asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information showing that a large number of German agents are now resident in Zurich with a view to being naturalised as Swiss subjects and in order that, they may gain admission into this country; and, if so, whether, in the event of their arriving, any steps will be taken to keep a close watch on their movements?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made as to the truth of the statements in the question? Is he aware that six months' residence in Switzerland is sufficient to enable the Swiss Government to grant naturalisation papers?

I was not aware of it, but I will take the hon. Gentleman's statement.

Will inquiries be made as to the statements in the question?

Yes.

asked the Home Secretary whether Fritz Gompertz, a Dutch subject, is now detained in Buxton gaol; and, if so, with what offence has he been charged; where was it committed; and on what date?

Gompertz was arrested in Belgium by the Belgian authorities in September last. His custody has been undertaken by His Majesty's Government on behalf of the Belgian Government as a temporary arrangement, as no accommodation for prisoners is at present available in Belgium. There are charges against him of espionage which cannot be tried at present, but there are also ample grounds for detaining him as a prisoner of war.

Has this man been informed what he is charged with?

I think so, but I will make inquiry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Mr. MacNaughton, chief of the Inverness burgh police, on the 25th October 1914, arrested in one of the hotels at Inverness an alien who had not registered, Inverness being within a prohibited area; whether next day, in examination before an honorary sheriff substitute, the prisoner gave the name of William Gulden and claimed to be an American citizen travelling for pleasure; whether the police were not satisfied with this man's passport, which was not quite in order, and he was sent back to prison while further investigations were made; whether the result of the investigations justified the suspicion of the police, and in a third examination before a sheriff the prisoner admitted that his first declaration was false, that he was not William Gulden but Frederick Parker Dunbar, that he had served for twenty-four years in the German Navy, and had held the rank of kornetten-kapitan; whether he is aware that this man admitted that he was in Ostend when the War broke out, and proceeded thence to Munich and Berlin, afterwards returning to this country viâ Copenhagen and Gothenburg; whether this man is not to be brought to trial, but is simply to be interned as an alien; and, if so, will be explain why this man is not to be tried?

I understand that the facts are substantially as stated. They have been carefully considered both by the military and by the civil authorities, with the result that the circumstances of the case are held not to justify proceedings either by court-martial or in the ordinary courts. In view of Gulden's record, however, it has been decided that he shall be interned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if Baron von Bissing, of Hove, was arrested; and if he will state the date of his arrest, the term of his detention, and why he was released and who signed the order for his release?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the negative, and the remaining points do not, therefore, arise.

Do I understand that Baron von Bissing was not arrested?

Yes, that is what I said.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the present position with regard to the property of British subjects of Tabriz?

His Majesty's Minister at Teheran has reported that His Majesty's Consul returned to Tabriz on the 9th inst. and found the Consulate as he had left it, no attempt having been made by the Turks to enter it. In Tabriz no British property—with one exception—had been touched and no houses of British subjects had been entered. This result was due almost entirely to the action of the United States Consul, whose efforts and ability in protecting British interests are much appreciated and very gratefully recognised.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has obtained the services of all the officers of the merchant service that he requires for transport, coaling, and mine-sweeping operations in connection with the work of the naval and military forces of the Crown?

Yes, Sir; I should like to take this opportunity of expressing the appreciation of the Admiralty of the valuable services which these officers are rendering to the country.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state the amount of the fund now available as naval prize money, and if the new scheme for its distribution is now ready; and whether it will be submitted to Parliament for final approval?

Perhaps I may refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement which I made on the subject yesterday. As regards submission to Parliament for final approval, the question should be put to the Prime Minister.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question as to the amount of the fund?

If the hon. Gentleman will read my speech, I think he will find that I dealt with that point yesterday.

asked whether the crews of the British squadron engaged in the battle of the Falkland Islands are entitled to prize bounty under the Naval Prize Act, 1864?

Prize bounty is only payable when His Majesty has declared his intention to grant it by Order in Council or Proclamation. It is hoped that an Order in Council on the subject will be issued shortly. Under the proposed Order the crews of the vessels mentioned would be entitled to prize bounty.

May I ask whether the amount payable to the dependants of men who lose their lives will be paid promptly?

That involves payment in advance. There are many difficulties in the way. But we have not lost sight of that.

