asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether the Government have invited the British Colonies and Dominions to subject German and Austrian aliens resident therein to the same restrictions as the restrictions imposed in the United Kingdom?

The only communications which I have sent on this subject are to the following effect:—On 7th August—that His Majesty's Government have decided that all enemy reservists, naval or military, should be detained as prisoners of war, and that steps should be taken accordingly; and later (on the 9th August) that care should be taken not to arrest any persons whose known character precludes suspicion or who are personally vouched for to the satisfaction of the Government, provided that they are prevented from leaving the territory of the particular Government; further, that all prisoners are to be shown every consideration compatible with safety.

asked the Home Secretary the number of German and Austrian aliens who have registered under the Alien Registration Act in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the number thereof who reside in London; and whether such aliens have been searched for arms and explosives capable of doing damage to persons or property

The number of Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians registered in the United Kingdom is 66,773, as I stated yesterday. Of these, 37,457 are registered in London and 949 in Ireland.

No alien enemy is allowed to be in possession of arms or explosives without a permit from the police, and the most vigorous steps have been taken to enforce this provision in the interests of public safety.

May I ask for an answer to the second part of the question: Whether such aliens have been searched for arms and explosives?

Yes.

They have been searched?

Yes.

If a German or Austrian is naturalised, is he allowed to carry a pistol or gun?

If an Austrian or German is a naturalised British subject, he has the full rights of a British subject.

Are letters from those persons through Holland to Germany subject to supervision?

I do not know that it is desirable to reply in precise terms, but of course letters are censored by the military authorities?

asked if the Police Reservists (Allowances) Act, 1914, provides for constables whose time as Reservists has recently expired, but who have felt it their duty to resign their position as policemen in order to rejoin the Army; and, if not, what provision is to be made for them?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Police Constables (Naval and Military Service) Bill, which was introduced yesterday.

Does this Bill cover the point asked in ray question?

Yes, I think it does. It does not wholly cover it, but the hon. Gentleman will see what its effect is.

asked the Home Secretary whether, following the example of the Russian authorities who are treating prisoners of war of Polish nationality with special consideration, he can so mitigate, without risk to the public safety, the rigours of the Aliens Restriction Order that aliens who are of Polish nationality may be relieved from some of its most burdensome conditions?

It is not at present possible in law to recognise "Polish nationality" as distinct from the nationality of the Sovereign State of which residents in the various parts of Poland are subjects. But in the administration of the Aliens Restriction Order, all possible consideration will be shown to those persons of Polish race who, though technically "alien enemies," are in fact friendly to this country.

asked whether the Government will introduce a short emergency Bill for the suspension of the compensation Clauses of the Licensing Consolidation Act, 1910, until the War is over, and so prevent those who have to leave their houses shortly from joining the ranks of the unemployed?

I do not feel justified in asking Parliament to extend its emergency legislation in the direction suggested.

asked whether any steps can be taken to expedite the action of the Press censorship and to counteract the effects of inaccurate and interested information published in neutral countries by German official agencies?

All proper steps are being taken to secure the object referred to in the hon. Member's question.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of the Foreign Office has been drawn to the fact that an organised system exists for the spreading of false reports in neutral countries of an anti-British character, and whether he will consider the advisability of taking such steps as may be necessary for the prompt and official denial of such reports as speedily as possible after publication?

His Majesty's Government are fully aware of the systematic dissemination of false reports attributed to German agency in neutral countries. Steps were immediately taken to counteract the evil. Summaries of official news are regularly telegraphed to His Majesty's representatives in neutral countries, where they are given wide publicity, and are much appreciated, and special denials have been given to the more scandalous statements which have been published. We are informed that this has already had an excellent effect in many instances, and that the campaign of false reports against us is becoming discredited. His Majesty's Representatives in the principal countries concerned have been authorised to obtain such assistance as they may require to deal with this question thoroughly and expeditiously.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if a separation allowance will be granted to the wives and families of the newly-formed Naval and Marine Brigades?

I am afraid I can at present add nothing to the statement which I made yesterday, in reply to the hon. Member for the Ludlow Division, to the effect that the question of granting a separation allowance to the wives of seamen is under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in his letter the First Lord said that this body should have the pay and conditions of the Regular Army, and is that not going to be carried out?

