asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that proposals are now being considered by the Canadian Parliament to enable soldiers to vote in any election that may take place during their absence on military duty; and whether he is prepared to make arrangements for the same right to be granted to those electors in this country who have undertaken military or naval duty and who desire to exercise the franchise in the coming parochial elections?

I am afraid it would be impracticable to make arrangements of the kind suggested.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the claim by the merchant vessels "Thordis" and "Alston" that they have sunk enemy submarines, and to the claim of the steam trawler "Alexander Hastie" of having performed a similar service; and whether the reward of £500 offered by the newspaper "Syren and Shipping," for the first sinking by merchant ships of enemy submarines, and other similar rewards offered, can be adjudicated by the Admiralty amongst these rival claimants to have been the first to sink an enemy submarine, by examination in dry dock by Admiralty officials, as in the case of the "Thordis," examined by Admiral Sir George Egerton?

The attention of the Admiralty has been drawn to the three cases mentioned. The case of the "Thordis" has already been considered, and the opinion of the Admiralty has been made known. In the case of the other two vessels, inquiries are being made, but it is not possible to say whether any definite conclusion can be come to. The adjudication of private awards is not a matter which the Admiralty can officially undertake.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the fact that widows of men in the Royal Navy losing their lives on active service are deprived of their allotments temporarily for an average period of six weeks after widowhood, thereby leaving them with separation allowance only for this period; and whether different arrangements will be made for the readjustment of their finances to prevent this distress?

The Noble Lord it under a misapprehension, as I find that when the monthly payment of an allotment is discontinued on the death of the allotter, the first weekly payment of the combined allotment and separation allowance is made either before, or only a comparatively few days after, the next monthly payment would have been due in ordinary course. I may add that after the end of the current month, a combined weekly payment of allotment and separation allowance will be adopted in all cases in which separation allowance is payable to wives or dependants, and this combined payment will then continue without interruption in the event of a casualty until the twenty-six weeks have expired.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the reason for the delay of payment to the dependants of Private Marrs, No. 2783, 8th Manchesters, whose allotment form was filled in on 1st December?

I find on inquiry that the soldier's mother failed to return the necessary form which was sent to her. Another form has now been sent.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can arrange that soldiers on enlistment shall fill up the forms of allotments necessary to secure Government allowances to dependants (not wives), with a view to avoiding the present delay, which is often from one to three months before the first payments are received?

It is already the practice, under regulations dating from 1st November last, to invite recruits to fill up forms of claim at the time of enlistment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what are the correct separate amounts to be paid weekly to a widow whose two sons have joined the Army, and in each case allotted 3s. 6d. per week, where one son while at sea gave his mother 12s. 6d. per week and the other son allowed his mother 10s. per week clear?

So far as the information given me enables me to reply the widow would appear to be entitled to 9s. from the Government and 7s. from the sons, making 36s. in all. In such a case separate amounts are not paid.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in cases where the father of a man who has enlisted since 4th August has died and the widow is consequently dependent on the support of her son, she will be regarded as a dependant and will be entitled to an allowance if her son makes her an allotment from his pay?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question on the 24th February by the hon. Member for Shrewsbury, a copy of which I will send to him.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether steps will be taken to insure that Mrs. Brown, whose husband is Saddler-Corporal D. Brown, 5487 D squadron, 16th Lancers, British Expeditionary Force, and whose ring paper is B 103 L, and pay office at Canterbury, is paid the 3s. 6d. per week special allowance for London, seeing that she was compelled to leave the barracks at the Curragh as the room was requisitioned for Kitchener's Army, and that she came to reside in London; and whether as the 3s. 6d. per week was paid for several weeks, was then stopped without notice, and the amount paid deducted from subsequent weekly allowances, he will see that the same be refunded?

I will have inquiry made into this case.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that a man serving with the 7th Reserve Battalion Middlesex Regiment is being paid 31s. 6d. per week, including separation allowance to wife and one child that a man of the 6th Battalion Essex National Reserve is receiving 43s. 2d. per week, including separation allowance to wife and two children, that a man attached to the London Irish Territorials is receiving 37s. 11d. per week, including separation allowance to wife and two children, and that a man of the Islington National Reserve attached to the 10th Battalion Territorials, 208, Mare Street, Hackney, is receiving 32s. 1d. per week, with no separation allowance, although he has a wife and five children; will he cause inquiries to be made with a view to ascertaining the reason for these variations, and establishing in practice something like a uniform rate of pay for men performing similar duties; and in doing so will he give consideration to the case of men with large families?

Allowances differ in their total amounts according to the different circumstances in which men may be placed. If the hon. Member will furnish me with full particulars of any case in which he thinks a man is not receiving his proper allowances I will have inquiry made.

asked when the establishment of the new body of appeal from the decisions of the pensions authority in the case of allowances may be expected?

The machinery for redetermining allowances to dependants who are dissatisfied was published in the post offices and elsewhere last week, and is, I believe, already in operation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the provision of Section 10 of the War Office Order of 26th February can be extended, in order that where a soldier has, previous to enlistment, supported a mother, father, aunt, uncle, sister, or brother in addition to a wife, an allowance may be payable in respect of such mother, etc., as if she were an additional child?

