asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any conditions of a political nature will be made or have been proposed in connection with the Russian loan; and whether this bond of common objects shared by the Russian and the British Empire will be made the occasion of less restricted trade and intercourse between Russian and British subjects?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The chief bond of common objects between the two Empires at present is the prosecution of the War, and I cannot make any statement as to permanent trade arrangements at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the British Government has received the text of the demands put forward by the Japanese Government to China; and whether in that case he is in a position to communicate them to the House?

I am not at present in a position to communicate to the House the information on the subject which has been given to me confidentially by the Japanese Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any understanding between the four great Allied Powers regarding the time at which and the method in which all Far Eastern claims arising out of the War are to be put forward for international settlement, and, if so, can he indicate its nature?

An agreement was signed in London on the 5th of September, 1914, between the British, French, and Russian Governments, and was published in the Press at the time, to the effect that the three Powers mutually engaged not to conclude peace separately during the present War. They also agreed that when terms of peace came to be discussed no one of the Allies will demand terms of peace without the previous agreement of each of the other Allies. Article II. of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance has the same effect, and therefore unites all four Powers for the purpose named in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has been informed that, in view of the commercial advances of Japan and the claims put forward by that Power in China, apprehension exists as to the security of development of British firms in parts of the Chinese dominion; whether any representations have been made to him either by British firms or by officials of the Chinese Government relative to the attitude of the British Government on this question; and whether he will take the matter into consideration and adopt any measures that may be advisable for securing that there shall be no infringement of any commercial freedom now enjoyed in China?

As regards the first part of the question, no representations have as yet been made to His Majesty's Government. As regards the last part, His Majesty's Government will of course take British interests into account, and, when necessary, consider what measures are required.

asked how many first-aid and ambulance work classes have been organised officially through Government Departments in Ireland since the outbreak of war; the number of students enrolled; and what further facilities will now be given with a view to the extension of the number of classes?

Under Regulations issued by the Department of Agriculture over 390 classes have been held, in which over 10,000 pupils in all were enrolled. Of these classes 304 wore in First Aid to the Injured, 79 in Hygiene and Emergency Nursing, and 8 in Ambulance Work. The Department do not regard the formation of classes in these subjects as any longer a matter of urgency, and accordingly they have, since the 31st December last, required that (except in very exceptional circumstances) classes should be recognised only if conducted under the conditions of a local scheme of technical instruction. If a technical instruction committee agrees to form such classes, the Department recognise them as eligible for Grants under the conditions of their programme for technical schools and classes.

asked if any licences have yet been granted for the export of grass seed to neutral countries from Ireland; if applications for licences to export should be sent through the Department of Agriculture; and if the Department will do its best to facilitate the issue of licences and impress upon the Board of Trade the importance of dealing with all applications with the least possible delay?

The Department do not grant licences for the exportation of grass seed. Applications for such licences should, it is understood, be addressed to the Customs authorities. The Department have reported as promptly as possible in regard to the applications referred for the Department's opinion.

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that applications must in the first instance be sent to the Board of Agriculture in Ireland, or to the Board of Trade?

Applications must be made to the Special Branch of the Board of Trade. My right hon. Friend said yesterday that these applications would be forwarded to the Board of Trade for report. That has been done. I may add that I, personally, on Monday, waited upon the Commissioners in charge of this work and received from them the assurance that all applications for grants-would be issued at once.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the support given in Ireland to the establishment of the aniline dye industry in the United Kingdom, he will make arrangements with the Irish Department for the co-operation of research workers in the Royal College of Science in Dublin, with a view to securing that all the scientific ability of the country may be enlisted in the furtherance of a great national industry?

I will take care that the attention of the proposed company is drawn to the matter to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements have been made by the British Government whereby, in order to facilitate their shipments of copper from the United States of America to neutral countries, American exporters are forced to ship through certain London firms; and if he will state who these firms are?