Under existing law the Marines on shore will have a separation allowance. With regard to the other Naval Section or Brigade I say that the question of a separation allowance is engaging serious consideration.

The words of the First Lord were that the pay and conditions of service will be identical with that of the Regular Forces. There can be no escape from that.

I have told the hon. Gentleman how the case stands.

Are we to understand that as long as the Marine is on shore there is the right for his dependants to get an allowance, but if he is taken on board ship his dependants lose that right altogether, and do not recover it until he is put on shore again?

If he is on shore away from headquarters on certain duty his wife can get an allowance. If he is afloat, he gets what is called an afloat allowance, which does not mean quite the same thing, but is an element. The whole matter is receiving careful consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under present circumstances the afloat allowance exists only as long as the man is alive?

I did not suppose it was in existence when he was dead.

Is the question of separation allowances to soldiers 'wives and pensions to soldiers' widows also under consideration?

That does not arise out of the question.

That is a question for the War Office.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government would be willing to take the opinion of this House at an early date on the question whether the nation ought to make provision on a much more liberal scale than at present for the dependants of our soldiers and sailors on active service, both by way of separation allowance during absence and of pension in the event of death or incapacity resulting; whether the additional taxation ought to be graduated or otherwise arranged so as to fall chiefly on the richer classes; and whether he would propose to the House the appointment of a small representative committee to draft definite proposals and report to the House when it next meets?

I shall be glad if the hon. Member will postpone this question.

If the Prime Minister is in a position to give an assurance that the matter will be dealt with in this House at an early date, I shall be glad to postpone the question.

was understood to indicate assent.

Then I will postpone the question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the Department has received complaints of non-receipt of allowances by the wives of soldiers, and, if so, what steps are being taken to promptly remedy this state of affairs?

I am aware that there has been delay in a good many cases. This has been due in part to the fact that on mobilisation we were necessarily without information as to wives married off the strength, and in part to the great influx of recruits. Arrangements were made at the beginning of the War that, pending receipt of Government allowances, the families of soldiers should have their necessities met through other channels; and all possible steps are being taken to remove delay.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether all non-commissioned officers and men married off the strength, if separated from their wives by military duties, are now entitled without exception to separation allowances?

Yes, Sir, except in cases of misconduct, which are considered on their merits, and cases in which men have married subsequent to 13th August without permission.

Would the hon. Gentleman have that circulated amongst the commands?

I will see if that can be done.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how he proposes to treat the question of the placing of mines on the high seas in the routes followed by merchant shipping; and what steps will be taken against any persons captured whilst engaged in laying such mines?

I can assure the hon. Member that this important question is engaging the earnest attention of the Admiralty. More than that it would not be in the public interest to say, except this—that all persons caught laying mines under a neutral flag will be tried by court-martial.

Has the First Lord of the Admiralty considered the desirability of manning the vessels engaged in mine sweeping with German prisoners?

May I ask if those men will be specially treated, or if they will be treated as ordinary prisoners of war engaged in legal warfare?

I would say generally in this, as in all other matters, we will proceed with a strict and scrupulous regard for established Law.

asked the Attorney-General when and where the rules or directions under the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914, will be published?

The rules were sent to the Stationery Office for publication on the 8th inst. I have inquired, and I am told that they will probably be available for the public to-morrow.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware copies of the Bill are not available in the Vote Office, and if we want copies we are referred downstairs?

I should imagine that copies of the Bill, as passed by this House, were the same as copies of the Act, and either will do for the purpose, but I will make inquiries?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Bill as passed in this House was not printed and that we have to refer to the Act?

asked the Attorney-General whether, seeing that a landlord cannot distrain during the moratorium because the rent is not due, and cannot under the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act distrain when the moratorium has expired and the rent has become due without leave of the Court, thus enabling fraudulent tenants to occupy premises for an extended period without paying rent and to remove their goods to avoid distress, there is any power or provision to make it illegal for tenants taking advantage of the moratorium to remove their goods, or in what respect is reasonable protection given, or proposed to be given, to landlords, especially to those who are owners of buildings of flats and offices on which they have to pay rates and taxes which are not covered by the moratorium, whereas their tenants have the full advantage of it?