In cases in which separation allowance is issued to the wives and children of married men it is not proposed to extend the allowance to any other dependants.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the present hardship of the case of a Civil servant who, having volunteered and been promoted to a second lieutenancy, is in receipt of his Army pay alone without any allowance from his department and who, being often without any private means, is thus unable as heretofore when a private to give any pecuniary support to his relatives, his pay being taken up in the necessary expenses of messing, servant, etc., he will consider the possibility of allowing these young officers some proportion of their civil pay in addition to that attached to their position?

A permanent whole-time Civil servant who holds a commission receives his civil pay less his Army pay, and consequently would receive a portion of his civil pay unless his Army pay was not less than his total civil pay. He would also receive in addition certain Army allowances in cash or kind. I fear I am not prepared to reconsider this arrangement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Dublin newspaper called "Scissors and Paste," suppressed by the military authorities without warning, consisted entirely of extracts from other newspapers, mostly British, and all circulating freely in Britain; whether, in all other cases of suppression or restriction of the Press in Ireland, the military authorities gave previous notice, and had an undertaking from the printer of this paper that he would print nothing considered objectionable; whether he will specify the matter in respect of which the paper has been suppressed, the paper from which it was extracted, and what action is to be taken against that paper; whether any other incriminatory matter was found on the premises; and, if an offence under the Defence of the Realm Act is alleged, why those responsible are not given the benefit of such trial as that Act provides?

"Scissors and Paste" was a sheet consisting of cuttings from papers selected for their derogatory references to the cause or military operations of the Allies and for their praise of the methods and successes of the enemy. All the copies of the paper, as well as the printing plant, were seized on the 2nd instant. I am not aware that any further step such as is mentioned in the last part of the question is necessary or is contemplated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the military authorities have informed the editor of the "Irish Volunteer" what they have done to prevent the circulation of that newspaper; what action, amounting in effect to suppression, has been taken; having regard to the character of the paper, will he specify the part or feature in it to which, objection has been taken; under what provision of the Defence of the Realm Act are those responsible being punished before trial; and seeing that delay of trial would destroy the paper for an alleged cause which a trial might show to be unfounded, can he say how soon the charge against the paper will be tried?

I cannot find that any action against the "Irish Volunteer" itself can be traced, but I am informed that it did not appear last week owing to a raid on the printing works where this paper, in common, I think, with the "Irish Worker" and other papers, is printed. The editor may, of course, have been warned of the existence of the Defence of the Realm Act and the regulations made under it, and against printing anything contravening those regulations, and the editor may have considered it wiser to suspend its issue.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there are barracks in the Channel Islands which afford accommodation for a large number of troops; whether these barracks are at present fully occupied; and, if not, whether he will transfer thither the German officers from Donington Hall and make use of the latter for the accommodation of convalescent British officers and men?

The available barrack accommodation in the Channel Islands may be required at any time for military occupation and is not considered suitable for accommodating prisoners of war. There is no intention of removing German officer prisoners from Donington Hall.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Remount Department of the War Office have for some time sanctioned a slaughter-house for horses in a wooden building alongside the main road from Avonmouth to Shirehampton; whether he is aware that the stench from the carcases of the dead horses is continuous and penetrates a considerable distance, and makes the use of the road and footpath impossible without breathing an atmosphere which is dangerous to health; whether he is aware that there has been an epidemic of throat complaints at Avonmouth, especially among the school children who have to pass and repass within a foot or two of the slaughter-house daily; and can he arrange for the removal of the slaughter-house to a spot much further removed from the public footpath and highway?

The slaughter-house referred to, which is a temporary structure, had to be erected near a good road with as little delay as possible, for the reception of horses destroyed on disembarkation from Canada. It is 150 yards away from the nearest dwelling house, and every effort is being made to keep it sanitary. Arrangements are in progress for building a road to a more suitable site some distance from the main road.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that cases have occurred in which troops in training have entered upon private property and cut growing timber; whether such action without a requisition order for timber is authorised; and if steps will be taken to prevent, so far as possible, damage to timber, which cannot be repaired by monetary compensation as in the case of agricultural crops?

One case of the kind to which the Noble Lord refers has been brought to my notice. If he has other cases in mind and would furnish me with information I will have the matter investigated. Commands are being reminded of the importance of avoiding damage of this kind.

asked whether, in view of the great national importance of the wheat crop, instructions will be issued to commanders of units to avoid, so far as possible, marching over wheat crops and respecting the red flags that have been provided by the War Department to mark growing crops?

The importance of the question raised by the Noble Lord is fully appreciated, and instructions have already been issued to all Commands which will, I hope, minimise the risk of damage to glowing crops.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether officers of the Reserve of Officers who were recalled on mobilisation are eligible, if qualified, for promotion according to their seniority?

