asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether compensation has yet been paid from Imperial funds in any case of damage to property, or of personal injury or loss of life, arising from bombardment or from attacks of aircraft?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for the St. Augustine's Division of Kent on Thursday last. No actual payments can be made until the cases have been considered by the Committee.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he agrees that the minimum charge of 1s. on parcels to the Expeditionary Force is a severe burden on the relatives of soldiers at the front; and whether he will consider the desirability in the public interest of reducing it, even if the Post Office would be out of pocket on the reduced rate?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Bedford on Thursday last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has received any representations on the subject of the abolition of the wet canteen at Salisbury Plain, where the Canadian contingent has been training, on the ground that it is not in the interests of the men to afford them such facilities for drinking while training in camp in the United Kingdom; whether any wet canteens are permitted in Canada; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. I am informed that wet canteens are permitted in Canada. The sale of beer in the canteens of the contingent on Salisbury Plain was sanctioned at the urgent request of the responsible military authorities, who considered it necessary for disciplinary reasons. It was concurred in by the Canadian military authorities, and in the circumstances it is not proposed to take any further steps in the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether flat rates have been fixed recently for material and clothing in military outfit contracts; and to what extent these are an increase on those of normal times?

Flat rates for making up Service Dress Garments were fixed by agreement with the Wholesale Clothiers' Federation in November last as follows:—

				s.	d.
Great Coats	…	…	…	28	0
Jackets	…	…	…	12	6
Trousers	…	…	…	8	9
Pantaloons	…	…	…	18	6

These rates represent a considerable advance on the average prices paid on competitive tenderings before the War. The prices at which materials are issued to clothing contractors are also somewhat in excess of those charged before the War.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is the practice to give orders for military clothing direct, by way of encouragement, to small progressive employers who have hitherto been sub-contractors at comparatively low prices, when such sub-contractors have installed power machines in their workshops?

It is the practice to assign a share of the War Office orders for military clothing to firms whose output is relatively small, in cases where this course is practicable, but the handling and inspection of a large number of small parcels of goods present practical difficulties which have made it impossible up to the present to carry out this policy as fully as could be wished.

asked whether it will be taken into consideration, in future clothing contracts, to fix flat or minimum rates which contractors shall pay to sub-contractors, or to give the work out direct to associations of small employers working on a co-operative basis, so as to prevent contractors from making abnormal profits, as middlemen, at the cost of the small employers?

I am afraid that it would not be practicable to adopt the hon. Member's first suggestion. With regard to the second suggestion, contracts have been made in certain cases with groups of small employers, but it is necessary to inspect separately the deliveries of each component firm, and with the existing strain on the inspection staff it is difficult to make the requisite arrangements.

asked whether the Department will take into consideration the desirability of definitely fixing the minimum amount to be paid in wages on each garment in the case both of military tailor contractors and sub-contractors, so as to remedy any under-payment, as distinguished from sweating of workers, such as is alleged to exist in many cases at present?

Any alleged case of under-payment in connection with Army clothing contracts which is such as to infringe the terms of the Fair-Wages Resolution is at once investigated. The question of under-payment is being carefully observed, but I am not at present satisfied that any case has been made out for fixing minimum rates of wages for the making up of each garment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) whether, notwithstanding the recent pressure, it has been possible to adhere to the provision in the Fair-Wages Clause prohibiting a military clothing contractor from transferring or assigning, directly or indirectly, to any persons or persons any portion of his contract without the written permission of the Department; and (2) whether, owing to the increase in the number of soldiers' outfits required, it has been found necessary to make any material relaxation of the conditions with reference to sub-contracting; and, if so, will he state the general effect of the alterations?

