asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the pculiar distress caused by the War, he will issue a Circular to local education authorities calling attention to the hardships of the poor caused by school pence, and to the power of local authorities to abolish these fees?

I see no reason for issuing a special Circular on this subject at the present moment as local education authorities are, I believe, fully alive to the importance of meeting distress if it arises, not only in this way, but in any direction they can.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether arrangements have been or will be made for the use of Indian Exchequer balances to supplement the function of the Indian banks in financing purchases of grain in India for import into Great Britain?

I understand that the Indian banks are not in need of such assistance, and that they feel quite competent to deal with any export business offering.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government pro poses that this country shall resume the right of capture of the enemy's merchandise in neutral vessels in time of war and to denounce the fourth article of the Declaration of Paris of 1856?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a censor ship of the Press has been, or will be, set up; and whether all items of war news must be passed before publication by the Press Bureau or other authority?

A Press Bureau has been established which, during the continuance of hostilities, will arrange the distribution of news on naval and military matters to the Press, and to which the newspapers will refer in regard to news which in the national interests it is not advisable to make public. The arrangement applies to news and matter of that description.

I have received notice of a number of questions to be asked on private notice. I think it would be to the convenience of the House that I should follow the practice which I instituted on the last occasion. I have arranged all the questions alphabetically, and will call them in that order.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether he is aware that owing to the fact that the men in the Fleet were ordered off hurriedly they had no time to sign their remittance papers, a large number of those dependent upon them are at present without money; and whether he is aware that a large number of remittances have been sent from the men in the Fleet and are now lying at the Admiralty and Post Office, and owing to the fact that men have unintentionally disclosed what ships they belong to and where those ships are situated, it is impossible to send out the remittances until such letters are censored; and whether he can in the first case make some temporary allowances to those relatives who have no remittance papers, and, in the second case, add to the Censor's staff, so as to expedite the receipt of money sent home by the men by remittance?

No doubt in the rapid mobilisation of large numbers of men there is bound to be some dislocation in the routine ordinarily followed in peace time. So far as the men on the active service list before mobilisation are concerned, the money relations between themselves and their wives continue very much the same as before the outbreak of hostilities; very large numbers had already declared allotments, and these will be continued without intermission. Many who before the outbreak of hostilities were sending remittances no doubt find that method of assisting their wives and families more difficult, especially where they followed the practice of sending the remittance in a personal letter as against the system of making a remittance through official channels. Every endeavour has been made to meet the immediate case, particularly of the wife of the Reservist, and I will send the Noble Lord a statement of the steps taken. As the Noble Lord is aware, every Reservist on mobilisation is entitled to a month's pay. On 6th August we decided that in cases in which men on mobilisation had not received that advance, the first payment of any allotment declared should be made at once, and the second at the end of the present month. The number of these immediate payments up to yesterday was 5,600. Further, on 10th August we authorised the registrars of the Royal Naval Reserve—of whom there are 160 in various parts of the country—to advance to wives of men of the Royal Naval Reserve in urgent cases a sum not exceeding 10s. a week for three weeks from the date of the men being called up. On 21st August we issued general orders to Commanders-in-Chief directing that the system of regular allotments should be encouraged in preference to the system of remittances. And throughout we have kept in the closest touch with the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association.

Am I not correct in saying there are a large number of Reservists who have sent remittances which cannot be delivered until the letters are censored?

Yes. The Noble Lord is, of course, familiar with the procedure. If the man remits on the official form no difficulty arises, but if he puts a postal order in a private letter difficulty may arise, and we will see if we can do anything to give money in those cases.

Is it not possible to pay these allotments in advance? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases allotments have been made, and that the money cannot be obtained from the Post Office?

If a man has received his month's pay for August there is nothing due till 1st September. We are taking a variety of means to cover the period between the 4th August and the 1st September. If the man has not received his month's pay we have arranged for the allotment to be made forthwith.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps are being taken to facilitate the return to this country of British subjects now in Switzerland; and whether arrangements have been made to give those who require it any temporary financial assistance pending their return?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he could supplement his statement made before the adjournment in reference to the return of Britishers from abroad?