Yes, Sir; but the exact conditions under which such promotion will be given are not yet finally determined.

asked when the promotions of regimental officers to fill the vacancies caused by officers of higher rank being killed, taken prisoners, or missing, as well as the promotions in the place of lieutenant-colonels promoted to be brigadier-generals, will be gazetted?

The gazetting of promotions to fill the places of officers who have been killed has always been kept up to date. Promotions to fill the places of officers taken prisoners or missing are being gazetted as rapidly as circumstances permit, but as they involve ante-dates consequent on their having retrospective effect, it necessitates a review of all the promotions that have been made since the beginning of the War. The question of promotions in the place of lieutenant-colonels appointed brigadier-generals is still under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that the inoculated soldiers of the 7th battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, stationed at Aldershot, had leave granted to them with free railway passes at Christmas; that the uninoculated men were asked a week before Christmas to send in their names, but did not do so, as at that time they were undecided; that these men had their leave and, on their return, on refusing to be inoculated, were confined to barracks for ten days and given dirty fatigues; and that they were compelled to refund 36s., the amount of their fares, 6s. being deducted from their pay per week, leaving them with a weekly wage of 1s. for six weeks; whether, in view of the War Office's repudiation of any desire to treat non-inoculation as a crime, he will undertake that the expenses of their journey be refunded to these men, thus placing them on a financial equality with the inoculated; and (2) whether orders have been given that the granting of leave to officers and men is absolutely dependent upon whether they have been inoculated or not; whether the order that leave shall be granted sparingly is interpreted in the sense that no leave is, from the date of the order, to be given at all; whether, since the beginning of the year, uninoculated men of the 7th and 4th Worcesters have had the five days' leave supposed to be granted at Christmas; and whether the uninoculated men of A company, 8th Worcesters, who have had no similar leave at all, are to be debarred leave indefinitely because their colonel holds stronger views about inoculation than the authority who granted leave to the uninoculated men in the other Worcester battalions?

I will answer these questions, and also one of which the hon. Member for the Poplar Division of the Tower Hamlets has given me private notice. I am making inquiries into these cases, as it is impossible to obtain full details at such short notice. I understand the position generally in the cases referred to to be that men are not being punished for not submitting to inoculation, but as only the inoculated men are being sent to the front those uninoculated are not given the privilege leave allowed to men under orders for abroad. I am informed that certain men who obtained the furlough and free railway war- rants were made to refund the cost of the warrants, but as to the precise circumstances I am unable to say.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Board of Inland Revenue has issued an order prohibiting any more members of the Department from enlisting, he will allow these civil servants to get their volunteer training corps recognised by adding the following words to the declaration required by Sir Reginald Brade's letter to Lord Des-borough as to enlisting if called upon to do so, namely, subject to the leave and (or) consent of the head of the Department?

No, Sir. A civil servant should obtain the leave of the head of his Department before undertaking any form of military liability. The Secretary of State confidently looks to the heads of Departments to arrange, by finding suitable substitutes, for the necessary permission to be given freely to their subordinates who are prepared to enlist. This is the form of military service of which the nation has the most pressing need. The order of the Board of Inland Revenue has not been brought to my notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War when the last meeting of the Territorial Association took place?

I am not aware to which Territorial Force Association the hon. Member is referring, but, if he means the Territorial Force Advisory Council, it has been dissolved.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the percentage of men who have enlisted from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales since, or in addition to, the Return he published on the 4th November last to the end of the year?

I think the hon. Gentleman will not be surprised when I say I am unable to give this information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the agreement with the authorities of the Epsom stand, now being used as a hospital, necessitates the removal of a number of the wounded from that part of the stand which is to be reoccupied by the owners of the stand; the number of wounded who will be so disturbed; and whether they are being removed to other rooms in the stand or sent to other hospitals?

No removal of patients is involved, as before the Spring Meeting those occupying the third floor will have been discharged to sick furlough. Patients are not accommodated on the ground floor or in the basement, the remaining portions of the grand stand affected by the agreement. The hospital, which is now used for transfers from Woolwich, and not for direct admissions from overseas, will be filled again after the Spring Meeting.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an official intimation has reached Nottingham that the War Office has sanctioned a change regarding recruits and defective teeth; whether men will now be allowed to be attested if otherwise fit and subject to their consenting to undergo dental treatment; and, if so, whether it is proposed to extend such official orders to other recruiting centres?

Instructions have been issued to all commands that recruits found physically fit in every respect except on account of insufficient teeth may in future be passed by a medical examiner of recruits as "fit, subject to dental treatment." Such men, if willing to undergo dental treatment, may be attested and dispatched to the depot, final approval being deferred until they are pronounced to be in all respects fit. The necessary dental treatment will be carried out as soon as possible after the men's arrival at the depot.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dentists are attached to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force; and will he consider the possibility of attaching dentists to the different units of the New Army?

