reported His Majesty's Answer to the Address of the 27th day of this instant August, as followeth:—

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether an edition in a handy form can be issued of Correspondence respecting the European crisis (Cd. 7467 and Cd. 7445) to be sold at the price of 1d., and be obtainable at every post office?

Arrangements are being made for the publication of the correspondence in a convenient form at the price of 1d. Steps will be taken to place it on sale at all post offices.

May I ask whether it would not be better to reduce the bulk of the document in order that the salient points may be more easily apprehended?

Arrangements are being made to accompany the document with a synopsis.

Will the Ambassador's Report also be included?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if any steps are being taken by the Government to purchase horses from Argentina, South Africa, Spain, and other countries where they are plentiful, to replace those which have been impressed and will hereafter be impressed for Army requirements, so as to secure the uninterrupted progress during the coming winter and next year of necessary farm operations?

No steps of the nature suggested are at present being taken, but the Board are fully aware of the situation, which is being carefully watched.

May I ask whether the Board of Agriculture are in constant communication with the War Office on this matter?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has any information about the amount of distress in the islands of Scotland on account of the number of Reservists being called up; and whether any special effort will be made to deal with this before the weather makes it impossible in many instances for boats to call regularly at the islands?

I have no such information. I understand that there is some shortage of harvest labour in the Orkney Islands, which steps are being taken to meet.

Will my right hon. Friend inquire about the Western Islands?

Inquiries have been made by the Local Government Board.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether daily news bulletins are sent daily to other British Colonies similar to those sent to the West Indian Colonies under the agreement with the West India and Panama Telegraph Company; and, if so, whether all information about the War issued by the Official Press Bureau is being thus sent gratis wherever possible?

The principal Colonies and Protectorates have standing arrangements with the Press Agencies, under which they are furnished with daily news bulletins, and all news of importance or general interest which is issued by the Press Bureau will doubtless be communicated to them under this arrangement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the present and prospective shortage of beet sugar and the high price of all kinds of sugar, the Government will encourage the erection of beet sugar factories this autumn and the sowing of sugar beet in Great Britain next spring by exempting Home-grown sugar from Excise Duty for the next ten years?

The Government have, of course, no intention in the present circumstances of proposing an Excise Duty on Home-grown sugar.

asked whether the-Government has arrived at any conclusion in regard to the extension of the moratorium; and, if so, whether he will indicate what such conclusion is?

My right hon. Friend proposes to make a statement as to this on the Adjournment to-day.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to an announcement that the Bank of England has given notice to all who may send to it pre-moratorium bill for discount that "in the event of any bill which has been accepted for discount being unpaid and refused reacceptance it must be taken up by the discounter as heretofore," whether this notice is intended as an intimation of a departure by the Government from its policy as stated in the House of Commons, and, if so, whether the new conditions indicated in the notice referred to are intended to apply to all pre-moratorium bills presented at the Bank of England after this date?

There is no intention whatever of departing from the policy of the Government, as stated in the House of Commons. The notice was issued in order to expedite the discounting of the bills and to obviate the necessity of getting the bills approved by the bank before they were discounted. If objection is taken to the course pursued the bank is prepared to withdraw the notice, but it must then insist upon the approval in all cases preceding the discounting of the bill.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received the answers to his questions with regard to the extension of the moratorium from the National Federation of Building Trades' Employers, the Institute of Builders, and the London Master Builders' Association, and whether the building trades are opposed to the extension of the moratorium beyond 4th September; and whether, in the event of any such extension being made, he would consider their request that the building trades should be excluded from such extension in order to enable employment in the building trade to be continued, which the master builders regard as impossible if the moratorium is extended?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend is to-day making a statement on the Adjournment with regard to the moratorium.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the State scheme of insurance against war risks for fishing vessels is now in operation; whether such insurance covers the risk of destruction by floating and other mines; and whether, in the event of this specific risk not being insurable, he will state what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the interest of the British fishing industry to indemnify owners of British trawlers and other fishing craft against these risks?

The scheme referred to by my hon. Friend is in operation, and covers the usual King's enemy risk, which includes destruction by mines laid by the enemy.

asked the Prime Minister what provision has been made for the wives and families of the members of the Session staff of the Houses of Parliament who have been called up as Reservists?

I will consult the authorities of the House with regard to this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some announcement on the subject when he is in a position to do so?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that a company, consisting of members of British and other nationalities, is being formed for the purpose of acquiring German and Austrian merchant vessels which have been driven by our Navy into neutral ports, he can say what action the Government intend to take to prevent the company from using these vessels for supplying goods of any kind during the war to the countries with which we are at present at war?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. If the hon. Member will be so good as to furnish me with particulars of the company to which he refers, the matter will be inquired into.

asked whether it is proposed to take any steps with reference to the honorary colonelcies of regiments and the orders of knighthood now held by Germans and Austrians?