Do not these difficulties really apply to prize money and not to prize bounty?

They certainly apply to prize money far more than to prize bounty. I will look into the matter. I hope the hon. Gentleman will not press me for any undertaking to-day.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there are ten survivors of His Majesty's Ship "Viknor" who were nineteen days in that ship and left her as a prize crew on the 18th January; and whether the Board of Admiralty will reconsider their decision not to have an inquiry into the loss of the ship?

I do not think that the members of the crew referred to can, strictly speaking, be termed survivors. In any case they are not in a position to throw-any light on the circumstances in which this vessel was lost, not having been on bard her at the time.

There is great doubt about the seaworthiness of this ship. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one sub-lieutenant, one signalman, four seamen, and three Marines, a total of nine, only left the ship a short time before, and they are all capable of giving evidence as to the seaworthiness of the ship?

The Noble Lord will remember that the First Lord answered a question on this point the other day.

There may be a mistake. The question is so serious that I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will reconsider the matter?

I cannot. On the question of seaworthiness I cannot add anything to the reply of the First Lord.

asked how many general officers and other senior officers of the Royal Marine forces are at present retired whose age and physique would allow of their employment; and whether the Board of Admiralty can see their way to recommend the employment of some of these officers in the New-Army?

There are twenty-eight general officers, Royal Marines, retired. I have taken the Noble Lord's definition "other senior officers" to cover the cases of colonels and lieutenant-colonels retired. Of these officers there are twenty-one on the retired list. I should imagine that few of the forty-nine retired officers in question are now available by age and physique for active service. There are thirteen Royal Marine general officers and four officers on the Reserve List of Colonels, Royal Marines, of whom fifteen were unemployed at the outbreak of hostilities. Since that date two of these officers have been given appointments.

asked if the steamship "Apolda," 4,930 tons, the steamship "Hamm," 4,598 tons, and the steamship "Birkenfels," 5,639 tons, were captured by British cruisers as prizes of war in August and taken to Cape Town; if these prizes with their cargoes are still at Cape Town; if steps will be taken to at once utilise the cargoes and use the ships; and what is the reason for the delay which has taken place in the matter?

The vessels referred to are still at the Cape. I understand that the Overseas Prize Disposal Committee have been using every endeavour to send the cargoes on to Australia, but that many serious difficulties have been encountered. As regards the "Birkenfels," I am informed that an agreement for the navigation of the ship to Australia is on the point of conclusion. In the case of the "Hamm" and "Apolda," which are not prizes but detained ships, it is hoped that it will be possible to make an arrangement at no distant date. There are difficulties in their case which were not present in the case of the "Birkenfels." It was necessary to get into touch with a very large number of consignees before any steps could be taken to make any arrangements for completing the journey. I may say that the proportion of enemy cargoes in these vessels is small.

Cannot the Government do something to expedite cases like these? There are three very valuable ships and their cargoes which have been for more than three months absolutely wasted?

I have endeavoured to show the serious difficulties that have been encountered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government will offer facilities to property owners in Grimsby to insure at a reasonable premium their properties against damage by aircraft and bombardment, as mortgagors are requiring clients to insure against such risks and insurance companies are requiring premiums of £2 per cent.?

As at present advised, the Government are not prepared to institute an insurance scheme of the kind referred to.

asked the Prime Minister out of what funds he intends to compensate sufferers through the bombardment of East Coast towns; and whether out of the same funds he will grant compensation to those captains, officers, and crews of merchant ships who through the operations of the War suffer in a similar way by the loss of the necessary effects and nautical instruments which they carry with them?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Relief for damage caused by the raids which have already taken place will be given from Imperial funds. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth on the 11th instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the payment of wages in notes to workmen results in a great number of cases in the notes becoming soiled, and also of the fact that notes thus paid in wages are not held up, but very soon find their way back to the bank, he will urge the desirability of banks making arrangements to enable employers to pay their workers' weekly wages in gold and silver?

In view of the importance of maintaining the central reserves of gold at as high a level as possible, I think it important to encourage the use of currency notes instead of gold for the purposes of internal circulation. I should, therefore, hesitate to take any step which would tend to defeat this policy, and I feel confident that workers, when they realise it is in the national interest, will cheerfully accept the payment of their wages in paper money instead of in coin.