Yes, Sir, I am aware that dentists are attached to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Dentists and dental mechanics, with full outfits of instruments, apparatus and materials, were some months ago supplied to the British Expeditionary Force. Dentists have already been appointed at the larger stations in the United Kingdom, and more appointments will be made if required, as soon as the instruments, etc., are available from the manufacturers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what are the terms of the lease or contract under which the Government now holds Donington Hall; what are the respective amounts of expenditure in connection with drainage, electric light installation, and construction of huts for officers; and how many German officers were actually imprisoned there on the 5th of March?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave on 25th February, 1st March and 4th March to the hon. Members for East Nottinghamshire, and East Kent, and the Prestwich Division of Lancashire respectively. To complete the information asked for in the question, I may say that the tenure may be determined by the War Office on giving one month's notice; and that this right is not reciprocal.

asked how many honorary colonels have been appointed to the new Service battalions: and if he will give a list of the names, stating for what services they were appointed?

Ten honorary colonels have been gazetted to the new Service battalions, and I will furnish the hon. Member with the list, which is too long to read out. These appointments were made for assistance rendered locally in raising the battalions concerned, and were made before it was decided that local battalions should be treated in all respects as regular units of regiments. As regular units, the new Service battalions are already provided with honorary colonels, and no more appointments will therefore be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether military drill is still being practised by prisoners of war in any of the detention camps; and whether this practice will be stopped in the future?

Military physical drill is carried out in some of the camps, and as it is an excellent form of exercise there is no intention of prohibiting it. No exercise with dummy arms is permitted.

asked whether permission was requested from the Ascot racecourse authorities to establish a military camp in the month of April on the ground in the centre of the racecourse area; and, if so, what reply was received?

No such request has been made to the War Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can suggest that, in laying out the site of the new buildings at Kilworth Camp, regard will be had to the wishes of the local farmers who willingly gave up their rights to oblige the military as to manœuvres?

It is not contemplated to build any huts, etc., at Kilworth Camp except on land which has for some time past been the property of the Department.

asked what number of horses belonging to the Army have died through illness or exposure in the United Kingdom since the commencement of the War, and the causes of death; whether 500 lame and sick horses were left behind at Hursley when the 8th Division left, practically untended and tied up in lines without rugs and exposed to all weathers; whether thirty horses died at Southampton in Christmas week, and twenty-five the week before; whether eight horses were found frozen to death at Northampton in one week; and whether any of the Canadian horses died of lock-jaw brought on through exposure on Salisbury Plain; and, if so, whether effective steps can be taken to remedy this waste and cruelty?

Approximately 4,500 horses have died in the United Kingdom since the commencement of the War, principally from infectious diseases. Very few, if any, deaths can be directly attributed to exposure. I have already answered the second part of the question in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for York on 17th February. Thirty-three horses died at Southampton and in the immediate neighbourhood during Christmas week, and nineteen the week before. There is no record of any Army horses having been frozen to death at Northampton. The answer to the fifth point is in the negative. Every care has been, and is being, taken to keep down sickness and mortality in Army horses, and if the full numbers with which we have dealt and are dealing were known it would be seen how small a proportion of casualties have occurred. I would ask my right hon. Friend to believe that on no occasion have any cases of cruelty through neglect or exposure occurred, and I would deprecate this aspersion on the Army management of horses under most difficult conditions.

asked how the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee is at present constituted?

The composition of the Committee: is as follows:—Parliamentary Recruiting Committee.Presidents:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in many of the new hut encampments there is no accommodation for keeping medical stores and instruments or for the officers in medical charge to see the sick, who in many cases have to walk considerable distances in consequence; and whether steps will be taken to supply huts for this purpose?

At the larger hutted camps there are hut hospitals with suitable accommodation for examining the sick and keeping medical stores. At some others there are medical examination rooms specially built; and generally where the medical authorities have asked for these to be provided they have been built. In some camps where special huts have not been built for this purpose and where the troops are in occupation, it is possible to arrange for seeing the sick in some existing huts which are to spare. If it is found that spare huts are not available, medical inspection rooms can be built as in the cases above alluded to.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on the 7th March an advertisement appeared in the "Observer" of the Public Schools Battalion stating that public school and university men desiring commission in this or any other corps would find service in this battalion a short and pleasant way to promotion; and whether the War Office was responsible for this advertisement and will prevent its publication?

My attention has been drawn to the advertisement for the Royal Naval Division referred to by my hon. Friend. The War Office was not in any way responsible for its insertion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the attention of the War Office authorities has been directed to the proceedings at the Westminster Police Court on Friday last, when fines, in the aggregate of £520, were inflicted on men and women as frequenters of a West End gambling resort, as the result of a police raid made therein, and to the statement of one of the Ass stant Commissioners of Police that at a number of these gaming resorts many young officers who had been lured there had lost sums which they could not afford; and whether the War Office authorities will take steps to warn officers of the impropriety of frequenting such places and to visit with severity any disregard of such warning?

The General Officer Commanding the London District has already issued an order in the sense suggested, and if further action should be considered necessary it will be taken.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state what percentage of the men who have joined the Army since the outbreak of War are married?

This information is not available, and I trust my hon. Friend will not press for it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state why flannel-lined waterproof sheets, as used in New Zealand, are not provided for horses at the front instead of the present rugs, which often retain water and are worse than useless in wet weather?

