asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a firm of constructional engineers under contract with the Government have in their employ a German draftsman whose services they are still retaining; that this man has been employed on drawings and plans of an existing East Coast aerial station; that, after having been removed from the works, he still continued to do his work for the firm from his private house; and that this man communicates with his friends in Germany through a neutral country; and what action it is propos ed to take?

The firm referred to had a draftsman on their staff—a German subject. We made inquiry into the matter, insisting that none but natural born British subjects should be employed on our work. We were informed by the firm that they were no longer employing the man in their office; but that they had given him work, which bad no connection with the Admiralty or any other Government Department at his own home. I understand that the man is no longer in the employment of the firm in any capacity whatever.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether engineer-lieutenants under the old scheme receive only 11s. a day, while lieutenants (E) under the new scheme receive 11s. a day and an additional 4s. a day specialisation pay; and, if so, whether he will take steps to redress this inequality?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative as regards the initial rates only. It is not proposed to alter the existing scales.

asked why engineer officers of the Royal Naval Reserve have not been called up for ser vice in the Royal Navy during the present War?

The necessity for calling out commissioned engineer officers of the Royal Naval Reserve has not yet arisen. As the Noble Lord is probably aware a certain number are employed in merchant ships taken up.

asked if His Majesty's ship "Clan Macnaughton" was surveyed after her guns were put aboard; and, if so, was she passed and by what authority?

The "Clan Macnaughton," a nearly new vessel of the Clan Line, classed by the British Corporation Registry, was fitted out for His Majesty's service at Tilbury under the supervision of naval, constructive, and engineering officers deputed to act for that purpose. The armament placed in the vessel was light in comparison with her size, and all necessary stiffening to take it was fitted. Investigations as to the loading and the stability of the vessel were made at the Admiralty, and instructions were issued to the commanding officer of the ship. The Admiralty are satisfied that the vessel was in good condition and seaworthy, and that she possessed ample stability.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can see his way to grant war rant rank to stoker ratings instead of requiring these ratings to seek promotion for their services as mechanicians?

The Admiralty do not see their way to the adoption of the hon. Member's suggestion. As is indicated by the terms of his question, opportunities for promotion to warrant rank already exist.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the statements made by Admiral Beatty and Admiral Sturdee in their dispatches published today, and does he not consider, in view of these statements, that some recognition ought to be made of the stokers?

As to the fine work done by the stokers the Admiralty are entirely aware of it.

I asked whether there would be some recognition of their work?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to make any concession to the masons and bricklayers employed in the Royal dockyards; and, if not, will he say why these trades were overlooked in the recent concessions announced?

The case of bricklayers and masons was considered with those of the other classes of employés, but, having regard to all the circumstances, it was not considered that any further increase in the rates for this class was warranted at present

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the masons and bricklayers do not know of this?

asked whether the same concessions will be conceded to men of all trades working in His Majesty's gunwharves as have been given to men employed in His Majesty's dockyards?

The concessions granted in the replies to the 1914 petitions to tradesmen in His Majesty's dockyards will be conceded to corresponding grades in naval ordnance establishments, including the gunwharves.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the hardships that follow the non-granting of separation allowances to the wives of men who have reached warrant rank in the Royal Navy; and whether he can see his way to give the same privileges in this respect to warrant officers, Royal Navy, as is now given to men who have reached that rank in the Royal Marines?

This matter is under consideration by the Select Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he gave me the same answer some months ago?

I do not think it could be the same some months ago. We made representations to the Select Committee, and I issued a memorandum which included that point.

asked if soldiers dependants whose claims for separation allowances are refused will be informed of the reasons for such refusal; and if the War Office will acknowledge as a dependant entitled to separation allowance an aunt or niece or nephew or a woman who has reared from infancy a boy who since he grew up has been contributing to her support?

I will consider the suggestion in the first part of the question. The case referred to in the second part is covered by the recommendations of the Select Committee, which have been adopted by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office which regulation permits the allowance to a dependant being diminished or discontinued in the case of a soldier being imprisoned, with the indirect effect of punishing also the dependant; and, if it is not the intention to punish the dependant, whether instructions will be given which will prevent the allowance from being diminished or discontinued?