It is not intended to take any steps at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the subjects of countries now at war with the British Empire are shareholders in companies registered in the United Kingdom or in our Oversea Empire, he can take steps which will prevent these alien enemies from receiving dividends from these companies, either directly or through agents within the British Empire, during the period of the War?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I am issuing to the Press a notice from the Board of Trade directing joint stock companies that dividends or interest becoming due after the outbreak of war should not be paid to persons resident in enemy territories or in accordance with their instructions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Messrs. Siemens Bros., under the title of the Siemens Dynamo Works, Limited, are announcing publicly that they have received a contract to supply the British Government with electric lamps for the ensuing twelve months; and whether he is aware that though this business is registered in England as a limited company with £600,000 capital in 120,000 shares, these shares are largely the property of alien enemies, 70,465 being held by Arnold W. von. Siemens, Karl von Siemens and George von Siemens, all of Berlin, 19,783 by Alexander von Siemens, and 19,210 by G. von Chauvin, who is registered here as an alien enemy; and other blocks of shares are hold by persons with German names, thus ensuring that practically the whole of the profits on such Government contracts and other orders for cables, etc., which have been given by His Majesty's Government to this firm would, in the ordinary course, accrue to the advantage of these alien enemies; and whether he will take steps to ensure that a Receiver be immediately appointed, so that while the plant and factories are used for the production of articles required in this country, so that British workmen shall not be thrown out of work, there shall be no profits sent, during the currency of the War, to the King's enemies?

I think that the best, answer I can give to the hon. Member is to assure him that the general question of the position of limited companies in this country which are controlled by alien enemies is at the present time receiving the most careful consideration of His Majesty's Government. I cannot say more at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of the Government deciding to provide, by legislation or otherwise, some financial inducement to farmers to retain upon then-premises their stocks of wheat now being harvested, or to sow this autumn a larger area than usual of their land with cereals, he will, without delay, make a public announcement to the above effect in order to avoid the premature marketing of this year's grain and to encourage the early sowing of grain for next year's harvest and the immediate preparation of the laud for such purpose?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The matter is still under the consideration of His Majesty's Government, but at present I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on Thursday last.

Would the hon. Baronet make an early announcement on the subject, as this is essential if farmers are to do the duty which is expected of them?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an effort will be made to return to their former owners for breeding purposes after the conclusion of the War marcs which have been impressed on farm premises for military requirements?

This has been carefully considered, but it is not, I regret to say, practicable.

asked whether recruiting officers have called attention to the fact that recruits are not joining the Colours so readily as they might on account of the uncertainty of the allowance for dependants being adequate and being paid weekly; and whether any steps will be taken to remove this uncertainty?

No reports to this effect have been received, but to remove all uncertainty as to the adequacy of the provision made for a soldier's wife and family a leaflet is being issued, a copy of which I will send to the hon. Member. As I have already stated, arrangements are being made for the weekly payment of separation allowance in cases in which it is desirable.

Will steps be taken to insure the insertion of that leaflet in the Press?

I will see to that.

Will it be necessary to make application in order to have the separation allowances made weekly, or will it be done automatically?

It will be arranged through the local relief committees.

Is it intended to pay the monthly allowance to relief committees and allow them to act as bankers, or will the hon. Gentleman explain what is intended?

Substantially the hon. Member's interpretation is correct, but I will send him a copy of the Army Order, which will be published very soon.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will say what special arrangements have been made to obtain recruits for Lord Kitchener's Army; whether a committee has been appointed to arrange for publicity in connection with the movement, and if so will he give the names of that committee?

As regards the general arrangements in regard to recruiting there is nothing to add to the statements which have already been made in this House and in the Press. If the committee to which the hon. Member refers is that which is being formed of Members of this House he should, I think, address himself to my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury. I am not aware of any other committee.

Will the hon. Gentleman give me some information about the committee?

I will endeavour to do so when I have had time to consult my hon. Friend.

Does the hon. Gentleman say that a circular has been issued from the War Office to Members of this House?

I am not aware of any.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if non-commissioned officers who have taken their discharge from the Army can join in their former rank the Army now being recruited?

As was stated by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on Thursday last, ex-non-commissioned officers would be enlisted in the first place as privates, but may be selected immediately for promotion to non-commissioned rank. Ex-soldiers with previous experience as non-commissioned officers need have no fear, I think, that their experience will not be used.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable number hesitate to join the new Army on that account, and can he not see his way, the need for non-commissioned officers being so great, to relax the strict rules?

I will represent what my hon. Friend has said to the Adjutant-General, and see if anything can be done.

A number of private notice questions have reached me. I propose first to take those which arrived before the House, met. The others I will take later in the order in which they were handed in.