No arrangements such as those suggested in the question have been made Several of the most important copper producers in the United States of America, and practically all the copper merchants in London, have voluntarily agreed to certain suggestions regarding shipments of copper to Europe. There is no compulsion to ship through any particular houses; their arrangements are purely voluntary, open to all, and made with the object of facilitating shipments to Europe. The Government will raise no objection to those companies and firms who have entered into this arrangement making the fact public, so that purchasers of copper in the allied countries may be in a position to discriminate when arranging for their purchases.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the opportunity for ascertaining the facts concerning piece-wage rates paid to weavers in the Bradford district, which is now available whilst a large proportion of looms in the Bradford district are weaving cloth for the Army, he will request the War Office to furnish him with a, list of the manufacturers in the Bradford district who are weaving cloth for the Army, along with other simple particulars in their possession which would be helpful to him for the purpose of his inquiry; and, providing his request is acceded to, will he then proceed to ascertain the different prices per pick per inch paid to weavers for their work in the district mentioned?

I will confer with my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary of the War Office on the point raised.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether permits have been granted by the Lords of the Privy Council to any firms or individuals authorising them to import goods known to be of German manufacture since the commencement of the war?

Under the terms of paragraph 8 of the Trading with the Enemy Proclamation, No. 2, of the 9th September last, licences have been granted to import certain classes of goods of German origin in a limited number of cases. In issuing these licences regard has been had to the special requirements of this country and the difficulty of obtaining the particular descriptions of goods except from this source.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the managers of the Admiralty coasting-trade office at Newcastle are paid a fixed salary, or whether their pay varies with the rates of freight they obtain for the interned enemy ships; and whether he will avoid any arrangement which might tend to raise freights contrary to the interests of coal consumers?

The arrangement with these gentlemen is on the basis of a fixed sum per annum for each vessel, together with a percentage on the net profits, but subject to a maximum rate of remuneration per annum which will, I think, have the effect desired by the hon. Member.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has had any recent report on the health of the naval troops at the Crystal Palace; and whether there have been any deaths from meningitis?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many men of the Naval Division are in training at the Crystal Palace; how many medical men are there available for attendance upon them; and how many cases there are among the men there in training?

There are at present 6,578 officers and men victualled at the Crystal Palace. Fourteen medical officers are attached. There were on Tuesday 184 men on the sick list. As regards cerebro-spinal meningitis, there have been fifteen cases up to date, the first case occurring on 16th January. I regret to say that eight of the cases have proved fatal. Every declared case has, of course, been transferred to an infectious hospital, and contacts have been removed for purposes of observation to another naval hospital, where, of course, they are carefully isolated. A special medical officer with expert knowledge of the disease has been appointed to the division at the Palace, to devote himself solely to dealing with the matter. Further, a special bacteriologist has been attached for the purpose of elucidating the origin of the disease in this case. Apart from cerebro-spinal cases, the general health at the Palace is very good. The average number on the sick list is about 2 per cent.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the huts in which the men had lived were burnt or merely disinfected?

I do not think it applies to the Colonial buildings attached; but we have taken every precaution.

In view of the fact that since this outbreak there are also certain civilian cases outside the Palace, can my right hon. Friend say whether he can take steps until the disease has been combated to prevent general leave among the men in the district?

I was not aware of any civilian cases, but the suggestion that the men should be confined is one that I think may very well be considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the steamer "Fürth" of Hamburg, was condemned as a prize and sold by private treaty to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company; whether public tenders were invited for the purchase of this vessel or whether she was offered by public auction as in the case of other German ships forfeited in prize; and why there was no public competition invited for the sale of this vessel?

A certain number of firms who were considered likely to buy the "Fürth" were asked by the Overseas Prize Disposal Committee to tender, but their offers were so much below the assumed value of the ship that they were all declined. The Anglo-Persian Company then applied for the use of the ship, but owing to a difficulty in settling terms for hire, they offered to purchase on a valuation, which offer was accepted.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many orders have been issued by the competent naval authorities under the Defence of the Realm Act and consolidated regulations for the restriction of the hours of sale for licensed premises: and if he can state the hours fixed in each case and the conditions, if any, imposed on the licence-holders?

