asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will issue as a White Paper the Orders in Council of 20th August and 29th October, 1914, relating to contraband of War, and all Orders in Council issued since the commencement of the War dealing with this subject, the rights of neutrals, and the prohibition of export of articles from the United Kingdom?

The facilities for obtaining copies of the Orders in Council referred to are such that there does not appear to me to be any need for the issue of a White Paper such as the hon. Member suggests. The Orders in Council are purchaseable either singly (price 4d.), or, collected together in book form with other legislation passed and made in consequence of the War, in the "Manual of Emergency Legislation," published under the authority of His Majesty's Stationery Office (price with supplement, covering period up to December 5th, 5s.).

Up to what date are these now complete?

Up to the 5th December.

Have any changes been made since that date?

I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether six Socialist members of the Russian Duma have been sentenced by courts-martial to terms of imprisonment for advocating Socialist principles; and whether he will make representations to the Russian Government on this matter, in view of the advisability at the present time of securing as cordial relations as possible between the two nations?

According to information that has reached me, five Social Democrat members of the Duma have been arrested and will shortly be sent for trial. They were found at a secret meeting held by members of Socialist organisations with a view to starting a secret anti-war propaganda. Papers have been seized which are said to support this charge, and a proposal to protest against this arrest of its members has been refused by the Duma; but in any case I must remind the hon. member that His Majesty's Government cannot concern themselves, especially at this moment, with internal affairs of other countries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, in what counties there has been a rise in she wages of agricultural labourers since July last; and what is the average percentage of the rise and the present average wage in those counties?

I regret that precise information of the nature desired by my hon. Friend is not in the Board's, possession.

Has the Board any means at its disposal for obtaining more accurate information with regard to individual counties?

It is rather a difficult matter, as the increases in wages are not confined to one county, or to one part of a county. I will see what can be done to meet my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether most of the men who would in the ordinary course have been preparing for the Home and Indian Civil Service examinations are now engaged on military duty and will therefore be unable to compete in 1915, and probably in 1916; and if, under these circumstances, he will consider the advisability of approaching the proper authority with a view of preparing a scheme of selection, in consultation with the university authorities and others having special knowledge, whereby men who had intended to enter the Civil service, and who still wish to do so, shall not be prejudiced by reason of their present employment on military duty and consequent inability to prepare for competitive examinations?

The question, so far as it concerns the Home Civil Service, should be addressed to the representatives of the Treasury. As regards the Indian Civil Service, the hon. Member's suggestion to substitute selection for the open competitive examination would require the amendment of the Government of India Act of 1858. The Secretary of State is not prepared to propose this in present circumstances. He has, however, granted concessions as to age to candidates undertaking service with the Forces which he believes meet the case as it now presents itself. The concessions have been made with the advice and assistance of the Civil Service Commissioners.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that a concession merely on the point of age will still prejudice those candidates who are now serving their country by reason of the fact that they will not be able to join the Civil Service until they are two years older than other candidates who have not served with the Colours?

I will submit that representation to the Secretary of State.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a large percentage of letters passing through the hands of the military censors with the Expeditionary Force are delivered to the addressees in England with the envelope unsealed; and whether he will give instructions to the censors to see that the letters are properly sealed after having been censored, so as to prevent private communications from the soldiers to wives and relatives from being read by persons for whom they are not intended?

My attention had already been drawn to this matter, and instructions have been issued which will, I hope, prevent its recurrence.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whethere there has been any variation in the original terms of the agreement between the Board of Trade and the railway companies by which a guarantee was given by the Government that pre-War rates of profits would be maintained, if necessary, by subsidies from the Treasury?

Some variation of the original agreement is now under discussion with the railway companies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the negotiations with Messrs. Reid, Holliday and Company, any suggestion was made to the proprietors to follow the usual course in such cases and accept part at least of the purchase money in the shares of the new undertaking?

I do not think that the course suggested would have been either practicable or convenient, in view of the facts that when the option was obtained the scheme for the new company was in embryo, that the new company is, and has always been, intended to be primarily an association of consumers rather than of producers of dyes, and that the dividend on ordinary shares is limited as long as the Government advance if outstanding.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in fact a course like that mentioned in the question was suggested or not?

Does the hon. Member mean to suggest by us or by the vendors?

By the Government.

I believe it was discussed as between the company and the Committee who were promoting the scheme, and the Committee who were promoting the scheme did not desire to give the vendors any shares.

asked what proportion of the profits earned by Messrs. Reid, Holliday and Company as a manufacturing concern, and taken into account for computing the purchase price of that concern, was estimated to be earned on the manufacture of synthetic drugs and aniline dyes, respectively?

asked whether the revenue of Messrs. Read, Holliday, and Sons, Limited, upon which the purchase price by British Dyes, Limited, is based, has been derived solely from the manufacture in England of the products which they sell, or whether a portion has teen derived, directly or indirectly, from profits or commission on the sale of goods manufactured abroad?

