asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what agreements had been made before the War with Germany and with Turkey regarding the Baghdad Railway and kindred matters, and about the Persian Gulf generally?

The agreements in question, drafted with a view to solving by friendly means all the more important points of dispute between His Majesty's Government and the Sublime Porte comprised twenty-three different subjects. It was, however, expressly stipulated that, with two exceptions, they should not be enforced pending the exchange of ratifications, which was rendered impossible by the outbreak of War. In view of the permanently changed conditions which have since arisen it would serve no useful purpose to publish the negotiations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of granting War service badges to those who are engaged in our merchant ships at the present time, similar to the War service badges which are now granted by the Admiralty to those serving in merchant vessels which they have chartered or requisitioned?

The hon. Member's proposal involves a very considerable extension of the present scope of the scheme for distributing War badges. I will take an opportunity of discussing it with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, but further than that I am afraid that I can give no undertaking.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to stimulating research in the production of aniline dyes in Ireland, facilities will be given for the use of duty-free alcohol for this purpose only in the chemical laboratories of the National University of Ireland and its constituent colleges in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, in the Universities of Trinity College and Belfast, and in the Royal College of Science in Dublin?

It is already the practice to allow public institutions to use duty-free alcohol in their laboratories for research purposes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if any rules have yet been made as regards the future examinations for the Indian Civil Service providing that time spent by a candidate as a commissioned officer on active service or service in India or in distant stations shall be deducted in the computation of the fixed age limit; and whether it is intended to give such candidate any marks in consideration of his having passed tests in military proficiency or Indian languages?

Yes, Sir; future candidates may deduct, up to a maximum of one year, the period spent in the Army or Navy. As regards the latter part of the question, I beg to refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 9th instant to the hon. Member for Eastbourne.

Have these rules been printed and published?

I should be very glad to send a copy to my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can give any information regarding the operations in the Persian Gulf and on the Shatt el Arab, in addition to such as appears in the Press?

There is no further information that can be communicated except that the Turkish claim to have gained a success is unfounded. The Turks withdrew after the action of the 3rd inst., owing to their heavy losses, and our advanced position has been reinforced.

Will the hon. Gentleman say if the oil-pipe line is quite safe?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to an advertisement from the chief engineer of the Port of London Authority in the public Press of 11th March, asking for male typists without any restriction of age; and whether, seeing that such advertisements by a public authority do not tend to assist the efforts of the War Office to obtain suitable recruits, he will communicate with the Port of London Authority on the matter?

I have been in communication with the Port of London Authority, and am informed by them that it is not always practicable to add to the large staff of women which the Authority employs for typewriting in their central and local offices. I am suggesting to them that it is desirable that any men whom they may appoint should be persons not eligible for service with His Majesty's Forces.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government are giving any financial or other assistance to the Co-operative Wholesale or any other society which will enable them to undersell traders who have to buy flour, sugar, or other food-stuffs in the open market?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Irish cattle exporters, complain of the cost of war risk insurance; and if the Government will place the Irish cattle trade upon an equal footing with the trade in frozen and chilled meat by allowing Irish exporters to participate in the benefits of the State-aided scheme of insurance against war risks?

The Board of Trade have received some representations with regard to the war risk insurance on Irish cattle. Cattle from Ireland can be insured under the Government insurance scheme under exactly the same conditions as other cargo.

asked how many German and Austrian waiters have been released and have resumed their employment, and at how many hotels or restaurants in London or in the country are they employed; and if he will consider the advisability of preventing their employment, or making a condition of such employment that the hotels exhibit at their entrance a notice that German waiters are employed there?

On the first point, I can only repeat the figures which I gave in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Brentford Division on the 4th of February. On the second point, I could add nothing to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member last Wednesday.

Has the right hon. Gentleman ample power to prevent the employment of foreign waiters; and, if so, why does he allow their employers to make conditions?

The naval and military authorities, under the Defence of the Realm Act, can act in the case mentioned by the hon. Member in the manner suggested, but I have no power.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction existing amongst Special Constables on the question of the supply of coats, boots, and leggings, etc., which are only being issued to men who plead necessitous circumstances; and whether, in view of the voluntary and useful work this body of men is doing at considerable self-sacrifice and the saving to the police authorities thereby effected, he will consider the advisability of making a grant to provide all the men who require them with the articles referred to?