I beg to aske the Under-Secretary of State for War a question, of which I have given private notice: Whether he is aware that an order has been issued that soldiers' wives who married after 14th August, 1914, will receive no separation allowance from the Government; whether he is aware that every facility has lately been given for soldiers to marry; and whether he can see his way to rescind the order that the wives of soldiers married after 11th August, 1914, shall receive no separation allowance from the Government?

This order was given after very full consideration, and there is no intention of altering the decision.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a large number of refugees from Belgium coming to this country are absolutely destitute, and barely clothed, having been driven from their homes, which in some cases have been burned during the War; and whether he will consider the desirability of employing State funds in order to relieve these destitute people?

We all have the greatest sympathy with these destitute refugees from a country for which we feel so much as we do at this moment, but there is a certain number of funds which are being raised by private action for the purpose, and I would rather wait and see how that works out before answering the Noble Lord's question.

asked whether, in view of the fact that several engineer apprentices in the Royal dockyards have been mobilised with the Territorial Force, it will be possible, with the consent of the apprentices, to allow them to join the Army Ordnance Corps of Artificers, and so complete their term of apprenticeship?

I understand the hon. Member to refer to apprentices in the naval establishments. My right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Admiralty informed him on the 27th instant that their period of military service will be allowed to count as part of their apprenticeship. As regards their transfer to the Army Ordnance Corps, I would add that no officers or men are being transferred from the Territorial Force to the Regular Forces, and that in any case the completion of a full apprenticeship is a necessary qualification for admission to the Armament Artificer Section of the Army Ordnance Corps.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience and loss suffered by the commercial community in this country and the Colonies owing to the prohibition of the use of codes in cabling; and whether, considering the largely increased revenue thereby derived by the companies without any corresponding outlay on their part, he will use his influence to induce the cable companies to substantially reduce their rates per word while the use of codes is in abeyance?

The companies concerned have already been in communication with the Treasury, and the matter is receiving careful attention.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board of Education will, in view of the necessity of encouraging both recruiting and the completion of this harvest and the preparation for the next harvest, issue a notice that boys who may be temporarily engaged in field work in lieu of men who have recruited will be excused from school attendance, and that both their parents and themselves will be relieved from penalties.

I have no power to suspend the operation of the law of school attendance without legislation. The by-laws in most agricultural districts already make provision for exemption of children who are of an age to be useful in field work. The matter is one which, I think, can safely be left to the discretion of local education authorities and magistrates, with whom the enforcement of the law for school attendance rests.

Is it the fact that latitude is now allowed to local authorities in those places to grant exemption during the months of the harvest, and not exemption during the winter months?

As long as the child has to attend the school 250 times the school is open. I think it is left a great deal to the discretion of the local authorities as to the months in which a child may be exempted in order to help in agricultural work.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that copies of his answers are circulated for the benefit of the local authorities with a view to assisting agriculture, having regard to the difficulties in which it has been placed by recruiting?

The Prime Minister stated last week that the Government will put no pressure on the authorities with regard to these matters, and, therefore, the local education authorities may be relied upon to exempt children who can be usefully employed in support of the agricultural industry.

Surely this is a matter in regard to which the answer of the right hon. Gentleman might be circulated?

If I thought there was the slightest necessity for circulating it among the local authorities I should certainly do so, but I am quite satisfied in my own mind that they may be trusted, and that the matter may be left to their discretion.

Will the Boy Scouts, who are doing most useful work in the Government offices, also be exempted from full attendance?

If they are over eleven years' of age they may be exempted; and if they are over thirteen years' of age they will naturally be exempted if they have passed the reasonable standards.

asked the Postaster-General whether the attention of the Postmaster-General has been called to the copious display of invitations to recruit made with the willing consent of the owners and drivers of London taxi-cabs, and whether the Post Office will immediately adorn in similar manner every mail cart and van driven through the towns and country districts of the United Kingdom?

My right hon. Friend will be quite willing to accept the suggestion of the hon. Member, and he is in communication with the War Office.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention had been called to advices from Hamburg, through Amsterdam, which state that the Association of Corn Merchants has decided to begin all new business exclusively upon the terms of the German Dutch Corn Convention, and to abolish absolutely the Convention of London, and what action will be taken in the matter by His Majesty's Government? May I add that I do not want to suggest anything in regard to the observance of the Convention in London.

I have seen the announcement in question, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Devizes Division on Friday last. The alleged change in the trade arrangements under which Hamburg corn merchants propose to conduct their oversea business would seem to be of little importance at the moment.

asked whether any list of casualties has been received at the War Office other than those published in the public Press, and whether it is not possible to publish even an incomplete list as soon as any names are received, in order to assuage the anxiety naturally felt by the relatives of officers who are known to be at the front?