The horse rug supplied to the Army in the field is of the pattern which many years' experience has shown to be suitable. It is not considered that a waterproof rug has any advantage over the service pattern, any gain from the waterproofing being more than counterbalanced by the sweating it causes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain retired officers called up for duty at regimental depots whose age did not permit them to go to the front received an allowance of £100 to cover the expenses of uniform and kit; and whether, seeing that the expenses of uniform and kit of officers similarly called up for recruiting service are equally great, he will explain why an allowance of £20 only was made in these cases?

The officers referred to in the first part of the question were called up for general service as regimental officers in war, and received the rate of outfit allowance authorised for such. There is no exemption in these cases on the ground of age. The needs of recruiting officers are limited, and the allowance laid down is sufficient to meet their case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the concession previously announced as to refunding railway fares whilst going on leave will apply to the (active service) battalion of the 5th Essex Regiment; and whether additional leave with fares paid can be granted to the men of the 5th battalion (active service), seeing that only three days' leave has been granted to any of them in comparison with five days' leave customary in other battalions?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Baronet's question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, the duration of leave is at the General Officer Commanding's discretion and subject to military exigencies, and the concession of a free warrant is limited to one furlough.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the personal sacrifices made by married men, often with young families, who have joined the New Army, he will consider the advisability of giving greater facilities for men serving at home to have week-end railway passes in order that they can better keep in touch with their private affairs?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will endeavour to arrange that soldiers on leave visiting their families should travel on the same terms as railway servants, namely, by payment of one quarter of the ordinary fare?

While fully appreciating the sacrifices which many married men are making by enlisting, I regret that in the present state of railway traffic it is impossible to extend to them any further concessions of travelling at reduced fares. Like their unmarried comrades they already enjoy the privilege of travelling at single fare for the double journey, and in addition may, subject to military exigencies, take one free journey to their homes after three months' service or if under orders to go abroad.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the hardship of non-commissioned officers and men of the Essex Regiment who have been denied proficiency pay because in some instances two camp trainings out of fifteen years' service in the Territorial Forces have been missed; and whether the War Office can so modify the Regulations as to allow proficiency pay to those who have fulfilled a stated number of camp trainings and have become proficient, without penalising them for absence from camp trainings in excess of the stated number?

My attention has not been specially called to the case of this regiment, but I regret that I can hold out no hope that the conditions in question will be further modified.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in some regiments officers are unable to obtain their pay when it is due to them, and that this makes it impossible for some officers to pay their mess bills; and if he will take steps to have this matter attended to and put right?

I am not aware of such cases, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars I will make inquiry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the workmen employed at the Gunwharf, Portsmouth, who are in the employ of the War Office and who are doing the same work as is being done at Woolwich, will receive the same advance of wages as has recently been granted to the Woolwich employés?

The labourers at the War Department establishment in Portsmouth are receiving the same advance as has been given to those in the dockyard there.

asked what is the pay of the Chief Censor and the Inspector of Cable Censors; and what is the number of Censors under their control?

The pay of the Chief (Cable) Censor is £800 a year, and the number of Censors under his control in the United Kingdom is 150. He also controls a certain number of cable stations in the Empire. There is no such appointment as that of Inspector of Cable Censors.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why the outfit allowances granted to officers of the Indian Army who were on leave in this country when war broke out and were attached to units of the British Army were not also granted to those officers of the British service home on leave from units or the Indian establishment who were attached in the same way; and whether the latter officers had to supply themselves with a like campaigning outfit at their own expense, although their pay, both in peace and war, is considerably less?

Officers of the British Army, whether in India or elsewhere, have always been liable, as a condition of their engagement, to serve in any part of the world and to maintain their uniform at their own expense.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why the billeting allowance at Aberystwyth has been reduced from 21s. to 17s. 6d. per man; and whether he can see his way to raise the amount to its former level?

I am having inquiry made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office on what grounds the price paid to farriers in the North of England for the manufacture of horseshoes is only 35s. per cwt., while similar shoes are paid for in South Wales at prices ranging from 46s. to 56s. per cwt.; whether representations have been made to him on behalf of the northern farriers, who have higher wages to pay and who are unable to supply shoes at the former price; and whether the War Office will, in view of the shortage of supply, pay the same rates in the North as they do in the Swansea district?

The rate of 35s. per cwt. for horseshoes was arrived at after negotion with the farriery trade and has been generally acceptable. It was fixed on the basis of sixty-five shoes to the cwt., which is the average weight of the large and small shoes for Army requirements. The higher rates to which the hon. Member refers, namely 46s. to 56s. per cwt., are the rates for Army mule shoes, which range from eighty-four to the cwt. to 163 to the cwt. This difference in cost is accounted for by the fact that these shoes are more difficult to make than horseshoes and the risk of rejections is greater.

asked to what use it is proposed to put the monthly sum of 20 per cent. of the profits of regimental institutes which commanding officers have now been ordered to send to the central canteen fund?