The information asked for is not available, but the number of cases in which such orders have been issued by competent naval aurthorities can only be very small. Such orders would usually be issued by competent military authorities.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he received in October, 1913, a petition from the ships stewards' class of the Royal Navy; and, if so, when he can give a reply to the petition?

The various points raised in the petition referred to by the hon. Member have been carefully considered by the Admiralty, but it is impossible at the present time to give any assurance that changes such as those proposed can be made.

May I take it that no reply will be given at all?

No reply. I am afraid, at the present time.

Is it not rather overdue as compared with many other petitions?

The question of overdue does not settle the merits of the case. That is what we have to go upon.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the medals for general services in the operations carried out by His Majesty's Navy in the Persian Gulf in the years 1909–12 will be granted; and whether the new proposals of the Admiralty as regards prize money will apply to prize money now due to officers and men who have been carrying out those operations prior to the outbreak of War?

As stated by my right hon. Friend in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for East Leicestershire on the 10th instant, steps are being taken by the Admiralty to compile the medal rolls for the Royal Navy. The grant of awards for services rendered prior to the outbreak of War will not be affected by the proposed new Prize Proclamation, which will only relate to prize money earned under war conditions. I may say that the Prize Proclamation under which awards were made for services rendered in the Persian Gulf still remains in force for purposes other than the distribution of the net proceeds of prize captured from the enemy. As stated by my right hon. Friend, gratuities in lieu of prize money have been distributed for captures by His Majesty's ships up to May, 1910.

Will the right hon. Gentleman complete the distribution of the money due up to the commencement of the present War?

I think the hon. and gallant Member probably heard the reply, that we have to communicate with the Indian Government. I can assure him there will be no delay that can be avoided.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the vessels in Portsmouth Harbour containing interned alien enemies are re-moved or about to be removed?

Orders have been issued which will result in the removal from Portsmouth Harbour of the vessels referred to by the 22nd instant.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether young medical officers are entered into the Navy as temporary surgeons over the heads of surgeons of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and, on appointment, rank as senior to those officers; whether he is aware that very many of these temporary surgeons have lately been students under the surgeons of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, many of the latter officers being consulting surgeons with responsible hospital appointments in civil life; and whether the Admiralty will take steps to have this disability removed?

The facts are as stated in the question of the Noble Lord, and the question is now receiving the consideration of the Board.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether certain shipowners whose ships are in the employ of the Admiralty Transport Department have recently held a meeting to demand increased rates for the hire of those ships; whether he is aware that. Lord Inchcape, the chairman of the Arbitration Committee, in delivering his award determining the rates of payment, said that he trusted that the shipowners would not look upon the rates as a minimum on which increases might be built; whether any and all additional working expenses are to be charged to the Government by specified prearrangement; and whether the shipowners mentioned are basing their demands for advances, ranging from 25 per cent. to 40 per cent., upon the claim that others are doing much better in the open market?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Lord Inchcape was chairman of certain sub-committees of the Arbitration Board, which, on 22nd October last, reported to Lord Mersey, President of the Admiralty Transport Board of Arbitration, for his information and advice, the basis, general scale, or rate at which payment to owners of ships requisitioned for Government service should be assessed. In forwarding these recommendations of the sub-committees to the President, Lord Inchcape made the statement referred to. The sub-committees recommended that the owners should be indemnified against any extraordinary out - of - pocket expenses arising out of the requisition. The rates suggested to us on 22nd October as equitable by Lord Inchcape's sub-committee have been agreed to by the shipowners for the period from the date of requisition down to 31st December last. Many, indeed, have agreed to the rates in question for the whole period of chartering, however long. But it is the fact that a very large section of the shipowners are asking higher rates to meet altered circumstances since 1st January. The whole matter of these requests is at this moment the subject of careful consideration by the Board.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether any suggestion was made as to the freights to be charged for the interned ships?

