asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether this country is at war with Austria-Hungary; and whether Austrians or Hungarians in the Dominions of the British Crown are now alien enemies?

No declaration of war or act of hostility has, so far as I am aware, yet taken place on either side.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to a meeting of the workers of Messrs. Nobels' dynamite works, Ardeer, and to a resolution passed protesting against the finding of His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Explosives casting the blame for the loss of life occasioned by the recent explosion; and will he say if these workers had had full opportunity of putting their view of the case?

I have heard nothing of any such meeting or resolution, and I may point out to my hon. Friend that the Report of the Inquiry does not attach blame for the accident or the resulting loss of life to the workmen employed. The Chief Inspector informs me that at the inquiry all the workmen who seemed likely to be able to throw light on the matter were examined.

asked whether, in fixing the retail prices at which food was to be supplied to the public, any corresponding arrangement was made by which the wholesale price of the supplies was regulated to accord; and, if not, how he proposes to ensure a supply to the retailer at a cost to him which will enable him to distribute to the public without loss in the absence of such an arrangement.

It must be understood that the price list of articles of food was issued by the Advisory Committee of retail traders, who with patriotic spirit have used their utmost endeavours to assist the Government in keeping down the retail prices of foodstuffs to as low a level as the possibility of supply admits. The Cabinet Committee on Food Supplies have also made arrangements with some of the wholesale dealers who, animated by the same spirit, are assisting in providing supplies at reasonable rates.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the position of British merchants owning goods contained in German or Austrian ships when such ships put into port, such ports being usually British Possessions, in view of the fact that insurance against loss cannot be effected as underwriters will only deal with cargoes contained in British ships; and whether such British merchants stand to lose their goods in case the ships containing such goods are seized by warships of their own nationality or confiscated in a British port?

British goods in an enemy merchant ship cannot be covered by the State Insurance, and it is improbable that any underwriter would take the risk. If the ship puts into a port in a British Possession, or is captured by a British cruiser, the goods are seized with the ship, and the owner would have to prove his title to them in the Prize Court. On good proof being given they would be delivered to him. I cannot undertake to state what may be the procedure of the enemy if he finds British goods in one of his own ships.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury has come to any decision with regard to the civil pay of members of the Civil Service who are embodied for service in the Territorial Force?

I understand that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will make a statement to-day which will cover the point raised by the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the position of the export trade in bottled stout and ale which has been prohibited as a foodstuff; whether he is aware that such ales have to be brewed from one to two years before they are fit for export and require further time to mature during the voyage; that the trade in these liquors is entirely with countries outside Europe; that the prohibition of their export will cause many hundreds of hands to be thrown out of employment; and whether he can see his way to relax the prohibition in respect of such bottled stout and ales?

A further Proclamation is being issued to-day stating precisely the descriptions of foodstuffs prohibited from being exported. The hon. Member will see from this that the goods he mentions are not now covered by the prohibition.

asked if, in the matter of the general moratorium, it is intended that the same shall apply to existing ordinary trade contracts for all articles of food made under recent normal conditions; and whether contractors so engaged will be relieved from the fulfilment of their contracts?

Generally speaking, and subject to the various exceptions which are appended to the Proclamation, the general moratorium would affect any payment which has become due and payable before the 4th day of August last, or which becomes due and payable while the moratorium continues in pursuance of an ordinary trade contract for articles of food made at any time before the 4th day of August last, whether under normal circumstances or not. It will be noticed, of course, that any person who takes advantage of the moratorium will be compelled to pay interest on his debt. The moratorium only affects the date on which it is necessary to pay debts, and does not affect any other contractual obligations.

Will it apply to such domestic debts as repayments by instalments for furniture, sewing machines, rent, etc.?

I have already given a reply to this question, and if the hon. Member will refer to the Debate he will find his question there answered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether orders have now been issued for the arming of the vessels of the Royal Indian Marine?

The Secretary of State is unable to make any statement on the subject.

I have received a large number of questions in manuscript, and I think the most convenient method of getting through them would be that I should call them, as I have arranged them, in alphabetical order. That will save hon. Members jumping up.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely, if he can announce what arrangements the Government has made with regard to the salaries of Government servants who have joined the Colours?