This money will all be spent for the benefit of the troops. The mode of expenditure is receiving the very careful consideration of the Board.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can make public the names of the members of the Board of Control for Garrison and Regimental Institutes; whether the members of the board are paid, and what are the qualifications of the civilian members; and whether he is aware that the board's order with regard to rebate offers much less advantageous terms to regiments than commanding officers have been able to obtain for their men in the contracts at present in force?

The names of the members of the board were published in the daily Press on the 15th February last. The members of the board are not paid. The civilian members were chosen with a view to securing the services of gentlemen whose commercial and business experience, professional qualifications or special knowledge would be of use to the board. Five of these gentlemen were members of Lord Rotherham's Committee of Inquiry into the canteen system, which reported to Parliament in October last (Cd. 7677). As regards the concluding portion of the hon. Member's question, representations to this effect have been made to the board and the matter is receiving consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether soldiers discharged from the Army as unfit for further service are provided with civilian clothes on receiving their discharge?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether consignments of Army clothing, manufactured under American contracts, have been received in this country; whether, in the opinion of the inspecting officer, the work has been satisfactorily performed and is equal in quality to British contract work or that produced by the State clothing factory; and whether the American consignments are considered fit for use by the Expeditionary Force or are being reserved for the use of special units?

Yes, Sir, such consignments have been received. The workmanship is not in all cases satisfactory or in that respect equal in quality to British contract or Government factory work. Such defects as these are being remedied, and the clothing will then be fit for use by the Expeditionary Force. It is not being reserved for special units.

asked what steps have been taken by the War Office to verify the assurance received that the former business relationship of Minimax, Limited, with Germany has ceased?

No further inquiry was made, because no further inquiry was considered necessary. If the hon. Member will inform me more precisely as to his meaning, I shall be happy to consider it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) whether he has ascertained that the managing director and principal owner of Minimax, Limited, Mr. Graaf, only resigned his managership after the outbreak of War, and that his share holdings were transferred to nominees; if so, what bonâ fide consideration was paid for the transfer and by whom; and (2) if the War Office has ascertained why Mr. Graaf, the late manager of Minimax, Limited, if he was not a German but a Dutch subject, retired at all and transferred his interests in this company; and whether he is aware that he is described in Berlin as a German subject?

I will reply to this and the following question together. According to my information the facts are not as stated by the hon. Member. Mr. Graaf was joint managing director only and held no shares in Minimax, Limited. He is understood to be a German subject, and he was removed from his post. I may repeat that this company has no connection with the German company, and that its staff is entirely British, and that only a small portion of its shares is held by other than British subjects.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether clothing is issued to sergeant-instructors who are moved from regiment to regiment?

All sergeant-instructors receive clothing free. The fact of their being transferred from one regiment to another does not affect the issue of such clothing.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the 3s. per night paid for an officer's billet is intended only to cover lodging and attendance, and whether the officers are expected to pay for their own messing as usual; if so, whether he is aware that many patriotic householders who were glad to offer free meals to officers at the beginning of the War are now finding it expensive to continue to do so indefinitely; and whether he will have officers reminded that they must not assume that all householders can afford to board as well as lodge them for 21s. per week?

The services covered by the payment of 3s. for an officer's billet are as stated by the hon. Member. As regards meals, instructions have already been issued on the point which I hope will prevent any possible misunderstanding. I am glad to have this opportunity of acknowledging the hospitality which has in many cases been so generously given.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is the intention of his Department to increase the wages of the ordinary labourers employed by the War Office to the same extent as that of the Admiralty?

Yes, Sir, in the same localities.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether, in the event of his being unable to substitute selection for examination for those who had intended entering for the Indian Civil Service but have instead joined the Army, he will consider the advisability of arranging that when the War is over an allotment of marks should be made to those candidates who have served in the Army, so that men who have shown their patriotism may not be penalised?

A suggestion to this effect has been made and is under consideration, but I can make no statement at present.

asked if the Government are taking any steps regarding the complaints about the feeding of the Territorials in India or are simply waiting until they get a reply by post to the communication they sent by mail to India?

The Secretary of State made a reference to the Government of India by telegraph as well as by post, and has now received a telegraphic reply, which he has under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the continuance in and recruiting for local police forces of strong young men in the prime of life, he will issue a memorandum to chief constables urging that police work in peaceful agricultural districts and small county towns should be performed by special constables and men past military age for the period of the War?

I have since the beginning of the War urged police authorities to replace the men who have joined the Army by pensioners and other men above military age, or to employ special constables, but, in view of the large number of constables who have joined His Majesty's forces and the heavy special duties imposed on the police by the War, I fear I cannot advocate action which might deplete the police forces to a dangerous point. About 3,500 members of the County and Borough Police have joined the Colours, and, in addition, about 450 experienced officers have been lent as drill instructors.

asked the Home Secretary how many of His Majesty's Inspectors of Mines have relinquished their duties for military or naval service; and whether he intends to appoint temporary inspectors to take their places?

