asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there are many Civil servants anxious and willing to enlist; and whether he will consider the possibility of modifying the present restrictions and temporarily filling the places of those who enlist with men over military age who have been thrown out of employment?

The Treasury can only, I think, act in this matter upon the recommendation of the heads of the various departments, who alone can judge whether any more of their officers can be spared without disorganising the work of their departments, having regard to the considerable drain upon their staffs which has already taken place, and to the fact that the duties discharged by those desiring to enlist is often highly technical, and could hardly be performed by temporary substitutes from the outside. The Treasury is, however, prepared to consider suitable cases brought forward by heads of departments, even when extra expense has to be incurred for substitutes, who should be chosen from men who are not of military age.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, if he is aware that the price of leather has been unnecessarily inflated; that merchants are making large profits; and that, as a result, the price of Army boots has largely increased; and if steps will be taken to save the nation from such exploitation or to tax those who are benefiting by it?

This question is engaging the close attention of the Government, but I am unable to make any definite statement at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether a proposal put forward by the National Federation of Merchant Tailors with regard to the supply of uniforms to members of the Territorial Force has been brought to his notice; whether he is aware that the proposal is that, in order to provide work for tailors at present unemployed, and also to accelerate the supply of uniforms, any member of the Territorial Force willing to pay part of the cost of uniform be allowed, during the present circumstances, to procure the same from his usual tailor, the Government contributing the ordinary contract price and the soldier the difference, and that, where men have already purchased their uniforms, such uniforms may be taken over by the authorities and paid for at contract price, after being passed by the officer inspecting, as has been done in the case of the 28th London (Artists' Corps); whether he is aware that local branch committees of the federation are being organised to take contracts for the supply of uniforms for entire battalions or units, thus reducing the cost; and whether, in view of the present distress in the private tailoring trade and of the fact that the Tailors' and Tailoresses' Trade Union has agreed to a reduction in the price of making service clothing, he will favourably consider the proposal?

I cannot find that this proposal has ever been made to, or considered by, the War Office. The clothing of recruits for the Territorial Force is the duty of the Territorial Force Association. While fully sympathising with my hon. Friend's purpose I would point out that the proposal to make the Territorial soldier pay part of the cost of his uniform would be open to serious criticism.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether conscientious objection to vaccination on the part of persons joining the proposed new Army Cyclist Corps will be respected, in order to avoid the hindrance to enlistment which would be caused by the enforcement of the operation?

Persons joining the New Army Cyclist Corps will be treated in the same manner as persons joining other branches of the Regular Army as far as vaccination is concerned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether, as it is proposed to suspend the usual contributions paid by parents of cadets at the Royal Military Academy in the case of those admitted as the result of the examination this month, he will extend this indulgence to cover the extra War examination held in September also, seeing that but for this extra September examination all candidates then admitted would, if it had not been held, have had to wait for the November examination and thereby would have had the advantage of the exemption referred to?

The question is under consideration.

asked (1) the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether, in the event of land being required by the military authorities for camps or otherwise, certain portions of the farm can be picked out and the rest left on the hands of the tenant; or whether the tenant can oblige the military authorities to take over the whole of his holding; and (2) what remedy there is for obtaining compensation in cases where portions of farms have been taken by the War Office as military camps; whether the amount is settled by a civil or military tribunal; and whether there is any appeal?

I understand the hon. Member to refer to action taken under the Defence of the Realm Acts. It rests with the military authorities concerned to determine what land is required, but the undesirability of putting out of cultivation more land than is essential from the military point of view would of course be borne in mind. Compensation is being granted in such cases, the amount of which is assessed by the War Office on competent expert civilian advice. The Acts referred to do not provide for any appeal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in various military camps leaflets issued by the Research Defence Society in favour of anti-typhoid inoculation are being distributed to the soldiers by their officers; whether this is done with the sanction and approval of the War Office; and, if so, whether he will give instructions that leaflets putting the other side of the case may also be distributed provided the same are supplied by other societies?

I am aware that this is being done, and the leaflet in question was approved at the War Office. As the hon. Member is aware, the Army Council consider anti-typhoid inoculation a valuable safeguard. If my hon. Friend will submit such leaflets as he suggests, the propriety of their distribution will be considered.

asked the Attorney-General what arrangements have been made in order that the same protection may be given to town tenants in Ireland as is afforded to town tenants in Great Britain under the provisions of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914; and whether he will immediately introduce the necessary legislation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to his question by the Chief Secretary for Ireland on the 16th instant.

asked the Postmaster-General if it can be arranged that the War news exhibited in post office windows on Sundays shall be expressed in larger handwriting so as to be more visible from a slight distance than is often the case?

All postmasters have from the outset had instructions for the Sunday morning messages to be written in a bold hand and exhibited where they can be easily read by the public. These instructions seem to have been carried out so as to give general satisfaction, for only one complaint (from Nottingham) has been made. The notices at that office are in large type, but they attract little public attention as a Sunday newspaper is published.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received complaints as to the non-delivery or delay of letters and parcels addressed to our troops in Egypt; whether they should be addressed in the ordinary way or through any special channel; and whether special attention can be given to distant stations in this matter?

