement to, Mr. F. E. Baron, who has invented an airship in the construction of which the characteristic faults of the Zeppelin type of ship are, he claims, corrected?

The proposals in question have been received and are at present under consideration.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether his connection with the Liverpool proposal for a local flying corps ended with his letter discouraging the movement which was read at the Lord Mayor of Liverpool's meeting; and what action, if any, has been taken by the supporters of the movement upon his letter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The matter is under consideration.

asked whether an order for an airship has been placed by the War Office in Germany?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the need of relief for the destitute refugees in Macedonia, Thrace, and Albania is still urgent; and whether the conditions recently stated in the House of Commons as necessary to ensure participation in the work of relief by His Majesty's Government have been realised?

I understand that the answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the conditions referred to which would necessitate consideration by His Majesty's Government, have only been realised in so far as peace has been signed between the belligerents.

asked whether a Russian subject named Arles has recently been arrested in Egypt; if so, whether the British Consul-General has taken steps to satisfy himself that Arles was not pursuing a legitimate occupation; and whether he can state the character of the alleged offence committed by the prisoner?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question of the hon. Member for Leicester on this subject, on 29th May and to the statement in the House of Commons of the same date, to which I have nothing to add.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he thinks he will have further information?

I said yesterday that I would convey to the Foreign Secretary the desire expressed that we should find out the actual charge that was made, and I have not yet been able to bring that matter to the notice of my right hon. Friend.

Is His Majesty's Government in direct communication with the Russian Government in the matter?

No, Sir. We have no locus standi.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that there is considerable doubt as to the Capitulations, and the Foreign Secretary's version is by no means accepted by the best authorities?

I do not accept that statement at all.

asked the Secretary of State for War to state the number of regular British troops stationed at Kingston, Jamaica; and, if, in view of the strategical importance of Jamaica, he will consider the advisability of steps being taken to strengthen the garrison considerably?

It is not considered to be in the interests of the public service to publish any information concerning the garrison of fortified places. I am, not aware that the present garrison is inadequate for the purpose for which it is maintained, but of course the size and composition of such garrisons are frequently being reviewed and changes would be made in the event of necessity being proved.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the reasons given by the West Lancashire Territorial Association to the War Office, in respect of the deprivation of certain officers and men of the 1st Cadet Battalion King's Liverpool Regiment of the status and privileges set forth in the Cadet Regulations, differ from those communicated to the Liverpool Press and published on the 29th November, 1911; and whether, as the Army Council is inquiring into the whole matter, he will cause this discrepancy in the reasons assigned to be taken into consideration?

The statements in the Liverpool Press to which my attention has been drawn do not appear to contain any reasons for the action taken in this case.

Inasmuch as the whole of these circumstances took place before the end of the year 1911, may I ask how soon the Army Council is likely to report upon the matter, and whether, before they do report, they will give the officers and men affected a chance of being heard on their own behalf?

It rests with the county association to give or withhold permission, and I am afraid the Army Council cannot properly take action in the matter.

How is it that we got an answer a little while ago that the Army Council was considering the whole matter?

Quite so, and this is the result of our inquiries. We do not propose to take action in matters delegated to the county association.

Are we to understand that the decision has been arrived at that the Army Council can take no action at all, and that they do not intend to give the officers and men affected a single chance of being heard on their behalf?

It would be quite a mistake to suppose that. The fact is that it is a matter left to the discretion of the county association, in which we have not the power to interfere.

asked what are the approximate number of cadets recognised by county associations within the area of the London Command and its immediate neighbourhood, including the City of London; County of London, Middlesex, Surrey, Kent, and Essex Territorial Force Associations?

The figures up to 30th September for the areas in question show a total of 15,631.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that married civil subordinates employed under the War Office, and living out of quarters, receive only 18s. 6d. per week, and that from this sum a reduction of 4d. is made for insurance; that a married man living in quarters has 6d. a week deducted from his wages for gas and 3d. for children's schooling; and whether, with these facts before him and the rise in the cost of living, he can see his way to raise the weekly wage of these men, at any rate, to the same minimum as the ordinary dockyard labourer?