An option has been acquired to purchase the undertaking of Messrs. Read, Holliday and Sons, Limited, on certain terms, but it will be entirely for the directors of the new Dyes Company, when formed, to decide at their discretion whether that option shall be exercised. In these circumstances, I do not think it would be proper for me to give the details asked for.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department has given, and is prepared to give, further licences to British firms to import aniline dyes, including aniline dyes from enemy countries; what are the special circumstances which have determined the Board of Trade in this policy; and whether it is intended to apply to all users of dyes who make application for corresponding facilities?

Licences to import aniline dyes of enemy origin have been granted in a number of cases, in view of the existing shortage of artificial dyes and their importance to the textile and other industries. The licences may be revoked at any time, should that course appear expedient; but I do not think that the present situation is such as to justify the discontinuance of the practice. Every application for a licence is considered on its merits.

Does that answer mean that private dye users may make then own arrangements through neutral countries to import aniline dyes from Germany?

It means that they can only import enemy dyes into this country provided they have a licence. Without having that licence it will be illegal for them to do so.

Does that licence give permission to import dyes from Germany?

The licence is for no other purpose but for licensing the importation of enemy goods, if such are necessary, into this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every sovereign Germany gets for aniline dyes is spent in making bullets for our men?

That may be perfectly true, but it is also necessary that our own industries should exist under certain conditions. Every licence is considered on its merits. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to suggest that there should be no licences issued in any circumstances, then he must put that question to the Prime Minister and not to me.

Are we to understand—

The hon. Member had better put his question on the Paper. We have well over 100 questions on the Paper now.

asked whether non-users of dyes will be precluded from becoming shareholders in the proposed National Dye Company; and whether dyes produced by the company will be sold to all British dye users who are not shareholders in the National Dye Company at the same price as they will be sold to the shareholders?

I understand that applications for shares in the proposed new company will be invited not only from users of dyes but from others willing to assist in providing a supply thereof. The prices to be charged by the company for its products will be a matter for the determination of the directors, subject to the provision against undue preference which is one of the conditions of Government assistance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the difficulties of the Hampton Urban District Council in obtaining supplies of coal for their sewage disposal works, and to the possibility of the works stopping and the sewage overflow polluting the water supply of London; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?

I am informed that the requirements of the Hampton Urban District Council of coal have been receiving attention from the Railway Executive Committee, and I understand that arrangements have been made for the immediate delivery of an adequate supply of coal to the council.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Messrs. F. B. Cameron and Company trade under the following names: The Colliery Owners' Association, the Co-operative Coal Company, the Newcastle Colliery Owners, the Great Northern Coal Company, the Midland Coal Company, and the Great Western Coal Company; if he is aware that, in consequence of the coal which is being delivered in London at about 12s. per ton over and above the price of February, 1914, gas companies, factory owners, corporations, and private consumers of coal are paying an extra rate of about £154,000 per week; if he is aware that a number of generating stations in London are finding a difficulty to obtain coal for generating purposes; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

I understand that F. B. Cameron and Company, Limited, own a controlling interest in the Newcastle Colliery Owners, Limited. The other companies named do not appear to be registered under the Companies Acts, and I have no information with regard to them. I am not in a position to say exactly how much more in the aggregate is being paid for coal at the present moment by the various classes of consumers mentioned, as compared with a year ago. The question of the rise in the retail price of household coal is being investigated by the Retail Coal Prices Committee. As regards coal for gas and electricity undertakings, the Government have arranged for the interned enemy steamers in the United Kingdom to carry coal to London largely for the use of undertakings of this kind and of other public utility bodies.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Committee set up to consider the coal question will have power by their remit to consider the advisability of stopping all export of coal during the War; and, if not, will the Government consider this point, in view of the present price of coal both for domestic and manufacturing consumption and of the shortage of ship ping tonnage?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. There is nothing in the terms of reference to the Retail Coal Prices Committee which would preclude them from considering this point, if and in so far as it appeared to them to bear on the subject of their inquiry.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that coal freights from the Tyne to London hive recently been raised to 17s. 6d. per ton; and whether, in making the present arrangement of intrusting the management of and the fixing of freights for the thirty-four interned German steamers recently made available for coasting traffic to a committee of shipowners interested in maintaining freights, any steps were taken to prevent such an arrangement having the effect of keeping up and raising freights on food-stuffs and coal required by the population of London?

My right hon. Friend has requested me to answer this question. No such rate of freight as that mentioned by the hon. Member has been paid in respect of any interned steamer, nor its it true that the management of and fixing of freights for these steamers have been, entrusted, as alleged in the question, to a committee of shipowners interested in maintaining freights.

asked the Prime Minister who are the members of the committee appointed to consider the difficulties connected with the getting, loading, carrying, unloading, and distribution of the coal supplies of the nation; whether that committee comprises adequate representation of the mass of the consumers of the country; and what progress the committee has made in the prevention of delays and the relief of congestion in traffic with a view to the more speedy delivery of the coal supplies, and the consequent diminution of cost to the consumers?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The composition of the committee and the terms of reference were stated in a reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Dartford Division of Kent on Thursday last. I am not yet in a position to say what progress the committee have made in their investigations, but I am sure that they are fully impressed with the urgency of the problem referred to them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that Mr. Waugh, the Kingsclere trainer, had three Austrian stable lads under the age of seventeen, and that these lads have been interned as dangerous; if he is aware that the discipline of a training stable is strict, and that Mr. Waugh is willing to re-employ these lads; if alien lads of the same class and age have been allowed to return to trainers at New-market (although there are many troops in the neighbourhood) by leave of the Home Office; and if he can give the authority on whose recommendation Mr. Waugh's lads were interned?