As I stated in a reply to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on 25th February, it has been decided that separation allowance shall continue in these cases so long as the soldier remains in the Army, and the necessary instructions are being issued.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what steps are being taken to acquaint the soldier of the conditions of the new separation allowances; and whether the men serving abroad have had intimation made to them of the new payments?

New leaflets are being issued this week and will be distributed not only to the public through post offices but to the troops at home and abroad.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that complaint has been made by the Operative Masons' Association of Scotland against the firm of Thorborn and Sons working men ten and half hours a day instead of the current nine hours of the district of Rosyth, it being further alleged that there is no justification for it, inasmuch as there is a margin of 8.3 unemployed masons; and if he will cause inquiry to be made?

I am inquiring into the matter. I may say, as regards the last part of my hon. Friend's question, that it is anticipated that additional masons will shortly be required at Rosyth.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the Painters' Society of Scotland complain of a breach of the Fair-Wage Contract Clause at the yard of D. and W. Hendersons, of Glasgow; and if he will take the matter up with a view to getting the rates of wages as current elsewhere paid in the yard for the work done in hand?

Investigation has been made into a complaint in regard to the painting of the hull of one of His Majesty's vessels by red-leaders. This, I assume, is the complaint to which my hon. Friend refers. On the evidence before me, it does not appear that there has been any breach of the Fair-Wages Clause, but I propose to go into the matter further.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty when the grant to the officers of His Majesty's ships "Robina" and "Syren" will be paid; and if he can expedite the payment of these grants to all officers

If the hon. Member's question refers to the allowances in aid of outfit payable to the officers of the "Robina" and "Syren," I understand that the necessary authority for payment has now been issued.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Archbishop of Lemberg, arrested by the Russians in territory invaded by them and imprisoned in a Russian fortress six months ago, still lives; if so, can he give any particulars of the prison treatment in the case; whether there is any difference in substance between the offence and that for which the Cardinal Archbishop of Malines is restricted to his diocese; whether it is by direction of the Foreign Office or of the Censor the entire British Press is closed against one of these cases while giving full particulars of the other; and whether he will, on the principle of reciprocity, suggest to the Russian Government to concede to the Archbishop of Lemberg treatment similar to that accorded by the Germans to the Archbishop of Malines for an identical offence?

I have not sufficient information about either of these cases to enable me to give information or to institute comparisons, nor can I, even if I had it, give information as to what the Censor may or may not have done in any particular case.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will get the information if I postpone the question until this day week?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will ask the question this day week?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will be represented at the hearing of the motion made by the Imperial Ottoman Bank for an injunction to restrain the Imperial Bank of Persia from opening a branch at Busra?

The answer is in the negative.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if it is desirable on public grounds that this Motion should succeed?

I understand that it is a matter within the discretion of the bank itself.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a letter from the St. Andrew Society, of Glasgow, enclosing marked copies of the British Blue Book and of the French Yellow Book of diplomatic correspondence with regard to the War, showing that the inaccurate terms England and English are almost invariably used instead of the correct terms Britain and British; and whether he is taking any steps to secure the use of the correct terms in future diplomatic correspondence?

I have received the letter referred to. In the reply returned to the society attention was drawn to the answer made by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on 9th February regarding the pressure under which Government Departments were working at the time.

Does that mean that he will not repeat the offence?

I beg to remind the hon. Gentleman that I am Under-Secretary and not responsible in this matter.

asked the Under-Secretary for India if the arrangements for feeding the Territorial battalions in India are now proving satisfactory; and, if they are not, if the Government intend taking any steps to improve the commissariat arrangements?

In accordance with the answer given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Eastbourne on the 18th February, the Secretary of State has asked the Government of India for a report on the subject.

May I ask if it is impossible to make arrangements for the satisfactory feeding of the troops in a country where the beef is bad and the mutton is miserable?

I have not received any statement which would lead me to believe that anything is really wrong with the feeding arrangements. The Secretary of State has agreed to make an inquiry. I must not be understood as agreeing with the statement of the hon. Member.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if questions on the subject are being asked by cable and by letter?

I think they have been by letter.

May I ask when the result of the inquiry is expected?

As soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what amount of the Treasury currency notes has been issued to banks and on what conditions; and what amount, if any, has been expended by the Treasury directly for account of naval, military, or other national expenditure; and (2) whether there is any limit to the issue of Treasury currency notes; if not, does he contemplate any further issue; and, if so, what limit will be fixed for such an issue of notes?

With the permission of my hon. Friend I will answer these questions together by circulating with the Votes a full statement on the matters referred to.—(See Written Answers this date.)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will cause an examination to be made of the books of Government contractors, and of the shipowning, farming, food, and coal firms, with a view to ascertaining the present and prospective profits that such interests are making out of the War; whether he will make public the result of the inquiry; and whether he has considered the question of levying a special tax upon profits obtained from the War emergency?

I am afraid that under the present law the Income Tax authorities scarcely possess powers of the precise nature and extent implied in the first part of the question. But my hon. Friend may rest assured that the profits he mentions will be fully assessed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether, considering that officers of the Customs and Excise Department have had to resign their posts and be struck off the establishment in order to be able to enlist in the Army or Navy for the duration of the War, steps will be taken to ensure that such officers shall be eligible for reinstatement in their appointments on their return from naval or military service; and (2) if the pressure on the Customs and Excise Department has now been so far reduced as to permit of officers of that Department desirous of enlisting in the Army or Navy for the duration of the War to do so; and whether the posts of any such officers enlisting will be kept open for them until their return from naval or military service?

Some 900 members of the Customs and Excise service are serving with the Colours, but so much War work has devolved on the Department that the Board have reluctantly been obliged to announce to the service that no further permission to enlist could be given. In taking this action the Board had the entire approval of the War Office. The pressure of this War work, so far from decreasing, is steadily growing, so that it is less possible than before to spare any more men. The posts of all members of the service who are with the Board's permission serving with the Colours will be kept open for them; but it would not be possible to promise similar treatment to those who have enlisted without permission, nor would it be fair to those of their colleagues—and there are many— who have at the sacrifice of their personal patriotic desires continued to perform their civilian duties.

May I ask whether consideration will be given to men who enlisted without permission when they return from the front?

I fear it would be impossible to give any such undertaking in the case of officials enlisting without permission whose services in their civil capacity are absolutely essential for war work.

May I ask if it is not possible to get old retired pensioners to come in and do the work and so enable the young men to go?

I think it is very likely that that has been done, but I will look into the matter.

asked the hon. Member for the Saffron Walden Division, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether Lord Emmott, as First Commissioner of Works, was consulted as to the terms of the contract with Mr. Meyer in regard to the buying of timber before the contract was made; and did he give his authority for the same to be carried into effect?

The matter was mentioned to the First Commissioner, and he told his Department to render all the assistance they could to the War Office, and gave general approval to make such arrangements as they thought best. He was not informed of all the details at the time, but he has since made inquiry about the matter, and he has not the least doubt that a very great saving of public money was effected by the course adopted.

May I ask whether, that being interpreted, it means that he knew nothing at all about it?

I do not think my hon. Friend is justified in saying that.

May I ask, did he or did he not know of it before it was concluded? I think "Yes" or "No" would answer the question.

This is a matter for my Noble Friend, and I must ask my hon. Friend to give notice of the question.

asked whether the hon. Gentleman will state the terms of the communication sent by the Office of Works to 200 timber firms asking them to quote for the supply of timber, and the date on which such communication was made?

In view of the urgency of the case the method adopted was to instruct local officers of the Office, of Works to make personal inquiry as to stocks and prices in their districts, and to make similar inquiries from the head office where this could be most readily done. The instructions were issued on the 15th of October.

May I take it that no communication was sent to 200 persons?

My hon. Friend is entirely wrong in that question. The Office of Works sent letters to agents in all parts of the country asking them to make full inquiries in every possible case.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the latter part of the question asked about the date of the terms?

I said that the instructions were given on the 15th of October. I am quite willing to show the terms of the letter which was sent to any Member of the House, but only for his own information.

May we take it that no circular letter at all was issued?

No; there was not time. The great point was that the War Office wanted wood very urgently, and the answers to the whole of the inquiries had to be received in three days at the very latest. The Office of Works sent a letter, which I hope the hon. Member will do me the honour of reading, to its people in every corner of the country to make inquiries as to prices and stocks.

asked the hon. Member for the Saffron Walden Division, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether a new contract has now been concluded with Mr. Montague Meyer as buyer of timber for the Government, and, if so, will he state its exact terms?