Is it not possible to arrange for the banks to issue new notes more frequently than they do, instead of reissuing the old dirty ones?

I shall have much pleasure in looking into that matter.

Is it not merely a matter of habit as to what is used—the Scottish workmen are paid in notes?

Yes, I believe that is so; but these notes are very attractive from an artistic point of view.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture to what extent and in what districts there is a known shortage of labour among agriculturists?

No very definite figures are available which would indicate the extent of the present shortage of agricultural labour, but I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on February 8th to the hon. Member for the Exchange Division of Liverpool. Shortage of agricultural labour is known to be general, and is likely to become more acute in the spring. The counties where shortage appears to be greatest are those in the neighbourhood of military camps, or those where enlistment has been heavy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, having regard to the possible continuance or increase of the present high price of wheat and flour, he can see his way, by circular letter or otherwise, to induce farmers and other occupiers of land to utilise all available land for the planting of potatoes in order to secure during the coming autumn a further supply of nutritious food for the people?

I think farmers fully appreciate the importance of increasing, if possible, the home-grown supplies of food-stuffs this year, and I doubt whether any action of the kind suggested by the hon. Member is necessary or altogether desirable. But the Board will be glad to supply information and advice to inquirers in regard to potato growing.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture the price of flour on 1st January, 1914, and 1st January, 1915, respectively?

The price of English flour in London and Liverpool at or about 1st January this year and last year, as reported in the "Miller," was as follows:—

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it is the policy of the Board to encourage the organisation and use of all other available forms of labour in preference to withdrawing children from school?

The reply is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether attention has been called to the case of George Culpin, a farmer, who was summoned at Northampton for not sending his son to school and who was fined 10s., although he stated that all his labourers had left him to join the Army and he could not work his farm without the assistance of his boy; and whether he will take some steps to provide that people shall not be punished for endeavouring to work their farms so as to produce food that is so urgently required?

My right hon. Friend has seen a short newspaper account of this case, but has no information as to the facts on which the magistrates decided it. He has no power to review the decision of the magistrates.

Would it not be possible to put this particular farmer into communication with the Labour Exchanges?

asked the Postmaster-General the names of Irish-American newspapers and other periodical publications addressed and prepaid from the United States to the United Kingdom that are now being confiscated in the Post Office; and, seeing that the postage has been paid, will he arrange to have the wrappers delivered or the addressees informed in some way that their property has been duly posted and confiscated in the Post Office?

I have been asked to reply to this question. It would be against the public interest to give the names of the publications transmitted from addresses in the United States which are detained in the Post Office in obedience to the Lord Lieutenant's warrant, and my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General agrees that, in view of the hostile character of these publications, there is no occasion to inform the addressees of their detention.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the mail and telegraph service between London and Paris is now greatly delayed by the Censor; and whether, in view of the necessity of a prompt service for trade purposes, he can see his way to establish for important messages an accelerated delivery and, if necessary, a special fee?

It is the fact that the telegraph service between London and Paris has been subject to delay due partly to the censorship imposed by the British and military authorities. The postal service between London and Paris has not been delayed by censorship in this country. The Post Office has no information as regards what takes place abroad. Under present conditions it would be difficult to arrange for a special service such as the hon. Member contemplates.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that telegrams are taking twenty-four hours, and letters frequently three days?

I am perfectly well aware that telegrams are taking twenty-four hours.

And letters three days?

No; I am not.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can indicate the nature of the precautions taken to secure that such persons only whose antecedents and character are known and found to be satisfactory are employed as examiners of correspondence and entrusted with the responsible duty of opening and reading letters that pass through the Post Office; and whether he can state what inquiries were made before the appointment of M. Emile Jules Dupuis in the Postal Censor's Department for neutral countries' mails?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by whom Emile Jules Dupuis, who was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment with hard labour on 12th February, 1915, for communicating information to Ruby May Davis, and who was shown to have been previously convicted, in 1902, for forgery and fraud, was appointed to be an examiner of letters in the Postal Censor's Department of the Post Office; was he appointed an officer of the Post Office; by whom was he authorised to open letters sent for transmission through the post; was any express warrant in writing under the hand of a Secretary of State issued to him; and what steps, if any, were taken to ensure that the 200 other persons employed with him to open letters had not been previously convicted of crime?