I have approved the following Regulations with respect to Civil Servants who have been called up for service in any rank as Royal Naval Reservists, Royal Fleet Reservists, Royal Volunteer Reservists, or as Army Reservists, Special Reservists (other than the Royal Engineer Special Reservists of the Postal and Signal Sections, and Special Telegraph Reserve) or as members of the Territorial Force:—

(1) Their civil posts will be kept open until their return from naval or military service, and such service will count for civil pension and for increment of civil salary.

(2) One-half of the civil pay of a married man of any rank will be paid to him or at the discretion of his department direct to his wife or children.

(3) In addition Army separation allowance will be payable from Army funds to the wife and children of a man serving in the Army.

(4) No civil pay in addition to Navy or Army pay will be paid to unmarried men.

The above Regulations will also apply to any civil servant who joins His Majesty's Forces after 4th August, 1914, with the permission of the head of his department. Such permission will not be given if the head of the department in the exercise of his discretion considers that serious detriment to the public service is thereby involved. The above Regulations will also apply to persons holding whole time unestablished and temporary situations provided that their service is not intermittent, but quasi-permanent and regular.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it very hard that men in receipt of salaries of £300 or £400 a year should, in addition to incurring danger, incur the heavy pecuniary loss upon themselves and their wives and families which is implied in these payments?

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer include men employed in naval dockyards and Government arsenals?

That question is to be considered. With regard to what the hon. Member opposite (Sir H. Craik) said, I have gone through this matter very carefully, and I think we are dealing, I will not say liberally or generously, but justly with all branches of the Civil Service.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his statement includes members of the Police force who have been called up as Reservists; and whether the matter is being attended to by the Government in the same way as it was attended to during the South African War?

An emergency Act was passed dealing with the police officers who had been called up.

Will a similar emergency Act be passed dealing with those officers in this war? [HON. MEMBERS: "It has been done!"]

Do the Regulations cover the case to which I referred the other day—the case of persons employed on the Sessions staff of the Houses of Parliament called out?

I should like notice of this question.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether steps are being taken to help the wives of soldiers and sailors to pay their rent, and, if so, whether an announcement will be made publicly in order to relieve the anxiety of any who may fear or who may be threatened with eviction?

I have received notice that this question is to be raised on the Motion for the Adjournment. It is not easy to have it dealt with at Question Time, and I will make a statement on the Adjournment.

I can state now all I have to say on the matter. I have made a very careful and detailed survey of the distress likely to arise among the wives and children of sailors of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and particularly as regards the wives and families of Reservists called out on mobilisation. These represent the more urgent cases, since the income from civil employment ceased with mobilisation. Each man on mobilisation was entitled to receive a month's pay, but the rapidity of the operation of mobilising probably made it impossible for the man, except in a very few cases, to hand any money direct to his wife. Many, however, since mobilisation have sent remittances or have declared regular monthly allotments. In the cases where the men have received a month's pay in advance for August, these allotments are not payable until the 1st September, but steps have been taken immediately to pay the allotments declared in any case where the Reservists have not actually received the month's pay in mobilisation. Further, I have stated very fully the situation to the Chairman of the Advisory Committee, and made a number of suggestions for meeting urgent cases, not only as regards families living in the neighbourhood of the Naval ports, but families generally distributed throughout the country, and action designed to give immediate assistance in urgent cases upon which representations have been made is now being taken.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is a fact that Territorials from Lancashire and elsewhere on active service can assign out of their pay of 2s. 7d. per day only 1s. 7d. to their wives, and whether he can see his way to relax the rule so that they may assign either the whole or any portion of their pay, if they so desire?

Territorial soldiers are allowed to send the whole of their pay to their wives if they so desire, but they must make their own arrangements for remitting it by postal orders or otherwise.

That is not the impression among the Territorials. I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman can take steps to make it clear that is so.

The hon. Member might take steps to make it clear to his own constituents. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] I think that it is a very unusual circumstance that there should be a body of people under such a great delusion.

I am afraid that I must ask a supplementary question. The point is not whether Territorials may send money themselves, but whether they can assign it so that the Government can send it for them? I understand most clearly and explicity from Territorial officers in Lancashire that at present the men can only assign 1s. 7d. out of 2s. 7d., and they are very indignant.

I think that it is a great mistake to be indignant about a thing on which you are imperfectly informed. They can give the whole of their money. [HON MEMBERS: "Assign it!"] The Government, as the House is well aware, do remit payments from soldiers who are serving abroad, but persons who are serving at Home must make their own arrangements.

May I ask whether a soldier may not assign the whole of his pay if he thinks fit; and, if he is not allowed to assign it, whether he may not remit the whole or any part of it free? That, I think, is the arrangement everywhere else.

