asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he is aware of the diversity in the promotion of the Dartmouth naval cadets to the rank of midshipmen, and that, for instance, some first-term boys, who could not possibly know anything of officers' duties, were promoted midshipmen, dating from the 2nd August; and that some fourth and fifth-term boys were appointed, dating from the 22nd September, after the cruiser disasters, thus ranking for all time in the Navy as juniors to the first-term boys previously promoted; and whether he will inquire into the whole question of seniority in future years which has arisen from his action in regard to the Dartmouth cadets?

I am aware of the diversity in promotion mentioned by the hon. Member. It is, however, not a fact that cadets of any term can be passed over in their future career by cadets of a lower term on account of the seniority given them as midshipmen. A circular will shortly be issued to the Fleet containing regulations which will allay the anxiety as to the future of these young officers apparently existing.

asked whether His Majesty's Government are at present under contract with a company, of which 99 per cent. of the shares are held by a German company, for the supply of petroleum products to the Navy; and whether His Majesty's Government will discontinue employing this or any similar company during the War?

It has been ascertained that the actual share capital of the company which the hon. Member apparently has in mind is owned to the extent of one-half by subjects of our Allies in the field, namely, Belgium, France and Russia; the other half is owned mainly by German shareholders. Some portion is understood to be in Roumanian hands. There are now no German directors. The employés of the company are exclusively British. The company possesses certain facilities for distribution of petroleum products, and the contracts which the Admiralty have entered into with the company are by virtue of its agreements and relations with a number of producing companies as their accredited distributing or sales agents for various petroleum products. Steps have been taken in this and other similar cases to ensure that the requirements of the Trading with the Enemy Act are fully met. The Admiralty do not therefore propose to take such steps as are suggested in the second part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the London County Council have terminated their contracts with this company?

I was not aware of that; I will take note of it. All these cases have passed through a very narrow sieve.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the members of the Naval Brigade now interned in Holland lost the whole of their kits at Antwerp; whether he is aware that these men allotted most of their pay to those dependent upon them, and are therefore unable to provide themselves with comforts; whether money orders can be sent through the post offices to prisoners of the Naval Brigade; and, if so, can the Admiralty send the interned men their pay?

All the kits lost by the Naval Brigade in Antwerp are being replaced by the Government and supplies of warm clothing similar to those issued to the Fleet in Home waters are being sent to Holland. It is the case that a considerable number of the brigade had allotted their pay, but letters and parcels are being sent to them free of postage charges, and my information is that officers and men are being treated with great consideration and humanity by the Netherlands Government. The question whether they may receive any part of their pay in excess of the payments that are being made by the Netherlands Government is under consideration, but pending a settlement all allotments declared are being paid, separation allowances are being issued, and those interned are being credited with the full pay of their rank or rating.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is consider able anxiety among the dependants of officers and men of the Naval Brigade, more particularly with regard to casualties, and that that anxiety has been considerably increased since the statement of the First Lord? Can he inform the House of the large number of missing, of whom no account has been given? Can he give—

The Noble Lord ought to give notice of that.

asked why the Admiralty advised the War Risk Insurance Office to insure stocks belonging to canteen contractors against losses incurred through damage to and sinking of His Majesty's ships in war and still decline to recommend the same course being extended to the naval wine merchants' stocks, which, in accordance with a well-established usage, are kept on board ship?

The canteens are worked under contracts arranged and supervised by the Admiralty as part of the regular messing system of the Fleet. It was necessary to provide a method of guaranteeing the canteen contractors against war risk in order to secure the maintenance of the canteens under war conditions. The supply of wine to officers' messes is not controlled by the Admiralty, officers being free to make their own arrangements for purchase and supply.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Admiralty, while employing a considerable number of Peterhead steam drifters for patrol purposes in the North Sea, is not similarly employing any Fraserburgh steam drifters, notwithstanding the fact that the whole of the Fraserburgh fishing fleet is at present laid up on account, of the War; and whether he will now take steps to provide for the employment by the Admiralty of a proportion of Fraserburgh steam drifters in order to more equitably distribute, as between different ports, moneys expended by the Admiralty for such service?

The suggestion of my hon. Friend will be borne in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman now give me an answer to the letter which I wrote to him on the 20th October on this very urgent matter?

If my hon. Friend has not had a reply in writing, he will have one.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in or about the autumn of 1912, or at any other time, Mr. Armgaard Karl Graves was entrusted by the Foreign Office with a mission to a foreign country?

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member for Gravesend on 16th June, 1913. Neither the Foreign Office nor my right hon. Friend had anything to do with Mr. Armgaard Karl Graves before that answer was given, nor have we had anything to do with him since that answer was given.