Dupuis was duly appointed by the Army Council to act as Military Censor. The warrant under which the censorship of letters is carried out is not addressed to individual officers, but to the Postmaster-General, who is thereby authorised to submit certain letters for examination to the officer duly appointed. At the time of Dupuis' engagement it was necessary to secure with the least possible delay the services of a large number of persons capable of translating foreign languages. Each applicant was required to produce three references as to character, which have all been inquired into. Dupuis was removed from his appointment before the date of his offence, and was employed for less than a month. I may add that out of the staff originally or subsequently appointed only twelve persons have had to be dismissed for inefficiency or misconduct, and that every precaution is being taken to secure that only suitable appointments are made.

Is it not the fact that the Statute under which the Postmaster-General acts applies to only one communication, and does not warrant the opening generally of letters?

If the hon. Gentleman tells me that, of course I accept it, but the question is one of which I ought to have notice.

Were adequate inquiries made in respect to this person, Dupuis?

Yes, Sir; I believe so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the shortage of labour in the labour market, he will give directions to the Labour Exchanges to tabulate according to their trades the different classes of Belgian refugees who desire to obtain work and to offer them to employers?

Special Labour Exchanges have been set up at the three main reception centres for refugees in London, namely, Earls Court, Alexandra Palace, and Aldwych, and all Belgians who appear suitable for employment arriving at these centres are urged to register. Arrangements have also now been made to encourage Belgians already resident in various parts of the country to register at the local exchanges. Belgian workpeople registered in any of these ways are submitted for any vacancies notified by the employers, subject to the observance of the two conditions that there should be no suitable British labour available and that wages and conditions offered should be those generally accepted in the occupation and district. As a result of the action described, up to 13th February, 5,843 Belgians had been placed in employment through the exchanges. The object of the hon. Member's suggestion is, therefore, I think, fully met, and it only rests with employers to notify any unsatisfied demands for labour promptly and regularly to the nearest Labour Exchange.

Are the trades being properly tabulated so that employers may readily ascertain whether the class of labour they are seeking is to be had at one of these exchanges?

That is part of the process.

Do the conditions which apply to these appointments of Belgian refugees include conditions under the Insurance Act?

Yes.

What steps are taken to see that these refugees are not men who ought to belong to the Belgian Army?

The military authorities see to that.

Are you working in conjunction with the Belgian military authorities?

Oh, certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of unfilled vacant situations which have been registered at the Labour Exchanges by employers during the past month; and whether he is satisfied that the Labour Exchange officials are by inter-communication showing sufficient activity in the direction of filling such vacancies?

During the five weeks ending 15th January last, 142,747 vacancies were notified by the employers to the Labour Exchanges, and, in addition, 43,092 were carried forward from the previous monthly period, making a total of 185,839. Of these 100,828 were filled by the exchanges during the period, 33,002 were cancelled by the employers or filled in other ways, and 52,009 were carried forward. The number carried forward in each case consists of course mainly of vacancies notified during the latter portion of each period. It has always been an essential part of the Labour Exchange system that the exchanges should, by constant intercommunication, bring unfilled situations in one district to the notice of workpeople in other districts, and in August last steps were taken to develop and systematise this work by the establishment of a central clearing house. During the five weeks ended 15th January last, 20,195 vacancies were filled by workpeople from a district other than that to which the vacancy was notified, as compared with the number of 7,699 for the corresponding period of the year before. This comparison shows, I think, that the Labour Exchanges are having growing success in promoting the movement of labour from one district to meet needs in other districts, and I see no reason to be dissatisfied with the results obtained.

Am I to understand from the hon. Gentleman's answer that he is practically able to fill all vacancies?

These figures I have given the hon. Member show that they are not all filled.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps, if any, his Department is taking to prevent the rise in the price of bread and the price of fuel?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the various steps referred to by the Prime Minister in the statement which he made to the House on Thursday last, the effect of which, taken together, will be, I hope, to relieve the situation.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that already a substantial reduction in the price of wheat has taken place since last Wednesday?

Yes, Sir, there have been some fluctuations, but I regret to say some of them have been upwards.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the shortage of tonnage for the transport of coal from the Whitehaven area and the consequent distress thereby threatened, he can entertain a proposal for the use of interned German cargo boats for such purpose?