Yes, that is quite true—from the field, if necessary.

Free?

Yes, free.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the strict Regulations as to prices now in force for retail traders and in view of evidence that the big meat combines in Lancashire markets and elsewhere are raising the prices unfairly against the retailers, he will take steps to deal with the combines who so raise prices?

If any instances are brought to our notice in which meat combines or other persons are unreasonably withholding meat or any other foodstuffs, we shall at once put into force the powers we have taken.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the existing organisations, such as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association, are being used to ensure that the wives and relatives of the Reservists are not in any pecuniary straits owing to the Reserves being called upon for duty, looking to the fact that such organisations have personal knowledge of people affected which should be of great utility to the Bureau lately set up in London?

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association, which has many branches throughout the country, and, as the Noble Lord is aware, did admirable work for the wives and families of soldiers and sailors during the South African War, is the principal organisation concerned. Every advantage will certainly be taken of the help that this association and others of a suitable character are able to render in the present emergency, and the local relief committees under the mayors, which are to work in connection with the committee presided over by my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board, have been advised to appoint as members the local representatives of the association. Applicants to the War Office will be referred to the association.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware they have not yet been called upon?

I am not.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the prohibition of the export of salt has been withdrawn?

Another Proclamation was issued this morning dealing with the exportation of food. Salt is not now prohibited as an export from this country, as there is more of it than the country itself can consume.

asked whether it is a fact that 12,000 motorists have volunteered for service through the hon. Member for Brentford, 5,000 of this number for service abroad, and, if so, when the War Office intends to decide as to their enrolment and the use to which they will be put?

I am informed that no definite number has been stated to the War Office of the motorists desiring to volunteer for service. The matters mentioned in the third and fourth parts of the question are now under consideration, and I am unable to make a statement at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a large number of men may be thrown out of work through calico printers, dyers, and other trades being unable to get raw material from Germany; whether he is aware that many necessary materials could be manufactured in this country, but the manufacturing processes are protected by patents held by German firms; whether, under the circumstances, licences can be granted to English firms to use these patents during the war, and so prevent workmen being thrown out of employment?

The Board of Trade have already taken power to deal with cases similar to those mentioned by my hon. Friend. The Board may make Regulations dealing with such things, and the matter is now under our active consideration.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, with reference to the first two Orders on the Paper today, whether the Housing Bill will be extended to Ireland, where the probability of increased unemployment is greater and the housing conditions worse than in Great Britain?

It would not be possible, within the rules of the Order, to extend this Bill to Ireland, but my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary will today give notice that he will introduce a Bill dealing with Ireland when the House meets after a brief adjournment.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any further statement regarding the position of British residents abroad?

As I have already announced in the House, telegraphic instructions were sent on Monday last (3rd August) to all His Majesty's representatives in Europe, to make arrangements with their respective Governments for the advance to them of sufficient funds to relieve the temporary necessities of British subjects.

Satisfactory replies have been received from St. Petersburg, Rome, Vienna, and Brussels. As regards Switzerland, arrangements have been made with the Swiss banks for the advance of ample funds to His Majesty's Minister at Berne, and a separate sum was placed on Saturday, 8th August, to the credit of His Majesty's Consul at Lausanne. Arrangements have also been made through a bank for the advance of funds to His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris. In all these cases assistance must necessarily be confined to the relief of immediate necessities and the provision of means for return to this country. No large sums will be advanced to individuals.

As regards the return of British subjects to this country, the position is as follows:—

We learned on Tuesday (4th August), that no more vessels were required to bring away British subjects from Antwerp, and on Wednesday that no British subjects were waiting at Ostend. Boats have been running between the Hook of Holland and Harwich, and the "St. Petersburg," which arrived on Saturday, was not nearly full. From France, there has been a daily service via Boulogne, and that continues. Three boats a week are running between Newhaven and Dieppe, and the boat which arrived on Saturday was only half full, the captain reporting that no more British subjects were waiting to come away. We heard on Saturday that there were several hundred British subjects at St. Malo, but a boat was to call there that day, which has no doubt brought them away. There are four trains daily from Paris to Havre, Dieppe, Boulogne, and Calais. Arrangements are being made for a ship to call at Genoa, which will be able to bring away a very large number of British refugees, including those from Switzerland.