Sixteen of the inspectors have joined the Forces. It is not proposed to appoint any temporary inspectors, as there would be great difficulty in present circumstances in obtaining suitable men, and their services would not be of much value until they had had a considerable experience of the work.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of men of military age in the Highland and Islands of Scotland at the time of the taking of the Census of 1911?

Assuming my hon. Friend to mean by the Highlands and Islands the counties of Orkney, Zetland, Caithness, Sutherland, Ross and Cromarty, Inverness and Argyll, the number of men of the ages of eighteen to thirty-eight inclusive in those counties, at the census of 1911, was 51,350.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that neither houses nor lodgings can be found in Whitehaven for miners urgently needed at the collieries, and that the colliery company have had to utilise the Kells reading room to house come of the Belgian miners; and, in view of the fact that a new mine is being sunk in the district, thereby intensifying the demand for houses, he will say what steps he proposes to take and what assistance his Department can give in order to have this matter effectively and efficiently dealt with?

I am well aware of the need for improved housing accommodation at Whitehaven. In February, 1911, the Local Government Board sanctioned a loan for the purchase of land by the Corporation as a site for the erection of eighty houses or tenements. I will urge the Corporation to proceed with the preparation of their housing scheme.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the owners of the steamship "Downshire," which was sunk by a German submarine on the 20th February, are to receive any financial assistance from the Government?

As the "Downshire" was not insured against war risks under the Government insurance scheme, it will not, I am afraid, be possible for the Government to entertain any claim in respect of the loss of the vessel.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any progress has been made in the arrangement and issuing of licences for the export of malt in order to avoid the delay which accrues under the present system?

The delay has been due, not to the arrangements for the issue of licences, but to the necessity of considering the question of policy involved. It is hoped that a decision will be arrived at in the near future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences have been granted by the Board of Trade for importing into this country goods from the enemy; and whether, in view of the fact that the particulars of such licences are already known to the enemy, he will inform the House in respect of what goods such licences have been granted?

I cannot accept the statement made in this question, but I can add nothing to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Hereford on Monday last, in which reasons for withholding this information were given.

asked the Postmaster-General whether some 30,000 men in the Post Office employment have joined the Colours, a large proportion of them being men with wives and families; whether in their place numbers of young single men have come in through the Labour Exchanges and have thus avoided military or naval service; and whether he will give instructions that the existing order as to taking on men over forty is properly carried out?

Over 32,000 men in Post Office employment are serving in the Army or Navy, and about 20,800 temporary men have been engaged in their place. The instructions in force are that single men eligible for enlistment are not to be employed if other suitable men are available. I have no reason to suppose that these instructions are not being carried out.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the latest available estimate of British capital invested abroad and of income of foreign origin; and will he say how much income of foreign origin is disclosed by the Income Tax returns, and how much is assumed from other sources of information?

No official information with regard to the first part, of the question is available, but good authorities have estimated that the total British capital invested abroad amounts to £4,000,000,000 and that the income from interest on Colonial and foreign investments amounts to £200,000,000. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the information contained in pages 119–121 of the Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue for the year ended 31st March last (Cd. 7572).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Commissioners of Inland Revenue are now making valuations in accordance with the decision of Mr. Justice Rowlatt in Whidborne v. the Commissioners of Inland Revenue; and whether he will give instructions that all provisional valuations already made or served which are affected by this judgment may be reopened and adjusted in accordance therewith?

In the case of provisional valuations now being served, the owner, in view of the extension of time for objecting to valuations, has very full opportunity of submitting or sub stantiating to the Commissioners that proof upon which the site value deduction dealt with in the judgment referred to depends. Of provisional valuations served in the past many have been objected to on the ground that such a deduction should be allowed. In these cases the objections have remained to be dealt with, but I see no reason for reopening valuations which have become final without any claim under this head having been made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the practice of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue at the present time when making valuations of special properties to include all machinery, fixtures, etc., whether fixed or otherwise, which would pass on a sale of the freehold on an open contract when arriving at the gross and total values under Part I. of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, in accordance with Mr. Justice Scrutton's judgments; and, if not whether he will for the present suspend the service of all provisional valuations affected by these judgments?

I may refer the right hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for the West Division of St. Pancras on the 2nd July, last, from which it will be seen that, broadly speaking, it is the practice to include the value of fixed and attached machinery.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, if the National Health Insurance Commission, early in 1913, expressed the opinion that the crier of the Recorder's Court in Belfast was insurable under the National Insurance Act, and that the Recorder was liable to insure the crier; if the Recorder, who disputed this opinion, was informed on 6th January, 1914, that if he would appeal the Commissioners would recommend the Treasury to guarantee payment of his costs; if the Recorder thereupon made payments upon the crier's card, upon an undertaking by the Commissioners to return the payments if the Recorder succeeded in his intention; if he was informed on 6th February, 1914, that the Treasury were not in a position to guarantee the costs; if the crier's card is now greatly in arrear, by reason of the Recorder refusing to pay and the Commissioners taking no steps to have the matter settled; if the Treasury has paid the employer's part of the insurance of criers of the superior Courts out of public funds; and, if there be a distinction between criers of the Superior Courts and the County Courts, will he state on what Statute or rule it is founded?