The total emoluments of a barrack labourer include wages, pension, additional pay, and 6d. for clothing. In any case in which this total is less than the minimum of an Army Ordnance Department labourer at the same station, the difference is made up. The charge for gas is not fixed, but depends on the amount consumed.

Am I to understand that it is the intention of the War Office to pay these low wages for married labourers?

The low wage is only a small part of the total emoluments.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can yet make any statement as to the reducing of the payments exacted in the case of men leaving the Army Reserve to join the Navy?

I am not yet in a position to snake any statement on this subject

May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that it is over six months ago that he promised to give me the information?

Of course, two departments are affected. I will endeavour to obtain the information with the least possible delay?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing with the present facilities granted in the Army for religious purposes; will he state under what Vote the provisions for religious worship made by the War Office will come up for discussion; and whether, when that Vote is reached, he will make a statement as to the present provisions and future proposals of the War Office in this matter?

It is presumed that this question refers to the provision of churches. Some provision for fabrics for Church of England, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and Wesleyan communions is at present made in Vote 10. Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to inform me of the places where he considers dissatisfaction to exist, to enable me to deal with the cases when Vote 10 is reached.

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to set up the promised Committee of inquiry into the subject of railway rates and management; what form of Committee he will propose; and whether the terms of reference will include the regulations recently adopted with respect to the marking of goods?

The question of an inquiry into railway matters is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement. In any case, however, the reasonableness of a particular set of regulations as to the marking of goods is rather a matter for a Court than for inquiry by a Commission or Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his absence, gave an undertaking to the House that an immediate inquiry should be instituted. That is some time ago?

Into the general subject, certainly.

Is it not the fact that some of the goods are marked "Electric plant," instead of "Guns"?

asked what steps the Government intend to take with regard to a Plumage Bill?

The question is being considered by a Cabinet Committee, and I am not in a position to make any statement on the matter at present.

asked the Prime Minister if he intends to give legislative effect to the recent Report and recommendations of the Select Committee appointed to inquire into the existing requirements of the law as to the procedure at present prescribed in connection with the inclosure and regulation of commons?

The Report is receiving careful consideration, and I hope to be able to make a statement soon.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to move the appointment of the promised Select Committee on Procedure?

When the appointment of the Committee was moved on several occasions, numerous objections were made from all quarters of the House. We agreed to set up the Committee at the request of private Members, and unless there is substantial agreement on the matter the Government will not press its appointment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that he gave a perfectly definite pledge that such a Committee would be appointed, and that on the faith of that pledge I withdrew my Amendment to the Address?

And I have fulfilled my pledge.

No.

Yes, by putting down the Motion. If the Noble Lord will make some effort to get the opposition to that Motion withdrawn—

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the opposition almost entirely comes from hon. Gentlemen sitting behind him? As far as I know, no single Motion has been nut down by any hon. Gentleman on this side of the House.

Is it not the case that the opposition is largely due to the fact that the members of the Committee were largely nominated by hon. Gentlemen opposite?

The nomination of the Committee was as fair and impartial as it possibly could be. Personally, I am anxious for its appointment, but I cannot press the Motion unless it has the general assent of the House.

Is it not the fact that the objections from this side of the House to the Motion are based on the selections to the Committee, and not on the appointment of the Committee itself?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the greater part of the objection to the Committee is that, with the exception of my Noble Friend and myself, the members are too official and respectable?

I think the official element has been most carefully excluded.

I give notice that I shall raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment to-night.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the strike of the men employed by the New Explosives Company at Stowmarket; whether this firm are contractors to the War Office; and, if so, whether he is aware that a number of the men employed by the firm are only in receipt of a weekly wage of 15s. 11d.; whether such wage is below the rate of wages paid in works of a similar nature; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take so that the men engaged on Government contracts in explosive works receive an adequate wage?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the New Explosive Company, Limited, at Stowmarket, have a contract with the War Office; if about 400 workmen came out on strike because the firm pay some of the men 3½d. per hour, and also because the firm refused to grant the men an advance of 1d. per hour; whether the company are violating the Fair-Wage contract Clause; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

At the present moment this firm does not hold any War Office contract. I have no information as to the dispute, but from the reports in the Press it appears to be of a general character, and in any case I do not think that the War Office could usefully intervene while the strike is in progress.