Then it is quite untrue to say that he ever had any commission entrusted to him, directly or indirectly, by the Foreign Office?

That, I understand, is the grammatical sense of the answer which I have given.

May we also take it for granted that no interview was ever held between the Foreign Office and this gentleman after his discharge from prison?

I cannot put any other interpretation upon the words which I have read.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can state present whereabouts of Armgaard Karl Graves, who was convicted of espionage at Edinburgh in 1912, and was released before completing the full sentence then passed upon him?

The answer is in the negative.

Is there any information of the recent whereabouts of this gentleman up to, say, two years ago?

I am afraid I do not know anything about it.

asked the Solicitor-General, whether he has taken into consideration a book, entitled "Secrets of the German War Office," purporting to be written by an ex-convict named Graves; whether he is aware that the book contains accusations of bad faith against three Cabinet Ministers; and whether, in view of the prominence given to these charges against Ministers, he intends to permit further circulation of these libels?

I have looked at the book mentioned, although I have never considered it. I am unaware of the charges referred to, or that any prominence has ever been given to them.

In view of the fact that this book has imposed upon a great number of the loyal and dutiful subjects of His Majesty will the Solicitor-General read the book through carefully?

That is a very good reason why I should not do so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is responsible for the difference of the editions of the book published in England as compared with the version published in America?

I cannot conceive why hon. Members should think that I am an encyclopædia of knowledge. I have no knowledge whatever of the publication.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action, if any, has been taken by the Government of Egypt to make provision for the natives thrown out of work through the Government dismissing employés, stopping works of public utility in progress at the beginning of the European War, and postponing new undertakings; whether anything is being done to provide work for the saïdis, 7,000 of whom are reported to have been returned from Alexandria to their native villages; and whether the Egyptian Government intends, by setting up a commission or otherwise, to find a remedy for the destitution now prevailing?

I have no detailed information as to the steps which the Egyptian Government have taken to meet distress and loss of employment consequent upon the War, but I am aware that they fully realise the situation, and I am confident that they are doing all in their power to deal with it efficiently, and, as a matter of fact, with regard to taxation and finance, steps have been taken, in consultation with His Majesty's Government, to relieve the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that with regard to the proposed exchange with Germany of civilian citizens over military age, many of whom are invalids at health resorts, reports have been spread in Germany that the difficulty has arisen from the failure of the British Government to welcome reciprocity in the matter; whether any unwillingness on that score exists; if not, whether a clear expression will be given of a desire to come to terms for mutual advantage; and whether the matter will be expedited as much as possible either by direct action or by employing the friendly offices of representatives of neutral Powers?

I am aware that reports of the nature indicated have been spread in Germany, but there is absolutely no foundation for them. As long ago as 17th September His Majesty's Government undertook to release German subjects not of the age for military service—i.e., under seventeen and over fifty-five years of age—provided that the German Government would reciprocate, and an agreement was reached forthwith. Further, on 8th October, His Majesty's Government proposed to the German Government that an agreement for the mutual exchange of the medically unfit should be concluded. They have recently caused the German Government to be reminded of this proposal, and stated that they will act in accordance with it as soon as assurances are received from the German Government that they will adopt a similar course. Hitherto this and other similar offers have been refused by the German Government. With regard to the last part of the question, direct communication between His Majesty's Government and the German Government is not possible and the negotiations have throughout been conducted through the medium of the United States representatives, who have spared no pains in their efforts to arrange a satisfactory settlement.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made it clear to the representatives of friendly Powers that the detention of these citizens is unimportant from a military or diplomatic point of view, and is simply a case of cruelty?

I understand the Secretary for Foreign Affairs will be here tomorrow, and will be glad to give any further information; I would suggest that any further inquiries should be addressed to him.

asked what correspondence has taken place between the British and Russian Governments in reference to the exportation to that country of British ales and stout, and the effect on the trade of Russian prohibition; and, if so, what is the nature of the British communications?

No correspondence of the nature indicated by the hon. Member has passed between the British and Russian Governments.

Then do I understand that the statement made in the Press was entirely false; it said that such correspondence had taken place between the two Governments?

I have not seen the statement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the corporation of Yarmouth has declined to receive a deputation of Fraserburgh fish curers who desired to lay before the corporation a request for the remission or reduction of the rents chargeable in respect of certain pickling plots rented by them from the corporation, which, owing to the War and the consequent suspension of fishing operations, cannot be utilised by the fish curers, many of whom are now in very straitened circumstances; and whether he can use any influence with the corporation to induce it to consider the application referred to?