A new arrangement as to Mr. Meyer's commission is under consideration, but it is not proposed to make any contract otherwise than by a letter supplementing the letter of the 19th of October which is known to my hon. Friend.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to how long these negotiations have been proceeding and, meantime, will he take care that Mr. Meyer stops the advertisement that he is selling the same goods as he is buying for the Government, a copy of which I will be glad to give the hon. Member?

I must ask for notice of that.

Has the existing contract been rescinded?

I do not wish to take up the time of the House, but the existing contract is in the form of a letter which was dispatched by the Office of Works to Mr. Meyer and was published in the papers, and if he will read it he will see that the contract can be terminated on any day by sending a registered letter.

My question was—has that contract been rescinded?

No.

Will the Government consider the proposition of engaging a buyer of timber at a fixed salary?

Is the 2½per cent. still in force?

Considering all the complaints about these huts would it not be better to put a stop to their further construction?

Is the 2½ per cent. still in force?

It is still in force, as has been explained.

asked whether it is possible to trace any of the timber bought by Mr. Meyer to its ultimate destination in soldiers' huts; and whether any of the huts admittedly built of damp timber come within that category?

It is not possible to trace all the timber supplied through Mr. Meyer, but a considerable percentage can be traced and the War Office have stated that the supply has proved most satisfactory.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the school buildings in the village of Fernhurst, West Sussex, was handed over to the military authorities from 16th November until 24th February, and that during that period no accommodation whatever was found for teaching the children elsewhere; and whether in any other districts children have been or are being in like manner deprived of all educational facilities?

The Board were informed of this occupation. In this small village it was found impracticable to provide other accommodation, either for the troops or for the children. With regard to the last part of the question, I may refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for North Somerset on 16th February last, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Solicitor-General if he will state for what reason English newspapers are forbidden to publish Canadian comment on the recent appointment of a Member of this House to command a brigade containing Canadian troops?

No such prohibition as that referred to has ever existed. Only one message relating to the subject of the appointment mentioned in the question has been stopped, and the reasons for stopping it have been communicated to the newspaper to which it was addressed.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that statements have appeared in more than one newspaper to the effect that their own correspondent's communications on this subject have been censored, and does the hon. and learned Member say that those statements are untrue?

I have only seen one newspaper which contained such a statement, and the statement in that newspaper was evidently either uninformed or for some other reason misleading.

asked the Solicitor-General whether his attention has been called to a letter, dated 26th February, signed by Gino Calza-Bedolo, London correspondent "Giornale d'Italia," Rome, and Arundel del Re, London correspondent "Rassegna Contemporanea," Rome, complaining of the action of the Censor's Department in placing obstacles in the way of the transmission to Italian newspapers of war news from this country and of the delay both of Press telegrams and dispatches to Italy; and whether he will see that steps are taken immediately to remove these obstacles to the formation of unbiassed opinion in Italy?

My attention has been directed to the letter in question. The greater part of it relates to delays in postal and private telegraphic matter, over which I have no control. I have asked for particulars of the complaints so far as they affect the Press Bureau; up to the present none have been furnished. I am not aware of the existence of any obstacles to the formation of unbiassed opinion in Italy.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been directed to the notices sent out to the ratepayers in Brierfield by authority of the urban district council; and if, having regard to all the circumstances, which include shortage of work in the textile industry and a large number of men in the district having gone to the War, he proposes to take any action, with a view of more time being given for payment of rates and more consideration being given to the ratepayers in the special circumstances now obtaining?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to the notices referred to. The Local Government Board are not empowered to take any action in the matter. Under the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914, it is within the discretion of the Court to prevent the levy of distress for the non-payment of rates, where the failure to pay is due to circumstances attributable directly or indirectly to the present War.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department has circularised Irish chambers of commerce drawing attention to the advisability of extending and capturing new Foreign trade; if so, why no steps were taken by his officers to facilitate those Irish exporters who acted upon the advice of his Department; whether his attention has been called to the case of Messrs. John Plunkett and Company, of Dublin, who shipped from that port on 28th November last a consignment of crystal malt to Hull to be transhipped to Gothenberg, Sweden, by the Wilson line; if the Customs authorities at Hull refused shipment until Messrs. Wilson produced certain forms filled in by Messrs. Plunkett and Company; whether, notwithstanding that all forms and particulars had been immediately complied with, the goods were not shipped till the 22nd or 24th December and did not arrive in Gothenberg till the 2nd January; and will he state the cause of the delay?