The Commissioner informs me that no issue is being made of coats, boots, and leggings, but Special Constables whose circumstances require it can on application receive an allowance to enable them to purchase these articles. He has no reason to think that there is any general dissatisfaction on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the allowance is different in different districts of London?

I am afraid I cannot. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will kindly give me notice.

asked whether, as soon as the Report of the Committee on German Atrocities is issued, he will have it, together with translations of the French and Belgian Reports on the same subject, printed in a volume in popular form for general circulation?

I regret I am unable to make any statement until the Report has been received.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the extreme importance of having this authentic evidence printed in a volume in popular form?

I recognise the great value of the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked whether the firm of Mumm is still selling champagne in this country although one partner, Herman von Mumm, is closely guarded in France by the military authorities and another partner, Walter von Mumm, is serving as a German officer?

The firm of Mumm is a French firm established at Reims and their agent in this country is Baron de Ville, a British subject. The particulars given as to the two German partners are, I believe, correct, but I am informed that the French Government have not interfered with the firm's operations and the Trading with the Enemy Act Proclamation affords no ground on which the sale of stocks in this country belonging to a French firm could be prohibited.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the number of retired officers who have been given appointments afloat during the last seven months, whether he will for the future endeavour to give priority to the applications of those active list officers in the coastguard service on shore who are recommended for fighting service afloat?

Appointments are made by the Admiralty in accordance with the requirements of the Service both afloat and ashore, and no special undertakings as to priority such as the hon. and gallant Member asks for can be given.

asked (1) whether new tenders are out for naval boots; will he give the date when these tenders were issued; whether they contain an all-British specification; and, if not, what specification they do contain; and (2) whether he is aware that a recent tender for Navy boots contains the condition that the uppers are to be cut from well-dressed chrome-tanned English or other box-calf; whether he is aware that this alternative will allow foreign leather to be used and foreign leather workers to be employed in lieu of British workmen; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Invitations to tender for seamen's boots were issued on the 9th March. The specification, as usual, provides for British sole leather, but admits of either British or foreign box-calf for the upper, provided it is equal in quality to the upper leather (British) in the pattern exhibited. A memorandum accompanied the invitation intimating that upper leather of box-calf of slightly reduced substance will be admitted, the reason for this being that British tanners can more readily produce the lighter substance. Restrictions to British calf might render it impossible to obtain the quantities required.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British leather manufacturers have intimated that they are able to supply all the leather necessary from British sources?

I cannot recall that, but if we are restricted to British calf now, time is so important that we might not obtain the boots quick enough.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to a letter issued from the Admiralty, dated 3rd March, 1915, addressed to the contractors for naval boots, wherein it is stated, if the contractor finds any difficulty at the present time in adhering to the pattern and specification, he is requested to state whether he would be better able to tender if any departure from the pattern were allowed, and that in such case he is requested to suggest any departure which would facilitate the production of these boots and would at the same time give a sound, serviceable article for marching and field-service wear; whether the specification accompanying the letter states that the outer soles are to be cut from the primest parts of good British-tanned bends or butts; will he say whether the statement in the letter, dated 3rd March, 1915, enables the contractor to substitute foreign sole leather in lieu of British; and, if so, is that the intention and wish of the Admiralty?

The boot referred to in this question is the Service marching boot, a heavier boot both as regards sole and upper than the boots referred to in the two previous questions of the hon. Gentleman. The letter of the 3rd March was issued owing to the temporary necessity of allowing some latitude, not necessarily in the description of leather but primarily in the method of make of the boot, in consequence of the enormous demand and the extreme urgency of supply. At the present juncture, rigid adherence to all the usual stipulations, which will, however, certainly continue to be imposed when matters resume their normal condition, would seriously prejudice the naval and military interests of the Allied Forces.

If I undertake to produce manufacturers who will promise all the goods necessary, made of British leather, will he undertake that the Admiralty will take the matter into their serious consideration and give the order?

I always do take into serious consideration what the hon. Member says, but I cannot give any undertaking.

asked whether the Government have commenced to pay prize bounty to the relatives and dependants of the men who have lost their lives in the recent naval engagements; and, if not, when they propose to do so?