The moratorium postpones the date when rent under agreements entered into before 4th August becomes due, but if a tenant took advantage of the postponement to remove his goods in order to avoid the consequences of distress, this would appear to be a good ground for the Court to refuse any relief under the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that in the case of wives of soldiers and sailors with three or four young children that certificates of birth are asked for in each case, and that the full charge of 2s. 1d. is asked for in each case by the registrar, whereas in the case of such certificates for factory employment only 6d. is charged; and whether he can make any different arrangements?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will endeavour to make arrangements whereby applicants for grants from the Soldiers 'and Sailors' Families Association can obtain birth certificates of their children at a nominal fee?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that in the case of the wives of soldiers called to the front before the separation allowance is paid in the case of young children a birth certificate is demanded in each case; whether he is aware that 2s. 1d. is being charged for each such certificate; and whether, in view of the hardship inflicted where there are three or four email children, he will make some other arrangements or endeavour to arrange for the certificates to be obtained at a lower rate?

Arrangements were made some time ago for avoiding expense in obtaining marriage or birth certificates in such cases. When evidence of birth or marriage is not already in the possession of the officer in charge of the records, application for a certificate should be made to the local superintendent registrar. Most registrars accept at the present time a reduced, or nominal fee, in cases of the kind referred to. Where a registrar declines to accept less than the statutory fee the Registrar General at Somerset House will, upon application, verify the particulars free of cost, and this verification will be accepted by the authorities concerned. These arrangements were set out in a circular of the Local Government Board dated 3rd September, copies of which I am sending to the hon. Members.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have copies of that sent to the various soldiers' and sailors' families?

Will he also have copies sent to the registrars? I am told that they are not carrying it out.

The registrars have been communicated with by the Chief Registrar, with whom I am myself in communication. But I will communicate with him as to the necessity of taking further steps.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the cable companies, while making largely increased profits by the prohibition of code messages, show no disposition to consider the public convenience by reducing rates or otherwise, he will consider the desirability in the public interest of the Government taking steps to assume entire control of all British cables during the continuance of the War?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to take this question. The Government are now considering proposals which have been made by certain important cable companies for the reduction of cable rates during the continuance of the present prohibition of code messages.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the prohibition of the use of codes entitled the cable companies to refuse to transmit messages to abbreviated addresses?

The transmission of telegrams by the cable companies is under regulations of the War Office and the Admiralty. I, as far as my capacity is concerned, am merely a transmitting agent.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring the question of the use of abbreviated telegraphic addresses before the cable companies?

Perhaps I can make my meaning clearer. It is not a question of bringing it before the cable companies; it is a question whether the Censor, who acts under the direction of the Admiralty and the War Office, will agree to the transmission of code addresses.

Can the right hon. Gentleman suggest any reason why abbreviated telegraphic addresses should not be used?

I am told by the Admiralty and the War Office that there are excellent reasons. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to know what they are, he must address his question to those two offices.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why, as soon as code messages were prohibited, the companies abolished also the cheap half-rate?

The matter was brought to my notice yesterday, and, as I have said, certain proposals are now under consideration with the various cable companies for the future transmission of messages and cablegrams.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it fair to the public that cable companies should be allowed to take advantage of military necessities to double their rates?

I am afraid I cannot make myself responsible for the morality of commercial companies.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that Members are anxious to make arrangements for meetings to encourage recruiting, he can say whether the House will be adjourned or prorogued before next week?

asked the Prime Minister if he will state, for the convenience of Members, when the Session is likely to end?

I hope that it may be possible to bring the Session to a close next week, but I will make a full statement on Monday.

asked the Prime Minister whether, if not against the public interest, he would say what provision the Government have made for ensuring the necessary amount of wheat and other necessaries for next year till our own harvest for that year is gathered in?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. It is not desirable at present to disclose the details of the arrangements, which the Government have good reason to think will effect the object which the hon. Member has in view. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has asked me to mention that the Government scheme for the insurance of vessels and cargoes is having the desired result of ensuring the continuance of our imports of grain and other necessaries.

asked the Prime Minister what objection, if any, the Government have to guaranteeing to farmers a price of 40s. per quarter for all wheat harvested and sold in this country in 1915–16; and whether he will ensure an increased area of wheat being sown this autumn by immediately making public such a guarantee?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Wilton on this subject yesterday.