That, I think, is another question, of which I should like to have notice.

asked the Civil Lord to the Admiralty if he is aware that midshipmen in the Royal Navy receive as pay 1s. 9d. a day, or, approximately, £32 per annum, and that messing alone costs on the average £4 10s. a month, while subalterns of the same age in Line regiments are now in receipt of pay and allowances approximating to £180 per annum; and if it is the intention of the Admiralty to more nearly assimilate the conditions of pay of junior officers in the two Services?

The pay of midshipmen is as stated, but I am advised that £4 10s. a month is excessive for messing, the compulsory mess subscription being only £1 10s. a month. In instituting a comparison such as is made by the hon. Member, it must be remembered that the average age of subalterns is considerably in excess of that of midshipmen, and the conditions as regards messing and other expenses differ considerably in the two Services. I am afraid that I can give no undertaking in regard to the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the increased cost of living, any change in the typical scale of relief laid down by the Government Committee and the Committee of the National Relief Fund jointly, is contemplated?

This matter is now engaging the attention of the Government Committee for the Prevention and Relief of Distress.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether all disabled soldiers and sailors who are State insured are to be paid their benefits under the National Insurance Act from the funds of their respective approved societies; if so, whether he is aware that this will result in a drain upon the funds of some societies and was a contingency that was not contemplated in their schemes of benefits for sickness and disablement: and whether consideration has been given to the advisability of the State assisting these societies, at any rate to some extent?

In accordance with the recommendation of the Select Committee, the Government are considering the question of giving assistance to societies in respect of the drain upon their resources directly attributable to disablement suffered by soldiers and sailors serving the State in the War.

asked the Prime Minister if he can say when the full Report of the Pensions Committee will be ready; and whether, if it is not possible to lay it soon, an early opportunity will be given to discuss the separation allowances which are to come into operation on 1st March?

I am informed that it is hoped that the final Report will be ready shortly I am not aware of any general desire to discuss the pensions and allowances which come into force on 1st March, but, if there is, I will endeavour to make arrangements to meet it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a great many points which are not met by the interim Report in regard to separation allowances, and does he also recollect that this was a Committee of the House of Commons, and that surely we ought to have an opportunity of discussing the Report before it becomes law?

I have no responsibility for the proceedings of the Committee. It is a Committee of the House; but I have said that if there is a general disposition to discuss the Report I will see what can be done to meet it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the hardship imposed upon young married couples who are unable to draw separation allowance owing to the date of their marriage, the Government will consider whether the allowance lost to them can be made up by a larger payment over as many weeks as is necessary to put them on an equality with those who have been drawing separation allowance all the time?

Effect will be given to the new conditions of this grant with arrears from a date to be announced shortly.

asked whether the widows of soldiers killed on active service are entitled to separation allowance in respect of posthumous children?

Separation allowance is issuable for posthumous children up to the expiry of twenty-six weeks from the notification of the soldier's death, when pension begins.

asked whether the wives and families of the non-commissioned officers and men of the British regiments brought from India, now serving in France or Belgium, are being brought home to England; and whether they are receiving separation allowances on the same scale as those granted to the wives and children of non-commissioned officers and men now resident in Great Britain?

Yes, Sir.

asked whether separation allowances are paid for the adopted children of soldiers?

Adopted children are covered by the recommendations of the Select Committee.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why the adopted child of an unmarried soldier gets the separation allowance, and the adopted child of a married soldier does not get the allowance?

Because in the first case it is a dependant.

asked whether the dependants of an unmarried soldier who died of wounds before the announcement of allowances to such dependants are entitled to apply for an allowance for the period of twenty-six weeks after his death, and afterwards for a pension?