All the available enemy steamers detained in the United Kingdom are being used at the present time for the purpose of bringing coal to London. Inquiries have been set on foot as to enemy sailing ships which may be made available for the needs of Whitehaven.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any arrangements have been made with the railway companies for the pooling of railway wagons so as to facilitate the transport of coal and other necessaries; and, if so, if he can state the nature of the arrangements come to?

I am informed by the Railway Executive Committee that arrangements have been made enabling assistance to be given by companies having a surplus of wagons to those experiencing a shortage. It has also been arranged that wagons belonging to one company which have been worked on to the line of another may be loaded back locally in the home direction, instead of being returned empty, and the question of extending this practice to wagons in docks is under consideration.

May I ask whether this arrangement applies to the Scottish railway companies?

Yes, Sir, this arrangement, in so far as it has gone, applies to Scotland as well as England.

Is it intended to extend that a little further and deal with large quantities of private wagons?

The question of private wagons is much more difficult owing to their different shapes, sizes, and conditions, but I am informed by the Railway Executive Committee that no relief would be obtained by pooling private wagons as well as company wagons.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will inquire into the statement, which is now common property, that about three miles of railway trucks near Brentford are loaded with coal, and that the merchants refuse to move them because they are waiting for a rise in prices?

I have no knowledge of that. I know there are some sidings which are occupied by coal, kept there for naval purposes, and which must of necessity be kept there. If my hon. Friend will give me information about the matter, I will inquire into it.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the relations which exist between Great Britain and her Allies and of the expansion of trade expected after the War with such Allies, any provision is or will be made for the study of Russian in any of the public, commercial and other educational establishments of this country?

The Board of Education are considering, in consultation with the Board of Trade, what steps can be taken to extend the teaching of Russian in commercial schools and classes, and to encourage its study in other types of educational institutions. The Board of Education aid eight evening schools at which Russian is taught, and provision is also made at some universities for the teaching of Russian.

Will Russian be included in the languages dealt with at the New Oriental School of Languages, if that is eventually established?

I must ask the hon. Member to give notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Education what provision has been made for the temporary employment and relief of the higher teaching grades of the musical profession, many of whom are university graduates and public school men and women, whose means have been all but wholly destroyed by the War and who are therefore suffering considerable distress, and yet are unable to make their positions known to those who administer the Prince of Wales' Fund through local committees?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Provision has been and is being made by various voluntary organisations with which the Professional Classes Sub-Committee of the Government Committee for the Prevention and Relief of Distress are in frequent communication.

Will my right hon. Friend say if there is any chance of the Prince of Wales' Fund being put under a Government Committee?

All grants for the relief of civil distress, as distinct from military and naval distress, are made on the advice of the Government Committee for the Prevention and Relief of Distress.

But will he not take steps for securing control of the whole Fund?

Grants for assistance of families of soldiers and sailors are matters for the War Office and Admiralty, and questions relating to them should be addressed to those Departments.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me where I could find the names of the members of the Government Committee on the Relief of Distress?

Yes, Sir, in the two White Papers, one on the measures taken immediately on the outbreak of war by the Local Government Board, and the second, which I presented a few weeks ago, on the work of the Local Government Board up to 31st December.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider the advisability of taking steps to exempt men serving as special constables from service on juries?

I am advised that special constables are entitled to claim exemption. A circular on the subject has been sent out.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the repeated modifications which have proved necessary and of the necessity for subjecting sea-power to as few limitations as possible, His Majesty's Government still attaches importance to the further recognition of the unratified Declaration of London?

I cannot usefully add anything to the reply given on 4th February to the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth. Such questions as that put by the hon. Member will probably be considered after the War in the light of experience gained during the War.

asked the Prime Minister whether, for the information of the House, he will cause a statement to be issued showing which of the provisions of the Declaration of Paris, 1856, The Hague Conventions, 1907, and the Declaration of London, 1909, are in full force and binding in the present War; and a further statement of the breaches of the provisions thereof which have been committed by Germany?

asked whether, having regard to the manner in which Germany and Austria-Hungary have waged war, he will take steps to ensure that a record be prepared of all acts committed by the enemy since the outbreak of war which are in violation of the accepted principles of international law or constitute breaches of The Hague Conventions, or are acts of piracy, murder, or pillage contrary to the usages of civilised nations at war, or are abuses of the law of nations, whether between belligerents or otherwise; and whether he will cause such evidence as exists in support of these charges to be carefully collected and noted so as to be readily accessible to the Governments of His Majesty and his Allies?