Is it not a fact that the question of straw has nothing at all to do with preserving the wheat in ricks for the future supplies of this country as he states?

That is a matter for argument.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet had time to consider the proposal that the Law, Officers of the Crown should, for the benefit of the commercial community, publish their considered opinion as to the position of contracts with aliens entered into before the War began and the legal definition of which cannot be decided by the Courts until the War is over?

In normal circumstances I could not consider any such suggestion, but under existing conditions, though there are serious practical difficulties in the way of its adoption, it is being carefully considered.

May we hope for a decision before the Prorogation?

I hope so.

Has the Prime Minister noted that the last decision of this subject is sixty years old?

asked whether the Government will take steps to utilise the services of some civilians to organise the feeding, equipping, and accommodation of new recruits reporting at various military centres where congestion at present exists?

Officers in charge of depots have full powers to make all arrangements for the comfort of recruits in respect of such questions as accommodation, food, and the local purchase of necessaries. They have recently been reminded of their responsibilities in this matter, and it is hopel that further cause for complaint will not arise.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that eligible married and other men are hesitating to join the Army because, while their employers are promising to keep their situations open, they have no assurance that in case of being incapacitated for work through loss of limbs provision would be made for them by the State? Would he say what is proposed to be done in such cases if they arise?

I have only just received the hon. Member's question. In the case of all wounded provision will be made.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to make any statement as to the measures which the War Office propose to take in regard to the matters to which I drew attention yesterday; and whether he will state in particular what course is being taken in regard to men enlisted on or before Friday last, who have been improperly transferred to the Reserve?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has already answered a question on this point. As regards the men alleged to have been improperly passed to the Reserve, inquiries are being made, and I shall be glad to look into any cases of which the hon. and gallant Member will give me particulars. The following telegram was sent between 3 and 4 p.m. yesterday to all General Officers Commanding-in-Chief, Officers Commanding districts, and Officers Commanding depots:—

"From numerous complaints which are being received at the War Office, it would appear that all officers in charge of depots do not realise that they have full powers to make all arrangements for the comfort of recruits by billeting, local purchase of necessaries, arrangements for cooking, etc., etc. Understand that you have full powers and will be held responsible for exercising them, so as to prevent continuance of these complaints. If you require assistance and cannot obtain it locally, you should apply to the Headquarters of Command. Lord Kitchener holds all officers in command of commands, districts and depots, personally responsible, and he trusts there will be no recurrence of these complaints."

May I point to the hour at which this was sent? It was between 3 and 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, before my hon. and gallant Friend asked his questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to introduce legislation to enable them, out of the property of German and Austrian aliens in this country, to recoup the Belgian Government for levies which have been made by Germany on Belgian towns?

His Majesty's Government do not propose to introduce legislation such as is suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, seeing that there is a shortage of labour in certain districts, he will consider whether old age pensioners may be allowed to take on work without losing their pensions?

I fear I cannot adopt the hon. Member's suggestion, which would require legislation to carry it into effect.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the destitution and suffering caused to the depositors in the National Penny Bank, Limited, now in liquidation; and if, in view of the difficulties caused by the present crisis, he will consider the desirability of a loan by the Treasury to the liquidator to enable the immediate distribution of a dividend, even though this step might involve the passage of a short Act of Parliament?

Provided that the affairs of the bank are placed in the hands of the official receiver the Bank of England will be prepared at once to make an advance sufficient to enable a payment of 5s. in the £ to be made to the depositors, and to consider the making of further advances as the liquidation proceeds.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any steps are being taken, or will be taken, to counteract the organised efforts of Germany to arouse Pan-Islamic feeling against England in India and other British Possessions possessing Mahomedan populations?

As regards India, the loyalty, good will and right perception of the princes and peoples of India of all races and religion, as described in the Viceroy's telegram read in the House yesterday, make it clear that any action such as the hon. Member suggests would be superfluous. As regards other British Possessions, I would refer the hon. Member to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and to the Colonial Secretary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether offers of socks, shirts, etc., have been declined for the use of soldiers at the front; and whether this means that soldiers on active service are having all wear and tear on clothes made good without any charge to them?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

The second part of the question is the only part that wants answering: Whether this means that soldiers on active service are having all wear and tear on clothes made good without any charge to them?