I am in communication with the Commissioners of Customs and Excise with regard to the case to which my hon. Friend refers, and I will let him know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether anything can be done to stop the raucous calling of papers in the residential quarters of London after business hours?

The Commissioner of Police reports that his officers have instructions to prevent, so far as possible, newspapers being hawked in such a manner as to be a nuisance to residents and passers-by, and that on the whole their efforts have been successful. They are on the alert to deal with hawkers who offend in this way.

What a shame.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether anything can be done to stop the raucous noises of the hon. Member's motor omnibuses?

I will do my best.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the present price of coal, some of the Acts of Parliament which have in recent years so largely added to the cost of production, such as for instance the Mines (Eight Hours) Act, will temporarily or permanently be amended, suspended, or repealed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the full answer which I gave on the 15th February to the hon. Member for Aston Manor. I will send the hon. Gentleman a copy.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the speech of Mr. D. A. Thomas, the gentleman who used to sit behind him, in which he says that this legislation is the largest factor in the high price of coal?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the speech?

If the hon. Gentleman will send me a copy I shall be glad to do it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, while other parts of the country are suffering from insufficient supplies of coal at very high prices, many collieries of Durham and Northumberland are still working short time solely for want of sufficient trucks and steamships to transport the coal; and what further steps, if any, the Government have taken to deal with this deficiency since the 11th February?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I am aware that coal miners in Durham and Northumberland have not been so fully employed as last year, and this is presumably due in part to interference with foreign markets owing to the War. So far as coastwise coal carrying is concerned all the available interned enemy steamers are now being utilised. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any specific complains of shortage of wagons I will see that it is at once considered.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of remitting the question of the best method of giving security to the dye industry in this country to a representative meeting of dye users, with power to settle whether this end can be best attained by Government subsidy, prohibition of imports, or imposition of a tariff?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The whole question of dye supplies has already been thoroughly examined in consultation with the representatives of dye users.

asked the Prime Minister whether the intimation given by the Government that from hence-forward no goods of any description are to be allowed to enter or to leave ports of the enemy prevents the importation of aniline dyes from enemy countries under licence of the Board of Trade?

The prohibition would not cancel licences from His Majesty's Government for the importation of aniline dyes of enemy origin into the United Kingdom.

Is that not some modification of the speech made by the Prime Minister, in which he declared that nothing should go in and nothing come out?

The Noble Lord must ask that question of the Prime Minister, and not me.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether it is not a modification of his speech made in this House?

No; I do not think so.

Is it the fact that those licences are going to be withdrawn?

No, Sir; they are not to be withdrawn. They are necessary for the War Office and Admiralty purposes, as well as for civil purposes.

Is it the intention to continue the licences for the introduction of German goods into this country, and would it be possible to prevent them from being exported from Germany to other countries, such as America?

I cannot enter into a discussion of that question. It is necessary that we should get, if we can, some goods from Germany. For instance, if we required explosives, and could buy them from Germany, we should certainly not be squeamish about getting them.

Are these licences extended to other goods as well as aniline dyes?

Certainly, if they are absolutely necessary for British requirements.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, at all events, before he decides that these licences are to continue indefinitely, take into consideration the effect that those licences may have on the diplomatic question existing between this country and America?

indicated assent.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange that, in future, lists of casualties should state the approximate date of the operations to which they relate, instead of only the date on which they are communicated from general headquarters?

This information is always furnished to the next of kin when available, but it would not be easy to introduce it into the published lists without considerably complicating those lists.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability, in that case, of omitting all dates, as dates are merely misleading?

Yes, I will consider that. I do not think there is any advantage myself.

asked the Prime Minister whether the War bonus which is now being paid to railway employés falls alike in England and in Scotland within the category of working expenses to be met by the State?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. As was stated on 25th February in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Westhoughton Division, a portion of the War bonus which the railway companies have agreed to give to their operating staff will fall to be paid by the Government. This applies to all companies whose lines have been taken over by the State, and it is not proposed that English and Scottish companies shall be treated differently.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the advance in the cost of food and coal, the Government will take steps forthwith to increase old age pensions from 5s. to 6s. weekly during the continuance of the War?