I will see if a statement can be prepared and if it will be useful to publish it.

asked the Prime Minister what proportion of the steamships waiting their turn to discharge cargo at Genoa are on the British register, and are carrying cargo from foreign countries; and, in view of the shortage of ships for carrying foodstuffs to Great Britain and cargo for British industries, if he will take steps to regulate the supply of shipping, so that British needs may have the first call of British ships?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I understand that nineteen British ships, all carrying cargo from foreign countries, are awaiting their turn to discharge at Genoa. As regards the latter part of the question I cannot say more than that steps are being taken to add to the amount of tonnage available for the trade of the United Kingdom by the utilisation of prize ships and detained ships, and by dealing with congestion at ports.

asked if the Government will be prepared to give a grant in lieu of rates to local authorities in whose districts troops have been quartered since the outbreak of the War?

Where troops are quartered under billeting arrangements which cover all charges for the accommodation provided, no contribution in lieu of rates will be paid from public funds. Other cases in which special circumstances may arise are considered on their merits.

If I give the right hon. Gentleman particulars, will he inquire? This is a case where premises which are not rateable have been occupied.

Yes.

Are not the localities benefiting by this billeting?

Yes, and they are clamouring and competing for them. I will consider the special case mentioned by my right hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will ensure that men who are totally incapacitated, or partially incapacitated, during the War shall receive their pensions immediately their pay stops on discharge from hospital so as to prevent their proceeding home without any money?

The men referred to have a gratuity of £2 to bridge the gap between cessation of pay and commencement of pension. Everything possible will be done to reduce the interval to the shortest possible time.

asked whether the Government have instituted a sliding scale of pension for men totally incapacitated and men partially incapacitated during the War?

A scheme on this basis is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed that the scale of pensions and grants in respect of services in the War and recommended in the Special Report of the Select Committee should be brought into operation; and, in the event of their requiring to be the subject of a Resolution of the House, when will the terms of such Resolution be put down for discussion, and if he had anything to add to the answer he gave yesterday?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Leith Division.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. Martha Sarah Gardner, wife of Sapper Gardner, No. 40,216, has been refused separation allowance on the ground that she was not living with her husband at the time of his enlistment; whether he is aware that Sapper Gardner deserted his wife and four children on the 11th February, 1911, and thereby compelled them to enter the workhouse; that, notwithstanding every effort, Mrs. Gardner failed to discover her husband's address, but that, after the outbreak of the War, she discovered that he had enlisted in the Royal Engineers; that, by letter of the 7th December last, the record office of the regiment informed her that they were unable to grant her separation allowance owing to her husband's allegation that he had been unable to live with her owing to infidelity on her part; that Sapper Gardner, being summoned to appear at the Tower Bridge Police Court on 6th January last, produced to the magistrate a letter written by the major commanding the 62nd (Field) Company, Royal Engineers, asking for the adjournment of the summons for maintenance until after the War in order that separation allowance might be paid to Mrs. Gardner, a course which, with her assent, the magistrate adopted and stated that Mrs. Gardner had not deserted her husband, but had been deserted by him, and that, no separation order having been made, she was entitled to the Government allowance; and that, at the hearing before the magistrate. Sapper Gardner unreservedly withdrew the allegation of infidelity previously made by him; and, seeing the impossibility of tracing Gardner before his enlistment, and therefore of obtaining an order for maintenance and any payment thereunder, he will direct that separation allowance and arrears should be paid to Mrs. Gardner in like manner as though she had duly obtained an order for maintenance and received payment thereunder?

It appears that Mrs. Gardner was not, in fact, maintained by her husband for a considerable period before the War, and lost nothing by his enlistment. In these circumstances separation allowance is not issuable.

Does not the hon. Gentleman see that the man deserted and secreted himself and she could not find him to summons him for maintenance? That is the whole gist of the complaint.

Under the Regulations, separation allowance is not payable when there has been no maintenance by the husband.

asked whether the widow of an officer holding a temporary commission in the Territorial Force killed in action is entitled to a pension of the rank temporarily held by her husband at the time of his death?