Since 10th August the situation regarding British subjects desiring assistance or facilities for return has become almost normal except in the case of those in Germany and Austria. Thus in Holland His Majesty's chargé d'affaires has made arrangements whereby cheques on British banks endorsed by himself will be cashed by the Netherlands bank; and the number of British subjects returning from the Hook of Holland has recently been very small. From Norway boats are running and are not now uncomfortably crowded. Arrangements have been made with British Consular Officers in all parts of France for supplying money for British subjects in distress, and I do not know of any district from which British subjects are now unable to return by making use of the usual train service. Great numbers have returned from many parts of France during the last fortnight. With regard to Italy the steamship "Cretic" sailed from Genoa on the 13th instant with British subjects from Italy and Switzerland. She had accommodation for about 2,000 passengers and arrived on Friday, the 21st instant. The steamship "Aaro" is sailing from Genoa about the 26th, and will bring back those who may have collected there by then.

The latest information that I have does not show that there is any great number of British subjects at the larger Italian centres anxious to return. There were about 10,000 British subjects in Switzerland on 13th August. Many have since then returned through France, but the train journey has been slow and uncertain, and the British Minister at Berne has not taken the responsibility of advising ladies to undertake the journey. Now, however, a regular through service has been established, of which the first train started or Sunday from Geneva, containing 800 per sons, who are due to arrive in London at 3.45 this afternoon. Similar trains will start to-day and every day henceforward until all have returned. His Majesty's Minister at Berne and His Majesty's Consuls have been able to supply money to those who need it, and are supplying railway tickets, taking such security as is possible for repayment. Their work has been much facilitated by the arrangements made by Messrs. Cook and Sons, whom I desire to thank for the service they have rendered in this matter. Satisfactory arrangements have been made with the Spanish Government for facilitating financial relief to British subjects, and His Majesty's Ambassador reported on 16th August that applications for assistance were much reduced. In the Balkan States His Majesty's representatives are supplied with funds which should be sufficient for the urgent requirements of British subjects.

With regard to British subjects in Germany, the position is as follows: The United States Embassy in London have, at the request of His Majesty's Government, sent the sum of £2,000 to the United States Ambassador at Berlin for the relief of British subjects. The German Government have also placed at the disposal of the United States Embassy at Berlin a sum of approximately £10,000, to be employed for the relief of foreigners whose interests the United States have taken charge of. It is not yet known what proportion of this amount will be available for the relief of British subjects. When that information is received, an equivalent amount will be placed at the disposal of the United States Embassy in London by His Majesty's Government. In addition to these arrangements, His Majesty's Minister at The Hague is arranging to send the sum of £5,000 to the United States Embassy at Berlin for the relief of British subjects, and is asking the American Ambassador to inform the American Consuls at Hanover, Frankfort, Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne, and Hamburg, that this sum is available. Certain funds in the possession of the King Edward Foundation Fund and of the British Charitable Association at Berlin have been utilised by the United States Embassy there to meet cases of urgent distress. The United States Embassy at Berlin have taken and are taking energetic steps to deal with the cases of distress that are brought before them both in Berlin and the provinces.

The American Embassy in London have also requested the American Embassy at Berlin to ascertain as far as possible the number of British subjects in Germany, and to supply lists of those with whom the Embassy and Consulates are able to get into touch. Inquiry is also being made as to how far British subjects in Germany are being treated as prisoners.

With regard to Austria-Hungary the United States Embassy in London inform me that they learn from the United States Embassy at Vienna that the number of British subjects in Austria-Hungary is probably over 1,000. Of these the young men are mostly under arrest and the remainder of the young men will probably not be allowed to leave the country. Many English families settled in Austria-Hungary desire to remain, and will probably be permitted to do so. It is estimated that 300 visitors to the Bohemian spas and the Tyrol wish to return to England and also a number of governesses, teachers, etc. Many of these people who wish to return are unable to pay for tickets or to meet their hotel bills. The funds now in the hands of the United States Embassy at Vienna are sufficient to meet cases of urgency, but are not sufficient to pay hotel bills or to carry out repatriation on a large scale.