I am very sorry to think that even the old age pensioners have to take their share in bearing the burden thrown upon the country by the War, but I am afraid this proposal would be impracticable.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether in certain exceptional cases, recommended by the pension officers, he could then increase the amount?

I will consider that.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the increase in expenditure at the War Office and the Admiralty, he will consider the advisability of appointing an advisory committee to assist these Departments in their purchases, so that due regard may be had to economy consistent with the pressing needs of those Departments?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which exists in the business community and in the country generally with regard to the placing of Government orders and contracts, he will consider the appointment of a consultative committee of business men, composed of Members of the House of Commons and men of approved standing outside, with full powers to examine into and advise upon the business and commercial operations of the Departments affected by the War, and, more especially in view of their magnitude, in connection with War Office purchases and contracts?

Sir Francis Hopwood and Sir George Gibb have been appointed directly to supervise the placing of Admiralty and War Office contracts respectively, and the strictest attention is given to economy of purchase consistent with the celerity demanded by war conditions. Since the outbreak of war the War Office have profited by the advice of men of approved standing in all the large branches of trade. As the Financial Secretary informed the House recently, the War Office are now considering whether these informal consultations may not be systematised in the form of committees.

Is it not the fact that the gentlemen mentioned in the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's reply are already overburdened with work, and, therefore, are quite incapable of coping with the great necessities of the two great buying Departments of the Government?

I do not think they are. They are both very able men who devote the whole of their energies to their duties, and, so far as I know, they perform them efficiently.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that those two gentlemen are instructed that contracts should not be given to firms of German nationality or to firms which have a large proportion of German directors on the board?

I do not think that arises out of the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether compensation will be granted out of public funds to the owner and occupier of the house in Butt Road, Colchester, for the damage to the building and contents caused by a bomb dropped by hostile aircraft recently; and if he will say to whom claims should be sent?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for East Essex on Monday last. With reference to the latter part of the question, I will communicate with the hon. Member in a day or two.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state when the House may expect to receive the Report from the Select Committee appointed to consider the question of disablement pensions?

I must refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 15 and following of the Committee's Report. It is hoped that a further Report may be presented very shortly.

What is meant by "very shortly"?

That depends upon the Committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can say if the Government have recently received a sum of £3,661 3s. 4d. from the New Zealand Government to be used in the relief of distress in the United Kingdom; and, if so, will he say what Department administers this relief, and how the money is distributed; and can he see his way to give a list of contributions in money and in kind received from the Oversea Dominions for the same purpose?

No, Sir. The sum in question and many other similar remittances have, I understand, been received by the High Commissioner for New Zealand from the New Zealand Government, and are being distributed by him to various committees which are organising the relief of distress in this country. For particulars of the contributions in money and kind which have been received from His Majesty's Oversea Dominions, I would refer the hon. Member to Parliamentary Papers Cd. 7608 and Cd. 7646. A further Blue Book giving particulars of the other gifts which have been received from the Oversea Dominions and Colonies will shortly be laid before Parliament.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that there is dissatisfaction in the country owing to the treatment meted out to German prisoners; whether he is aware that British prisoners in Germany are treated as convicts, while German prisoners in this country are treated as if they were an honourable foe; and if he will state to the House what steps he intends to take in the matter?

I can only repeat that the question is receiving the most careful consideration of the Secretary of State for War.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the desirability of employing the German prisoners of war interned in this country on some useful work of benefit to the country generally, such as the construction of the Firth of Forth and the Clyde Ship Canal, and other works of a like nature?

The possibility of finding useful work of a public nature for German prisoners of war in this country in the neighbourhood of the camps is still receiving consideration. Up to the present no employment suitable for any large number of men has been found.

May I ask whether the camps could not be shifted to a place where suitable work could be found?

That would involve an enormous amount of labour and considerable expense.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the feeling throughout the country as to the alleged luxury permitted to the German prisoners at Donington Hall, he will permit two or three Members of this House to visit it and make a report thereon for the satisfaction of the public mind?