Letters and parcels for British troops stationed in Egypt should be addressed in the same way as correspondence for the Expedionary Force, with particulars of the regiment, etc., the word Egypt being added at the end, instead of Belgium. Letters and parcels for members of the Indian Expeditionary Force stationed in Egypt should be addressed to the care of the India Office, London. The mail service from this country to Egypt is at present abnormal, the time of transit being from a week to ten days longer than usual, but I have no reason to suppose that the number of complaints on the subject of the non-delivery or delay of correspondence for British troops in Egypt is excessive.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will inquire into the action of the Essex and Maldon District Council, complaint being made that they have refused to supply water at a commercial rate for greenhouses and small-holding works, and have charged 3s. 6d. per 1,000 gallons instead of 1s. 6d., while they have supplied an institution in the district at the commercial rate of 1s. 6d. per 1,000 gallons; and will he take steps to secure the adhesion of the Essex and Maldon District Council to the general policy of water boards in agricultural districts, giving all the help they can to small growers, at this time of crisis, as regards the supply of water on a commercial basis?

I will make inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the case of widows of alien enemies who at the time of their marriage were British-born subjects and who desire to resume their British nationality; and whether he will advance their applications for renaturalisation, especially in cases where such persons have always been resident in the United Kingdom, and so save them the necessity for registering themselves as alien enemies and being subject to the restrictions imposed on those who are alien born and have not been naturalised?

The application for re-admission to British nationality of British-born widows of alien enemies are given the most favourable consideration. It is not possible while they remain aliens to save them from the necessity of registering themselves with the police, but, with the object of relieving them as soon as possible from the restrictions applicable to alien enemies, their cases are dealt with as expeditiously as the enormous pressure of work permits.

asked the Home Secretary whether special consideration will be given to the case of Armenians and Egyptians resident in England who technically are alien enemies and accordingly have had to register themselves?

There are certain obligations with which persons of the races named must comply on account of their nationality, but as far as the law allows of the exercise of discretion—for example, in the matter of permits for various purposes—the most favourable consideration will be shown to them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as stated by Messrs. Mocatta and Goldschmid in their circular of 14th August, the export of gold from this country was prohibited; and, if so, is it now prohibited?

No necessity to prohibit the exportation of gold from the United Kingdom has arisen since the outbreak of war, except in circumstances which render it contraband of war.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the case of the taxation of the whole of the income of comparatively poor people who, for reasons which may be excellent and unavoidable, reside outside the United Kingdom though still in the British Empire, inasmuch as a widow with an income of £150 per annum from investments in this country is mulct in the sum of £18 15s., or one-eighth of her income, none of which she would be called upon to pay if she resided in England, which is practically a case of fining for residing in the Colonies?

The restriction of Income Tax relief in respect of small incomes to the case of persons resident in the United Kingdom, who, unlike persons resident abroad, are also subject to the indirect taxation of the country, followed upon the recommendations of the Income Tax Committee presided over by the late Lord Ritchie, who issued their report in 1906. I do not see my way to extend the exceptions contained in the proviso to the restricting section, of the existence of which the hon. Member is no doubt aware.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British lace jobbers are buying in Switzerland lace made in Plauen, which can be obtained at a slightly lower price than a similar article manufactured in England; and, if so, whether the Government can and will arrange for the expert examination of lace passing through the Customs so as to ascertain whether it is of genuine neutral Swiss or of hostile German manufacture?

The importation of lace from Germany, directly or indirectly, is prohibited and imports of lace from Switzerland must be accompanied by certificates of origin issued by one of His Majesty's Consular officers, who is required to satisfy himself by means of invoices or other trustworthy documents that the goods have not been manufactured in enemy territory. I am not aware of the facts alleged in the first part of the question, but if the hon. Member will supply me with particulars I will have inquiry made, and will consider what further steps, if any, should be taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the results of the inquiry as to unemployment are available for publication; and, if so, how soon the issue may be expected?

A summary of the information obtained by the Board of Trade as to the present state of employment in the United Kingdom will be presented to Parliament in a few days.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the approximate amount of the bills representing purchases by firms in Germany and Austria from British firms, and which had been accepted and were payable by London financial houses; what were the names of the accepting firms and what is the date of the maturity of these bills; and what are the terms of the agreement between the Treasury and the Bank of England as to meeting the losses on these bills?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. The total amount of bills dealt with by the Bank of England under the announcements of the 12th August and 5th September up to the present has been approximately £120,000,000. It would not be in the public interest to give a list of the names of the individuals concerned, and I do not think that details as to the usance of each of the very large number of bills affected could be regarded as of sufficient importance to justify the labour involved in their compilation. The terms of the guarantee given by the Treasury to the Bank of England will be found in House of Commons Paper 457 of 1914 (Treasury Assistance to Banks and Discount Houses, etc.), and Command Paper 7684 (Government Assistance to Credit and Business).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps, if any, are being taken by the Government to prevent any firms which are unable to meet their acceptances from transferring their assets abroad?