After consultation with the police authorities concerned, it was considered to be inadvisable to release the three boys in question, although they would be subject to some supervision at Kingsclere, where, it was understood, they would be given employment. The ages of these lads are given as eighteen, seventeen, and eighteen. An Austrian aged twenty-four was released to resume employment in a training stable at Newmarket, the police having stated that there was no objection to this being done. The Kingsclere lads were interned in accordance with the general instructions issued to the police in October.

Will these men be now interned?

It is impossible to tell that, but I should say Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether an opportunity will be given to merchants and traders in the Isle of Wight to tender for supplies required for the services of the alien prisoners at present interned in ships stationed in the Solent?

Under the arrangements made by the Admiralty these supplies are made by the owners of the vessels concerned. I may say, however, that the ships will very shortly be moved from the neighbourhood of the Isle of Wight.

asked whether an offer has been received from Mr. R. C. Marsh to give employment to 100 Belgian refugees at Hawkedon, Suffolk; whether such offer has been refused; and, if so, the reason for such refusal?

No such offer has been made to me, and I had not heard of the matter, but on inquiry of the Board of Trade I learn that some time in November Mr. Marsh applied to the Labour Exchange for a supply of from 12 to 100 Belgian men or lads to work at threshing mills or sand pits. He was told that the labour could not be supplied, as the proposed place of employment was in one of the prohibited areas to which refugees are not sent.

asked if there are any figures available in the Labour Exchange offices showing the total number of agricultural labourers on their books seeking similar occupation at the present time?

The total number of agricultural workers registered at the Labour Exchanges as desiring agricultural work, for the week ending Friday, 19th February, was 559 (434 being men and 125 women).

Are these confined to any particular district?

I can get details for the hon. Member if he gives me notice.

These are the whole?

Yes.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many of the fourteen medical men attached to the Royal Naval Division at the Crystal Palace have, since the outbreak of meningitis, been drafted, with the battalions to which they are attached, to Blandford; how many more will shortly be drafted; and how many will be left at the Crystal Palace?

Nine of the medical officers attached to the Royal Naval Division at the Crystal Palace have been drafted with their battalions—two have been sent in lieu, thus leaving seven medical officers for about 5,000 men. It is not contemplated that any more should be drafted at present.

asked whether the bacteriologist who had been specially appointed to inquire into the causes of the outbreak of meningitis was not specially appointed at all, but was one of the ordinary doctors attached to the Naval Division; and whether he has since been drafted to Blandford?

The bacteriologist specially appointed to inquire into the outbreak is not one of the ordinary doctors attached to the Naval Division, nor has he been in any way connected with the Division, but is the Professor of Clinical Pathology at the Naval Medical School at Greenwich Naturally he has not been drafted to Blandford.

asked whether two officers of the Royal Naval Division died of meningitis last week at their own homes; whether any further cases have occurred; and how many men are still at the Crystal Palace?

One case, not two, of cerebro-spinal meningitis from the Royal Naval Division at the Crystal Palace has died at his own home. Up to to-day there have been eighteen cases in all, with thirteen deaths. There are about 5,000 men still at the Crystal Palace.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that some of the seamen of His Majesty's ship "Magnificent" who were given two or three days' leave from Chatham have had to pay their railway fares to their respective homes and back; whether he is aware that some of the men have had to travel a considerable distance; and whether the Admiralty will see that the men are paid their railway fares when proceeding on leave to and from their homes in similar cases in future?

The men referred to were sent to their depot at Chatham after paying off from His Majesty's ship "Magnificent," and were given leave from Chatham. Special concessions have been granted to seamen whose ships put into ports, other than their home ports, in such circumstances, but this concession does not apply to men given leave from their depots. Further consideration is being given to the conditions under which free warrants may be issued.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can explain why it is that the wife of a naval man receives less separation allowance than the wife of a soldier of equivalent rank?