No payment has yet been made, and none could be made until the Prize Court have decided how much shall be allowed and until certain other formalities have been observed. The periodic payment of prize bounty does not, I admit, represent so difficult a task as the periodic payment of prize money. And whilst I do not wish it to be understood that we shall necessarily I wait till the end of the War to distribute the bounty, I must not create the impression that we shall find ourselves able to distribute it after each well-defined engagement. I sympathise with the hon. Gentleman's intention, and we shall do what we can to give effect to it, though he no doubt will admit the difficulties.

asked whether, in view of the difficulty in destroying a sub-marine and of the service rendered to the State in doing so, and also of the number of vessels employed who would be entitled to participate, the Government will consider the advisability of increasing the prize bounty from £5 a head to £50 a head of the crew of the submarine so destroyed?

The prize bounty payable is fixed by Act of Parliament, and an amendment of the Act would be necessary before any such suggestion could be entertained. Whilst I can give no undertaking, I will not absolutely dismiss the suggestion. Meanwhile, I would point out that the Admiralty have other means of rewarding officers and men for their services in time of War.

asked what rewards, if any, the Government propose to pay to the captains and crews of merchant ships who have been successful in destroying enemy submarines?

As I stated in reply to the hon. Baronet the Member for Mid-Armagh on Wednesday last, the Admiralty are always ready to mark any act of daring and good seamanship, which assists the naval operations, in a fitting manner, but I have no further statement to make on the subject at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make a statement as to these rewards?

I should not like to say "without notice.

asked whether the terms of the Government marine policies covering war risks will indemnify the owner of a ship against any forfeiture in Home waters of a Lloyd's or other marine policy consequent on collision with an enemy warship?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Government War Risks Insurance Scheme policy would certainly be held to cover all claims for loss of or damage to an insured ship due to collision with an enemy warship, which are not covered by an ordinary Lloyd's policy containing the usual Free from Capture, Seizure and Detention Clause, if the collision were due to, or part of, seamanlike measures adopted during the course of the voyage by the master with a view to preventing the capture or destruction of his vessel.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the names and nationalities of the steamers and sailing vessels, and their respective tonnages and cargoes, recently captured or sunk by German cruisers in the Atlantic and Pacific and the dates of the said captures or sinkings, and what has become of the respective crews; the latitude and longitude of the respective captures or sinkings, and the names of the German cruisers still preying on British vessels and where they were last reported to have been seen; whether one of the vessels sunk was of American register; if he can state what action, if any, the United States Government proposes to take in connection with this act of German piracy; whether he can state how many vessels have been sunk in British waters since 10th March; and whether they were sunk by torpedo or mine and where they were sunk, and the fate of their crews?

I regret I am not in a position to give complete and authoritative lists of the nature desired. The Admiralty is naturally dependent in the first instance on neutral Press reports for particulars such as those of the vessels sunk by the "Prinz Eitel Friedrich." It would not be in the public interest to state the latest information in the possession of the Admiralty as to the whereabouts of German vessels still at large. Periodical statements are issued through the Press Bureau of losses of British merchant vessels in British waters, with such particulars as are available.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any news to give to the House about the "Chase Hill"?

No, I have not.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the inconvenience frequently caused to the Press by the hour at which announcements of news are issued from the Admiralty; whether he will give instructions that when important and lengthy communications, such as the recent dispatches of Admirals Sturdee and Beatty, are to be made public, the Press shall be notified as early as possible in the day that such communications may be expected and of the approximate length of such communications, and that the communications themselves shall reach the Press whenever practicable not later than 8 p.m.; and whether, having regard to the fact that many newspapers are published in the afternoon, he will issue communications to the Press before noon in all cases where news which it has been decided to publish is then to hand at the Admiralty, instead of adhering to the practice of keeping back such communications until a late hour in the evening?

As stated in reply to other questions on this subject, the Admiralty desire to meet the convenience of the Press as much as possible in all such matters, and an endeavour will be made that, in the case of all lengthy dispatches to be published, ample time may be allowed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not arrange that the news should be communicated, having regard to the time limit required by the Press?

We do all we can.

May I call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to that part of the question which mentions 8 p.m. as the latest time to receive communications?

The hon. Gentleman will see that I could not give any definite undertaking.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the provincial Press in this matter and see that they are supplied at the same time as the London Press?

I am not aware that there is any distinction made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will explain why the news of the sinking of the ss. "Princess Victoria," off the Bar lightship at an early hour on the 9th of March, which was known in shipping centres by 10 a.m. on that day, was not allowed to be published by the evening newspapers, but was held back by the Censor until midnight; and whether he will give instructions that in future the evening newspapers shall not be unfairly deprived of the opportunity of publishing important news until after their morning competitors of the following day?