In cases in which advances have been made by the Bank of England, the bank will make such inquiries from time to time respecting the operations of the parties to whom the advances have been made as are usual in regard to transactions of this character. In addition to these ordinary banking precautions, steps will be taken in any cases in which grounds for the apprehensions entertained by the hon. Member appear to exist for keeping the persons concerned under special observation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the separation allowances in the Army and Royal Naval Division, respectively; whether he is aware that, from the pay of a private soldier, the allotment is 3s. 6d. per wife and 7d. per child weekly, with a maximum of 5s. 3d., and that this is not compulsory when a man is serving at home provided the wife agrees to forego the allotment; whether he is aware that, from the pay of a seaman in the Royal Naval Division, a minimum allotment of 5s. weekly, irrespective of the size or circumstances of his family, must in every case be made, and that the men of the Royal Naval Division are infantry soldiers all rated as ordinary seamen; and, seeing that a large compulsory allotment to their families, together with the various deductions, leave most of the men serving without money, whether he can see his way to remedy this state of affairs?

The deduction from the pay of the private soldier is, I understand, less than stated, the 7d. per child having been added to the separation allowance provided by the State. As regards the Navy, we decided to make the payment of separation allowances to wives and children contingent upon the minimum allotment of 20s. a month. We do not propose to waive that condition, and so far as I am aware little or no difficulty has arisen in connection with it. In point of fact, allotments have rapidly increased since the announcement of the contingent separation allowance. On August 1st we paid out 73,400 allotments declared by the men on behalf of their wives and families; on September 1st, 105,700; on October 1st, 126,800; and on November 1st, 161,000. The average allotment being paid at the time of the introduction of the new separation allowance was about £2 2s. a month; 20s. was fixed in order to meet the case of the few married ordinary seamen, but, as the Noble Lord is aware, ordinary seamen are, as a rule, single young fellows between eighteen and nineteen. It is the fact that the men of the Royal Naval Division are entered as ordinary seamen, but under certain circumstances a field allowance of 6d. a day is payable, whereas the private soldier is not entitled to this allowance. I may inform the Noble Lord that field allowance has been payable while in camp at Walmer, and will be payable if and when the Division takes the field, and that the question of paying it when the men go into camp at Blandford is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if the grant of separation allowances and allotments which are to be paid to the widows and dependants of seamen, Marines, and soldiers for twenty-six weeks after notification of the death of the seaman, Marine, or soldier are to be retrospective and paid to the widows and dependants of those men who had already given their lives for their King and country before the separation allowance was granted?

That is a question which will no doubt come within the purview of the Select Committee now considering separation allowances and other matters. I should prefer to await their recommendations before giving a definite answer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the amount of separation allowance received by wives of Infantry privates on active service prior to 1st October; and how much of this amount was derived from soldiers' pay and Government grant, respectively, along with similar particulars in regard to wives with one, two, three, and four children, and, for purposes of comparison, the amended figures in each case under the new scale?

The following statement shows the amounts of separation allowance and allotments of pay received weekly by wives of Infantry privates on active service abroad prior to 1st October, 1914, as compared with amounts under new scale:—

Number in family.				Prior to 1st October, 1914.						Under New Scale.
				Allotment from Soldier's Pay.		Separation Allowance from Army Funds.		Total.		Allotment from Soldier's Pay.		Separation Allowance from Army Funds.		Total.
				s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
Wife only	…	…	…	3	6	7	7	11	1	3	6	9	0	12	6
Wife and one child			…	4	1	8	9	12	10	3	6	11	6	15	0
Wife and two children			…	4	8	9	11	14	7	3	6	14	0	17	6
Wife and three children			…	5	3	11	1	16	4	3	6	16	6	20	0
Wife and four children			…	5	3	12	3	17	6	3	6	18	6	22	0

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the number of offers of hospitality at the disposal of the War Refugees' Committee, the proper authorities would be prepared to give facilities for bringing over to this country a further number of the destitute Belgian refugees at present in Zeeland and Brabant, for whom adequate provision cannot, in view of their numbers, be made?

Arrangements are being made with this object.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the Deutsche Orient Bank of Cairo and Alexandria suspended payment in August; whether, when the bank was established seven years ago, it was understood to be subsidised by the German Government; what were the deposits; whether, before the declaration of war, the funds of the bank were removed to Berlin; and whether the mass of the depositors were native Egyptians?

I understood the Egyptian Government have appointed a controller over the Deutsche Orient Bank, but I have no official information on the subject. I will make inquiries and inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government proposes to legislate so as to enable British traders to buy out controlling German and Austrian interests in companies

As at present advised, I do not contemplate introducing legislation for this purpose.

asked the Under-Secretary for War (1) whether the National Reservists who have enlisted as soldiers in supernumerary companies attached to Home service units for the protection of vulnerable points, and whom it is proposed to amalgamate into a separate corps, will be allowed the alternative of continuing to serve with the units for which they were attested, or whether the War Office has abandoned the privilege, lately advertised, of allowing recruits to join units of their own choice; and (2) whether the National Reservists who have enlisted for service in supernumerary companies attached to Home service battalions of regiments in which many of the men served their original terms as soldiers are now to be amalgamated into separate corps; whether he is aware that the men resent being detached from corps for which they were attested; and whether, in view of the deterrent effect such a change is having on re-enlistment, he will consider the desirability of restoring to the supernumerary companies their original regimental names and identity?