The difference between the various rates of Navy separation allowance and those applicable to corresponding ranks in the Army is based on the fact that pay and prospects of promotion are better in the Navy than in the Army. I would refer the Noble Lord to the White Paper, Cd. 7619, of the 22nd September last, in which the considerations bearing on this question are fully explained. I have sent the Noble Lord a copy.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the introductory Note to Cd. 7762 also covers the Special Report from the Select Committee on Pensions and Grants; if so, whether he will lay Papers showing how the Admiralty Orders and Regulations affect allowances and pensions; and whether all future Admiralty Orders and Regulations applicable to allowances and pensions will also be laid before they come into force?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I do not think that it would be practicable to comply with the suggestion contained in the latter part, but I may point out that every Order in Council relating to sailors' pensions approved by His Majesty has to be laid before both Houses of Parliament.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether sailors on board yachts in His Majesty's service who have joined the Royal Naval Reserve for the period of the War are entitled to separation allowances for their wives; and, if not, will he state the reason?

The wives of Royal Naval Reservists are eligible for separation allowance provided their husbands are borne on the books of one of His Majesty's ships, are paid at naval rates of pay, and declare the requisite minimum allotment of 20s. a month in their favour. If these conditions were satisfied, the fact that the husband was serving in one of His Majesty's yachts would not affect the issue of an allowance. It should be observed that separation allowance is not payable in respect of men who have signed an engagement to serve at a mercantile rate of pay. Some men of this class are serving in His Majesty's yachts.

Is the mercantile rate of pay the same pay that these men were drawing when the yachts were on pleasure bound, and if these men are now offering their lives for their country are not their dependants entitled to some recognition from the country?

The hon. Member probably knows that the mercantile rates of pay are generally higher than those of the Navy.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement as to the position of a woman having a husband serving in the Army and a son serving in the Navy; and whether she would be entitled to separation allowance from both husband and son?

Under existing regulations it is not possible to pay Navy separation allowance to a woman in respect of a son on whom she was partially dependent if she is in receipt of an Army separation allowance in respect of her husband. The question of abolishing this limitation has been placed before the Select Committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can see any way to mitigate the hardship caused to-the soldier's wife by her being sent in error by the paymaster a larger sum than that to which she is entitled, which is subsequently deducted from her weekly allowance, a case which is constantly occurring?

Instructions are in force that such recoveries, when necessary, shall be made by small instalments spread over a considerable period.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether men who, on joining the Forces, state that they have no one dependent on them, but subsequently through death or other causes become the supporter in whole or in part of a near relation, are allowed to allot a portion of their pay to this relation; and whether the person thus becoming dependent on them will receive the usual allowances?

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

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can now give the date from which wives married after August, 1914, who have not been receiving separation allowances will be entitled to claim arrears; whether the full arrears will be paid; and whether they will be paid in a lump sum or in instalments over a period?

As I stated on 24th February, effect will be given to this and other new regulations recommended by the Select Committee as from 1st February.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, approximately, the present weekly cost of separation allowances?

The present weekly expenditure is approximately £600,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the introductory note to Cd. 7662 also covers the Special Report from the Select Committee on Pensions and Grants; if so, whether he will lay Papers showing how the Army orders and regulations affect allowances and pensions; and whether all future Army Orders and Regulations applicable to allowances and pensions will also be laid before they come into force?

Yes, Sir. The introductory note applies to the Select Committee's Report. Every order as to pensions of soldiers made by His Majesty has to be laid forthwith before both Houses of Parliament under Section 2 of the Pensions and Yeomanry Pay Act of 1884, and I will arrange for copies of the Royal Warrant and Army Order to be placed in the Vote Office, but it is not practicable to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the hon. Member's question.

asked if Admiral of the Fleet Sir Arthur Knyvet Wilson now holds any appointment, or occupies any and, if so, what position at the Admiralty; and is he empowered to exercise authority over the admirals of the Navy now in command at sea?

Sir Arthur Wilson is, I am glad to say, closely associated with the Board in an advisory capacity.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now make a statement with regard to the position of temporary surgeons in the Royal Navy?

The question has been carefully considered, but it has not been found possible to arrive at a satisfactory solution of the difficulty referred to by the Noble Lord in his question of the 18th of February

Will the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration to the question?

As the Noble Lord knows, complicated questions of relative rank are involved, and we do not see our way out of the difficulty at present. I shall be very glad to confer with the Noble Lord upon the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he proposes to lay Admiral Sir D. Beatty's dispatches upon the Table of the House; and on what date?

The dispatch will be gazetted very shortly.

asked whether Messrs. Lyons and Company, Ltd., have a meat contract with the Admiralty to supply naval men who are stationed at the Crystal Palace?

Messrs. Lyons and Company have a contract for supplying meals (including meat) to the officers and men of the Royal Naval Division quartered at the Crystal Palace. The firm had for many years been established as the sole caterers at the Crystal Palace, and had thus accumulated extensive plant, fixtures, furniture and requisities, both for cooking and for serving meals there. When, therefore, it was decided, in September, 1914, at short notice, to quarter about 2,000 to 3,000 men of the Royal Naval Division at the Palace, Messrs. Lyons were in a much better position than any other firm to undertake the catering for them. I may add that they have carried out the catering quite satisfactorily, and I am not aware that there have been any complaints.

Will the right hon. Gentleman read the journal entitled "Eye-Witness" of last week, and see what they say about this particular contract and others?