A delegation from this House is already visiting the various camps.

Who are they?

Their names have already been announced. I will give the list to my hon. Friend.

Will these Gentlemen make a report to this House?

No; they will make unofficial reports to the War Office.

Having regard to the fact that this question asks that a Committee may visit this place and make reports, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the appointment of some Committee which might make reports?

All these questions have been considered, and we felt it was more desirable that these right hon. and hon. Gentlemen should go round and visit the camps and issue such reports to us as they felt inclined without making formal reports to this House.

May I ask if anybody representing the Midlands will be on this Committee, the reason being that there is very strong feeling in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire on the subject?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he has any information which he can communicate to the House regarding the arrangements made by the Ottoman Government for the reception and treatment of prisoners of war from the Allied Armies?

His Majesty's Government have no information to show that arrangements have been made by the Ottoman Government as regards British, French, or Russian prisoners of war.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the neglect of private householders, and particularly the occupiers of high blocks of flats, to the notices issued by the police authorities for screening lights; and, if so, why the same prompt and drastic action is not taken as in the case of shopkeepers and others?

Complaints on this subject have been brought to my notice. The police are taking all necessary steps for the enforcement of the Order for the reduction of lighting in the London area.

asked at what date or dates the prohibitions on the export of sugar were removed by Germany and Austria, respectively?

I am endeavouring to obtain the exact dates, but at present I can say no more than that sugar was exported from these two enemy countries in October and subsequently.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, having regard to the Governmental recommendation for increased tillage and the necessity for enlarged saving barns consequent on its adoption, he will arrange that applications for building loans to farmers for limited amounts will be favourably considered by the Treasury, especially where it can be shown that the outlay is required to meet the requirements of an increased tillage area?

I understand that the products of extra tillage can be adequately stored without the erection of permanent barns, and indeed a temporary increase of tillage would not provide security for a building loan. On this apart from other grounds, I see no reason to modify the decision already arrived at in regard to these loans.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what reductions in Estimates for English and Scottish purposes have been announced corresponding to those which the Treasury have notified Irish Departments; and will a Return be presented or correspondence published from which the principle on which the Treasury is proceeding in the three Kingdoms can be studied?

For details of the reductions of civil expenditure which have been effected I must ask the hon. and learned Member to await the issue of the Civil Service Estimates which will shortly be in the hands of Members. The only principle which has been followed, or can properly be followed in making economies at a time like the present, is to exclude all civil expenditure which is not clearly and immediately necessary. I shall be glad if the hon. and learned Member desires when the Estimates are published to indicate to him the chief directions in which reductions have been made, and I believe he will not find that any injustice has been done to Ireland, if he will bear in mind that several matters which are left to private enterprise or to local authorities in Great Britain are in Ireland carried out by State assistance.

May I ask whether the Treasury take into account that they are guaranteeing the dividend of the whole of the English railways and are providing a sum of five million pounds in extra wages in England, and are also allowing the use of enemy ships to English merchants for the purpose of carriage and advancing money in connection with the aniline dye industry, none of which are in Ireland?

I am not quite sure that that means we ought to have a different standard for giving advances of capital sums in Ireland from the standard we have in Great Britain.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the cutting off of £1,500 for books for a Dublin library might very well be set against the question of finding five or six or ten million pounds for some English industry?

I think all expenditure on anything that can really wait ought to be cut off, whether in Ireland or in Great Britain.

How soon shall we see the comparative savings?

Any hon. Member can make calculations on this matter as soon as the Civil Service Estimates are published, and they will be published, I think, sooner this year than in ordinary years.

asked what sums are now in the hands of the Development Commission; and how much of their expenditure since the War began is attributable to the War and the distress caused by it?

The actual amount standing to the credit of the Development Fund is £2,429,000. After allowing for obligations not attributable to the War, the amount available for new schemes is approximately £1,000,000. In the first few weeks of the War, the Development Commissioners recommended or agreed to recommend advances amounting to £188,000 for schemes which were taken up owing to the War, and were engaged in negotiations with the authorities concerned for the execution of various other schemes. Since, however, it appeared after a short time that the anticipations of unemployment among men would not be fulfilled, almost all these schemes have been dropped or held temporarily in abeyance.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the case of clerks now being appointed for temporary service in Government Departments owing to the War, any written engagement is made with such clerks stating definitely that their employment is of a purely temporary character and carries no prospect of permanent employment?