The only lists that have been received are those of the wounded at base hospitals and those who have been brought to this country. This list will be published as soon as the relatives have been informed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he would consider the advisability of suspending the operations of the land valuation until the termination of the War, thereby liberating a very large body of men who, from their special qualifications, would be able to render valuable service in connection with the prosecution of the War, and further liberate a large amount of public money, now expended on land valuation, for the purposes of the defence of the Realm?

The answer is in the negative. Every facility is, of course, being given to officers of the Land Valuation Department, who wish to volunteer for service, but I see no reason for throwing the remainder of the staff out of employment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state the extent of the area of the land recently purchased by the War Office at Chisledon and Ogbourne, in Wiltshire, and the purpose for which this land is intendeds and the nature of the building and other work which would be required to render it available for the purpose for which it is required, and when this is likely to be sufficiently completed for the land in question to be made use of by the War Office?

I regret I have not had time to get the figures.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state generally what the purpose is? [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"]

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state for the information of the public, whether parcels intended for His Majesty's Forces on the Continent, which contain articles such as tobacco, which would be liable to Customs Duty on entering France in ordinary circumstances, can be sent without risk of their delivery being delayed or prevented?

This is a question which, as it involves a foreign country, should come through the Foreign Office, and there has not been time obviously to get the necessary information. I hope to be able to get an answer from the Foreign Office.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the "Times" yesterday published dispatches from two correspondents at Amiens to the effect that the British Expeditionary Force had met with "defeat and disaster," and that the British regiments had been "broken to bits"; that the Secretary of State for War issued during the day a reassuring bulletin contradicting these sensational messages; that the Press Bureau warned the public against such statements, because "there are no correspondents at the front, and the information is derived at second and third hand from persons who are often in no condition to tell coherent stories, and are certain to be without the perspective which is necessary to construct or understand the general situation"; and whether, having regard to the untold pain and anxiety caused by the dissemination of such misleading statements, the Government will return to the time-honoured practice of this country and allow Press correspondents to accompany our Army to the front?

It is impossible too highly to commend the patriotic reticence of the Press as a whole from the beginning of the War up to this moment. The publication to which my hon. Friend refers would appear to be a very regrettable exception. I trust and believe that it will not recur. I doubt whether my hon. Friend's suggestion is the best way under the altered conditions of modern warfare of dealing with the matter. The Government feel, after the experience of the last two weeks, that the public is entitled to be impatient for prompt and authentic information of what is happening at the front, and they have to-day made arrangements which they hope will be more adequate.

May I ask whether the dispatches and letters which were published in the "Times" yesterday were submitted to the Press censorship, and were they passed by the Press Censor, and if so, why?

I believe they were.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in various parts of the country, particularly in Edinburgh, some newsboys have been sent to prison and fined for calling out false news in the streets, and is it proposed to take any action with regard to the "Times"?

No.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman noticed the poster that was issued by the "Observer" yesterday, which was more alarming and a greater offence than any of the others?

I was not here. I did not see it. It may become necessary, of course, to ask the House to pass some drastic form of legislation. I should! be very loath to impose it until the urgency has actually arrived.

Can the Prime Minister say why the Press Censor passed the message?

The matter can be raised on the Adjournment.

I should like to press for an answer to the question as to why the Press Censor passed it.

I cannot say. I have no responsibility in the matter. The Noble Lord can raise it on the Adjournment.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make as to British subjects detained abroad?

I am glad to have an opportunity to make a further statement on this subject before the House adjourns. The countries as to which there is still anxiety about the position of British subjects are chiefly Switzerland, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Belgium. In Switzerland the arrangements as to-special trains which I announced last week have been exactly carried out. Six trains carrying an average of about 700 were sent from Switzerland last week on every day except Monday, and a train containing the remainder of those who at present wish to come back from Switzerland started yesterday. The efforts of His Majesty's Minister at Berne will now be devoted to assisting the return of any British subjects who enter Switzerland from neighbouring countries. He is in possession of funds for this purpose.

With regard to Germany, I am informed that Mr. Gerrard, the United States Ambassador at Berlin, has gladly undertaken the distribution of money to British subjects in distress from the funds which are at his disposal, and that he has arranged such distribution, not only in Berlin, but in the different Consular districts throughout Germany. In com- pliance with the suggestion I made, notices have been inserted in the newspapers in Germany informing British subjects that they can apply to the American Embassy, or the nearest American Consul, for information and assistance. Lists of British subjects with whom the United States authorities are in touch are believed to be on their way to this country, and, as I have already stated, the relatives or friends here will be informed in all cases where we have their addresses as soon as these lists are received.

A considerable forward step has been made with regard to the arrangements for the return of British subjects from Germany. Hitherto a limited number of these persons have been returning from certain places, mainly in the South and West of Germany, but from the greater part of Germany no one has been allowed to leave. The parties of those leaving have been allowed to cross the frontier with the exception of men of military age, about 100 of whom are known to have been there detained. A few men beyond the ordinary age for service in arms have also been detained. From this country German women and children have, I understand, been allowed to leave freely ever since the War began. In order that a proper scheme of exchange of non-combatants should be carried out, it is therefore necessary that women and children, and men not subject to military duty, should be allowed to leave any part of Germany, and not only certain limited districts, and that those not subject to military duty now detained should be allowed to leave, in addition to the women and children.