I will answer this and the following question together. The provision in the Fair-Wages Clause prohibiting a contractor from transferring or assigning, directly or indirectly, to any person or persons any portion of his contract without the written permission of the Department has been maintained in the case of Army clothing contracts. As regards sub-contracting, it was necessary in the early months of the War, on account of the widespread unemployment and of the difficulty of getting into immediate touch with the large number of suitable firms not already noted on the War Office list, to relax the usual restrictions against sub-letting, and to withdraw the Clause requiring all articles to be made-up in the contractor's own factory. As regards Army contracts generally, this permission to sub-let has now been largely curtailed, direct orders being placed wherever possible with the films who had formerly worked as sub-contractors. In the case of clothing contracts, however, it is still necessary, in order to utilise small workshops and secure the fullest possible output, to recognise sub-letting to persons or firms actually making the garments in their own workshops. Strict compliance with the Fair-Wages Clause is insisted on in all such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Home Office, having regard to the Report of the Departmental Committee on Celluloid, which advocated regulations as to celluloid being made which would apply to the whole country, are prepared, after the termination of the War, to introduce legislation on the matter if they consider such a step necessary; and whether the Home Office, having regard to the regulations under the Defence of the Realm Act, 1914, and the Orders of the Secretary of State for the Home Department thereunder whereby ample safeguards are in force as to the use and storage of celluloid and cinematograph film, intends to allow the London County Council and the Glasgow Corporation to proceed (so long as such regulations are in force) with their private Bills dealing with celluloid and cinematograph film, thus causing enormous expense to traders in protecting their interests, seeing that the Special Committee of this House, presided over by the hon. Member for the Doncaster Division, dealing with those Bills have made a Special Report to the effect that the Bills were only passed by that Committee as a temporary expedient as the Select Committee saw no early prospect of general legislation dealing with the matter, although general legislation was the proper course which the Select Committee urged upon this House?

I should be glad to see a public Bill dealing with this matter passed at the termination of the War, but it is impossible for me at the present time to give any pledge on the subject. As regards the second part of the question, while a new situation is created by the orders made under the Defence of the Realm Act which provide for safety during the War, I do not think I should be justified in opposing the private Bills referred to inasmuch as they make provision for the interval between the close of the War and the passing of general legislation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether arrangements were made in Germany prior to or upon the commencement of the War to suit the insurance regulations to altered circumstances and to mitigate the severity of the compulsory contributions; whether similar arrangements have been, or will be, made in the United Kingdom; whether an invalided soldier may resort to his panel doctor and chemist; what provision, if any, is made for a partially disabled soldier, disqualified for insurance because able to do light work; and whether the position of alien subscribers will be similar to that of Britsh subjects?

I am informed that the measures referred to in the first part of the question have the effect of increasing the normal contributions, and no such measures are in contemplation in this country. An invalid soldier or sailor who has been insured during service is entitled on discharge to obtain medical attendance and medicines under the usual conditions. Where a person is able to do light work, contributions must be paid for him in respect of periods of employment and he is entitled to the ordinary benefits on the ordinary conditions. The Acts themselves make a distinction between the position of British subjects and that of aliens.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can say why assistant clerks in the employment of the National Health Insurance Commission have been refused permission to join His Majesty's forces, seeing that their work, which is of a detail character, could be done in their absence by a temporary staff?

The Insurance Commissioners have, as far as practicable, allowed assistant clerks in their Department to join His Majesty's Forces and 132 officers of this grade are already serving in the Army.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will introduce legislation as a matter of urgency to amend the Trading with the Enemy Act to provide that in all eases where a registered alien enemy, or an alien enemy naturalised within twenty years past, seeks to recover judgment for any liquidated demand the Court shall, instead of giving judgment for payment, order the amount to be brought into Court with power to direct payment out of such portions from time to time as may be necessary for the maintenance of the plaintiff and those dependent on him, so as to ensure that the aid of the Courts of the United Kingdom should not be used to recover moneys which by various devices might ultimately be remitted to the enemy country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Parliament has enacted elaborate provisions to guard against the danger which the hon. and learned Member fears, and these provisions are being rigorously enforced. I do not think amendment in the direction suggested is needed, nor would the suggestion be easy to carry out, but I shall be glad to consider the hon. and learned Member's proposal carefully.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will inform the House what are the terms of the working arrangement between the War Office and the Home Office as to the procedure for releasing alien enemies who have been interned and the date when such arrangement was made; and whether, if such arrangement was in writing, he will lay the same upon the Table of the House?