I have no direct information on the subject, but I understand that the facts are generally as stated by my hon. Friend. It is not possible, however, for the Board to intervene in the matter.

asked the Solicitor-General whether Mr. George Bernard Shaw's pamphlet, called "Common Sense about the War," has passed the Censor; and, if so, can he say why the Censor allowed it to be published in its present form?

I have never seen the document referred to; it was not submitted for censorship.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the statements in the pamphlet are not only very false, but are very injurious to this country; and are we really to understand that any conceited person of the Bernard Shaw type is at liberty to publish anything he likes, however detrimental to the country, although in the case of the "Globe" newspaper—

The hon. Member forgets that this is Question time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can undertake that in the allotment of the War Loan all applications from individual investors for small amounts shall be allotted as far as possible in full?

I am not yet in a position to give any undertaking as to the basis of allotment; but I will bear in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is in a position to tell us what amount has been reached?

I hope to be able to make a statement about that to-morrow.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the effect of the new Beer Tax upon the custom which obtains in Scotland of selling beer by the schooner, three of which make a quart, and of the fact that the size of bottle commonly used in Scotland comes between an imperial pint and an imperial half-pint, in view of the difficulty there would be in passing on the tax to the consumer?

The facts mentioned in the question have been brought to my notice. It would be impossible to adopt a figure for duty which would be capable of accurate adjustment to all varieties of local practice as regards the sale of beer either in open vessels or in bottles.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell a waiting public what is to be the tax upon a schooner?

asked whether any provision has been or will be made for reducing the amount of the assessment this year for Income Tax on those who have left their business in order to serve in the Army or Navy, and whose business profits under management are likely to be much less than otherwise would have been the case?

I would refer the hon. Member to Clause 12 of the Finance Bill as amended in Committee.

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

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on Monday last in answer to a question in identical terms by the hon. Member for the Hertford Division. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of my reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any definite information has been received of the action which took place on 3rd November in East Africa; and if it is known whether the Germans took any prisoners on that occasion?

Information relating to the action on the 3rd instant in East Africa has reached the War Office. The question of its publication is under consideration. I am unable to say whether the Germans took any prisoners on the occasion, but three rank and file were reported missing and, as far as I know, have not since rejoined.

Are we to understand that that consideration is in the hands of the Press Bureau?

No, Sir.

asked when the regulations were made entitling men joining the Territorial Forces to draw money for boots at once; and if men already in the Yeomanry or joining on mobilisation were wrongly informed when they were given to understand that they could not draw boots for six months?

Instructions regarding the payment of 10s. to Territorial Force soldiers producing a full kit of necessaries (including a pair of serviceable boots) were promulgated generally by Army Order 71 of March, 1914, and are contained in paragraph 615 B Territorial Force Regulations. I have no knowledge that any Yeoman have been informed that boots would not be issued for six months. They should not have been so informed, as during the period of mobilisation boots are issuable free by commanding officers as the men require them.

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 subedited by practical journalists and issued day by day by the Press Bureau to the newspapers?

I think the hon. Gentleman will find the answer to that question printed in Monday's OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what the answer is? As the question has been on the Paper for several days, is the House not entitled to an answer?

This question was down two days ago, and I forwarded a copy to the hon. Gentleman who asked the question. I thought that was a sufficient answer, particularly as I have seen in in the report of yesterday's proceedings.

As the question was on the Paper and postponed by the hon. Member, how did the hon. and learned Gentleman send it to the Official Reporters?

It was not postponed; it was not reached. [HON. MEMBERS: "It was. You were not there!"]

There was some misunderstanding. This question was postponed.

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman give us the answer now?

It is in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the arrival in this country of German spies accompanying and passing themselves off a Belgian refugees; whether any such Germans are known to have obtained admission to Belgian refugee homes; and whether instructions have been issued to the police to take precautions in view of such a possibility, especially in the case of refugee homes situated in the immediate vicinity of military camps?

The Government are fully alive to the possibility indicated in the first sentence of the question, and have from the first taken steps through the police and otherwise to guard against it. It would militate against the success of those steps to state details in public.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the approach of the Christmas shopping season and the detrimental effect of the present lighting arrangements on the business of London tradesmen, he will confer with the Admiralty as to the possibility of further relaxing the regulations as to the lighting of shops until a later hour than 6 p.m., say, until 7.30 or 8 p.m., with such requirements as regards outside, shop blinds or otherwise as the Admiralty may consider necessary?