A statement has been published by His Majesty's Minister at Stockholm that all British subjects in Sweden are, so far as he knows, safe and well. Arrangements have been made for bringing away British subjects from Norway, and the British Consul at Bergen is drawing funds for their immediate relief.

His Majesty's Ambassadors at Paris and Vienna state that railway facilities for bringing away British subjects will be given as soon as mobilisation permits, but it has not been possible to make any definite arrangement yet. Meanwhile, British subjects cannot be brought home from Switzerland through France. The French authorities have sent instructions to the provinces not to insist upon the production of papers by those who wish to return from any place in France.

With regard to the possibility of making enquiries about relatives or friends on the Continent, I have to state as follows:

Written statements sent to the Foreign Office with regard to British subjects in neutral countries will be forwarded to the Consular Office in whose district they are believed to be. These written communications should contain the following particulars:

Name of person about whom enquiry is made; age; sex; country where believed to be; supposed address; name of enquirer; address of enquirer.

As a state of war now exists with Germany His Majesty's Diplomatic and Consular Officers in that country can no longer exercise their functions. The United States Government have, however, been good enough to authorise the United States Ambassador and Consuls in Germany to give protection to British subjects so far as international law allows.

Enquiries with regard to British subjects in Germany should be addressed to the Foreign Office and not to the United States Embassy or Consulates, and they should contain the same information as in the case of enquiries respecting British subjects in neutral countries. These enquiries will be sent to the United States Embassy, who will endeavour to communicate them to their representatives in Germany by the best route available for such action as may be possible.

I fear that some time must elapse before arrangements can be made for the return of British subjects now in Germany, but we may be assured that everything possible is being done, and will be done, by the representatives of the United States Government. They are already making arrangements for the provision of financial relief. I hope that, thanks to their good offices, though there must inevitably be inconvenience, discomfort and delay, there will be a minimum of actual danger. I repeat once more what I said last week that the absence of news by letter or telegraph need not be a cause of anxiety.

I hope that copies of this answer will be available in the Vote Office for hon. Members on the Adjournment of the House, for hon. Members to send to their friends, if they will be so kind as to do so.

Has the attention of the hon. Gentleman been drawn to a letter published by the American Ambassador in Berlin, and to the fact that while the British Government had asked him to provide up to £1,000 for British subjects there, it was found to be absolutely impossible to comply with the request, because he has not got the gold to pay out. Will arrangements be made, as is not impossible, as I happen to know, to arrange credit through the banks?

I have been in communication with the German Embassy on that point, and they hope very soon to complete the necessary arrangements for providing the necessary sum for their representatives in Germany.

Have arrangements been made for English people in a destitute condition in Holland; and will the hon. Gentleman, in view of the importance of his reply, have it circulated to the post offices?

The arrangement in Holland, as in other countries, is that His Majesty's representatives have been authorised to make advances in cases of necessity.

I beg to ask the Home Secretary what powers he and the magistrates possess for reducing the facilities for obtaining intoxicating liquor during the war, either by limiting the hours during which or the places at which such liquor may be obtained, and whether he will see that measures be taken for this purpose?

I have no such power. It is a matter for the local justices, who have the power to reduce the hours if they are satisfied that there is any disturbance, or prospect of disturbance, and I have no doubt that they will use their power if occasion should arise.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements are being made by the Government for the insurance of vessels employed in the fishing industry?

Conferences have taken place between some representatives of the fishing industry and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Board of Trade recently on this subject. We hope shortly to issue a statement.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether notification has been given to the tem-temporary clerks and valuers of the Valuation Department not belonging to the Territorial Army that they may be allowed to leave for the purpose of volunteering for service; whether it is a fact that no undertaking is to be given that they shall be reinstated in their present positions on return from their military service, and if he will give instructions that the terms of service for all temporary clerks engaged to fill the places of those who are doing military service shall be that they will be subject to dismissal on the return of those who are now taking up military duties, in order that those serving shall not be handicapped thereby?

The Board of Inland Revenue have issued to the superintending valuers a circular stating that members of the temporary staff desiring to volunteer may be allowed to leave the Valuation Office for that purpose. No instructions of the nature indicated in the first part of the question asked by my hon. Friend have been issued, nor has any information to that effect been authorised. All members of the temporary staff who volunteer will, on the termination of their military service, be re-engaged or otherwise provided for.

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether it is the case that the railway company and steamship company at Kilrush have objected to forward consignments of eggs and butter destined for consumption in England, and whether he will take measures to facilitate the transport of these perishable articles of food?