The widow of a Territorial officer killed in action is treated in this respect in exactly the same way as the widow of a Regular officer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if men or women having adopted sons in the Army who have previously supported them at home are not considered as dependants for purposes of separation allowances; and if this disability can be removed without waiting for a general decision on the Report of the Committee on Pensions and Allowances?

Steps will be taken at an early date which will have the desired effect.

asked whether the procedure for the lodging of appeals in the case of allowances for dependants is now ready; and, if so, what it is?

I hope to be able to make an announcement on this point very soon.

What does the hon. Gentleman mean by "very soon"? These allowances come into operation on the 1st March.

I mean before the 1st March.

asked whether the restriction that the £5 bounty shall only be paid to those who re-enlisted for Home defence prior to the 11th of August is being strictly adhered to, or whether in some cases it is being set aside; whether there is a feeling amongst the men that as they are all performing the like duties they should all receive the same treatment; and whether the restriction referred to can be abolished?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hammersmith on the 8th instant, a copy of which I will send to him.

asked whether rheumatism, ague, and weak heart from the effects of rheumatic fever brought about by service at the front are included as casualties?

The figures recently given to the House by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister were confined to battle casualties and did not include cases of sickness. The latter are, however, reported and notified to the relatives in precisely the same manner as other casualties.

Will they get the same class of pension as other casualties?

The Noble Lord must address that question to my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend that the losses necessarily caused to individual persons and companies, either by enemy attack or by the taking of land or premises or other operations of the naval or military forces for the purpose of defence, should be left to lie upon the shoulders where they fall in the first instance or, being incurred for national purposes, should be borne by the nation as a whole; and, if the latter, whether they propose to make any statement in regard to the basis and machinery of compensation or to introduce some State system of war risk insurance against such losses?

As regards the question of payment for injury done by the King's enemies, I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for the St. Augustine's Division of Kent on the 4th instant. The same considerations apply to injury done by His Majesty's forces in resisting actual attack. As regards loss arising out of occupation of land or buildings by the naval and military authorities, or out of the construction of defence works against possible contingencies, the principle of payment for direct pecuniary loss incurred has been accepted, and payment has been made in a number of cases.

Will Lord Parmoor's Committee be able to consider claims arising from damage as well as occupation? [See subsequent correction, col. 1327.]

Yes, I think so, but I will look into it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, as a result of the War, numbers of occupiers of business premises are having to discharge their employés and vacate the premises on account of their being unable to pay the ordinarily high rents; that in a number of cases, particularly in the West End of London where the property is leasehold, the property owners have expressed willingness to reduce the rents by half provided there is a corresponding reduction in the ground rents, but that the ground landlords have refused to agree to this; and whether the Government will consider this matter and see whether any steps can be taken to meet this difficulty and enable the policy of business as usual to be carried out wherever possible?

At present the Board of Trade have no official information with regard to the class of property referred to, but if my hon. Friend can supply me with some particulars I shall be glad to consider them.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to ejectment proceedings at Newport Pagnell petty sessions against Frederick Tysoe, an agricultural labourer, now fighting in the trenches in France; whether he is aware that the man's wife, about to be confined, is to be turned out with three young children; whether he is aware that the number of such cases is increasing; whether he has read the proceedings of the Shrewsbury branch of the Farmers' Union where the president encouraged farmers to eject the wives of enlisted men if cottages were needed for other workmen; and whether steps will be taken to put a stop to these evictions of soldiers' wives?

I have no information regarding the particular case to which the hon. Member refers. But the general question is not free from difficulty, especially in view of the importance of maintaining the supplies of agricultural produce, and will receive careful consideration.

asked the Prime Minister who is responsible for the advertisements concerning recruiting that appear in the newspaper Press; and whether he can give instructions that the advertisements appearing in the Scottish Press should not be addressed to the men of England?

I understand that the War Office are responsible for these advertisements. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that the publication of an advertisement in the "Glasgow Evening News" of the 10th instant, addressed to Englishmen, was due to an oversight. Instructions had already been given that so far as possible recruiting advertisements should be addressed to the men of England, Scotland, or according to the country in which they are issued.