The following letters passed between Lieut.-General Sir Herbert Belfield, Director of Prisoners of War, and Sir Edward Troup:—"20th November, 1914.Dear Sir Edward,—I have found considerable difficulty in carrying out the duties entrusted to me by the Secretary of State for War in regard to alien prisoners of war, owing to the fact that the great majority have been interned by the police, and it is only through the police that, information can be obtained when questions of release arise.This information I can obtain only through the Home Office, and reference between our two offices means delay, whereas our object is to expedite matters as much as possible.I am aware that an organisation has existed at the Home Office for some time to deal with questions of release of alien prisoners, and Lord Kitchener has consented to my approaching you with a view to asking for the help of that organisation in carrying out my duties.There is, of course, no suggestion that we should shelve responsibility, and that being so, it is suggested—if you concur in the proposal—that the Home Office organisation shall, as regards alien prisoners, work under War Office authority and supervision as represented by myself.We have always had so much help from the Home Office that I know I can look to you to help if you can. If you concur in principle, details can, no doubt, be easily arranged.—Sincerely yours,(Signed) H. E. BELFIELD.""20th November, 1914.Dear General Belfield,—I received this morning your letter about the arrangement for the release of alien prisoners, and have shown it to the Home Secretary We are anxious to adopt whatever arrangement will give you most help, and, as Lord Kitchener proposes it, Mr. McKenna readily agrees to place at the disposal of the War Office the branch of the Home Office recently organised under Mr. Waller for the purpose of inquiries as to alien prisoners. The responsibility for all releases will remain with you. Mr. Waller will make inquiries as at present, and will deal with all questions of release in accordance with such general or specific directions as you may give. All details as to the way the work is to be carried on may be arranged with him.—Yours sincerely,(Signed) EDWARD TROUP."

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state how many alien enemies have been interned in Ireland since the outbreak of the War, and how many are still interned?

The number of aliens at present interned in Ireland is 304. The information to answer the first part of the question is not available.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Prince Charles Edward, reigning Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who is now in command of troops in the German army fighting against the Sovereign and people of the British Empire, is a natural-born British subject, and is Duke of Albany, Earl of Clarence, and Baron Arklow in the Peerage of the United Kingdom with an hereditary seat in the House of Lords; whether the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha is still a prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, K.G., G.C.V.O., and Commander-in-Chief of the Seaforth Highlanders; has he ceased to hold any, and, if so, which, of these honours and dignities, and what were the dates and the circumstances of their relinquishment; and whether, having regard to the fact that the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha can, in accordance with precedent, be deprived of the peerages now held by him by Act of Parliament, and that the other British honours, dignities, and offices are held at the pleasure of the Crown and revocable at that pleasure without reason assigned, steps will be taken for the deprivation of this person guilty of high treason of peerages and other honours, their retention by him being calculated to irritate and humiliate those subjects of the Empire who are sacrificing life and treasure for the cause against which the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha is fighting in conjunction with the foes of the Crown?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the replies which I gave to him and to the hon. Member for Chelsea on this subject on 18th November and 31st August respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has made himself acquainted with the terms of the judgment of the full Court of Appeal in the case of the Continental Tyre and Rubber Company v. Daimler Company, and the same v. T. Tilling, Limited ("Times," 20th January, 1915), and particularly the terms of the dissentient judgment of the Right Honourable Lord Justice Buckley; and whether, in consequence, he will forthwith, or at an early date, introduce legislation to prevent the abuse by aliens, and particularly of alien enemies, of the laws relating to joint stock companies?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Nottingham on Thursday, the 4th February.