Yes, Sir. As the hon. Member knows, I only received his notice just before the House opened. A good deal of difficulty has arisen in regard to the transit of agricultural produce, but the officers of the Department are dealing with these difficulties, and, according to a telegram received a few minutes ago, things are shaping satisfactorily. I have telegraphed in regard to Kilrush.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices with his colleague, the President of the Board of Trade, to facilitate this transport, if possible?

Yes, Sir.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether any representatives from Ireland sit on the Committee now in control of the railways of this country, and, if not, will he, in the interests of Irish trade, take steps to have Ireland properly represented?

No, Sir. The Order in Council under the powers of which the Executive Committee have been appointed relates only to the railroads in Great Britain.

Who are in charge of the Irish railways at the present moment?

As far as I know, they remain in the same charge now as they were under a fortnight ago.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, seeing that many civilians, who are unable to serve their country in the fighting line or in positions connected with the war, are anxious to serve their country in the harvest field, wherein there may be a shortage of harvesters, he can inform the House whether there is any machinery at the Board of Agriculture or elsewhere whereby farmers or small holders short of hands can notify such shortage, and where volunteers, who would not in the ordinary course be likely to go to Labour Bureaus, can ascertain where their services would be useful and acceptable, and, if not, whether he can see his way to establish a bureau for that purpose with branches in touch with the county councils of agricultural counties or other agencies for bringing willing workers to the harvest field, or can give any advice to the public on the matter?

Communications are passing between the Local Government Board and the Board of Agriculture with a view to the establishment of an organisation which will adjust the requirements of the labour market as far as possible, and particularly with regard to the need for labour for harvesting operations. It may be possible to use some unemployed labour from the urban districts to meet the needs of rural districts.

May I refer to the Board of Agriculture anybody who writes to me on the matter?

Yes, Sir.

What has become of the organisation of the Labour Exchanges in this matter?

The Labour Exchanges are engaged in the matter, but I think it needs some special steps, because as a rule labour would not be readily transferred from an urban to a rural district.

Will they undertake the removal of horses from places where there are plenty at present to places where there are very few?

Notice should be given of that question, which does not fall within my Department.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any announcement can be made to show what steps should be taken by, and what special facilities are being made for foreign subjects in Britain desirous of being forthwith naturalised, and whether any further steps are in contemplation for aliens left stranded in this country, especially for those desiring to leave these shores?

Applications for naturalisation are being received from aliens and will be dealt with as expeditiously as the number and the pressure of other work permits. No promise can be given as to the time in which any case can be completed as regards applications from German subjects. As I have already stated the police and Poor Law authorities will do their best for aliens who may be stranded.

Are applications from German subjects being considered with the others or not? The right hon. Gentleman did not make that quite clear.

I can make no promise as to the naturalisation of Germans.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is a fact that all the boats in the Rosslare route have been taken by the Admiralty for hospital service for an indefinite period; whether Munster, which is served by this route, supplies the greater part of the butter, bacon, and egg supply to this country, which it will be impossible to maintain if this route is closed; and will he undertake, in view of the importance to both countries of this question, to allow the railway companies to establish at least one service per day each way?

It is the intention of the Admiralty to take up these three steamers for hospital purposes. I think my hon. Friend must be under some misapprehension as to the effect of the removal of these boats upon the trade of Munster, as no less than seventy-eight boats belonging to companies trading between Ireland and ports in Great Britain still remain at the disposition of their owners.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is the only fast through service from several counties of Munster bringing food supplies into different parts of this country, and can he see his way to give a service of one boat each way daily?

We do not want to dislocate the service with the South of Ireland, which is just as important on this side as it is to the South of Ireland, but military and naval considerations must prevail. The hon. Member asked whether we could give one boat each way daily. I will give that question careful consideration without giving any undertaking.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement about the curtailment of food supplies for South Ireland owing to the stoppage of the Fishguard and Rosslare service?

I have been in communication with the English railways on the subject, and they assure me that the only interruptions were due to the fact that some of these vessels were necessary for the conveyance of troops to and from Ireland, but arrangements have now been made to release certain of these vessels, and this will enable a regular daily service to be run in each direction between Fishguard and Rosslare?

May we take that as an assurance that we shall have a sailing at least one way each day from the South of Ireland?