To this end His Majesty's Government were glad to receive through the American Ambassador last week a statement that the German Government would allow British subjects to leave Germany provided that His Majesty's Government would allow German subjects to leave the United Kingdom. It has been decided to take up this suggestion, except as concerning persons under duty of naval or military service, and persons of military age who will not give an undertaking not to accept such duty on returning, and persons held in custody in this country for sufficient cause. In pursuance of this decision, I was able to write to the American Ambassador last night, making definite proposals for an exchange. I asked His Excellency to be kind enough to convey to the German Government the willingness of His Majesty's Government to permit the return to Germany, subject to reciprocal treatment for British subjects in Germany, of (a) women and children, (b) males under sixteen or over forty-four, (c) males between these ages, provided they are under no present liability for military service, and will, before leaving this country, give an undertaking to take no part, direct or indirect, in assisting the operations of the War. I hope to hear before long that the German Government will permit the repatriation of the same, classes from Germany, and that they will give facilities, as we on our side will do to the best of our ability, for proper arrangements being made by the United States authorities for such repatriation to take place.

With regard to Austria-Hungary, we have been informed that the Austro-Hungarian Government are disposed to give facilities for British non-combatants to proceed to Italy, or Switzerland, and the same definite offer is therefore being conveyed to them through the American Embassy as in the case of Germany. With regard to British subjects in Belgium and Luxemburg, His Majesty's Government are asking the United States Government to add to the obligations which they owe them by requesting their representatives in the districts in which British Consuls are no longer working to do the best they can for their welfare. I hope to have further news about the plans for repatriation when the House meets again, and if there is news before then I will communicate it to the Press. Meanwhile, I must reiterate the fact that I know of no sure means of sending money or letters to British subjects in Germany or Austria-Hungary.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman will have that answer printed, and placed in the Vote Office; and, in view of the rising of Parliament, can he arrange for copies to be sent to Members who leave their names at the Vote Office?

I think I can arrange that.

Can the hon. Gen-Gentleman say whether the American Government have a representative in Liége, where British and American citizens are believed to be in the enemy's hands?

I am not quite certain. I will find out and inform the hon. Member.

Why is the age fixed at forty-four, seeing that the maximum age for enlistment in this country is thirty-five?

I understand that the ages of sixteen and forty-four are the minimum and maximum ages for service in Germany.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider as to the advisability accepting any assurance whether German subjects between those ages will or will not take part in the War?

I am very anxious not to put unnecessary difficulties in the way of an exchange. I think that as long as we are sure that persons who are under a definite duty for military or naval service do not return to Germany, we ought to be willing to depend upon the honour of those not under such duty if they will give an assurance that they will not undertake such duty when they return.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board what steps are being taken to prevent any epidemic of disease occurring in this country in consequence of the arrival of refugees and others from those parts where disease is likely to be?

As the hon. Member sent me notice but a few minutes ago, I can give only a general reply. Although there is no reason to apprehend any immediate danger of the kind suggested in the question, the Local Government Board are fully alive to the necessity of taking precautions. When we learnt a few days ago that a considerable number of refugees were coming in from the Continent, the Board sent a medical inspector down to the port to make a special examination of those who arrived. Two-days ago we sent a reminder to local authorities of their duties in connection with the prevention of small-pox, with instructions as to the course to be taken in the event of an outbreak. I can assure-the hon. Member that the Local Government Board are exercising every vigilance-to safeguard the health of the people.

I beg to ask the-Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that in the cases where officers at, the time of effecting their policies have not arranged to pay an extra premium, and also in the cases of some restricted policies taken out by civilians who have volunteered, an extra premium of five guineas per cent. on the amount secured by their policies becomes payable immediately they are called out for active service, and if this amount is not paid the policies become void, and as many are unable to pay, would he either approach the insurance companies and ask them to waive their demand, or else give such assistance from the Treasury as would enable the sum to be paid, if persisted in?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister answered a question-on this subject last Thursday, when he-stated that the question was under consideration, and it was hoped that the matter would be settled without the intervention of the State. I am not yet in a position to give any further answer, but I still hope that it will not be necessary for-the State to intervene.

Would it not be possible to ask these companies, at least, to forego their demand now, and be content to recoup themselves by deducting 5 per cent. if and when the insurance money has to be paid?

A communication has been addressed to insurance companies, and the matter is still in progress of negotiation.

I beg to ask the Under-secretary of State for India whether he is in a position now to make any statement to the House with regard to troops from India and their participation in the War. [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] A statement was made in another place.