asked the Attorney-General whether he has made inquiries into the case of the so-called Globe Polish Company; whether this company has taken over the business of the Globe Metal Polish Company, of which 4,995 shares out of 5,000 were held by the Fritz Schulz Aktiengesellschaft, of Leipzig, and three more by other German subjects; if he is satisfied that the transfer to Messrs. Raimes and Company, of Bow, is a bonâ-fide transaction; and, if not, what steps will be taken to prevent the profits of this business, widely advertised as an all-British concern, reaching the pockets of alien enemies?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General to answer this question. An inspector has been appointed and inquiries have been made in the case of the Globe Polish Company, Limited, the shares in which are held as stated in the hon. Member's question. I understand that the management of the business is now being controlled by Raimes and Company, Limited, the shares of which company are held by British subjects. A supervisor of the Globe Polish Company, Limited, was appointed last December in order to ensure that the profits of the business should not be sent to enemies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present working arrangement with the various railway companies, some steps can be taken to make full use of all privately owned wagons instead of these wagons having to be taken back empty to their place of origin, and thus help to reduce the congestion in railway sidings and goods yards that is alleged to be the cause of delay in transit of necessary commodities?

I am informed that, in the opinion of the Railway Executive Committee, it is very doubtful whether the adoption of such a step at the present moment would relieve congestion, if indeed it did not actually increase it?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is now in a position to furnish the House with the details of the modified scheme for the production of dye wares in this country; and whether, before the scheme is finally approved by the Government or public financial obligations are incurred, an opportunity will be given to the House to consider the proposals; (2) if, in connection with the proposed scheme for the production of dye wares, any businesses, buildings, or plant have been already acquired or any guarantee of purchase given; (3) if he can say by whom the expenditure of the proposed grant of public money for purposes of research in connection with the production of dye wares in this country will be determined and controlled; and (4) if the directors proposed to be appointed by the Government to represent their interests on the board of the proposed dye ware company are to have co-equal or restricted powers?

The original scheme for the development of the dye-making industry in this country on a large scale, which was framed by a representative committee of users of dyes in consultation with the Board of Trade, has now been modified, as it appeared that, owing to difficulties arising in connection with some details of the proposal, it was improbable that the amount of capital contemplated would be raised. The new scheme, which has the approval of the enlarged committee of users, provides for an original share capital of £2,000,000, of which, in the first instance. £1,000,000 would be issued. The amount of capital to be subscribed at the outset is thus smaller than in the earlier scheme, but power is taken to extend the operations of the company as occasion may justify. The Government is prepared to advance £1 for every £1 of share capital raised, up to a maximum of £1,000,000; should it subsequently be found necessary, the Government will further contribute £1 (up to a maximum sum of £500,000) for every £4 further share capital subscribed.The effect of this arrangement will be that, if full advantage be taken of the Government offer, the company will ultimately have a share capital of £3,000,000 and a loan capital of £1,500,000, as in the original scheme. In the meantime, however, the new financial arrangements will, it is believed, be more manageable, and make subscription by those interested much easier. The Government advance will bear interest at the rate of 4 per cent., and be repayable within twenty-five years. But whereas, under the original scheme, the interest on the advance and the requisite sinking fund for repayment were to be cumulative, though payable only out of net profits, under the new arrangement the payment of interest will be non-cumulative for the first five years, and there will be no compulsory sinking fund. On the other hand, the interest on the Ordinary shares will be limited to 6 per cent. per annum, so long as any part of the Government's advance is outstanding. Further, with a view to the promotion of research, the Government have undertaken to make a grant to the company during a period of ten years of a sum not exceeding in the aggregate £100,000, to be devoted exclusively to experimental and laboratory work. The company will be required to show to the satisfaction of the Treasury that the amounts granted from time to time have been expended solely for the prescribed purposes. This is a new feature of the scheme.The agreement proposed to be made between consumers of dyes and the company has been modified in some respects, and will, it is believed, be more acceptable to consumers than that originally proposed. An option has already been obtained for the acquisition by the company, when formed, of important dye-making works, and negotiations for other options of the kind are in progress, and there is reason to believe that satisfactory arrangements can be made with important producers in Switzerland. The new company will be able immediately on its formation to take advantage of these arrangements, should the directors think it expedient to do so, and to take such other steps as may be thought expedient to develop the supply of dyes, both by the enlargement of the plants of the undertakings acquired and in any other ways. The scheme, like the original scheme, provides for the nomination by the Government, so long as any part of the Government advance is outstanding, of two directors who will have the ordinary powers of directors and also certain special powers to prevent undue preference or encroachment on the business of undertakings not concerned with the making of dyes and colours, but there is not, nor has there ever been, any intention to utilise these powers so as to hamper the business management of the company in such matters as the working-up of byproducts or the giving of priority in supply to shareholders in the company. I share in the belief of the Committee that the new scheme, and the subsidiary arrangements which I have mentioned, will provide both for the immediate and effective utilisation of existing sources of supply and for their expansion with as much rapidity as is compatible with sound development. My hon. Friend will recollect that we have already discussed the question of Government assistance to a national dye-manufacturing undertaking. If my hon. Friend is desirous of raising any fresh point on the revised scheme perhaps he will confer with me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the pay of officers serving is subject to the deduction of Income Tax at the increased rate now in force due to war taxation?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked how many newspapers and other publications the Government have suppressed in Ireland since the War began; and how many are now under observation and threat of suppression?