The railway companies on this side will do their best, of course, to deal with Irish traffic, but military and naval considerations must have their first attention.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister if, in view of the state of unemployment that exists among manual labourers, which is likely to increase as the war continues and to remain after the cessation of hostilities, he will take immediate steps to carry into effect the Report of the Royal Commission on the Canals and Inland Navigations of the United Kingdom and set up the Waterways Board therein recommended, as furnishing the opportunity for the employment of a large number of men on work of permanent value to the community, and will bear in mind that many municipalities have expressed their willingness to bear in part the cost that would be entailed by carrying out the recommendations of the Commission?

The Government will give my hon. Friend's suggestion careful consideration.

I beg to ask whether, as many old soldiers anxious to offer their services are deterred from doing so because their homes might be broken up in their absence, owing to non-payment of rent, the Government will under these circumstances guarantee the rent, wholly or partly, in cases approved by the local authorities?

I have not received any notice.

I sent a letter by post.

I will give the hon. Member an answer later.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will endeavour to give preferential employment to carmen in cases where the horses they drive have been commandeered?

I cannot give any promise of a general nature as to the way in which the Labour Exchanges will work, but the Labour Exchange officials have been informed that they must, of course, give the most urgent cases their first consideration.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War in what way County Territorial Force Associations can give him the assistance the Secretary of State for War asks from them in raising 100,000 men for the Second Army; whether members of Territorial Force Associations, justices of the peace, and retired Army officers can be supplied with attestation forms and authorised to enlist recruits?

Recruiting offices in charge of competent recruiting officers exist throughout the country. Indiscriminate recruiting by persons with insufficient experience would only lead to confusion; but it is thought that members of associations and others can usefully exert their local influence so that a steady stream of recruits comes to the recruiting offices. It may be possible at a later date to indicate specific duties. The last two paragraphs of the Noble Lord's question are in addition. I shall have to give this my consideration later on.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very often men anxious to enlist are unable to do so?

It is true, of course, that there must be long distances for some people who desire to enlist. I will see what can foe done in regard to the suggestion of the Noble Lord for railway warrants.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of posting in each district a notice of where the recruiting officer for that district is to foe found. I know very often in a district the locality of the recruiting office is not known?

I will certainly do that. I thought it had already been done.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some recruiting stations are without any attestation forms? That applies to Hertfordshire.

Yes, I heard that. I will have it inquired into.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to large bodies of troops having arrived suddenly in various of the smaller towns in the country, the local provision dealers have had great difficulty in supplying foodstuffs to the regular inhabitants as well as the troops, and whether, in such cases, he will endeavour if possible, to send some supplies with the troops for their special maintenance?

In all cases, wherever the military necessities of the case permit, this is being done.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, pending reconsideration of the Regulations penalising non-commissioned officers and men married off the strength in the Army, he will say that during this war separation allowances will be made and widows' and children's pensions will be granted as if they were married on the strength, seeing that all married men joining from the National Reserve will be so provided for?

I have no notice of that question.

I gave notice to the Under-Secretary and the Financial Secretary. I left it myself at the War Office about half-past twelve to-day.

I understood that matter was to be raised on the adjournment.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that is a question that ought really to be answered in the affirmative without any consideration?

The answer is in the affirmative.

That means either on active Service at the front or at home?

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary of the War Office whether contractors with the War Office for hospital supplies for the year commencing 1st July, 1914, will be allowed to cancel their contracts or revise prices in view of the probable increase in the supplies required and the rise in the wholesale prices, and the ruin which would follow enforcement.

I am afraid I cannot give a general answer to that question. I can assure the hon. Member that if application is made in any particular case I will see that it is considered on its merits.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to avoid the increased dislocation of business in Glasgow and district by the delay and inconvenience of having to send to London all documents connected with war risk insurance, he will open a branch office in Glasgow for war risk insurance on cargoes?

The question whether it will be possible to open any branch insurance office or offices outside London is being considered and, of course, if we can do so, Glasgow and Liverpool will be the principal outside centres.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether in the case of former members of the Territorial Force whose period of service has expired, and who now volunteer to serve with the Territorials during the war, the same allowance for kit will be granted as is granted in the case of present members of the force who are now called out?

If the hon. Member refers to officers, they will draw the camp kit allowance of £5 15s, on being gazetted and a special outfit allowance of £20. If he refers to men, their kits are supplied by the Government. If he refers to the embodiment gratuity of £5, this is not issuable to men who enlist now, but is confined to Territorials called out.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is possible to relax the rigour of the instructions with regard to commandeering horses in the agricultural districts where horses at this season of the year are urgently required?