I have consulted the Admiralty, and I am advised that no further relaxation in the lighting regulations would be advisable at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the case of the widow of an Army Reservist belonging to the Stoke-on-Trent police force, whose husband died from wounds received in action with the Colours, and whose child was born after the father's death; have the police authorities any power to make provision for the child in cases of this kind; is he aware that the chief constable reported that the pension regulations make no mention of an allowance for a posthumous child; is he advised that, if such an allowance is not specifically included, it is excluded; and, if so, will steps be taken to remedy this hardship?

I am making inquiry in the case and will let the hon. Member know the result, but as at present advised I see no reason to think that posthumous children are excluded from the benefits allowed to children of deceased police officers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether special constables appointed by the justices under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1882, s. 196, are liable to be called out by the military or civil authorities for duties other than those specified in that Act to maintain the peace of the borough; if so, will he state under what Statute such power is conferred?

My opinion on a question of law is not of binding authority, but I am advised that a special constable, appointed under the enactment in question, cannot be called on to act except in pursuance of a warrant issued by a Justice in accordance with the Statute.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether any men of Army age and standard have been taken on by the Metropolitan Police since the commencement of the War; and, if so, will he take steps to enlist only older men for the police, or keep the vacant places for time-expired soldiers, and arrange for those already enlisted to join the Army if they wish?

Owing to the withdrawal of reservists and enlistments, the Force is very considerably under authorised strength, whilst its duties and responsibilities have been greatly increased. Recruitment is being made on a scale only just sufficient to replace ordinary wastage. The Commissioner of Police does not think it practicable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion: but a large number of police pensioners have been recalled for temporary service, and will retire again at the end of the War.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many naturalised Germans have been interned since the War began, because their actions have rendered them open to suspicion without being guilty of actual espionage; and whether he will consider the advisability of obtaining further powers to enable him to deal with naturalised persons whose actions are suspicious without being actually illegal?

British subjects, whether naturalised or natural-born, of German origin are not liable to be interned. Internment is a military measure which is applicable only to alien enemies. The very wide powers which are given by the Defence of the Realm Acts, which will be further extended by the Bill now before the House, apply to all persons whose actions are suspicious.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state why the unnaturalised German chauffeurs of the Lord Chief Justice and of the Secretary of State for the Colonies were given naturalisation certificates just after the War broke out, and why the chauffeur of the Lord Chief Justice has since been allowed to leave the country; and could he say whether these naturalisation certificates were granted, as in the case of Baron Bruno Schroder, because it was in the public advantage that they should be?

The general principle upon which I have proceeded since the War began in granting certificates of naturalisation to the small number of Germans and Austrians who have received them is that there should be clear grounds of advantages to the State or special circumstances which would justify the grant. In the cases referred to in the questions, I was quite satisfied that they came within the general principle which I have just stated. For the information of the House I would like to state that extreme care has been exercised in the examination of the circumstances of every case. Out of about 10,000 applications, less than 100 certificates have been given, and these figures include readmission of British widows formerly married to enemy subjects and persons whose nationality was doubtful and who had always believed themselves to be British both in blood and nationality.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the first person alluded to in the question has openly, since the outbreak of the War, been expressing his sympathy with the cause of Germany and hostility to the cause of this country?

To which particular person does the Noble Lord refer?

To the chauffeur of the Lord Chief Justice.

No, Sir; I am not aware of anything of the sort.

Is it a fact that the chauffeur has left the country?

He has left temporarily. I cannot answer any further on the subject.

Why was he allowed to leave?

Because he was entitled to.

Where is he gone?

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state how many men of military age have emigrated from the United Kingdom since the beginning of August?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The number of male British subjects over nineteen and under thirty-nine years of age shown by the lists of passengers to countries out of Europe as intending to transfer their permanent residence from the United Kingdom to another country was, during the months of August, September, and October this year, about 13,000. As the lists have been found to include as persons previously resident in this country a not inconsiderable number more properly descrbed as visitors to this country, this total is probably well in excess of the actual number of male emigrants within the limits of age specified.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a petition on behalf of the Peterhead Fish Trade Association, the Fraserburgh Fish Curers' Association, and the Wick Fish Trades' Association representing the stagnation of business, and consequent distress, caused by the cessation of export trade in cured herrings due to the War, the accumulation of stocks at ports on the East Coast of Scotland and in the adjacent islands to the value of half a million sterling, and praying that, in order to afford relief to the population engaged in the fishing and allied industries, the Government should purchase cured herrings to be utilised for the feeding of German prisoners of War; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

I received the petition referred to yesterday. I am receiving a deputation on this matter this afternoon.

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?

A written answer to this question appeared in Monday's Votes.

asked the Prime Minister if the accredited representatives of foreign Governments in this country are afforded means in existing arrangements of communicating with countries with which we are at war; and, if so, are such communications exempt from the supervision of the Censor?