Yes.

asked if it is anticipated that all the additional men required for the Army will be obtained under the present age limits; and, if this is not certain, whether, as a precautionary measure, the Government will consider as to the formation of a Special Reserve, with a higher age limit, who would at once undergo preliminary training, so as to obviate delay should their services ultimately be required in this country or abroad?

There is no present intention of doing this, but the suggestion will not be overlooked.

Have the War Office considered the advisability of raising the age limit for ex-Territorials and ex-Volunteers, the same as they have done with regard to old soldiers?

Yes, that is being considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will consider the advisability of issuing recruiting forms of a less complicated nature than those at present in use, seeing that at least twelve official signatures are required for each recruit, causing unnecessary delay in completion; and whether it is necessary for one of the forms to be in duplicate?

This is a matter that is receiving the attention of the War Office. Whilst it is no doubt very desiraable to reduce clerical labour connected with enlistments to a minimum at the present time, it must be remembered that there are certain legal formalities to be complied with, and that in order to enable us to deal with claims that will certainly in many cases arise in the future, it is absolutely necessary to record on every recruit's document at the time of his enlistment certain items of information as to himself and his family.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered this, bearing in mind the fact that the delay is largely caused by the fact that the recruiting officer himself has to sign these documents eight or nine times for each recruit?

Yes, Sir.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say why, if it is necessary to have these forms, they should not be in duplicate, and so save a great deal of trouble?

I should have thought the duplication might be done by manifold process.

Will the right hon. Gentleman authorise the officers to do that, because at present they cannot? May I also ask whether the right hon. Gentleman would authorise a rubber stamp to be used for signatures?

I imagine that there are difficulties in connection with the possible fabrication of signatures by rubber stamps; at the same time I will consider what the hon. Member has said.

Would the Under-Secretary for War consider the desirability of altering the King's Regulations to permit recruiting officers and other officers affixing their signatures by means of a rubber stamp as is done by every business in England?

I have just said I will consider it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that recruiting committees have in some instances been obliged to engage clerks to help in recruiting work under recommendations from the Territorial Associations; and if he will take steps to issue permits to and provide the necessary money for Territorial Associations to meet these necessary but not excessive expenses?

Any necessary expenditure incurred for this purpose may be defrayed by associations. If the latter find that funds are short, they will doubtless represent the position to the War Office.

asked whether the age limit in the senior ranks of non-commissioned officers will be extended, seeing that men of this class have risen by their superior abilities and are difficult to obtain?

The age limit for service at home and abroad is already fifty in the case of ex-Regular warrant officers and non-commissioned officers above the rank of sergeant. For service at home only there is no age limit in the case of ex-non-commissioned officers of any branch of His Majesty's Forces. The only qualifications are medical fitness and suitability for the employment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many names of officers, out of the 15,000 British casualties mentioned in the Press Bureau's official communication of last Sunday, have been made known to relatives or next of kin, and how many of such names have been given out to the Press for publication?

The names of killed, wounded, missing, and sick officers have, after verification, in all cases been notified to the next of kin where known, and except in the case of sick officers have been given to the Press. The publication is purposely delayed for a short interval in order to ensure that the notification first reaches the next of kin. The names of officers reported sick are not published.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the particulars I ask for?

It is impossible to give those particulars at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what steps are being taken to notify the relatives of the soldiers?

All steps are being taken.

The right hon. Gentleman will remember that he mentioned clearly "officers."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how it is that wounded officers invalided home from the War frequently arrive at their homes in this country several days before their names appear in the printed casualty lists?

After reading the despatch from Sir John French, published in last night's "London Gazette," the hon. Member will realise that there have been difficulties in rendering complete casualty lists. I think the military authorities at the base have the right in deciding that it was not necessary to keep back wounded officers for whose transport opportunities offered until it had been ascertained whether their names had been included in a casualty list. The fact that wounded officers have returned has been reported as soon as possible to their next of kin.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the probabilities and surmises in connection with the military operations abroad, as set forth in the Official Press Bureau communications, is prepared and supervised by the highest military authorities, or is only the expression of the views of the Press Bureau gleaned from information received?