If the hon. Member desires I will read the journal called "Eye-Witness."

asked what bonus, if any, the Royal Naval Reserve men are entitled to receive on the completion of their term of service?

In ordinary circumstances the gratuity paid to Royal Naval Reserve men on completion of twenty years' service is £50. If, however, the question relates to war service, I may add that while serving during hostilities Royal Naval Reserve men are credited with a war retainer of £1 a month, one-half of which must be banked for their benefit after their discharge. If a man is discharged before completing ten months' war service, he receives a minimum sum of £5 in respect of that portion of the retainer which is banked for him. If he is retained for more than twelve months he receives, in addition to his war retainer, thirty days' pay on discharge. During war service a man, if invalided, becomes entitled to the pension or gratuity applicable to active service men.

asked whether sickness is still rampant at Osborne College; what is the number of cadets that are at present on the sick list, and the nature, if any, of the different illnesses; and what steps the Admiralty are taking for moving the cadets to more healthy surroundings?

The number of cases on the sick list at Osborne on Saturday was 133, namely, influenza, 106; measles 12; conjunctivitis, 10; pneumonia, 5; mumps, 2; tonsilitis, 1. Steps have been taken, pending the rearrangement of the college, to transfer the cadets of one extra term to Dartmouth, where extra accommodation is available and more is about to be constructed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to get this place evacuated? The cadets have been ill ever since they have been in the place. It was hastily done up, and there is a great deal of consternation among the parents?

I think the Noble Lord knows that Osborne has been under our consideration for some considerable time past. For the moment we are keeping five terms there instead of six, which will assist in some degree.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that persons employed directly or indirectly in the service of the State are subjected to insolence and provocation at the hands of some advertising young women presenting them with white feathers; and if he will give orders to the police to arrest such persons for acting in a manner likely to create a breach of the peace?

I agree with my hon. Friend in thinking the practice very objectionable and not likely to assist recruiting, but I am informed by the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police that no complaint in the matter has reached the police, and I do not think the risk of the practice leading to breach of the peace is so great as to justify the action which my hon. Friend suggests.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, if he is unable to assist in the manner indicated, he would make it easier for badges to be issued to persons employed?

That question should be addressed to the naval and military authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether permission has been given to any officer of the late German Embassy to visit London since War was declared?

I am not aware that any such permission has been given. I have not granted a permit to enter the United Kingdom to any such person.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware of any such permission having been granted to any person throughout the United Kingdom?

No, Sir, I know of no case. I think I know the case to which the hon. Gentleman refers. There is no more substantial ground in that particular case than for any of the other stories which have come to us.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state the intentions of the Government as to compensation to householders and others whose property has been injured by raids of enemy aircraft or warships; whether the special Committee which has been appointed will consider the damage in each case upon its merits but upon a general understanding that the cost of such damage, being a result of a state of war, should be borne by the community as a whole; whether the Government are yet in a position to state when the Report on the damage caused by and the compensation to be paid as a result of the raid on Scarborough, Whitby, and the Hartlepools will be issued by the special Committee; and whether previous declarations by the Government as to the payment of compensation in connection with damage caused by subsequent raids, e.g., the air raid over Norfolk, will apply to the air raid damage at Braintree, Coggeshall, Marks Tey, and Colchester?

As I have already stated in the House, each case as it arises will be considered on its merits. I am informed that Lord Par-moor's Committee have held repeated sittings, and have made arrangements which will enable them to deal with all cases of damage to persons and property within the area of their reference. They are proceeding in the first instance to assess the figures in respect of the poorer class of property, in which it is necessary that repairs should be made at once, and are presenting an interim report in regard to Whitby.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Report of the Committee appointed by the Government to inquire into the treatment of the civil population of Belgium by the German army is now ready; and, if so, whether it can be laid upon the Table?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The Committee appointed to advise on the evidence collected on behalf of the Government as to outrages by German troops, cases of maltreatment of civilians and breaches of the laws of war has not yet reported, but I hope they will be able to do so soon.

asked the Prime Minister whether the attention of His Majesty's Government has been called to a pamphlet entitled "Facts About Germany and the War," in which is reproduced an article or speech by a Member of this House; whether he is aware that this document has been circulated abroad by German agents; and whether any and, if so, what steps have been or will be taken to counteract the effect of such statements in foreign countries?

My attention had not previously been called to this particular pamphlet, which apparently was published in Germany, and, therefore, no doubt had some circulation there. The true facts have been published in the White Paper laid before Parliament and in the French and Russian official publications, and can leave no doubt in any impartial mind that the responsibility for this War does not rest upon this country.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the number of vacancies due to enlistment which some large companies are willing to fill with women, he will authorise their being licensed as drivers of public vehicles, seeing that many women are already licensed to drive private vehicles and have proved their capacity as skilled chauffeurs?