In view of this His Majesty's Government have requested the United States Embassy in London to place the sum of £2,000 in the hands of the United States Embassy at Vienna in order to enable the Ambassador to deal with these cases. I would point out that communication with Germany and Austria-Hungary is still extremely difficult, and that it may be a considerable time before any news can be received as to individual cases. The Foreign Office will communicate with the relatives of those who are unable to leave immediately on receipt of any news. I would add that, apart from the natural inconvenience due to the state of war in Germany and Austria-Hungary, there is no reason to suppose that British subjects in those two countries are in danger.

I trust that the relatives and friends of persons in Germany or Austria-Hungary will realise from this statement that British subjects in these countries are being cared for as well as circumstances permit. It is still impossible to send money to particular persons in these countries, but the amounts of the funds now at the disposal of the United States representatives are, I believe, making it possible for all cases of distress to be properly dealt with.

Can the hon. Gentleman say in how many other towns besides Berlin there are actual representatives of the American Consulate?

I have given the names of a number of the towns, including Hanover, Frankfort, Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne, and Hamburg, where the American Consuls have been asked to draw on funds placed at their disposal at Berlin.

I desire to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that several English citizens are in prison, or under detention, at Basle, and in other towns, including some very prominent Liverpool citizens, who were armed with passports?

I am aware of that. I think that about seventy persons who were persons of age for service in war were detained at Basle with certain parties when on their way back from Germany. I believe they have been removed from Basle to some more central camp. I hope to be able to make a fuller statement about that in a day or two, when I have received an answer to the inquiry I referred to in the answer I gave a few minutes ago as to what is being done with regard to the detention of British subjects in Germany.

Are not some of the citizens detained at Basle of middle or advanced age, and not capable of taking part in war?

Yes, Sir, but I think there might have been circumstances which in the eyes of the authorities who detained them, at any rate, may have justified, or seemed to have justified, their detention. I agree that some of them were of a rather advanced age.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that shipowners are in some cases asking as much as 50 per cent. increase in freight rates on exports to foreign countries, and whether, in view of the fact that such increase makes successful competition practically impossible, and must inevitably result in large dismissals of workmen, he will undertake to give his attention to the matter with a view to securing a material reduction in freight charges?

I am aware that there has been some increase of freight rates, which in many cases is not altogether unnatural in view of the increase of shipowners' expenses due to the war. If my right hon. Friend has any cases in mind in which he thinks the increases have been unreasonable perhaps he will furnish me with particulars.

I will furnish some instances, and hope the right hon. Gentleman will inquire into them.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the question of giving bounties to farmers in the United Kingdom, to induce them during the present autumn to plough up more grass land and sow winter wheat; to increase the quantity of bread-stuff in reserve at this crisis, and help to keep the price of bread down for the working classes in case the supplies from the Dominions and foreign ports are, by the exigencies of war, at any time stopped coming here?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The matter is receiving the careful consideration of the Cabinet Committee on Food Supplies, and the Agricultural Consultative Committee is advising the Board of Agriculture as to possible means of increasing the home-grown wheat supply.

I desire to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture the following question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether he is aware that on 13th August the price of wheat was 8s. per cwt., and that on the same date and place millers were charging 16s. per cwt. for "households" flour, while wheat offals were at the same date and place being sold by the millers at 7s. per cwt.; and whether there was any sufficient warrant for the excessive charges for flour; and whether he will take steps to regulate such charges, which, if persisted in, can only have the effect of inducing farmers to hold up their wheat from market?

I am sorry, but I have not received notice of the hon. Member's question.