Issues of separation allowance to dependants are not made in cases where the soldier's death occurred before the scheme came into existence. The grant of pensions to dependants is, as my hon. Friend is aware, reserved by the Select Committee fo ra further report.

In the meantime, does the answer mean that the dependants of all those soldiers who were the first to go out, and who had the misfortune to be killed during the first two or three months, are deprived of all pension or allowance?

I imagine that the Select Committee will report very soon, and a scheme of pensions will then come into force.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in the case of soldiers on active service who are not married and have no parents living, the Government allowance will be paid to the aunt or other near relatives with whom they were living and to whose household expenses they were contributing before their enlistment; and, if so, whether he will ascertain ascertain why no allowance has yet been paid to Mrs. Eliza Longworth, of 202, Padiham Road, Burnley, in respect of her nephews, Private A. Christie and Private J. Christie, 1723 and 1724, of the 5th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, who left her under these conditions to go on active service?

The case is covered by the recommendations of the Select Committee, and will now be dealt with under them.

Will not the War Office deal with the case at once?

I imagine that the Select Committee will name a date in their Report.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government can offer any guidance to the public in the matter of insuring against risks of enemy bombardments from any kind of hostile ship on sea or in air, or whether the public can rely that the Committee set up to deal with the recent damage done on the East Coast will be kept in being for similar purposes if necessary until the end of the War?

I fear I cannot say more than that, in each case as it may arise, the question of the grant of relief from public funds and, if relief is granted, of the nature of the machinery to be set up, will be considered on its merits.

Are we to understand from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that relief is intended and not compensation?

That is a verbal question. I prefer to use the word "relief."

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of arranging that every man who has volunteered for the War and so risks his life in the service of and defence of the country shall be entitled at the age of twenty-one to a Parliamentary vote during his lifetime, irrespective of other qualifications?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will introduce a Bill to extend the Parliamentary franchise to all men who have during the present War served in His Majesty's Navy or Army (Regular and Territorial Forces); and, if not, whether lie will give the House an opportunity of discussing the question whether the men who have recognised their duty to the country by serving in His Majesty's naval and military services during the War ought to be given a voice in the management of the affairs of the country, and those men who, not being unfit for service, have refused to serve their country in the present crisis should be disfranchised?

In reply to this and the following question, the suggestions of the Noble Lord and of the hon. Member for the Chippenham Division will be duly considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to an alleged hardship inflicted on the officers of native contingents now at the front, that whereas the officers of English Cavalry regiments now fighting in France (or Belgium) are supplied with rations and horses (with their food) free, officers of Indian regiments have to pay daily 7s. odd for their rations, also for horse-hire and for food for the horse; whether he will explain why there has been this treatment of officers of native regiments; and whether he will take steps to place them upon the same footing as officers of British regiments in regard to horses and rations?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 9th instant to a similar question by the hon. Member for Nottingham East, of which I will send him a copy.

asked whether a War Office order was issued granting free railway warrants to all soldiers for a period beginning 4th December, 1914, ending 31st January, 1915, being-Christmas leave; whether from 4th December, 1914, till 20th January, 1915, all men of No. 4 Company, 5th Battalion Essex Regiment (R.), who obtained leave had to pay their own fares, the first free railway warrant not being issued until 21st January; and whether the money thus expended by the soldiers will be refunded to them?

Owing to military exigencies it was only possible to allow the Christmas leave and free railway warrants to soldiers not fully trained. Arrangements have been made for a refund to all men who were allowed leave but paid their own fares. I am having inquiry made into the case referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can give the names of the gentlemen serving on the Committee appointed by the War Office to assist it in organising and placing Army clothing contracts?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any Scottish clothing manufacturing firms are represented upon the Advisory Committee which has been appointed to advise the War Office with regard to the organising and placing of clothing contracts for the Army?