Acting under the powers conferred on them by the Defence of the Realm (Consolidation) Regulations, the military authorities in Ireland, with the full approval of the Irish Government, ordered the seizure in December last of issues of two newspapers, after a warning had been given to the printers of these and of other papers against contravening the Regulation forbidding the circulation of statements likely to cause disaffection or to prejudice recruiting. A further seizure under the same authority has been made this month. It would be against the public interest to make any statement in reply to the last part of the question.

asked whether the Royal Irish Constabulary or the Dublin Metropolitan Police have been employed in finding situations for aliens released from internment?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he is aware that advertisements continue to be inserted in the "Nyasaland Government Gazette" from Messrs. Ludwig Deuss and Company, head office, Hamburg, and Messrs. Michahelles and Company, head office, Hamburg; and whether he proposes to stop these advertisements in view of the Proclamations against trading with the enemy?

I am in communication with the Governor on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether all letters are opened or liable to be opened when received in this country from an alien enemy's country, no matter to whom addressed other than to His Majesty the King?

The Postmaster-General has asked me to reply. I am not sure that I understand my hon. Friend's question. During the War no letters are received direct by post from an enemy country. Letters coming from a neutral country are liable to be opened on the terms of the warrants under which the censorship is established.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Russia has now formally annexed Galicia; and whether, with a view to the British commercial and other interests in Galicia, application has been or will be made for a member of the British Consular service to be stationed at Lvoff (Lemberg)?

In view of the large British interests in that part of Europe I am considering the appointment of a British commercial agent to reside at Lvoff.

asked why M. Zocloziecki resigned in June, 1914, his appointment as British Consul in Lvoff, which town was then known as Lemberg?

The Professor referred to, Zocloziecki, tendered his resignation of the post of British Vice-Consul in Lemberg early in July on his appointment to a high position in the State Technical Experimental Office in Vienna, where he intended for the future to reside.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a large proportion of the population of Galicia, which has recently been annexed by Russia, is purely Ukrainian (Ruthenian); whether the Russian offer of autonomy to Poland is to be construed as involving an offer of autonomy to the Ukrainian population also; and, if this is so, whether that offer has been extended to the Ukrainian population of Northern Bukovina and of the Carpathian districts of Hungary?

I cannot answer the hon. Member's question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has considered the placing of raw cotton on the list of contraband articles, especially in view of the fact that modern military explosives are all based on the nitration of cotton; and, if so, whether any conclusion has been arrived at?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply returned on the 4th instant to the hon. Member for East Nottingham.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether separation allowances are payable in respect of the step-children of a soldier serving in the Army, when such step-children are living with his wife and are dependent upon him?