I sent notice. [HON. MEMBERS: "Ask it to-morrow."] I will ask it to-morrow.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War what sum of money is now in the hands of the South Africa Garrison Institute, and whether any reason can be given why such money should not forthwith be applied for the benefit of soldiers who may be wounded in the war and of the widows and orphans of those who may be killed?

The amount of the balance is not exactly known, but it is believed to be about £80,000. I have previously explained that these funds are not directly at the disposal of the Secretary of State, and am consequently unable to give any undertaking that the money will be applied in the manner suggested in the question, though the suggestion is obviously one that should receive consideration.

Will the hon. Gentleman use such influence as he has over the disposal of these funds to see that they are applied to some field force canteen for the Army now in the field?

I think I made that clear in the last paragraph of my reply.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the difficulty that is caused to employers by the failure of the Government to enlist men who are in charge of vehicles that are requisitioned, and whether he will arrange that transport officers should be instructed, wherever possible, to enlist such men if suitable and willing to serve?

It has been the policy as far as possible to enlist the drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles impressed for military service, and this policy will be followed in future.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, considering a statement in the "Birmingham Daily Post" of 20th August, that "… the price of ferro-manganese is $100 to $150 per ton at" Baltimore, and they are expecting shipment from this country to relieve the tension," and that the price for this article in England has advanced during the last ten days from £8 5s. to £12 per ton, and considering that ferro-manganese is absolutely essential to the manufacture of all classes of steel for guns, gun-carriages, armour plate, etc.; and considering the great temptation to English ferro-manganese makers to export this most necessary article owing to the difference in price between the two countries, namely, £12 as against £30 per ton, if he will consider the advisability of prohibiting the export of this most essential article from this country?

By a Proclamation dated the 5th August, issued under the Exportation of Arms Act, 1900, manganese (including ferro-manganese) is prohibited to be exported from the United Kingdom to foreign ports in Europe and on the Mediterranean and Black Seas, with the exception of those of France, Russia (other than Baltic ports), Spain and Portugal. The question of extending the prohibition so as to cover exports to all destinations will be considered.

I desire to ask the President of the Board of Trade the following question, of which I have given him private notice: Whether the organisation set up in connection with the Labour Bureaus has had applications from farmers for volunteer help in the harvest field, and if so for how many hands, and whether volunteer help has been in fact supplied by such organisation, and whether there is now any shortage of hands in the harvest field, and if so in what part of the country?

I have not yet received full reports from all parts of the country as to the results of the action taken by the Labour Exchanges in connection with the supply of harvest labour. From such information as is already available, it appears that a number of vacancies were notified to the Exchanges and filled by them. I have as yet received no information of any case in which the farmer asked for volunteer help rather than paid labour, nor has any case been brought to my notice in which the Exchanges had any difficulty in supplying sufficient paid workers. It does not appear from the reports that there has been any general deficiency of labour for harvesting.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board is taking care in giving out Government orders to manufacturers to spread such orders as far as possible amongst as many firms as possible, rather to give to those contractors who may have been on the Government list before the war orders for such amount of goods that they are working overtime while other firms in the trade who are ready and willing to supply similar goods are likely to be on the point of closing down their works for want of employment?

The responsibility for the placing of Government contracts must rest with the contracting departments, but the Board of Trade are in communication with the Admiralty and War Office on the matter referred to in the question.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information upon the question of shipping grain cargoes from the Pacific Coast of America, whether he is aware that buyers of grain in this country are receiving notice from the sellers in California cancelling their contracts on the ground that the American Admiralty is prohibiting vessels from sailing to and from the Pacific Coast ports in North and Central America, and whether he can do anything to obtain the removal of this prohibition in the interests of buyers in this country who are being serously prejudiced by this action?

The Board of Trade have received some complaints as to difficulties experienced in shipping grain from Pacific Coast ports in North America. It was necessary for a time to include those ports in the list of prohibited voyages, but the prohibition by the British Admiralty was withdrawn some days ago.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether it is intended to give effect to any, and, if so, what, provisions of the Declaration of London?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Order in Council of 20th August, which has already been published.