I have been asked to answer this question on the part of the Prime Minister. There is no direct postal or telegraphic communication between this country and the enemy countries, but it is open to the Diplomatic Representatives of neutral Powers in London to send their postal communications by means of couriers or through the intermediary of their representatives in neutral States. Telegrams can be sent by the Diplomatic Representatives through their own Governments. The postal and telegraphic correspondence of the Diplomatic Representatives of neutral Powers is exempt from Censorship, in accordance with the usual custom.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, as the recently-appointed Committee on Pensions does not deal with the present position of officers' wives, he will consider whether something in the nature of separation or lodging allowances can be allowed for those wives whose husbands are now at the front; and (2) whether the wives of such officers as are entitled to lodgings or lodging allowance are turned out within ninety days of their husbands leaving for the front; and whether he will consider the possibility, pending the consideration of the whole question, of modifying this order or providing a sufficient lodging allowance?

This subject has been under consideration, and I hope that an announcement will be made very soon.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what provision it is intended to make by way of pension or otherwise to soldiers who have suffered injuries, such as the loss of an eye, which although incapacitating them for further military service do not altogether prevent their following civil employment?

The present regulations make provision for grants of pension or gratuity for injuries which result in a loss of earning capacity in civil life. As the hon. Member is aware, the whole subject is under review by the recently appointed Committee.

asked whether the usual separation allowance is payable to the wife of a soldier serving with the Colours when such wife has obtained, before her husband enlisted, a separation order and a magistrate's order on her husband to pay her 10s. or some other sum a week for the maintenance of herself and children; if such separation allowance is payable, whether the wife is entitled to enforce such magistrate's order, wholly or in part, in the case where the soldier has no means other than his pay; and, if such separation allowance is not payable, what steps the wife should take to enforce such magistrate's order, first when the soldier is serving or is under orders to serve beyond the seas, and, secondly, when the soldier is not serving or under orders to serve beyond the seas?

This question is receiving consideration.

When will the hon. Gentleman be in a position to give an answer?

I am not sure that this does not come within the scope of the Committee.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether where the wife has got a separation order on the husband to pay her 10s. per week, the Government's separation allowance will also be paid her?

That question was under consideration before the Committee was appointed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether in considering the question of separation allowances, he will put before the Committee the case of the lieutenant-quartermaster, the majority of whom have risen from the ranks, and whose wives and children suffer hardships when the husband is at the front?

Provision has already been made in these cases for the continuous issue of lodging, fuel and light allowances for the whole period of absence at the front.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether the new regulations by which a soldier can obtain 9s. a week for his mother, if dependent on him, by agreeing to a deduction of 6d. a day from his pay, apply in the case of two sons—that is, can 18s. a week be obtained by the mother if both sons agree to a deduction of 6d. a day?

No, Sir. The sons may-allot at their discretion, but it is not considered that the public should pay more separation allowance to any one dependant than to a wife.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to cases in which men in the Territorial Force who were engaged to be married before the War broke out, and have since been married, are unable to obtain separation allowances for their wives because they were not married before 14th August; and whether he will have this hardship remedied, seeing that new recruits now joining the forces can obtain separation allowances for their wives irrespective of the date of their marriage?

The War Office has considered and is prepared to consider specially cases where satisfactory evidence is adduced showing that definite arrangements for marriage had been made prior to the 14th August or to the date of enlistment, if later.

Are we to understand that those regulations have been issued already?

These cases are considered specially.

Will the hon. Gentleman give intimation to the different Commands?

The question has been answered several times in this House.

asked whether, when the father of a soldier has died since the commencement of the War and since the son's enlistment, and the soldier signifies his intention of allotting a sum for the maintenance of his widowed mother, this allotment will have the same allowances added to it as would be the case had the allotments been made before the War and had the mother been dependent on her son?

This case is outside the existing provision for dependants; but I will see that it receives consideration.

asked the financial Secretary to the War Office whether quartermasters in the Territorial Force, if married, get lodging allowances for their families on mobilisation in the same way that quartermasters in the Regular Army get it; and, if such is the case, will he inquire why these allowances have been refused by head-quarters, Eastern Command?

These allowances have been correctly refused as the regulations stand; but questions affecting the officers under certain conditions are under consideration.

Will the hon. Gentleman say how it is that the Territorials on mobilisation do not get the same privileges as the men in the Regular Army?

I have already informed the hon. Member that as the regulations stand these allowances are not included, but the question is now being considered.

asked if a man of thirty-four years of age, in excellent health, who retired from the Army after twelve years' service as a private, possessing two medals and seven bars, and volunteered for service on the 14th November in answer to the call for recruits, was refused a separation allowance for his wife on the ground that his marriage had taken place after the 13th August; and whether some modification could be made in the regulation in legitimate cases?