The answer to the right hon. Member's question is in the affirmative, assuming that the wife is entitled to separation allowance and that the stepchildren are legitimate.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state that moneys paid as separation allowances or pension or otherwise by mistake on the part of the Government shall not be refunded by the person paid and that, especially in the case of a person reported dead by the Admiralty, such person's dependants shall not be liable to refund any moneys paid by mistake if such person should prove to be alive?

So far as Navy separation allowances or pensions are concerned, it is unlikely that such cases will be at all numerous. There have been a few cases of overpayment of civil pay to the widows of dockyard men serving in the Army, but in all cases these have been or will be written off. While I am not prepared to give the wide undertaking asked for by the hon. Member, he may be quite sure that any cases will be so treated as to avoid hardship by recovery of amounts received in good faith.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the French Government have prohibited the export from and transport through France of pyrites; and, if so, in view of the injurious effect of this prohibition upon the colour manufacture industry, whether the Government propose to make any representations to the French Government in the matter?

The facts stated in the first part of the question are correct. A communication will shortly be addressed to the French Government on the subject.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that Henry William Lloyd, chief engine-room artificer, pensioned, His Majesty's ship, "Paragon," was in good health at the beginning of the War, but that during the stress and exposure of the War he broke down and contracted consumption, and died on 1st January, and if a pension will be awarded to Mrs. Lloyd; and whether she will be given the January quarter of her husband's pension?

Mrs. Lloyd is eligible for a pension, which will be awarded to her in the course of a few days. The rate will be fixed, provisionally, in accordance with the scale shown in the White Paper of November last, at 9s. a week. The instalment of her late husband's pension (£11 17s. 6d.) in respect of the quarter ending on the 31st proximo is duo to his legal representatives, and arrangements are being made to effect payment accordingly

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether retired military officers called up for service during the War receive their full pension in addition to the pay of their rank; whether retired naval officers called up for service during the War receive only twenty-five per cent. of their retired pay in addition to the pay of their rank; and, if so, whether the Board of Admiralty will issue instructions for retired officers of the Navy to be treated in the same manner as retired military officers when called up for service during the War?

The answer to the first part of the question is, I understand, in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the general rule is that retired naval officers called out for service during War receive the full pay and allowances of their rank on the retired list together with a bonus of twenty-five per cent. calculated on their full pay without allowances, their retired pay being suspended. Owing to the practice in the naval service regarding the grant of a step in rank on the retired list, which in the majority of cases confers a considerable financial benefit on re-employment, it is not proposed to alter existing regulations.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been directed to the report of the inquest held at Sheringham on 21st January last on bodies washed ashore from the wreck of the "George Royle," which foundered on Sheringham Shoal on 18th January; and if, in view of the rider added to the verdict, in which the jury expressed the opinion that there is not a sufficient coastguard service in Sheringham and that strong representations be made to the Admiralty with a view to remedying this state of affairs, it is proposed to take any action in the matter whereby the coastguard supervision in the Sheringham district may be improved?

The report referred to has been received. The Coastguard in war are employed where their special training is of most value. It is not practicable for them to undertake general watching for wrecks, and they are not responsible for this duty, though directions have been issued to Stations to help whenever it is possible to do so without detriment to their naval duties.

asked the Prime Minister whether any authority has been given to any persons to open letters passing through the Post Office; has any authority been given to such persons to make comments upon these letters addressed to the addressees of the letters; has any authority been given to such persons to detain, and either retain or destroy, such letters; if so, to how many persons has such authority been given and by whom was the authority given; will he state what the qualifications are of the persons thus employed, and what security is taken that they shall not use the power thus given them for the purposes of blackmail; will he state since when this practice of opening letters in the Post Office has existed; how many letters, inland and foreign, respectively, have been thus opened; and how many have been retained without being forwarded to their destination?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The powers in this matter, which have long been vested in the Secretary of State by constitutional usage, have been recognised and preserved by successive Statutes, the last being the Post Office Act, 1908, Section 56. I have since the War began exercised these powers in such cases and for such purposes as appeared to be necessary for the safety of the country and of His Majesty's Forces, but it is undesirable in the public interest to give details as to the action taken.