I am anxious that the services of women should be utilised in every possible way to set men free to fight for their country in this crisis, but I doubt if the public would have confidence in women drivers of taxicabs and motor omnibuses. Moreover, I learn from the Commissioner of Police, that, though a large number of drivers are now on service, the number of licensed drivers is still considerably in excess of the number of licensed vehicles.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the terms of reference of the committee recently appointed to consider the existing conditions in the coal-mining industry have given rise to the impression that coal miners have been backward in joining the forces and that the main object of the committee is to find a remedy; and, if so, if he is prepared to make any statement on the subject?

Yes, Sir. I am informed that such an impression has arisen, and I regret that the drafting of the terms of reference should have led to any such misunderstanding. It is hardly necessary for me to inform the House that the coal miners have made a ready and generous response to their country's call in the present emergency, and I have no doubt that when the recruiting figures are published, the mining industry will occupy a very high place, on the list. Indeed, it is because the enlistment in some districts has been so great that it has become necessary to consider what steps should be taken to ensure the supply of coal necessary for the public service, and it will be the business of the committee to inquire into the whole position. With the concurrence of the committee the terms of reference have been amended to remove the misapprehension, and I propose to circulate them with this answer.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Brierley, the wife of a soldier who was sentenced to a month's imprisonment in London for collecting money on behalf of a firm for providing Belgian soldiers with warm clothing; and, as no evidence was produced to dispute her statement and as there was no evidence, as asserted by Detective Dyer, that she was addicted to drink, will he make inquiries into the case with a view to the remission of the sentence?

I have received no application from or on behalf of the person mentioned. Her sentence expired on Saturday last and she was released in the ordinary course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any further information about the reported outbreak among the troops at Singapore; to what cause is it attributed; and what kind of inquiry will be ordered?

I cannot at present supplement the announcement that has been given to the Press. The nature of the inquiry to be instituted is now under the consideration of His Majesty's Government, who are in communication with the Governor on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury Minute as regards companies borrowing money applies to a private loan secured by debentures?

The Treasury notice referred to applies to all fresh issues of securities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will cause inquiries to be made respecting the number of men sleeping in tents at Bulford Camp; how many men have to find accommodation in each tent; and whether the men who have to sleep in tents have to eat their breakfast in a hut in which already forty men have to live and sleep and eat?

The number of men in tents at Bulford Camp is 410 of whom 302 mess in huts where other men have slept. The average number of men sleeping in one tent is seven. As the huts are well aired before breakfast, there is no sanitary objection to the men feeding in them. It is understood that the units prefer these arrangements to being placed in billets.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Cyril Edgar Morris, a young Irish guardsman, who appeared before the Oxted (Surrey) magistrates charged with being a convict on licence who has been discharged from the Army, and remanded by the magistrates; and, if so, whether, in view of the exemplary character of Morris while in the Army since he enlisted in July, 1914, the War Office authorities will take steps with a view of reinstating Morris in some capacity in the Army?

This case was brought to the notice of the War Office by the justices of Godstone, before whom the man was charged. The Officer Commanding, Irish Guards, having agreed to Morris being reinstated in his regiment, orders are being issued for his discharge from the Army to be cancelled.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he has made further inquiries regarding the shortage of mattresses for the 3rd battalion of the Hampshire Regiment, stationed in the Isle of Wight during the autumn months; and if he can state the result of his inquiries?

I have made further inquiries and find that the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on this subject on the 23rd November was inaccurate. Instead of having 875 mattresses on the 14th August, the regiment had 595 on that date, and the number was gradually increased until the total of 875 was reached on the 30th September. The regiment had received its full complement of mattresses and palliasses on the 10th November. The issue of a second blanket per man was completed by the 9th October, and of a third blanket by the 8th November, not the 12th September and 13th October, respectively, as originally stated. During the months of September and October over 19,000 palliasses were issued from store, which shows the rapidity with which the indents received from the various units were met. While expressing my regret for having given an inaccurate answer to the hon. Gentleman, I should like him to realise that the provision of the information he asked for necessitated the search through some thousands of vouchers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire who was responsible for these troops being without any mattresses or blankets at all for over a month?

I will make the inquiry.

asked what was the average death-rate, from typhoid per 1,000 strength in the Indian Army in the years 1895 to 1900 and in the year 1903?

The average death-rate from typhoid per 1,000 strength among the British troops in India for the years mentioned are as follows:

asked at what date inoculation or vaccination against typhoid fever was introduced into the Indian Army?

The earliest known inoculation against typhoid fever in the British Army in India was in 1898. This was an initial attempt which was discontinued after the South African war, and it was reintroduced in 1905.

asked how many of the 1,508 cases of pneumonia and sixty-two cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis which have occurred since 1st August, 1914, among the British troops in the United Kingdom were preceded by anti-typhoid inoculation or vaccination?

As the compilation of these statistics would entail a considerable amount of labour, I regret that in the present pressure of work I do not feel justified in placing this additional strain upon the medical officers of my Department.

asked how many cases of and how many deaths from typhoid per 1,000 strength occurred in the American Army in the years 1898 and 1900 respectively; and to what cause or causes he assigns the difference?