I have nothing to add to the statement made by the Secretary of State in another place, as that statement gives all the information I have on the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether week-end telegrams, at reduced rates, will be introduced for the West Indian Colonies as one of the results of the new agreement with the West India and Panama Telegraph Company?

The answer is in the negative. The company will, however, give a deferred service at half the reduced ordinary rates.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that telegraphists at Leicester and at Edinburgh, owing to the disability of having contracted telegraphists' cramp, have been denied the increased pay recommended by the Holt Committee; and whether, having regard to paragraph 264 of the Holt Report that persons suffering from telegraphists' cramp ought to be transferred to other duties of their class, carrying the same scales of pay as that to which they were entitled as telegraphists, he will say if the withholding of the increased pay under these circumstances is with his knowledge and sanction?

It is the case that some officers who suffer from telegraphists' cramp have not been allowed increased pay, because the necessary certificate of ability to perform the highest duties of their class could not be given in respect of them. No increment above the efficiency bar in the scale of pay can be granted in the absence of such a certificate; and the Holt Committee reiterated the view expressed by earlier Committees, that the certificate should not be given on compassionate grounds. I shall be pleased to inquire into the circumstances at Leicester and Edinburgh if the hon. Member will supply me with further particulars.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is now prepared to appoint the Committee of Inquiry into the Regulations issued from his Department affecting the importation of Irish cattle during the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland, which was arranged with the ex-President of the Department and the representatives of Ireland; and whether the terms of reference will be such as were then agreed upon?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the advisability of affording necessary facilities for future trading in live stock between Ireland and Great Britain, he will arrange for the promised inquiry to be held with the object of enabling safe and speedy animal transport?

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade informs me that he made no arrangement of the precise kind suggested by the hon. Member for North Meath. The scope of the promised inquiry was outlined by him in his speech on the 16th June, to which I would refer the hon. Member, but no terms of reference have been agreed upon. I suggest to the hon. Member that the present is not a convenient time to proceed with the inquiry.

Will the hon. Gentleman arrange a future time when it will be more convenient, as the question is important?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question later on.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Aboutiakon gold mines of the British Gold Coast Colony are import ing Chinese labour; if so, whether this has been done with his sanction; and will he state under what conditions these labourers have been obtained and the terms of their agreements?

I have no information on the subject, but am making inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any Chinese labourers have yet been brought to the gold mines in British East Africa; and, if so, whether such labourers were accompanied by their wives?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. There are no gold mines in British East Africa and no Chinese labour is employed there.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that Customs officials have no instructions to Tamper with goods going to Ireland, he will say by whose orders, and on what authority, cases of sporting cartridges ordered from Birmingham by Messrs. Nooney and Son, merchants, Mullingar, in the ordinary course of their business, have been in the present month examined, disturbed, and delayed at Holyhead, and again at North Wall, and a charge made for each examination, amounting in all to 10s.: and whether he will have this money refunded and an apology tendered?

I can only repeat that no charge for examination was made by the Crown.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, namely, whether this money will be refunded and an apology tendered? I hold the receipt.

No charge has been made, and, therefore, I cannot refund anything.

Yes, it has been made, and improperly made. I will repeat the question next day the House meets.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the amount of earned income during the last three completed years on which Income Tax has been paid on incomes of £175, £200, £225, and £250, respectively; and also the figures for earned incomes in excess of £250?

I regret that the information asked for is not available and cannot be obtained from the Income Tax statistics.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the conviction of Thomas Feeny, of Ballard, county Cork, by the Recorder and justices sitting at Midleton, for using a gaff in the Coolmahan river; whether the justices at the Petty Sessions dismissed the case; whether the only evidence against the accused was that of a constable who did not get near the person at the river; whether the constable gave a different version of the case before the Recorder to that which he gave before the Petty Sessions Court; and whether, seeing that the accused is a very respectable man, and that several witnesses saw him at divine service at the time the alleged offence was committed, and saw him go to his own home, and that it is well-known to the police and to the local inspector of fisheries that there was a miscarriage of justice in the case, he will say what steps he intends to take to redress the wrong done to this man?

This matter is at present the subject of inquiry.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a resolution from the Keady Urban District Council protesting against the proposed sale of the town of Middletown to middlemen, excluding the occupiers; and whether he intends to take any action to sustain the Land Act principle and prevent the expenditure of public money in opposition to the intentions of the Legislature?

I have received the resolution referred to. The Estates Commissioners have not sanctioned any ad- vances to middlemen in the town of Middletown, whose holdings are entirely sub-let, but in some cases they decided to make advances to tenants whose holdings were partially sub-let. The cases of the sub-tenants were carefully considered by the Commissioners, and they decided that they could not make any advances under the Land Purchase Acts to the sub-tenants, most of whom hold under weekly or monthly tenancies.

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), after the word "to" ["property passing to ancestors"], to insert the word "lineal."