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been decided to publish official documents relative to the offer made to Germany alluded to in his speech at Cardiff?

After careful consideration His Majesty's Government have decided that no useful object would be served by the publication of further Papers at the present time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will say what is the position of widows of dockyardsmen called up for service and who are killed on the battlefield; are these widows entitled to any compensation for the loss they sustain owing to the stopping of the money they were receiving from the dockyard authorities; can he say whether, in the case of an established man, the money he has paid on behalf of his pension will be returned with interest to the widow; if not, what is to become of that money for which the Government have given no return; and will he also say what is the position with regard to compensation under the new scheme when a man is killed on the battlefield and is still receiving pay for his services as a dockyardsman?

The widow of a dockyardman who may be killed in action will be eligible to receive separation allowance and allotment for 26 weeks and, thereafter, a pension and allowances for her children, if any, at the same rates and under the same conditions as the widow of any sailor or soldier who was not employed in the dockyard in time of peace. The civil dockyard pay would of course cease at the man's death and there is no compensation payable on account of its discontinuance. But in addition to the naval benefits already mentioned, if she be the legal personal representative of an established workman, the widow is eligible for the same award under the Superannuation Acts as would have been made had her husband's death occurred owing to natural causes on the same date. If she be the dependant of a hired workman, her case would be considered for the award of a gratuity under Section 3 of the Superannuation Act, 1914. The dependants of a dockyardman who is killed in action while employed as a sailor or soldier are not entitled to any compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act or scheme framed thereunder. But, as will be seen, the provision stated above is on a scale more liberal than workmen's compensation benefits.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what course it is proposed to follow with regard to the weekly leave days which have been lost by the police since the War commenced; has he any information as to the number of forces which have already paid the men for the weekly leave days lost, and as to the scales adopted in Sheffield, Birmingham, Eastbourne, Hull, and Leeds; and will he say how it is intended to deal with the position in London?

So far as county and borough police are concerned the matter is one for the decision of the local police authorities. In the case of the Metropolitan Police I hope it may be found possible in the near future to make up to them the weekly rest-days they have lost, but the extra work that is now being thrown on the police by the War, together with the depletion in their numbers consequent on so many of them joining the Army, makes it impossible for me to speak more definitely. I recognise fully, as I am sure the House will also recognise, the public spirit shown by the police, who have not been behind other services in making sacrifices in the national interest.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether sub-lieutenants from the shore, without experience, are being promoted over the heads of midshipmen of the Royal Naval Reserve serving with the Fleet; and, if so, will he explain why this practice is carried out?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Messrs. Eyre and Spottiswoode, the Government printers, have received orders not to sell any back numbers or current numbers of the Navy List; and, if so, will he explain why these orders have been given?

It is not within the knowledge of the Admiralty that Messrs. Eyre and Spottiswoode have received such orders. Both the current quarterly Navy List and back numbers will be on sale as usual as long as copies are available.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state why the windows of the Houses of Parliament facing the river are allowed to be brilliantly lighted after dark, whilst the bridges and neighbouring streets are almost in darkness?

The blinds in some of the rooms are not sufficiently opaque, and steps are being taken to remedy this.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir Henry Howard holds the position of Ambassador or Minister accredited to the Vatican; what is his salary in this position; what is the total cost of the mission; under what head in the Estimates will this expenditure be passed; and whether this is a new service which requires the special sanction of this House?

Sir Henry Howard holds the position of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary on a special mission to the Pope; his salary is at the rate of £3,600 a year. The total cost of the mission cannot be stated until it is over, but the only paid member of the staff is a clerk in the Foreign Office, who receives a temporary allowance to cover his expenses, and no charge is incurred for rent, which is paid by the Minister out of his salary. No special sanction is required, but provision will be made for the expenditure under Sub-head K. Special Missions and Services of the Vote of Diplomatic and Consular Services, 1915–16, Class V., Vote I., Estimates for Civil Services.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can now state the result of the inquiry into the wages paid to port watchers?