There is no intention of amalgamating supernumerary companies of Territorial Force reserve battalions into a separate corps, or of detaching the Territorial soldiers recruited from the National Reserve from their own companies and posting them to other units.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Army Form B 218, detailing rates of pay, which has been distributed from house to house, provides that ex-noncommissioned officers who belong to the National Reserve and were registered in Class II. before the 2nd August are entitled to £5 if enlisting for Home defence only; whether he is aware that some of the county associations have refused to pay such gratuity on the ground that a particular card was not issued by the appropriate officer in respect of such registration; and whether he will have this matter adjusted?

Yes, Sir, except that the date is 11th August. Prior registration is a question of fact. I understand that is some cases the evidence is incomplete, and I am having inquiry made.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if anything has yet been done to amend Army Order No. 1d/1914, whereby district officers of the Royal Artillery and the Coast Battalion of the Royal Engineers were not to benefit from the increased pay to officers of the Army generally; and if anything in the way of outfit allowance or increase of retired pay may be granted to officers retained in the Service beyond the age at which they should, in the ordinary course, retire?

The emoluments of the officers are under consideration, but there is no intention to give outfit allowance to officers retained beyond the usual age. A lieutenant or captain of these branches might get an increase of retired pay by increased service beyond fifty-five; but anyone retiring as a major would already as such be in receipt of the maximum retired pay.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware of the help being given in about 500 recruiting camps by the Young Men's Christian Association, mainly in the way of useful forms of education, healthy recreation, and the opening of popular refreshment rooms in which good wholesome food is supplied at moderate prices; whether he is aware that in some camps the refreshment rooms are prohibited through the opposition of the canteen contractor, who claims a monopoly in the canteen supplies; and what action he proposes taking to remove this embargo?

The value of the work done by the Young Men's Christian Association in the camps is fully recognised. In so far as it includes the provision of refreshment rooms, it would necessarily cover, to some extent, the same ground as that covered by the canteen. Arrangements are made at the discretion of the commanding officer, but in any event the Young Men's Christian Association is not debarred from pursuing its ordinary activities.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he will state the number of officers of the Royal Munster Fusiliers who have been reported as killed, as wounded, or unwounded prisoners of War, or as missing, since the outbreak of hostilities; and whether any special effort has been made to ascertain the fate of the number who have been reported missing since the end of August and of whom nothing has since been heard?

The number is twenty-four. Of the nineteen originally reported missing, unofficial information considered reliable has within the last few days been received. This has been communicated to relatives.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that all the shares of the Continental Tyre Company are held in Germany with the exception of two, one of which is held by the manager in this country who is now fighting for the Germans; and whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a Receiver to collect and hold the money due to this company from firms in the United Kingdom?

I am aware that practically all the shares of the Continental Tyre and Rubber Company, Limited, are held in Germany. An inspector was appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Trading with the Enemy Act, and as soon as his report is received I will consider whether any further action by the Board of Trade is necessary.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will say what was the amount of the weekly remuneration paid to clerks in the recruiting office at Sunderland when the office was first opened; what is the present rate of weekly remuneration; whether additional payment is now paid for overtime; and whether any clerks formerly employed in the office at Sunderland applied unsuccessfully for some recognition of the many hours of overtime which they had worked?

The rate was at first 24s. a week, and then became 30s. to cover all overtime. There will be, in addition, a bonus from the money issuable as recruiting rewards. I am not aware that there were any individual applications of the nature mentioned in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will issue in the form of a White Paper the scales of allowances and pensions for dependants of soldiers and for disabled soldiers provided, respectively, by the Governments of the Dominion of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and other Colonies, which are sending contingents for service at the front?

Yes, Sir, as soon as the information is complete.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the exceptional circumstances of the present War and of the number of persons serving in the Navy and Army who have lost their lives in action, he will, in the case of such persons, either grant a complete remission of Estate Duties and Legacy and Succession Duties or grant a partial remission beyond that already announced?

The question of the relief to be given in the cases referred to by the hon. and learned Member was only recently considered by this House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the extra halfpenny on beer is to come out of the pocket of the consumer, and the object of the extra tax is to meet the expenses of the War, he will remit the tax on the beer that is sold in military canteens to the soldiers, so that they may not be in the position of contributing to their own pay out of their own pockets?

No remission of duty is allowed in respect of any dutiable article sold in military canteens, and I regret that I am unable to adopt the suggestion that an exception should be made in the case of beer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the number of manufacturing companies and private firms who are continuing to pay wages to employés who have joined the Colours and allotments to their dependants; and if the Government will insert a Clause in the Finance Bill authorising that such payments and allotments shall be deemed part of the wages expenditure, and not profits subject to Income Tax?

It is open to the Local Commissioners of Income Tax, in computing the liability of an employer to Income Tax, to allow as a deduction the actual sums expended by him in respect of weekly allowances to the wives and families of such of his employés as are absent on naval or military service or in respect of any salaries (partial or whole) paid by him to such employés, and, if they do so, the Board of Inland Revenue will instruct the surveyors of taxes not to raise objection.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in consequence of the increased rate of Income Tax, naval and military officers serving in the War will be actually receiving less pay for their duty than they would receive in times of peace; and, if not, whether he will look into the matter and inform the House what are the Government's intentions with regard to it, looking to the fact that these officers during war have to pay a higher rate for life insurance?