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to amend the Currency and Bank Notes Act, 1914."

The main object is to give the Treasury power to call in the existing currency notes, which were prepared in haste and which may be easily forged, and to substitute a new and, I hope, very much better note. It is proposed also to take power, instead of actually issuing notes to bankers, to issue a certificate so as to give the bankers the benefit of the State credit without actually taking out the notes. That would undoubtedly be a great advantage in assisting them to finance trade. There are only the two Clauses.

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to enable His Majesty by Order in Council to make regulations with respect to special constables appointed during the present war."

Under the existing law special constables can only be appointed in the immediate apprehension of riot or tumult. It is proposed, in the circumstances of the present war, to take power to appoint special constables at any time during the continuance of the war. Among other provisions it also proposes to extend the Police Acts, so far as they need extension, by Order in Council to special constables, and in particular it is proposed that the allowances to constables on duty should be given also to special constables.

Do they get paid?

Not necessarily. They may get paid.

I beg to move, "That leave be given to bring in a Bill to enable His Majesty to extend by Order in Council all emergency measures passed through this House to the Isle of Man."

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. McKenna and Mr. Ellis Griffith. Presented accordingly and read the first time; to be read a second time To-morrow and to be printed. [Bill 381.]

I beg to move, "That leave be given to bring in a Bill to enable orders to be made in connection with the present War for restricting the sale or consumption of intoxicating liquors."

This Bill is of larger scope and is to enable Orders to be made in connection with the present war for restricting the sale or the consumption of intoxicating liquors. Under the present law the licensing authorities can only restrict the sale of intoxicating liquors if a riot is apprehended. It is proposed to extend that power to all circumstances—that is to say, the local authorities shall have the power to restrict the hours of sale at any time during the war. In London it is proposed that the power should be vested in the Commissioner of Police, who will act under the authority of the Secretary of State.

Is there any question of the restriction of the maximum hours public-houses may be open?

Yes, the hours may be restricted—that is to say, the licensing authorities may order houses to be closed at an earlier hour than the existing law allows.

Does that apply to Scotland, which has already had legislation, under the Act of last year, providing for a restricted number of hours?

Yes, the Bill applies to Scotland.

Does it apply to Ireland?

Yes, the same law is to apply to Ireland.

May I ask if there is any limit of the power with respect to the hours when houses of refreshment will be closed altogether?

I assume that the licensing authorities would be amenable to local public opinion. I cannot suppose that any local authority would so far exceed its functions as to close public-houses entirely, but that is a matter which is left in their discretion.

May I ask whether the Bill is going to pass through all its stages to-day?

No.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. McKenna and Mr. Ellis Griffith. Presented accordingly, and read the first time; to be read a second time To-morrow and to be printed. [Bill 382.]

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to amend the Defence of the Realm Act, 1914."

This is simply an Amendment of the Act which was recently passed. Under that Act power was given to enable the military authorities to exercise certain control in order to secure communications on railways, bridges, harbours, and so forth. It is now proposed to extend the power of the military authorities to all areas in which trade is being carried on. The House will see that it is very necessary and desirable such an extension should be made.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. McKenna and Mr. Ellis Griffith. Presented accordingly and read the first time; to be read a second time To-morrow and to be printed. [Bill 383.]

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to extend and amend Section Eight of the Customs and Inland Revenue Act, 1879."

This is a small Bill of three Clauses, which proposes that in addition to the articles prohibited to be exported under the Inland Revenue Act of 1879, other articles may also be prohibited for export. It is proposed that the Privy Council should be able to make alterations in the Proclamations under that Act without requiring the signature of the King. That is in order that there may be as little formality as possible.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Runciman, Mr. Montagu, and Mr. Robertson. Presented accordingly and read the first time; to be read a second time Tomorrow and to be printed. [Bill 384.]