I fear that I can add nothing to the previous replies which have been given on the subject of the wages paid to port watchers.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether there has been any revision of the wages paid to commissionaires employed in the various Government offices; and, if so, whether he will state the particulars?

There has been no general revision of the wages paid to commissionaires, who are not commonly employed in Government Departments. If, however, my hon. Friend is referring to pensioner messengers, their case is now under consideration and it is hoped that a decision will shortly be arrived at.

asked when the rules for the distribution of the Grant of £40,000 under the Intermediate Education (Ireland) Act, 1914, will be formulated; and what is the reason for the delay in adjusting them?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question asked on this subject by the hon. Member for West Down on the 4th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any representations have been made to the United States Government regarding the loss to British commercial interests in Mexico in the anarchy which has followed since General Huerta ceased, owing to the non-recognition of that Government, to be President; whether any leader, and, if so which leader, is now recognised by the United States Government as President; and whether His Majesty's Government recognises the same leader, or any leader, as President at the present time?

Several cases of damage and loss to British interests in Mexico have been brought to the notice of the United States Government since General Huerta's retirement. The answer to the last two parts of the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Madras Government has taken any and, if so, what action in regard to the matters considered at its conference in November, 1914, with a deputation of Assam planters regarding coolie emigration from the Northern Circars?

The Secretary of State has no information regarding the conference or the conclusions arrived at by it.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether the source of the money which paid for the "Komagata Maru's" voyage has been discovered; what punishment, if any, has been inflicted on the organiser of this expedition; and what action, if any, has been taken upon the Report of the Committee appointed by the Government of India to investigate this matter?

The Report has not yet reached the Secretary of State. The organiser of the venture, Gurdit Singh, escaped after the Budge-Budge riot, and, so far as I know, has not yet been found. He is known to have charged his passengers high rates for the voyage, and I am not aware that anything has been discovered as to receipts from other quarters.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the census of religious persuasion, which he informed the House had been taken in the prisons of this country in July, 1913, has yet been printed; and if it ever will be available for the public?

The figures were published in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 11th July, 1913, in answer to a question put by the hon. Member for the Truro Division of Cornwall. I will send the hon. Member a copy of the reply.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can see his way to reduce or abolish the charge of £1 made for entering a change of address in the telephone directories?

I am unable to identify the charge to which the hon. Member refers. Perhaps he will be good enough to give me further particulars.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he can state what steps are being taken to facilitate the supply of raw flax and flax seed for Ireland?

The Department fully recognised the importance of procuring flax and flax seed for Ireland. They have been, and are at present, in communication on the subject with the Foreign Office and with various associations and persons in the North of Ireland interested in the flax industry. A considerable quantity of flax seed has already been imported for this year's sowing, and the Department understand that more Russian seed is on its way to Ireland. There appears, however, to be a difficulty in obtaining guarantees of the nature required by the Russian Government in regard to the destination of the consignment, and the Department are in communication with the Foreign Office on this point.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he can furnish approximate particulars showing, if possible, by counties, the number of agricultural labourers available this month and in February, 1914, and the number of children under fourteen employed in agriculture; the usual rates of wages paid to the different classes of labour this mouth and February, 1914; the cost of living per week for an ordinary labourer's family of, say, wife and four children, this month and February, 1914; and the estimated net profits of farmers as indicated by the prices of the chief products sold by them and the chief things bought by them, such as feeding stuffs?

The number of agricultural labourers now employed is probably some 10 or 12 per cent. less than in the corresponding period last year. The number of children between ten and fourteen years returned as employed in agriculture in England and Wales at the Census of 1911 was 9,238. No recent statistics are available. There has been a tendency for the wages of farm labourers to increase, but the available returns are not at present sufficiently detailed to enable trustworthy comparative figures to be given for each county. The question of the cost of living per week for an ordinary labourer's family is one for the Board of Trade. No general calculation of the estimated net profits of farmers can be made, and I regret that such information as is available can hardly be confined within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question.