It is of course the case that naval and military officers, like all other taxpayers in receipt of a fixed income, suffer a diminution of income owing to the increase of tax. I would, however, point out to the Noble Lord that many officers have not had to pay a higher rate of life insurance owing to the War.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer at what rate Income Tax will be deducted by bankers on six-monthly dividends payable on the 1st of January next?

I would refer the hon. Member to Clause 11 (1) (c) of the Finance Bill now before the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can make an arrangement to enable the working men at places like Woolwich, which are enjoying exceptional prosperity through the War expenditure at the present time, to save a portion of their wages and invest them by weekly instalments in the Government Loan?

It is proposed to extend to the War Loan Stock the facilities for investment through the Savings Banks which now exist as regards other Government Stock.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the promise of relief from a portion of the Licensing Duties in the case of curtailment of hours of licensed premises owing to the War will extend to other losses sustained by the owners of licensed premises which are attributable to the War?

I fear that it is not possible to extend the Licence Duty concession in the manner indicated by the hon. Member.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is done in respect to men who are coming home from the front sick, are they discharged or retained and paid?

Men coming from the front are not discharged unless permanently unfit, but are retained, medically treated and paid, so that on complete recovery their services may again be available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether any contracts for catering for troops have been sub-let; if so, how many and at what profit to the original contractors; and what measures will be taken to prevent sub-letting in future?

I have no information with regard to any such sub-letting of contracts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the sale of whisky in canteens to the troops is in accordance with the regulations; if not, whether he is aware that one canteen contractor has sold large quantities to them; and what steps he proposes to take to enforce compliance with the regulations?

Nothing of the case referred to is known, and to enable inquiry to be made some more definite information is necessary.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the concessions recently made as to cable communications during war time apply in the case of messages to Argentina and Brazil; if not, why have they not been so applied; and whether arrangements can be made, in communication with the Foreign Office, for establishing in this behalf conditions similar to those existing in respect of other countries?

The recent concessions in regard to code language could not be applied in the case of telegrams to Argentina and Brazil as those countries do not at present admit the use of codes. My right hon. Friend is now in communication with the Foreign Office with a view to ascertaining whether the restriction can be removed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Croydon borough magistrates have recently passed a resolution that it was desirable to close public-houses and clubs in that borough at 9 p.m., and submitted it to the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, who refused to recommend earlier closing; that a similar resolution by the county justices met with a similar refusal; and whether, seeing that numbers of Marine forces and of soldiers stationed at the Crystal Palace, Mitcham Road barracks, and Caterham barracks are frequently in Croydon, and in view of the opinion of both benches, he will take steps to have their resolutions complied with?

The Commissioner of Police informs me that he has not received the resolution referred to by my hon. Friend. He has no information that any such resolution has, as a matter of fact, been passed by either the borough or the county justices at Croydon.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to introduce legislation giving power to deal with naturalised Germans whose actions, although falling short of such overt acts as now bring them within the law, may render their detention, in his opinion, or in that of the military or naval authorities, desirable in the public interest?

No, Sir. The provisions of the Defence of the Realm Acts and the Regulations made under them are directed against all persons—whether aliens, naturalised, or British-born—who may be guilty of espionage or whose action renders them open to suspicion. It would be undesirable to restrict the precautions to be taken to the comparatively small number of persons who have become British by naturalisation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will explain the arrangements under which the wife of a wounded soldier may obtain a railway pass to visit her husband?

When a soldier is reported dangerously wounded or seriously ill a special form is forwarded to the next-of-kin, with instructions as to the way in which to obtain a military railway warrant in order to visit the patient in the hospital. Provision is also made on this form for a refund of fares paid in cases in which there is not time to obtain the recognised warrant. The grant of free travelling applies to one relative, and is restricted to "grave" cases, and to cases in which the relative is not in a position to pay the cost of the journey.

asked the Solicitor General whether, in view of the prominence deservedly given to the deed of the London Scottish on the battlefield, he will arrange to obtain for the Press Bureau a similar report from the general commanding each of the other regiments with regard to the operations of that regiment since the beginning of the War, together with a weekly report from each regiment during the continuance of the War, subject of course to military contingencies; and whether he could arrange to have such reports collated and sub-edited by practical journalists and issued day by day by the Press Bureau to the newspapers?

The Press Bureau has no means of obtaining similar reports with regard to other regiments. It has no control over the collection of information, nor any power to make arrangements whereby it may be collected. Unless reports are furnished to the Press Bureau there is nothing which I can collate, sub-edit, or issue.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Lambeth Board of Guardians, at their meeting on 11th November, decided that in order that the Poor Law school children may have an opportunity of appreciating the position of national affairs, the usual practice of allowing each child an egg for breakfast on Christmas morning be suspended this year; and, if so, whether he will make representations to the Board advising the adoption of other and more desirable means of educating Poor Law school children in national affairs?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his inspectors approve dietary tables in Poor Law schools; if so, whether he is aware that the Lambeth Board of Guardians have decided to abolish the custom of allowing the children under their care an egg on Christmas morning in order to teach them patriotism; and whether he will take steps to see that the Lambeth Poor Law children are adequately fed on Christmas Day?