I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the War Office is responsible for the advertisement calling upon employers to inquire whether they had in their employment any butlers, footmen, gamekeepers, or others who were capable of serving their country; whether the War Office was responsible for this advertisement; and whether the Prime Minister approves of that style of thing?

I have not seen that advertisement, but I will look into the matter.

I will try and send the right hon. Gentleman the advertisement.

asked if there is any official prohibition against brass bands being used by the new battalions; and, if so, the reason for the same?

It was decided when the New Armies were being organised that bands could not be provided, as they took fighting men away from their training. Fifes and drums were subsequently sanctioned for each battalion, on condition that the men were not taken away from their training.

Do I understand that brass bands are permitted or not permitted?

Yes; I think that the hon. Gentleman must understand that they are permitted.

Does not a drum and fife band take the men away just as much as a brass band?

No, Sir, I think not.

asked the Prime Minister the number of resolutions he has received from the various parts of the country supporting the Resolution on the Orders of the Day Paper in the name of the hon. Member for North-East Manchester?

The total number of resolutions I have received on the subject of the increase of food prices is approximately 1,200, but to discriminate between those which support the Resolution referred to in the question and those which support the Resolution in the name of the right hon. Member for East Hull would be a matter of considerable difficulty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that payments for clothing supplied to the War Office are delayed by the contractors and sub-contractors to his Department for months beyond the due date in some instances; that the effect of this is that only the richer tailors are able to do War Office work; and whether he will see that this practice is no longer pursued by his Department?

Such delay as has occurred has been due to the greatly increased quantity of clothing which has had to be handled. There is no reason to believe that this has stood in the way of any firms which were properly equipped to undertake contracts. I hope that the improved arrangements now in force will prevent any further serious delay; but in case of necessity it is open to any contractor to apply for payment on account.

Is the hon. Member aware that the War Office has a very bad reputation as paymasters?

The blame is not entirely due to the War Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the central association of Volunteer Training Corps has authority to sanction uniforms for such corps; and, if so, whether such sanction is equivalent to the sanction of the War Office; whether, when such sanction has been given by the central association, the wearing of a brassard in addition to the uniform so sanctioned has in any case been ordered by the War Office; and whether, in the like circumstances, the wearing of a brassard in substitution for uniform has in many cases been ordered?

By the rules framed for corps affiliated to the Central Association of Volunteer Training Corps uniformity of dress is permissible among members of any corps, provided that this dress is distinguishable from that worn by the Regular and Territorial Forces. No authority is required for the adoption of any particular dress, but, owing to the large requirements of the Army, woollen fabrics are prohibited. The wearing of a brassard is also permitted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the last part of my question?

What I wanted to convey was that there is no order for the wearing of brassards, but permission has been given to wear them.

Is he aware that no corps sanctioned by the War Office would wear the brassard, but nevertheless the wearing of a brassard is in order and is in the official orders of this association?

I can only say if that be so the War Office is not responsible for the order issued.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter?

I will make it my business to look into the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman's answer consistent with the War Office letter of the 19th November, in which it was clearly stated that the wearing of a brassard is not authorised?

That is exactly what I stated in answer to a question.

Is it open to any civilian to order a military uniform from his own tailor, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that fraudulent use has already been made of this privilege?

That must always depend upon what the status of the individual is. If he is an officer and has received a commission he is entitled to order a uniform, but if he is a member of the Volunteer Training Corps he must conform to their rule.

Supposing he is merely a common rascal?

Then he should be treated as such.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that typhoid fever is not considered by the medical profession as contagious in the ordinary acceptation of that term, and that until lately typhoid patients have been treated in general hospitals side by side with others and without infecting them; and, if so, whether he will publish a statement to that effect and circulate it throughout the Army?

I am afraid I cannot agree with my hon. Friend. Typhoid is considered to be undoubtedly conveyed by contact, though not to the same extent as scarlet fever for example, and for some considerable time now special wards in military hospitals have been set apart for these cases.

Is it not a fact that patients are treated as described in the question?

That is not in accordance with my information, but I will make further inquiry if the hon. Member has any doubt.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared from time to time to supply lists of the names and addresses and the condition as regards inoculation of men in the British Army who have died from enteric fever?

The names and particulars as regards inoculation of men in the British Army who have died from enteric are invariably obtained and filed at the War Office, and I will consider the possibility of furnishing returns from time to time.