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to give powers in connection with the present War to obtain information as to stocks of Articles of Commerce and for enabling possession to be taken of any such articles unreasonably withheld."

The Bill asks powers in connection with the present War for obtaining information as to stocks of articles of commerce, and for enabling possession to be taken of such articles as are unreasonably withheld. It is supplementary to the Act passed a fortnight ago. We have found it difficult in some cases to ascertain the amounts of stocks which are withheld. This makes the Act recently passed nugatory in some particulars. I ask leave to introduce this Bill in order to make that Act a working Act.

I should like to ask if articles of commerce include wheal and other articles of farm produce?

It is proposed to include not only wheat, but also the foodstuffs for animals.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Runciman, Sir Harry Verney, and Mr. Robertson. Presented accordingly and read a first time; to be read a second time To-morrow and to be printed. [Bill 385.]

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to amend the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (Temporary Rules) Act, 1914."

This Act, which was passed a fortnight ago, was not, owing to the pressure on the Department, as full as it might have been. We now ask that power should be given to deal with all patents and licences when the benefit of such patents or licences accrues to an alien enemy, and also to include registered designs as well as patents. Power is asked to be taken in direct terms to grant licences during the whole term of the patent or for any less period that may be necessary. That was intended to be done in the original Act, and it is thought well now to put in words which will make this perfectly certain.

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to enable certificated teachers to reckon service in connection with the present War as recorded service for the purpose of the Act relating to Elementary School Teachers' Superannuation."

I have endeavoured to obtain from the local authorities the numbers of certificated teachers who have now joined the Colours or are engaged in service which may be treated as such, and it would seem from those who have sent in returns that there are considerably over a thousand of these certificated teachers who are already serving with the Colours or are engaged in service which may be regarded as equivalent to service of that character. Under the present law these teachers would be prejudiced by reason of such service to the extent of the time which they are with the Colours. This Bill seeks to remove that injustice under which they are suffering, and will allow such service with the Colours to be recorded as service under the terms of the Elementary Teachers Superannuation Act.

Why does not this Bill apply to uncertificated teachers?

The reason is because the Superannuation Act of 1912 does not extend to anyone but certificated school teachers.

Does this Bill apply all round?

This Bill deals with England and Wales. A similar Bill will, I understand, be introduced by my right hon. Friend which will apply to Scotland.

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to authorise an amendment of the superannuation scheme for teachers in Scotland for the purpose of enabling service in connection with the present War to be reckoned as recorded service under the scheme."

This Bill has the same object in reference to Scottish teachers as the Bill which has been introduced by my right hon. Friend in reference to teachers in England and Wales. It is necessary to introduce a separate Bill for Scotland, because the Scottish scheme is different from the English scheme.

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to remove doubts as to the interpretation of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, in regard to the Provision of Meals for school children."

The question in doubt is as to whether it is permissible to give meals to children on days when they are not attending school. Some questions have been raised as to whether this can be done under the Act, and the object of the Bill is to remove all doubt on the point.

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to amend the provisions of the Act relating to police in Scotland during the continuance of the present War with respect to age at the date of appointment to the Police Force."

The limit of age up to which a constable may be appointed at present is twenty-five years. That is causing some inconvenience just now and may in certain circumstances interfere with recruiting. The purpose of the-Bill is to allow the Secretary for Scotland to take the same action as the English Home Secretary can take in getting rid of that limitation.

I beg to move, "That leave be given to introduce a Bill to extend to the Naval Forces the provisions of the Army Act relating to the billeting and impressment of carriages, etc., in cases of emergency."

The Bill is giving to the Navy the same powers as are possessed by the Army in cases of military emergency.

Will the Prime Minister state what is the business for tomorrow—whether there will be any other Bills beyond those introduced to-day?

We shall proceed with the Bills introduced to-day, but I think it will be necessary to introduce one or two others.

Will the Prime Minister state, for the convenience of the House, how long he proposes we shall sit?

I cannot make any statement at present.