I regret I am unable to give the information asked for by my hon. Friend, as the American text book available does not mention the figures for the years named.

asked how many were inoculated and uninoculated, respectively, of the 262 cases and 47 deaths from typhoid among British troops in the United Kingdom from 1st August, 1914, to 31st January, 1915?

Of the 262 cases twenty-five were inoculated and 237 uninoculated. Of the forty-seven deaths two were inoculated and forty-five uninoculated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will instruct military sanitary officers, in recording all future cases of typhoid fever in the Army, whether at home or abroad, to report not only on the one factor, inoculation, but on all important factors, particularly the condition as to purity or pollution of food and water consumed by the patient before the attack, and the state of sanitation, so that scientific statistics of this disease may be compiled from which the truth can be learned?

Yes, Sir; this is already carried out.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that the forty-seven deaths from typhoid fever in 262 cases amongst the British troops in the United Kingdom from 1st August, 1914, to 31st January, 1915, represent a case fatality rate of 17.9 per cent., whereas the forty-nine deaths in 625 cases amongst the Expeditionary Force from 1st August, 1914, to 11th February, 1915, only represent a case fatality rate of 7.8 per cent.; and can he explain why the case fatality rate at Home is more than double that at the seat of war, seeing the better conditions which prevail in the United Kingdom and the better facilities for the performance of inoculation?

I regret I am unable to explain this apparent anomaly.

asked why officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps draw their pay one month in arrear, whereas other officers in the Army draw their pay one month in advance, by regulation; and if the practice throughout the Army will be made uniform in this respect?

Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps are not peculiar in this respect. They are paid in arrear in common with all Staff and Departmental officers. Only regimental officers draw in advance. This is in accordance with a long standing custom which it is not proposed to disturb.

asked whether officers of the Indian Army serving in France are subject to deductions for rations, forage, and hire of chargers, but draw no extra field allowance, while British officers draw allowances amounting to about 4s. a day in all in addition to their pay, so that Cavalry captains and subalterns of the British service actually receive more in the aggregate than their Indian brother officers of the same rank and position, though the latter are, unlike the former, rarely possessed of private means; and whether the Secretary of State proposes to take any action in this matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on the 9th February to a similar question. I am not yet in a position to add anything to that answer.

asked whether, while wounded officers who are prisoners of war in Germany draw lodging and field allowances, wounded officers on sick furlough draw lodging allowance for nine days only and no field allowances; and, if so, whether it is proposed to equalise the pay and allowances of the two classes?

The allowances for prisoners of war are a continuation of those specially approved for the Expeditionary Force. Officers invalided to this country do not get field allowance, as the conditions for field allowance do not arise, but they draw lodging allowance for ninety-one days after leaving hospital.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the following grievances suffered by officers who were serving in England before the war whose regiments are now on active service, namely, that officers of a battalion serving in France who came with it from India draw their Indian rate of consolidated pay, whereas officers who came from England of a battalion serving in France under the same conditions draw the English rate of pay, the difference being that between £33 and £28 a month; that officers of the latter who are promoted into the former battalion but continue to serve in the latter battalion draw Indian pay, while other officers of the like rank, their seniors, continue to draw the lesser English rates; and whether any steps will be taken to regularise this situation so that officers serving under similar conditions may draw similar rates of pay and allowances?

The anomaly pointed out by the hon. Member results from the bringing together from different parts of the Empire officers of the same regiment who are drawing different rates of pay; and I fear that there is no way of removing this without creating other and greater anomalies, but I would point out that, if I have interpreted the hon. Member's language rightly, the statement that the officer previously serving in the latter battalion obtains the rate of pay of the former is incorrect. That is what happens to the officer who was previously serving in the former battalion but subsequently in the latter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will give particulars of the money expended, or to be expended, at Donington Park in adapting and furnishing the residence for the reception of prisoners of war; and under which Vote in the Army Estimates this expenditure will be accounted for?

The cost of adaptation is estimated at:—£1,750 for structural alterations, additions and repairs to the house; £2,500 for reconstruction, extension and repair of sanitation; £2,100 for hutting; £1,950 for electric lighting and power house; £450 for fencing and gates—a total of £8,800 chargeable to Army Vote 10, all buildings, fittings and fixtures being removable at or before the expiration of the tenancy. The cost of furnishing is estimated at £4,200, chargeable to Army Vote 8. The general scale is that of a sergeants' mess. I shall be glad to send the hon. Gentleman a list of the articles of the sergeants' mess.

For how many people is accommodation provided?

I have already stated that 320 officers and flighty soldier prisoners, servants.

For £8,500?

There is £4,200 for furniture. The rest is for structural alterations, in order to make the building habitable.

Is it customary to provide billiard rooms for the sergeants' mess?

I believe that has been done. I am not quite aware of the custom.

How many more country houses are the War Office going to rebuild for the comfort of German prisoners?

Of course that all depends. If we could get other premises we should like it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this house has been for a long time untenanted, and whether the alterations which the Government propose to carry out are not any more than are absolutely necessary in order to make it fit for habitation?