Such a case has not been brought to my notice. Perhaps the hon. Member will enable me to identify it. If, as I understand from the dates given in the question, the man was married before enlistment, he should not have been refused separation allowance.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether any regulations have yet been issued for the guidance of local old age pensions committees in arriving at the recommendations to be made to the War Office and the Admiralty for the purpose of assessing the additional allowances to be given to widows of soldiers and sailors in cases of necessity under paragraphs A, 7, and 9 of Command Paper 7662?

The answer is in the negative. The whole subject is now before the recently appointed Select Committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of thorough war training, he will consider the advisability of establishing cadet schools for officers, more or less on the model of Osborne and Dartmouth, where boys from the preparatory school age, at a moderate cost to parents and with perhaps the aid of local and other scholarships, may be trained systematically for a scientific military career.

Whatever the merits of this idea might be, its fruits could hardly mature in time to affect the present War. At present all energy must be concentrated on training those whose age renders it possible that they may be used in this War.

asked the Prime Minister whether Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein, son of Her Royal Highness Princess Christian, is known to be engaged as a combatant in the enemy forces or in any capacity connected with the German army; whether he was in this country at the outbreak of hostilities; and whether, in that case, any efforts were made to detain him?

Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein is, I am informed, serving in a military capacity in Germany. I have no information as to whether he was in this country at the outbreak of hostilities.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in view of his answer, have the status of this family, evidently of German sympathies, inquired into, and does he consider it either just or expedient that British taxpayers should be called upon to pay for the upkeep of this family to the extent of some £6,000 per annum?

The question relates only to a particular individual.

Is the Prime Minister aware that Princess Christian had a son in the British Army who did excellent service?

asked the Under-Secretary of State 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.

In view of the good work being done by the Young Men's Christian Association, will he see that the War Office overrides the objection of the canteen contractors who are responsible for preventing this association continuing its work?

That is a matter for the Central Board.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the War Office has recognised and approved the formation of civilian rifle volunteer and training corps, which are being joined in large numbers by men who, being ineligible for enlistment in the Army, are anxious to render some service and are learning to drill and use the rifle in case of emergency: is he aware that uncertainty has been caused by the impression, created by recent statements, that there is no intention of using these men as combatants under any circumstances; and will he say with what object their formation has been encouraged, seeing that it has not yet been determined whether, in the event of invasion, their position will be precisely the same as that of other civilians or whether they will be entitled to fight?

The War Office has recognised the Central Association Volunteer Training Corps and is prepared to recognise all those civilian rifle and volunteer corps which become affiliated to that Association. The feeling in the country has been such that there has been no need to encourage these organisations, which have been formed in large numbers in many parts. Their utility in time of emergency will be to remove stock and to help the threatened inhabitants, and lend assistance generally to the military operations.

asked whether, seeing that the Clause in Government contracts relating to all work being done on the premises of the contractor is now suspended, he can state what steps are being taken by the War Office to prevent abuse of the Fair-Wages Clause; whether facilities will be given to trade union officials to learn whom contractors employ off their premises; and whether he will instruct contractors to exhibit in their workroom the prices paid for piecework as required by Government contracts?

In all contracts from which the Clause referred to by the hon. Member has been suspended provision is made that "all wages earned in connection with this contract shall be paid direct to the workers, and not through a foreman or others supervising or taking part in the operations upon which the workers are engaged"; and the Home Office Order under the Factory Acts requires that every worker shall receive particulars of the rate of wages applicable to the work to be done by him when the work is given out. These provisions are intended to guard against breaches of the Fair-Wages Clause in the case of outworkers. Any complaint that the Fair-Wages Clause is not being observed is at once investigated. I am afraid it would be impracticable to require contractors to give trade union officials the facilities suggested by the hon. Member. It is, of course, open to any outworker having a grievance to bring the facts to their notice. The exhibition in workrooms of the prices paid for piece-work is required by the Home Office under the Factory Acts.

Arising out of the answer, will the hon. Member see whether the price lists of the work given out cannot be at the disposal of the trade union officials? Much sweating had resulted from the same policy in past times. It formed an important part of the Lords Sweating Commission Inquiry, particularly in connection with the accoutrements trade, and it was believed that the same was taking place now.

I have given in detail the safeguards, and I think they are very considerable If my hon. Friend knows of any case I shall be very glad to investigate it.

asked whether it is proposed to constitute a central board of military and civilian members to control contracts, prices, and administration, as recommended in the interim Report of the Committee on Garrison and Regimental Institutes [Cd. 7677]; and whether, if the central board is so constituted, it can be extended so as to deal with all War Office contracts for general commercial commodities, excluding military equipments?