The Local Government Board's approval is not required to the giving of extra fare at Christmas time. It rests with the guardians to decide what additions may be made. I understand that the resolution referred to in the questions may be further considered by the guardians at their next meeting.

asked the Chief Secretary in what districts in Ireland the provisions of the Intoxicating Liquors (Temporary Restriction) Act, 1914, have been put into operation and the hours during which licensed premises have been closed in each case under the powers conferred by Section 1 of the Act?

I have forwarded to the hon. and learned Member a statement giving the desired information.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received a copy, or been informed, of a placard largely posted in county Tyrone and elsewhere in Ireland, and a leaflet of a similar nature circulated in Cork city and county, calling on the Irish nation to remember that she has no quarrel with Germany, whom England has ringed about with enemies, and to only offer to defend Ireland for themselves, and to refuse to be slaves and defend it merely for the English foreign nation, and to further prevent the youths of Ireland going forth to be made targets of and put in the front of battle; and, if so, whether he intends to endeavour to discover at whose instigation and at whose expense placard and leaflet were circulated?

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

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the proceedings at the inaugural meeting of the medical society at the National University of Ireland on the 12th instant; whether he is aware that, owing to the cheering for the military forces and the ruler of the German Empire and the hooting of the Secretary of State for War, the President of the Royal College of Surgeons and other gentlemen were compelled to withdraw from the hall; and whether, in view of the discouragement to recruiting and encouragement to the enemies of this country that is afforded by these constant exhibitions of anti-British feeling, he has decided to take vigorous action to deal with those who indulge in the same, whether in the Press or on the platform?

The meeting referred to was a meeting of the medical society, not of the National University, but of University College, Dublin. In my opinion the disturbance at the meeting was caused by a misunderstanding, and to talk of cheering and booing is to exaggerate the occurrence. Whatever disturbance there was proceeded from a small portion of the audience. With regard to the latter part of the question this problem is actively engaging the attention of the Irish Government.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has any official information showing that the mines laid off the Irish coast had been distributed by German officers in disguise from Irish fishing boats?

The official information I have is against this assumption.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he can state how many recruiting stations have been established in each county in Ireland in connection with the Irish Brigade?

The following statement shows the number of recruiting, offices (including agencies) in Ireland, by counties:—

Donegal	13	Waterford	5
Londonderry	7	Wexford	4
Tyrone	9	Galway	9
>Fermanagh	1	Mayo	5
Antrim	7	Sligo	1
Down	2	Leitrim	—
Armagh	5	Roscommon	1
Monaghan	—	King's	2
Cavan	1	Queen's	4
Louth	1	Longford	1
Dublin	2	West Meath	2
Wicklow	1	Meath	1
Kildare	1	Kerry	5
Carlow	2	Clare	1
Tipperary	10	Limerick	1
Kilkenny	1	Cork	15
Total		120.

In Ulster, the Ulster Volunteer Force have offices and agencies for recruiting for the Ulster Division. These are worked independently, and are not included in this return. Railway vouchers to enable prospective recruits to reach the nearest recruiting office are issued at all Royal Irish Constabulary stations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the quantity of potato spirit annually imported into this country, the monetary value of the same, and the commercial uses to which it is put; and whether there is any prohibition of potato spirit being manufactured in this country or in Ireland?

Potato spirits are not separately distinguished in the official records of spirits imported, and it is therefore impossible to state the quantity and value of the imports, and I have no information as to the commercial uses to which such spirits are put. There is no prohibition of the nature described in the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that it was the practice for many years to have a Protestant sergeant of the Royal Irish Constabulary in charge of the Church Street barracks in Newry, and that at present none of the seven sergeants stationed in the town is a Protestant, he will endeavour to arrange for the appointment of at least one Protestant officer?

I am informed by the Inspector-General that it has not been the practice to station a Protestant sergeant of the Royal Irish Constabulary at Church street barracks, Newry. Roman Catholic sergeants have frequently been in charge there for years and have given satisfaction. A Protestant sergeant was in charge at that station last year but was transferred at his own request, and there was no Protestant sergeant in the county available to replace him.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the inspectors of Irish national schools are still obliged in their reports on schools and on the work of teachers therein to adopt what is known as merit marks, under the terms excellent, very good, good, fair, middling, bad, notwithstanding the condemnation of this system by all practical educationists; and, if so, whether he will make a representation on the subject to the Commissioners of National Education to have this system abolished?

The Commissioners of National Education have this and other matters connected with inspection of national schools in Ireland under consideration at present.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the estate of Phibbs Irwin, in lunacy, situate at Parke and Cashel, county Mayo, has yet been completed, or when the Board hope to acquire the property?

The estate referred to has been inspected, and the Congested Districts Board hope to issue an offer for its purchase at an early date.

asked the Chief Secretary whether Mr. John Durcan has yet lodged with the Congested Districts Board maps and papers relating to his estate in Cloonagleragh, county Mayo, with an offer to sell the estate to the Board?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have been in communication with Mrs. Quinn with reference to the sale of her estate in Ringaraun, Errew, Castlebar, county Mayo; and, if so, with what result?