I have already informed the House that under the Order not more than 50 per cent. of the horses may be taken, and in cases where harvesting is proceeding the greatest relaxation is to be used where possible.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made this widely known throughout the English districts, because, yesterday, farmers were being asked for the whole of their horses?

Yes, I can certainly say that was a mistake. In any case which the hon. Member will bring to my notice I will see that reparation is made.

What remedy will there be if an undue number of horses are taken?

The only thing we can do is to give back the horses, if the circumstances will admit of that being done.

May I put a question to the Postmaster-General in reference to the many difficulties placed in the way of cabling between this country and the United States on the part of the correspondents of the great American journals? Since I asked a question on this subject on Saturday I may say that I have received representations both from London and from America in reference to this matter, and I am informed that these messages are censored three times in London, three times at Waterville, and three times on the other side of the Atlantic, and that, in consequence, many thousands of pounds which have been spent by the—

The hon. Member can only ask a question at present; I must ask the hon. Member to follow that rule.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that thousands of pounds which have been spent by these American journals in their anxiety to obtain news of the war for the people of America have been wasted in consequence of the difficulties placed in the way, and may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not be desirable in carrying out the work of the Atlantic cable offices that the staffs might be supplemented by the addition of trained journalists?

I have no control at all over the Censor's Department. That is entirely in the hands of the War Office, although the cable officers employed are in the employment of the Post Office itself. Therefore I have no control over the messages for America or other places before they are passed by the Censor. If there has been any delay in the sending of the messages, I will make inquiry, and I shall endeavour to facilitate, as far as I can, the transmission of any message which has passed the Censor.

May I ask the Postmaster-General if there is any use of those who have friends and relatives in Germany sending letters at present?

There is no communication, so far as my Department is concerned, with Germany or Austria at the present moment.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether there is any truth in the statement which has appeared in the newspapers that English Territorial regiments are to be sent to Ireland to replace the regiments to be withdrawn?

There is no truth in the statement. In the view of Lord Kitchener, the first necessity of the moment is to recruit the 100,000 men whom he has asked for. He does not doubt, nor do I, that Ireland will contribute her full contingent. Subject to this, Lord Kitchener is anxious to lend any help that his own exigencies permit to the organisation and equipment of the Irish Volunteers. And we have shown our confidence in the willingness and capacity of the Irish to defend their own shores by countermanding the dispatch to Ireland of the English Territorials who, under the normal operation of our mobilisation scheme, would have gone there.

May. I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can say what steps the Government are going to take in this matter—that is to say, whether he would consider the advisability of the War Office, or some proper person, entering into consultation with the authorities, or the governing body, of the Volunteers in Dublin so as to concert some system whereby advantage might be taken at once of the situation which has arisen?

I know that Lord Kitchener is very anxious to do that. Of course, for the moment, the great difficulty, and the almost insuperable one, is the collecting of officers and non-commissioned officers for the organisation of the 100,000 men for the Second Army which Lord Kitchener proposes to raise, but subject to that and concurrent with it, I think he will do everything in his power by consultation with gentlemen in Ireland to arrange for the full equipment and organisation of the Irish Volunteers.

May I ask the Home Secretary whether he has taken any steps for the release for women suffragists who are now undergoing terms of imprisonment in this country?

I have advised His Majesty to remit the remainder of the sentences of all persons now undergoing terms of imprisonment for crimes committed in connection with the suffrage agitation. This course has been taken without solicitation on their part, and without requiring any undertaking from them. I have also advised His Majesty to remit the sentences of all persons convicted of assaults, and other offences, in connection with recent strikes. His Majesty is confident that the prisoners of both classes will respond to the feelings of their countrymen and countrywomen in this time of emergency, and that they may be trusted not to stain the causes they have at heart by any further crime or disorder.

May I ask the Secretary for Scotland if he can make any similar statement as regards Scotland?

Yes, Sir, I propose to follow the same course as my right hon. Friend.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of retaining in this country some 1,400 officers who are not so much required at present in India, to which they are under immediate orders to return?

That does not arise out of the question at all. Lord Kitchener is giving careful attention to all these matters.

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), to leave out the words "after consultation with," and insert instead thereof the words "with the concurrence of."

No, no!

The hon. Member was too late.