That is my belief. I have not had the opportunity, as I have had other things to do, of going down to see this place. Am I right in understanding that the Noble Lord has visited it?

I have not.

I had hoped that he would have been able to give first-hand information. When you think of making an untenanted house into a place fit to receive 400 people, which is a very large number, I do not really think that it is an outrageous suggestion.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to show that British officers who are prisoners in Germany are afforded similar quarters?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he thinks, in consequence of the extraordinary treatment which they are receiving, these gentlemen will ever want to go back to Germany?

We are a very hospitable nation. I am unable to speak with authority on the question addressed to me by the right hon. Gentleman opposite. He knows that we are taking every kind of measure we can to ascertain the nature of the treatment of our own fellow subjects in Germany, and I shall be glad to afford him the information, which he knows we are endeavouring to get, at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the German prisoners of war at Donington Park were taken by motor car from Derby in order to save them the hardship of marching a few miles on foot; whether the British soldiers sent to Donington to guard the prisoners received the same consideration; whether a number of interned German waiters have been sent to Donington to serve as valets to the imprisoned officers; and if he can say whether British officers imprisoned in Germany are receiving similar treatment?

Motor transport was provided for the prisoners, guard and baggage from Derby to Donington Hall. Some German soldier prisoners—in the proportion of one to every four officers, and a few additional for general purposes—have been sent to Donington Hall for duty. It is understood that soldier prisoners are told off as servants to officers interned in Germany.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say the distance which the motors had to take these gentlemen?

I do not think that it is far. I do not know how far.

Does the right hon. Gentleman see any reason why they should not be marched by road.

It is considered more desirable to adopt this course.

asked what proportion of the horses purchased by the Government for the present War have been cast because found unsuitable; and what has been the percentage of deaths among the horses still retained in this country?

The proportion of horses cast as unsuitable has been under 1 per cent. The loss from deaths and destructions of horses retained in this country amounts to less than 2 per cent. per month, and having regard to the large numbers now being imported and sent overseas, and to the fact that all sick horses are left in this country, the percentage is not considered high.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he can give the number of men on the waiting list for commissions in the New Army?

The number of suitable candidates for temporary commissions varies from day to day, and depends upon the number of applications received and the vacancies and training facilities available from time to time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state how many of these applicants, varying from day to day, have any training compared with men who are being refused commissions because they cannot get their colonel's certificate?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether it is proposed to take over the workhouse institution at Kedington, near Haverhill, as a hospital for soldiers suffering from a contagious disease; whether he is aware of the objection to this course taken by the guardians of the Risbridge Union; and whether, in these circumstances, he will arrange for other accommodation to be obtained?

It was proposed to take over this institution as a hospital, but as the local authorities objected other accommodation has been arranged.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether the Red Cross Hospital established in the grand stand at Ascot is to be removed in order that it may not interfere with the arrangements for the Ascot race meeting?

I have no knowledge of this proposal.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he can state for what reason most of the Canadian horses have their manes hogged; is he aware that the absence of a mane is a great disadvantage to a man mounting and dismounting; and can he issue instructions that no more troop horses are to have their manes cut off?

Except where horses have been bought with manes already hogged, or have had their manes so treated in view of skin trouble, only those horses are hogged in cases in which the competent military authorities consider it desirable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that almost all the Canadian horses have their manes hogged, and can he not do something to prevent that practice from being continued?

I cannot make any promise as to what will be done. The hon. Gentleman must understand that those horses were brought over already in a hogged condition.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that their manes are hogged in this country, as I know to my certain knowledge; and is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that there is, in this practice, great danger to men who have to get on and off their horses quickly, and would it not be a perfectly simple, matter to issue, orders that manes are not to be hogged?

I am not aware that horses manes are hogged in this country; that is not my information.

They are.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if it has been decided to discard the leather Sam Browne belt and the sword in the equipment of officers going to the front; if the service cap used at the front is to be different from the one now in use at Home; and if he will give a reason for these changes?

Officers of Field and Divisional Signal Companies, Royal Engineers, and officers of Infantry on active service in the field will be equipped with the same accoutrements as the rank and file, instead of with the Sam Browne belt and sword. A cap for winter use has been supplied to the troops in the field in place of that in use at Home. This winter cap is a soft one and of warm material. The changes referred to have been made in accordance with recommendations received from the Expeditionary Force.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he will state what systematic provision is being made for supplying the new Army with chaplains, especially as the local clergy and ministers in the neighbourhood of the existing camps are in many instances already fully occupied?

Provision is made at the large camps by appointing Army chaplains. Where the troops are split up into smaller units, it is nearly always found that a capable local clergyman is able and willing to supply the duty. In the rare cases where this is not possible, an Army chaplain is appointed.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he is aware of the waste of food, not only at our own military camps, but also at camps and places where enemies are interned; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent it?

My attention has already been drawn to this matter, and the question is being considered of preventing avoidable waste by improved kitchen administration, and in other ways.