The Congested Districts Board have not been in communication with Mrs. Coffey (formerly Mrs. Quinn) regarding a sale of the lands referred to. The Board can take no action in the matter until a decision is arrived at regarding the Pratt estate, on which, it is understood, Mrs. Coffey is the owner of a leasehold interest.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have been in communication with Mrs. Pratt as to the sale of her property in Ringaraun, Errew, Castlebar, county Mayo; and, if so, with what result?

The Congested Districts Board have been in communication with Mrs. Pratt's solicitors regarding this estate, and they have been informed that it is proposed to lodge the maps and other documents necessary for the sale.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he can publish the Report of the Thursby Committee, especially as regards the ship stewards; and if there is any prospect of promotion in this class?

It is regretted that it has been found necessary to defer final consideration of the Report of the Committee until the War is over. I can give no undertaking in regard to the second part of the question, but I would remind the hon. Member that the warrant rank of head steward was instituted in 1910 and that ten of these officers are now serving; further, that the ships' steward class shared in the advances of pay given to the Royal Navy in 1912.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether he will state what are the duties per ounce imposed on the import of silver bullion into India by the Indian Government, and what was the date when these duties were imposed; and what were, approximately, the proportions of the import of silver and gold into India, excluding the silver purchases of the Government of India, for four years before and four years after the imposition of the Silver Duties?

The present Import Duty on silver of 4d. an ounce, in place of the 5 per cent. ad valorem duty, was imposed in February, 1910. The imports of silver and gold into India on private account have been as follows in the years preceding and following the imposition of the duty at this rate:—

Imports, Exports, and Net Imports of Silver and Gold on Private Account, 1906–7 to 1913–14 (years ending end of February).
Silver.
—	Imports.	Exports.	Net Imports.
	ozs.	ozs.	ozs.
1906–7	41,292,210	7,738,147	33,554,063
1907–8	56,392,905	8,131,818	48,261,087
1908–9	87,959,511	11,721,361	76,238,150
1909–10	73,764,084	13,430,408	60,333,676
Total	259,408,710	41,021,734	218,386,976
1910–11	69,129,111	15,027,153	54,101,958
1911–12	73,132,042	36,408,996	36,723,046
1912–13	48,416,718	17,958,515	30,458,203
1913–14	41,972,200	8,711,584	33,260,616
Total	232,650,071	78,106,248	154,543,823
Gold.
	ozs.	ozs.	ozs.
1906–7	2,979,696	827,584	2,152,112
1907–8	3,333,113	595,352	2,737,761
1908–9	1,476,588	634,981	841,607
1909–10	3,649,630	603,352	3,046,278
Total	11,439,027	2,661,269	8,777,758
1910–11	4,363,938	682,198	3,681,740
1911–12	6,628,746	645,592	5,983,154
1912–13	7,298,574	642,789	6,655,785
1913–14	4,617,532	826,535	3,790,997
Total	22,908,790	2,797,114	20,111,676

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether any date has been fixed for a statement about Indian affairs?

It will be necessary to ask the House to agree to a further Resolution, which I hope to move this week, regarding expenditure on the employment of Indian Forces in the War, and the Motion will give an opportunity of discussing such questions as can be profitably raised at this juncture.

asked whether the National Debt Commissioners have made any advances, and, if so, for how much, to the Welsh Church Commissioners for the purpose of putting the Welsh Church Act into operation?

The answer is in the negative.

asked whether any person appointed to a benefice in Wales since 17th September, 1914, has an existing interest in the emoluments of the benefice within the meaning of the Welsh Church Act?

I do not think I can undertake to give an opinion on a legal question which can only be decided by a Court of Law.

asked whether a lay patron of a benefice in Wales must, in order to receive compensation for the loss of such patronage, make application to the Welsh Church Commissioners before 17th March, 1915?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to Section 16 of the principal Act.

asked whether any person appointed to a benefice in Wales since 17th September, 1914, is exempt under the Welsh Church Act from the payment of first fruits and tenths?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to Section 20 of the principal Act.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the Governors of Queen Anne's Bounty have been required under the Welsh Church Act to ascertain immediately and declare what property vested in them is Welsh ecclesiastical property?

The Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the Governors of Queen Anne's Bounty are required, under Section 5 of the Welsh Church Act, to declare, as soon as may be after the passing of the Act, and before the date of disestablishment, what property vested in them is Welsh ecclesiastical property.

asked the Home Secretary what steps, if any, which would now be in process of being taken under the Welsh Church Act if the Suspensory Act had not been passed, are not now in process of being taken?

Under the Suspensory Act the date of Disestablishment is postponed, but not the preliminary steps which, under the Welsh Church Act, must be taken prior to the date of Disestablishment. An Amendment to postpone the whole operation of the Act was rejected in this House. The steps which are now being taken are preliminary only, and are not, therefore, affected by the Suspensory Act.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state what provision, if any, of the Welsh Church Act, is not at this moment in operation which would have been in operation if the Suspensory Act had not been passed?