The opinion referred to in the first part of the question has been expressed by the Irish Insurance Commissioners. I am informed that, having regard to the very small number of persons affected, the Treasury do not feel justified in sanctioning the payment from public funds of the costs of the appellant in a test case in the High Court. I would suggest that the last two parts of the question should be addressed to my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the hospital staff employed at the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, have been called upon to refund overtime pay; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be held, into the matter, with a view to the order in question being withdrawn?

The matter raised in the Noble Lord's question is being inquired into.

also asked whether the recent rise to the ordinary labourers will have the effect of increasing the pay of the excavators employed under the Director of Works Department?

The rating of excavator in the Director of Works Department is about to be abolished and merged in that of skilled labourer, and any men at present employed as excavators who are in receipt of less than the enhanced minimum rate for skilled labourers, namely, 25s. per week, will be raised to that rate, except probationers, who will be advanced to 24s. The present scale for skilled labourers is 25s. to 28s. a week (1s. less at Haulbowline)—probationary rate 24s.—with special rates up to a maximum of 31s.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether commanding officers are entitled to compel licensed victuallers to publish black lists of persons to whom they are forbidden to sell spirits without a medical certificate; and whether such persons are permitted to produce any evidence on their own behalf or can appeal to any Court for redress?

The matters referred to in my hon. Friend's question are being inquired into.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he can state the number of detailed inspections of schools of art in England and Wales held in 1914; the number of inspectors and assistants who were, on an average, engaged in inspecting each school of art; how soon after each inspection was the report issued; how many corresponding inspections he has sanctioned for 1915; and how many detailed inspections in the course of five years are such large schools of art like those in Middlesex, Yorkshire, Surrey, Staffordshire, Lancashire, and Wales subjected to?

In the school year ended 31st July, 1914, there were sixty-four detailed inspections of schools of art, conducted on the average by three or four inspectors. The preparation and issue of the reports occupied, on an average, nine weeks. There have been no detailed inspections since the outbreak of War, and arrangements for the future are now under consideration. Hitherto it has been the practice to hold a detailed inspection of each school of art once every three years.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Egyptian Government have, since the decree of 22nd September last, made any change in their determination as to the acreage on which cotton may be grown?

I will make inquiries and inform the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will state, province by province, for the years 1912 and 1913, the number of persons charged with murder in India; the number of capital sentences passed; the number of persons acquitted of the charge of murder; the number of appeals by local governments against such acquittals; and the number of persons sentenced to death as the result of such appeals?

presented the following statement showing for the years 1912 and 1913 the number of persons charged with murder, the number of capital sentences passed, the number of persons acquitted of the charge of murder, the number of appeals by local governments against such acquittals, and the number of persons sentenced to death as a result of such appeals.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the prevalence of measles and the mortality from the disease, the Local Government Board will immediately take steps to issue regulations on the lines suggested in the latest report of the medical officer to the Local Government Board; whether the local sanitary authority of the county borough of St. Helens applied to the Board on the 20th January, 1915, for the issue of similar regulations; and, if so, will he say why the Board have so far taken no action in the matter?

The question of issuing a General Order on this subject is now under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General when the Holt Committee recommendations will be applied to the clerical staff?

I regret that I cannot make any statement on this matter at present. The "Holt" recommendations for the clerical staff cannot be effectively considered without regard to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service, upon which the Government has not yet reached any decision.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will take steps to prevent compulsory powers to acquire the farm of Mr. George Coleman, of Ramsey Street, Mays, Hunts, by the Huntingdon County Council being enforced under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, during the War, when Mr. Coleman's son, who manages it, is away with his regiment, and the two freeholders who own it have each less than 50 acres of freehold land?

The county council have made an order for the compulsory hiring of this farm, and the Board are arranging for a public inquiry to be held into the matter. All persons interested will be afforded a hearing and all relevant circumstances considered.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to the complaint made in Ireland as to the detention of cattle for two hours at the ports of embarkation in Ireland; if his attention has been directed to the resolution of the Limerick County Council on this subject on Saturday, 27th February; and whether, taking all the circumstances into account, some modification of the existing Order will be made with the view of lessening the pecuniary losses to the owners of these animals?

The reply to the earlier parts of this question is in the affirmative and to the final part in the negative. The requirement that animals brought to be shipped at Irish ports shall be detained under veterinary observation for two hours before being certified for exportation has been in force for more than two years. It was decided upon after full consultation with all the interests concerned and was designed not only to guarantee effective inspection, but also to secure that the animals, which in many instances have travelled long distances and experienced much fatigue before reaching the port, shall be rested, fed and watered before undergoing the further hardships of the sea journey. This is a humane and necessary provision. The Department are satisfied also that the two hours' period is requisite for proper inspection. Considering the heavy shipments that take place the requirement does not seem detrimentally to affect the trade, and in all the circumstances the Department cannot see their way to modify it.