This is a purely drafting Amendment. The object was stated by the Chancellor on Friday last. It was thought that the words "ancestor" alone was not quite clear.

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1) (b) (ii), to leave out the word "three" ["three per centum"], and to insert instead thereof the word "four."

When the Chancellor of the Exchequer referred to this matter on Thursday last he said:—

"The Government consider that it would be unjust and unseemly that the revenue should profit by the premature death of those who sacrifice their lives m the service of their country, and especially so if it were to the detriment of their widows and children."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 27th August, 1914, col. 176.]

Those words make it quite clear that the intention was that the revenue should not benefit by the premature death of those who lose their lives in the service of their country. That is the basis of the Bill. That being so, it is necessary to consider exactly what the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposes in this Sub-section. He proposes that Death Duties in these cases should not be paid in full, but that a calculation should be made as to the normal expectation of life, and that, subject to the 3 per cent. tables, the sum which would have been due in the ordinary course should be reduced by a certain amount. I have consulted several tables to see what is the expectation of life of a person of, approximately, the age who is likely to be subject to this provision. I find that a male person of the age of thirty has an expectation of life of 33.07 years. I find in the 3 per cent. scale that the present worth of a reversion of £100, payable at the end of thirty-three years, is £37.702. All we have to consider, with a view of carrying out the intention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is whether or not 3 per cent under the circumstances is a reasonable estimate of the value of money. I turn to the "Times" Financial Supplement of 31st July, the last day on which the Stock Exchange was open. I find that on that day 2½ per cent. Consols were quoted at 67–70. Two and a half per cent. Consols at 67 and 70 represents an interest of 3 4–7 per cent. That being so before the actual outbreak of war, and considering, as I pointed out to the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he was here on Thursday, that these deaths will occur during the period of War, or very shortly after the termination of the War, is it reasonable to suppose that our premier security, 2½ per cent. Consols, will be so appreciated in value by the operation of the War that instead of representing an investment at 3 4–7 per cent., they are likely to represent an investment at 3 per cent?

On the contrary, I think anyone would take a very sanguine view of the financial position if they estimated that it was probable that at the termination of the War, when the Stock Exchange was opened again, or at periods during the currency of the War, the 2½ per cent. Consols would stand at 62½. Standing at that, they represent an investment of 4 per cent. The purpose of my Amendment is, that if the Treasury really mean to make no profit, and if they really mean in this case, on the succession to an estate of the lineal descendant or the direct ancestors of the deceased, that the estate should not be made to pay anything in consequence of the earlier death of the deceased, then they must take a reasonable rate of interest, probably representing approximately the value of money during the period for which they are dealing. Is this 3 per cent. table really put in as a matter of form, and is it the sort of thing that would do in any ordinary Bill dealing with any subject of the kind in a time of peace? In recent years we have got into the habit of thinking that 3 per cent. is the probable value of money of an absolutely safe Government security. I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer or his representatives on the Treasury Bench to give effect to what he said himself on Thursday. Do not let us pretend to give from the Treasury the equivalent of the loss to the estate due to the premature death, when really we are putting in words in this Bill which means that we are keeping back at least one-fourth of what is due to the deceased's estate.

I hope the hon. Member will not press his Amendment. The intention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be carried out by the figure given, and the 3 per cent. table is what an insurance company would take in its calculations in this matter. The hon. Member may take into his calculation the value of money now. What we have to consider is the probable value of money during the probable remainder of the testator's life, if he had not been killed. I think 3 per cent. is a fair table, and a table that would be used in a commercial transaction.

I called the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Friday to the fact that I should raise this question. I object to the calculation on a 3 per cent. basis. I have dealt with the difficult case of a person meeting his death at the age of thirty, and I think if the hon. Gentleman will consult his financial advisers, he will find that my estimate of 4 per cent. is much more nearly the general accepted estimate than 3 per cent.

I beg to move, in Sub-section (2), to leave out the words, "enjoyed rateably by the several beneficiaries entitled to the relief according to the amount but without regard to the priorities of their several beneficial interests," in order to insert the words, "apportioned rateably among the several persons who would otherwise bear the duties remitted or repaid according to the amounts which they would so bear, and without regard to their respective rights of priority."