As the Acts are now law, I am afraid I cannot undertake to answer questions as to their interpretation, which I have no authority to decide. I can only refer the hon. Member to the Acts themselves.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Welsh Church Commissioners have engaged offices; whether they have appointed any officials or clerical staff; and whether they have commenced to take steps to determine which of the border parishes shall be treated as wholly within Wales?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Home Secretary whether any of the Welsh Church Commissioners are now in receipt of a salary; whether they are incurring any expenditure towards putting the Welsh Church Act into operation; and whether such expenditure will fall to be met finally out of moneys to be alienated from the Church as from the date of disestablishment?

The answer to all three parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that, at an inquest held on the body of the two-months-old child of William Henry North, of Miles Lane, Mitcham, it appeared that the deceased became ill soon after vaccination, although it was a perfectly healthy and fine child up to the time of that operation, and that the father on oath expressed himself thoroughly sure that death was due to the vaccination; whether he is aware that the infant was vaccinated by a public vaccinator with official calf-lymph supplied by the Local Government Board; and is a similar strain of lymph to that from which this child was vaccinated still being used on the civil and military population?

I have made inquiry of the Croydon guardians regarding this case. I learn that seven other vaccinations were performed by the same public vaccinator with the same lymph without any untoward results. I am having further inquiry made and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Central Mining and Investment Corporation, Limited, registered in this country on 9th May, 1905, has acquired certain mining claims known as the Lark Syndicate, the possession of which has been the subject of litigation in the South African Courts, and that the result of that litigation has been to throw doubt upon the legality of the Central Company's ownership in the property; and if, as the company is registered in Great Britain, he will take steps to ascertain whether the facts are such as to justify some action being taken against those responsible for the direction of the Central Company?

The only information in the possession of the Board of Trade with regard to the subject referred to by the hon. Member is contained in letters which they received last June from a gentleman who considers that he is entitled to possession of certain mining claims in South Africa. Any dispute on this subject can only be determined by the Courts, and the Board of Trade cannot intervene in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will inquire into the case of Mr. H. C. Willson, who, on 10th August, 1914, made a claim, case No. 4,097, to unemployment benefit, in which he claims that twenty-five weeks' addition of contributions in an insured trade allowed him on 2nd November, 1912, have not been placed to his credit; that, having worked thirty-eight weeks, for which stamps have been duly affixed to his book, he was entitled to the forty-three days' unemployment pay which he has drawn and a further thirty days' benefit for the twenty-five additional weeks allowed; and that he has signed for ten days' unemployment after the admitted forty-three days had expired; and will he cause the necessary steps to be taken to satisfy Willson's claim in view of the above facts?

The question at issue in this case is whether the previous employment on which the workman based his claim to additional contributions was really employment in an insured trade. These contributions were in the first instance allowed by the Board of Trade, but on further inquiry they were subsequently disallowed in September, 1913, due notice being given to the workman. I will, however, have the matter again investigated with a view to determining whether it is possible to admit any part of the workman's claim.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the possibility of arranging for the Courts of Referees, Metropolitan district, National Insurance Act, 1911, Part II., to hold their sittings at such hours that persons affected by their decisions, and in employment, may have an opportunity of attending?

The sittings of the Court of Referees for the Metropolitan district and of the majority of the Courts throughout the country commence at 3 p.m. or earlier, and I am afraid that it would not be practicable to arrange for the sittings to commence at a much later hour, having regard to the general convenience. I may point out that if the workman concerned is in employment and is requested to attend a sitting, an allowance is made for loss of time.

also asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that members of insured trades under Part II., National Insurance Act, 1911, complain that no receipt is given for the value of stamps on the contribution books when they are handed in at the half-year; and will he consider the advisability of issuing some simple form of receipt?

It is not practicable to issue such a receipt at the time when the unemployment books are handed in for exchange, but any workman who so desires can obtain a statement of the number of contributions paid and also of the benefit received during the year by making application on a form of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member. This procedure would appear to meet the requirements of the case, and I am not aware that any considerable number of complaints on the subject have been made by insured workmen. I should mention that the unemployment books are exchanged once a year only and not at half-yearly intervals as suggested in the question.

asked whether it is the intention of the Egyptian Government to enforce a reduction in the number of acres on which cotton is grown; if so, what is the proportion of such reduction of acreage; and what is the estimate of the proportion per cent. of the total crops which it is estimated would have been grown under normal conditions?

A Decree of 22nd September prohibited the cultivation of cotton during the year 1915 in "basin areas"—that is, in areas which are only watered in flood time—and restricted the total area under cotton to 1,000,000 feddans. Owing to the depreciation of the quantity of the 1914 crop by the ravages of the boll worms, this was modified by a Decree of 30th October, which, under the best conditions of the market in the interval, would admit of the cultivation of about 1,350,000 feddans of cotton next season. In 1914 the total area of cultivated land in Egypt was about 5,023,000 feddans, of which 1,755,000, or about 35 per cent., were planted with cotton. In 1915 the total area of cultivated land in Egypt will probably be 5,300,000 feddans, owing to the satisfactory Nile flood. Assuming, therefore, that the cotton area will be 1,350,000 feddans, the proportion will be 25½ per cent. of the total area, including the basins, and nearly 77 per cent. of the area under cotton in 1914. In the areas where cotton is prohibited the cultivation of cereals and beans is being recommended by the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture, and is being largely adopted.