The Admiralty cannot undertake to give specific reasons for their action in sending any particular notice to the Bureau at one time rather than another, but their wish is to announce such losses as soon as practicable. To attempt to consider the rival claims of evening and morning papers to receive such news would lead to further difficulties.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the particular case mentioned in the question was known at a very early hour, and was held back in order that the evening papers should not publish it first?

No; I know from the question that this particular news was known in shipping centres by 10 a.m., and I assumed that at once, but I do not think the hon. Member is entitled to say that this news was held back because the Admiralty thought it was undesirable that it should appear in the evening papers.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in a recent revision, he has decided that only one operator is to be left in charge of the Grimsby office during the night; whether an arrangement has been made to dispatch a messenger for four other telegraphists; and, if so, whether, in view of the possibilities of an enemy raid by sea or air, he will, in the interests of efficiency in an emergency, make further provision for staffing the office at night?

This matter is under inquiry, and my right hon. Friend will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the names of the directors of British Dyes, Limited, appointed to represent His Majesty's Government; and what salary, if any, they are to receive?

As stated on the prospectus, the directors nominated by the Government are Sir Frank Forbes Adam and Sir Gilbert Claughton. They will receive no remuneration for their services other than the ordinary directors' fees.

Are we to understand that no Member of Parliament is a director of this company?

The hon. Member can see the list of directors in the prospectus. I will show him a copy.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now considered any scheme whereby the list of casualties could be made known at more regular intervals?

Casualty lists are published as soon as possible after names have been verified, and the next of kin have been informed.

asked the Prime Minister if any Report has been received from the Committee dealing with the civil employment of the ex-soldier; and if the Report of Sir Edward Ward's Committee on the subject of industrial education and employment of discharged soldiers is to be issued, either in conjunction with the Report of Sir Matthew Nathan's Committee or separately?

No, Sir. Sir M. Nathan's Committee has not yet reported. The intention is to issue the Report of Sir Edward Ward's Committee and that of Sir M. Nathan's Committee together.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when Sir Edward Ward's Report will be issued, and is he aware that more than a year ago the Prime Minister stated in this House that Sir Edward's Report could be expected immediately?

I was not aware of that fact. The intention being to issue the two together, we must wait until the latest is ready for publication.

May I ask when it is expected that Sir Matthew Nathan's Committee will report?

Of course I cannot answer the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the formation and organisation in France of separate committees of studies under central control, the committees including the most eminent scientific men in France, and their functions being to examine and report upon and, if necessary, to take steps to aid, develop, and perfect any inventions useful for military purposes; whether this special institution has already brought to practical use several suggestions of inventors and is now engaged in experiments of a valuable character; and whether any corresponding committees will be formed in this country?

Several committees have been formed, with the valuable co-operation of the Royal Society, which are investigating various questions on behalf both of the Admiralty and War Office.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the extension which had prevailed in Germany previous to the War of the systems of technical education, and to the industrial advantages of the organised studies of applied science; whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a small Commission of scientific men and educational and industrial experts to inquire into and to report to the House on the factors of this system which are adaptable to British conditions; and whether he will have investigation made as to the steps necessary on the one hand to engraft upon British university courses, or to make consequent upon them, the highest forms of technical instruction, and on the other hand to relate this in the most direct and efficient manner to the industrial and commercial life of the country?

The relation between our technical instruction and industry and commerce is a matter which is closely engaging my attention in consultation with the President of the Board of Trade and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Government hope before long to be in a position to make some announcement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance to Germany of obtaining a large supply of the crude sources of the explosives it employs, and in view of the advantage of restricting as far as possible this supply, he will have inquiries made as to the comparatively few areas where nitrates are abundant and as to the ultimate sources of toluene available; and whether the Government will, even by extensive financial operations, secure practical control of these?

I cannot say more than that the matters referred to are receiving careful consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the prospective world-shortage of wheat and other cereal grain in 1915–16, and the consequent uncertainty of its adequate supply to these Islands from overseas during next winter and the following spring, the Government propose to offer any guarantee as to price or other financial inducement to British farmers to sow increased areas of oats, wheat, or barley during the next few weeks?