Perhaps I may explain in detail the meaning of this Amendment. It deals with a matter which I think the House will understand is a matter of considerable difficulty. It is a very easy thing, if you only had to consider a sum of £500 passing on the death of the deceased. You can make it equitable in respect of Estate Duty and Succession Duty without any consideration of the character of the interests of the lineal descendants who receive the benefit of the £5,000. If you are dealing with an estate which passes to lineal descendants or lineal ancestors that is larger than £5,000 you are then faced with this difficulty: that you have to consider the first £5,000 as free from duty, and it may well be that the first £5,000 is so disposed of by the will as between the various lineal descendants, or the lineal ancestors, as that the whole of it might come to the widow, whilst the balance of the estate passes to the children. In such a case, unless proper arrangements were made in the Bill, the person, whoever he or she might be, who took advantage of the first £5,000 would get the relief by statute. It is desired that the relief should be equitably apportioned amongst all the people who take the benefit. The Clause as originally drawn was drawn for that purpose, and I think it did carry it out, but the words that are proposed to be substituted are possibly more clear, and it is for that purpose that the House is asked to introduce them. I think the House will see in the circumstances that that was exactly the object it wished to secure, that the benefit of this remission shall be properly and equitably divided amongst all the people coming within the class of lineal descendants, and that it should not be by the mere accident of some priority that one person should take the larger benefit.

On this question I desire to call attention to a point merely for the purpose of publicity. The hon. Member for Cambridge has put down a question not for oral answer, and I would like to call public attention to that matter on the discussion of the Bill. On the title of this Bill it only applies to the remission of Death Duties in the case of persons killed in the War, and the question I wish to ask is as to whether or not other cases are covered, such as persons who, having been injured in the War, died subsequently after the War had been determined. This is a matter upon which the public would like to be reassured, because the relief at present as given by this Bill, as interpreted by any person who merely takes the Bill in his hand and reads it through, would be relief merely in the cases of persons killed in the present War, and no relief will be extended in the cases of deaths caused by the War which did not fall within the chronological limit of the War. I, therefore, desire to ask the Solicitor-General if the purposes of this Bill are not very much wider. The Clause which it is proposed to make applicable in the present Bill is Clause 14 of the Finance Act of 1900. That Clause is to my mind not very perfect and not very easy to understand, but as I interpret its purpose, it means that whether any person dies from wounds or accident or disease inflicted incurred or contracted during the course of the War within twelve months after the ceasing of the War, he shall be entitled to the relief provided if at the time that the disease or the wounds or the accident was inflicted, incurred or contracted the deceased was subject to the Naval Discipline Act or to military law; in other words, while the forces, both by land and sea, were mobilised by His Majesty. That, I understand, is the purpose of Section 14 of the Act of 1900. If so, the relief intended to be given by this Bill is much wider than appears upon the face of it. I hope the Solicitor-General will make a public announcement that what is included is much wider than appears upon the face of this Bill, and that what we are passing is relief to the mobilised forces of the Crown, not merely where the combatant falls in war, but where he falls within twelve months after the ceasing of the War, provided that the cause of death is wound, accident or disease inflicted or contracted in the course of serving His Majesty the King during the War.

I am very glad indeed to give the assurance not to the hon. and learned Member, who, I am sure, knows very well no such restrictions are intended, but to others who do not know, that the Bill bears the interpretation he desires and not the interpretation that unlearned persons might think from reading Section 3. The real fact is that, as the hon. Member knows very well, it has been decided again and again that the short title of a Bill is nothing but a label, and that the label cannot be used for the purpose of interpreting the contents of a measure. It might have been better to put in words that the Bill had not such limited operations as suggested, and I am glad to give the assurance the hon. and learned Gentleman asks for, and to assure him that the whole of Section 14, which he rightly interpreted, applies to this Bill.

When this Clause was under debate the other day, the Noble Lord the Member for Oxford University pointed out that we should do something to protect the corpus of the estate in case there were several deaths owing to the War. We have introduced this Clause in the Bill in order to meet the point more fully than was even suggested on Friday. It not only gives quick succession relief, but we give to every death after the first completed immunity. The Clause as it stands is open to some ambiguity because it might mean it only applies where the estate is left to lineal descendants, and in order to make that perfectly clear I shall move later at the end that this Section shall apply whether or not on any such death the property passes to the widow or the lineal descendant or ancestors of the deceased.

Before that Amendment is moved. I beg to move to leave out the words "to which Section 1 of this Act applies." and to insert instead thereof the words "killed in the War."

I think hon. Members will see that the Amendment suggested by the Government is much more complete and comprehensive than the one which has been suggested by the hon. Member, and it covers the other points as well. It should be borne in mind that the Clause is intended to provide that where an estate passes more than once owing to the accident of the War, only one Estate Duty shall be charged, and that irrespective of the person to whom the estate passes. That is the intention and purpose of the Clause, and although as it stands it may appear to be ambiguous, the Amendment suggested by the Government will make it clear.

I am very much indebted to the Government for having considered this matter so favourably. I know such cases are not very frequent, but they are pathetic cases when they do happen.

I am not sure whether the term "killed in war" accurately defines what is intended.

I am quite satisfied with the Amendment which has been suggested by the Solicitor-General, and I ask leave to withdraw my Amendment.

I beg to move to add at the end of the Clause the words "this Section shall apply whether or not on any such death any property passes to the widow or lineal descendants or ancestors of the deceased."