Did the hon. Gentleman say that the company were not contractors to the War Office at the present time?

Not at the present time.

May I ask whether in the event of this firm wanting to make a contract with the War Office, they will take into consideration the low wages they pay and refuse them the contract?

Certainly, we shall require them to observe the Fair-Wages Clause.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when they last had a contract with the War Office?

I cannot give the date. They have frequently had contracts with the War Office, but I am not sure of the date of the last one.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in accordance with the Resolution passed by this House on 10th March, 1909, a notice. is exhibited in the workshops of the War Department in Plymouth and the neighbourhood to the effect that the Government will pay rates of wages and observe hours of labour not less favourable than those commonly recognised by employers and trade societies, or, in the absence of such recognised wages and hours, those which in practice prevail amongst good employers in the trade in the district where the work is carried out; whether the masters in the building trade conceded an extra ½d. on 1st May last, making the pay 8½d. per hour, with the promise of an extra ½d. in six months, and that plumbers received a full increase of. 1d. on 1st May last, making their pay 9d. per hour; and whether, in these circumstances, he will take steps to give effect to the Resolution passed by this House?

I am making inquiry into this.

asked whether the boy scouts received an invitation to, and did attend, the rehearsal of the pageant and other events at the Royal Naval and Military Tournament this year; if so, what were the approximate numbers so invited and who attended, respectively; was any similar invitation extended to cadets recognised by the county associations under the War Office regulations; and, if not, what was the reason that invitations were issued to an organisation which disclaims any connection with His Majesty's Army or with military training, and not to cadets who are required to train in military work of all kinds?

These matters are not within the cognisance of the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is with his knowledge and sanction that the joint committee of the County and City of London Territorial Force Association have allocated to the use of their own office 5s. out of the 11s. Grant, and 2s. 6d. out of the 6s. Grant, sanctioned for Classes 1 and 2 in the National Reserve regulations, dated 7th March, 1913, and have further taken the 9d. earned out of the 1s. Grant on the 1st February, 1913, as part pay- ment of the above amounts; and whether such action will militate against the men of the National Reserve signing the obligation for which these Grants were sanctioned, namely, to assist them in obtaining halls and miniature rifle ranges of their own, of which they stand in need?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to a similar question put by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Hammersmith on Monday, the 2nd instant.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to propose a Motion allocating time for the stages of the forthcoming National Insurance Act Amending Bill?

It would obviously be premature to make any announcement on this subject till the Bill is introduced.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has been in communication with any friendly society?

I, personally?

The Government.

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a resolution passed unanimously at the meeting of secretaries of Foresters' Courts asking him to provide in the forthcoming National Insurance Act Amending Bill that sickness benefit shall be payable from the first day of certified illness, provided that the illness is not of less duration than three days?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the amount fixed for the provision of sanatorium benefit under the National Insurance Act, namely, 1s. 3d. per head, was the result of actuarial advice; if so, upon what basis this amount was arrived at; whether it was the actual experience of friendly societies or the experience of sanatoria and kindred institutions; and whether he had the advantage of comparing the sum fixed under the Act with the actual cost to any society or institution in which the members are admitted only after medical examination?

The experience in the sphere of tuberculosis, as distinct from other diseases, possessed by friendly societies and the authorities of sanatoria before the passing of the Act was too limited to be of much practical value in arriving at an estimate of the amount required to be provided by the Act for sanatorium benefit. A further difficulty was that tuberculosis was at the time not a notifiable disease. The figure was arrived at by a calculation based on the mortality statistics and such experience as was available of the cost of treatment.

Did the right hon. Gentleman have the advantage of the Post Office experience, where the amount is 1s. 10d. per head of selected lives?

I could not answer that question without notice. Every experience available was taken into account, but it was very limited.

May I ask whether the amount in London has been found fully sufficient?