I am informed that farmers are doing their utmost, in spite of adverse conditions of weather and a shortage of labour, to increase their acreage of cereals, and that they require no special inducement to do what they know will be both advantageous to the country and also profitable to themselves.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, provided ships are unloaded into Rhine lighters overside at Rotterdam, Dordrecht, and other Rhine ports, they do not come under the control of the Dutch Customs authorities; and whether he will see that effective steps are taken to ascertain the ultimate destination of the cargo of cotton in the ss. "Pacific" and other neutral vessels carrying cargoes of presumed neutral destination?

The transit traffic viâ the Rhine from Holland into Germany is regulated by Treaty (the Rhine Convention). At present all through traffic—whether by the Rhine or otherwise—is treated alike by the Dutch authorities. They do not interfere with legitimate through traffic, but stringent rules are laid down as to what constitutes such traffic. Any cargoes arriving in a Dutch port "on through traffic" have to be declared and are at once examined by the Customs. If the authorities are satisfied that there is no objection, under the existing regulations, to their treatment as through-traffic the goods are released as such remaining under Customs control until they pass out of the country. The ss. "Pacific" was reported by His Majesty's Consul at Galveston as having left that port on 7th February for Rotterdam with a consignment of cotton, the loading being effected under the inspection of His Majesty's Consul. Non-contraband cargoes on neutral vessels proceeding to a neutral port have not hitherto been interfered with.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether His Majesty's Consul at the port of debarkation has any opportunity of inspecting the unloading of the vessel?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the administrative action which the Government propose to take for the curtailment of drinking facilities?

I regret that I cannot yet make any further statement on this matter.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask the Prime Minister if he will give total abstainers the option of refusing to be billeted at public-houses, as such billeting is unpleasant to the publican and resented by the teetotal soldier; and also if during the recess the Government will arrange for the suspension of the sale of intoxicating liquors in this House, and thus set an example of sobriety to the country.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended during the War to allow Members of the House of Commons now serving in the Army or Navy their full military or naval pay as well as the £400 a year House of Commons salary?

Both House of Commons salary and military pay will be issued in full until the House has had the opportunity of giving the matter further consideration.

Do I understand that it is contemplated that Members not serving in the Army or Navy, although not obliged to attend this House, will receive their £400 a year, and that men who are risking their lives are to have their pay reduced?

That is in the nature of an argument.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can arrange special facilities to enable working men, whilst overtime is so prevalent and such high wages are being earned in many trades, to invest their savings in the War Loan or other Government securities in the same way as is done in France and other countries which encourage saving and thrift?

Ample facilities already exist in this country for the investment of small savings in the War Loan and other Government securities through the medium of savings banks.

I have had a somewhat similar reply on previous occasions. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if his ingenuity cannot find some way by which this can be in some way secured? At the present time it certainly is not working effectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the duty on alcohol for manufacturing purposes is five or six times greater in this country than in Germany; and, if so, whether he can take steps to remedy this disadvantage to our manufacturers?

The alcohol in general use in this country for manufacturing purposes is industrial methylated spirit, on which no duty is paid. Additional facilities for the use of pure alcohol duty-free for manufacturing purposes are given under Section 8 of the Finance Act, 1902. The opinion of the Industrial Alcohol Committee which reported in 1905 (Cd. 2472) was that there are no greater facilities for the use of alcohol duty-free in Germany than there are in this country. I would refer the hon. Member specially to paragraph 38 of that Report, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether having regard to the dispiriting effect on Yeomanry regiments who have volunteered for service abroad of the doubt whether any more yeomanry are to be employed on active service, he can consistently with the public interest make a statement on the subject?

All His Majesty's Forces will be employed in this War in the manner in which their services can be best utilised for the achievement of the object which we have in hand.

Is it the fact that the Yeomanry are to be sent abroad?

I am unable to give any such assurance.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any assurance they will be kept at home?

The question was submitted to the Secretary of State and I have given his reply.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Count Ergon von Bassewitz and his brother Count Adelbert von Bassewitz were brought to England as prisoners of war; whether either of these officers was formerly on the staff of the German Embassy in London and well-known in London society; whether one, and which, of the two brothers was recently set at liberty and is now at large in London; whether he was released on any and what conditions; and for what reason this German officer, possessing exceptional opportunities for obtaining information likely to be useful to the enemy, is allowed freedom in England at the present time?