I beg to move, at the end, to add the words "Provided that neither the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries nor the Local Government Board shall, in the exercise of their powers under this Act, in any case themselves build any dwellings unless they are satisfied after holding a public local inquiry that in that case there is insufficient dwelling accommodation for the working classes or that the existing accommodation is unsuitable, and that dwelling accommodation cannot be otherwise satisfactorily provided."

I do not think the local inquiry need take more than a day or two, so that there would not be any delay.

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), after the word "maintenance" to insert the word "improvement."

The word "improvement" is well known to the law in this connection. The object of the Amendment is to enable the two authorities or either of them to spend money upon improving cottages and so rendering them fit for habitation. This will enable use to be made of some of the houses which are closed or likely to be closed.

We will accept that Amendment.

I am afraid we cannot assent to this Clause going into the Bill at the present moment. It deals with a matter apart from the rest of the Bill, which concerns the pay and salaries of the police. Clause 5, as I understand it, gives power to the Lord Lieutenant to exercise his power of revising what is known as the free quota of police "as and when he thinks proper" instead of triennially, as provided by the existing Act. That is a very considerable power to entrust to the Executive, and without further inquiry I am not prepared to agree to it.

Of course, my hands are tied in the matter. A Committee went into the question and distinctly recommended—

Dissented?

Yes; it distinctly recommended that the triennial revision should be abolished, and that it should be left to the Lord Lieutenant to make the alteration when he so desired. However, it is extraneous to the main object of the Bill, which is to deal with the pay and to get rid of a good deal of dissatisfaction in the force, and though I think, on further reflection, the hon. Member will regret having opposed the Clause, I submit to his objection.

I beg to move, in Subsection (2), to leave out the words "shall be carried out to the satisfaction of the Board of Words, and."

I have had some short communication with the Chief Secretary with regard to this matter, and I hope he will not press his Amendment as it stands. The Bill proposes to enable county councils in Ireland to raise a rate, if necessary, and spend money for the purpose of improving navigation in the rivers of Ireland. It is proposed that the works shall be undertaken in accordance with schemes approved by the Board of Works in Ireland, and the Bill provides that any works so undertaken shall be done to the satisfaction of the Board of Works, and that the county council shall look after the maintenance of the works so carried out, and comply with any requirements of the Board of Works. The Chief Secretary is now proposing to take out the reference to the Board of Works. If the Bill is left as he proposes, there will be no obligation whatever on the county councils to continue to work to the schemes after they have been approved by the Board of Works in the first instance. That is an absurd position to put the county councils in. If you are going to do that, there is no sense at all in having the schemes approved by the Board of Works in the first instance. Therefore I suggest that the Clause might be made to read as follows:—

"Any works so undertaken shall be carried out in accordance with the schemes so approved, and shall be maintained in good condition and repair by the county council."

If the right hon. Gentleman will accept that Amendment, I think it will perhaps cover the particular point that I have in view.

I withdraw my Amendment for the same reason as before.

Before the Amendment is withdrawn, I wish to say a word.

I have to put the Question at once for leave to withdraw.

I only wish to express the hope that my hon. Friend knows what is in the Bill. I do not know in the least what is in any of these Bills, and all stages being passed straight away makes the position very difficult for some of us. I do not raise any objection, but I rather wish to call the attention of the Prime Minister to the position in which we on this side are placed by the course taken in regard to this Bill.

I beg to move to leave out the words "to the satisfaction of the Board of Works," and to insert the words "in accordance with the schemes so approved."

I think that will meet the particular point that I have in view. It is certainly inconvenient, as my hon. Friend has suggested, that a private Member's Bill should be suddenly starred without any communication whatever with us. While I think that under the circumstances the interests of the ratepayers will be safeguarded by this Amendment, at the same time we ought to enter a protest against the sudden starring of such a measure.

A great many Members on your side of the House wished it.

Not a great many.

I beg to move to leave out the words "who shall comply with any requirements made in that behalf by the Board."

This is consequential on the Amendment just made.

I think we ought to have some explanation of this Amendment.

Have you got a copy of the Bill?

No.

If you have a copy of the Bill, you will find that the Sub-section reads—

"Any works so undertaken shall be carried out to the satisfaction of the Board of Works, and shall be maintained in good condition and repair by the county council, who shall comply with any requirements made in that behalf by the Board."

That has been altered at the suggestion of the hon. Member opposite. The Amendment which I now submit is to leave out all the words after the word "council"—"who shall comply with any of the requirements made in that behalf by the Board "—which are no longer necessary owing to the alteration made.