All opinions and facts given in communications from the Press Bureau are official.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the War Office can see their way to give out for publication the official despatches of General Sir John French regarding the progress of the War in his own words when such despatches can be published without detriment to the military operations, as used to be the case in former wars, so that the public can know that any expressions of opinion in such despatches are the direct opinion of an officer on whose opinion the country can rely, as it is difficult under the present system to distinguish between the opinions of General Sir John French and that of the writer of the official communications of the Press Bureau?

The first part of the question does not now arise.

I was going to say, a long official despatch received from Sir John French yesterday afternoon was published in last night's "London Gazette." There is no intention to depart from previous practice, and further despatches when received will be similarly published.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the very general misunderstanding of his reference to his position in relation to the Press Bureau and the statement in the "Globe" of last evening that he had taken over its administration, he will state precisely what, if any, change has been made in the position of the right hon. Member for the Walton Division in relation to it, and exactly what duties have been assumed by the Home Secretary?

As I stated yesterday, I have, at the request of the Cabinet, accepted responsibility for the work of the Press Bureau. The term "Ministerial responsibility" in its ordinary use is well understood, implying a general charge of the work of a Department, and I used the term in this sense. I am glad to say the right hon. Member for the Walton Division is retaining his position as director of the Bureau.

asked if there is any reason why, when possible, the port and probable time of arrival of wounded soldiers returning from the front cannot be notified to the Press, so that such soldiers can be given a respectful and suitable welcome by the neighbouring inhabitants, as by these means the realities of war could be brought home to the people and help recruiting?

I recognise the desirability of the objects the hon. Member has in view, but I think there would be difficulties in carrying out his suggestion in all cases, and that it is more seemly that the first news of the return of wounded officers and soldiers should be given, where possible, to their next-of-kin individually, as is the Army Council's practice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, in cases where Territorial units or units of Lord Kitchener's Army are in immediate demand of service boots, he will permit Territorial associations which have already been asked to purchase and provide uniforms and equipment for such units to obtain such boots, and undertake wherever possible their immediate supply?

The answer is in the affirmative. General instructions are about to be issued on this point.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will, as soon as the public interest will allow, publish a statement as to the composition of the Expeditionary Force?

Yes, Sir.

When does "Yes" mean?

As the hon. Member says, "as soon as the public interest will allow."

Is that a reason why the public should not know the regiments comprising it?

Well, Sir, I have given my answer.

asked whether the orders for hosiery for the War Office have been fairly distributed between the chief trade centres in this behalf in the Midlands?

Orders have been widely distributed and have not been confined to the Midlands, but in each case it is necessary to consider the quality of the goods, the deliveries which can be guaranteed, and the prices quoted. Subject to this, every endeavour is made to increase the sources of supply.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are some cities in the Midlands who have been overlooked in this distribution, and will he kindly look into the matter again?

I am afraid the hon. Gentleman has not considered my answer: "In each case it is necessary to consider the quality of the goods, the deliveries which can be guaranteed, and the prices quoted."

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in all these particulars there are some places which are absolutely on the top plane, and they have not received any orders?

The hon. Member's question must be definite.

I could mention Nottingham, Mr. Deputy-Speaker.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether return tickets are issued at a single fare for soldiers permitted to return home on short leave; whether, if so, such privilege tickets are issued at all railway booking offices or only on certain lines and on strict conditions; and whether he can state the terms of such tickets in a way to make these facilities known as widely and clearly as possible?

The privilege ticket system is already in operation throughout Great Britain. It is believed that in certain cases full advantage of the provisional arrangements may not have been obtained, but fresh instructions are being issued which will, it is hoped, remove any possible misunderstanding.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, on objecting to be vaccinated a Territorial belonging to the 24th County of London Regiment was recently court-martialled for disobeying a battalion order; and whether he will take steps to prevent pressure of this kind from being applied to deprive Territorial recruits of the exemption to what they are by law entitled?

I am not aware of the circumstances mentioned. On the other part of the question I have nothing to add to the answer given on the 26th August.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that typhoid is a disease due to insanitation and preventible by proper sanitary measures, that anti-typhoid inoculation produces illness which disables men for days, and would therefore weaken our forces, that many men object to being inoculated, whilst medical opinion is divided as to its value, he will refrain from enforcing it upon unwilling soldiers, thus leaving them fit for their duties in the field?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension—anti-typhoid inoculation, whilst encouraged on account of its undoubtedly immense value, is not compulsory in the British Army.