As regards the first part of the question, the matter is still under consideration, but, if constituted, it will be specially designed for special purposes in connection with canteens.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that several men belonging to the 1st Comrades Battalion (Liverpool), now stationed at Prescot, have been offered commissions in other regiments, but that the colonel of their regiment refuses to release them and insists on their remaining as privates; and whether he will give intructions that where men are offered commissions they shall be immediately released for their new duties?

No refusals of the kind mentioned have been brought to the notice of the War Office. Instructions in the sense of the last part of the question have been sent to all commanding officers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take notice, particularly in the case of the refusal of the commanding officer to allow one of his privates to accept a commission that has been offered, that very often it is because he is an extremely able man and he wants merely to keep him in his own corps?

If that were so I think the commanding officer would naturally recommend him for a commission in his own corps.

asked what effective means are being taken to ensure that the Home camps are supplied with adequately trained cooks; and whether further arrangements can be made for supervision and assistance by expert demonstrators and inspectors of cooking serving directly under the War Office?

As many cooks as possible are being trained at the School of Cookery. In the meantime, in order to meet the pressing need for cooks, steps are being taken to enlist them at special rates of pay, and authority has also been given, where no regimental cooks exist, to engage cooks temporarily.

asked whether it is possible to give any assurance, having regard to the number of very young officers who are now receiving commissions, that such officers will not be sent on active service until they have reached at least nineteen years of age, or, in the alternative, have had at least six months' training with battalions at Home?

No definite instructions have been issued. The local commanders are relied upon to decide whether a young officer is or is not fit to proceed on active service. In forming this decision he would have regard to the natural qualities of leadership and command, the technical knowledge possessed by the officer, his physical and mental development as well as his age. Although there is at present a great demand for officers it is believed that no commanding officer would send to the front any young officer who was unequal to the strain.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long it is proposed that boys leaving the Royal Military College at the age of eighteen years should be trained with Home battalions before being sent on active service?

No, I cannot say.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take particular notice that he should not merely because of these questions prevent a young officer going to the front if he wishes to do so?

Oh, yes.

asked whether His Majesty's Government are at present under contract with a company, of which 99 per cent. of the shares are held by a German company, for the supply of petroleum products to the Army; and whether His Majesty's Government will discontinue employing this or any similar company during the War?

The company presumably referred to, the British Petroleum Company, Limited, holds the contract for aircraft spirit for the United Kingdom and also holds contracts for mineral burning oil at certain local stations. Practically the whole of the share capital of the British Petroleum Company, Limited, is held by the Europaische Petroleum Union, a very large proportion of whose shares are, I understand, held by Belgian and Russian Companies. The British Petroleum Company has large distributing facilities in this country; all its officials and employés are stated to be British; and it is making no payment to the parent company. In the circumstances it is not proposed to take the action suggested by the hon. Member.

asked how many recruits it is proposed to accommodate in huts; what contracts for huts have been placed; how many recruits are being billeted, and at what rates; and whether, having regard to the losses sustained by seaside and inland resorts last summer, arrangements can be made for further billeting in the immediate future, particularly as the health and physical efficiency of the recruits would thereby be better served and the cost of erecting the huts would be saved?

I hope my hon. Friend will excuse me from attempting to obtain the information asked for in the first part of the question. The preparation of a return such as that suggested would cause heavy labour. As regards the accommodation of the troops in billets in preference to huts, important questions of defence, military training and efficiency are involved to which those mentioned by my hon. Friend must, I think, give place.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the huts are completed as soon as possible as the cold weather is coming on?

Yes, as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to state the result of his promised consideration of the question of increasing the credit to Sir Courtenay Bennett, Consul-General in New York, in connection with the transport to Europe of qualified men of British nationality, scattered throughout the different American States, who have offered their services to the Army; is he aware that the number of men sent over could be increased probably by several thousands with further assistance from the Government; that, without such further assistance, the opportunity of securing a great body of men of exceptional worth will be lost and the present patriotism of British subjects in the United States and Mexico discouraged; and will he announce his decision as early as possible?

My Noble Friend does not at present see his way to extend the arrangements now in force in the manner suggested.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that numbers of public-school men and others, British subjects, who have been ranching or engineering in the United States of America and in Mexico, many of whom have been campaigning in Mexico and are good shots and horsemen, are prepared to come over here for service at the front and bring their own horses and equipment, if some organisation is established here to which they could be advised to report themselves; that such men are willing to come at their own charges, especially if the Government will pay the cost of shipping their horses; and will the Government establish an organisation to which these men, probably numbering upwards of 3,000, can report themselves in order that their services may not be lost to the nation?