I am informed that the Christian names of two gentlemen the hon. Member has in mind are Egon and Albrecht, and not as stated. The former was taken prisoner of war and is now interned at Holyport. Count Albrecht was arrested in September last as having served in the Germany Army. It appeared that he had served only one month and was certified as unfit. I understand that he was never attached to the German Embassy in London, although he lived here for some years. He remained in arrest until 17th October, when he was released, a surety bond having been executed. He was suffering from asthma and was in delicate health. The conditions of his release were that he should observe the terms of the Aliens Restriction Order, and not assist the King's enemies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these aliens are relations of the Hohenzollern family, and has that fact had anything to do with the leniency shown to these two gentlemen?

I am not aware of the fact.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether two Germans, of fighting age, named respectively, Von Jena and Guradze, who were attached to the German Consulate at Cape Town before the outbreak of War, and who landed in England in August and have since lived in Hampstead, have now been allowed to return to Germany in order that they may join their regiments and fight against this country; and, if so, will he explain why they have been allowed to do so?

I understand that these men were repatriated under the agreement for the mutual exchange of Consular officers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether officers of the British Army serving at the front are found in rations, forage, and quarters free of any charge, and officers of the Indian Army serving at the front have considerable deductions made from their pay for rations, forage, and quarters; and, if so, what reason exists for giving differential treatment?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for East Nottingham on 9th February, a copy of which I will send to him.

Does that deal with the case of officers serving at the front?

Yes, Sir.

asked whether short leave for the purpose of seeing their families is granted on the same terms to officers of the Indian Army serving in the War as to officers of the British Army; and, if not, what differences exist in this matter?

No information as to differential treatment is in the possession of the War Office, and no complaints in that sense have come to notice. The same general conditions govern the grant of leave to officers of the British and Indian Armies.

asked whether a grant of field allowance is made to officers of the Indian Army serving in the War on the same conditions as it is to officers of the British Army?

No, Sir. Officers of the Indian Army in peace and war alike draw inclusive rates of pay, termed pay and allowances, which are intended to meet all contingencies of service. The system differs from that in the British Army, in which officers draw pay supplemented by allowances, such as field allowances, varying according to circumstances.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has as yet been able to do anything in respect to the appeal made to him in August last by the Imperial Merchant Service Guild that, if possible, there might be arranged an exchange as between German and Austrian merchant captains and officers who are interned in this country and our own merchant captains and officers who are held prisoners in Germany?

The question is still under consideration by the naval authorities.

asked how many of the service battalions raised by private committees, etc., have been taken over by the War Office; and how many remain to be taken over?

None have yet been taken over. The total number to be taken over is eighty-two.

When does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take them over?

I can give no undertaking.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the War Office to accept the services of the Maltese British subjects who have volunteered to enlist for service at the front; whether, in this connection, he will consider the question of increasing the strength of the Royal Malta Artillery from its present establishment of three companies to its former establishment of eight companies; and whether the subaltern officers of the Royal Malta Artillery can be placed on the same footing as regards promotion to the rank of captain after thirteen years' service as the officers of the Royal Garrison Artillery?

Authority has recently been given to increase considerably the strength not only of the Royal Malta Artillery but also of the King's Own Malta Regiment, of Militia; it is not in the public interest to publish the numbers. As I informed the hon. and gallant Member on the 9th February last, an offer of service outside Malta by a portion of the Malta Militia has been accepted; it is not desirable to specify the locality. The question of promoting subalterns in the Royal Malta Artillery after thirteen years' service has been carefully considered on more than one occasion in recent years, but the Army Council have not been able to accept the proposal.

Why is the Army Council not able to accept that proposal?

Because it was considered the scheme would not afford that amount of acceleration which was aimed at. It was not really in the interests of the officers themselves.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received any complaints from these officers, many of whom with seventeen years' service are not yet promoted?

I believe that is so. But the scheme was not deemed to be satisfactory, because it would not relieve the object aimed at.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give these officers promotion, and not keep them as subalterns for seventeen years.

The whole question is under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, when a soldier serving with the Colours in this country is granted six days' leave, he is entitled to have the amount of his pay and ration money for the period of his leave advanced to him; and, if he is not so entitled, whether the practice of advancing these moneys is to be followed?