As I stated on another occasion, the Committee appointed to advise as to the handling and issue of the large quantities of stores at Pimlico and elsewhere has no functions of any kind in connection with clothing contracts. The names of its members are as follows:—

What objection is there to adding to the Committee a Scottish Member to represent the Scottish trade?

This Committee does not represent the trade at all. It is advising purely and solely on organisation and the handling of goods.

Is there no Scottish Member able to advise with regard to the Scottish trade?

It is not a matter of trade, but a matter of organisation.

Can the hon. Gentleman say which Member for Leeds and which Member for Leicestershire?

I must apologise, but my hon. Friend who put the question knew the Members. It is the hon. Member for Loughborough (Sir M. Levy) and the hon. Member for North Leeds (Mr. Rowland Barran).

asked whether orders for clothing for the Army were given out at the Ordnance Store in Stirling at the beginning of the War; if so, why this practice was discontinued; and what system is now adopted by his Department to ensure that Scottish tailors get a fair share of the Government contracts for clothing?

During the first two months of the War large purchases were made locally by the various Army Ordnance depots (including that at Stirling) to meet the immediate needs of the troops. This system was discontinued as soon as practicable in order to avoid competition between several independent purchasing agents, and to secure that all goods supplied to the troops should receive expert inspection. Orders for clothing are distributed throughout the United Kingdom with due regard for economy and capacity of production, and the services of Scottish clotheirs have been utilised to a considerable extent.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether Scottish sellers of clothing have to come to London to show their samples and to get orders?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a number of Scottish merchants laid down extra machinery and employed extra hands to supply this ordnance store at Stirling and now do not get any orders?

I have explained the reasons for the prohibition, and they are very good reasons.

asked whether shortness exists in the supply of material to the contractors making clothing for the Army; and whether, in these circumstances, care is taken by his Department that the fair share of material available is given to Scottish sub-contractors, and that they are not always the last to be served?

There is no present shortage except in regard to greatcoat cloth, and this, I believe, will soon be-removed. Every endeavour has been and is being made to supply material to Scottish contractors equally with others.

asked whether considerable quantities of orders for clothing for our Army have gone to America; whether these orders have gone direct from the War Office or have been sub-contracted by his intermediary agents, Glanfield and Sons, or their agent; and, in any case, were the prices paid higher than have been paid to our tailors at Home?

Owing to the necessity for clothing the New Army in the shortest possible time, orders for uniforms have been placed by the War Office both in Canada and the United States. No firm holding War Office contracts for clothing has been allowed to sub - contract in Canada or the United States. The prices paid have been in most cases higher than those at which contracts have been placed in this country, on account of the greater cost of raw material and labour in America.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether these contracts have been placed with commission agents and, if so, what commission is paid?

Will the hon. Gentleman give me notice of that question? There are two cases concerned, the United States and Canada.

Are we to understand that an order for clothing was sent to America while a number of our tailors were practically unemployed?

The orders were placed outside this country simply and solely because it was thought necessary to clothe the Army at the earliest possible moment.

asked whether the Fair-Wages Clause is inserted in War Office clothing contracts; whether any and, if so, what steps are taken to enforce it; and whether many of such contracts are being sub-let several times over with the result that the workpeople who actually make the clothing are not paid fair wages?

The Fair-Wages Clause is inserted in all War Office clothing contracts, and contractors' premises are inspected with a view to ascertaining that its requirements are being carried out. Some cases of sub-letting beyond that allowed by the Department have been discovered; and in every such case prompt action has been taken to bring it to an end.

Would the hon. Gentleman allow me to see a copy of the Report?

Certainly, I will send the hon. Member a copy.

asked whether volunteers for the Welsh Guards will be accepted and their transfer authorised from the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Welsh Regiment, and South Wales Borderers, including the battalions of those regiments which form part of the Welsh Army Corps, provided such volunteers are willing to accept the usual terms of service applicable to the Brigade of Guards?