The letter of assignment normally addressed to temporary clerks engaged by the Civil Service Commissioners intimates that the Commissioners cannot give any undertaking respecting the length of their service, and that it should clearly be understood that their employment is strictly temporary, does not entitle to a gratuity and cannot lead to a permanent situation in the Civil Service. If there are any cases in which this practice is not being followed I shall be glad to hear of them.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that a number of parcels addressed to men serving with His Majesty's ships are returned to the senders with a request for the payment of further charges on account of their ships being in foreign waters, thereby causing considerable delays and disappointment, and, owing to their being a regulation that the locality of the ships cannot be disclosed to the senders, they have no means of obtaining the necessary information to enable them to address parcels more fully; and whether he will cause a flat rate to be made for the delivery of such parcels, the same as now obtains for the parcels sent to men serving with the Expeditionary Land Forces?

Such a flat rate as the hon. Member suggests is already in operation. The postage payable on parcels for His Majesty's ships in foreign waters, the locality of which is unknown to the senders, is at present 1s. for a parcel not exceeding 3 lb., 2s. for a parcel over 3 lb., but not over 7 lb., and 3s. for a parcel over 7 lb., but not over 11 lb. I am considering a reduction of the two latter rates to 1s. 9d. and 2s. 6d. respectively during the continuance of the War. In the case of insufficiently paid parcels, steps are taken to collect the amount of the deficiency from the senders; but the despatch of the parcels is not delayed for this purpose.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the death by drowning of seven soldiers at Gainsborough on the 19th February, while on duty; and whether he is taking steps to have a full inquiry into this incident?

Yes, Sir. A full inquiry is being made into this regrettable loss of life, but a final report has not yet been received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state how many foreign service yeomanry regiments have been broken up in order to supply one squadron as divisional Cavalry to divisions of the Army proceeding on active service abroad; how it is proposed to employ the squadrons left behind; and why it has not been possible to supply several divisions with a squadron apiece from the same regiment instead of breaking up a fresh regiment in each case?

The matters to which the hon. Member draws attention have not been overlooked, but it is not considered desirable to discuss in public or to disclose details of the organisation of the troops.

Does the right hon. Gentleman understand the intensity of the dissatisfaction felt in those regiments at finding them broken up for this purpose and therefore being deprived of service as a unit abroad?

Men who are serving are doing great service to the country and one does not wish to say anything to discourage them. I am sure that they will take their orders from headquarters.

Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that what is being done is discouraging them very much?

I really do not believe that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many spies have been shot in this country since the War began?

One, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a London firm connected with the boot trade has been appointed by the War Office to act as advisers, supervisors, and agents for the War Office in the purchase, handling, and distribution of boots for the Army; if so, what is the name of the firm; what steps, if any, were taken by the War Office to ascertain that the firm was sufficiently experienced to handle the work efficiently and what terms were arranged with the firm by way of remuneration?

asked whether Mr. Edward Penton, of the firm of Edward Penton and Son, Mortimer Street, W., is acting in the capacity of buying agent or official buyer for the War Office in connection with the purchase of Army boots and leather material; if so, what remuneration does he receive for his services; what is the total amount paid to him to date in commission or otherwise; and how much is due to him on completed or partially completed contracts?

Messrs. E. Penton and Son, Mortimer Street, W., have been appointed for the purposes stated in the first question. Their duties also include the organisation of the boot trade for Army boots, and the administration of the now Ordnance Depot for the receipt, storage, and issue of Army boots. Mr. Penton has already performed work for the Government, and was known to possess organising capacity of the kind required. Mr. Penton himself and one other managing director receive salaries of £600 a year each, and Messrs. E. Penton and Son £1,000 for each million pairs of boots received. No payment has yet been made, but the number, of pairs of boots received since the formation of the depot is about 3,700,000, representing a payment due to the firm of £3,700.

Is it not the case that Messrs. Penton and Son, though an old-established firm, are really a merchanting house and not a manufacturing firm, and that Mr. Edward Penton, jun., who is the gentleman in charge, has had no experience in the technical side of the manufacture of the boots?