Yes, Sir. The soldier is so entitled.

asked if the pensions to widows and orphans, also allowances for disablement, as set out in the new Order, will apply to the ambulance men who have enlisted under the joint committee order of the St. John's and Red Cross Society?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for the Tamworth Division on 2nd March, in which I stated that enlisted men are entitled to the same provision as the Regular Army.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has now considered the inequality existing between the separation allowance allowed in the case of the wife dependent on one soldier and the mother dependent on more than one; whether the amount of the dependence of the latter is greater than that of the former, while the expenditure consequent upon her losing their support temporarily is also greater; whether, if it is made up to her out of the pay of the other soldiers, usually her sons, they are placed in a worse position than the other soldier who gets an equal allotment for 3s. 6d.; and whether he is prepared to modify the new paragraph 4a in Royal Warrant XII. in order to remove this inequality?

This question has been fully considered, as my hon. Friend knows, and I am not prepared to revise the scheme as adopted by the Government.

Does my hon. Friend not see that the principle on which these allowances are given is that the more you give the less you get?

The principle on which this decision was taken was that no dependant should have more than a wife.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the existence and possible spread of spotted fever in various English camps and garrison towns, he will take steps to have published in garrison and regimental orders, for the information of all military units, the warning lately officially expressed by Dr. Newsholme, medical officer to the Local Government Board, to the effect that cerebro-spinal fever is generally associated with overcrowding, insufficient ventilation, and uncleanliness?

Special instructions have already been issued to all commands in connection with this disease to ensure that the troops are not overcrowded or accommodated in buildings or houses which are insanitary, and to consult with the medical officers of health and the military sanitary officers as to the necessary measures to be taken.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in order to force inoculation upon officers who object, threats are being used that they will be brought before the general officer commanding and prevented from going to the front until inoculated; whether non-commissioned officers and privates are being refused leave or only granted passes for one night, which in many cases barely gives time to go and return, whilst inoculated men in the same companies are granted several days' leave; and whether it is the settled policy of the War Office to hinder recruiting by treating as a crime and punishing officers and men in the way described for the exercise of a legal right?

As regards the first parts of the question, there is no authority for treating men who refuse to be inoculated in the manner suggested. As regards the second part, my hon. Friend will find that I explained the position in a reply given to the hon. Member for Haggerston on Wednesday last. The inoculated men receiving leave will, as a rule, be those going to the front, and as they are going to face the risks of being killed or wounded it is right that they should have every facility for seeing their families before they go. It is the policy of the War Office to encourage recruiting by protecting the health of officers and men against enteric fever by means of inoculation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman admit it is the duty of the War Office to prevent officers and men being threatened and persecuted while they still have the option of exercising a legal right—until, at any rate, the House decides that inoculation shall be compulsory or otherwise?

The instructions issued by the War Office are that as many men shall be inoculated as can be. We have never disguised our opinion that it is in the interests of the troops that they should be inoculated in as large numbers as possible, and if occasional pressure is brought to bear it is ultra vires and is much to be regretted, but I dare say the House will understand meanwhile that it is due to the zeal of the commanding officer and his desire to safeguard the health of the troops.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into serious consideration the advantage of putting an end to this controversy by making it compulsory for all men to be inoculated before proceeding to the front?

Whatever may be done in the future, I would remind the hon. Gentleman and the House that it would be absolutely impossible to make a retrospective order.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how soon the War Office hope to be able to make the announcement which he indicated that they were considering about six weeks ago in regard to their policy in connection with inoculation?

I can only say in answer to the right hon. Gentleman that the scheme as it exists at present under the voluntary system is being very carefully watched, and until we have more to go upon I do not think any announcement would be possible.

asked what is the cost, per man inoculated, of the vaccine used in the two doses claimed to be necessary to ensure immunity from typhoid?

The cost of production of Army vaccine in the laboratory of the Royal Army Medical College is estimated to be 1½d per double dose per man.

asked under what conditions the vaccine against typhoid used in the Army is obtained; whether it is produced by the Government or purchased; and, if purchased, from what sources of supply and at what cost?

The anti-typhoid vaccine used in the Army is made in the laboratory of the Royal Army Medical College, but since the outbreak of the War the Inoculation Department of St. Mary's Hospital and the Lister Institute have provided the Army Medical Department with a large quantity of this vaccine at cost price, as the output from the College was insufficient to supply the increased number of troops.

asked if any fees or other remuneration beyond the salaries of Army medical officers are paid for inoculation or vaccination against typhoid; and, if so, what is the rate of payment for each case?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to complaints of shortage or rations, absence of beds, and lack of washing accommodation at Milford Camp, Surrey; and whether he has caused an inquiry to be made into the matter?