Opportunity will be given to the regiments referred to, to volunteer for the Welsh Guards, but as the required numbers to complete the battalion are rapidly being found from Welshmen in Reserves of the Brigade of Guards, the number required will be strictly limited and confined to battalions serving at home.

asked whether the Army medical authorities have taken steps to derive advantage from the experiments directed to obtain the best antiseptic for wounds as demonstrated by Sir Watson Cheyne at his recent Hunterian lecture?

Full advantage has been taken by the Army medical authorities of all recent scientific advances in the surgical treatment of wounds.

asked if clerks in the Army Pay Corps have to complete 30 years' service before becoming eligible for a pension, whereas clerks in all other corps are required to complete 21 years' service only for this eligibility; whether a clerk in any of the other corps voluntarily remaining on till 30 years' service is completed is entitled to 6d. per day more pension than the soldier of the Army Pay Corps of similar rank; whether he can state the reasons for this differential treatment; and whether the point will be considered with a view to bringing the Army Pay Corps pension rights into harmony with those of other corps?

The conditions which the hon. Member quotes apply to members of the Army Pay Corps who joined after March, 1910. The purely clerical duties of this corps can be efficiently performed to a more advanced age than those of ordinary soldiers, and it is not proper that the public should be charged with pensions for premature retirement. On the other hand, the men referred to have the advantage of longer employment on full pay, and can ultimately earn higher pensions than those of other corps.

Is it not a fact that there are between 5,000 and 6,000 of these young men employed in the Army Pay Corps, and that their places could be better filled by wounded soldiers and older men?

I would ask for notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in certain country districts the Remount Department is employing unskilled men of military age at wages of 40s. and 45s. a week whose main duty is to lead horses on the roads; whether, although these men are not enlisted and are free to leave when they like, they are being supplied with some kind of uniform; whether he is aware that no inquiries are made of these men before they are engaged as to their reasons for not enlisting; whether he is aware that this system is causing dissatisfaction among all classes and is proving detrimental to recruiting in certain districts, men stating that they are not prepared to join the fighting ranks when others equally eligible for service are given these highly-paid civilian posts under the War Office; and whether he will consider the possibility of giving this employment to men who are not of military age or are unfit for military service and at wages somewhat more approximate to those paid locally?

According to the information in my possession the hon. Member appears to be misinformed. I shall be glad if he will communicate to me more specifically the statements on which his question is founded, so that I may have inquiry made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether in some districts the number of rejections among applicants for enlistment in His Majesty's Forces is as high as 30 per cent.; whether any attempt is made to remove superficial unfitness with a view to subsequent enrolment; and whether he can give the total of rejections and the percentage of rejections for the whole country?

The information is not readily available and would take some time to compile, and in view of the pressure prevailing at the recruiting offices I am reluctant to throw this additional work on their staffs.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the Admiralty have issued badges to workers on Government contracts to show that they are engaged in special service to the country; and will he adopt the same principle for workmen employed on contracts for the War Office?

Yes, Sir, arrangements are now being made to issue badges under certain conditions to workmen engaged oft work for the War Office.

asked the-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the sudden imposition of new Passport Regulations without making provision for added facilities for complying with the additional. Regulations is causing much inconvenience; and whether, in view of the Foreign Office issuing passports to be viséd on this side by the French Consul prior to crossing the Channel and also on the return journey by the British Consul, he will take step to see that the British Consulate in Paris remains open until 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 till 4 p.m.?

A fortnight's notice was given through the Press and by all other available means of the new Regulations, and all necessary facilities were provided by the erection of a special building-and the provision of a largely increased staff to deal with applications for passports. With regard to the second part of the hon. Member's question, the British Consulate-General at Paris is open every day from ten till four, and the staff are usually on duty till after six. Furthermore, special arrangements were made some time ago whereby passports can be "visé" on application at any hour of the evening.

Do I understand the hon. Gentleman that the office in Paris is open from ten till four?

I will make further inquiry.