I hardly think it is necessary to establish a special organisation for this purpose. If the men in question are willing to come over at their own charges they will be gladly accepted for enlistment for general service in the Regular Army if they fulfil the required conditions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman try and raise some organisation to which these men could go on arriving here? Many men have come over and have found no particular place to which they can go. It is not very encouraging to them to come from abroad?

I will try and arrange something of the kind, but I cannot give any definite promise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of expediting promotion in the Royal Garrison Artillery?

As a result of measures, shortly to be taken, considerable improvement in this regard will take place.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he could, without prejudice to public interests, state the number of recruits obtained in each recruiting area in the United Kingdom since the outbreak of War up to the most convenient recent date?

I regret that I can add nothing to previous answers which have been given on this matter.

May I ask whether the whole of this information is not in the possession of the right hon. Gentleman at this moment, and, if so, why it cannot be communicated to the House?

I am not concerned to deny it.

Then why do not we have it?

asked whether any intimation was issued at any time since the War began, by the Government or the War Office, to the military authorities of the commands in Great Britain or Ireland, that if recruiting did not show an improvement a form of conscription would have to be enforced?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary for War, if the number of recruits coming forward the last few days come up to his expectation?

It is not desirable to make official statements as to any temporary fluctuations in recruiting that may occur from time to time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will authorise the issue of warm woolen undervests to men serving with the Ex-peditionary Force, more especially as a large proportion of the shirts now supplied are of inferior quality?

All demands from the Front for woollen vests have been complied with and inquiry was made recently whether any more are required. The hon. and gallant Gentleman is misinformed in thinking that shirts of inferior quality have been supplied.

May I send the right hon. Gentleman a sample of the shirts now being supplied?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can now state when woollen gloves will be ready for issue to troops serving at Home; and whether the gloves of the special warm pattern for men serving with the Expeditionary Force are now ready for issue to drafts proceeding over seas?

The answer to the first part of the question is during the next fortnight. The special warm gloves are now being delivered in large consignments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the difficulty of raising train fares by soldiers' wives or dependants when visiting soldiers sent home wounded or ill, he will arrange for a member of a soldier's family to visit him periodically, or at once if he is on the danger list, free of cost as regards railway fares?

I explained fully the conditions under which free travelling to visit wounded soldiers is allowed in a written reply to the hon. Member for South St. Pancras on the 23rd instant. I will send the hon. Member a copy. There are, I am afraid, medical objections to periodical visits.

There are many cases where a woman knows that her husband is ill, and should she not out of humanity be allowed a free railway pass to see her husband?

When the hon. Member sees the copy of the answer to which I have referred, he will find that free passes are granted in certain cases, but I am not prepared to dispute the medical opinion.

asked if any list has been drawn up of war correspondents at the front; and, if so, when the selections were made, by whom they were made, what papers have been selected, and when the correspondents will be allowed to proceed with their work?

A list of correspondents representative of the principal agencies and papers desirous of being included has been drawn up by the authorities, in collaboration with the agencies and papers in question. There are none at the front now. I am unable at present to give an answer to the last part of the question.

asked the Solicitor-General whether his attention has been called to a letter in the "Mayo News," in Ireland, by Mr. John M'Bride, urging Irishmen to prevent any recruits joining the British Army, and asserting that the British Empire was a blood-sucking vampire, and that the Nationalist representatives in Parliament wanted to send Irishmen to France and Belgium and leave their bones in foreign countries, so that there would be none left in Ireland to defend their country, and that dying Catholic soldiers in France had no chance of receiving the Sacraments; and can he say whether this sort of letter is to be allowed by the Censor to be published in future?

Until I saw a copy of the paper, through the courtesy of the Member for the Ludlow Division, my attention had not been called to it. I should certainly not allow publication of any such letter as that referred to.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman going to do anything to prevent such matters being published in the future, and, if not, will he tell us is there anybody who can stop them?

I desire to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland a question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether he has had his attention called to the publication of statements injurious to recruiting in certain Irish newspapers, and what steps he proposes to take in order to render a repetition of these treasonable practices impossible?

The Government are well aware of the seditious contents of the publication which the right hon. Gentleman has in his mind. These publications appear to have an unusually large free circulation, particularly in England. We are at this moment considering what immediate steps should be taken to secure the suppression of documents and statements of this character. Although I do not myself regard them as a danger I am sure they are an insult to the sentiment of the vast majority of the Irish people.

When was this matter first brought to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman officially, and what steps did he take?