Attention had not, previously to the hon. Member's question, been drawn, either at the War Office or at the command headquarters at Aldershot, to complaints on any of the heads mentioned. I have had inquiry made, and I find, as regards rations, that on 28th February the meat rations were late owing to a soldier's act of irregularity, in regard to which disciplinary action was taken, and that preserved meat was bought in place of the missing meat. The ablution rooms were complete when the troops arrived on 28th February, but one brigade reported a shortage of basins. This has been remedied. The suggestion that there was a shortage of beds does not appear to be well founded.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he has received any reports that, owing to wire entanglements, farmers in the Eastern counties are unable to sow spring corn on considerable areas; and if he will consider the possibility of so arranging the entanglements as not to interfere with spring sowing?

No, Sir. No such reports have been received.

If such reports are sent to the right hon. Gentleman will he consider the possibility of recommending that the point should be considered when general officers commanding are making their plans in connection with barbed wire?

Of course, if we received a report of that kind, no doubt it would be most carefully considered. I quite appreciate the hon. Gentleman's desire that no obstacle should be placed in the way of farmers who desire to sow spring corn.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the payment to Sir John Jackson's firm for work carried out at the military camps on Salisbury Plain and elsewhere in the South of England was by way of commission based upon the firm's outlay upon labour and materials; if so, what was the rate of such commission; if not, what was the mode and rate of such payment; and how much has in fact been paid and is now owing to the firm in respect of the above work?

This firm is paid a percentage of one and a half on the work done to cover out of pocket expenses on staff and establishment charges and receives no further payment in respect of certain work in the north and south of England estimated to cost about £425,000. For other works, estimated to cost about £2,420,000, a commission of 5 per cent. is payable, making a sum of £121,000, of which about £50,000 has been paid.

Are we to understand that in respect to Grantham, Purfleet, and Ormskirk, Lancashire, where the firm of Sir John Jackson, Limited, has been largely engaged in work for the War Office, all that work has been done without profit?

Yes, Sir; that is so.

Is it a fact that the work entrusted to this firm on Salisbury Plain was so unsatisfactory as to cause grave discontent among the Canadian troops and was the cause of much sickness?

I do not think that can be attributed to the contractor, who had to contend with very great difficulties.

Is it not a fact that in connection with a recent dispute about work at Salisbury Plain, Sir John Jackson, Limited, were able to save the country something like £5,000 a day, and did not themselves receive what they might have received, namely, probably £250 a day?

I cannot answer that question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this firm has done a large amount of work for the Austrian Government, and will the War Office take that fact into consideration?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War when the War Office will be able to supply the promised badges to men working on War Office contracts; whether badges are being offered for sale to firms carrying out contracts which are imitations of the Admiralty badge, but the name H. B. Sale, Ltd., B'ham, appears in place of the crown; and what action he proposes to take?

The arrangements for the issue of War Office badges to men of recruiting age working in armament firms are complete, and the badges will be issued as soon as the necessary information has been received from the firms. No objection is made to the use of private badges, provided that the device does not include any part of the Royal Insignia or the words "On His Majesty's Service."

Was it not promised on the 22nd of last month that these badges would be issued as soon as possible; what is the meaning of "as soon as possible"; and will the War Office take into consideration the advisability of suppressing unofficial badges in connection with the special constables?

I do not think there is any objection to unofficial badges, provided they are not capable of being mistaken.

Is it not a fact that an unofficial badge, not bearing the crown, may be worn by persons who wish to shirk being recruited, and puts a difficulty in the way of those trying to recruit?

That is a question of fact in any particular case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the number of deaths that have taken place in the Canadian contingent, at Salisbury Plain and other parts of England, who have been sent to the front from October, 1914, to the end of February, 1915, put together with the number of sick in the hospitals or on sick leave?

The total number of deaths in hospital at Salisbury Plain is forty-six, elsewhere thirty-three. The total number of admissions to hospital up to the 28th February last is 3,908.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a German army contractor was fined 2,000 marks and sentenced to hard labour for eighteen months in consequence of supplying unhealthy food to the German army; and whether he is prepared to advise the Government to take similar measures against any of the Government contractors that are found supplying unhealthy food to any of our soldiers and sailors?

I have no knowledge of the German case referred to, but I do not doubt that the full powers of the law will be used in any proper case in this country.