I have no knowledge of that fact.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether any information has reached him to show that the sickness experience of friendly societies on the voluntary side of their work has enormously increased since the passage of the National Insurance Act?

No representations of the kind referred to in the question have been received by the Registrar of Friendly Societies, but I should be much interested to receive any evidence with which the hon. Member can supply me on this subject.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the report of the recent meeting of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows?

I am afraid I have-not read that report.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether any scheme has yet been prepared under which the contributions paid by employers of persons exempted under the National Insurance Act shall be set apart for the benefit of those employed persons?

As I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Colchester on the 21st April, before a scheme for the disposal of the contributions referred to can properly be framed, it is necessary to possess further information than is yet available as to the average payments for exempt persons, and as to the proportion who cease to be exempt by becoming insured persons or ceasing to be employed or otherwise.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether under the National Insurance Act single or married women entering Poor Law institutions for the purpose of treatment during maternity are entitled to claim the full maternity benefits; and whether, if this be so, he will take steps to prevent persons claiming treatment at the expense of the rates, with a view to reducing the cost of Poor Law administration?

Under Section 12 of the National Insurance Act maternity benefit is not payable to or in respect of a woman while she is an inmate of one of the institutions referred to in the first part of the question. The sum which would otherwise have been payable must, however, be paid to, or applied in whole or in part to the relief or maintenance of her dependents, if any; and in so far as not so paid or applied, is payable to the woman or her husband as the case may be when she leaves the hospital, either in kind, or in instalments, or in a lump sum, as the society may determine. The latter part of the question should be addressed to the President of the Local Government Board.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he is now in a position to state what provision will be made for payment of expenses of insurance committees in districts where no possible levy would meet the necessary requirements?

As I have previously stated in reply to my hon. Friend, I am in communication with the Scottish Commission on this subject, and the matter is under consideration.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if in some of the villages of North Bedfordshire insured persons whose total wages do not exceed 15s. have 4d. deducted from their wages for insurance instead of 3d. as provided under the Act; and what steps does he propose to take to put a stop to this deduction?

A special leaflet for farmers is now in preparation, and will be issued in a few days. The attention of the inspectors has been called to this matter; and if my hon. Friend will bring any specific cases to my notice, in which wrong amounts have been deducted, immediate inquiry shall be made.

I will certainly do so.

asked whether men working in His Majesty's dockyards whose salary is over £160 a year are compelled to insure under the provisions of the National Insurance Act?

Persons employed otherwise than by way of manual labour are not required to be insured in respect of employment remunerated at a rate exceeding £160 per annum. All manual labourers are insured whatever their rate of remuneration.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, from the time of the coming into operation of the National Insurance Act to 16th May, the sum of 4d. a week has been deducted from the wages of naval apprentices over eighteen years of age in the Devonport Dockyard, but that on 16th May only 1½d. was deducted (being 1d. for one week and 2d. for the following week); and whether, in view of the provisions of the Truck Act, he will see that an immediate refund is made with an accompanying apology?

These apprentices were regarded as civilians, and were consequently so treated in regard to the National Insurance Act. It was subsequently decided, however, that they should be treated as naval ratings for medical attendance and treatment in naval hospitals, and an Admiralty Order to that effect was issued on the 4th April last. Refund will be made on account of the difference in contribution for the period from the completion of the third insurance quarter on the 13th April to the 16th ultimo.

Will the fight hon. Gentleman let these men know that the refund will be made?

Certainly. We shall let them know with this statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is able to give a Return showing the number of recipients and the amount paid in unemployment benefits under the National Insurance Act for the months of January, February, and March of the current year?

I regret that I am unable to grant a Return in the form asked for by the hon. Member. Information as to the amount of benefit paid out direct by the local offices of the Unemployment Fund each week is now available, but this is only a part of the expenditure on benefits for unemployment, as many workmen obtain their benefits through associations. Information as to payments through such associations will not be available for some months, and information as to the number of separate individuals to whom any payment has been made will not be available till the end of the year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is able to give a Return showing the figures of unemployed benefit and dispute benefit separately paid by the 100 principal trade unions for the years 1911 and 1912, respectively?